Save on LLC Publication by Changing Your County?
Introduction
One of the biggest surprises for new business owners in New York is the cost of the LLC newspaper publication requirement. Depending on your county, the total can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,500.
That leads many people to wonder:
"What if I just change my LLC address to a cheaper county like Albany or Wyoming? Wouldn't that save me a thousand dollars?"
Let's explore how that works—and why it's not always the smart move.
How Address Impacts LLC Publication Cost
Under Section 206 of the New York LLC Law, your publication requirement depends on the county listed in your Articles of Organization. The county clerk designates the newspapers, and rates vary dramatically between counties.
For example:
- Queens County: $1,200–$1,600 typical publication cost
- Albany County: $250–$400 typical publication cost
So yes, if your LLC's office is listed in Albany County, you'll only need to publish in Albany newspapers—saving hundreds of dollars.
How Businesses Try to Do This
Some people attempt to lower their publication cost by:
- Listing an Albany address in their Articles of Organization.
- Using a registered agent service located in Albany to provide that address.
At first glance, it seems like a clever workaround. You form your LLC in a cheap county, complete your publication requirement for a fraction of the cost, and move on.
But there's more to it.
The Hidden Costs and Downsides
While the idea sounds simple, here's what you actually take on:
1. You'll Need a Registered Agent Service
To get that Albany address, you'll almost always need to hire a third-party registered agent—which typically costs $100–$300 per year. That's an ongoing expense, not a one-time cost.
2. More Paperwork and Complexity
You'll be introducing another layer between you and the State. Any changes, renewals, or filings may now involve your registered agent, making your business setup more dependent on someone else.
3. Upsells and Contractual Lock-Ins
Many agent services will try to sell you add-ons—like compliance alerts, mail forwarding, or renewals you don't really need. Over time, those small fees can add up.
4. You Lose Freedom
Instead of a simple one-and-done transaction, you're now tied to an ongoing relationship with a service provider. If they raise prices or change terms, you're stuck—or forced to file amendments to move your LLC back to your home county.
When It Might Make Sense
In some rare cases—especially for online-only businesses with no physical presence—it can make sense to use a low-cost county address if:
- You're comfortable with the added paperwork,
- You trust the registered agent, and
- You plan to maintain that setup long-term.
But for most small business owners, the trade-off isn't worth it. You save a few hundred dollars upfront, but introduce ongoing costs, dependencies, and friction that can last for years.
Bottom Line
It's true: you can save money on LLC publication by using a cheaper county address like Albany. But as the saying goes—you get what you pay for.
For most entrepreneurs, it's simpler and safer to publish in your home county, complete the requirement once, and move on with a clean, fully independent business structure.
If you're forming a new LLC or need help navigating your publication requirement, LLC Publishers can help you get it done correctly and efficiently.
Related Questions
Can I change my LLC county after formation?
Yes, but it requires filing an Amendment to Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State, which costs $60 and takes several weeks to process. If you've already started publication in the original county, you may need to start over in the new county.
Does the registered agent's county matter?
Your registered agent's county doesn't directly determine your publication county. What matters is the county of office listed in your Articles of Organization. Learn more in our guide on registered agents and LLC publication.
Are there other ways to save on publication costs?
Yes! We help LLCs publish affordably while maintaining their actual business address. Our service handles the entire process and typically costs less than DIY publication in expensive counties. Learn more about our pricing.
Ready to complete your LLC publication requirement the right way? 👉 Get started with LLC Publishers today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.