Starting an LLC in New York costs more than in most states, largely due to the publication requirement. Budget between $750 and $ 2,000 or more before your LLC is fully compliant. Your final bill depends on your county location (Manhattan publications cost way more than Albany) and whether you DIY or hire professional help.
Since newspaper notices can exceed $1,000 in NYC, many founders list their registered address in a cheaper county. Even if you skip every optional service, the publication requirement alone makes New York one of the priciest places to start an LLC.
New York stands almost alone in requiring a six-week notice in the newspaper for new LLCs. You must publish once weekly in two newspapers (one daily and one weekly) chosen by the county clerk where your registered office is located. After the final publication, each newspaper provides you with an affidavit, and you combine these into a Certificate of Publication. You then send it to the Department of State and pay $50.
The cost varies dramatically by location. New York City boroughs typically run $1,000 – $1,500 because daily papers charge premium rates. Upstate counties offer major savings, and many founders use Albany, Ulster, or Schenectady, where costs typically range from $200 to $500.
This is a one-time requirement, but missing the 120-day deadline has serious consequences. Without publishing and filing the certificate, your LLC can't sue in New York courts, and you lose legal leverage.
Beyond the must-pay fees, you'll find a second layer of expenses that aren't legally required but can save you major headaches. Whether these make sense depends on the complexity of your LLC, the available time, and your comfort level with risk.
For LLCs with multiple members, outside investors, or complex tax situations, attorneys become essential rather than optional. Most New York lawyers charge $500-$2,000 or more for comprehensive formation packages, which include custom operating agreements and the handling of publication requirements. Basic consultations start around $200 per hour.
Online formation companies offer a middle ground between DIY and hiring a lawyer. Services include registered agent addresses in low-cost counties, potentially saving hundreds on publication costs.
Some filings appear only when you need them, but forgetting to budget can throw off your timeline. Name reservation costs $20 and holds your chosen name for 60 days, which is useful when you're finalizing funding but don't want competitors grabbing your brand.
Need faster approval? New York offers expedited processing with additional fees based on turnaround time. Fees change regularly, so check the Department of State's current schedule before paying.
Running different product lines under separate names requires a DBA, officially a "Certificate of Assumed Name." Filing costs $25 plus $10 for each county where you'll operate. If your existing out-of-state LLC is expanding into New York, foreign registration costs $225. Lenders or partners may ask for a Certificate of Good Standing, which New York provides for $25.
After filing your paperwork, the expenses continue. You need to budget for several recurring obligations that keep your New York LLC compliant. Miss any of these and you'll face late fees, lose your ability to enter contracts, or see your company labeled inactive by the state.
How do New York LLC costs compare to other states?
Because of the newspaper rule, New York ranks among the most expensive states. While many states only charge a filing fee, New York's publication expense alone can exceed the entire formation budget elsewhere. Typical first-year costs range from $750 to $2,000.
How can I avoid the high publication costs in NYC?
You can't skip publication, but you can relocate it. New York allows you to publish in the county where your LLC's office is listed. Using a registered agent outside the five boroughs means publishing in counties with much cheaper newspaper rates, potentially saving over $1,000 by choosing Albany instead of Manhattan.
Can I form my LLC in another state to avoid New York fees?
Yes, but you'll pay twice. Operating here with an out-of-state entity means registering as a foreign LLC for $250 and still meeting New York's annual filing fee, biennial statement, and any city licensing requirements. The upfront savings rarely outweigh duplicate compliance costs.
How long does it take to form an LLC in New York?
Standard processing for Articles of Organization takes a few business days once received by the Department of State. Add time for mail delivery and the six-week newspaper publication run. Expect four to eight weeks before you have all approvals in hand.
Can I get refunds if my filing is rejected?
No. State filing fees are non-refundable, so errors mean paying the $200 again. Double-check names, signatures, and county selection before submitting.
New York's $200 filing fee, ongoing biennial statements, and multiple compliance requirements create a complex cost structure that's difficult to navigate alone. Discern helps you form your New York LLC, handles ongoing compliance requirements and offers transparent pricing, ensuring you understand all costs upfront and avoid expensive surprises.
Ready to form your New York LLC without the cost complexity? Get started with Discern today.
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