How to Start an LLC in New Jersey

Step 1: Name Your New Jersey LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your New Jersey LLC. 

This will need to comply with all applicable naming requirements under New Jersey law and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.

1. New Jersey LLC Naming Guidelines

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
• Your name must be distinguishable from any other New Jersey limited liability company, corporation, or limited partnership, or any name reserved under Section 42:2C-10 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes.

We recommend checking out the New Jersey Legislature’s guidelines for a complete list of naming rules in this state.

2. New Jersey Name Availability Search

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in New Jersey, you can perform a Business Entity Name Search with the State of New Jersey’s business portal.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days ($50 filing fee).

For more information, you can have a look at our New Jersey LLC Name Search guide.

3. Finding the Right Domain

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term. 

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a New Jersey LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in New Jersey

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a New Jersey registered agent. This is a necessary step in your Certificate of Formation (i.e., the document used to file and register your LLC with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services).

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving necessary tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?

A registered agent must be a resident of New Jersey or a corporation, such as a registered agent service authorized to transact business in the state of New Jersey. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.), use an attorney (not recommended due to the high cost), or go with a registered agent service.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the New Jersey Certificate of Formation

To register your New Jersey LLC, you will need to file the Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue.

You can apply online using the Business.NJ.gov Navigator or by submitting a paper copy of the Public Records Filing for New Business Entity form by mail.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Certificate of Formation correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:

• Your reason for filing the application
• Your LLC’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or the owner’s Social Security number
• The business entity name and/or trade name of your LLC
• Your LLC’s business address (and mailing address if the two are different)
• The beginning date for your LLC
• Your business’s ownership type (e.g., sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S corp, etc.)
• Your New Jersey Business Code
• Your County/Municipality Code
• Your Standard Industrial Code (if known)
• The names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of the members/managers

File the Certificate of Formation

OPTION 1: File Online With the State of New Jersey

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File the Public Records Filing by Mail

Download Form

IMPORTANT: For new domestic LLCs, complete pages 23-24 of the Business Registration Packet.

State Filing Cost: $125 payable to the New Jersey Division of Revenue (Nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
New Jersey Division of Revenue
P.O. Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646

For help with completing the form, visit our New Jersey Certificate of Formation guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of New Jersey, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing New Jersey LLC Documents

Step 4: Register Your Business for Tax & Employer Purposes

All LLCs in New Jersey are required to register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for their business registration certificate within 60 days of LLC formation. 

This will ensure your business receives a New Jersey tax identification number, allowing you to receive all proper returns and notices. You can do this either online or by mail. 

Complete Your Registration

OPTION 1: Register Online With the State of New Jersey

Register Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: Register by Mail

Download Form

IMPORTANT: Form NJ-REG can be found on pages 17-19 of the Business Registration Packet.

Fee: None

Mailing Address:
New Jersey Division of Revenue
P.O. Box 252
Trenton, NJ 08646

Step 5: Create a New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement

In New Jersey, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it’s a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC members are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• New Jersey Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• New Jersey Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement

Step 6: Get an EIN for Your New Jersey LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify business entities and keep track of their tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in New Jersey Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service guide. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your New Jersey LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete several key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

1. Get a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Getting a dedicated business bank account is an essential part of operating legitimately as it keeps your personal and business assets separate, and therefore helps shield your personal limited liability. 

Skipping this step can often lead to:

• Courts determining that you haven’t been treating your LLC as a separate entity
• Your “corporate veil” being pierced, meaning that you will no longer benefit from limited liability in law. 

Recommended: Have a look at our Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs in 2026 review. 

You can also choose to acquire a corporate credit card if you’re interested in building your credit and potentially raising capital down the line. 

2. Check If You Need a New Jersey Business License

New Jersey does not require LLCs to hold a “general” business license in order to operate. 

Even so, you should know that business licensing is regulated at a local, state, and federal level, so your licensing needs will ultimately depend on your exact location and industry:

• Local Licenses: You’ll need to check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals you’ll need. 
• State-Level Licenses: You can use New Jersey’s Licensing and Certification guide to determine which state-level licenses your business may require (e.g., construction, childcare, retail food sales, or other regulated professions).
• Federal Licenses: While most New Jersey LLCs will not be subject to federal regulation, those involved in heavily regulated industries (such as agriculture, alcohol, and firearms) will. You can have a look at this Small Business Administration article for the relevant federal agency you’ll need to contact.

A few questions to ask yourself when deciding whether you need a license include:

• Will you sell taxable goods or services? If so, you’ll need a Sales Tax Certificate of Authority from the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. You can find more information on this on our New Jersey Sales Tax guide. 
• Will you work as a licensed professional? If your LLC will focus on regulated fields — such as medicine, law, insurance, or real estate — you’ll need to ensure that you or a member of your LLC is appropriately licensed.
• Will your LLC’s activities negatively impact the environment? If so, you might need to obtain a business license or permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 

For more information, you can have a look at our New Jersey Business License guide; If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.

3. Understand Your New Jersey LLC Tax Obligations

New Jersey LLCs are not all taxed in the same way; this is because LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default, meaning that they are largely taxed similarly to sole proprietors — the business gets paid, the profits pass to you as the owner, and you get taxed. There is no “corporate” tax involved. 

This means that:

On a Federal Level

You’ll need to submit personal income tax returns using either Form 1040 (for single member LLCs) or Form 1065 (for multi-member LLCs). If you have employees, you will also be subject to federal income tax withholding. 

On a State Level

Your LLC may be required to pay several New Jersey state taxes, including gross income tax withholding on employee wages (in addition to federal payroll taxes) and state income tax on profits passed through to members. Keep in mind that New Jersey allows LLCs to elect the Pass-Through Business Alternative Income Tax (an optional entity-level tax that provides members with a refundable state credit).

On a Local Level

Your LLC may be required to pay property, occupancy, or tourism-related taxes at the county or municipal level, depending on where your business operates and the type of services it provides. An example of this is the Municipal Occupancy Tax, which applies in certain cities and requires hotels and motels to collect up to 3% in local taxes from guests in addition to the state sales tax.

For more information on the New Jersey-specific LLC tax obligations that may apply to you, we recommend having a look at our in-depth New Jersey LLC Taxes guide. Alternatively, you can schedule a free online consultation with 1800-Accountant for all your tax-related questions.  

4. Get Business Insurance for Your LLC in New Jersey

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. 

This is because an LLC’s default limited liability protects your personal assets, not the business’s. Some of the most common types of business insurance include:

• General Liability Insurance: This is a broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses end up getting general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: This is a business insurance policy for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that covers employees for work-related injuries, illnesses, or deaths, and is legally required for all New Jersey businesses with one or more employees.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your business may need? Read our full New Jersey Business Insurance Guide.

5. Learn How to Properly Sign Your LLC’s Legal Documents

Improperly signing a document as yourself and not as a representative of the business can leave you open to personal liability. 

When signing legal documents on behalf of your company, you we recommend following this formula to avoid any problems:

• Formal name of your business
• Your signature
• Your name
• Your position in the business as its authorized representative

6. Submit an Annual Report for Your New Jersey LLC

Every New Jersey LLC is required to file an annual report with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services by the last day of the month in which the LLC was originally formed.

For example, if your LLC was formed on June 10, 2025, your first annual report will be due by June 30, 2026, and by the same date each year after that.

To file, you’ll need to provide your LLC’s name, principal address, registered agent information, along with the names and contact details of its members or managers, and pay a $75 filing fee online through New Jersey’s Annual Reports and Change Services portal.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

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