How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Delaware?
Legal business registration — and making sure your business remains compliant — involves some necessary expenses. Some of these costs are payable to the Delaware Division of Corporations, while others are due to additional state entities or the federal government. Here are some of the most common requirements and fees. Please note that Delaware business license and permit fees may need to be paid when you first form your business, on an ongoing schedule or on an ad hoc basis. Find more details below.
Initial Delaware LLC Fees
You’ll need to file as an LLC with the Delaware Division of Corporations and pay a filing fee when you first formally form your business. Here are the current Delaware LLC fees and filing times:
State Fee
$140
State Filling Time
5 Weeks
Expedited Filing Time
2 Business Days
When you form your LLC with us, Bizee will charge you this fee and forward it to the Delaware Division of Corporations when we file your formation paperwork.
Bizee Can File Your Formation Paperwork for You for Free — Just Pay the Required Delaware LLC Filing Fee
Form Your LLC Through Bizee Today![Business Formation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FBusiness%20Formation.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Delaware Allows You to Form Your LLC More Quickly by Paying an Expedited Fee
View Expedited Fees For Delaware![Registered Agent](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FCTA-Banner_Registered%20Agent.png&w=1080&q=75)
Employer Identification Number
Every LLC in the U.S. should obtain a unique Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. You'll use it when you open a business bank account, file taxes and pay employees. It's available at no cost from the IRS, or have Bizee obtain one for you.
Get an EIN for Your LLC Through BIzeeForeign LLCs
When you want to do business in a state other than the one where your business is based, you must create a foreign LLC.
Delaware Foreign LLC Registration
Foreign companies are those which are formed in another state or country. In order to transact business in Delaware these entities must file Foreign Qualification forms with the Delaware Division of Corporations for a Foreign LLC. The qualification application must be accompanied by a certificate of good standing or a certificate of existence from the domestic state of formation. Register your out-of-state foreign company online by filing your forms for a Certificate of Registration of a Foreign LLC with the DOC. The filing fee for a Delaware Foreign LLC is $200. The state may have additional requirements so contact the Delaware Division of Corporations for more information.
Foreign Qualification to Operate in Another State
If you plan to expand your Delaware LLC into another state, you’ll first need Foreign Qualification or a Certificate of Authority or Compliance from that state. This is necessary if you'll have a physical presence, employees or banking in that state. This process will likely require you to complete an application and pay a filing fee. Each state typically has its own requirements, so you’ll want to contact the state government entity that administers business (usually the Secretary of State) for specific instructions. If you need assistance, Bizee provides complete Foreign Qualification service for all states.
Get Foreign Qualification or a Certificate of Authority Through BizeeAnnual Franchise Tax Requirements
Most states require businesses to file an annual (or other periodic) report with the Secretary of State. For the state of Delaware, the Division of Corp orations requires an annual franchise tax to be paid by Delaware LLCs once every year. The set fee of the annual franchise tax. Here are the Delaware annual report filing requirements:
Delaware Franchise Tax
Frequency
Annually
Due Date
June 1
Filing Fee
$300
Bizee Can Also Complete and File Your Delaware Annual Report on Your Behalf
Bizee’s Annual Report Filing Service![Annual Report](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FCTA-Banner_Annual%20Report.png&w=1080&q=75)
Delaware Business License and Permit Requirements
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure you have the proper state, federal or local business licenses to operate your Delaware LLC. Some of the associated fees only need to be paid once, while others are ongoing charges.
Permits and licenses vary based on:
- The type of business you run (e.g., healthcare providers must meet HIPAA requirements)
- The industry your LLC operates in (e.g., restaurants will need health permits)
- The location of your LLC (state, county or city) (e.g., a license to conduct business from the town of Bethany Beach)
Running your business without the required licenses may expose you to risks and fines from federal, state and local governments.
You can research these permits and licenses yourself, or use Bizee’s Business License Research package, which includes:
Operating Agreements
The state of Delaware doesn't require you to have an LLC Operating Agreement in place. An Operating Agreement is a document that covers the rights and duties of the business members, how the business will be run, how managers and members are chosen and several other key areas. It's usually filed with your Articles of Formation at the time that you formally form your business. This document can be extremely helpful in making sure you’re organized and prepared for any future events that may affect your business.
Bizee Can Draft a General Operating Agreement Template When You Form Your Delaware Business.
Learn About Operating Agreements![Operating Agreement](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FCTA-Banner_Operating%20Agreement.png&w=1080&q=75)
Other Potential Delaware LLC Fees or Requirements
It is normal for your business to pay and meet several other fees and requirements during the life of your LLC. These ad hoc fees will only be payable in specific circumstances, as listed below.
Obtaining an Assumed Name or DBA
If you wish to establish a Delaware DBA or fictitious name, you must register your fictitious name with the county that your business is in within the state of Delaware and pay a filing fee.
Bizee Offers the Service of Filing Fictitious Name or DBA Forms on Your Behalf
Bizee’s DBA Service![DBA](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FCTA-Banner_DBA.png&w=1080&q=75)
Changing Your Registered Agent
Your LLC needs a Delaware Registered Agent, which you must appoint when you file your Articles of Formation. You can also switch to a new Registered Agent later by filing a change of agent form. Delaware Registered Agent
Have Bizee Serve as Your Registered Agent.
Bizee's Registered Agent Service![Registered Agent](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FCTA-Banner_Registered%20Agent.png&w=1080&q=75)
Reserving a Name for Your LLC
If you don’t want to form your LLC right away, you can reserve a business name for 120 days with the Delaware DOC. Simply reserve your entity online or by submitting your reservation in writing and paying a filing fee. First, perform a Delaware business search and learn about business name rules to ensure you choose a name that meets state requirements.
Amending Facts About Your LLC
Your business formation documents state certain facts about your Delaware business at the time it's formed. Over time, these facts may change. If they do, you'll need to file a form for a Certificate of Amendment with the Delaware Division of Corporations and pay a filing fee. You can do this yourself or have Bizee file the amendments on your behalf.
You may want to file a Certificate of Amendment when you:
Getting a Delaware Certificate of Compliance
Some organizations will request that you prove your LLC’s compliance with laws and tax requirements. If you need to prove you have met your commitments, you’ll need a Certificate of Good Standing from the Delaware Division of Corporations. You can obtain one by ordering a Certificate of Good Standing from the DOC.
Bizee Can Obtain a Delaware Certificate of Existence (or Good Standing) on Your Behalf
Certificate of Good Standing Service![Certificate of Good Standing](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbizee-website-assets%2FCTA-Banner_Certificate%20of%20Good%20Standing.png&w=1080&q=75)
The fees listed above detail many of the charges a standard LLC will be required to pay in Delaware. In some unusual circumstances, there may be other one-off, periodic or ad hoc fees not listed above. Of course, your LLC will also probably need to pay self-employment, payroll, federal, state and sales taxes. More information about taxes can be found on the Delaware Business Tax page.
FAQs About Delaware LLC Fees
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