New Jersey LLC Filing Fees and Requirements

When you form through Incfile, we charge you this fee and forward it to the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services when we file your formation paperwork.

Employer Identification Number

Every LLC in the state is required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to be assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You'll use it when you complete your New Jersey LLC registration, and when you open a business bank account, file taxes and pay employees. It's available at no cost from the IRS, or Incfile can get one for you.

New Jersey Business Registration

All business entities in the state must file an NJ-REG form through the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. This is necessary to ensure your business is recognized by the state for several reasons, including but not limited to:

Registration is free and is only required when you first form your business. However, if your business information changes (location, tax eligibility information, etc.), you'll need to file a new NJ-REG form to update that information with the state.

You can also file the NJ-REG form online.

Foreign LLCs

When you want to do business in a state other than the one where your business is based, you must create a foreign LLC.

New Jersey Foreign LLC Registration

Before you can bring an arm of your business from another state into New Jersey, you must request New Jersey Foreign Qualification. This means the state gives you permission to conduct business there.

To request registration of a New Jersey Foreign LLC, you'll need to complete a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity (also known as an NJ-REG form) and pay a $125 filing fee. You can also file this form online.

The state may have additional requirements, so contact the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for more information.

Foreign Qualification to Operate in Another State

If you plan to expand your New Jersey LLC into another state, you’ll first need Foreign Qualification or a Certificate of Authority from that state. This is necessary if you'll have a physical presence, employees or banking in that state.

This process will likely include completing an application and paying a filing fee, but each state has different requirements. To plan accordingly, compare state filing times and state filing fees first. Also, contact the state government entity that administers business (usually the Secretary of State) to confirm their requirements and get specific instructions.

If you need assistance, Incfile provides a complete Foreign Qualification service for all states.

Annual Report Requirements for New Jersey

Most states — including New Jersey — require businesses to file an annual (or other periodic) report with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. When you file your annual report, you’ll need to pay a fee of $75. Here are the New Jersey annual report filing requirements:

New Jersey Business License and Permit Requirements

You must ensure you have the proper state, federal or local business licenses to operate your business. Some of the fees are only required once, while others may be ongoing.

Permits and licenses vary based on:

Operating Agreements

The state doesn't require you to have a New Jersey Operating Agreement in place.

This document covers how the business will be run, how managers and members are chosen, rights and duties of members and several other key areas. It's usually filed with your Certificate of Formation. This document can be extremely helpful in making sure you’re organized and prepared for any future events that may affect your business.

Other Potential New Jersey LLC Fees or Requirements

You may need to meet and pay several other requirements and fees over the life of your LLC. Some fees are only payable under specific circumstances, as listed below.

Obtaining an Alternate Name or DBA

If you want to establish a New Jersey DBA (alternate name), you must file a form with the state and pay a filing fee of $50. You can also file online.

Changing the Registered Agent

Your LLC needs a New Jersey Registered Agent, which you must appoint when you file your Certificate of Formation. You may also change to a new Registered Agent later by filing a form and paying a $25 filing fee. You can also file the change online.

Reserving a Name for Your LLC

If you're not ready to form your business, you can reserve a name for 120 days with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services by filing a form and paying a fee of $50. You can also file the reservation online. First, perform a NJ business search and learn about the state's business naming rules to ensure you choose a name that meets legal requirements.

Amending Facts About Your LLC

Your New Jersey business registration documents state certain facts about your LLC at the time it's formed. Over time, some of that information may change. If it does, you'll need to file a Certificate of Amendment with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury for a fee of $100. You may also file this form online, or have Incfile do it on your behalf.

Getting a New Jersey Certificate of Good Standing

Some organizations may request that you prove your LLC’s compliance with laws and tax requirements. In most states, this proof is provided with a Certificate of Good Standing. Here, it's simply a NJ Standing Certificate. You can request one online.

Two types are available to LLCs — short form and long form — and the fee depends on the type. The short-form certificate costs $50, while the long-form certificate is $100.

The fees listed above detail many of the charges a standard LLC will be required to pay in New Jersey. In some unusual circumstances, there may be other one-off, periodic or ad hoc fees not listed above.

Of course, your LLC will also probably need to pay self-employment, payroll, federal, state and other taxes. More information about taxes can be found on the New Jersey Business Taxes page.