Delaware is where 65% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated, and for good reason. The nation's most sophisticated business court, the most flexible LLC statute in the country, and the Series LLC structure for multi-property investors. Privacy-first formation at $229 + $99 state fee. Registered agent $99/yr.
Service fees compared honestly. Delaware's $90 state filing fee is set by the state and set by the state and collected at the time of filing ; this fee is the same for every Delaware filer.
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| Feature | State LLC Service | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware LLC Formation | $229 + $99 state | $249+ + state | $199+ + state |
| Registered Agent (annual) | $99/yr flat | $249/yr | $99 Year 1, then $199/yr |
| Series LLC Support | Available, properly drafted | Not standard | Not standard |
| Organizer Privacy (name off filing) | Automatic, every filing | Not standard | Not standard |
| Operating Agreement | Included, Delaware-specific | $249 Pro | $199 Pro |
| Year 2+ Renewal | $99/yr | $249/yr | $199/yr |
| 5-Year Total (Formation + RA) | $625 + state fees | $1,494+ + state fees | $895+ + state fees |
You save up to $869 over 5 years versus LegalZoom, with Delaware-specific operating agreements, Series LLC support, and organizer privacy that competitors don't include. Competitor pricing reflects published rates verified April 2026.
Delaware earned its reputation over more than a century of business-friendly legislation and judicial expertise. These are the reasons businesses of every size, from first-time LLCs to Fortune 500 corporations, choose Delaware.
Delaware's Series LLC lets you operate multiple segregated business units, each with its own assets, liabilities, and members, under a single LLC filing. Real estate investors use it to hold each property in a separate series. If one series faces a lawsuit, the assets in other series are shielded. One filing fee, one registered agent, multiple protected segments.
The Delaware Court of Chancery is a specialized equity court where all business disputes are decided by experienced judges, not juries. It has over 200 years of business case law, producing some of the most predictable and well-reasoned corporate legal precedent in the world. For complex governance, fiduciary duty, or contract disputes, Delaware's courts are in a class of their own.
Most venture capital firms and institutional investors are deeply familiar with Delaware law and often require Delaware entities for investment. If you plan to raise outside capital, take on investors, or issue equity to employees, a Delaware LLC (or Delaware C-corporation) is the structure most investors expect to see. Starting in Delaware avoids a costly conversion later.
The Delaware Limited Liability Company Act gives LLC members extraordinary freedom to customize governance through their operating agreement. Nearly any provision that can be agreed upon can be enforced, voting structures, profit allocations, management hierarchies, transfer restrictions, and buyout formulas. Delaware courts consistently uphold operating agreement provisions that would be challenged in other states.
Real estate investors with multiple properties frequently choose the Delaware Series LLC to consolidate holdings under one umbrella while maintaining legal separation between properties. Rather than forming, and paying annual fees for, a separate Wyoming or Florida LLC for each property, a single Delaware Series LLC with multiple series can achieve the same protection at a fraction of the administrative cost.
Delaware does have a state income tax, but Delaware does not tax income earned outside Delaware by non-resident LLC owners. If your Delaware LLC operates in other states and you live outside Delaware, Delaware income tax generally does not apply to your pass-through LLC income. This makes Delaware a practical choice even for businesses with no physical Delaware presence.
The Series LLC is Delaware's most distinctive innovation. Here is how it works for real estate investors and multi-asset business owners.
A liability in Series A cannot reach Series B, C, or D assets. One LLC. Multiple shields.
Delaware formations are straightforward. Here is what happens from order to active entity.
Delaware LLC names must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and must be distinguishable from existing Delaware entities. For a Series LLC, the name typically includes "Series" to indicate the structure.
We submit your Certificate of Formation to the Delaware Division of Corporations. Standard processing is typically 1–3 business days. Expedited options are available directly through the state for an additional state fee.
For a standard Delaware LLC, an operating agreement establishes governance, member rights, and profit allocations. For a Series LLC, the operating agreement must explicitly establish each series and its segregation provisions. We provide an operating agreement template, a licensed attorney should review before you execute.
Delaware charges a flat $300 annual franchise tax for LLCs, due June 1 each year. We provide reminders and the payment goes directly to the Delaware Division of Revenue. Late payment triggers a $200 penalty plus interest.
Everything to file and activate your Delaware LLC.
Flat rate every year. Delaware annual franchise tax ($300) is paid directly to the state, due June 1.
Delaware does not require member or manager names on the Certificate of Formation. We file as organizer so your personal name does not appear on the formation document submitted to the state. Your registered agent address replaces your personal address on state records. Privacy from day one, no extra charge, no premium tier required.
Important note: If member or manager names are voluntarily included on the Certificate of Formation, anyone who requests a formation copy from the state will see that information. Because we file as organizer and do not list your name on the formation document, this concern is handled for you automatically.
Straight answers to the most common questions about Delaware LLCs and Series LLCs.
Already have your LLC? Need something beyond formation? We offer a full menu of business services, all at transparent, flat-rate pricing.
Get a real Delaware street address for your LLC, not a PO Box. All mail is scanned and delivered directly to your email. Use it for banking, state filings, and business correspondence. Physical forwarding available on request.
Physical mail forwarding available upon request. Shipping & handling fees apply. Each plan includes a unique suite number.
We handle the paperwork so you don't have to. All filing services include state fees paid on your behalf, no surprises.
From EINs to S-Corp elections, we handle the filings that keep your business compliant and tax-efficient.
All add-on services are available to any Delaware LLC, you don't need to have formed through us. Already have a registered agent elsewhere? Switch to us for $99/yr plus a small one-time $39 transfer fee and get access to everything above.
Delaware is the choice for business law authority and Series LLC structures. These states offer complementary advantages.
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The nation's most flexible LLC statute. The most sophisticated business court. The Series LLC structure that serious investors choose. $229 + $99 state fee. Registered agent $99/yr.
We value your privacy because we value ours.