Key Takeaways

  • The New Jersey LLC filing fee is $125, paid to the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
  • Optional name reservation costs $50 and lasts for 120 days.
  • LLCs must file an annual report each year for $75 to maintain good standing.
  • New Jersey LLCs are also subject to state business registration fees and tax registration if hiring employees or selling taxable goods.
  • Additional costs may include registered agent services, operating agreement drafting, and business licenses depending on the industry and location.
  • Foreign LLCs must file a Certificate of Authority and pay a $125 registration fee to operate in New Jersey.

For LLC formation, NJ requires applicants to file Articles of Organization and pay a $125 fee. Starting an LLC in New Jersey may be different than in other states. Creating an LLC is one of the most effective ways to organize your business into a company. 

Starting an LLC in New Jersey

To form an LLC in New Jersey, you must file Articles of Organization. This can be done online, by mail, or in-person. You will need to follow these steps to organize your LLC in the state of New Jersey:

  • Register with the New Jersey Department of Treasury by filing the basic initiation forms.
  • Pay the necessary fees.
  • Research and review all naming and formation requirements.

After the formation process is completed, there are several essential goals to achieve:

  • Obtain business licenses and permits.
  • Register for state taxes.
  • Get a business bank account.

New Jersey LLC Formation Costs

Forming an LLC in New Jersey begins with filing the Public Records Filing for New Business Entity, commonly referred to as the Articles of Organization, with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The state filing fee is $125, whether you file online or by mail.

Other potential formation costs include:

  • Name Reservation (optional): $50 for a 120-day hold on your desired LLC name.
  • Registered Agent Fee: If you hire a professional registered agent, expect to pay between $100–$300 annually depending on the provider.
  • Certified Copies and Certificates: Certified copies of filings or Certificates of Good Standing cost around $25–$50 each.

While these are the minimum required fees, business owners should also consider industry licenses, trademark registration, and federal EIN application (which is free through the IRS).

STEP 1: Name your LLC 

According to LLC naming requirements, it is important to consider the following while choosing the name for your business:

  • The name of your entity must be different from other LLCs.
  • The name of your entity must contain particular words mandatory for LLCs. 
  • If words such as "bank," "attorney," or "university" are added to an LLC's name, additional paperwork is required. A licensed individual such as a doctor or lawyer may have to be part of the company.

To be certain that an LLC name is not taken, a name search is available on the State of New Jersey website. The New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue allows online name reservations for a $50 fee.

If a company is established outside of New Jersey, it is obligated to use the exact name used during formation documents in its place of the original establishment. For secondary purposes or for companies whose name is already taken, a "doing business as" (DBA) name is required. DBA names are available only to foreign or non-New Jersey businesses.

STEP 2: Choose a Registered Agent

A registered agent is essential to establish a New Jersey LLC. Your registered agent could be a person or business that is willing to address and accept legal documents on behalf of your limited liability company.To serve as a Registered agent, a person or a company needs a street address operating in New Jersey and must be licensed to do business in New Jersey. 

STEP 3: File the Articles of Organization

While filing the Articles of Organization for a domestic LLC, it is necessary to cover the following points:

  •  LLC name and principal business address
  • Business type and purpose
  • Duration
  • Name and address of registered agent
  • Type of management (member-managed or manager-managed)
  • Names, addresses, and signatures of members
  • Completed business registration application 
  • Good Standing Certificate from your home state (only for foreign entities)
  • Duplicate forms and payment for the filing fee

Ongoing Costs to Maintain a New Jersey LLC

Once your LLC is formed, ongoing compliance is essential to avoid penalties or dissolution. New Jersey requires:

  • Annual Report: $75 per year, filed with the Division of Revenue by the end of your LLC’s formation anniversary month. Failure to file can result in administrative revocation of your business registration.
  • Business License Fees: Vary by city and industry. For instance, retail, restaurant, or construction businesses may need additional state or municipal permits.
  • State Tax Registration: LLCs with employees or those selling taxable goods/services must register for New Jersey employer withholding tax and sales tax.
  • Registered Agent Renewal: If using a third-party agent, the service must be renewed yearly.

Budgeting at least $200–$300 per year for these maintenance costs will help ensure continued good standing

STEP 4: Create an Operating Agreement

As a legal document, an operating agreement summarizes the ownership and function of the LLC. The registered agent keeps all the operating agreement on file if one is created. An operating agreement is not essential; however, it is a good idea to have an operating agreement in the state of New Jersey.

Optional but Recommended: Operating Agreement and Legal Costs

Although not required by state law, having an operating agreement is a crucial internal document that defines ownership percentages, profit sharing, and management roles. Hiring an attorney to draft one typically costs $200–$1,000, depending on complexity.

This investment can prevent future member disputes and clarify each owner’s rights and responsibilities. If your LLC has multiple members, an attorney-drafted agreement is strongly advised.

STEP 5: Obtain an EIN

If an LLC has more than one member, it must acquire an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), despite the fact that some LLCs have no employees at all. In cases when an LLC is a one-member entity, an EIN is necessary if the business plans to have future employees or if the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation rather than a sole proprietorship.

 The Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number serves to identify a business entity, and it is required to file state and federal taxes. Also, in order to open a business checking account, an EIN is required by all financial institutions in the United States. 

After establishing the company, a business owner can get an EIN for free from the IRS, and it is possible to do so in two ways:

Foreign LLC Registration in New Jersey

If your company was formed in another state but plans to do business in New Jersey, you must register as a foreign LLC. Key requirements include:

  • Filing a Certificate of Authority with the Division of Revenue.
  • Paying the $125 registration fee (the same as a domestic LLC).
  • Providing a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state.

Once approved, your foreign LLC must comply with the same annual reporting and tax obligations as domestic New Jersey LLCs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?

The total New Jersey LLC cost starts at $125 for the state filing fee. Optional services like name reservation and registered agent fees can add to the total.

2. Is there an annual fee for New Jersey LLCs?

Yes. Every LLC must file an annual report costing $75 each year to stay in good standing.

3. Are there additional fees for foreign LLCs in New Jersey?

Foreign LLCs must pay a $125 registration fee and submit a Certificate of Good Standing from their home state.

4. Do I need to pay taxes when forming a New Jersey LLC?

LLCs must register for state taxes if they have employees or sell taxable goods and may owe additional franchise or employer taxes.

5. What’s the average total cost of maintaining a New Jersey LLC each year?

Including annual reports, registered agent services, and possible license renewals, expect to spend between $200–$300 annually.

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