Starting a Business in Delaware
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CORPORATE GUIDES™
Our Corporate Guides™ are Delaware incorporation experts. We will provide you:
- Filed Delaware Articles
- Delaware Corporate Bylaws
- DE shareholder resolutions
- DE corporate stock certificates
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We provide extra privacy for you with our address. You get ongoing support:
- We’ll be your registered agent
- DE corporate renewal reminders
- Online corporate tools
- Talk to a Corporate Guide™ anytime
Start a Delaware Business - $225 + State Fees
Hire UsHOW TO START A BUSINESS IN DELAWARE
Starting a business in Delaware can and should be easier than you think. You file simple forms with the secretary of state, and your business is formed! Obviously there’s a few more things than that, but if you’d like to start your own business yourself, you will find it easy to hire us as your registered agent and you’ll find all the forms you could file to start a business in Delaware, along with great filing instructions on the quickest and cheapest ways to start your business in Delaware.
What’s the actual process to start a business in Delaware?
Certificate
You file Certificate of Incorporation for a Delaware corporation or certificate of formation for a Delaware LLC with the DE Secretary of State.
Federal Tax ID
You obtain a federal tax ID number (FEIN or EIN) with the IRS after you have confirmation and filed articles from the State of Delaware showing your approved Delaware business.
Bank Account
Opening a business banking account under your new Delaware business name should be easy with these two items.
Delaware Business License
All Delaware businesses are required to have a Delaware Business License. The Delaware Business License obtained from the Division of Revenue. If you have employees you will have to register with the Department of Labor and the Division of Workers Compensation. Delaware has a One Stop Business Licensing Service that allows you do all of these registrations. We provide all these forms and links in your online account.
Trade License
If your business trade requires a license, you’ll have to apply for a license with the Delaware licensing board. (Most businesses don’t.) But if you do, these quick links and contact details are in your online account.
Local License
Some local cities or counties have a general business license, but most don’t. You obtain a local trade license if the city or county you’re going to be working in requires it.
Zoning
If you’re going to have an office or shop you might need an approval from the city zoning for your type of business in that location.
If you want a corporation, you file a Delaware Certificate of Incorporation:
The Delaware Certificate of Incorporation costs a minimum of $89 with the Delaware Secretary of State.
We custom draft your Delaware Certificate of Incorporation when you hire Northwest to start your Delaware business. The basic requirements of Delaware corporations are:
- An incorporating Delaware ending such as Inc, corporation, or incorporated;
- A general corporation purpose;
- The amount of Delaware corporation shares you would like to authorize;
- The par value of the shares;
- The name, address, and signature of the Delaware incorporator; and
- The registered agent of the Delaware corporation.
Delaware does not require original signatures on new DE corporation filings. The stamped certificate of incorporation will be sent to the incorporator’s mailing address.
If you want a LLC, you file a Delaware Certificate of Formation:
To form a Delaware LLC, you file a Delaware Certificate of Formation. The basic requirements of Delaware LLC filings are:
- The business name must have a limited liability company ending or variation of it such as LLC or L.L.C.;
- The Delaware business name must be different than already registered Delaware businesses;
- The duration of the Delaware LLC, (perpetual unless you state a date);
- Delaware limited liability companies do not need to state a LLC purpose;
- The Delaware registered agent and the physical address;
- The names and addresses of the member and managers are not required; and
- The name and signature of the Delaware LLC organizer.
Delaware does not require original signatures on new DE LLC filings. You’ll get a stamped certificate mailed back to you after the state approves your filing.