Delaware LLC

Why is the Delaware Limited Liability Company the best LLC on the planet? It’s a question we get asked a lot. In a state best known for its business entities, the Delaware LLC sometimes gets overlooked, as its older, more distinguished sibling, the corporation, receives a lot of the attention. We think that’s mostly because Delaware didn’t allow the formation of LLCs until 1991 when it passed its first Limited Liability Company Act. Since that time, however, the Delaware LLC has offered the same asset protections and tax advantages that a corporation offers. Often the LLC is the simpler, more private, more flexible choice for small businesses. Below, you’ll find a list of the advantages that make the Delaware LLC one of the world’s best business entities:

Benefits of a Delaware LLC

  1. Simple and Secure
    Of all the LLCs in the known universe, the Delaware LLC is by far the simplest to form. The Delaware Division of Corporations requires only a minimal amount of information in an LLC’s formation documents (called the Certificate of Formation). This small amount of required information not only makes it easy to start an LLC in Delaware, but it also helps to keep your identity and personal information secure. Since much of your personal information isn’t required to form an LLC in Delaware, your information won’t be published on public documents. When you hire us as your registered agent, our Delaware business address is the only easily available piece of contact information on your formation document. Our service is designed to provide as much personal privacy protection as permitted by law. And, LLCs in Delaware don’t file annual reports, so even after your Delaware LLC is formed, your information will remain secure.
  2. Tax Exemptions
    As the most business-friendly state in the U.S., Delaware is oftentimes referred to as a tax haven. While this is a misnomer, Delaware actively tries to maintain a healthy business atmosphere and offers benefits that other states don’t, all of which an LLC can take advantage. Our state doesn’t tax “intangible income” (like patent and trademark leases), which has made Delaware an attractive state in which to form holding companies (LLCs and corporations formed to “hold” assets, intangible or otherwise). Our state has also created incentives for LLCs formed in Delaware that don’t operate in Delaware. For example, according to § 1902, you’ll pay no state income tax as long as your LLC in Delaware doesn’t do business in Delaware.
  3. No Double Taxation
    Operating as a Delaware LLC gives you flexible taxation options. An LLC in Delaware can choose to be taxed as a pass-through entity, an S corp, or a C corp. Corporations in Delaware and elsewhere are by default taxed as C corporations. For many small businesses this tax structure doesn’t make sense, as C corp profits can be taxed twice (once as corporate income, a second time as personal income). Delaware LLCs, by default, aren’t taxed that way. LLCs in Delaware pass profits directly to their members, and the LLC’s profits are taxed only once, as the members’ personal income. However, LLCs can also opt to be taxed as an S corp or a C corp if the members choose, adding to the LLC’s flexibility as a business entity.
  4. Strong Business Laws
    One of the most attractive features of starting an LLC in Delaware is that our state offers the best-known, most-carefully-studied business laws in the US. Because of Delaware’s long history as the nation’s leader in business formation and business law, its codes and legal statutes are studied in law schools around the country. Delaware even has its own court specifically for businesses; it’s called the Court of Chancery. Cases in the Court of Chancery are argued in front of judges, not juries, and any legal dispute you have has likely already been argued in court, so businesses usually know ahead of time whether to fight a lawsuit or settle. This knowledge can be especially beneficial for companies who are sued often, as it saves time and money spent on legal fees.
  5. No Business License Required
    According to Section 2301(b) and (d) of our state’s code, Delaware LLCs not doing business in Delaware are not required to obtain a business license, register with the Department of Revenue, or pay Delaware’s gross receipts tax.
  6. Few Formalities
    Possibly the greatest advantage of starting an LLC in Delaware is that a Delaware LLC requires so little maintenance, which is often perfect for small businesses. LLCs in Delaware do not file annual reports (LLCs pay a flat $300 annual tax) and it’s due on June 1 every year and can be paid online. LLCs require less paperwork and administrative formalities than corporations. Delaware LLCs don’t need to hold annual shareholders or board of directors meetings. Overall, LLCs tend to be the simpler entity.

Forming Your LLC

Our Guide to Forming an LLC in Delaware

  1. File a Certificate of Formation
  2. Submit your forms to the Division of Corporations
  3. File a BOI Report

1. File a Certificate of Formation with the Delaware Division of Corporations

In Delaware, limited liability companies (LLCs) are formed by filing a formation document called the Certificate of Formation with the Division of Corporations.

Include the following information in the Certificate of Formation:

  • Delaware LLC name
  • Delaware registered agent and registered office address
  • Duration of LLC (most filers will simply put “perpetual”)
  • Any additional information the members wish to include
  • Date of formation and the name and signature of a person authorized to form the LLC

2. Submit online or mail the completed Certificate of Formation to the Division of Corporations

If you file by mail, you’ll need to include the Division of Corporation’s cover sheet and a check or credit card number to pay the $110 filing fee, but Delaware also has an online filing option accessible at the Delaware Division of Corporations website.

3. File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

Starting January 1, 2024, most new LLCs are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Companies have 30 days after formation to file their BOI report (though companies formed in the year 2024 have 90 days). This federal filing is submitted online and is free to file. For $9, you can even hire us to file your BOI report for you!

The information you share is not made public. You’ll need to provide name, address, and tax or personal identification information for your LLC, anyone with at least 25% ownership interest and/or who has substantial control over your LLC, and whoever files your Certificate of Formation with the Division of Corporations.

FAQ: Creating an LLC in Delaware

Can I form an LLC in Delaware if I live in a different state or country?

Yes, absolutely. A person doesn’t need to live in Delaware to start an LLC in Delaware. The only physical requirement for Delaware LLCs is that the limited liability company must have a registered agent in Delaware. With our LLC formation, we provide a year of registered agent service. For those with greater Delaware business address needs, we also offer mail forwarding and virtual office packages starting at $49 a year. Some of the advantages of Delaware LLCs are only available to nonresidents. The benefits of starting an LLC in Delaware as a nonresident are listed below:

  • No sales tax
    Delaware does not have a sales tax on goods and services.
  • No state income tax
    Delaware LLCs taxed as S corps, and LLCs in Delaware that do no business in Delaware, don’t pay state income taxes. Residents of other states and other countries may be obligated to pay their home state’s income taxes, but they will not have to pay Delaware’s income tax.
  • No ad valorem tax
    Delaware doesn’t have an intangible personal property tax. If the state or country in which you live doesn’t have one either, you shouldn’t have to pay any tax on intangible personal property like patents or trademarks.

How much does it cost to start a Delaware LLC?

LLC formation costs:

  • Delaware LLCs have a $110 filing fee paid to the Division of Corporations.
  • If you hire us, your LLC will be active in 1-3 days (the timing depends on state filing times), however, if you need the LLC the same day, Delaware charges a $50 expedite fee.

LLC maintenance fees in Delaware:

  • Delaware LLCs do not file annual reports; instead, LLCs in Delaware file annual taxes. The annual tax is a flat $300.
  • The annual Delaware LLC tax is due by June 1 each year. You can file online on the DE Division of Corporations website.
  • The Division of Corporations charges $200 for nonpayment or late payments. Interest accrues at 1.5 percent per month on the tax and late fee payment.

Do Delaware LLCs need an operating agreement?

No, Delaware LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement. However, in Delaware operating agreements aren’t required to be in writing. Operating agreements in Delaware can be written, oral, or implied. That means that you’ve likely formed an operating agreement between members without even knowing it. That said, LLC operating agreements are the internal rules of an LLC. Clear, well-thought-out agreements will help settle member disputes, explain how profits and losses are distributed, and set forth rules about membership and dissolution. If you hire A Registered Agent, Inc. to form your Delaware LLC, an operating agreement for your company will be included.

Can I use my home address for my Delaware LLC?

Delaware doesn’t require business owners to list their names or addresses on formation documents. The state does, however, require the address of a “registered office” belonging to your Delaware registered agent. You may act as your own registered agent, in which case you would list your own address here. However, registered agents are required to be present at a physical address in Delaware during normal business hours—a requirement that’s too stringent for most people.

Hiring a reliable registered agent service not only takes this burden off of you, it let’s you use our address for your formation documents so yours won’t be made public.

Can you file my BOI report for me?

Yes. We know it can seem like a real hassle to form a business when you have to keep track of so many filings, but that’s why we’re here. As business formation experts, we’ll form your business and make sure you have all the tools to succeed and remain in good standing. Plus, for just $9, we can take care of your BOI report for you.

Do I need a business license?

You only need a business license in Delaware if your company actually transacts business in Delaware. See our Delaware Business License page for more.

How do I pay franchise tax for my Delaware LLC?

Technically, LLCs in Delaware don’t pay franchise tax (like corporations) they pay what’s known as an annual tax, or Alternative Entity Tax. The LLC annual tax is a flat fee of $300 each year.

Do I have to file an annual report for my Delaware LLC?

No. Only corporations are required to file an annual report and pay franchise tax in Delaware. See more about these corporate requirements on our Delaware Corporate Franchise Taxes page.

Why do you charge less?

We keep costs affordable because we think it’s important to help businesses succeed. That’s why we keep our prices fair and honest, with no up charges or added fees—the way it should be.


Why hire A Registered Agent, Inc. to form your Delaware LLC?

This is what we do. We’re inexpensive, we’re fast, and we’re Delaware locals—we know Delaware inside and out. It’s the only state we file in. We own our own building, and our Delaware business address is in a fantastic location. We’re on a first name basis with the Division of Corporations, just a short walk away. And we have the best prices around.

For $184, you’ll not only have your own LLC, but you will be given:

  • Free mail forwarding (for 3 pieces of mail).
  • Free domain for a year and free website, email, SSL and phone for 90 days.
  • Our Delaware business address on your public documents for maximum privacy protection.
  • A custom draft of your Certificate of Formation.
  • Initial resolutions formally appointing LLC management.
  • LLC operating agreement (which outlines the internal functions of the LLC).
  • Access to your online account through which you can manage and maintain your Delaware LLC.
  • Optional add-on services inside your client account, like a corporate book and seal and our Trade Name Service. For $125 per county plus government fees, we’ll help you register a trade name (also known as a DBA) for your business.
  • On top of that, you’ll also receive one year of the best registered agent service in Delaware.

By far, we offer the best Delaware LLC formation package.

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Delaware LLC

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