Best LLC services in Delaware

When reviewing LLC service providers, it’s helpful to consider various factors beyond cost to find a solution that meets your business priorities.

Delaware is known for being a business-friendly state, with a highly regarded corporate court system and no state or local tax. Delaware LLCs don’t file annual franchise tax reports, but they must pay an annual tax of $300.

In this guide, we’ll review the leading online LLC services for forming an LLC in Delaware.

• BizFilings
• LegalZoom
• Northwest Registered Agent
• ZenBusiness
• Bizee
• Inc Authority

Comparing Delaware LLC service providers

BizFilings

BizFilings excels at helping small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate Delaware’s LLC formation and compliance requirements. Their online platform offers step-by-step guidance that lets you form an LLC in as little as 10 minutes. If you plan on expanding your business to other states, BizFilings can also help you foreign qualify your LLC in those states.

As part of Wolters Kluwer, a global compliance firm, BizFilings brings extensive experience and credibility to the process.

Pros:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Average Trustpilot score of 4.7
• Strong customer support from live representatives

Cons:

• No free formation plan
• Fewer customization options for packages

LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers a range of legal services for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. Its services include assistance with business formation, compliance filings, and intellectual property protection. The company also provide templates drafted by attorneys for various business needs.

Pros:

• Offers legal services beyond business formation
• Well-known brand
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Expensive registered agent service
• No phone support with the basic plan
• Slower turnaround times for some services

To learn more about what this service provider has to offer, read our  LegalZoom review 

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Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent provides registered agent services, as well as LLC formation and other business services. The company emphasizes privacy through its "Privacy by Default" policy and provides transparent pricing. Customers also receive personalized support from a dedicated Corporate Guide.

Pros:

• Focus on privacy and data protection
• Dedicated Corporate Guides
• Flat pricing with fewer upsells

Cons:

• No free formation plan
• Fewer add-on services compared to competitors

Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review. 

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ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness provides an easy-to-use platform, competitive pricing, and compliance tools. The company also offers extended customer support in the evenings and on weekends. ZenBusiness provides three LLC formation packages, including a free LLC filing service (not including state fees). Brand-building tools such as a website builder, domain name, logo kit, and professional email are available as separate add-ons and come included in its premium package.

Pros:

• Offers LLC formation (plus state fees)
• User-friendly dashboard
• Extended customer support hours

Cons:

• Registered agent service is not included in the free plan
• Business templates are included with the Premium plan only
• Upsells can add up

Want to learn more? Read our ZenBusiness review 

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Bizee

Bizee (formerly Incfile) is an online business formation and compliance service. They offer free LLC formation in which the service fee is waived and customers pay only state filing fees. All of Bizee’s LLC formation packages include one year of registered agent service.

Pros:

• Free LLC formation base cost with one year of registered agent service
• Transparent pricing

Cons:

• Customer support can be inconsistent
• Upsells during checkout

To learn more, read our Bizee review 

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Inc Authority

Inc Authority  offers a no-cost LLC formation service (though state filing fees still apply). This entry-level package includes one year of registered agent service and a choice between EIN obtainment or expedited filing. Inc Authority also offers premium packages and add-on services for businesses that need additional support. 

Pros:

• Free LLC formation base cost with 1 year of registered agent service
• Covers basic business needs

Cons:

• Aggressive upselling
• Limited transparency on pricing for add-ons

Want to learn more? Read our  Inc Authority review.

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Facts about forming an LLC in Delaware

• LLC name: Delaware LLC names must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.", or "LLC".
• Formation document: The document used to form an LLC is commonly known as the "Articles of Organization". In Delaware, this document is referred to as a “Certificate of Formation”.
• Registered agent requirement: Delaware requires an LLC to appoint and maintain a registered agent located in the state. This agent must be listed on the LLC's Certificate of Formation.
• Publication requirement: New York requires newly formed and registered LLCs to publish a notice in two newspapers assigned by the County Clerk.
• Annual report: Delaware LLCs are not required to file an annual report. However, they must pay a yearly tax of $300.
• Business licenses: Delaware requires a state business license for LLCs that have property or a physical location in the state, employ workers in the state, or generate sales in the state. Additional business licenses may be required at the local and federal levels.

For more information on starting an LLC in Delaware, read our Delaware LLC Formation Guide.

Delaware LLC frequently asked questions

How much does a Delaware LLC cost?

Each state charges a fee for establishing a new LLC or registering an existing out-of-state LLC. The filing fee for creating a new Delaware LLC is $110. For an out-of-state LLC registering in Delaware, the filing fee is $200. Both domestic and foreign LLCs must pay an annual tax of $300, due by June 1st of the year following formation or registration.

Why create an LLC?

LLCs provide a number of advantages over sole proprietorships, partnerships, or even incorporating. Here's why small business owners frequently choose to form an LLC:

• Personal asset protection: LLC members are shielded from personal liability for business actions and debts. Creditors generally cannot pursue an owner’s personal assets to satisfy business obligations.
• Flexible taxation: LLCs typically don't pay entity-level taxes. Business income and losses pass through to the owners' personal tax returns; taxes are paid at the individual level. LLCs can also elect to be taxed as an S corporation or C corporation.
• Credibility: An LLC provides a more formal business structure than a sole proprietorship or partnership, which can help establish credibility.
• Easier than incorporating: LLCs face fewer state requirements and ongoing formalities than S corporations or C corporations.

Considerations when starting an LLC in Delaware

LLC usually costs more to form and maintain than a sole proprietorship or general partnership. There are also ongoing compliance obligations with the state, such as maintaining a registered agent and filing an annual report.

While Delaware does not require LLCs to file an annual report, both domestic and foreign LLCs must pay an annual tax of $300. Delaware also has a state business license requirement for LLCs that conduct business activity in the state, such as having a physical location, employees, or generating sales there.

For more information on LLC pros and cons, read our Guide to forming an LLC.

Conclusion

Making the decision to form an LLC is a major step. Since LLC services aren't one-size-fits-all, it's important to identify what your business needs are and choose a service that delivers those essentials. Review what's included in each package, especially "free" options. Some services exclude essentials or add fees later, so understand what you're getting from the start. Look for a provider with a proven track record for accurate, timely filings and clear guidance, and one that guarantees their work against filing errors.