Free Comparison Tool

State Comparison Tool

Compare LLC formation costs, taxes, and requirements across all 50 US states side-by-side.

All 50 states
Side-by-side view
5-year cost estimate

Popular Comparisons

Select two states to compare

Choose states from the dropdowns above, or click a popular comparison to get started.

Why State Choice Matters

The state you choose for your LLC affects your taxes, privacy, annual costs, and legal protections for years to come.

Tax Savings

Some states have zero income tax and no franchise tax. Others charge $800+/year just to exist. The difference adds up fast.

Privacy Protection

States like Wyoming and New Mexico don't require public disclosure of LLC member names, keeping your identity private.

Legal Protection

Delaware's Court of Chancery specializes in business law. Wyoming has the strongest charging order protections for single-member LLCs.

Explore More Tools

Tax Estimator Cost Calculator Bank Checker Compliance Tracker Agent Comparison Articles Guide Delaware vs Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state is best for forming an LLC as a non-resident?
Wyoming is the top choice for most non-resident founders. It has no state income tax, no franchise tax, strong privacy protections, and the lowest annual maintenance costs ($299/year). Delaware is better if you plan to raise venture capital.
Do I need to form my LLC in the state where I live?
No. As a non-US resident, you can form your LLC in any state. Most international founders choose Wyoming or Delaware regardless of where their customers are located.
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Formation is $599 all-inclusive regardless of state. Annual compliance costs vary: Wyoming is $299/year, Delaware is $399/year, and most states are $299/year. Wyoming offers the best overall value with the lowest total 5-year cost.
What is franchise tax and do all states charge it?
Franchise tax is a fee some states charge for the privilege of doing business there. This is already included in the annual compliance pricing shown in our comparison tool. Wyoming has no franchise tax ($299/year total), while Delaware includes franchise tax in its $399/year compliance cost.
Can I compare more than two states at once?
Yes. Use the state selectors to pick any two states for a detailed side-by-side comparison. You can quickly swap states to compare multiple options. For a quick overview, check the popular comparisons section below the tool.