How to Start an LLC in New Jersey
Last Updated: by TRUiC Team
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.
Follow our step-by-step How to Start an LLC in New Jersey guide to get started today.
- 1. Name Your New Jersey LLC
- 2. Choose a Registered Agent
- 3. File the Certificate of Formation
- 4. Register Your Business for Tax
- 5. Create an Operating Agreement
- 6. Get an EIN
- 7. File the Annual Report
- 8. Keep Your Company Compliant
Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Set Up an LLC guide.
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Step 1: Name Your New Jersey LLC
Choosing a company name is the first and most important step of 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.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
We reviewed and ranked the best LLC services. Find out which is best for you.
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.
Recommended: Check out these best registered agent services.
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.
Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.
File the Certificate of Formation
OPTION 1: File Online With the State of New Jersey
- OR -
OPTION 2: File the Public Records Filing by Mail
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.
If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of New Jersey, you will need to form a foreign 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 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
- OR -
OPTION 2: Register by Mail
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 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.
Step 6: Get a New Jersey LLC EIN
You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number 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
- 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
Step 7: File the Annual Report
New Jersey requires LLCs to file an annual report with the New Jersey Division of Revenue. This keeps your LLC's basic information up to date with the state (e.g., your registered agent, address, member information, etc.).
Annual reports must be submitted online, along with a $75 filing fee, by the end of the month in which your LLC was formed.
Steps After LLC Formation
Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.
Visit our After Forming an LLC guide to learn more.
Step 8: Keep Your Company Compliant
New Jersey Business Licenses & Permits
To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.
Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with our New Jersey Business License guide.
Recommended: Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review.
New Jersey LLC Tax Filing Requirements
It's important to stay up to date on New Jersey LLC taxes.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of tax:
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 Taxation website.
New Jersey's base state sales tax is 6.625%. Designated "Urban Enterprise Zones" in the state have a rate of 3.313%.
Employer Taxes
If you’re hiring employees, you’ll need to register for both Unemployment Insurance Tax with the New Jersey Division of Unemployment Insurance and Employee Withholding Tax with the Division of Taxation.
Income Tax
State:
New Jersey uses a graduated tax system for individual income tax. Your rate will range from 1.4% to 10.75%, depending on your LLC's income.
State tax returns are due each year by April 18. To calculate your tax or determine your tax bracket, visit the New Jersey Department of the Treasury's Division of Taxation website.
Federal:
You’ll also need to report your federal income tax using either Form 1065 (multi-member LLC) or Form 1040 Schedule C (single-member LLC).
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.
Common Questions About New Jersey LLCs
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. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute 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, get a unique logo using our Free Logo Generator.
Do I need to get a DBA or alternate name for my business?
Most LLCs do not need a DBA, known as an alternate name in New Jersey. 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.
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.
How long does it take to form an LLC in New Jersey?
Processing the Certificate of Formation takes about one business day for online filings and up to three weeks for mail-in filings.
What is the difference between a domestic New Jersey LLC and a foreign LLC?
An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. 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.
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.
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.
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey?
The minimum wage in New Jersey is $14.13 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.
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