Initial Fees and Licenses in New Jersey

If you're going to operate your business in New Jersey, when you start up you're likely to incur filing fees and licensing fees depending on the type of business you run and your business form (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC)). No matter what business form you decide on, however, your initial registration will be with the New Jersey Department of Revenue, Business Services Bureau, on form NJ-REG.

Corporations. If you're doing business as a domestic corporation (a corporation incorporated in New Jersey), you will be subject to various fees when you start up. The following are the filing requirements and payments by domestic corporations to the New Jersey Department of Revenue:

If you're doing business as a foreign corporation (a corporation incorporated outside of New Jersey), you will be subject to initial fees when you start up. You must pay a $125 fee to the New Jersey Department of Revenue for filing an application for a certificate of authority to transact business in the state and issuing a certificate of authority.

Limited liability companies (LLCs). If your company is either a domestic or foreign limited liability company (LLC), you must file documents with the New Jersey Department of Revenue. If your company is a domestic LLC, you must file a certificate of formation along with a $125 fee to the New Jersey Department of Revenue. If your company is a foreign LLC, you must file a foreign LLC registration application along with a $125 fee.

Licenses and fees. New Jersey requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if you are operating certain types of businesses in the state. Below is a partial list of some of the types of businesses required to obtain a license. Be sure to check with the state to make sure you are complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

• amusement games
• apparel industry
• apple growers
• architects
• attorneys
• barbers, beauticians, and hairstylists
• certified public accountants
• child care centers
• chiropractors
• electrical contractors
• employers
• insurance agents, brokers, and solicitors