Delaware LLC Cost (2026)
The Delaware state filing fee is just $90 — but plan for the $300 annual franchise tax every year.
Form Your Delaware LLC — $149 →Delaware LLC Fee Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation | $90 |
| Annual Franchise Tax | $300/yr (flat) |
| Late penalty | $200 + 1.5%/mo interest |
| Corp Nation Starter Package | $149 + state fee |
Why Delaware Despite the Annual Tax?
Delaware’s $300 flat annual franchise tax is higher than Wyoming ($60) or Georgia ($50) — but what you get in return is the most business-credible jurisdiction in the United States. Delaware’s Court of Chancery specializes exclusively in business disputes. Its LLC Act is the most flexible in the country. Every institutional investor, VC, and corporate lawyer knows Delaware law. That reputation has real value.
Expedited Filing Options
Delaware offers several expedited options: 24-hour processing for $50 extra, same-day for $100 extra, and 1-hour emergency filing for $1,000 extra. Standard processing is typically 1–3 business days. Corp Nation can advise on which speed is right for your timeline.
Delaware Costs More to Maintain. Here’s Exactly Why That’s Worth It.
Delaware has a $300 annual franchise tax. Wyoming charges $60. Georgia charges $50. Texas charges nothing for most small businesses. So why do more businesses incorporate in Delaware than any other state on earth? Because the $300 buys you something that no other state can offer: the gold standard of business law.
The Delaware Court of Chancery is the only court in the United States dedicated exclusively to business disputes. There are no juries — just specialized judges with decades of experience in corporate law. When you have a partner dispute, a contract issue, or an investor disagreement, your case gets decided by someone who has seen every variation of your exact situation before. Delaware’s LLC Act has been interpreted and refined for decades. There is more legal certainty in Delaware than anywhere else.
That’s why virtually every major startup — if they’re serious about raising capital — forms in Delaware. That’s why most LLCs used for holding intellectual property, real estate portfolios, and investment vehicles are Delaware entities. The legal infrastructure is unmatched.
Now, is Delaware right for your specific business? That depends on your goals. If you’re operating a local service business in Ohio, a Wyoming or Ohio LLC might serve you just as well at lower cost. If you’re building a tech startup that might raise a seed round next year — form in Delaware today. Corp Nation can help you think through which state makes the most sense before you file a single document.
$149 gets you the Corp Nation Starter Package. We handle the filing, the registered agent, and the operating agreement — and we’ll help you think through the state decision before you commit.