| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple / straightforward | $400–$500 |
| Standard complexity | $800–$1,300 |
| Complex / contested | $1,200–$1,950 |
| High-stakes litigation | $2,000+ |
Compare providers near you
| Expense | LLC | S-Corp | C-Corp |
|---|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $50–$500 | $50–$500 | $50–$500 |
| Registered agent | $0–$300/year | $0–$300/year | $0–$300/year |
| Operating agreement / bylaws | $0–$1,000 | $500–$2,000 | $500–$3,000 |
| Annual report / franchise tax | $0–$800/year | $0–$800/year | $0–$800/year |
| Attorney (optional) | $500–$2,000 | $1,000–$3,000 | $1,500–$5,000 |
An LLC costs $50–$500 to form through your state's Secretary of State website — no lawyer needed for a simple single-member LLC. S-Corp election (Form 2553) is free but requires payroll setup and a CPA. The S-Corp saves money when profit exceeds ~$40,000/year by reducing self-employment tax. LegalZoom and ZenBusiness charge $0–$300 for filing but add ongoing fees for services you may not need. DIY filing through your state's website is almost always cheaper and just as effective. Ask providers about bundled services, package deals, and loyalty discounts that can reduce your total cost by 10-20%.
Corporation costs are driven primarily by complexity and whether the matter is contested. Simple, uncontested matters with clear documentation can often be handled at flat-fee rates. Once disputes arise, costs shift to hourly billing and become much harder to predict.
Geography matters more than most people realize. Attorney rates in New York or San Francisco can be 2–3 times higher than in smaller markets for the same type of work. If your matter does not require a local attorney, hiring outside a major metro can save substantially without sacrificing quality.