To start an LLC in New York, file the Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. The state filing fee is currently $200. Plus a separate publication requirement within 120 days — see below.
What's Different About New York
- Publication in two newspapers for six weeks, within 120 days of formation, is required.
- Publication can cost a few hundred dollars upstate or $1,500+ in Manhattan.
- A written operating agreement must be adopted within 90 days of filing.
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Choose a Business Name
The name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from names already on file.
Search New York Business Records
Search the Department of State's corporation and business entity database before filing.
Designate the Secretary of State for Service of Process
New York automatically names the Secretary of State as the LLC's agent to receive legal papers, which it forwards to the address you provide. A separate registered agent is optional.
File Articles of Organization
File with the New York Department of State. The fee is $200. The county you list as the LLC's office location determines where you must publish, which affects cost.
Prefer Help Filing Your LLC?
If you'd rather have a service help prepare and file your LLC formation documents, you can review the LLC formation services from LegalZoom or Bizee. A formation service is optional — you can always file directly with the state yourself.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Complete the Publication Requirement
Within 120 days, publish a notice of formation in two newspapers (one daily, one weekly) chosen by your county clerk, once a week for six consecutive weeks. Then file a Certificate of Publication with the newspapers' affidavits and a $50 fee. If you don't, the LLC's authority to do business is suspended until you comply.
Adopt an Operating Agreement Within 90 Days
New York law requires LLC members to adopt a written operating agreement within 90 days of filing. It isn't filed with the state.
Get an EIN
Apply for a free EIN directly from the IRS.
Register for Taxes and Licenses
If you sell taxable goods or services, register for a Certificate of Authority for sales tax with the NY Department of Taxation and Finance. Check city, county, and industry licenses too.
Keep Up With Ongoing Filings
File a $9 Biennial Statement with the Department of State every two years, in the month the LLC was formed. LLCs with New York-source income also file an annual filing fee (Form IT-204-LL) with the Tax Department, due March 15 for calendar-year LLCs.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in New York?
| Fee | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $200 | One time |
| Newspaper publication (6 weeks, 2 papers) | ~$300 – $2,000 | Within 120 days (varies by county) |
| Certificate of Publication | $50 | Within 120 days |
| Biennial Statement | $9 | Every 2 years |
| Annual filing fee (IT-204-LL) | $25 – $4,500 | Yearly, based on NY-source income |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | One time |
Publication costs are set by newspapers, not the state. Get a current quote for your county before choosing your office location.
Fees and requirements can change. Verify current amounts with the appropriate government agency before filing. Optional services such as registered agents or formation companies are not included above.
Licenses and Permits by Business Type
What New York requires beyond forming the LLC, depending on what your business does.
Construction / Trades
Contractor registration · Bonding · Insurance · Professional licenses
Food Business
Food permits · Local health department requirements · Facility permits
Transportation
Vehicle requirements · Commercial insurance · State / federal transportation requirements
Ecommerce
Sales tax requirements · Ecommerce platform · Payment processor · Shipping · Returns policy · Privacy policy
Consulting / Freelance
Client contracts · Professional insurance · Invoicing
Insurance / Agency
Individual producer licenses · Business entity (LLC) license · Appointments, offices, and continuing education · Insurance for the agency itself
Ongoing New York Requirements
- Biennial Statement ($9) every two years.
- Annual filing fee (IT-204-LL) with the NY Tax Department, if the LLC has New York-source income.
- Sales tax returns if you hold a Certificate of Authority.
Federal note: since March 2025, LLCs formed in the United States are not required to file beneficial ownership (BOI) reports with FinCEN.
Common New York LLC Mistakes
Missing the 120-day publication deadline, which suspends the LLC's authority to do business.
Listing a Manhattan office without realizing publication there can cost $1,500 or more.
Skipping the written operating agreement, which New York requires within 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in New York?
$200 to file, $50 for the Certificate of Publication, plus newspaper publication costs that range from a few hundred dollars to about $2,000 depending on the county.
What is the New York LLC publication requirement?
Within 120 days of formation, you must publish a notice in two newspapers designated by your county clerk for six consecutive weeks, then file a Certificate of Publication ($50) with the Department of State.
Does the New York LLC Transparency Act apply to my LLC?
As of 2026, New York's beneficial ownership reporting applies only to LLCs formed outside the United States that are registered to do business in New York. LLCs formed in the U.S. are not required to report.
Official Sources
Related LLC Guides
New York LLC Cost
Every required government fee, plus what's optional.
Read the GuideWhat Is a Registered Agent?
What a registered agent does and who can serve as one.
Read the GuideHow to Get an EIN
Apply directly with the IRS — the application is free.
Read the GuideOperating Agreement Guide
What your agreement should cover, based on your ownership.
Read the GuideNew York Business License
Formation and licensing are separate — see what applies to you.
Read the GuideNew York LLC Annual Report
What to file each year, the fee, and the deadline.
Read the GuideWhat to Do After Forming Your LLC
The practical steps that come next.
Read the GuideStarting in Another State?
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