How to Start an LLC in New Jersey (2026)

Q: How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?

The Certificate of Formation filing fee is about $125 (New Jersey has been adjusting its fees, so confirm the current amount on the state site). Your EIN and the NJ-REG tax registration are both free. After that, the annual report is $75 per year.

Q: What is NJ-REG and do I need it?

NJ-REG is New Jersey's business tax registration. Every New Jersey LLC must file Form NJ-REG within 60 days of forming to receive a Business Registration Certificate and register for state taxes. It's free and separate from the Certificate of Formation, and it's easy to forget, so do it right after you form.

Q: When is the New Jersey annual report due?

The New Jersey annual report is due by the last day of your anniversary month each year and costs $75. For example, an LLC formed on March 8 files by March 31 every year. It's filed with the Division of Revenue.

Q: Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey?

Yes. You can serve as your own New Jersey registered agent at no cost if you have a physical New Jersey street address (not a PO box) and are available during business hours. A commercial service keeps your home address off the public record.

Last updated: July 21, 2026

To start a New Jersey LLC, file the Certificate of Formation with the NJ Division of Revenue (about $125), appoint a New Jersey registered agent, and get a free EIN. New Jersey adds one step most states don't: you must register for taxes with Form NJ-REG within 60 days. Then file a $75 annual report each year by the last day of your anniversary month.

Quick note: we're operators, not attorneys or accountants. This is general educational info, not legal or tax advice. Confirm current New Jersey requirements with the state and a licensed pro before filing.

New Jersey is straightforward, with one extra step that trips people up: a separate tax registration after you form. Here's the whole process in plain English, written for people starting something real like a courier route.

Don't skip this After you form, New Jersey requires you to file Form NJ-REG within 60 days to register for state taxes and get your Business Registration Certificate. It's free, but it's separate from the formation filing and easy to forget. Do it the same week you form.

How to start a New Jersey LLC in 7 steps

Name it, appoint a registered agent, file the Certificate of Formation, get a free EIN, file NJ-REG within 60 days, write an operating agreement, then file the $75 annual report.

Name your New Jersey LLC

Your name must be distinguishable from other New Jersey businesses and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search availability through the Division of Revenue first, and lock in the matching domain.

Appoint a New Jersey registered agent

New Jersey requires a registered agent with a physical New Jersey street address (no PO boxes), available during business hours. You can be your own agent for free, or use a service to keep your home address off the public record. Useful for a courier working from home. Northwest includes registered-agent service free the first year with their $39 filing.

File the Certificate of Formation

New Jersey's formation document is the Certificate of Formation. File it online with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and pay the filing fee (about $125. Confirm the current amount, as New Jersey has been updating fees).

Get a free EIN from the IRS

Get your EIN free at irs.gov. You'll need it for the next step (NJ-REG), a bank account, and taxes. Never pay a third party for one.

Register for taxes with NJ-REG (within 60 days)

This is the New Jersey-specific step. File Form NJ-REG within 60 days of forming to register for state taxes and receive your Business Registration Certificate (BRC). It's free, done online, and required. Clients and vendors often ask for your BRC.

Write an operating agreement

New Jersey doesn't require one, but create it anyway. It sets out ownership and management, backs up your liability protection, and banks usually want to see it. A filled-in template covers most single-owner courier businesses.

File the annual report

Every New Jersey LLC files a $75 annual report by the last day of your anniversary month (the month you formed), through the Division of Revenue. It keeps your LLC in good standing. Miss it and the state can revoke your standing, so set a reminder.

New Jersey LLC cost breakdown

About $125 to form, then $75 a year. Plus the free-but-required NJ-REG tax registration.

Item	Cost	Required?
Certificate of Formation	~$125 one-time	Yes
EIN	Free from the IRS	Yes (free)
NJ-REG tax registration	Free (within 60 days)	Yes
Registered agent service	$0 (yourself) , $300/yr	No
Annual report	$75/yr (anniversary month)	Yes

New Jersey figures as of 2026. The state has been adjusting filing fees, so verify the current amount at nj.gov/treasury/revenue before filing.

Rather have it filed for you? Northwest will form your New Jersey LLC for $39 + the state fee and act as your registered agent the first year, keeping your home address off the public record. See the $39 formation service → Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Setting up to run courier routes in New Jersey?

The LLC is step one. Our course covers the rest. Insurance and certifications, the business bank account, and how to find routes and win contracts with New Jersey clinics, labs, and hospitals.

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New Jersey LLC FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?

The Certificate of Formation fee is about $125 (confirm the current amount. NJ has been adjusting fees). Your EIN and NJ-REG registration are free. After that, the annual report is $75 a year.

What is NJ-REG and do I need it?

NJ-REG is New Jersey's business tax registration. Every NJ LLC must file it within 60 days of forming to get a Business Registration Certificate. It's free and separate from the formation filing.

When is the New Jersey annual report due?

By the last day of your anniversary month each year, for $75, through the Division of Revenue. An LLC formed March 8 files by March 31 annually.

Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey?

Yes, at no cost, with a physical New Jersey street address (no PO box) and availability during business hours. A commercial service keeps your home address off the public record.

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