Start a Business in Delaware
Delaware is the most popular state for incorporation among venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies, thanks to its well-developed corporate law (Court of Chancery), flexible LLC statute, and business-friendly legal precedents. Over 67% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware.
Filing Fees
| Entity Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| LLC | $90 |
| Corporation | $89 |
| Nonprofit | $89 |
| DBA / Trade Name | $25 |
| Annual Report | $300 |
LLC: $300 flat annual tax; Corp: franchise tax based on authorized shares (minimum $400)
Processing Times
- Standard: 3-5 weeks
- Expedited: Same day ($100), 24-hour ($50), or next-day ($30)
- Online: Available via Delaware Division of Corporations
Key Facts
- Court of Chancery provides specialized business dispute resolution (no jury trials)
- No state income tax on out-of-state revenue for corporations
- LLC annual tax is a flat $300 regardless of revenue
- Corporation franchise tax minimum is $400/year
- 67% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here
- Registered agent required — must be a Delaware resident or authorized entity
Compliance Deadlines
| Item | Due | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Annual Tax | June 1 annually | $200 late penalty + 1.5% monthly interest |
| Corporation Annual Report | March 1 annually | $200 late penalty + interest |
| Corporation Franchise Tax | March 1 annually | $200 late penalty + 1.5% monthly interest |
| Registered Agent | Maintain continuously | Voided certificate of formation |