Delaware LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $110. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). Franchise tax: $400/yr minimum.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Delaware database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Delaware Division of Corporations registry before submitting your $110 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Delaware?
An LLC in Delaware costs $110 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $0 per year in none report fees. Delaware also charges a $400/yr minimum franchise tax. The estimated total 5-year cost is $2,305, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $110 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Delaware Division of Corporations |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $0 | none | Due June 1 (Annual LLC Franchise Tax) | Delaware Division of Corporations |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $400/yr | Annual | Annual tax schedule | State Tax Department |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $110 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Delaware LLC 5-Year Cost Model
DEChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Rules: de-llc-annual-tax-2026.1Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($110) + registered agent
No annual report fee + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Delaware.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $5495-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Delaware filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Delaware LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Delaware LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Delaware Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
The annual LLC tax is $400 for tax year 2026 onward. Liability for a tax year is due June 1 of the following calendar year; Delaware LLCs do not file an annual report with the Division of Corporations.
Advantages of a Delaware LLC
- Court of Chancery specialized business legal precedent
- Strong member privacy (no owner names on public filing)
- Favorite of venture capital investors
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $400/yr flat annual tax even with $0 revenue
- High foreign qualification cost if you live elsewhere
- Overkill for typical solo businesses
Founder Pro-Tip for Delaware
Delaware LLC is rarely worth it for small lifestyle businesses operating outside DE. You may pay fees in Delaware plus foreign qualification costs in your home state.
Step-by-Step Delaware LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Delaware Division of Corporations registry.
Appoint a Delaware Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Delaware (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($110 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Delaware Division of Corporations. Approval is typically granted within 5-10 business days (or same day expedited).
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (June 1 (Annual LLC Franchise Tax))
Submit the none report with the $0 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Delaware LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Delaware.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Delaware?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Delaware is $110, paid to the Delaware Division of Corporations when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $149 in your first year.
What is the Delaware LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Delaware LLC filing fee is $110. This is a one-time fee paid to the Delaware Division of Corporations to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is 5-10 business days (or same day expedited).
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Delaware?
Delaware charges a none report fee of $0, due June 1 (Annual LLC Franchise Tax). Additionally, Delaware imposes a franchise tax of $400/year minimum. The annual LLC tax is $400 for tax year 2026 onward. Liability for a tax year is due June 1 of the following calendar year; Delaware LLCs do not file an annual report with the Division of Corporations.
How much does it cost to maintain a Delaware LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Delaware LLC includes the none report fee ($0), the state franchise/entity tax ($400/yr minimum), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $2,305.
Does Delaware have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. Delaware imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: The annual LLC tax is $400 for tax year 2026 onward. Liability for a tax year is due June 1 of the following calendar year; Delaware LLCs do not file an annual report with the Division of Corporations. The minimum annual franchise tax is $400.
Can I form an LLC in Delaware if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Delaware regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Delaware, foreign LLC registration costs $200 plus $400/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Delaware with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: