How to Start a Business in New Jersey

How to register a business in New Jersey and everything else it takes to open legally, in order — sole proprietor vs. LLC, the state filing, your EIN, tax registration, and licenses, with the official New Jersey links for each step. Most people finish the core setup in one to three weeks.

LLC filing fee

~$125

Processing

immediate online

Ongoing report

annual · ~$75

State sales tax

yes

State income tax

yes

How to register a business in New Jersey
Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with New Jersey to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the New Jersey business filing office (about $125, immediate online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.
New Jersey business registration ↗
Pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC)
Most New Jersey owners start as a sole proprietor (free, no filing) or form an LLC for liability protection. The LLC filing fee is about $125, and formation typically takes immediate online. Confirm the current fee on the state site before you pay.
New Jersey business filing office ↗
Name a registered agent
If you form an LLC or corporation, New Jersey needs a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can be your own agent if you're available during business hours, or hire a service for about $100–$150/year.
Get your EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.
IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗
Register for New Jersey taxes
New Jersey has a state sales/use tax and has a state income tax. New Jersey requires a two-step process: form the LLC, then separately register for taxes (NJ-REG) within 60 days.
New Jersey tax registration ↗
Confirm local licenses and permits
New Jersey rarely issues a single statewide "business license" — most licensing is by city or county, plus profession-specific licenses. Check your city and your trade.
New Jersey professional licensing ↗
Open a business bank account and get insurance
Keep business and personal money separate from day one. General liability insurance is the baseline; some contracts also require a bond.
Put the ongoing report on your calendar
New Jersey requires an annual report (about $75).
New Jersey reports ↗

Start your business in New Jersey

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Frequently asked

How do I register a business in New Jersey?

Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with New Jersey to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the New Jersey business filing office (about $125, immediate online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

How much does it cost to register a business in New Jersey?

Registering as a sole proprietor is free (a DBA filing, if you use a trade name, is usually $10–$50 at the county or state). Registering an LLC costs about $125 in New Jersey, plus an annual report (~$75). An EIN from the IRS is free.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey?

The state filing fee is about $125. Beyond that, budget for a registered agent if you hire one (~$100–$150/year), the annual report (~$75), and any local license fees. An EIN is free.

Do I need an LLC to start a business in New Jersey?

No. You can operate as a sole proprietor in New Jersey with no state filing. An LLC adds a layer of personal liability protection and can make you look more established to customers and lenders — it's a judgment call based on your risk and goals, not a legal requirement.

How long does it take to form an LLC in New Jersey?

Standard processing is immediate online. Many states offer paid expedited options.

Does New Jersey have a sales tax?

Yes. If your product or service is taxable in New Jersey, you must register with the state tax agency before you collect tax. Many services are not taxable — confirm on the official site.

What ongoing filings does a New Jersey LLC have?

New Jersey requires an annual report (about $75).

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

How to Start a Business in New Jersey

How to register a business in New Jersey

Pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC)

Name a registered agent

Get your EIN from the IRS

Register for New Jersey taxes

Confirm local licenses and permits

Open a business bank account and get insurance

Put the ongoing report on your calendar