How Often Does a Corporation Pay a State Filing Fee After Incorporating a Small Business?

In most cases, a corporation has to pay state filing fees only once when they are actually incorporating a small business. The actual cost of the filing fee and the frequency of it may vary from state to state. Laws and regulations may change and you may be required even to pay annually in certain states, such as Florida and New York. The initial fees may be more than your annual fees. Wyoming, for example, has a $100 initial filing fee for incorporating, plus a $50 Annual Report License tax (or a calculated amount if that amount is greater than $50). Vermont charges $75 initially for your Articles of Incorporation, and then $25 annually. 

It is important to note that the feels you'll pay may differ widely depending on your state, and even the type of small business you run. Some states charge more for profit corporations than nonprofit corporations, for example. Some charge as much as $200-$600 for incorporating  a small business and can have steep annual fees associated with having a corporation. Some states charge significantly more to start an LLC versus a corporation. Illinois, for example, charges $275 to incorporate, but $600 to form an LLC. Other states, such as Alaska, charge the same price - $400 in the case of AK - to incorporate a small business.

Most states do have annual fees of some sort, but to determine exactly what you have to pay, you should visit the website of your Secretary of State where you live and make sure you fully understand all costs associated with starting and operating your business. For help with questions about incorporating a small business, please contact us.