How To Start An LLC In New York In 2025

Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in New York, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Empire State.

Updated:
Written By New York Business Experts
Reviewed By Legal & Tax Professionals

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a commission from partner links on Simple LLCs. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Learn more about our review process.

New York offers access to one of the world's most dynamic business environments, but comes with unique formation requirements. With a $200 state filing fee and mandatory newspaper publication requirements, New York LLC formation is more complex than most states. The total cost typically ranges from $1,000-2,000 due to publication requirements. Whether you're in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Buffalo, or anywhere else in the Empire State, understanding these requirements is crucial for successful formation.

Our top pick for New York LLC formation is ZenBusiness. Their Pro plan offers expert guidance through New York's complex requirements, including publication compliance assistance, and their $199/year package helps manage ongoing compliance like biennial reporting. With their deep knowledge of New York's specific requirements and excellent customer support, they make the challenging process manageable.

$200
NY State Filing Fee
6 Weeks
Publication Requirement
$9
Biennial Report Fee

Compare the Best New York LLC Services of 2025

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities

Feature
ZenBusiness logo
ZenBusiness
Best Overall Value
Bizee logo
Bizee
Fastest Formation
Inc Authority logo
Inc Authority
Free Formation
Tailor Brands logo
Tailor Brands
Best for Branding
LegalZoom logo
LegalZoom
Best for Legal Support
Rocket Lawyer logo
Rocket Lawyer
Legal Documents
BetterLegal logo
BetterLegal
Speed & Simplicity
Active Filings logo
Active Filings
Traditional Service
Filenow logo
Filenow
Budget Option
Northwest logo
Northwest
Basic Formation
Starting Price
$0
+ state fees
$0
+ state fees
$0
+ state fees
$0
+ state fees
$0
+ state fees
$99.99
+ state fees
$299
all-inclusive
$199
+ state fees
$99
+ state fees
$39
+ state fees
Our Rating
4.9 /5
4.6 /5
4.4 /5
4.3 /5
4.2 /5
4.0 /5
3.9 /5
3.8 /5
3.6 /5
3.4 /5
Standard Processing
7-10 days
3 weeks
7-10 days
3 weeks
5-14 days
5-7 days
2 days
5-10 days
7-10 days
7-10 days
Rush Processing
1 day
+$79
1 day
+$49
2 days
+$99
1 day
+$99
Standard speed
2 days
+$100
3 days
+$50
Compliance Tools
Worry-Free Compliance
Free 1st year
Alerts only
Basic monitoring
Basic tools
Included
Basic alerts
Included
Premium only
Extra cost
Document library
With membership
Limited
Basic support
Basic tools
Limited
None
Not available
None
Not included
Registered Agent
$199/yr
Not included
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
Free Year 1
Then $199/yr
$119/yr
Not included
$249/yr
Not included
$149/yr
Not included
Included
In base price
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
+$125/yr
Not included
$125/yr
Available
Operating Agreement
+$99
+$99
+$50
Included
+$99
Included
Included
+$99
+$40
+$39
EIN Service
+$99
+$70
+$70
Included
+$159
+$99
Included
+$70
+$50
+$70
Customer Support
Phone, Chat, Email
Limited
Phone, Chat
Phone, Email
Phone, Chat
Phone, Chat
Phone, Email
Phone, Email
Email only
Email only
Mobile App
Attorney Access
Get Started Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more → Get Started Learn more →

Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.

Our Top Picks for New York LLC Services

#1
ZenBusiness logo Best Overall for New York
4.9/5
$0
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

ZenBusiness excels at New York LLC formation with expert guidance through the state's unique publication requirements. They help navigate the mandatory 6-week newspaper publication process and Certificate of Publication filing. Their Worry-Free Compliance includes biennial reporting reminders, crucial for New York's every-two-years filing schedule. Their team understands New York's complex requirements and upcoming Transparency Act changes.

Best For:

New York entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support through the complex formation process

Pros

  • Expert guidance through NY publication requirements
  • Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year (includes biennial report reminders)
  • Assistance with Certificate of Publication filing
  • Expert support familiar with New York's complex requirements
  • 100% accuracy guarantee on New York filings
  • Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan

Cons

  • Publication costs are additional ($1,000-2,000)
  • Registered agent is additional $199/year
#2
Bizee logo Publication Support Specialist
4.6/5
$0
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers specialized assistance with New York's challenging publication requirements. They provide detailed guidance on the 6-week newspaper publication process and help coordinate with approved publications. Their dashboard specifically tracks New York's biennial reporting deadlines, crucial for maintaining good standing in the Empire State.

Best For:

New York businesses needing publication guidance and ongoing compliance tracking

Pros

  • Streamlined New York publication process assistance
  • Free New York registered agent for first year
  • Dashboard tracks NY biennial reporting deadlines
  • Lifetime company alerts for New York compliance
  • Publication cost estimates and guidance
  • No hidden fees on basic package

Cons

  • Publication costs still apply (substantial)
  • Limited phone support hours
#3
LegalZoom logo Best Legal Support in NY
4.2/5
$0
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

LegalZoom brings decades of experience with New York's complex business formation requirements. Their attorney network includes New York-licensed lawyers who understand the state's publication requirements and upcoming beneficial owner reporting. While their services are pricier, they're ideal for New York businesses with complex legal needs or those wanting professional legal backing through the challenging formation process.

Best For:

New York businesses needing ongoing legal support and complex compliance guidance

Pros

  • Attorney consultations for New York law
  • Comprehensive New York publication guidance
  • Extensive New York legal forms library
  • Phone support with New York expertise
  • 30+ years serving New York businesses
  • Peace of mind guarantee

Cons

  • New York registered agent costs $249/year
  • Operating agreement extra (+$99)
#4
Tailor Brands logo Best NY Branding Package
4.3/5
$49
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Tailor Brands combines New York LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools, ideal for the competitive New York market. Perfect for creative businesses in Manhattan, tech startups in Brooklyn, or any New York entrepreneur who needs a complete brand identity. They provide guidance on publication requirements while helping establish your brand presence in the Empire State's demanding marketplace.

Best For:

New York creative businesses and startups needing comprehensive branding

Pros

  • Logo design and branding included
  • Website builder optimized for New York businesses
  • Business cards with New York address
  • Publication requirement guidance provided
  • EIN and operating agreement included
  • Social media kit for New York market

Cons

  • Monthly subscription required
  • Publication costs are additional and substantial
#5
Inc Authority logo Free New York Formation
4.4/5
$0
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Inc Authority offers genuinely free New York LLC formation where you only pay the $200 state fee plus publication costs. While they include a free registered agent for the first year, you'll need to independently manage New York's complex publication requirements and biennial reporting. Best for entrepreneurs who understand the process and want to minimize service fees while handling the substantial publication costs.

Best For:

Budget-conscious New York entrepreneurs who can handle publication requirements independently

Pros

  • Truly free New York LLC formation service
  • Free New York registered agent for first year
  • Free tax consultation for New York businesses
  • Handles New York Department of State filing
  • No hidden fees on basic package
  • New York business forms included

Cons

  • Publication costs still apply (major expense)
  • Processing takes 7-10 business days
  • Limited publication guidance provided
#6
Northwest Registered Agent logo Privacy Focused
3.4/5
$39
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to New York LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service. They handle Department of State registration efficiently but provide limited guidance on New York's complex publication requirements. You'll need to independently manage the 6-week publication process and biennial reporting requirements.

Best For:

New York entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and can handle publication requirements independently

Pros

  • Strong privacy protection for New York businesses
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Handles New York Department of State filing
  • No aggressive marketing or upselling
  • Straightforward New York LLC process
  • Low-cost registered agent service

Cons

  • Email-only customer support
  • Limited publication guidance provided
  • Basic operating agreement template
  • Publication costs are additional major expense
#7
BetterLegal logo All-Inclusive & Fast
3.9/5
$299
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to New York LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus New York's $200 state filing fee and publication costs. While they provide transparent pricing and handle most formation tasks, New York's publication requirements still add significant costs and complexity to the process.

Best For:

New York businesses needing everything done with transparent pricing despite high total costs

Pros

  • Comprehensive New York formation package
  • Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
  • Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
  • New York-specific compliance guidance
  • No hidden fees or surprise costs
  • Streamlined single-package approach

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost plus substantial publication fees
  • State filing and publication fees are additional
  • Limited ongoing support after formation
  • Publication process still requires coordination
#8
Rocket Lawyer logo Legal Platform
4/5
$99
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple New York LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to New York-licensed attorneys and extensive legal resources, they're particularly valuable for businesses navigating New York's complex regulatory environment and upcoming Transparency Act requirements. The ongoing legal support helps justify the higher costs.

Best For:

New York businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and complex compliance requirements

Pros

  • Access to New York-licensed attorneys
  • Comprehensive legal document library
  • Ongoing legal support beyond formation
  • New York business law resources
  • Attorney consultations included with membership
  • Helpful for complex New York regulations

Cons

  • Monthly membership required for best value
  • New York formation takes longer
  • Higher costs plus substantial publication fees
  • Complex pricing structure
#9
Harbor Compliance logo Compliance Specialists
3.5/5
$99
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of New York business ownership. Given New York's complex requirements including publication, biennial reporting, and upcoming beneficial owner reporting, their strength lies in helping established New York businesses navigate ongoing compliance challenges and regulatory changes.

Best For:

New York businesses with complex compliance needs or planning significant growth

Pros

  • Specialized in ongoing New York compliance
  • Corporate services and advanced structures
  • New York biennial report filing services
  • Business licensing assistance
  • Registered agent services statewide
  • Focus on regulatory requirements

Cons

  • Higher fees for premium services
  • Complex pricing for basic formation
  • Longer processing times
  • Publication costs are additional
#10
Active Filings logo Traditional Service
3.8/5
$199
+ $200 NY state fee + publication costs

Active Filings provides reliable New York LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. Their representatives understand New York's unique publication requirements and biennial reporting deadlines. While total costs are high due to New York's requirements, they offer traditional support that many New York business owners appreciate during the complex formation process.

Best For:

New York entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional guidance through complex requirements

Pros

  • Phone support with New York expertise
  • First year registered agent included
  • New York publication guidance provided
  • Traditional, reliable service approach
  • New York biennial report reminders
  • Personal service approach

Cons

  • Higher starting price plus publication costs
  • Limited online tools and resources
  • Standard processing takes longer
  • Total costs among the highest nationally

New York LLC Requirements & Steps

What You Need to Form a New York LLC

  • Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other New York businesses
  • Articles of Organization: Filed with New York Department of State
  • Publication Requirement: Publish notice in 2 newspapers for 6 consecutive weeks
  • Certificate of Publication: Filed with Department of State after publication ($50 fee)
  • Registered Agent (Optional): NY Secretary of State serves as default agent
  • EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
  • Operating Agreement: Not required by New York but highly recommended
  • Biennial Statement: Due every 2 years in formation month

New York LLC Costs

  • State Filing Fee: $200 (Articles of Organization)
  • Publication Cost: $1,000-2,000 (varies by county and newspaper)
  • Certificate of Publication: $50 filing fee
  • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (optional - state serves as default)
  • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
  • Biennial Statement: $9 every two years
  • Business License: Varies by city/county and business type

New York LLC Timeline

  • Name Availability: Check via New York Department of State
  • Articles Processing: 3-5 business days typically
  • Publication Period: 6 consecutive weeks (can start after Articles approval)
  • Certificate of Publication: Filed after publication completion
  • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
  • Total Time to Complete: 8-12 weeks due to publication requirement

Why Form Your LLC in New York?

Business Environment

  • • Global financial center
  • • Access to major markets and investors
  • • Diverse industry ecosystem
  • • World-class infrastructure

Market Access

  • • 19+ million potential customers
  • • International business gateway
  • • Media and entertainment capital
  • • Fashion and arts hub

Legal Protections

  • • Strong asset protection laws
  • • Charging order protection
  • • Established legal framework
  • • Flexible management structure

Professional Network

  • • Access to top talent
  • • Extensive professional services
  • • Networking opportunities
  • • Industry expertise available

New York LLC Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in New York?

New York has a $200 state filing fee, but the major expense is the mandatory publication requirement. You must publish notice in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks, which typically costs $1,000-2,000 depending on your county. Add the $50 Certificate of Publication fee, and total formation costs range from $1,250-2,255. This makes New York one of the most expensive states for LLC formation.

What is New York's publication requirement?

New York requires all LLCs to publish a copy of their Articles of Organization in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks: one general circulation newspaper and one legal newspaper, both in the county where the LLC's office is located. After publication, you must file a Certificate of Publication with the Department of State within 120 days, along with a $50 fee. Failure to complete this requirement can result in suspension of your LLC.

Do I need a registered agent for my New York LLC?

New York is unique in that a registered agent is optional. The New York Secretary of State automatically serves as your agent for service of process. However, many business owners choose to appoint a private registered agent for privacy and reliability. If you appoint a registered agent, they must have a New York street address and be available during normal business hours.

How long does it take to form an LLC in New York?

The Articles of Organization typically process in 3-5 business days with the New York Department of State. However, the publication requirement adds 6 weeks to the process, and you have 120 days to complete the Certificate of Publication filing. Most New York LLCs take 8-12 weeks to complete all requirements and be in full compliance.

What is New York's biennial statement requirement?

New York LLCs must file a biennial statement every two years during the calendar month when the original Articles of Organization were filed. The filing fee is only $9. This statement updates the Department of State with your LLC's current address for service of process. You can file online using the DOS e-Statement Filing System. Failure to file can result in penalties and potential dissolution.

Can I form a New York LLC if I don't live in New York?

Yes, you don't need to be a New York resident to form a New York LLC. However, you'll still need to complete the publication requirement in the county where your LLC's office is located, and you may want to appoint a registered agent with a New York address for convenience. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.

Popular New York Regions for LLCs

New York City:
  • • Manhattan
  • • Brooklyn
  • • Queens
  • • Bronx
Upstate:
  • • Albany
  • • Buffalo
  • • Rochester
  • • Syracuse
Hudson Valley:
  • • White Plains
  • • Poughkeepsie
  • • Newburgh
  • • Kingston
Long Island:
  • • Hempstead
  • • Islip
  • • Oyster Bay
  • • Brookhaven

Ready to Start Your New York LLC?

Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their New York LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services and expert guidance through New York's unique requirements.