New Jersey Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for New Jersey incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in New Jersey

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a New Jersey corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in New Jersey with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

New Jersey Corporate Name

The name shall contain the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," an abbreviation thereof or the abbreviation "Ltd." The name must not contain any word, phrase, abbreviation or derivative thereof indicating or implying it is organized for any purpose other than one or more purposes permitted by its Certificate of Incorporation. It must be distinguishable from the names of other for-profit and nonprofit domestic corporations, foreign corporations, domestic and foreign limited partnerships, and current name reservations or registrations. The words "Olympic," "Little League," "Realtor" and "Trust" cannot be used.

Director information

The following are New Jersey’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. New Jersey does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
• Inclusion in the Certificate of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Certificate of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in New Jersey is called the Certificate of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. New Jersey's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in New Jersey. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

New Jersey allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC) , which is also called a Professional Association (PA).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for New Jersey corporations.

New Jersey corporate records

New Jersey corporations must keep complete corporate records at the principal place of business.

New Jersey corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for New Jersey corporations:

• Annual report. New Jersey requires corporations to file an annual report on or before the last day of the anniversary month of the company’s incorporation. The filing fee is $50.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for New Jersey corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of New Jersey .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. New Jersey does not require a state tax identification number.

New Jersey business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

New Jersey does not recognize the federal S corporation election. It requires a state-level S corporation election.

Additional New Jersey information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in New Jersey:

• New Jersey LLC Formation