Start an LLC in New Jersey with these Six Easy Steps
- Step 1. Name Your New Jersey LLC
- Step 2. Choose a Registered Agent
- Step 3. File the Certificate of Formation
- Step 4. Register your Business for Tax
- Step 5. Create an Operating Agreement
- Step 6. Get an EIN
Or Simply use a professional service:
(We recommend doing a name check first)
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Starting an LLC in New Jersey is Easy
LLC in NJ - To form a New Jersey LLC, you'll need to file the Certificate of Formation with the State of New Jersey, which costs $125. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. The Certificate of Formation is the legal document that officially creates your New Jersey Limited Liability Company.
Follow our step-by-step How to Start an LLC in New Jersey guide to get started today. You can learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide.
STEP 1: Name your New Jersey LLC
Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in forming an LLC in New Jersey. Be sure to choose a name that complies with New Jersey naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.
1. Follow the 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.
2. Is the name available in New Jersey? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the State of New Jersey's website.
To learn more about searching for a New Jersey LLC name, read our full guide.
3. Is the URL available? 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 today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
Now that you have verified your name and secured the URL you may select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you. We recommend using one of these professional services:
FAQ: Naming a New Jersey LLC
What is an LLC?
LLC is short for Limited Liability Company. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. An LLC is one of several business structures, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation (C corp and S corp). For more information, read our What is an LLC guide.
Watch our video: What is an LLC?
How do I name my New Jersey LLC?
You must follow the New Jersey LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:
- Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
- Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.
If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.
After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using our Free Logo Generator.
Do I need to get a DBA or Trade Name for my business?
Most LLCs do not need a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA guide.
STEP 2: Choose a Registered Agent in New Jersey
You are required to nominate a New Jersey registered agent for your LLC.
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's 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 New Jersey. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.
To learn more about New Jersey Registered Agents, read our full guide.
Recommended: ZenBusiness provides the first year of registered agent service free with LLC formation ($39 + State Fees)
FAQ: Nominating a New Jersey Registered Agent
Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your New Jersey LLC.
Read more about being your own registered agent.
Is a registered agent service worth it?
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your New Jersey LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
For more information, read our article on New Jersey registered agents.
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, by mail, or in person.
Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.
OPTION 1: File Online with the State of New Jersey
- OR -
OPTION 2: File by Mail or In Person
IMPORTANT: For New Domestic LLCs, complete pages 21-24 of the Business Revenue Form.
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
Office Address:
New Jersey Division of Revenue
33 W. State St.
Trenton, NJ 08608
For help with completing the form, visit our New Jersey Certificate of Formation guide.
If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of New Jersey, you will need to form a Foreign LLC.
FAQ: Filing New Jersey LLC Documents
How long does it take to form an LLC in New Jersey?
Filing the Certificate of Formation takes about 5 to 7 days.
What is the difference between a domestic New Jersey LLC and foreign LLC?
An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.
How much does it cost to start a New Jersey LLC?
The cost to start a New Jersey LLC is $125.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a New Jersey LLC.
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 business entity and tax filings 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.
OPTION 1: Register Online With the State of New Jersey
- OR -
OPTION 2: Register by Mail
IMPORTANT: Complete pages 17-19, Form NJ-Reg, 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 business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information, read our New Jersey LLC operating agreement guide.
Recommended: Download a template or create a Free Operating Agreement using our tool.
FAQ: Creating a New Jersey LLC Operating Agreement
Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
STEP 6: Get a New Jersey LLC EIN
What is an EIN? EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. EINs are a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help identify businesses for tax purposes. It is essentially a social security number for a business.
An EIN is sometimes referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required to:
- Open a business bank account
- File and manage Federal and State Taxes
- Hire employees
What if I already have an EIN for my sole proprietorship? The IRS requires that sole proprietorships get a new EIN when converting to an LLC.
Where do I get an EIN? You can get an EIN for free from the IRS. Getting an EIN is an easy process that can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL EIN APPLICANTS: You do not need a SSN to get an EIN. For more information, read our How to Get an EIN as a Foreign Person guide.
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
- OR -
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting a New Jersey LLC EIN
How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a social security number?
An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application. Learn more about applying as an international applicant.
What tax structure should I choose for my New Jersey LLC?
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
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Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?
We reviewed and ranked the top 5 LLC formation services.
Find out which is best for you.
Important Steps After Forming an LLC
Separate Your Personal and Business Assets
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your New Jersey LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing the corporate veil.
You can start protecting your LLC in New Jersey with these steps:
1. Opening a business checking account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Need help finding your EIN for your bank application? Visit our EIN Lookup guide for help.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank, credit union, business-loan friendly banks, one with many brick-and-mortar locations, and more.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps categorize and separate all business expenses for end-of-year tax purposes.
- Helps build your business credit score — an essential step toward getting a line of credit or business loan in the future.
- Allows you to keep track of department expenses by issuing multiple cards (with multiple budgets) to your employees.
For a closer look at business credit cards and their benefits, check out our review of the best small business credit cards.
Recommended: Visit Divvy to apply for their business credit card and build your business credit quickly.
For other important steps to protect your corporate veil, like properly signing legal documents and documenting company business, please read our corporate veil article.
3. Hiring a business accountant:
- Prevents your business from overpaying on taxes while helping you avoid penalties, fines, and other costly tax errors
- Makes bookkeeping and payroll easier, leaving you with more time to focus on your growing business
- Manages your business funding more effectively, discovering areas of unforeseen loss or extra profit
Recommended: Find out how much you could be saving today by trying our recommended accounting software.
For more business accounting tools, read our guide to the best business accounting software.
Get Business Insurance for Your New Jersey LLC
Business insurance helps you manage risks and focus on growing your business. The most common types of business insurance are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In New Jersey, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance.
Ready To Protect Your Business?
The best way to ensure that you're getting the proper protection at the best price is to speak to a business insurance agent or get a quote online.
Read our review of the best small business insurance companies.
Create Your Business Website
Creating a website is a big step in legitimizing your business. Every business needs a website. Even if you think that your business is too small or in an offline industry, if you don’t have a website, you are missing out on a large percentage of potential customers and revenue.
Some may fear that creating a business website is out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own and control.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Using our website building guides, the process will be simple and painless and shouldn’t take you any longer than 2-3 hours to complete.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Send Out a Press Release
Press releases are among the easiest and best ways to promote your business. They are also one of the most cost-effective strategies as they:
- Provides publicity
- Establish your brand presence on the web
- Improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO), driving more customers to your website
- Are a one-time cost in terms of effort and money
- Have long-lasting benefits
Read our review of the best press release services.
Keep Your Company Compliant
New Jersey Business Permits & Licenses
Does my New Jersey LLC need business licenses and permits?
To operate your New Jersey LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.
The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.
Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.
Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:
- Business License Guide: Use our detailed New Jersey Business License guide.
- Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide.
- State: Visit The State of New Jersey's Business Portal.
- Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.
Recommended: If you are a first-time entrepreneur, consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review on Startup Savant.
New Jersey LLC Tax Filing Requirements
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.
New Jersey Sales Tax
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Business Registration website.
This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.
Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.
Read our New Jersey sales tax guide to find out more.
New Jersey Employer Taxes
If you have employees in New Jersey, you will have to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax on the New Jersey Department of Revenue website.
Register for New Jersey State Taxes
Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements
Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:
- Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
- Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)
How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.
Read our LLC Tax Guide to learn more about federal income taxes for LLCs.
File Your New Jersey LLC Annual Report
New Jersey requires LLCs to file an annual report with the New Jersey Division of Revenue.
File Online with the New Jersey Division of Revenue
Fee: $75 payable to the New Jersey Division of Revenue (Nonrefundable)
Due Date: Due by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed.
Late Filings: New Jersey does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline, but the state will revoke your LLC after failure to file for two consecutive years.
Avoid Automatic Dissolution
LLCs may face fines and even automatic dissolution when they miss one or more state filings. When this happens, LLC owners risk the loss of limited liability protection. A quality registered agent service can help prevent this outcome by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines and by submitting reports on your behalf.
Recommended: ZenBusiness offers a reliable registered agent service and excellent customer support. Learn more by reading our ZenBusiness Review.
Hiring Employees in New Jersey
If you plan to hire employees for your New Jersey LLC, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:
- Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
- Report employees as "new hires" to the State
- Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
- Withhold employee taxes
- Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your workspace
Find more information using the State of New Jersey's Employer Handbook.
Recommended: Check out our Hiring for your Small Business Guide for resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.
FAQ: Hiring Employees in New Jersey
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey?
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $13.00 per hour for non-seasonal businesses with six or more employees and $11.90 per hour for seasonal businesses or businesses with five or fewer employees.
How often do I need to pay employees in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires wages to be paid at least twice monthly. Executive, supervisory and other special classifications may be paid at least once monthly, but must still be regularly scheduled.
Small Business Resources
Get Help Starting a Business in New Jersey
We understand that creating an LLC and getting your business up and running comes with many challenges. To help you succeed, we compiled the best local resources in every major metro area in New Jersey. You can get free assistance in the following areas:
Atlantic City | Mount Laurel | Newark-Jersey City
Small Business Trends
Learn about the current US business trends so you can make the most informed business decisions.
Women in Business Tools and Resources
If you have a woman-owned business, many resources are available to help you concentrate on your business’s growth:
- Funding - (ie. grants, investors, loans)
- Events - (ie. conferences, meetups)
- Guides - (ie. business formation, personal growth)
- Support - (ie. advice, communities, business strategies)
Our information and tools will provide educational sources, allow you to connect with other women entrepreneurs, and help you manage your business with ease.
Free LLC Legal Forms
TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms to help with creating documents like:
- Operating agreements
- LLC resolutions
- Hiring documents, including:
- Employment contracts
- Independent contractor service agreements (ICSA)
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDA)
All you’ll need to do to download the forms is sign up for the TRUiC Business Center, which is also free, forever.
How to Build Business Credit
Learning how to build business credit can help you get credit cards and other business funding options in your business's name (instead of yours), with better interest rates, higher lines of credit, and more.
TRUiC’s Small Business Tools
TRUiC believes business tools should be free and useful. Our tools help solve business challenges, from finding an idea for your business, to creating a business plan, writing an operating agreement for your LLC, and more.
Check out TRUiC’s small business tools:
More New Jersey LLC Information
New Jersey Foreign LLCs
Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. If you have an existing LLC and want to do business in New Jersey, you will need to register as a foreign LLC. This can be done online.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in New Jersey
A Certificate of Good Standing, known in New Jersey as a Standing Certificate, verifies that your LLC was legally formed and has been properly maintained. Several instances where you might need to get one include:
- Seeking funding from banks or other lenders
- Forming your business as a foreign LLC in another state
- Obtaining or renewing specific business licenses or permits
You can order a New Jersey LLC Standing Certificate online or by mail.
OPTION 1: Request a Standing Certificate Online
- OR -
OPTION 2: Request a Certificate by Mail, In Person, or by Fax
Fee: $50 for the short form certificate, $100 for the long form certificate, payable to the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey (Nonrefundable)
Instructions for requesting by mail: Send a letter to the address given in the "Request Form" link above with the 10-digit business ID of the business in which the certificate is being filed for, the address of the business, and the payment for the fee.
Providing a self-addressed stamped envelope will speed up the processing. Be sure to include that you are requesting a Certificate of Good Standing.
How to Dissolve an LLC in New Jersey
If at any point in the future you no longer wish to conduct business with your New Jersey LLC, it is important to officially dissolve it. Failure to do so in a timely fashion can result in tax liabilities and penalties, or even legal trouble. To dissolve your New Jersey LLC, there are two broad steps:
- Close your business tax accounts
- File the New Jersey Articles of Dissolution
When you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our New Jersey LLC Dissolution Guide.
Read More about LLCs & How to Run a Business
Key Terms for Entrepreneurs
LLC: An LLC is a US business structure that offers the personal liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a sole proprietorship or partnership.
DBA: A DBA, or doing business as name, is any name a business operates under that isn't its legal name.
Partnership: A partnership is an informal business structure owned by more than one individual that doesn't provide personal liability protection.