Provider prices checked October 21, 2026 · state fees checked October 19, 2026
New Jersey LLC cost in 2026: state fees vs. formation services
Official state fee: $100 for the Certificate of Formation (NJ Division of Revenue fee schedule).
After that, the Annual Report is $75 a year, due by the last day of your LLC's anniversary month.
Over 10 years that's $850 in state fees alone, ranked 33rd (1 = cheapest) in our LLC Annual Fees 10-Year Cost Index. For due dates, late penalties and official sources, see the New Jersey LLC annual report page.
Paying online? (checkout total unconfirmed) New Jersey's online filing service adds a payment-processing charge on top of the state fee, collected by the State's payment partner (NICUSA-NJ), not by the State. Its published fee table lists $3.50 by credit card or $1.00 by eCheck on a $100 LLC filing (NJ online filing FAQ). That table is on the amendments FAQ, and the formation portal doesn't publish its own table before checkout, so treat about $103.50 by card or $101 by eCheck as likely, not confirmed.
Why other sites quote different numbers: ZenBusiness's New Jersey guide says “The state charges a filing fee of $103 for your Certificate of Formation (which includes a $3 online fee).” Northwest's New Jersey guide says “The costs to form a New Jersey LLC start at $125.” Neither matches the official $100 state fee, which is the figure used below.
What you'd pay: three ways to form a New Jersey LLC
Every New Jersey LLC needs a registered agent: a New Jersey resident or a registered agent company, with a physical New Jersey address. You can be your own. The table assumes you hire a registered agent, except in the do-it-yourself column. Prices checked October 21, 2026 on each provider's own pages; confirm at checkout. This page contains no affiliate links.
| Do it yourself (you're your own agent) | Northwest Registered Agent | ZenBusiness Starter + registered agent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $0 | $39 | $0 |
| Registered agent, year 1 | $0 (you) | Included | $199 |
| NJ state fee, year 1 (official; excludes the online payment charge) | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Year 1 total | $100 | $139 | $299 |
| Year 2: Annual Report | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Year 2: registered agent | $0 | $125 | $199 |
| Year 2 total | $75 | $200 | $274 |
What the table leaves out:
- Northwest annual report service: if you hire Northwest as your registered agent, you're automatically enrolled in its annual report service, $100 plus state fees, charged when it files. You can cancel it. The year-2 figures assume you file the report yourself.
- ZenBusiness Worry-Free Compliance: Starter includes it free for the first year, then it renews at $199 a year unless you cancel. The year-2 figures assume you don't keep it.
- Speed: ZenBusiness Starter takes about 7 to 10 business days; rush is $79 more. Pro ($199, renews at $199 a year) and Premium ($299, renews at $299 a year) include 1-day processing. Northwest advertises same-day processing.
- EIN: you can get one free directly from the IRS. ZenBusiness charges $99 for it unless you're on Pro or Premium.
- Partnership filing fee: ZenBusiness's New Jersey guide says multi-member LLCs may owe a separate per-partner filing fee. It isn't in these totals.
The cheapest way
Filing yourself costs $100 (plus the online payment charge), then $75 a year. If you'd rather not list your own address as the registered office, Northwest's $39 includes the first year of agent service. ZenBusiness's $0 Starter comes to $299 in year 1 once you add its $199 registered agent.
When is the New Jersey Annual Report due?
By the last day of your LLC's anniversary month every year, filed online. Details and official sources: New Jersey LLC annual report.
Get your exact date with the deadline calculator, or compare every state in the cost index.
FAQ
How much does an LLC cost in NJ?
$100 to form and $75 a year in state fees. A registered agent service, if you use one, is extra.
Can I form an LLC in New Jersey for free?
No. The state charges $100 for the Certificate of Formation, plus a small payment-processing charge if you pay online (the State's online filing fee table lists $3.50 by card or $1.00 by eCheck on a $100 filing).
Do I need a registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes. You can serve as your own if you have a physical New Jersey address and are available during business hours.
Sources
Provider prices and terms, checked October 21, 2026:
- Northwest Registered Agent LLC service
- Northwest Registered Agent registered agent service
- Northwest Registered Agent annual report service
- ZenBusiness LLC plans
- ZenBusiness pricing (add-ons and services)
- IRS: get an EIN (free)
State fees: NJ Division of Revenue fee schedule, NJ online filing FAQ (payment fees), and the official sources listed on our New Jersey page. See how we verify data. Spot an out-of-date price? Email team@llcannualfees.com.
Fees and prices change. Confirm with the state and the provider before you buy. General information, not legal or tax advice.