Form an LLC in Delaware.
Filing an LLC in Delaware costs $110 for the Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($99/yr) and the Year-1 annual obligations, a typical first-year cost lands near $509. Ongoing cost runs about $399/year.
Run the numbers for Delaware.
Estimates only. Verify with the Delaware Secretary of State before paying. Not legal advice.
Delaware LLC fees, line by line
| Component | Cost / Rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $110 | One-time charge to register the LLC with the state. |
| Annual report | None | This state does not require an LLC annual report. |
| DE Franchise Tax (flat) | $300 / year | Minimum due regardless of revenue. Most states with a franchise tax scale it with revenue or capital above this floor. |
| Registered agent | Required | Every state requires a registered agent. You can be your own RA in your home state at no cost; commercial services run $35–$300/yr. |
| Expedited filing | Available | Typical add-on $50–$100 for 1–3 day turnaround. |
DE Franchise Tax (flat) in Delaware
Delaware charges a minimum de franchise tax (flat) of $300/year regardless of revenue. This is a recurring annual cost — often larger than the one-time filing fee — so factor it into your decision before forming in Delaware.
Should you form in this state if you don't live here?
For most operators, the answer is no. An LLC pays state income tax wherever it operates, not where it's formed. Forming in Delaware while doing business in another state means paying both states' fees plus a foreign-qualification fee in your operating state. Real reasons to form in a non-home state: pure IP holdcos, real estate holdcos in the property state, asset-protection structures, or non-US residents with no US nexus. Full breakdown of when forming out-of-state pays off →
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Compare Delaware with other states
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