Delaware vs Pennsylvania LLC Cost (2026): $390 vs $132
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for Delaware and Pennsylvania: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania costs $132 in year one — $258 cheaper than Delaware ($390).
Delaware
Pennsylvania
Lower CostFull LLC Cost Comparison: Delaware vs Pennsylvania
| Factor | Delaware | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $90 | $125 |
| Annual report fee | $300 / per year | $70 / every 10 years |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days | 5–10 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | Yes |
| First-year total | $390 | $132 |
Pennsylvania saves you $258 in year one compared to Delaware.
Delaware LLC Notes
Delaware is a top choice for startups due to business-friendly courts, though annual franchise taxes can be high.
Pennsylvania LLC Notes
Pennsylvania's decennial report is only required every 10 years, keeping ongoing costs low.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in Delaware, form there. If you operate in Pennsylvania, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Delaware but operate in Pennsylvania, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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