Delaware
A popular choice for international founders
Start an LLC in Delaware from anywhere in the world.
The best-known jurisdiction for investors and holding structures, with a specialised business court.
State fee
$110
Processing
2–3 weeks (expedite available)
Each year
Franchise tax $300
- Articles of Organization filed with the state of Delaware
- Registered agent with a Delaware street address, 12 months
- EIN from the IRS, no SSN needed
- Operating agreement and compliance calendar
- Introduction to Mercury for a US business bank account
Your price
The registered agent renews at $45 a year; nothing else recurs with us. The state asks: franchise tax $300.
Start in DelawareAfter you pay
What happens with your Delaware LLC
Filed within 48 hours
We prepare and file your Articles of Organization with Delaware, with the registered agent in place. The state typically takes 2–3 weeks (expedite available).
EIN from the IRS
As soon as the state approves, your EIN application goes to the IRS. The EIN letter usually arrives within a few business days and lands on your order page.
Bank and bookkeeping
With your articles, EIN letter and operating agreement you apply at Mercury through our introduction. Add CORA and your bookkeeping is ready the same day.
Good to know
Forming a Delaware LLC from abroad
Who can form a Delaware LLC
Anyone. Delaware does not ask members or managers of an LLC to be US citizens or residents, and you do not need to travel to the United States. What the state does require is a registered agent with a street address in Delaware, which is part of every order with us.
How the filing works
A Delaware LLC comes into existence when the state accepts the Certificate of Formation. We prepare and file it for you within 48 hours of your payment. The state usually needs 2–3 weeks (expedite available) after that. The state filing fee is $110, passed on at cost.
What it costs each year
Every year Delaware asks for: Franchise tax $300. We put the date in your compliance calendar and remind you ahead of time. With us, only the registered agent renews, at $45 a year.
Taxes in Delaware
Delaware has a state income tax, but it applies to income connected to the state. A foreign-owned LLC with no office, staff or customers in Delaware often has little or no state tax to pay; federal reporting to the IRS applies in every state. This is general information, not tax advice.
Privacy
The Certificate of Formation in Delaware does not list the owners of the LLC, so your name does not appear in the public state register. The state, the IRS and your bank still know who owns the company.
Delaware FAQ
Questions about a Delaware LLC
How much does a Delaware LLC cost with startyour.llc?
$195 in total: $40 for our work with the EIN included, $45 for the registered agent for the first year, and the $110 state filing fee.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Delaware?
We file within 48 hours of payment. Delaware typically takes 2–3 weeks (expedite available) to approve. Your EIN follows within a few business days of the approval.
Can a non-US resident own a Delaware LLC?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement for members or managers. You need a registered agent in Delaware, which we include.
Do I need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN for my Delaware LLC?
No. The IRS issues EINs to foreign-owned LLCs without an SSN or ITIN. We prepare the application, you sign it online, and we handle it with the IRS.
What does Delaware require every year?
Franchise tax $300. You also keep a registered agent and meet your federal IRS filings.
Or somewhere else
Compare Delaware with another state
Costs, approval time, yearly obligations, taxes and privacy side by side, with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
