LLC Cost New Jersey

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in New Jersey will require you to pay at least $125 for your Certificate of Formation to be submitted with the state.

However, the total startup costs of a New Jersey LLC can vary significantly depending on your specific business needs and preferences.

In this comprehensive LLC Cost New Jersey guide, we’ll explore all the key costs associated with starting and maintaining an LLC in New Jersey — helping you to understand the financial commitments you’ll encounter as you establish your business.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does a New Jersey LLC Cost

Here’s a quick overview of the key costs associated with forming an LLC in New Jersey.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Certificate of Formation	$125+
Registered Agent	$0-$130+
LLC Name	$0-$100

New Jersey LLC Filing Fee ($125+)

The most fundamental expense in forming a New Jersey LLC is the $125 filing fee you’ll need to pay in order to submit your Certificate of Formation to the New Jersey Division of Revenue.

If you opt to use an LLC formation service, your startup costs will be slightly higher than this as your total costs will also include a small service fee in addition to the state’s base filing fee.

Formation services generally cost around $29, though they can be significantly more expensive depending on the provider you choose. 

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024. 

New Jersey Registered Agent ($0-$130+)

Every LLC in New Jersey is required to appoint a registered agent that’s responsible for receiving legal and tax documents on their business’s behalf.

While you can perform the role of a registered agent yourself at no additional cost, many business owners prefer to hire a professional service instead in order to avoid any potential compliance issues.

The cost of professional registered agent services typically ranges between $130 and $300 annually, though you’ll receive a number of additional benefits in return for this extra cost.

One of the biggest advantages of these services is that it keeps your personal information private. This is because your registered agent’s details will be made publicly accessible once filed with the state, and not yours. 

New Jersey LLC Name ($0-$100)

Selecting a unique name for your LLC is a crucial part of the overall formation process.

Although registering a name itself typically doesn’t incur any cost, there are other related expenses you need to be aware of.

Reserving a Name

If you have a specific name in mind for your LLC but aren’t yet ready to file the Certificate of Formation, you can reserve a business name for up to 120 days by filing an application with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. 

This reservation can be done online or by mail for a fee of $50 and will ensure that your desired business name is protected from being used by others until you’re ready to form your LLC.

It’s a good idea at this point to verify that the name you want to use is actually available by performing a Business Entity Name Search on the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website.

You should also verify that the prospective name corresponds to an available domain, as this can go a long way in ensuring consistency between your LLC’s name and its online presence.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your business under a different name from the one officially registered, you will need to file for a Doing Business As (DBA) name — which is also referred to as an “alternate name” in New Jersey.

The process involves filing a Registration of Alternate Name with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and paying a $50 filing fee.

Note: DBA names are valid for five years, after which they must be renewed for a fee of $50.

Optional New Jersey LLC Formation Costs

In addition to the mandatory costs discussed above, there are additional expenses that your business may face.

We’ve explored these potential costs in greater detail below.

New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement

Despite not being a legal requirement in New Jersey, drafting an operating agreement is highly recommended for all LLCs

This internal document outlines the roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures of the LLC’s members or managers — which can be helpful in preventing disputes among members, as well as ensuring smooth business operations.

You can make use of templates and other resources online to create an operating agreement by yourself at no cost. Alternatively, you can hire a professional service or attorney to draft the agreement — which could cost several hundred dollars depending on the provider you select.

It’s important to note that the operating agreement is not filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State as it’s only meant to be kept as an internal document for your LLC’s records.

Expedited New Jersey LLC Filing 

The standard processing time for LLC filings in New Jersey is one to two business days for online submissions and up to 15 business days for paper submissions.

However, if you need to form their LLC more quickly, New Jersey also offers three different expedited filing services:

• Same-day service: Fax filings only ($50)
• Two-hour service: In-person filings only ($500)
• One-hour service: In-person filings only ($1,000)

Note: These fees apply equally to both domestic and foreign LLCs.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your business’s activities and location, you may need to obtain one or more local business licenses to operate legally in New Jersey.

Licensing requirements vary widely by municipality and industry. For example, the city of Newark regulates over 30 different types of business activities with licenses that can range from $10 to $1,500.

To determine the specific licensing requirements and fees for your business, you should contact your local county clerk’s office.

New Jersey Standing Certificate

A New Jersey Standing Certificate is often required to open a business bank account or secure financing as it verifies that your LLC is both properly registered and in good standing with the state.

You can obtain a Standing Certificate through the New Jersey Division of Revenue’s Business Records Service by requesting one of the following available certificates:

• Short Form Standing Certificate: $50
• Long Form Standing Certificate: $100

The short form provides basic information, while the long form includes more detailed data about your LLC’s registration and compliance status.

Note: For more information about what appears on these documents, refer to the Public Records Guide.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain a New Jersey LLC

In New Jersey, there are several ongoing costs you must be aware of to remain in compliance with state laws.

We’ve covered these ongoing costs in greater detail below.

Annual Report

Every LLC in New Jersey is required to file an annual report with the Department of the Treasury and pay a $75 filing fee.

The purpose of this report is to keep the state records updated on your business’s important information, such as its current address, registered agent, and management structure.

You’ll need to file this annual report by the end of the month in which your LLC was initially formed by submitting it through the New Jersey Annual Reports and Change Services online portal.

It’s important to note that the responsibility to file the annual report lies with the LLC, even if you do not receive a reminder from the state.

Note: Failure to file the report on time can result in penalties, including fines and the revocation of your LLC’s good standing status.

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you have chosen to hire a professional registered agent service, you are required to continually pay an annual fee if you want to maintain their services.

The annual cost of these services typically ranges from around $120 to $300 per year, depending on the provider and the features that you decide to go with.

While it’s not mandatory to use a professional registered agent, it’s highly recommended — especially for small business owners who may not have a permanent physical address or who wish to keep their personal information private.

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC New Jersey Guide (DIY Approach)

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New Jersey LLC vs Other States

When considering where to form an LLC, New Jersey offers a relatively average initial filing fee of $125. However, its ongoing costs, including the $75 annual report fee, are higher than those in many other states.

Regardless, you should note that the best state for forming your LLC will depend on where you plan to conduct the majority of your business. 

This is because this makes it much easier to comply with state laws, taxes, and licensing requirements.