Neither Delaware nor Nevada is a universal low-cost answer if you work elsewhere. In both cases, add the actual operating state's requirements before comparing totals.
Compare state-level amounts, not all-in quotes
| State of formation | At formation | Later years while active |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $110 Certificate of Formation | $400 annual alternative-entity tax due June 1; no LLC annual franchise-tax report at the Division |
| Nevada | Standard $425 state package: $75 Articles, $150 initial list, $200 ordinary business license; statutory exemptions may apply | $150 annual LLC list and ordinary $200 state license renewal, subject to applicable exceptions |
DE formation form · DE annual tax · NV LLC statute · NV license statute
Add where you actually work
The SBA says an LLC conducting business in multiple states may need qualification outside its formation state, typically adding another filing, agents, taxes and reports. For example, the California foreign LLC form is $70 and its FTB generally assesses $800 annual LLC tax for an LLC doing business there; whether that applies depends on actual operations and exceptions. SBA registration · CA LLC-5 · CA FTB
What a paid agent does not solve
- Each state has its own registered-agent requirement; a paid service is optional where an eligible agent can serve.
- An agent office address does not necessarily hide other public filing fields.
- Privacy, operating state and tax facts need separate review. No state name guarantees anonymity or tax savings.
Read the Delaware, Nevada and agent privacy guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware cheaper than Nevada for an out-of-state founder?
Formation is $110 in Delaware versus a standard $425 Nevada state package, but later-year taxes, licenses and the operating state may change the comparison.
What if my Delaware LLC has no activity?
Delaware says an LLC active in its records during the tax year owes its $400 annual tax, due June 1, even if there is no operating activity. Formal cancellation is a separate step.
What does a Nevada LLC cost to maintain?
An ordinary LLC annual list is $150 and state business license renewal is $200, subject to statutory exceptions and other costs.
Will a registered agent in Delaware or Nevada hide my address?
No blanket anonymity follows from an agent service. Check the state filing fields and any other public record before entering a personal address.
This is general information, not legal, tax or banking advice. Rules, deadlines and provider policies change; check the linked source and facts of your case before acting.