The First State, Delaware, is becoming a popular destination for those seeking an unmatched quality of life for themselves and their family. Despite being small in size, Delaware has it all, from warm summers, beautiful east coast beaches, fantastic scenery, and awesome cities, full of diversity and excitement.
However, if you put all of these clear advantages to one side, you are left with a state possessing a stable economy, and a brilliant small business ecosystem. So, how much does it cost to register a business in Delaware? Not very much, especially when you compare these fees with other states.
So, when you are weighing up the business registration costs, with everything else Delaware has to offer, it is an attractive place to register a business and begin your entrepreneurial journey, whether that be an LLC, an Incorporated company, a partnership, a non-profit, or any other type of company.
What is the cost to register a business in Delaware?
One of the two different types of companies (most common) you may wish to form when starting and registering a business in Delaware are:
- Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Delaware Incorporated Company (Inc.)
Of course, there are other types of structures such as sole proprietorship, a limited or general partnership, and non-profit, but the most common two are the limited liability company and corporation.
When it comes to registering your company in the U.S., it is important to be aware that the registration and renewal costs differ depending on which state you decide to register in. The type of business structure you decide on will also determine the specific costs.
If you would like to pay for the services of a formation and business filing services company to register your Delaware business the right way, they can do it for an affordable fee that ensures it is done properly and all the correct documents are filed according to Delaware law. They will also take care of all the after-formation procedures so your business is compliant with Delaware law and legally registered.
How much does it cost to register a company in Delaware?
- Delaware LLC Initial Registration: $90
- Delaware Corporation Initial Registration: $89
- Delaware Non-Profit Initial Registration: $89
- Foreign LLC Initial Registration: $200
(this is so an LLC can obtain foreign qualification) - Foreign Corporation Initial Registration: $245
(this is so an Inc. can obtain foreign qualification)
The costs to register a business in Delaware noted above are the total fees you must pay but do not include several optional fees that are offered by the Delaware Division of Corporations. For example, when you open a bank account or apply for credit, some financial institutions may need a certified copy of your registration certificate.
How much does it cost to renew a company in Delaware?
Much like most other states, Delaware law requires an annual report fee to be paid in order for your business to stay active, whether that be a corporation or a non-profit corporation. LLCs however, do not require an annual report fee.
Annual Fees to renew your business in Delaware:
- Annual Fee for an LLC in Delaware: $0 (No Fee)
- Annual Fee for a Corporation in Delaware: $25 (Exempt Corporation)
- Annual Fee for a Corporation in Delaware: $50 (Non-Exempt Corporation)
- Annual Fee for an Delaware Non-Profit: $50
- Annual Fee for a Foreign LLC: $0 (No Fee)
- Annual Fee for a Foreign Corporation: $125
The above annual reporting fees for businesses are the minimum you must pay, and there are optional fees, expedited fees, and additional state fees a business entity may need to pay should you wish to make changes during the year, rather than when your annual renewal is filed.
As a business owner or soon-to-be owner of a Delaware company, you should be aware of the other various fees that are charged by the Division of Corporations.
- Articles of Amendment: $194
- Statement of Merger: $200 (LLC) $239 (Corporations)
- Articles of Dissolution (Short Form): $174 (Corporations)
- Articles of Dissolution (Statement) $200 (Corporations)
- Name Reservation: $194
- Incorporation Correction: $179
Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations Contact Information
Office of the Secretary of State
Division of Corporations
John G. Townsend Bldg.
401 Federal Street, Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EDT)
Website
Email
Here is the fee schedule for the Secretary of State Division of Corporations (downloadable PDF).
