How much does it cost to start an LLC in Delaware in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Delaware requires a one-time initial filing fee of $110 paid to the Delaware Division of Corporations. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $149.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Delaware LLC?

Delaware charges an annual report fee of $0 filed on a none basis (due June 1 (Annual LLC Franchise Tax)). Additionally, Delaware imposes a franchise tax: Flat $300 annual franchise tax due on or before June 1. Steep $200 penalty + 1.5%/month interest if late.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Delaware LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Delaware LLC is approximately $1,805. This includes initial formation ($110), recurring none reports ($0), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Delaware?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Delaware, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Delaware. In Delaware, the foreign qualification filing fee is $200 plus ongoing maintenance of $300/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Delaware LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $110. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). Franchise tax: $300/yr minimum.

Compare Delaware vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Delaware costs $110 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $0/yr in recurring none report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Delaware LLC costs an estimated $1,805, including mandatory annual franchise taxes.

Initial State Filing$110One-time payment

Annual Report$0Due June 1 (Annual LLC Franchise Tax)

Franchise Tax$300/yrflat

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Delaware Division of Corporations

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Delaware LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $110

Approval speed: 5-10 business days (or same day expedited)•Public Privacy: High (Anonymous)

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Delaware Tax Rule: Flat $300 annual franchise tax due on or before June 1. Steep $200 penalty + 1.5%/month interest if late.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$50)

Accelerates state filing from 5-10 business days (or same day expedited) to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Delaware vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$449

Initial formation fee ($110) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$339 /yr avg

No annual report fee + franchise tax

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$1,805(~$30/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Delaware.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($449)

$449

Year 1Formation

$339

Year 2Renewal

$339

Year 3Renewal

$339

Year 4Renewal

$339

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $449

State Filing$110

Franchise Tax$300

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$110

6% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

$1,500

83% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

0% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

11% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

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.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Delaware Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

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Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Delaware LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

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Delaware LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateJune 1 (Annual LLC Franchise Tax)Frequency: NONE

Normal Turnaround5-10 business days (or same day expedited)Expedited: +$50

Public Record PrivacyHigh (Anonymous)Registered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax2.2% to 6.6% (0% on out-of-state income)LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Delaware Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Flat $300 annual franchise tax due on or before June 1. Steep $200 penalty + 1.5%/month interest if late.

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

$300/yr flat franchise 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 will pay double fees: $300 in DE plus foreign qualification 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.

Compare Delaware with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $70

Filing: $200

Filing: $125