How to Start an LLC in New Jersey

Why Start a New Jersey LLC?

The state offers a wide range of business assistance programs and tax credits to LLCs and other business entities that meet certain requirements. For example, the Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Act offers tax credits to businesses that create and preserve New Jersey jobs that are in danger of being sent out of state.

For most people who want to start a business, creating a New Jersey limited liability company (LLC) is the easiest, fastest way. An ideal business entity for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses, an LLC grants you the advantages and protections of larger corporations but with much simpler rules and regulations.

Benefits of forming a New Jersey LLC:

• Simple filing, management, compliance, regulation and administration

• Protects your personal assets from business debts and liability

• Easy tax filing and potential advantages for tax treatment

• Low formation cost of just $125

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

This guide will cover the basics of NJ LLC formation. It covers naming your business, getting a Registered Agent, the fees and requirements you’ll need to pay and meet, NJ state tax details and much more. We’ll also go over what you need to file your LLC and how you'll work with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, often simply referred to as the NJ Division of Revenue or DORES.

Note: In most states, business creation and management is administered by the Secretary of State. However, NJ business services are handled by DORES, which falls under the NJ Department of Treasury, but the NJ Secretary of State does provide some resources and support through its Business Action Center.

How to Form a New Jersey LLC Yourself in 7 Steps

1

Choose a Unique Business Name and Complete a New Jersey LLC Search

You'll need a distinctive and original name for your LLC that no other business in the state is using. If you’re having difficulty coming up with a name, try using our Business Name Generator to brainstorm. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on our New Jersey Business Names page.

Once you’ve selected a name, you must ensure it’s available in New Jersey. To find out whether another company is using your desired name, use our tool to do a New Jersey entity search. Alternatively, you can perform a name search on the DORES website.

2

Provide an Official Business Address for Your LLC

Every New Jersey LLC must have a designated street address, whether it's your home address (if you’re running the company from your residence), an office building or any other physical location. The address can be outside the state, but cannot be a P.O. Box.

You may also be able to use a virtual mailbox for your business address. Incfile can provide you with a New Jersey virtual mailbox where we'll receive your mail, and scan it for your online review. This can be especially convenient if you run a home-based business and don't want your home address published as part of your business public record.

3

Assign a Registered Agent

Someone who receives official correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the NJ Division of Revenue is called a Registered Agent. Every New Jersey LLC is required to have one.

You can fill this position or select another manager in the business or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your New Jersey Registered Agent is a person, they must be at least 18 years old, and reside and have a physical address in New Jersey. They must also be available during business hours to receive documents on behalf of your company. In New Jersey, you select a Registered Agent when you file your Business Registration Application to create your business.

All of Incfile's packages include Registered Agent service that's free for the first year and just $119 per year thereafter. You'll have access to a dashboard where you can log in and easily view any document we've received on your behalf.

4

File a Certificate of Formation with the NJ Division of Revenue

Once you have all the information for your LLC, you’ll need to file a New Jersey Certificate of Formation — also called a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity in New Jersey — with DORES, which will officially create your LLC.

Note: The NJ Division of Revenue requests that your Certificate of Formation be filed online, but you can also print the form and mail it in, if you prefer. We highly recommend filing your LLC paperwork online or through Incfile for faster, more accurate service.

You only need to file your NJ Certificate of Formation once, but every year after, you'll need to file an annual report. Incfile can remind you to do this, or do it for you if we handle your formation paperwork.

What are the fees and requirements to form a business in New Jersey?

5

File Form NJ-REG to Register Your Business for Tax and Employer Purposes

Within 60 days of filing your Certificate of Formation/Public Records Filing to officially form your new business entity, you’ll also need to complete Form NJ-REG to register your business with the New Jersey Division of Revenue. This is free and ensures that your business is registered under the correct tax identification number and that you'll receive the proper returns and notices. You can file your Form NJ-REG online here.

6

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You'll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or Incfile can get one for you as part of the NJ LLC formation process.

7

Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that details how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement outlines how business decisions will be made, how the business is set up among members and what will happen if a member leaves the company.

Many states require that a company have an Operating Agreement in place — it isn’t legally required in New Jersey, but it’s a good idea to have one nonetheless.

Other New Jersey LLC Types

Professional LLC

Some states allow certain occupations to form Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs). The state doesn’t use the term "New Jersey PLLC," but it will allow an LLC that provides professional services to form a Professional Association.

State Senate Bill 2137, a revision to the New Jersey Professional Service Corporation Act, defines professional services as:

"… the personal services rendered by certified public accountants, architects, optometrists, ophthalmic dispensers and technicians, professional engineers, land surveyors, land planners, chiropractors, physical therapists, registered professional nurses, psychologists, dentists, osteopaths, physicians and surgeons, doctors of medicine, doctors of dentistry, podiatrists, veterinarians and, subject to the Rules of the Supreme Court, attorneys-at-law …"

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to New Jersey — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about New Jersey Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of New Jersey