LegalCostCalculator vs LLC University
Both sites cover LLC filing fees for all 50 states. Both are free. The differences: one has an interactive calculator and covers 4 other legal cost categories. The other goes deeper on LLC formation mechanics.
Choose LegalCostCalculator for an interactive LLC cost calculator plus small claims, divorce, and notary data all in one place. Choose LLC University for deep formation guides — registered agent instructions, operating agreement templates, EIN setup — and foreign LLC fees.
What LLC University Is
LLC University® (llcuniversity.com) is one of the most comprehensive free resources for LLC formation in the US. Founded by Matt Horwitz, it provides step-by-step guides for forming an LLC in every state, covering registered agent requirements, operating agreements, EIN applications, and ongoing compliance — not just fees.
On LLC fee data specifically, LLC University publishes filing fees, annual report costs, and franchise taxes for all 50 states — comparable to LegalCostCalculator's LLC calculator. The key difference is format: LLC University presents this as text tables within long-form guides; LegalCostCalculator presents it as an interactive dropdown tool.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Feature | LegalCostCalculator | LLC University |
|---|---|---|
| LLC filing fees — all 50 states | ✓ Interactive calculator | ✓ Text tables |
| LLC annual report fees | ✓ All 50 states | ✓ All 50 states |
| LLC franchise / state tax | ✓ Included (e.g. CA $800) | ✓ Included |
| Foreign LLC registration fees | ✗ | ✓ All 50 states |
| LLC formation step-by-step guides | ✓ State formation guides | ✓ Extremely detailed per state |
| Interactive calculator (type state → get fee) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Text tables only |
| Year 1 total cost estimate | ✓ Auto-calculated | ~ Requires manual math |
| Small claims court data | ✓ Limits + fees, all 50 states | ✗ |
| Divorce filing fees | ✓ All 50 states + 174+ counties | ✗ |
| Notary fees by state | ✓ All 50 states + RON status | ✗ |
| County-level court data | ✓ 174+ counties | ✗ |
| Cost to use | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Revenue model | Affiliate links + digital products | Recommends LLC formation services |
| Last verified | ✓ May 2026 | ✓ 2026 |
✓ = fully supported ~ = partial / limited ✗ = not available
Where LegalCostCalculator Wins
Interactive calculator vs. scrolling through tables
Select your state from LegalCostCalculator's dropdown and you instantly see the filing fee, annual report fee, franchise tax, and auto-calculated Year 1 total. LLC University requires you to find your state within a long sorted table. Same data, dramatically different experience.
Four additional legal cost categories
LLC University covers LLC costs exclusively. LegalCostCalculator adds small claims court (limits + filing fees), divorce filing fees (state + 174 counties), and notary fee maximums (50 states + RON status). If you're starting a business and also need to know other legal costs, LegalCostCalculator covers them all.
Year 1 total cost auto-calculated
LegalCostCalculator automatically computes the Year 1 total for each state's LLC: filing fee + annual report fee + franchise tax (where applicable). LLC University lists the components but requires manual addition. A small but useful time saver when comparing states.
Where LLC University Wins
Step-by-step formation guides — unmatched depth
LLC University's per-state formation guides are extremely detailed: which form to file, where to file it, how to appoint a registered agent, whether an operating agreement is required, how to get your EIN, and what ongoing compliance looks like. LegalCostCalculator's formation guides are good but shorter. For first-time LLC founders, LLC University's guides are exceptional.
Foreign LLC registration fees
If you need to register your LLC in a state where you don't have your home state — called foreign qualification — LLC University has a complete 50-state fee table. LegalCostCalculator doesn't cover foreign LLC registration yet.
When to Use Each
Use LegalCostCalculator when you need to:
- →Quickly compare LLC costs across multiple states
- →See Year 1 total cost in one click
- →Also need small claims, divorce, or notary data
- →Prefer an interactive tool over a text table
Use LLC University when you need to:
- →Follow a step-by-step formation guide for your state
- →Understand registered agent and operating agreement requirements
- →Look up foreign LLC registration fees
- →Understand ongoing compliance obligations in detail
Compare LLC Costs Across All 50 States
Select your state. Get the filing fee, annual fee, and Year 1 total instantly — for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LLC University have an interactive calculator?
No. LLC University presents its fee data as static text tables — you scroll to find your state. LegalCostCalculator has an interactive dropdown: select your state and the filing fee, annual fee, franchise tax, and Year 1 total cost are displayed instantly. Both have the same underlying data; LCC just makes it faster to access.
Which site has more accurate LLC fee data?
Both sites source data from official Secretary of State websites and are updated for 2026. LLC University goes deeper on formation steps, registered agent details, and operating agreement requirements per state. LegalCostCalculator focuses on the cost figures themselves and auto-calculates Year 1 totals. For pure fee accuracy, both are reliable.
Does LegalCostCalculator cover foreign LLC registration?
Not currently. If your LLC is formed in one state but you need to register it in another (foreign qualification), LLC University has a dedicated foreign LLC fees page covering all 50 states. This is a gap LegalCostCalculator does not fill.
Which site should I use if I'm comparing LLC costs vs. divorce costs in the same state?
LegalCostCalculator — it's the only site that covers all five legal cost categories in one place. You can look up your state's LLC formation fee, check the divorce filing fee, and verify the small claims limit without leaving the site. LLC University only covers LLC-related costs.