LLC Cost in Delaware (2026)
State Filing Fee: $90 | Annual Franchise Tax: $300/year
Forming an LLC in Delaware requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $90. Delaware LLCs also have a Annual Franchise Tax of $300 per year.
Use our LLC Cost Calculator to estimate your total first-year cost including registered agent and optional formation services.
# LLC Cost in Delaware (2026) — Filing Fees and Annual Costs Delaware stands out as one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S., offering a streamlined LLC formation process with relatively low costs. Understanding the complete financial picture of forming and maintaining a Delaware LLC helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses. ## How to Use This Calculator This calculator determines your total costs for forming and maintaining a Delaware LLC over your desired timeframe. Start by selecting whether you’re forming a new LLC or calculating ongoing costs for an existing one. For new LLCs, the calculator includes the mandatory state filing fee plus any optional services you select. These might include expedited processing, registered agent services, or an operating agreement. If you already have an LLC, simply skip the formation costs and focus on the annual requirements. Enter your timeframe in years to see projected costs. The calculator accounts for Delaware’s annual franchise tax and registered agent fees if you choose professional services. For multi-member LLCs or those electing corporate tax treatment, additional considerations may apply. The location of your business operations affects some calculations. If your LLC operates entirely outside Delaware, certain tax obligations may differ from those conducting business within the state. ## How We Calculate This Our calculator uses current Delaware Division of Corporations fee schedules and standard market rates for common LLC services. **Formation Costs:** The base Delaware LLC filing fee is $90, unchanged for 2026. Expedited processing adds $50 for same-day service or $25 for 24-hour processing. These fees go directly to the state and are non-negotiable. **Registered Agent Fees:** Delaware requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Delaware address. If you don’t have a physical Delaware address, you’ll need professional registered agent services, typically costing $100-300 annually. Our calculator uses market averages based on service level selected. **Annual Franchise Tax:** Delaware LLCs pay an annual franchise tax of $300, due by June 1st each year. This applies to all Delaware LLCs regardless of activity level or revenue. The calculator multiplies this by your selected timeframe. **Optional Services:** Operating agreements, EIN applications, and other formation documents are optional but recommended. We include market-standard pricing for these services when selected. The calculator doesn’t include business licenses, which vary by industry, or federal tax obligations, which depend on your specific tax election and business structure. ## What the Results Mean Your total reflects the minimum required costs plus selected optional services over your chosen timeframe. This represents actual cash outflow, not estimated or hidden fees. **First-Year Costs:** For new LLCs, expect higher first-year expenses due to formation fees. A basic Delaware LLC costs $90 to form, plus $300 for the first annual franchise tax if filing after March 1st. Add registered agent services ($100-300) if needed. **Ongoing Annual Costs:** After formation, your primary ongoing cost is the $300 annual franchise tax. Professional registered agent services add $100-300 yearly. These costs remain relatively stable year over year. **Comparison Context:** Delaware’s $300 franchise tax is higher than many states but includes significant benefits like business-friendly courts, established legal precedents, and privacy protections. States with lower annual fees often have higher formation costs or fewer legal protections. **Total Investment:** For a five-year period, expect total costs between $1,590 (DIY approach) and $3,090 (full-service approach) for a typical Delaware LLC. This includes all mandatory state fees and common professional services. ## Tips and Common Mistakes **Timing Your Formation:** File your LLC before March 1st to avoid paying the franchise tax in your formation year. LLCs formed after March 1st owe the full $300 franchise tax for that year, effectively doubling your first-year state costs. **Registered Agent Selection:** While you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Delaware address, professional services offer privacy protection and ensure you never miss important legal documents. Switching registered agents later costs additional fees and paperwork. **Operating Agreement Investment:** While not required by Delaware law, an operating agreement protects your LLC’s limited liability status and clarifies member relationships. The upfront cost prevents expensive disputes later. **Franchise Tax Deadlines:** Delaware assesses penalties for late franchise tax payments. The $300 base tax increases to $500 if paid after June 1st, with additional penalties for extended delays. Calendar reminders prevent these avoidable costs. **Business License Confusion:** The calculator covers LLC formation and maintenance costs only. Depending on your business type, you may need additional licenses or permits at city, county, state, or federal levels. Research these requirements separately. **Multi-State Considerations:** If operating outside Delaware, you might need to register as a foreign LLC in your operating state, creating additional costs not reflected in this calculator. ## FAQ **Q: Can I reduce costs by serving as my own registered agent?** A: Yes, if you maintain a physical Delaware address during business hours and can reliably receive legal documents. However, using your business address makes that information public record. Professional registered agent services cost $100-300 annually but provide privacy and reliability. Most business owners find this worthwhile, especially for single-member LLCs where personal privacy matters. **Q: What happens if I don’t pay the annual franchise tax?** A: Delaware will administratively dissolve your LLC for non-payment, typically after one year of delinquency. Reinstatement requires paying all back taxes plus penalties, often totaling $500-800 or more. Dissolution doesn’t eliminate your tax obligations and can create complications with business licenses, contracts, and banking relationships. Setting up automatic payments prevents these issues. **Q: Are there any hidden costs not included in the calculator?** A: The calculator covers all standard Delaware state requirements and common professional services. However, it doesn’t include business-specific licenses, federal tax obligations, accounting services, or costs for foreign qualification in other states. Additionally, if your LLC has complex ownership structures or elects corporate taxation, you may face additional compliance costs. Most basic LLCs won’t encounter significant expenses beyond those calculated here.