How to Form an LLC in New York

State fee: $200Processing: 5-7 business daysTrueFormed bundle: $89 + state fee
Full disclosure: You can form an LLC in New York yourself for just the $200 state fee. The Department of Statedoesn't care who submits the form. Our $89 bundle is for people who'd rather not spend the hour — and it adds EIN, Operating Agreement, and the first year of Registered Agent service.

New York LLC Cost Summary

Articles of Organization (state fee)$200
Biennial Report$9
Registered Agent (1st year, included in bundle)Included
EIN (IRS — included in bundle)Included
TrueFormed formation service fee$89
Total Year 1 with TrueFormed$298

Year 2+: Registered Agent renewal is $99/yr. Compare: ZenBusiness Year 1 runs about $598 (Pro formation $199 + RA $199 + state fee) for the same services. We publish our full cost breakdown.

Step 1: Choose a name for your New York LLC

Your LLC name must be unique in New Yorkand include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search the Department of State database at Department of State website to check availability.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

New York requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. A registered agent receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a New York address, or use a service like TrueFormed. Our $89 formation bundle includes the first year; renewal is $99/year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File your Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State. You can file online at appext20.dos.ny.gov. The filing fee is $200 and processing typically takes 5-7 business days.

Or let TrueFormed handle it — our $89 bundle includes this filing plus EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. You pay the $200 state fee on top.

Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID. It's free from the IRS and takes about 5 minutes online. You'll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

See our complete EIN guide →

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

New York requires an operating agreement, but every LLC should have one. It defines ownership percentages, management structure, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often require it to open a business account.

Step 6: Stay compliant — New York annual requirements

New York requires a biennial report filed with the Department of State. Deadline: During anniversary month, every two years. The fee is $9.

Miss the deadline and your LLC can be administratively dissolved. If you keep our $99/yr Registered Agent service active we track this deadline automatically; filing the report is a $99 + state-fee add-on when it comes due.

See our annual reports guide →

New York tax notes

NYC has additional taxes. Publication requirement costs $300-1,500+ (must publish in 2 newspapers).

Ready to form your New York LLC?

Our $89 bundle covers formation, EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. State fee ($200) is paid to New York at cost.