How Much Does an LLC Cost in Delaware

It costs $110 to form an LLC in Delaware. But these additional expenses could increase the total to over $3,000.

There's no getting around the fact that you have to spend money when forming a business. The question is, how much for an LLC in Delaware?

Whether you want to form an anonymous LLC or take advantage of Delaware's business-friendly laws, there are fees you need to pay. Read on to see how much you need to form an LLC in Delaware.

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Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation Fee

Cost: $110^[1]

To form an LLC in Delaware, you must submit the Certificate of Formation to the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Unlike other states, Delaware only asks for three things in a Certificate of Formation:^[2]

• The name of the limited liability company
  
• Registered agent's name
  
• Registered office address

You can submit the Certificate of Formation online or by mail. Delaware takes around 2 to 3 weeks to process hardcopy filings.

Delaware Foreign LLC Formation Fee

Cost: $200^[1]

If your LLC is already established in a different state and you want to expand your business to Delaware, you need to register it as a foreign LLC.

Foreign LLCs in Delaware must submit a Foreign Certificate of Registration to the Delaware Division of Corporations with the filing fee.

If your foreign LLC's original name is unavailable in Delaware, you must register a trade name. This assumed name becomes your LLC's official business name only in Delaware.

Delaware LLC Business Permit and License Fee

Cost: $75^[3]

Businesses that sell goods, services, and other property in Delaware must get a state business license from the Delaware Division of Revenue. It expires every year on December 31st, but renewing online is easy.^[4]

Alternatively, you can get a three-year business license and pre-pay the next two years' fees. You'll be given one business license valid for three years.^[4]

The Delaware business license is generally sent within 10 working days. In the meantime, you can print a temporary license after registering online.^[4]

Additionally, your LLC may need to get local business permits. If your LLC does business in two cities, you may need to get a separate license for each city. The local business permit fees vary per city and could be renewable yearly.

Delaware LLC Franchise Tax

Cost: $300^[5]

Delaware LLCs don't have to file an annual report. However, there's a mandatory franchise tax each year.

All LLCs in Delaware must pay the franchise tax each year on or before June 1st. Failure to pay will result in a penalty of $200 plus 1.5% interest per month on tax and penalty.^[5]

Additionally, self-employed LLC members must pay the Delaware income tax. This ranges from 2.2% to 5.55% for income under $60,000, and 6.60% for income of $60,000 and up.^[6]

Then, you must pay the 15.3% federal self-employment tax on top of the state income tax. This tax covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.^[7]

Delaware LLC Optional Fees

While the Delaware LLC fees below are optional, some are unavoidable depending on your business needs. For example, obtaining a Certificate of Status is often necessary when opening a business bank account.

Delaware LLC Expedited Service Fee

Delaware offers expedited services to process your LLC application faster. These services are also available if you need a document processed quickly, like a Certificate of Correction or a Certificate of Amendment.

Fees vary depending on how quickly you want your forms reviewed:^[8]

• $50 to $100 - 24-hours
  
• $100 to $200 - Same day
  
• $500 - 2 hours
  
• $1,000 - 1 hour

Delaware LLC Registered Agent Service Fee

Annual Cost: $0, or $100-$300/yr

In Delaware, you must have a registered agent to receive business and legal documents for your LLC. This includes government notices, tax forms, and annual reporting forms.

You can technically be your LLC's registered agent—as long as you're at least 18 and have a physical street address in Delaware. You must also be available to receive documents during business hours.

However, your address will be public record. So many LLCs like to hire a registered agent service to keep their personal details private. These services usually charge $100-$300 per year to be your registered agent.

Alternatively, the LLC itself can be its own registered agent. Delaware is one of the few states that allows this if the business is physically located in Delaware.^[9]

Delaware LLC Change Registered Agent Fee

Cost: $50^[1]

An LLC can change its registered agent's details anytime. If this happens, you must submit a statement of change to the Delaware Division of Corporations as soon as possible. Changes include the registered agent's name and address.

Delaware LLC Operating Agreement Fee

Cost: $0, or up to $500+

LLCs in Delaware are not required to have an operating agreement. However, it's recommended because it defines important rules and regulations that all members must follow.

An LLC operating agreement contains the following:

• The roles and responsibilities of each member
  
• How new or departing members will be treated
  
• How business profits and losses will be divided

Ideally, you should already have a signed Operating Agreement before forming an LLC in Delaware. But if your LLC is already formed, you can always draft it yourself after.

Alternatively, an LLC attorney might charge you a $500 flat fee for a standard operating agreement. If you have more complex details, the cost could be higher.

Employer Identification Number

Cost: $0, or $50 to $99

Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

You can just apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website. But if you'd like an LLC service to process it for you, you can do so for a small fee. Here are some providers that do this and their pricing:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $50
  
• Bizee: $70
  
• ZenBusiness: $99

Single-member LLCs in Delaware don't require an EIN, but it's almost essential in practice. For instance, you'll need one if you hire employees or want to open a business bank account.

BOI Report

One-Time Cost: $0, or up to $149

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is a one-time report that must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 90 calendar days of your LLC's formation.^[10]

It includes information about the LLC's beneficial owners, including name, birth date, and address.

FinCEN doesn't charge a fee to submit your BOI report. But you can pay an LLC service to process it for you and save yourself the hassle:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $25
  
• LegalZoom: $149
  
• ZenBusiness: $149

You're considered a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of the ownership interests in your LLC. Or if you exercise substantial control over the LLC.

Delaware LLC Name Reservation Fee

Cost: $75^[1]

Naming your LLC in Delaware is free. It's included when you pay the Certificate of Formation filing fee. But if you're not ready to submit your Certificate of Formation, you can pay to reserve your LLC's name instead.

In Delaware, you can reserve a business name for 120 days. You can renew it for another 120 days for the same price. Don't forget to review Delaware's detailed list of naming regulations to prevent your reservation from getting rejected.

Delaware LLC DBA Fee

Cost: $25 per county^[11]

A trade name (also known as "Doing Business As" or DBA) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name registered with the state.

Some LLCs use a DBA for branding purposes. It's also ideal if you want to use a name without "LLC" at the end. Make sure the DBA you want is still available as the registration fee is non-refundable.

In Delaware, you must register a DBA in each county your LLC is doing business in.^[11]

Delaware LLC Certificate of Correction Fee

Cost: $220^[1]

After your Delaware LLC application is approved, get a copy of your Certificate of Formation and review all the details carefully.

If there are errors, like a misspelled business name or incorrect address, correct them as soon as possible by filing a Certificate of Correction.

Delaware LLC Certificate of Amendment Fee

Cost: $200 (domestic) | $220 (foreign)^[1]

Your Delaware LLC's Certificate of Formations contains specific details about your business. If these details change, you must submit the Certificate of Amendment to the Division of Corporations.

File a Certificate of Amendment if you:

• Change the name of your LLC
  
• Update LLC's business purpose
  
• Modify the management structure

Delaware LLC Certified Document Copy Fee

Cost: $50 per document + $2 per page for copies^[1]

Certified copies of documents verify that your LLC is legitimate and that its details are accurate.

You might need these for circumstances like opening a business bank account or expanding your LLC in another state.

Additionally, some LLCs keep certified copies of their initial Certificate of Formation and Certificates of Amendment (if any) for recordkeeping purposes.

Delaware LLC Certificate of Status Fee

Cost: $50 (Short-form) | $175 (Long-form)^[1]

A Certificate of Status, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is an official document provided by the Delaware Division of Corporations. It verifies that your LLC is up to date with all state filings and has paid all its state fees and taxes.

You might need a Certificate of Status to:

• Open a bank account
  
• Conduct business outside of Delaware
  
• Qualify for business insurance
  
• Apply for business loans

Alternatively, you can check the LLC's status through Delaware's online database for $10 to $20, depending on the level of detail you need.^[12]

Delaware LLC Business Website Domain Fee

Annual Fee: $10 to $20

A website domain and social media presence provide dedicated online spaces for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you aren't planning to build a business website now, you could still buy the domain name. This will prevent others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Delaware LLC Business Insurance Premiums

Cost: Varies

Businesses with one or more employees in Delaware must have workers' compensation insurance.^[13] Delaware does not have a state fund for workers' compensation, so you must self-insure or get it from a private company.

You might also be required to get other types of insurance:

• General liability insurance
  
• Commercial property insurance
  
• Professional liability insurance
  
• Cyber liability insurance

Bottom Line

In summary, the Certificate of Formation fee costs $110 in Delaware. You don't need to file an annual report, but you must pay the $300 franchise tax each year. You must also renew the state business license each year for $75.

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The total cost will increase depending on the additional services, documents, and licenses your LLC needs. Ultimately, setting aside an extra budget for unexpected fees is never a bad idea.

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