Short answer
With Zovud, forming a U.S. corporation costs a $199 service fee plus the state fee: about $50 in Colorado, $100 in Wyoming, $109 in Delaware, $100 in California and $200 in Washington. Each year after that, the state charges its report fee or tax, and Formation + Compliance costs $499 a year for the annual report and a federal + state tax package.
Cost by state
| State | State fee to form | First state report | Yearly state cost | Year 1 with Zovud Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 | Not required | $60 minimum | $299 |
| Delaware | $109 | Not required | $225 minimum | $308 |
| Colorado | $50 | Not required | $25 | $249 |
| California | $100 | $25 (within 90 days of formation) | $825 minimum | $324 |
| Washington | $200 | Included | $70 | $399 |
State fees as of the date above. States change fees. We show the exact amount before you pay.
What each cost is
- State fee to form. Paid once to the state to file the articles of incorporation.
- First state report. Some states, such as California, require an initial report soon after formation.
- Yearly state cost. The annual report fee, franchise tax or minimum tax. California's minimum franchise tax is $800 a year. Delaware's franchise tax starts at $175, plus a $50 report fee.
- Zovud service fee. Formation is $199 one time. Formation + Compliance is $499 a year and adds the annual report and a federal + state tax package.
Delaware franchise tax
Delaware's tax depends on your shares. Startups with many authorized shares should file with the assumed par value method. Use our calculator.
Sources
- Delaware Division of Corporations: Annual Report and Tax Information
- Wyoming Secretary of State: Business
- Colorado Secretary of State
- California Secretary of State: Business Programs
- Washington Secretary of State: Corporations
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice, and rules change. Confirm figures with the state or IRS, or ask us on a free call.