LLC Cost in Delaware – How Much to Pay for an LLC


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Perhaps you are hoping to form a Delaware LLC. People assume how to start an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Delaware.

Delaware LLC Cost of Filing

Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Delaware.

Cost of Filing Formation Certificates

The Delaware Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Delaware Secretary of State.

Delaware Domestic LLC

  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Delaware Division of Corporations 401 Federal Street Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901 Costs $90
  • Franchise Tax $300 (Annual) can be done online.

Delaware Foreign LLC

  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Delaware Division of Corporations 401 Federal Street Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901 Costs $200
  • An additional certified copy costs $50
  • Franchise Tax $300 (Annual) can be done online.

Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.

Delaware LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee

You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Delaware, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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Business Permits and Licenses

The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Delaware Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.

Delaware Business Privilege Tax and Annual Report

Once you have your EIN or Employer Identification Number, apart from filing sales tax, once the company has completed its 2.5 months as an LLC in Delaware, it needs to pay a Business Privilege Tax (BPT). This is a requirement for all LLCs formed in Delaware.

LLCs need to pay the tax before the third week of April, i.e, 15 April, and it can vary from 0.00025% to 0.000175% according to the net worth of the LLC. The exact rate will be obtained on the basis of the income of the previous taxable year. The minimum amount that the business will have to pay for this tax is $100.

Delaware Taxes to Be Paid By The LLCs

Delaware is said to be the tax shelter state of the United States. The reason behind this is it has flexible taxation for the Limited Liability Companies. Firstly, the state does not have any Sales Tax. No, tax is imposed on the businesses based on Sales within the Delaware boundary. The state has Franchise tax and corporate income tax for the businesses.

Delaware Franchise Tax

Franchise Tax in Delaware is paid annually on 1st June every year. Failing to pay on time, the LLCs can be fined $200 plus 1.5% interest upon the penalty. The amount of Franchise Tax is $300 and has to be paid by all LLCs irrespective of the size.

Franchise Tax does not mean one has to have a Franchise business. It is a general business tax every LLC and corporation in Delaware has to pay annually.

Corporate Income Tax

LLCs have the advantage of passing through income taxes. Hence, in Delaware, no LLCs have to pay corporate income taxes. However, the members have to pay income taxes separately according to their profit.

On the other hand, S Corporations do not have to pay any federal taxes. They have more tax benefits than LLCs. If an LLC wants, it can be filed as S Corporation by filing an IRS. In that case, the LLCs have to pay corporate income tax.

Cost Comparison Among States

Delaware is surrounded by states like Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. Here’s LLC cost comparison among the neighboring states of Delaware,

StateFiling FeeAnnual Fee/Biennial Fee
Delaware LLC$90$300 (Annual)
Pennsylvania LLC$125$70 (Every 10 years)
New Jersey LLC$125$75 (Annual)
Maryland LLC$100$300 (Annual)
Virginia LLC$100$50 (Annual)

Other Costs

F.A.Qs

Can I start an LLC for free?

It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.

Is an LLC expensive?

It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.

Does an LLC need a bank account?

The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Delaware

To maintain an LLC in Delaware you will need to pay an annual fee of $300 along with sales tax, business privilege tax, franchise tax, corporate income tax and federal taxes.

One of the primary costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Delaware is the annual franchise tax. This tax is levied on all LLCs operating in the state and must be paid each year to maintain good standing with the Delaware Division of Corporations. The amount of the franchise tax can vary based on the size and financial status of the LLC, so it is essential for business owners to budget accordingly.

In addition to the annual franchise tax, there are other potential expenses that LLC owners may incur to maintain their business in Delaware. For example, there may be fees associated with filing annual reports, obtaining business licenses, or making any changes to the LLC’s structure or ownership. These costs can add up over time and should be factored into the overall budget for maintaining the LLC.

Another important cost to consider when maintaining an LLC in Delaware is the cost of hiring a registered agent. Delaware law requires all LLCs to designate a registered agent to receive legal documents and notices on behalf of the business. While some business owners may choose to act as their own registered agent, others may opt to hire a professional service to ensure compliance with state regulations.

It is also worth noting that while Delaware offers many advantages to businesses, including a business-friendly legal system and a reputation for judicial efficiency, there are costs associated with maintaining an LLC in the state. Business owners should weigh the benefits of operating in Delaware against the potential expenses to determine if it is the right choice for their business.

In conclusion, maintaining an LLC in Delaware can be a worthwhile investment for many businesses, but it is essential for business owners to be aware of the costs associated with doing so. By understanding the various expenses involved in maintaining an LLC in Delaware, business owners can better plan and budget for the ongoing financial obligations of operating in the state.

In Conclusion

The cost of Delaware is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.

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