Start a Business in New Jersey

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This guide on starting your business in New Jersey provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than New Jersey, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
New Jersey Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Public Records Filing for New Business Entity Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form NJ-REG: Business Registration Form	Formation: $125 + optional $25-$1,000 expedite fee + optional $.10/page for a return fax	Formation: ~4 weeks. ~8.5 hours for $25 expedited fee. Same-day for $50 expedite fee. ~2 hours for $500 expedite fee. ~1 hour for $1,000 expedite fee.
New Jersey Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Public Records Filing for New Business Entity Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form NJ-REG: Business Registration Form	Incorporation: $125 + optional $15-$1,000 expedite fee + optional $.10/page for a return fax	Incorporation: ~4 weeks. ~8.5 hours for $15 expedited fee. Same-day for $50 expedite fee. ~2 hours for $500 expedite fee. ~1 hour for $1,000 expedite fee.
New Jersey Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Public Records Filing for New Business Entity Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption IRS Determination Letter Form NJ-REG: Business Registration Form Form REG-1E: Sales Tax Exemption Application URS Charitable Registration, if applicable New Jersey Charitable Registration (Form CRI-200 or Form CRI-300R, depending on gross contributions)	Incorporation: $75 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee New Jersey charitable registration: $30 - $250	Incorporation: ~4 weeks. Expedited processing available for a fee. 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in New Jersey

Register with the NJ Department of Treasury within 60 days of filing your business entity. If the LLC will collect sales tax, submit NJ-REG at least 15 days prior to the date of your first sale. You will receive a Certificate of Authority for sales tax and 12-digit identification number.
If you're in a rush to get set up, New Jersey can help. You can expedite formation up to $1000 for 1 hour processing.
Corporations and LLCs must file annual reports with the NJ Department of Treasury. File by the end of your registration anniversary month. So if you formed on March 15th, then your annual report is due every year by March 31st.
Every LLC and corporation must appoint a registered agent. A New Jersey registered agent receives legal documents, government notices, and other official documents for a business. If you choose to hire a commercial registered agent, they should provide you with its registered agent number to list on your documents.
Directors of a corporation must be at least 18 years of age.

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Start a Business in New Jersey

Helpful Tools

Welcome to Our Community

Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in New Jersey