How Much Does It Cost to Register a Small Business in NJ?

Starting a business in New Jersey is an exciting step—but before you open your doors or launch your site, you’ll need to get your business officially registered. Understanding the cost to register in NJ is a key part of building your budget and avoiding compliance issues down the road.

Whether you’re forming an LLC or corporation, or transitioning from a sole proprietorship, this guide outlines the exact fees you can expect—and why having expert corporate tax services in your corner can make a big difference for your New Jersey small business.

1. What Does It Cost to Register a Business in New Jersey?

Let’s break down the essential state-level costs you’ll need to factor into your startup expenses:

Certificate of Formation (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (Corporation)

• Filing Fee: $125
  This is the core registration document that makes your business legal in the eyes of the state. It must be filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services. 

Once approved, you’ll receive an official Certificate of Formation and a New Jersey Entity ID—both required for banking, taxes, and contracts.

NJ-REG Business Tax Registration

• Fee: $0
  Even though it’s free, this step is absolutely necessary. After filing your formation documents, you must complete the NJ-REG within 60 days to register for applicable taxes: 
• Sales and use tax (if applicable) 
• Employer withholding tax (if hiring) 
• Unemployment and disability insurance 
• Corporation Business Tax (for corporations) 

This form ensures your New Jersey small business is properly registered with the Division of Taxation and Department of Labor.

✅ Tax season approaching? Choose an all-in-one solution that includes tax filing. See options here.

Annual Report Filing

• Fee: $75 per year
  All LLCs and corporations must file an annual report each year to remain in good standing. The deadline falls in the anniversary month of your business formation. Missing this filing can result in penalties or administrative dissolution. 

Optional: Expedited Service Fees

Need to launch quickly? New Jersey offers fast-track processing:

• Same-day service: $50 
• 8.5-hour processing: $25 

While optional, these fees are worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule with licensing, contracts, or other deadlines.

Registered Agent Services

• Cost: $0–$300 per year
  Every New Jersey business must have a registered agent with a physical NJ address. You can serve as your own agent if you meet the criteria, but many entrepreneurs choose to outsource this task to avoid missing important legal or tax notices. 

2. The Hidden Value of Corporate Tax Services

While filing fees are clear-cut, navigating tax registrations, compliance filings, and reporting requirements can be anything but. That’s where professional corporate tax services step in—offering much more than just tax prep.

Here’s how they help your New Jersey small business succeed:

• Entity selection support to minimize tax liabilities and avoid costly missteps 
• Filing assistance for EINs, state registrations, and local permits 
• Compliance monitoring so you never miss an annual report or tax filing 
• Ongoing tax planning to ensure you’re making the most of available deductions and credits 
• Sales tax and payroll tax guidance, especially as your team grows or expands across state lines 

Think of them as your compliance co-pilot—keeping your business on track while you focus on building your brand, serving customers, and generating revenue.

Summary

The cost to register in NJ is straightforward—$125 for your formation documents, $75 annually for your report, and additional fees only if you opt for expedited processing or registered agent services. While starting a New Jersey small business comes with several steps, none of them should feel overwhelming.

With the support of reliable corporate tax services, you can register confidently, stay compliant, and build a business that’s set up for long-term success. Your time is valuable—partner with experts who can help you protect it.

One Platform, Complete Financial Control

Stop coordinating between different providers. Counto’s combined accounting and tax plans give you a single solution at a predictable price. Our intelligent platform manages your books while tax experts handle your filing. Want to learn more about our all-in-one plans? Chat with us now, email [email protected], or use our contact form.