New business
Starting a business in New Jersey, in the right order
Overview
Most of the cost of starting wrong isn't the filing fee. It's mixing personal and business money, missing a registration, or redoing the books in April. Here's the order that avoids it.
Keeping your own books? Tallyfinch does invoices, bank import and reports on your computer. See Tallyfinch
Choose a structure
A sole proprietorship needs no state formation filing; you can register a trade name with your county clerk if you use one. An LLC is a separate company that you form with the State. Which is right, and how it's taxed, is a question for a tax professional or attorney.
Form the company, if it's an LLC
File a Certificate of Formation online with the State. Since July 1, 2026, the State fee to form an LLC or corporation is $100, down from $125, and the annual report is $75. (2026 fee law) Every LLC needs a registered agent with a New Jersey address.
Get an EIN from the IRS
It's free from irs.gov and takes minutes online. Sites that charge for it are just filling in the same form.
Register for New Jersey taxes
Register with the State's Division of Revenue so you can collect sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services, and get the business registration certificate many customers and agencies ask for.
Open a business bank account
Keep every business dollar in it and nothing personal. It's the single biggest thing that makes bookkeeping and taxes easy.
Set up the books on day one
A chart of accounts that fits your business, every account connected, and receipts kept as you go. Set aside money for quarterly estimated taxes from your first payment. LLC setup help · Monthly bookkeeping
Insurance and contracts
General liability at least, plus whatever your trade or clients require. Use a written agreement for every client job, even small ones.
Let customers find you
A claimed Google business profile with the right category, and a simple site that says what you do and where. Profile checklist · Websites
Need an operating agreement or other papers notarized? We do that too, in person or online.
Printable kit
Freelancer Launch Bundle
An income tracker, a lead desk for finding customers, client agreement templates and a library of written routines for a new solo business.
General information, checked November 2026. Not legal advice. MCC Solutions is not a law firm.
Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in New Jersey?
The State fee is $100 since July 1, 2026, plus a $75 annual report each year. A registered agent service, if you use one, is extra.
Do I need an LLC to start?
No. You can start as a sole proprietor. An LLC is a choice about liability and how you're set up, so ask a tax professional or attorney.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS issues it free online. Don't pay a site to get one.
When should I start bookkeeping?
Before your first sale. Setting it up on day one is far cheaper than catching up at tax time.
Tallyfinch
Books you keep on your own computer
Tallyfinch does invoices, bills, bank import, reconciliation and the main reports, in a file you own. $99 once, then $5 a month for updates; the app keeps working if you stop the plan. It does not do payroll or sales tax filing. The free download records up to 60 entries.
See Tallyfinch Download it free Compare the three apps