How to Form an LLC in New Jersey (2026)

1. 1Choose a name for your LLC and verify availability by searching the New Jersey Division of Revenue business entity database. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
2. 2Appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in New Jersey.
3. 3File a Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The filing fee is $125. Online filing is available.
4. 4Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at no cost.
5. 5Create an operating agreement. Not legally required in New Jersey but strongly recommended.
6. 6Open a business bank account with your Certificate of Formation, EIN, and operating agreement.
7. 7Register for NJ taxes and obtain a NJ Tax ID number through the NJ Division of Revenue.
8. 8File your first annual report by the anniversary of formation. The fee is $75.

• ✓Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free, apply online at irs.gov)
• ✓Open a dedicated business bank account
• ✓Register for NJ taxes and obtain a NJ Tax ID through the Division of Revenue
• ✓Get business insurance (general liability at minimum)
• ✓Set up an accounting system to track income and expenses
• ✓Apply for any local business licenses or permits
• ✓File your first annual report ($75) by the anniversary of formation

Your New Jersey LLC name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Restricted words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "Trust" require additional licensing. The name must be distinguishable from existing business entities in New Jersey. New Jersey uses "Certificate of Formation" rather than "Articles of Organization." You can reserve a name for 120 days for $50.

New Jersey LLCs are pass-through entities by default. Members pay New Jersey individual income tax on their share of profits (rates from 1.4% to 10.75%). New Jersey does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. The annual report is $75. New Jersey also imposes a minimum $500 tax filing fee on LLCs with 2+ members.

LLC vs. other structures in New Jersey

New Jersey has moderate LLC costs: $125 to file and $75/year. However, multi-member LLCs face a minimum $500 annual tax filing fee, which can make the total ongoing cost significant. For single-member LLCs, New Jersey is more affordable. The high top income tax rate (10.75%) is also a factor for high earners.

• •File an annual report by the anniversary of formation — $75 fee
• •Pay the minimum $500 LLC tax filing fee if you have 2+ members
• •Maintain a registered agent with a physical address in New Jersey at all times
• •Keep your operating agreement current and update it when membership changes
• •File New Jersey state income tax returns for all members receiving pass-through income

New Jersey has higher-than-average LLC costs. Weigh the total cost of formation and annual maintenance against your expected revenue before deciding.

In general, you should form your LLC in the state where you physically live and conduct business. Forming in a "tax-friendly" state like Wyoming, Delaware, or Nevada sounds appealing, but if you operate in New Jersey, you will still need to register as a foreign LLC there — paying fees in both states.

An LLC is almost always a better choice than operating as a sole proprietorship because of the personal liability protection it provides. However, if your LLC is highly profitable, you should talk to a CPA about electing S-Corp tax treatment to potentially reduce your self-employment tax burden.

What New Jersey LLC Owners Need to Know

• •New Jersey uses Certificate of Formation rather than Articles of Organization
• •Annual report is $75 and due by the anniversary of formation
• •New Jersey has an alternate name provision — you can reserve a name for 120 days for $50

Official New Jersey Resources

• New Jersey Division of Revenue — Business Formation
• NJ Annual Report Filing
• NJ Treasury Filing Fees