Most "LLC for $99" ads are missing 5-7 line items. Here is the unvarnished math for three real scenarios.
Mandatory line items
Every LLC, every year, no exceptions:
- State filing fee (year 1 only)
- Registered Agent (year 1 included with most services, then $99-150/year)
- State annual report fee (year 2+)
- EIN application (free DIY, $150-300 if paid)
- Operating Agreement (free template or $50-200 lawyer)
- Form 5472 + 1120 filing (free DIY, $200-900 if paid) — for foreign-owned single-member LLCs
Scenario 1: Cheapest DIY (New Mexico)
- State filing: $50
- Registered Agent year 1: $99
- EIN by fax: $0 (you do it)
- Operating Agreement: $0 (template)
- Annual report: $0 (NM has none)
- Form 5472 self-prep: $0
- Year 1 total: €249
- Year 2 total: $99 (just RA)
This is what New Mexico gets you on LLCora.
Scenario 2: Standard with EIN (Wyoming)
- State filing: $100
- Registered Agent year 1: $99
- EIN service: included
- Operating Agreement: included
- Annual report year 2: $60
- Form 5472 reminder: included with EIN Express
- Year 1 total: €429 (LLCora Wyoming)
- Year 2 total: $159 (RA + Wyoming annual)
Stop reading. Start filing.
Your LLC could be live by tomorrow morning. From $289. 100% money-back if rejected.
Scenario 3: Doola full compliance
- State filing: $297 (Doola Basic)
- Total Compliance plan: $1,999/year (mandatory after year 1)
- Year 1 total: $2,296
- Year 2 total: $1,999
Doola is fine if you want everything bundled. Just know what you are paying for.
Real out-of-pocket comparison over 3 years
| Service | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-year total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLCora New Mexico (NM, DIY EIN) | €249 | $99 | $99 | $347 |
| LLCora Wyoming (Wyoming + EIN) | €429 | $159 | $159 | $617 |
| Stripe Atlas (Delaware) | $500 | $300 | $300 | $1,100 |
| Doola Total Compliance | $2,296 | $1,999 | $1,999 | $6,294 |
The hidden costs nobody talks about
- ITIN application: $150-400 (only if you need it — most do not)
- Tax preparer in your country: $200-1,000/year (you will need one for your local taxes)
- Bookkeeping: $0 if DIY, $30-100/month if outsourced
- State tax (if applicable): $0 in Wyoming/NM/SD, $138/year Florida, $300/year Delaware
The $25,000 line item you must not miss
Form 5472. If you are a non-resident single owner of an LLC, you must file Form 5472 + Form 1120 every April. Skip it and the IRS charges $25,000 per missed year. Automatic. No warning.
Our Wyoming + EIN Express plan (€429 + €79,99) includes an annual reminder and a pre-filled template so you do not forget.
Get started with LLCora
Year 1 with us is €249 to €429 + €79,99. Compare against what you would actually spend with the competition above. See pricing for the full breakdown including renewal fees year 2+.