Delaware LLC cost
Delaware LLC Cost (2026)
Official Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation fee ($110), $400 annual tax, and first-year cost estimate from the Division of Corporations.
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Not legal or tax advice. Confirm current fees on the linked official sources before you file.
Quick cost snapshot
Fees checked: October 27, 2026 (America/New_York). Delaware’s fee schedule was revised August 1, 2026.
Formation filing fee
Filing a domestic LLC Certificate of Formation costs $110 (state filing fee plus municipality fee, per Division materials).
- Optional certified copy: $50.
- Same-day expedite: $100; 24-hour: $50 (per August 2026 fee schedule).
Source: Certificate of Formation letter/form (rev. 8/2026); Corporate Fee Schedule; August 2026 fee PDF.
Name reservation
Optional name reservation costs $75 for 120 days (also applies to transfer/cancellation per fee schedule). Confirmed on the Division of Corporations how-to page and August 2026 fee schedule.
Source: How to Form a New Business Entity; Name Reservation Applications; August 2026 Fee Schedule PDF.
Annual report
Delaware LLCs are not required to file an annual franchise tax report. They must pay the annual tax.
Source: LLC/LP/GP Franchise Tax Instructions.
Franchise / annual tax
All domestic and foreign LLCs formed or registered in Delaware must pay an annual tax of $400, due on or before June 1 for the prior calendar year.
- Not prorated.
- Late: $200 penalty + 1.5% interest per month on tax and penalty.
Source: LLC/LP/GP Franchise Tax Instructions ($400). Note: the general howtoform overview still mentions a $300 figure in one LLC/LP/GP sentence; the dedicated tax-instructions page and Aug 2026 Certificate of Formation materials state $400, which we use here.
Timing note: Tax for the calendar year of formation is due by June 1 of the following year. First-calendar-year cash outlay is often just the formation fee; budget for $400 the next June.
Registered agent
A Delaware registered agent is required. Many non-residents use a commercial Delaware agent; agent fees are not the Division’s formation fee.
Publication requirement
None.
Expedite fees
Per Division fee schedule (Aug 2026): same-day $100, 24-hour $50, with higher-priority 1-hour / 2-hour options also published on the schedule.
First-year cost estimate
| Approach | Rough timing |
|---|---|
| DIY at formation | ~$110 (+ optional certified copy / expedite) |
| By next June 1 | Add $400 annual tax |
| With commercial RA + formation service | State fees/tax plus provider packages |
FAQ
Do Delaware LLCs file an annual report?
No. Pay the $400 annual tax by June 1; no annual report filing is required for LLCs.
Is the $400 tax prorated if I form in December?
The Division states there is no proration on alternative entity taxes.
Sources
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Fee page
- Certificate of Formation (LLC) PDF
- August 2026 Fee Schedule PDF
- LLC/LP/GP Tax Instructions
Checked October 27, 2026.