New York LLC Cost

How do I form my LLC in New York?

1. Name your LLC  

It’s time to introduce yourself! All limited liability companies (LLCs) need a unique name. Naming your New York LLC is one of the first things you’ll need to do.

Business Name Rules in New York

Already have the perfect business name? Keep a few things in mind: 

• Your business name needs to be available in New York
• It has to meet New York naming requirements
• You can secure a website domain 

Regardless of the business entity you create, your new company needs to meet these requirements. Luckily, we’re here to help.

New York Business Name Checker

First, run your business name through our business name checker. If it’s available, you can either reserve it now or plan to use it when you file for your New York LLC. 

Becoming a business owner is an exciting time, and securing the perfect business name is a great way to start. 

2. Choose a registered agent  

All New York LLCs need to have a registered agent. Your registered agent is your LLC’s point of contact with the state it’s registered in.

What is a registered agent?

Most importantly, the registered agent has to be available during business hours because they’re responsible for accepting legal notices (like if your company is sued).

Your New York LLC registered agent also needs to be a New York resident or have a New York address. 

Registered Agent Options

You can serve as your own registered agent as long as you have a physical street address in New York, but it might be a good idea to have someone else represent your company. 

Hiring a Registered Agent Service

For a small fee, the company will guarantee that they’re available and at the given address to handle any requirements for you. It’s one less thing for you to worry about as a business owner. 

3. File your Articles of Organization

Before legally operating a New York LLC, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, along with the one-time state filing fee of $200. You already know that part. 

New York accepts filings online, by mail, or via personal delivery. 

You can file your LLC online, by mail, in person, or via fax. 

File online here. 

Mail your Articles of Organization, along with a check for your filing fee (made payable to the New York Department of State) to: 

New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations
State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12231

Deliver your Articles of Organization in person to the above address, and pay your filing fee.  

Fax your Articles of Organization along with a Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form to the Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code at (518) 474-1418.

4. Create an operating agreement

We encourage every business owner to draft an operating agreement. While it’s not required in most states, New York does require an operating agreement when you file an LLC.

Operating Agreement Benefits

Operating agreements: 

• Are legally binding documents that provide clear and concise definitions of all ownership and management terms/rules.
• Protect personal assets of the LLC owners and outline ownership percentages, responsibilities, voting power, and a succession plan in case an owner decides to leave the business.
• Can prevent any miscommunication and resolve any conflicts between members. 

You won’t regret having an LLC operating agreement. Utilizing an operating agreement template can set you up for success regarding having the right business structure and format for this important document. 

5. Get an EIN    

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) officially registers your company with the federal government. Also known as Federal Tax ID Numbers, EINs are typically required to open a business bank account, get business credit cards, or hire employees. 

Apply for an EIN on the IRS website, or use our EIN service when you form your LLC and we’ll handle that for you too. 

Check New York annual requirements     

You’re all set! You’ve successfully formed your New York LLC with the state. So you’re done, right? Almost.  

Certificate of Publication

It’s important that you remember to run your Articles of Organization in a local newspaper for six consecutive weeks, and then file your Certificate of Publication along with your $50 filing fee. 

Biennial Report

New York LLCs have to pay a $9 Biennial Report filing fee every other year. 

Avoid Fees

To avoid costly fees, use our Annual Report Service to receive important notifications and help to file your Biennial Report.

Stay legally compliant    

You might need to make certain changes to your business over time. For example, you may get a registered agent or change your business address. New York needs to be aware of these changes to your LLC. 

LLC Amendments

Some changes require an amendment with the state. Learn more about New York LLC amendments.

Stay Compliant

We offer a Worry-Free Compliance Service, which includes two amendments every year, to help your business stay compliant with New York law.

We can help!

Running a legal business entity in New York doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re here to guide you. We’ll help you launch, start, and run your new LLC. 

Our experts will help you file and avoid costly mistakes and penalties. We also offer endless amounts of business resources to help your LLC succeed in New York.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.