Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
Starting an LLC in New Jersey costs $125. And it takes 1 day to get a New Jersey LLC.
Starting an LLC in NJ, step-by-step
There are 6 steps to start an LLC in New Jersey:
- Choose an LLC Name
- Select a Registered Agent
- File a Certificate of Formation/Public Records Filing
- Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your LLC
- File a Business Registration Application
If you want to form your LLC yourself, follow our free guide below.
If you want someone to take care of it for you, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?
It costs $125 to start an LLC in New Jersey.
And then it costs $75 per year.
The $125 is to file the Public Record Filing for New Business Entity – the document that creates an LLC.
The $75 per year is for your Annual Report – a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
Note: Multi-Member LLCs must also pay an additional $150 per year (per Member). This is called the Minimum Partner Tax.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in New Jersey.
How long does it take to get an LLC in New Jersey?
If you file your LLC by mail, it will be approved in 5-7 business days (plus mail time).
But if you file online, your LLC will be approved in 1 business day.
Please see How long does it take to get an LLC in New Jersey to check for any delays.
Here are the steps to forming an LLC in New Jersey
1. Search your LLC Name
Search your New Jersey LLC Name to make sure it’s available in the state.
You need to do this because two businesses in the state can’t have the same name.
First, search your business name and compare it to existing businesses in New Jersey.
Second, familiarize yourself with the naming rules in New Jersey (so your New Jersey LLC gets approved).
You can make sure the LLC Name you want is available and unique from existing businesses using the Business Name Search and Business Name Availability pages.
We’ll explain both in more detail here: New Jersey LLC Name.
2. Choose a New Jersey LLC Registered Agent
The next step is to choose a New Jersey Registered Agent.
A New Jersey LLC Registered Agent is a person or company who accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your New Jersey Limited Liability Company.
Who can be an LLC Registered Agent?
You have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent Service
The Registered Agent for your LLC must have a physical street address in New Jersey. PO Boxes aren’t allowed.
And the Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public records.
If you don’t have an address in New Jersey, or you want more privacy, you can hire a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
Kentucky Registered Agent Services must keep physical street addresses in Kentucky to meet state requirements – and our recommendation will also keep your information off public records.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent
Our favorite feature about Northwest is they’ll let you use their office address throughout your LLC filing. This way, you can keep your address off public records.
They’ll also scan any mail sent to your LLC and upload it to your online account.
Northwest has excellent customer service, and they’re who we trust to be our own Registered Agent.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
3. File New Jersey LLC Public Records Filing & Certificate of Formation
To start an LLC, you need to file a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity.
The New Jersey Public Records Filing costs $125 if you file online. (This is a one-time fee to create your LLC.)
Public Records Filings are filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services.
And when they approve your Public Records Filing, it becomes your LLC’s Certificate of Formation.
Pro Tip: Keep the Certificate of Formation nearby with your business records.You’ll need the Entity ID Number listed on your Certificate of Formation when you file your Business Registration Application. We’ll explain more in the steps below.
Note: The terms “Public Records Filing” and “Certificate of Formation” are often used interchangeably in New Jersey.
What’s the difference between LLC formation vs LLC registration in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the words “formation” and “registration” mean 2 separate things.
The “formation” step is the Public Records Filing.
And the “registration” step is the Business Registration Application.
Here’s how it works:
First, you submit a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity to form your LLC.
Once the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services approves your filing, it becomes a Certificate of Formation.
Then, you use the Entity ID Number listed on your LLC’s Certificate of Formation to fill out the Business Registration Application.
The formation approval will be a stamped and approved Certificate of Formation.
The registration approval will be a Business Registration Certificate and a Sales Tax Certificate of Authority (if applicable).
If you want to file the formation documents yourself, see our step-by-step guide: New Jersey Certificate of Formation & Public Records Filing.
Or, you can hire a company to do it for you.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
4. Create a New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement
A New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement serves as a “companion” document to the Public Records Filing.
The Public Records Filing creates your LLC, and the Operating Agreement shows who owns the LLC.
Additionally, some banks require an Operating Agreement when you open an LLC bank account.
And having an Operating Agreement will be very helpful if you ever end up in court. Reason being, it helps prove that your LLC is being run properly.
That’s why we recommend that all LLCs have an Operating Agreement – including Single-Member LLCs.
It’s also important to know that an Operating Agreement is an “internal document”. Meaning, you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Just keep a copy with your business records.
You can download a free template below.
Then, learn how to fill it out by watching our step-by-step New Jersey Operating Agreement video.
5. Get an EIN for your LLC
The next step is to get a New Jersey EIN Number from the IRS for your LLC.
Note: An EIN Number is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number.
An EIN Number is used to:
- file your Business Registration Application
- identify your LLC for tax purposes
- open a business bank account
- apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost?
Getting an EIN Number from the IRS is completely free.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, it takes 15 minutes.
If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
How can I get an EIN?
US Citizens/US Residents: If you have an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
Non-US Residents: You can’t get an EIN online, but you can still get one by fax or by mail. Follow these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
6. File a Business Registration Application
All New Jersey LLCs must register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation within 60 days of LLC approval.
You’ll do this by filing the Business Registration Application with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
How much does a New Jersey Business Registration Application cost?
There is no fee to file the Business Registration Application.
How do I register a New Jersey LLC?
You can register a New Jersey LLC by filing the Business Registration Application (or NJ-REG). This form can be filed online or by mail.
We recommend filing online because it’s easier and the approval time is faster.
When do I register a New Jersey LLC?
You must register your LLC at least 15 days before engaging in any business activity, and within 60 days of LLC approval.
You must also register your LLC after your LLC formation is approved and you’ve gotten an EIN from the IRS.
This is because you need your LLC’s Entity ID number and EIN number to complete the Business Registration Application.
For step-by-step instructions see: New Jersey LLC Registration.
What do I do after my LLC is approved?
After your New Jersey LLC is approved, there are some additional steps.
Open an LLC business bank account
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC.
This makes accounting and record-keeping much easier for your business finances.
Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection. This is because it keeps your business finances separate from your personal finances.
Get New Jersey business licenses and permits
Good news, New Jersey doesn’t have a state general business license.
However, depending on where your LLC is located, you may need a local business license or permit.
For example, if you want to start a daycare, you may need a business license from the city or county.
You can learn more on our New Jersey Business License page.
File your New Jersey LLC Annual Report
All New Jersey LLCs must file an Annual Report every year.
This filing keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does a New Jersey LLC Annual Report cost?
The Annual Report filing fee is $75 per year.
When is the New Jersey Annual Report due?
The Annual Report is due every year by your LLC’s anniversary date. And your LLC anniversary date is the date your LLC was approved by the state.
For example, if your LLC was approved on October 10, 2024, your Annual Report will be due by October 10, every year.
When is my first Annual Report due?
Your first Annual Report is due the year after your LLC was approved.
For example, if your LLC was approved on October 15, 2024, your first Annual Report is due by October 15, 2025.
How do I file my LLC Annual Report?
You can only file your LLC’s Annual Report online in New Jersey. There is no option to file by mail.
When you’re ready, you can read more about the New Jersey LLC Annual Report and follow our step-by-step guide.
File and pay taxes
LLCs don’t pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members pay the taxes for the LLC.
Said another way, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as a part of their personal tax return.
How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, a New Jersey LLC is taxed by the IRS based on the number of owners your LLC has:
- A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
- A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can ask the IRS to tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Besides federal taxes, there are also state and local income taxes – and sales tax. Learn more in New Jersey LLC Taxes.
How to Start an LLC in New Jersey FAQs
Can I start an LLC online in New Jersey?
Yes, you can file your LLC online in New Jersey. The Public Records filing fee is $125.
When you start your LLC online, it will be approved in 1 business day.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
The first benefit of an LLC is protecting your personal assets. Meaning, if your business is sued, your personal assets – like your home, cars, and bank accounts – are protected.
This protection applies to all LLC owners (called LLC Members). It doesn’t matter if you have a Single-Member LLC or Multi-Member LLC. All of the LLC owners are protected from the business debts and liabilities.
This type of protection wouldn’t apply if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. With these types of informal business structures, the owners aren’t protected in the event of a lawsuit. For that reason, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a much more popular business structure.
Another benefit is LLC pass-through taxation. This means the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, the profits “pass through” to the LLC Members. And the Members pay the taxes on their personal tax return.
And New Jersey state income taxes are very similar, since the state honors the federal tax treatment of your LLC.
To learn more, please see How are LLCs taxed.
Is New Jersey a good state to start an LLC?
Whether New Jersey is a good state to start an LLC depends on where you live – and where you’re doing business.
Meaning, if you live in or do business in New Jersey, then you should start your LLC in New Jersey. While many websites talk about tax rates and advantages of certain states, none of that applies if it’s not the state where you live and do business.
For example, if you form an LLC in Delaware, but live in and conduct business in New Jersey, you’ll also need to register your Delaware LLC in New Jersey (and pay extra fees). And you’ll end up paying New Jersey taxes anyway. This ends up leading to more costs and more headaches with no advantages.
In summary, if you live in and conduct business in New Jersey, then yes, New Jersey is a good state to start a business. If you don’t live in and do business in New Jersey, then no, New Jersey isn’t a good state to start a business.
Real estate exception: If you’re purchasing real estate outside of New Jersey, you should form your LLC in the state where the property is located.
For more information, please see Best State to Form an LLC.
What is the difference between a Domestic LLC, a Foreign LLC, and a PLLC?
The main differences between Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs are where they are formed and their business purpose.
A Domestic Limited Liability Company is an LLC that is formed in its “home state”, meaning, where the business owner lives and does business.
For example, if you live in and do business in New Jersey, you would form your Domestic LLC in New Jersey.
A Foreign Limited Liability Company is an LLC that is formed in a state that isn’t its home state. In this case, the term “foreign” simply means that the LLC is foreign to its “home state”.
For example, if you live in and do business in New Jersey, you would form your Domestic LLC in New Jersey. If you later expand into New York, you would register your existing New Jersey LLC as a Foreign LLC in New York.
Said another way, LLCs are created at the state-level.
And if you want your LLC to do business in two separate states, you have to form or register an LLC in both states.
This works by forming a Domestic LLC in your home state, and a Foreign LLC in the other state. For more information on Foreign and Domestic LLCs, please see:
What is a PLLC?
A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is a type of LLC formed for the purpose of providing “professional services”.
In this case, “professional” refers to business types that require special permissions (like a license, registration, or certification from the state) in order to do business legally.
For example, architects, attorneys, and social work counselors, doctors, and veterinarians often form their business practices as PLLCs.
You can read more about PLLCs, their availability, and their stricter requirements in: What’s a Professional LLC?
New Jersey State Agency Contact Information
The Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services, and the Division of Taxation are both subdivisions of the New Jersey Department of Treasury.
The New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services is responsible for the formation and registration of LLCs in the state.
The New Jersey Division of Taxation is responsible for New Jersey tax filings.
New Jersey Department of Treasury
Website
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New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
Website
Phone: 609-292-9292
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm Eastern
New Jersey Division of Taxation
Website
Phone: 609-292-6400
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 10am to 5:30pm on Wednesdays
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
New Jersey LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See New Jersey LLC
I’m thinking of starting a LLc for uber, does my vehicle have to be registered under the LLc name and do I need a commercial insurance policy?
Hi Lou, while I don’t know the full answer here (as far as liability protections), I have a hunch that forming an LLC for Uber is not as straight-forward as many of the websites and videos make it seem (most of these people just want you to hire them to form an LLC).
Meaning, even if you formed an LLC (and transferred title to the LLC), you as the driver can still be help personally responsible for damages. You’d also need to look carefully at the agreement you signed with Uber. Meaning, there could be all types of insurance stipulations and/or rights you’ve waived. Additionally, New Jersey has a dangerous instrument doctrine. And vehicles are considered a “dangerous instrument”. So even if a vehicle is owned by an LLC, the driver can be held personally responsible for their actions. Plus… think of it this way… if one could just form an LLC and then not be held responsible for their driving actions, things would be chaotic.
Speaking more generally, if you transfer title of your car to your LLC, you can often keep your current policy and add the LLC as an additionally insured. Meaning, a commercial policy may not be needed. But again, that whole point may be moot.
Before I can apply for my LLC, I will need address, phone number, email?
Hi Andrea, yes, correct. There are a couple addresses needed in the NJ LLC Public Records Filing, once of which is the New Jersey Registered Agent address.
What if I got my ein # before I filed as an LLC?
Can I no longer do an LLC?
My end goal is to be a single member LLC filing as an S-corp in NJ.
Thank you! Meg
Hi Meg, you can still form an LLC. You’ll just want an EIN for the LLC itself. If the prior EIN was obtained by mistake, you can cancel it: How to cancel an EIN. After the IRS issues an EIN for your LLC, you can then elect to have your LLC taxed as a S-Corporation with the IRS. Then you’ll file CBT-2553 with NJ Division of Taxation. Please see New Jersey LLC taxes for more information. Hope that helps.
Hi
I just recently received the due to pay my annual LLC fee. But I missed placed the bill. I would like to know if I can online and find out the due date and the fee amount?
Hey William, actually, all New Jersey LLC Annual Reports have to be filed online. It’s due every year by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month (the month your LLC was approved). You can find your LLC’s anniversary month by doing a New Jersey LLC name search. We also have instructions for the annual report here: New Jersey LLC Annual Report. Hope that helps.
I need to add one or two members to my LLC – to ensure continued operation of the company since I am old. I have two prospective new members but still working with other entities. Do they need to join the company (my LLC) right away? Or can they own part of the company – and join me later?
I do not need the new members to contribute anything for now – will that be a problem?
Hey Leo, I’m not sure what you mean. “Joining the LLC” and “becoming a member” usually mean the same thing. Technically, someone could “join” as an LLC Manager, or employee, independent contractor, etc. But the way things are phrased, it’s a bit confusing as to what you’re trying to do. Can you try rephrasing it? It’s also best practice to discuss something like this with an attorney. There is likely a more holistic picture that would be better to look at. Hope that helps.
Hi Matt.
I am a Filipino citizen and resident of the Philippines. I am forming a US LImited Liability Company in order to sell on Amazon’s US platform. I was wondering if you could suggest a state where I should form considering all the tax implication of the different states. Thanks.
Hi Bernie, you’d need to discuss this with an accountant. Thanks for understanding.
After forming llc, do you need some type of insurance and how about workerscomp?
Hi Pablo, if you have employees in New Jersey, then yes, you’ll need to meet all the employer requirements in the state. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is the best place to start. Hope that helps.