Updated September 2, 2024

How Much Does an LLC Cost in New Jersey

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From the $125 filing fee to a range of other expenses, read on to ensure you're financially prepared before launching an LLC in the Garden State.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?
Here are the following fees to consider:

You might have been told you'll only need $125 to start an LLC in New Jersey. However, that's just the beginning of a long list of expenses you should plan for.

Yearly costs include $75 for the annual report fee and $150 for the minimum partnership fee (if applicable). Recurring expenses may consist of registered agent fees, website domain fees, and insurance premiums.

Find out how much you'll have to fork over to get an LLC up and running in New Jersey.

How familiar are you with the annual costs of maintaining a New Jersey LLC after the initial setup?

Can you start an LLC in New Jersey for free?
All LLCs in New Jersey must pay the LLC formation filing fee. This costs $125 for domestic and foreign LLCs.

New Jersey Domestic LLC Formation Fee

Cost: $125[1]

In New Jersey, the Certificate of Formation filing fee is paid to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Once the application is approved, your LLC will be recognized as legally separate from you.

A Certificate of Formation includes essential details about the LLC. They are: LLC's name, address, purpose, duration, and registered agent information.

You can expedite the process if you submit your New Jersey LLC Certificate of Formation in person or via fax. Rates vary based on the speed of processing:

  • $25 - Within 8.5 business hours
  • $50 - Same-day service
  • $500 - Within 2 hours
  • $1,000 - Within 1 hour

Consider filing your New Jersey LLC Certificate of Formation online. It has a much faster approval time (2 days) than filing by mail (up to 9 weeks).

New Jersey Foreign LLC Formation Fee

Cost: $125

If your LLC is already established in a different state and you want to expand your business to New Jersey, it must be registered as a foreign LLC. The LLC formation fee is also $125.

Foreign LLCs offering licensed professional services in New Jersey must first get state licenses and permits. Every member of your Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) has to maintain an active professional license in good standing.

Can I create a series LLC in New Jersey?
Series LLCs are not legally recognized in New Jersey. If your LLC in another state is a series LLC, you'll need to create a separate foreign LLC in New Jersey. This involves filing a Certificate of Authorization.

New Jersey LLC Annual Report Fee

Cost: $75[1]

New Jersey LLCs are required to file an annual report to stay in good standing with the state. This keeps your LLC's basic information current, including your registered agent, address, and members' names.

The Annual Report is due on the last day of the month of your LLC's anniversary.[2] If your LLC was formed on February 18, your LLC's annual report is due every year by February 28.

Late submission of annual report in New Jersey
There is no penalty if you file the Annual Report late. However, the Secretary of State can revoke your LLC. If this happens, you will need to pay a $75 filing fee for the Application for Reinstatement.[3]

New Jersey LLC Minimum Partnership Fee

Cost: $150[4]

If your New Jersey LLC has 2 or more members, you need to pay the minimum partnership fee. This costs $150 per member. This fee is used to help the state fund various services and infrastructure that benefit businesses and residents.

LLCs are not subject to the same level of taxation as corporations. The minimum partnership fee ensures that LLCs classified as partnerships still contribute to the state's budget.

New Jersey Business Permits and Licenses

Cost: $0 - $500+

New Jersey has no general statewide license. However, local licenses are often required. Newark has a $250 license fee for retail shops.[5] In Atlantic City, there's a $200 license fee for all businesses operating inside city limits.

Depending on your LLC's industry and location, you might need to get additional business licenses and permits. Check the New Jersey business site to check what registrations, licenses, and permits your LLC needs.

New Jersey Business Taxes

Cost: 1.4% - 10.75%

By default, LLCs in New Jersey are treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes. This means profits and losses are passed directly to members and reported on their personal tax returns.

In addition to state taxes, some New Jersey cities and counties levy their own business taxes. For example, Jersey City and Newark impose a 1% payroll tax.[6][7] The local government can also apply special taxes in certain areas, like the 9% Atlantic City Luxury Tax on specific beverages, entertainment, and room rentals.[8]

Don't forget to submit the Employer Registration Form to the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services within 60 days of forming your LLC. It's a necessary step so your LLC can get a 12-digit state tax ID. Even if your LLC isn't required to pay state taxes, you still need to register with the New Jersey Revenue Department.

Do I need to renew my NJ LLC's Employer Registration Form?
New Jersey does not charge a fee for the Employer Registration Form. The submitted form does not expire, so renewing is unnecessary.

Optional Fees for LLCs in New Jersey

While the LLC fees in New Jersey below are optional, you may need to pay for some of them depending on your business needs. For example, obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is often necessary when opening a business bank account.

As you plan your budget for your new NJ LLC, remember to account for these potential additional expenses:

New Jersey LLC Optional FeesCost
New Jersey LLC Expedited Services Fee$25 - $1,000
New Jersey LLC Registered Agent Feeup to $400
New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement Feeup to $1,000
New Jersey Employer Identification Number (EIN)FREE
New Jersey LLC Name Reservation Fee$50[1]
New Jersey LLC Registration of Alternate Name Fee$50[9]
New Jersey LLC Certificate of Correction Fee$100[1]
New Jersey LLC Certificate of Amendment Fee$100
New Jersey LLC Certificate of Change Fee$25
New Jersey LLC Standing Certificate Fee$50 or $100[10]
New Jersey LLC Certified Copy of Document Fee$25[1]
New Jersey Business Website Domain Fee$20 - $30
New Jersey Business Insurance Premiumvaries

Were you aware of extra fees for NJ LLCs beyond the standard filing fee before this article?

New Jersey LLC Registered Agent Fee

Cost: up to $400

A registered agent's main responsibility is to receive important legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You or a trusted person can be a registered agent as long as the following requirements are met:

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Have a physical address in New Jersey.
  • Available to receive legal documents during regular business hours.

Keep in mind that you will need to include the full name and address of your LLC's registered agent when you file the Certificate of Formation. It's a good idea to hire a registered agent service if you want to keep your address off public records.

Curious to know how much it costs to maintain an LLC in New Jersey? Use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses.

Minimum Annual LLC Expenses

Do I need to get my registered agent's consent before appointing them in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there is no requirement for your initial or new registered agent to consent to their appointment officially.

New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement Fee

Cost: up to $1,000

An operating agreement is a legal document that details the operating procedures of the LLC. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of the members or managers. Its purpose is to help solve any business disputes that may arise later on.

The costs associated with the operating agreement come in the drafting of the document. You can create an operating agreement for free by using templates online. Alternatively, it could cost upwards of $1,000 if you hire an attorney.

New Jersey LLCs with no operating agreement
If you don't create an operating agreement, you'll have to follow New Jersey's default legal provisions for LLCs. For instance, in a New Jersey LLC without this agreement, all members are assumed to share profits and debts equally.

New Jersey Employer Identification Number

Cost: FREE

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify your LLC for tax-related purposes.

Single-member LLCs in New Jersey are not required to have an EIN. However, you might still need it if you want to hire employees or open a business bank account.

Open a bank account for your New Jersey LLC.
Avoid using your personal bank account for LLC transactions. This way, you don't have personal liability on debts incurred by the LLC.

New Jersey LLC Name Reservation Fee

Cost: $50

Before registering a business in New Jersey, you need to verify if your chosen business name is available. This process is free of charge. If your desired business name is not yet taken, you can go ahead and write it in your Certificate of Formation.

If you're not ready to file the Certificate of Formation but want to secure your desired name, you can pay for a name reservation. This reservation holds this name for 120 days.

Check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website yet, you may want to buy the URL to prevent others from acquiring it.

New Jersey LLC Alternate Name Fee

Cost: $50

You can use an alternate name instead of your LLC's legal name when conducting business. This is ideal if you want to use a brand name more suitable for your target market.

An alternate name for businesses in New Jersey is valid for up to 5 years. You will need to renew it for $50 to retain your LLC's trade name.

New Jersey LLC Certificate of Correction Fee

Cost: $100

After your New Jersey LLC application is approved, your next focus should be on maintaining its good standing over the long term.

Get a copy of the approved Articles of Organization and review all the details carefully. If there are errors, like a misspelled business name or incorrect address, rectify them as soon as possible by filing a Certificate of Correction.

New Jersey LLC Certificate of Amendment Fee

Cost: $100

Your New Jersey LLC's Articles of Organization contain specific details about your business. Should these details change, you must submit a Certificate of Amendment to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury's Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

File a Certificate of Amendment if you:

  • Add, remove, or change an LLC member or manager.
  • Update your LLC's business address.
  • Modify your LLC's stated business activities.

What's the difference between a Certificate of Correction and a Certificate of Amendment?
A Certificate of Correction is for fixing mistakes in initial filings. Meanwhile, a Certificate of Amendment is for updating or changing key details as the LLC evolves.

New Jersey LLC Certificate of Change Fee

Cost: $25

You must file a Certificate of Change if you want to update your LLC's registered agent name or address. But if you want to save on cost, you can submit the updated details when you file your annual report.

What's the difference between a Certificate of Amendment and a Certificate of Change?
A Certificate of Amendment is used to change the business name, business purpose, and other details. The Certificate of Change is only for changes regarding the registered agent.

New Jersey LLC Standing Certificate Fee

Cost: $50 or $100

A New Jersey Standing Certificate lets others know that your LLC complies with state law. You might need it if you're applying for a loan or are expanding your business to another state.

There are two types you can obtain from the state:

  • $50 for a short-form LLC Standing Certificate
  • $100 for a long-form LLC Standing Certificate

The short form standing certificate is a brief document that confirms the existence of your LLC and its status concerning state requirements.

The long form standing certificate is more detailed. It might include the company's complete filing history, amendments, and other legal and operational information.

New Jersey LLC Certified Document Copy Fee

Cost: $25

Certified Copies of New Jersey business documents obtained from the state validate that the documents are true and correct.

You often need these certified copies of your LLC's documents to open new bank accounts, apply for loans, or demonstrate to investors that your LLC is legitimate and properly managed.

Expedited services for certified copy of document
You can pay $50 for expedited processing if you want to get your document sooner.

New Jersey Business Website Domain Fee

Cost: $20 - $30

A website domain provides a dedicated online space for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you're planning to wait to build a business website, it's a good idea to buy the domain name at least. This prevents others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Beware of website domain squatters.
Domain squatters often monitor newly registered LLC names. They purchase corresponding website domains and then resell them at significantly higher prices.

New Jersey Business Insurance Premium

Cost: varies

If your LLC in New Jersey has at least one employee, state law mandates you get workers' compensation insurance.[11] Failure to have this insurance can lead to fines or your business being shut down.

The cost of this insurance depends on factors like the number of employees, the risk level of your industry, and your past insurance claims. For instance, a large-scale industrial manufacturer typically incurs higher insurance premiums compared to a smaller graphic design studio.

Is It Worth Forming an LLC in New Jersey?

It could be worth forming an LLC in New Jersey because of its strategic location. You'll be near a major port, with easy access to warehousing and shipping companies.

In other words, you could enjoy faster shipping times and potentially lower transportation costs, which is especially important for LLCs that import or export.

However, your annual expenses can easily accumulate. After all, the local business permits, licenses, and state taxes in New Jersey are not the cheapest. If your LLC has two members, you must also pay a minimum partnership fee of $150 per member.

What financial aspect concerns you most when forming an LLC in New Jersey?

Should I Hire LLC Formation Services?

It's a good idea to hire LLC formation services if you've never formed an LLC before. They handle all the paperwork and help you avoid costly mistakes.

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars either. The cheapest LLC filing services can help you start an LLC for free.

Bottom Line

New Jersey's diverse economy and proximity to New York City make it a prime location for new businesses. If you have a brilliant business idea and are eager to begin, you're doing the right thing by understanding the actual costs before moving forward.

In summary, the Certificate of Formation filing fee for an LLC in New Jersey costs $125, and the annual report is $75. Multi-member LLCs will also need to pay the $150 minimum partnership fee per member.

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

LLC Cost by State

References

  1. ^ State of New Jersey. Registry Fee Schedules, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  2. ^ Business.NJ.gov. File Your Annual Report, Retrieved 01/16/2024
  3. ^ State of New Jersey. Reinstatement Fees, Retrieved 01/16/2024
  4. ^ State of New Jersey. Partnership Filing Fee and Nonresident Partner Tax, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  5. ^ City of Newark. Business License, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  6. ^ City of Jersey City. Payroll Tax, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  7. ^ City of Newark. Payroll Tax Forms, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  8. ^ State of New Jersey. Atlantic City Luxury Tax, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  9. ^ State of New Jersey. Alternate Name, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  10. ^ State of New Jersey. Standing Certificates, Retrieved 1/03/2024
  11. ^ State of New Jersey. Workers' Compensation: Requirements for Employers, Retrieved 01/16/2024

Nicole King is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Nicole King at nicole.king@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.


How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC?

Forming an LLC can be the next step for your business. But how much will it cost? Read on to learn about the different LLC formation fees.
What financial aspect concerns you most when forming an LLC in New Jersey?
92% Initial filing fee ($125)
8% Potential legal and professional fees
Source: CreditDonkey
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