Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Virginia?
Filing it yourself, a Virginia LLC costs $100 to start (about $150 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $100 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $50/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in Virginia: $50 annual registration fee, due last day of formation anniversary month ($25 late penalty). Typical processing: ~a few business days to ~2 weeks depending on method. Figures are estimates — verify with the Virginia Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
Virginia LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Virginia?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in Virginia is $100. The recurring cost is $50/year ($50 annual registration fee, due last day of formation anniversary month ($25 late penalty)). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the Virginia Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in Virginia?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $100 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the Virginia Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full Virginia LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in Virginia, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.