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Exit Strategy Planning

Calculate Your LLC Dissolution Cost in Seconds

Don't let lingering state fees drain your bank account. Discover the exact cost and timeline to legally close your business and protect your personal assets.

  • Accurate state-by-state filing fees
  • Tax clearance and CPA cost estimates
  • Debt settlement & payroll closure buffers
  • Step-by-step legal closure checklist
Closure Cost Estimator
Enter your entity details to generate an exit plan.

Step-by-Step Closure Guides

Closure Strategy Comparisons

Dissolution vs Suspension

Dissolution is permanent and stops all fees. Suspension pauses activity but state franchise fees often still apply.

Closing vs Keeping Inactive

Keeping it inactive costs $100-$800/yr in state fees + tax filings. Closing costs a one-time fee of $50-$200.

DIY vs CPA Service

DIY is cheap (state fee only) but risky if taxes aren't cleared. CPAs charge $500+ but guarantee zero lingering liability.

State vs Federal Requirements

State requires Articles of Dissolution. Federal requires a 'Final' marked tax return and a letter to close the EIN.

Fast vs Standard Closure

Standard takes 4-6 weeks. Fast/Expedited (available in some states like DE or NV) costs $50-$150 extra but finishes in 24hrs.

Dissolution Cost by State

Wyoming is cheap (~$60). California requires paying the $800 minimum tax if not closed within 12 months of formation.

2025 vs 2026 Requirements

States are getting stricter on tax clearances in 2026. Electronic filing is now mandatory in 80% of jurisdictions.

Dissolution vs Bankruptcy

Use dissolution if assets > debts. If debts far exceed assets and creditors are suing, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be required.

State & Contextual Variations

California 2026

Requires filing Form LLC-3/4. Must file within 12 months of filing final tax return to avoid paying the $800 franchise tax again.

Texas 2026

Requires a Certificate of Account Status from the Comptroller (tax clearance) BEFORE filing the Certificate of Termination.

Delaware

Filing fee is $200. Must pay the $300 annual franchise tax for the current year prior to filing the Certificate of Cancellation.

Wyoming

Very simple. $60 filing fee for Articles of Dissolution. No complex tax clearance required for LLCs without employees.

Florida

Requires filing Articles of Dissolution ($25 fee). Must resolve all state fees first.

New York 2026

Must request consent from the NY Department of Taxation and Finance. Takes 2-4 months to receive clearance.

Nevada 2026

$100 fee to dissolve. If you are behind on the $350 annual fees, you must pay them all before you can dissolve.

Common Closure Scenarios

See how different business owners use our tool to plan their exits.

Failed Startup

Ran out of funding and needs to wind down operations cleanly.

Calculator Tip:Select 'Outstanding Debt' to estimate settlement buffers.
Outcome: Legal closure protecting founders from lingering liabilities.
Amazon FBA Seller

Pivoting to a new venture and wants to shut down the old seller account entity.

Calculator Tip:Toggle 'CPA Required' to handle inventory write-offs.
Outcome: Clean break allowing focus on new business.
Freelancer Stopping LLC

Returning to W-2 employment and no longer needs the LLC structure.

Calculator Tip:Keep 'CPA' off for a cheaper DIY estimate.
Outcome: Stops the clock on $800/yr franchise taxes (e.g., CA).
Dropshipper Exiting

Store failed to gain traction, entity is currently inactive.

Calculator Tip:Select 'Inactive' status to see fast-track options.
Outcome: Minimal cost exit strategy.
Relocating Overseas

Moving abroad and wants to close US obligations entirely.

Calculator Tip:Factor in Registered Agent cancellation costs.
Outcome: No unexpected IRS or state mail.
Retiring Small Business

Local shop owner winding down after 20 years.

Calculator Tip:Select 'Employees' to factor in payroll tax closures.
Outcome: Peace of mind during retirement.
Non-US Founder

Foreign owner abandoning a US market expansion attempt.

Calculator Tip:Use state-specific tabs for DE or WY remote closures.
Outcome: Avoids international tax reporting complications.
Agency Shutting Down

Partners separating and closing the joint entity.

Calculator Tip:Ensure 'Partnership' is selected for K-1 finalization notes.
Outcome: Equitable and legal separation of assets.
LLC With Debt

Business owes money to vendors but has no cash left.

Calculator Tip:Review the Bankruptcy vs Dissolution comparison.
Outcome: Clarity on whether standard dissolution is viable.
Inactive LLC Owner

Formed an LLC 3 years ago but never used it.

Calculator Tip:Calculator will show how to clear back-fees.
Outcome: Resolves lingering anxiety over an unused entity.
Multi-State Business

Registered in 3 states and wants to pull back to just 1.

Calculator Tip:Calculate withdrawal fees for 'Foreign LLCs'.
Outcome: Reduces annual compliance costs significantly.
Avoiding Penalties

Received a notice of pending administrative dissolution.

Calculator Tip:See the 'Cost to Resolve' vs standard closure.
Outcome: Action plan to mitigate state fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Closure & Transition Tools

Explore other tools in the Business Lifecycle OS to streamline your operations and stay compliant.

Business Tax Estimator
Ensure your final income and self-employment taxes are calculated properly.
Estimate Final Taxes
Compliance Checker
Check current BOI applicability and remaining state obligations.
Check Current Rules
LLC Formation Calculator
Closing to start fresh? Compare costs for forming a new entity in a better state.
Calculate New Setup Costs