Why Delaware?
- For over a century, Delaware has been the home for America’s premier corporations. More than half of the Fortune 500 are incorporated in Delaware. They do so because we in Delaware care about their business — and yours.
- Delaware’s laws governing corporations, limited liabilty companies, limited partnerships and business trusts are arguably the most advanced and flexible laws in the nation.
- Jurisdiction over most questions arising under Delaware’s corporation, limited liability company, and limited partnership laws is vested in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The Court of Chancery has over 200 years of legal precedent in corporation and business entity law.
- The Delaware State Legislature take seriously its role in keeping the corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership laws current.
Some of the advantages of organizing in Delaware:
- Delaware is the recognized leader in corporate, limited liability and limited partnership law.
- You can form a Delaware corporation, limited liability company, or business entity without coming to Delaware.
- The owners and operators of a Delaware corporation or limited liability company are not required to be identified in the public records of the State.
- One person can be the sole director and officer of a corporation or sole member and manager of a limited liability company.
- Delaware has a minimal corporate franchise tax (as low as $175.00 per year) that is not based upon income.
- There is no Delaware income tax for Delaware corporations or limited liability companies that do not do business in Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Delaware Corporations LLC to form my Delaware business entity?
We know Delaware. We are experienced, friendly, and reasonably priced.
You can form a Delaware corporation or limited liability company online, by phone, by fax, or by mail. Limited partnerships and business trusts can be formed by phone. We will check the availability of the name you have selected for your new business entity the same day.
Our staff members are not lawyers and they do not give legal advice. However, if you have a legal question, our staff can arrange for you to speak to a lawyer with the Wilmington, Delaware law firm of Smith, Katzenstein & Jenkins LLP
What taxes does the corporation pay to Delaware?
The minimum annual franchise tax for a corporation with up to 5,000 shares of no par or $.01 par common stock is $175.00, plus a filing fee of $50.00. If the corporation does not conduct business in Delaware, that is the only tax paid to Delaware.
Does the corporation have to do business in Delaware?
No. The corporate offices may be located anywhere in the world, as long as the corporation maintains a registered agent in Delaware.
What taxes does a limited liability company pay to Delaware?
The annual tax for a limited liability company is $300.00 If the limited liability company does not conduct business in Delaware, that is the only tax paid to Delaware.
Does the limited liability company have to do business in Delaware?
No. The limited liability company’s offices may be located anywhere in the world, as long as the limited liability company maintains a registered agent in Delaware. Non-residents who form LLC’s, may not have to pay U.S. taxes.
What does the registered agent do?
The registered agent accepts service of process if the corporation or limited liability company is sued.
The Delaware Secretary of State sends to the registered agent the annual statement for the Delaware franchise tax. The registered agent forwards that bill to the corporation or limited liability company for payment to the Secretary of State.
What is the fee for having Delaware Corporations LLC serve as registered agent?
Our fee for serving as registered agent is only $99 per calendar year. Our registered agent fee is subject to change. However, we will give you at least 3 months’ notice in advance of any change.
Can my corporation or limited liability company use Delaware Corporations LLC to receive mail?
Yes, but only if you have ordered and paid for our mail forwarding service. See Mail Forwarding Service.