Complete Guide to Starting an LLC in New Jersey
Before you start doing business, you’ll need to obtain a NJ registered agent and file a Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Department of State. Not sure how to begin?
We can take care of your state registration for an affordable price, saving you time and money. Plus, our business formation service comes with everything you need to hit the ground running:
- Registered Agent Service
- Professional Business Address
- Free Mail Scanning
- Online Business Identity (Website + Email)
Whether you’re forming an LLC for the first time or are already familiar with the process, our LLC Formation Guide is here to walk you through the process, step by step.
Our address goes on your formation paperwork instead of yours, keeping your personal address off the public record.
NOTE: If you already have an LLC in a different state but want to do business in New Jersey, you don’t have to create a new LLC – just register your company as a New Jersey Foreign LLC.
“I’ve been using NJ Registered Agent for a few years, and I couldn’t be happier. Their customer service is top-notch, with quick responses to emails and their patient explanations are impressive. Highly recommended!”
— Moses Davidowitz, Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our New Jersey LLC Formation Service
For just $149 plus state fees, our team of local New Jersey experts will file your Certificate of Formation, provide a year of registered agent service, an operating agreement, and initial resolutions.
We also provide the tools you’ll need to get your business online: domain name, website + SSL security, email and phone service.
Plus, our Renewal Service ensures you won’t have to worry about missing an annual report deadline, we’ll take care of it for you.
The best part? Our registered agent price never changes it’s—$49/year, every year.
How to Start a New Jersey LLC
To form an LLC in New Jersey, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. We’re right there with you! To start a New Jersey LLC, you’ll need to complete these four steps:
- Check LLC name availability
- Appoint a New Jersey registered agent
- File a New Jersey Certificate of Formation
- Draft an operating agreement
Keep reading for more details on each step.
1. Check LLC name availability
Before settling on a business name, you’ll want to make sure your preferred name complies with New Jersey’s naming standards. According to NJ Rev Stat § 42:2C-8, your name should:
- Be unique. Your business name cannot be identical or too similar to the name of another business that’s registered with the state.
- Include an appropriate identifier. In other words, some variation of LLC or Limited Liability Company.
- Not be misleading. For example, if you provide wedding planning services, your business name shouldn’t include words such as “medical,” “legal,” or “accounting.” You also cannot use words that may imply your New Jersey LLC is associated with a government agency (unless it’s been approved by the appropriate department).
How can I check to make sure my business name is unique in New Jersey?
To see if your name is available, you can conduct a business name search. If your name is free, consider reserving it before filing your Certificate of Formation.
How do I reserve my business name?
To reserve your business name, you must file a Business Name Reservation (Form UNRR-1) and pay the $50 filing fee. There is an additional $2.50 fee for credit card payments.
2. Appoint a New Jersey registered agent
All LLCs are required to have and maintain a New Jersey registered agent. Per NJ Rev Stat § 42:2C-14, your registered agent must be a state resident or a business authorized to provide registered agent service.
Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey?
It’s possible to act as your own registered agent in New Jersey. However, there are distinct advantages to hiring a professional registered agent service (like us):
- Convenience: A registered agent must be available year-round to accept service of process during regular business hours. If you’re your own registered agent, going on vacation or working different hours could mean missing an important document.
- Privacy: When you file your Certificate of Formation, you must list your registered agent’s name and physical address. If you’re your own registered agent, that could mean making your home address public.
- Local experts: A good registered agent service should know their state business laws and provide additional support, going above and beyond the duties of a registered agent.
3. File a New Jersey Certificate of Formation
To officially form your New Jersey LLC, you must submit a Certificate of Formation. The filing fee is $125 plus $3.50 for credit card payments.
Ready to get started? Use our online form to draft your Certificate of Formation now!
What do I have to include on my Certificate of Formation?
Here’s a complete list of information you must include on your Certificate of Formation:
- Type of entity: Select “NJ Domestic Limited Liability Company” for a domestic LLC.
- Name of your LLC.
- EIN (optional).
- NAICS Code (optional): The federal government uses North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to collect statistical data on different business industries in the US. To find your code, go to the NAICS website.
- Duration: If your LLC will close on a specific date, you must indicate that here. If your LLC will remain open indefinitely, you can leave this blank.
- Business purpose.
- Main business address—this does not have to be in New Jersey.
- Name and street address of your New Jersey registered agent.
- Name and address of your initial members or managers.
- Other provisions (optional): you may include additional provisions such as member roles/responsibilities or rules for how profits will be distributed.
- Name and signature of the person filing your certificate.
How do I submit my Certificate of Formation?
You may file your Certificate of Formation online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $125 plus $3.50 for credit card payments.
Online:
New Jersey Online Business Formation
Mail:
New Jersey Department of the Treasury
Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services
PO BOX 308
Trenton, NJ 08646
In-person:
33 West State Street, 5th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
How long does it take to form an LLC?
Online filings are typically processed in 1-2 business days. Paper filings can take up to a month to process. Expedited service is only available for in-person filings:
- $25 for same-day
- $500 for two hours (must be submitted by 2:15 pm)
- $1000 for one hour (must be submitted by 3:15 pm)
4. Draft an operating agreement
New Jersey state law doesn’t require an operating agreement, but it is a good idea to have one. An operating agreement can help you resolve conflicts and be necessary in situations like opening a business bank account.
What is an LLC operating agreement?
An operating agreement is an internal document that defines how your New Jersey LLC functions. It details how ownership is divided and lays out the rules for managing your LLC, including bookkeeping procedures and what to do if a member chooses to leave.
Not sure how to write an operating agreement? Good news! Our LLC formation service includes a FREE attorney-drafted operating agreement you can customize to fit your needs.
Get the Best Business Formation Service in the State
Still deciding whether to hire us, file on your own, or hire another company?
Our LLC Formation Service gives you the most bang for your buck, and here’s how:
Privacy Protection
We firmly believe owning a business should never mean sacrificing your privacy.
When you hire us to form your LLC, we’ll list our business address (not yours) on the Certificate of Formation. Keeping your personal information off the public record means service of process agents will never come knocking on your door.
Local Expertise
Because we’re based right here in Branchburg, New Jersey, our team understands the ins and outs of forming and maintaining a business in the Garden State and will make sure your Certificate of Formation is filed accurately the first time.
Unlike our competitors, we’re a small, local company. Supporting New Jersey businesses isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are.
Money-Saving Value
Many national competitors advertise “$0 LLC Formation,” but they don’t tell you how much they charge for each additional service.
When you hire us, $149 will get you a reliable registered agent service at an affordable annual price, plus a free attorney-drafted operating agreement and all the tools you’ll need to bring your business online.
Additional New Jersey LLC FAQs
Do I need to file an annual report?
All New Jersey LLCs must file an annual report on the last day of their anniversary month. So, if you formed your LLC on November 20, 2022, your annual report would be due by November 30 each year. The filing fee is $75.
How are LLCs taxed in New Jersey?
New Jersey LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. Annual profits (and losses) are passed through to each member who reports their earnings on their personal tax returns at the state and federal levels.
To file taxes at the state level, you must file the Business Registration Form (NJ-REG) with the New Jersey Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services. There is no filing fee.
Do I need an EIN for my New Jersey LLC?
New Jersey requires an EIN for the Business Registration Form (NJ-REG). You’ll also need one if you plan on hiring employees. You can apply for an EIN through the IRS website. There is no filing fee.
Or, to make things really easy, you can add EIN service for just $50 a check out when you hire us to form your New Jersey LLC.
How do I register my out-of-state business in New Jersey?
To register your out-of-state LLC in New Jersey, you must file a Certificate of Authority with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. In addition, you’ll need to appoint a New Jersey registered agent.
For just $149 plus state fees, you can hire us to take care of everything for you. Check out our New Jersey Foreign LLC page to learn more about out-of-state business registration.
Can a New Jersey LLC operate in New York?
New Jersey LLCs can definitely operate in New York. In fact, our two states are so close, it’s quite common for businesses registered in NJ to operate fully or at least partially NYC.
Interested in forming a New Jersey company for your New York business? We can help you save money on New York’s infamously expensive Publication Requirement.
Do you offer business counseling?
There are a number of free business resources in New Jersey that can help you plan, fund, and market your business with confidence. Business.NJ.gov can guide you through the entire life-cycle of your business, from creating your business plan to closing your business.
You can even find specific business guides for your type of business and your industry. Organizations like the NJ District Office of the US Small Business Administration offer access to funding, training, obtaining government contracts, and even disaster recovery.
Fast & Affordable New Jersey LLC Formation
Hire the professionals and get the job done right!
LLC Formation + FREE Business Address + FREE Mail Scanning +
Online Business Identity + Support for the Lifetime of Your Business