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Form Your Delaware LLC
State filing fee: $90 • Processing: 5-10 business days
Establish Your Delaware LLC in America's Corporate Haven
Delaware is renowned for its business-friendly laws, specialized business courts, and strong privacy protections. Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware, making it the gold standard for business formation.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Service | Price | Processing Time | Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 1 day | $199/yr |
Bizee Fastest Formation | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks Expedited: 1 day | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
Inc Authority Free Formation | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 2 days | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days Expedited: 1 day | $249/yr |
Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days Expedited: Not available | $149/yr |
Top 3 Recommended Services for Delaware
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. Three packages available: Starter ($0 + state fees) includes online tools trial with optional Worry-Free Compliance at 50% off ($99 first year), Pro ($199/yr) adds 1-day rush processing and EIN service, and Premium ($399/yr) includes everything plus registered agent service, business documents, Advanced Compliance, and business advisor consultation. Money Pro bookkeeping available for all packages at $30/mo. All packages include 100% accuracy guarantee, award-winning lifetime support, Velo AI assistant, and mobile app access.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Optional Worry-Free Compliance at 50% off (Starter)
- ✓ Rush 1-day processing (Pro/Premium)
- ✓ Premium saves $199/yr on registered agent
- ✓ 100% accuracy & 60-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning lifetime support included
- ✓ Velo AI assistant and mobile app
- ✓ Business advisor consultation (Premium)
Cons:
- ✗ Registered agent not included in Starter/Pro
- ✗ Special offers auto-renew after trial period
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Rocket Lawyer
Businesses needing ongoing legal support beyond formation
Rocket Lawyer offers comprehensive legal services beyond just LLC formation. Their platform provides access to attorneys, unlimited legal documents with membership, and ongoing legal support. While the formation takes 5-7 days, they're ideal for businesses that anticipate needing regular legal assistance.
Pros:
- ✓ Full legal services platform
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ Attorney consultations available
- ✓ Mobile app for on-the-go access
- ✓ Document library with membership
- ✓ Phone and chat support
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Registered agent costs $149/year
- ✗ EIN service costs extra (+$99)
Delaware LLC Formation Costs
Delaware LLC Cost Breakdown
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
- • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
- • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Frequently Asked Questions
- State filing fee: $90
- Annual franchise tax: $300 (due June 1st)
- Registered agent: Required (typically $50-$300/year)
- Court of Chancery: Specialized business court with judges (not juries) who are experts in business law
- Predictable legal environment: Extensive case law provides clarity on business matters
- Privacy protections: Member names aren't required in formation documents
- Flexible operating agreements: Maximum freedom in structuring your LLC
- Series LLC option: Create multiple protected series within one LLC
Delaware charges all LLCs a flat $300 annual franchise tax, due by June 1st each year. This is separate from income taxes and applies regardless of revenue or activity. Late payment results in a $200 penalty plus interest. Unlike corporations which have complex calculations, the LLC franchise tax is straightforward.
Yes, Delaware requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a Delaware street address. Since most out-of-state business owners don't have a Delaware address, hiring a registered agent service is necessary. Delaware has many registered agent companies due to its popularity for business formation, with services ranging from $50-$300 annually.
- Plan to seek venture capital or institutional investment
- Need maximum privacy protection
- Want access to Delaware's Court of Chancery
- Have complex ownership structures
- Standard filing: 5-10 business days
- 24-hour expedited: $50 additional fee
- Same-day processing: $100 additional fee
- 2-hour processing: $500 additional fee
- 1-hour processing: $1,000 additional fee
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