Form a Corporation in New Jersey
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in New Jersey. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name for your corporation that includes a required designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Corp.,' 'Incorporated,' or 'Inc.' Verify name availability using the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services business name search tool.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in New Jersey to receive official legal and government correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The registered agent can be an individual resident or a qualified commercial registered agent service.
15 minutes
Appoint Directors and Incorporator
Identify at least one incorporator who will sign the Certificate of Incorporation, and appoint the initial board of directors who will oversee the corporation's management. New Jersey requires at least one director, and directors do not need to be New Jersey residents.
30 minutes
File the Certificate of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Certificate of Incorporation (Form NJ-REG companion) with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, either online via the NJ Business Formation portal or by mail, along with the $125 filing fee. The certificate must include the corporate name, registered agent information, purpose, authorized shares, and incorporator signature.
1-2 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Register for NJ Business Taxes — Complete the NJ-REG form (Business Registration Application) to register your corporation for New Jersey state taxes, including the Corporation Business Tax (CBT) and any applicable employer or sales taxes. This registration can be completed online through the NJ Division of Revenue portal.
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Adopt Bylaws — Conduct an initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt corporate bylaws, issue initial shares of stock, elect officers, and handle other startup matters. Bylaws are not filed with the state but are a critical internal governance document required under New Jersey law.
- •Obtain EIN, Licenses, and Open Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, obtain any required federal, state, or local business licenses and permits, and open a dedicated corporate bank account to maintain proper separation of corporate and personal finances.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Ability to issue multiple classes of stock makes it easier to attract investors, including venture capital and angel investors
- ✓Perpetual existence means the corporation continues regardless of ownership changes, death, or departure of shareholders
- ✓Potential for significant tax advantages through fringe benefits, retirement plans, and income splitting strategies available to C-Corporations
- ✓Enhanced credibility and professional image with customers, vendors, and financial institutions compared to unincorporated entities
Considerations
- •Subject to double taxation as a C-Corporation — the corporation pays corporate income tax on profits and shareholders pay personal income tax on dividends received
- •More complex and costly to form and maintain than LLCs or sole proprietorships, with strict formality requirements including bylaws, board meetings, and minutes
- •New Jersey's Corporation Business Tax minimum annual tax and $75 annual report fee add ongoing costs regardless of revenue or profitability
- •Greater regulatory compliance burden including maintaining detailed corporate records, issuing stock certificates, and adhering to New Jersey corporate governance statutes
Annual Obligations
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