How much does it cost to form an LLC in Delaware?

Direct answer · state filing amount

$110

The state filing fee to form an LLC in Delaware is $110 as of October 1, 2026. The $110 is only the formation filing. A Delaware registered agent is required. The annual LLC tax is $400, due June 1, and service or expedited fees can add costs.

Read the official Delaware source ↗

Formation and ongoing requirements at a glance

Formation document, method and charges	Certificate of Formation, $110. Submit to the Division of Corporations using its document upload service or paper delivery methods. Optional expedited service costs extra.
Recurring filing and amount	Annual alternative-entity tax $400. LLCs do not file an annual franchise-tax report with the Division. The tax is not prorated.
First and later deadlines	The first $400 tax is for the formation calendar year and is due by June 1 of the following year. Later tax is due June 1 for the prior year. An active record during any part of the tax year can trigger the charge.
Registered agent and office	Keep a Delaware registered agent and physical Delaware registered office. A business physically located in Delaware may qualify as its own agent. A paid agent service has its own price, separate from the state filing and tax.
Next steps after filing	Save the accepted certificate, settle the operating agreement and obtain an EIN when needed. Review Delaware tax/license duties if the business operates there and any registration where it operates elsewhere. Calendar June 1 and complete cancellation properly when closing.
Taxes and exceptions	The $400 tax continues for covered active entities even without business operations. Expedited service, agent service, taxes, licenses and foreign registration are outside $110. Late annual tax adds a $200 penalty plus monthly interest under Division guidance.

Official sources for these requirements

corpfiles.delaware.gov - official filing, reporting or tax guidance - reviewed October 1, 2026
corp.delaware.gov - official filing, reporting or tax guidance - reviewed October 1, 2026
corp.delaware.gov - official filing, reporting or tax guidance - reviewed October 1, 2026
www.sba.gov - official filing, reporting or tax guidance - reviewed October 1, 2026

The cost breakdown

State filing	$110 · Certificate of Formation
Other charges	The $110 is only the formation filing. A Delaware registered agent is required. The annual LLC tax is $400, due June 1, and service or expedited fees can add costs.
Ongoing obligations	Delaware LLCs owe a $400 annual tax, due June 1, according to the official formation instructions; verify current details before paying.

What the official source says

The Delaware Division of Corporations formation form, revised August 2026, states a $110 filing fee and explains the registered-agent requirement and $400 annual tax. See the state source ↗

Before you file

Check the current state filing instructions, choose a registered agent that meets the state rules, and budget separately for any annual obligations. If you will operate in another state, you may also need to register there. This guide is a cost starting point, not a filing service.

Budget for the first year and later years

First year: Start with the state formation figure above. Add a qualified registered agent (a paid service only if needed), any registration where you actually operate, local permits and chosen professional services. There is no universal total.

Later years: An LLC generally pays a $400 annual alternative-entity tax by June 1 while active; the Division does not require an annual franchise-tax report for LLCs. Inactivity alone does not end the tax. Official state source

Checked October 1, 2026. Recheck year-specific fees and deadlines.

Registered agent and public information

Every entity needs a registered agent with a physical Delaware office. A business physically located in Delaware may qualify to serve as its own agent. Official agent or filing guidance

If you operate elsewhere

Forming in Delaware does not remove possible registration and tax duties where the business actually operates. Official guidance

Questions before filing

Where is the work actually done, and are there employees, an office or property in another state?
Which filings and taxes continue in later years, even if revenue is zero?
Which addresses and management details appear in state records?
What does the agent cost, if a paid service is needed?

Related decisions: Texas vs Wyoming · agent privacy · nonresident banking · a year with no income.

These facts are not a personal tax, legal or licensing determination. Confirm the latest source and the facts of your case before filing.

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Frequently asked questions

What does it cost to keep an LLC in Delaware?

An LLC generally pays a $400 annual alternative-entity tax by June 1 while active; the Division does not require an annual franchise-tax report for LLCs. Inactivity alone does not end the tax. Costs for an agent service, taxes, licenses or other-state registration are separate and depend on your case.

Can a paid registered agent make a Delaware LLC anonymous?

No blanket anonymity follows from paying an agent. Every entity needs a registered agent with a physical Delaware office. A business physically located in Delaware may qualify to serve as its own agent.

Does an inactive Delaware LLC still owe annual state tax?

The state assesses its $400 annual alternative-entity tax while the LLC is active in its records during the tax year, regardless of whether it did business.

When is Delaware LLC annual tax due?

The Delaware Division states the $400 annual tax is due by June 1; it does not require an LLC annual franchise-tax report.