How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in New Jersey?

New Jersey LLC Online Filing Fee: $125

The main cost to start an LLC is the $125 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Formation online with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

New Jersey Annual Report Fee: $75

New Jersey requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services.

You can submit this form through the New Jersey Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services website. It is due by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed.

Registered Agent Fee

In New Jersey you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about New Jersey Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in New Jersey

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into New Jersey, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in New Jersey.

The cost for registering a New Jersey foreign LLC is $125. You can register a foreign LLC in New Jersey by filing a Certificate of Authorization.

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in New Jersey. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a New Jersey business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing Form UNRR-1 and paying the $50 filing fee.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File the Registration of Alternate Name (Form C-150G) and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your New Jersey business documents by ordering through the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services and paying $50 plus $0.10 for each page.

Certificate of Standing:
Also known as a New Jersey certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services and paying the $50 fee. A certificate of standing is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Six Basic Steps to Start an LLC in New Jersey

Step 1: Name Your New Jersey LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File a Certificate of Formation
Step 4: Register Your Business
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 6: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your New Jersey LLC

When you name your New Jersey LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of New Jersey
2. Meets New Jersey naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in New Jersey guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in New Jersey.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in New Jersey must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your New Jersey registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in New Jersey
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation

The New Jersey Certificate of Formation is a document that is filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services to form an LLC. The fee for filing a Certificate of Formation is $125 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Formation, visit our How to File the New Jersey Certificate of Formation guide.

Step 4: Register Your Business

All LLCs in New Jersey are required to register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for business entity and tax filings within 60 days of LLC formation.

This will ensure your business receives a New Jersey tax identification number, allowing you to receive all proper returns and notices. You can do this either online or by mail.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for New Jersey LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our New Jersey LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 6: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees