How to Start an LLC in Delaware? (In 5 Easy Steps)

If you consider starting an LLC in Delaware, this article will help walk you through the process. It will include and discuss all the steps of LLC formation that you need to know, so you can establish your Delaware LLC today.

As an experienced business advisor specializing in LLCs, I will cover all the rules and regulations that apply to new businesses registered as LLCs in Delaware.

Quick Summary:

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Starting a Delaware LLC is Easy

In order to start an LLC in Delaware, there are a couple of simple steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Name Your Delaware LLC

Start a Delaware LLC by selecting a name for your business.

Your LLC name will need to be unique enough to not conflict with other businesses operating in the state.

To make sure no one else has already taken the same business name, check online using the search tool from the Delaware Division of Corporations.

If the LLC name is not already taken, reserve it by filing an application for name reservation with the Delaware Division of Corporations.

You can file this form online through your Delaware registered agent service, or you may mail in a hard copy to their business address.

The reservation filing fee is $75, although there are more costs involved in starting an LLC in Delaware.

Step 2: Hire a Registered Agent

Every LLC must have a registered agent. The LLC's registered agent is an individual or business entity that is located in Delaware and resides there during the entire taxable year [1].

A registered agent will accept official service of process on behalf of your LLC, meaning that they ensure that people who need to deliver legal documents (like lawsuits) can find you and serve them properly.

A number of companies offer a registered agent service for a fee. You can find your own registered agent, but it's a good idea to do your research and get several quotes.

You can use Delaware registered agent services for an affordable price, usually no more than $49 a year, but it really depends on the company.

Step 3: File Delaware Certificate of Formation

A Delaware LLC certificate of formation is a legal document that you need to file with the Division of Corporations in order to form your LLC.

A certificate is similar to articles of organization (which you would file with an out-of-state business), which are used for corporations and other companies, but a certificate of formation applies explicitly to limited liability companies.

Delaware certificate of formation should contain information about your LLC, including the name, address, business purpose of the certificate holder (the members), and the registered agent's contact information.

Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

Creating operating agreements is the best way to protect yourself and your business.

An operating agreement should include important information about you – members of the LLC, how profits are split up among the members, what happens if a member leaves or dies, etc.

Delaware law does not mandate having an operating agreement. It's up to you to decide how elaborate your operating agreement is going to be.

You can use anything from a simple one-page document to a more complex legal contract, including addenda and exhibits.

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number

Before registering your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations, you need to get an employer identification number (EIN).

This is a federal tax identification number for businesses in the United States that have employees. It serves as both your employer's and company's taxpayer ID.

In other words, if you don't hire employees, you do not need an EIN. However, if you have even a single employee, then it is required of you to obtain this tax ID from the IRS.

Even if you don't plan on hiring employees, it is still beneficial to have an EIN. You can use it for your business banking accounts, filing tax returns with the IRS and state agencies, and even for marketing purposes.

What To Do After Forming a Delaware LLC

After forming a Delaware LLC, there are other things to consider regarding the company. These are the following:

1. Open a Business Bank Account

There are a couple of reasons why business bank accounts are beneficial:

• They help you separate business and personal finances
• You're able to track business expenses and income for tax purposes. This is especially helpful when filing quarterly sales taxes or annual income taxes with state agencies.

Having a business bank account that's separate from your personal account allows you to be more organized in terms of business expenses and income.

For instance, business bank accounts allow you to have separate business credit cards or debit cards for making business purchases with ease.

In addition, it's also beneficial when filing taxes at the end of a business year because you can easily track expenses from various financial institutions in one place.

2. Check If You Need a Business License

Not every type of business is required to get a business license.

You can check with your city or county's business office for further clarification on the types of businesses that need to obtain business licenses before starting operations in Delaware.

Usually, professional LLCs need to get business licenses. Professional LLCs include those that provide professional services such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

Paying Taxes as a Delaware LLC

Just like S corporations, Delaware LLCs are pass-through entities, meaning they do not pay federal taxes.

Instead, the federal tax burden falls on the individual members or owners of an LLC.

Members in a Delaware limited liability company can elect either a C corporation or an S corporation tax structure.

However, you can also choose default federal tax treatment, that is, be taxed according to the number of members.

In that case, your Delaware LLC is taxed as either a sole proprietorship or partnership.

Check our guide to see when the LLC taxes are due in Delaware.

Pay Alternative Entity Tax

Delaware LLCs have to pay an alternative entity tax of $300 if the LLC has no more than one member.

If it has two or more members, then alternative entity tax is calculated based on their distributive share of income and capital gains – i.e., what percentage each member is entitled to receive from profits and losses respectively after they're allocated among individual LLC owners.

This annual franchise tax is the only form of annual tax that an LLC in the state of Delaware needs to pay.

Related Articles:

• What is Delaware Series LLC
• Best LLC Services in Delaware
• How Long It Takes to Start an LLC in Delaware
• How to Cancel an LLC in Delaware

What Is a Limited Liability Company?

A limited liability company, or LLC for short, is a business structure that combines the personal liability protection of an incorporated entity with the tax benefits of filing as a partnership.

A limited liability company can easily be created in most states by following simple steps and paying applicable fees.

The exact process will vary from state to state - for example, not every state requires you to file biennial reports or sales taxes.

Delaware, for example, is one of the five states that doesn't impose a sales tax on taxable goods or services.

The Difference Between an LLC and a Corporation

An LLC has many of the same advantages as a corporation. It protects its owners from liability for business debts and claims, thereby shielding personal assets against lawsuits or creditors.

But unlike corporations, which require constant formal meetings to maintain their existence, an LLC doesn't need annual board meetings or record-keeping requirements that corporations have in place.

As far as taxes are concerned, corporations are considered separate entities from their owners, and as such, they must pay corporate taxes.

An LLC doesn't have to worry about this issue because LLC owners and LLCs are considered the same -- a pass-through entity that's transparent for tax purposes, which means it doesn't pay corporate taxes.

FAQs

Delaware LLC Formation

There are certain steps to be taken when forming a Delaware LLC. If you are unsure of what needs to be done next, don't hesitate to ask a professional for help at any point during the process.

We have used ZenBusiness to launch some of our businesses and those of our clients, and we strongly advise using a professional provider to handle your business formation.

They can guide you through each step without error so that your company will always remain compliant with Delaware state laws.

Reference:

1. https://corp.delaware.gov/howtoform/