A New Jersey LLC is formed by filing the Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. After formation, you'll maintain compliance through annual filings.
New Jersey keeps ongoing costs predictable with clear fee structures and straightforward requirements. The state updates requirements occasionally, so it's worth checking the official fee schedule before filing.
Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll pay, how long each method takes, and your online options:
The $125 base fee stays the same whether you file online or by mail, and the only difference is timing. Online filings typically process in 1-3 business days through the state's online portal, while mailed paperwork can take up to two weeks, including mail transit time.
Racing against a deadline? New Jersey's expedited service can dramatically cut your wait time, but only for documents submitted in person or by fax. The expedited service adds $25 for processing within 8.5 business hours, bringing your total to $150.
The expedited option requires submission by 12:30 PM on business days for same-day processing. Miss this cut-off, and the clock starts the next business day, so plan accordingly.
New Jersey's numbers make a strong case for itself. The $125 Certificate of Formation fee looks competitive when compared to neighboring states:
Every neighboring state either charges more upfront or has higher ongoing costs.
The savings continue after formation. New Jersey's annual report costs $75 yearly, placing it in the middle range for the region. New York's ongoing publication requirement can cost hundreds annually, Delaware's $300 franchise tax persists throughout your business's life, and Connecticut's $80 annual fee adds up over time.
From a national perspective, New Jersey remains competitive. Most states charge between $100-$150 for initial filings, making New Jersey's $125 fee close to the national average. Annual reports nationwide usually range from $50-$100, putting New Jersey's $75 fee in the typical range.
New Jersey also has no publication requirement, an expense that can cost hundreds in states like New York or Arizona. With straightforward $125 filing, reasonable $75 annual reports, and optional expedited processing, New Jersey offers one of the more predictable environments for entrepreneurs who'd rather invest in growth than paperwork.
Beyond basic formation costs, several optional and situational expenses might pop up as your business evolves. Knowing these potential fees helps you plan better and avoid surprises that can lead to that overwhelming feeling of compliance uncertainty.
New Jersey's compliance requirements seem straightforward, but tracking deadlines and managing multiple entity obligations creates complexity. Discern eliminates this uncertainty. Our platform centralizes your entity data, pre-fills New Jersey forms automatically, and manages compliance deadlines across all your business entities.
Check out a Discern demo today to learn more about our comprehensive solutions.
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