Delaware LLC Formation

Form Your Delaware LLC

Choose the #1 state for business formation with the expert Court of Chancery, strong privacy protections, and investor-friendly business laws

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Delaware state flag

Filed in Delaware

The First State · DE

Available
  • State filing fee$110
  • Processing time2-3 weeks standard (expedite available)
  • Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
  • Annual report$300 — due June 1st annually
  • State tax rate8.7% corporate income tax
  • Expedited optionSame day (+$100)
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Form your Delaware LLC — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.

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What's included

Everything to launch your Delaware LLC

Free formation means you pay only the $110 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.

Certificate of Formation filing

We prepare and submit your Certificate of Formation to the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Registered agent

Required in Delaware — we act as your agent for the first year.

EIN from the IRS

Your federal Tax ID — required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.

Operating agreement

Professionally drafted operating agreement — defines ownership, voting, and profit splits.

Why Delaware?

Benefits of forming an LLC in Delaware

Delaware is widely considered the gold standard for business formation. The state's Court of Chancery, flexible business laws, and strong privacy protections make it the top choice for businesses seeking credibility and investor-friendly structures. Over 1.5 million businesses are registered in Delaware.

Most business-friendly court system in the US (Court of Chancery)

Strong privacy protections - members not listed in public filings

No sales tax in Delaware

No state income tax on LLCs that do not operate in Delaware

Flexible and well-established business law framework

Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware

Key features of a Delaware LLC

  • Court of Chancery provides expert business dispute resolution
  • Members not required to be listed in public filings (privacy)
  • No sales tax and no income tax for out-of-state operations
  • Preferred state for venture capital and investors

Major industries in Delaware

Financial ServicesCorporate GovernancePharmaceuticalsAgricultureHealthcareTechnology
How it works

Form your Delaware LLC in 6 steps

We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes 2-3 weeks standard (expedite available).

  1. 01

    Choose Your LLC Name

    Your name must include 'Limited Liability Company,' 'LLC,' or 'L.L.C.' Search the Delaware Division of Corporations database to confirm availability.

  2. 02

    Appoint a Registered Agent

    Delaware requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state. Many LLC owners use a registered agent service since they may not reside in Delaware.

  3. 03

    File Certificate of Formation

    Submit your Certificate of Formation to the Delaware Division of Corporations. The filing fee is $110. Same-day filing is available for an additional fee.

  4. 04

    Create an LLC Agreement

    Delaware strongly recommends an LLC Agreement (Operating Agreement). It defines the governance structure and is essential for multi-member LLCs.

  5. 05

    Obtain an EIN

    Apply for a free EIN from the IRS for tax purposes, banking, and hiring employees.

  6. 06

    Pay Annual Franchise Tax

    Delaware LLCs must pay a $300 annual franchise tax by June 1st each year. This is a flat fee regardless of revenue.

Costs & filing details

Delaware LLC costs at a glance

Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.

ItemAmount / Detail
State filing fee$110
Kicker formation feeFree (paid plan from $100)
Processing time2-3 weeks standard (expedite available)
Annual report$300 — due June 1st annually
Franchise tax$300 annual franchise tax for LLCs
State tax rate8.7% corporate income tax
EIN (federal Tax ID)Free from IRS
Expedited filingSame day (+$100)
Requirements

Delaware LLC requirements checklist

Everything you need to form and maintain a Delaware LLC in 2026.

Formation checklist
  • File Certificate of Formation with Delaware Division of Corporations
  • Appoint a registered agent with a physical Delaware address
  • Create an LLC Agreement (strongly recommended)
  • Obtain an EIN from the IRS
  • Pay $300 annual franchise tax by June 1st
  • Register in your home state if operating outside Delaware

Filing information

Formation document
Certificate of Formation
Filing agency
Delaware Division of Corporations
Registered agent
Required
Operating agreement
Recommended
EIN
Required
Name reservation fee
$75 (120 days)
Pricing

Free formation — pay only the state fee

Kicker formation is free. You pay the $110 Delaware state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and compliance.

Starter

$0
+ $110 state fee
  • Certificate of Formation filing
  • Name availability check
  • Digital document delivery
  • Formation status tracking
Start free

Booster

$100
+ $110 state fee
  • Everything in Starter
  • Registered agent (required in Delaware)
  • EIN / Federal Tax ID
  • Expedited processing (1–2 days)
  • Operating agreement
  • Priority support
  • Kicker Voice — 3-day free trial
  • Kicker Pay — free for 15 days
Start Booster

Founder

$150
+ $110 state fee
  • Everything in Booster
  • Business mailing address
  • Bookkeeping — 3 months free
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Rush processing
  • Kicker Voice — 6-day free trial
  • Kicker Pay — free for 30 days
Go Founder
Most popular

Kicker

$230
+ $110 state fee
  • Everything in Founder
  • ITIN filing & preparation
  • Same-day priority processing
  • 2nd year annual filing $0
  • Kicker Voice 12-day + Kicker Pay 60 days free
Get Kicker
100% accuracy guaranteeOn-time filing promise30-day money back

Compare all plans on our pricing page.

FAQ

Delaware LLC questions, answered

Common questions about forming an LLC in Delaware. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.

Why is Delaware so popular for LLC formation?

Delaware is the most popular state for business formation due to its expert Court of Chancery, strong privacy protections, flexible business laws, and favorable tax treatment for out-of-state operations. Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here.

How much does a Delaware LLC cost?

The state filing fee is $110. The annual franchise tax is $300 (flat fee). Our service fee starts at $100 plus the state fee. Same-day filing is available for an additional $100.

Do I have to live in Delaware to form an LLC there?

No. You can form a Delaware LLC from any state or country. You only need a registered agent with a physical address in Delaware. However, if you operate in another state, you may need to register as a foreign LLC there.

What is the Court of Chancery?

The Court of Chancery is a specialized business court in Delaware with judges who are experts in corporate law. Cases are decided by judges (not juries), leading to faster, more predictable outcomes for business disputes.

Does Delaware have sales tax?

No. Delaware has no state sales tax, which can be a significant advantage for retail and e-commerce businesses operating within the state.

What are the ongoing costs for a Delaware LLC?

The main ongoing cost is the $300 annual franchise tax due by June 1st. There is no annual report filing fee separate from the franchise tax. You also need to maintain a registered agent in Delaware.

Official resources

Delaware government filing resources

Filing fees for common LLC services

Official Delaware state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.

Name reservation$75

$75.00 for all entity types (domestic and foreign), effective for 120 days.

Certificate of good standing$50

Fee is the same for all entity types (domestic and foreign).

Learn more
Certified copy$50

Certified Copies (all entities, domestic and foreign): $50.00 per document PLUS $2.00 per page for the copies.

Apostille / authentication$30

Apostille - commercial use: $30.00 each.

Foreign qualification$200

Limited Liability Companies, Foreign Certificate of Registration: $200.00.

Learn more
Resale / seller's permit$75

Delaware has NO state or local sales tax, so sales-tax permits, seller's permits and resale/reseller certificates do not exist and 'sales for resale' are not exempt.

Learn more
Articles amendment$220

Limited Liability Companies, Amendment - domestic: $220.00 (filing fee plus municipality fee).

Learn more
Change of registered agent$50

State filing fee $50 for the LLC Change of Agent Only amendment (6 Del.

Learn more
Reinstatement$220

State filing fee $220 for the Certificate of Revival (6 Del.

Learn more
Dissolution$220

Limited Liability Companies, Cancellation - domestic: $220.00, PLUS annual taxes owed to cancel.

Learn more

Form your company in any state

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Ready to form your Delaware LLC?

Formation is free — you pay only the $110 Delaware state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in 2-3 weeks standard (expedite available).

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