State Guide
Delaware LLC Formation
Complete guides for forming and operating an LLC in Delaware.
Guides
Business License Requirements in DelawareYes, Delaware requires most businesses operating in the state to obtain a state business license from the **Delaware Division of Revenue**. Unlike some state...Delaware Corporation CostsMost startups use the authorized shares method because it produces lower minimum tax. Calculate both methods and pay whichever is lower.Delaware Corporation TaxesDelaware imposes a **flat 8.7% corporate income tax** on corporations with Delaware-sourced income, making it one of the most straightforward state corporate...How to File a DBA in DelawareA DBA (Doing Business As), also called a fictitious name or assumed name, is a legal registration that allows you to operate a business under a name differen...How to Form a Partnership in DelawareWhile both partnerships and LLCs are pass-through entities, they differ significantly in liability, formation, and cost. Understanding these differences help...How to Incorporate in DelawareYour Certificate of Incorporation is the foundational document that establishes your Delaware corporation. Under 8 Del. C. § 102, you must include specific r...How to Start a Nonprofit in DelawareDelaware's nonprofit framework offers significant advantages for mission-driven organizations. The state provides flexible governance rules, strong privacy p...How to Start an LLC in DelawareDelaware is the dominant jurisdiction for LLC formation in the United States, hosting over 90% of IPO-bound companies and the majority of venture-backed star...Delaware LLC Annual ReportYou'll receive a mailed notice at least 60 days before June 1 each year (6 Del. C. § 18-1107(d)). Pay online through the Division of Corporations' tax portal...Delaware LLC CostDelaware charges a **$110 base filing fee** for your LLC's Certificate of Formation under 6 Del. C. § 18-1107(a)(3). You can add expedited processing at your...Delaware LLC Name RulesDelaware law prohibits certain words in LLC names to protect regulated industries and prevent consumer confusion. Under **6 Del. C. § 18-102**, you **cannot ...Delaware LLC Operating AgreementIf you form a Delaware LLC without a written operating agreement, **§§ 18-301 et seq.** of the Delaware LLC Act supply default rules. Understanding these def...Delaware LLC TaxesA: Yes, if your LLC earns income in Delaware or you're a Delaware resident member. Delaware imposes a **graduated personal income tax of 2.2%–6.6%** on LLC p...Professional License Requirements in DelawareDelaware allows you to form a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) if you operate in a licensed profession. The state recognizes PLLCs under its Lim...Delaware Registered AgentEvery Delaware LLC must maintain a registered agent and registered office in the state under **6 Del. C. § 18-104(a)**. Your registered agent is the official...How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in DelawareA sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned and operated by one person with no legal separation between the owner and the business. You and you...
Entity Comparisons
Llc vs C Corp in DelawareLlc vs Dba in DelawareLlc vs Limited Partnership in DelawareLlc vs Nonprofit in DelawareLlc vs Partnership in DelawareLlc vs Pllc in DelawareLlc vs S Corp in DelawareLlc vs Sole Proprietorship in DelawareS Corp vs C Corp in DelawareSingle Member Llc vs Multi Member Llc in Delaware