How to Form an LLC in New Jersey (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

New Jersey charges $125 to file your Certificate of Formation with the Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services. You'll need a registered agent with a physical NJ address—Northwest Registered Agent runs $125/year and handles service of process reliably. Unlike most states, New Jersey does NOT require an annual report; instead, you pay a flat $75 annual fee due by the last day of your anniversary month. Budget roughly $375 for year one (filing + RA + annual fee). Most single-member LLCs skip the EIN if you're reporting income on Schedule C, but multi-member LLCs must obtain one. Mercury offers business checking built for LLCs, no minimums or monthly fees. New Jersey has no franchise tax on LLCs, but you'll register for Corporation Business Tax if you have nexus or substantial revenue.

Year-1 Cost Table

New Jersey LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Certificate of Formation (online filing) $125 cite
Annual Report (NJ has none; flat annual fee instead) $75/year cite
Registered Agent (Northwest, recommended) $125/year cite
24-hour expedite (if needed) $50 cite
Year-1 total (Formation + RA + Annual Fee) ~$325 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the New Jersey Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every New Jersey LLC needs a registered agent with a New Jersey street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for New Jersey state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for New Jersey LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for New Jersey LLCs. They publish a New Jersey-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (New Jersey)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Jersey charge an annual report filing fee?

No. New Jersey replaced the annual report with a flat $75 annual fee, due by the last day of your LLC's anniversary month. You pay online through the NJ Division of Revenue portal.

Do I need a Certificate of Publication in New Jersey?

No. New Jersey eliminated the publication requirement for LLCs in 2016. You no longer need to publish a notice in two newspapers or file an affidavit of publication.

What is the New Jersey Corporation Business Tax, and do LLCs pay it?

The Corporation Business Tax applies to entities with nexus or substantial revenue in NJ. Most single-member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities avoid it, but multi-member LLCs or those electing S/C-corp status may owe minimum tax (currently $500-$2,000 depending on gross receipts). Consult a CPA for your situation.

Can I use my home address as the registered agent address?

Yes, but it becomes public record. If you work from home or value privacy, a commercial registered agent like Northwest ($125/year) keeps your home address off the state's public database and handles legal mail reliably.

How long does New Jersey take to approve an LLC filing?

Standard online filings process in 3-5 business days. If you need same-day or 24-hour approval, add the $50 expedite fee at checkout. Paper filings take 4-6 weeks and are not recommended.

Annual Filing Deadline

New Jersey does not require a traditional annual report; instead, LLCs pay a $75 annual fee due by the last day of the anniversary month of formation each year.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your New Jersey LLC