What It Really Costs to Start an LLC as a Freelancer in 2025
Find out the real cost of forming an LLC as a freelancer—including state fees, EIN costs, and hidden upsells from LegalZoom.
One-Time Costs: State Filing Fees (with Ranges)
State Filing Fees
Note: These are the official state fees. Additional services like expedited filing, name reservations, or registered agent services cost extra.
Additional Costs
Good news: Most freelancers can handle their own registered agent duties and get a free EIN online.
Common Hidden Upsells from Competitors
Legal Advice and Consultation
Many services offer "legal consultation" for an additional $100-300. While this might seem valuable, most freelancers don't need complex legal advice for basic LLC formation.
What They Charge
- • Legal consultation: $150-300
- • Document review: $100-200
- • Ongoing legal support: $50-100/month
What You Actually Need
- • Clear step-by-step instructions
- • Properly formatted documents
- • State-specific guidance
Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services can cost $100-150 per year. While convenient, most freelancers can serve as their own registered agent if they have a physical address in their state.
When You Need a Registered Agent:
- • You don't have a physical address in your state
- • You travel frequently and might miss important mail
- • You want privacy (agent's address on public records)
- • Your state requires a commercial registered agent
Document Preparation Services
Services often charge extra for "premium" document preparation, expedited filing, or additional business documents you might not need.
Common Upsells:
- • Expedited filing: $50-200
- • Name reservation: $25-50
- • Business license research: $100-200
- • Tax ID application: $50-100
What's Actually Free:
- • EIN application (IRS.gov)
- • Basic filing forms (state websites)
- • Name availability search
- • Standard processing (1-2 weeks)
How EINs and Operating Agreements Factor In
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. It's required for opening a business bank account and filing taxes.
Operating Agreement
While not legally required in most states, an operating agreement is highly recommended. It helps maintain liability protection and provides clarity on business structure.
Genie vs LegalZoom vs ZenBusiness Cost Breakdown
Start With Genie
- Step-by-step guidance
- Operating agreement included
- EIN application guide
- No hidden fees
- State filing fees extra
LegalZoom
- They file for you
- Operating agreement: +$99
- EIN service: +$79
- Registered agent: +$159/year
- Upsells throughout process
ZenBusiness
- They file for you
- Operating agreement: +$199
- EIN service: +$99
- Registered agent: +$119/year
- Complex pricing structure
Why Genie is the Simplest Flat-Fee Option
Transparent Pricing
One price, no surprises. You know exactly what you're paying for, and there are no hidden fees or aggressive upsells during the process.
- • $49 flat rate for all guidance and documents
- • State filing fees are clearly explained
- • No pressure to buy additional services
- • Everything you need included
Better Value
You save money by filing directly with your state (avoiding service fees) while getting professional guidance and all necessary documents.
- • Save $100-300 vs. LegalZoom/ZenBusiness
- • Learn the process for future reference
- • Maintain control over your filing
- • No ongoing subscription fees
Ready to see our step-by-step setup guide to understand exactly what you get?