Delaware vs New Jersey LLC Cost (2026): $390 vs $200
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for Delaware and New Jersey: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in New Jersey costs $200 in year one — $190 cheaper than Delaware ($390).
Delaware
New Jersey
Lower CostFull LLC Cost Comparison: Delaware vs New Jersey
| Factor | Delaware | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $90 | $125 |
| Annual report fee | $300 / per year | $75 / per year |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days | 1–3 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | Yes |
| First-year total | $390 | $200 |
New Jersey saves you $190 in year one compared to Delaware.
Delaware LLC Notes
Delaware is a top choice for startups due to business-friendly courts, though annual franchise taxes can be high.
New Jersey LLC Notes
New Jersey offers expedited filing options for faster processing.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in Delaware, form there. If you operate in New Jersey, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Delaware but operate in New Jersey, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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