LLC Cost CalculatorBy Offshore Labs LLC
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Delaware LLC cost

Ranked #48 of 51 on total first-year cost.

First year

$556

then $741/yr

Cost breakdown

Your breakdown3 items
  • Delaware state feeState

    $115
  • Annual franchise taxState

    Due within the first year

    $312
  • Registered agent (1 year)Service
    $129
True first-year cost

All state charges included

$556

Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.

The facts

State fee (as charged)
$115
Annual franchise tax
$300 / yr
Minimum state tax
$300
Standard processing
2-3 weeks
Expedited
$100 · 1 day
Publication
Not required

Forms & deadlines

Formation document
Certificate of Formation
Recurring filing
Annual LLC Tax ($300 flat)
Report due
Franchise tax due June 1
Tax deadline
April 30 (state income tax)

Tax treatment

Flat $300 LLC franchise tax due each June 1, regardless of income or activity.

Official DE filing page →
Form an LLC in DE →Customise this estimateCompare with other states

Step by step

How to form an LLC in Delaware

Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you Delaware formation flow →

  1. 1

    Pick and check your Delaware LLC name

    Free

    Search the Delaware business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    $0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercial

    Every Delaware LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.

  3. 3

    File the Certificate of Formation

    Delaware state fee — $115

    File the Certificate of Formation online with the Delaware Secretary of State at https://corp.delaware.gov. Standard approval takes 2-3 weeks. The state fee is charged as $115 at checkout.

  4. 4

    Optional: pay for expedited processing

    $100

    Delaware will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 1 day instead of 2-3 weeks.

  5. 5

    Get your EIN from the IRS

    Free direct · $80 with our EIN service

    Apply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.

  6. 6

    Write an operating agreement

    Free template · ~$50 drafted

    Not filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.

  7. 7

    File your BOI report with FinCEN

    Free direct · $50 with our BOI service

    Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.

  8. 8

    Open a US business bank account

    Varies by provider

    Use your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.

  9. 9

    Calendar your Annual LLC Tax ($300 flat)

    $300

    Delaware requires the annual franchise tax every year (Franchise tax due June 1), and it is already due in your first year. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.

  10. 10

    Plan for the minimum state tax

    $300 minimum

    Flat $300 LLC franchise tax due each June 1, regardless of income or activity. Deadline: April 30 (state income tax).