How to Start a New Jersey LLC

First, you need to gather basic information about your LLC, including the names and addresses of the managers or members. The LLC members are typically the people who own and run the business. They are also the ones who can take profits out of the business to pay themselves.

You will need a distinctive and original name for your New Jersey LLC that's not used by any other business in NJ. To find out if another company is using your chosen business name, carry out a New Jersey business entity name search on the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.

There are a few rules you'll need to follow when choosing an LLC name. You can find out more in our guide to searching for and naming your New Jersey LLC.

Learn about New Jersey LLC business naming rules.

Every New Jersey LLC must have a designated street address. That could be your home address (if you're running the company from your residence), your company's office building or any physical address of your preference. The address can be outside the state of New Jersey, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

Every NJ LLC must have a “Registered Agent” when it is formed. This is an official position; the Registered Agent is someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and has responsibility for filing reports with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in the business or a dedicated Registered Agent service. Your NJ Registered Agent must have a physical street address in New Jersey and must be present to receive important documents for your company during business hours.

At Incfile, all of our packages include a New Jersey Registered Agent service that is free for the first year and just $119 per year afterward. We also have a dashboard where you can log in and easily view any document your Registered Agent has received on your behalf.

Learn more about New Jersey Registered Agents.

You will need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or we can get one for you as part of the New Jersey LLC business formation process.

Once you've gathered all the information together for your New Jersey LLC, you'll need to file a formal document with the NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. This document is known as your “Business Registration Application,” and filing the document creates your New Jersey LLC. This is a long and complex form that requires detailed information.

You can file your New Jersey LLC Business Registration Application online, mail in a form or have Incfile do it on your behalf. There is a fee to file and start an LLC in New Jersey. You only need to file your Business Registration Application once.

Form Your LLC Now

Some states allow certain occupations to form “Professional LLCs.” These types of business typically have specialized requirements and licensing. New Jersey does not formally recognize professional LLCs, but groups of professionals may form regular LLCs.

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to New Jersey, you'll need to form a foreign LLC.

More information on New Jersey filing and licensing requirements here