Small Business

Forming and running a small business: LLC costs by state, payroll taxes, quarterly estimates, and the accounts and software worth paying for.

Calculators 2

Work out a number using the rates we publish.

LLC Cost Calculator: Year One and Ongoing The filing fee is the small part. The annual costs are what add up, and they are set by 51 different authorities.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator 15.3% on 92.35% of profit, half of it deductible, and entirely separate from the income tax on the same money.

Comparisons 3

Ranked picks, with the criteria stated first.

Comparison

Best Business Bank Accounts for 2026, Ranked

Novo is the simplest free business checking for a freelancer or single-member LLC. Relay is better if you want several accounts to split income by purpose.

Comparison

Best Payroll Software for Small Business in 2026

Gusto for almost everyone: full tax filing, benefits administration and a clear price per employee. Choose QuickBooks Payroll only to keep payroll and bookkeeping in one system.

Comparison

Best LLC Formation Services for 2026, Ranked

Northwest is the pick if privacy matters. It uses its own address on public filings and includes registered agent service. Bizee is cheapest to start. Nobody needs LegalZoom unless they want attorney