SET A COMPANY IN DELAWARE

Starting a business in Delaware offers several advantages, such as a business-friendly tax structure and streamlined regulations.

Registering a Delaware LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the most popular ways to start a company in this state.

The information below guides you step by step on how to set up a Delaware LLC, including state requirements, total costs, important filings, and the benefits of choosing Corporate Mile for your formation needs.

Why Set Up a Company in Delaware?

Delaware Tax Rules Depend on Structure
Delaware tax treatment depends on how your LLC is classified and where it does business. By default, many LLCs are treated as pass-through entities for federal tax purposes. Delaware LLCs do not file a Delaware LLC annual report, but they do owe a separate annual LLC tax.
Fewer Formalities
Compared to corporations, LLCs in Delaware have fewer legal requirements. This means less paperwork, fewer recordkeeping obligations, and a simpler operational structure.
Asset Protection
An LLC separates your personal assets from the debts and liabilities of the business. If your company faces a lawsuit or financial trouble, your personal property is generally protected.
Lower Overall Costs
A Delaware LLC can offer liability protection and flexible internal management, but state taxes, annual LLC tax obligations, filing fees, and local business costs still apply depending on your activity and structure.
Flexible Management
Delaware LLCs do not have restrictions on the number and types of owners (members). Members of a Delaware LLC have greater flexibility to participate in the company’s management. You can choose to participate in management (member managed) or nominate other managers to run the business (manager managed). You decide who runs day-to-day operations, making it easy to adapt your business structure to your specific goals and needs.

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START YOUR DELAWARE LLC

Choose Corporate Mile for Delaware LLC registration.

STEP-BY-STEP: REGISTERING YOUR DELAWARE LLC

1. Choose a Name for Your LLC

Your chosen name must include a legal suffix such as “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” or “LLC.”

Confirm that the name is not already taken by searching the Delaware Division of Corporations entity database.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent in Delaware

Every Delaware LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Delaware.

You may serve as your own agent if you have an address in the state, or you can hire a professional service.

Corporate Mile provides registered agent services.

3. File Certificate of Formation

Submit your Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation to the Delaware Division of Corporations. Filing may be submitted through the state’s accepted filing methods.

The Delaware Certificate of Formation is a streamlined filing that includes basic formation details, including the LLC name and registered agent information.

Pay the $110 Delaware state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation.

Processing times can vary depending on filing method, service level, and state workload.

4. Draft an Operating Agreement

A Delaware LLC operating agreement helps clarify ownership percentages, member responsibilities, profit distributions, and other internal processes. Many banks request an operating agreement to open a business bank account, but requirements vary by bank.

Corporate Mile includes a customized operating agreement at no additional charge.

5. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

If you intend to hire employees, open a business bank account, or choose certain tax classifications (e.g., S-Corp election), you’ll need an EIN from the IRS.

You can apply directly on the IRS website at no cost.

Corporate Mile can also secure your EIN for you.

TOTAL COST BREAKDOWN

This package includes your selected service items. State filing fees should be listed accurately and separately where shown.

DELAWARE LLC PACKAGE

When you choose Corporate Mile to form your Delaware LLC, your total includes:

$ 459

One Time

Delaware State Filing Fee – $110
LLC filing with the Delaware Division of Corporations
Obtaining Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Registered Agent Service (1 Year)
Operating Agreement

ONGOING REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

ANNUAL DELAWARE LLC TAX

Delaware LLCs do not file an annual report. Instead, every Delaware LLC must pay a flat $300 annual LLC tax.

The annual LLC tax is due by June 1 each year.

Failure to pay on time can result in a $200 penalty plus interest.

BUSINESS LICENSES AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Depending on your business activity, you may need state or local business licenses before operating.

License and permit requirements vary by business type and location.

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START YOUR DELAWARE LLC

Choose Corporate Mile for Delaware LLC registration.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Trade Name (DBA) Registration

If your business will operate under a name different from the one listed on your Articles of Organization, you must file a fictitious name (DBA) registration with the state.
Corporate Mile can handle the registration for $175, or $303 if any required publication is included.

Mail Forwarding Options

Limited: Includes three free scans of non-official mail per year.
Deluxe: Offers an additional 10 scans annually for $49/year.
Premium: Offers an additional 25 scans annually for $99/year.

Virtual Office

For businesses wanting an all-in-one Florida presence, Corporate Mile provides a virtual office package with:
- Unlimited mail forwarding
- A local Florida phone number
- An office lease in St. Petersburg

Online Presence Tools

Free domain for one year
90 days of no-cost website hosting, SSL certificate, business email, and phone service
Ideal for establishing a robust digital footprint from day one

WORKING WITH CORPORATE MILE

LOCAL DELAWARE EXPERTISE

Corporate Mile offers genuine local support. Our familiarity with Delaware's business regulations ensures faster filing and better guidance.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Corporate Mile can help you structure your filing in a way that supports privacy where state filing rules allow.

YEAR-ROUND CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Corporate Mile’s team monitors annual requirements and due dates, keeping you in good standing with the state.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What do I need to start an LLC in Delaware?

You need a name for your LLC and a registered agent in Delaware. Depending on your setup, additional business details may also be needed. An operating agreement is strongly recommended, but it is not required to form the LLC.

2. What is the cost of starting an LLC in Delaware?

The Delaware state filing fee to form an LLC is $110. Any total package price should separately reflect your service fees plus the state filing fee.

3. Do I need to be a resident of Delaware to form a Delaware LLC?

No. You can form a Delaware LLC whether you reside in another state or internationally, as long as you appoint a registered agent with a Delaware address.

4. How long does it take to process the formation of a Delaware LLC?

Online filings usually take about 2 business days. Mail-in filings can take slightly longer, often around 1–2 weeks.

5. Are single-member LLCs allowed in Delaware?

Yes. A single-member LLC is a popular structure for solo entrepreneurs seeking liability protection. By default, the IRS taxes single-member LLCs as sole proprietorships, unless you opt for another tax election.

6. Does Delaware require an Operating Agreement?

While not mandated by state law, having a written operating agreement is highly recommended to prevent disagreements and clarify each member’s responsibilities and share of ownership. You need an operating agreement to open a business bank account.

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START A DELAWARE LLC

Registering a Delaware LLC offers multiple benefits, including asset protection and flexible internal management. By collaborating with Corporate Mile, you can complete the registration process through a package that includes your selected service items, such as tax ID assistance, registered agent service, and an operating agreement.

When you’re ready to begin, get started. Our knowledgeable staff will handle the entire process so you can focus on growing and managing your new Delaware LLC with peace of mind.

Let's get started

START YOUR DELAWARE LLC

Choose Corporate Mile for Delaware LLC registration.