New Jersey LLC Cost (2026): The Filing Fee Just Dropped to $100
New Jersey made forming an LLC cheaper in 2026. Legislation signed this year cut the Certificate of Formation fee from $125 to $100, effective July 1, 2026. The yearly cost did not change: $75 for the annual report. The cost most guides get wrong is the partnership filing fee, which only applies to LLCs with more than two owners.
The $100 Certificate of Formation (Down From $125)
A New Jersey LLC is created by filing a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity, which serves as the Certificate of Formation, with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Filings submitted on or after July 1, 2026 pay $100. Anything you read that says $125 predates the change.
The filing asks for the LLC’s name, a New Jersey registered agent and office, the main business address, and the business purpose. After formation, most LLCs also complete the separate tax registration (Form NJ-REG) so they are set up with the Division of Taxation.
Northwest Registered Agent
New Jersey’s business records list your registered agent address publicly. $39 formation + $100 state fee, free registered agent for year one, then $125/yr.
$39 formation fee · Free registered agent for 12 months · Your address stays off public records · No data selling · No hidden fees
Form Your LLC with Northwest ($39) →Lowest 3-year cost we found: Northwest $289 vs Bizee $298 vs ZenBusiness $497 (service fees; state fees extra). Northwest also puts its address on your public filings instead of yours where the state allows.
The $75 Annual Report
Every New Jersey LLC files an annual report for $75, due by the last day of the month in which it was formed. The first report is due in the anniversary month of the year after formation: an LLC formed in March 2026 files its first report by March 31, 2027. Missing reports eventually leads to the state revoking the LLC, and reinstating it costs far more than $75.
The $150 Per-Owner Partnership Filing Fee
New Jersey charges a partnership filing fee to entities taxed as partnerships that have more than two owners. The fee is $150 per owner, paid with the NJ-1065 return, and it is capped at $250,000. An installment prepayment of 50% of the current year’s fee is also due for the next year. A single-member LLC, or a two-member LLC, does not pay it.
Example: a three-member LLC owes $450 for the year plus a $225 prepayment toward the following year. That is on top of the $75 annual report.
Name Reservation, Expediting, and Other Extras
- Name reservation: $50, optional, if you want to hold a name before filing.
- Expedited service: the Division offers paid expedite options, from $25 up to $1,000 for the fastest tiers. Online filings are usually quick without them.
- Publication: none. Unlike New York, New Jersey has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs.
New Jersey 3-Year Cost
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $139 ($100 filing + $39, RA free) | $200 ($75 annual report + $125 RA) | $200 (same) | $539 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $199 ($100 + $0 + $99 RA) | $274 ($75 + $199 RA) | $274 (same) | $747 |
| DIY, self as registered agent | $100 (Certificate of Formation) | $75 (annual report) | $75 (annual report) | $250 |
The table covers a one- or two-owner LLC, which pays no partnership filing fee. The $289 extra with Northwest Registered Agent over three years buys a New Jersey registered agent address on the public record and reminders before each anniversary-month report.
Form your New Jersey LLC for $39 + $100 state fee.
Northwest Registered Agent: $39 formation, free Year 1 registered agent, compliance reminders, and your home address kept off public records.
Form My New Jersey LLC for $39
Prefer a $0 upfront starter plan? Compare ZenBusiness (registered agent $199/yr).
When a New Jersey LLC may not be worth it yet: if the business is a small side project with no liability exposure, $75 a year plus tax registration paperwork may be more than it needs today. If you plan to bring in a third owner, budget for the per-owner fee before you do.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes a free business address, mail scanning, and more.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in New Jersey?
$100 for the Certificate of Formation for filings on or after July 1, 2026 (it was $125 before). With Northwest Registered Agent the first-year total is $139 including a free first year of registered agent service.
How much is the New Jersey LLC annual report?
$75, due by the last day of the LLC’s anniversary month, starting the year after formation.
Do New Jersey LLCs pay $150 per member?
Only LLCs taxed as partnerships with more than two owners. They pay $150 per owner with Form NJ-1065, capped at $250,000, plus a 50% prepayment for the next year.
Do New Jersey LLCs have to publish in a newspaper?
No. New Jersey has no publication requirement for LLCs.
