Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Delaware?
Filing it yourself, a Delaware LLC costs $110 to start (about $410 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $110 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $300/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in Delaware: $300 annual franchise tax, due June 1 ($200 late penalty + 1.5%/month interest). Typical processing: ~1–2 weeks (or expedited). Figures are estimates — verify with the Delaware Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
Delaware LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Delaware?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in Delaware is $110. The recurring cost is $300/year ($300 annual franchise tax, due June 1 ($200 late penalty + 1.5%/month interest)). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the Delaware Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in Delaware?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $110 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the Delaware Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full Delaware LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in Delaware, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.