Question 1

How long does it take to form a Delaware LLC or Corporation?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes inside our wizard. Standard Delaware processing currently takes about 6 weeks (the Division of Corporations is backlogged). Delaware also offers an 8-business-day expedited service for an additional $50 state fee — you can choose either at checkout.

Question 2

Can I keep my LLC member info off the public Certificate of Formation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Delaware does NOT require initial LLC member names or addresses on the Certificate of Formation. We default to keeping members private and let you opt in to public disclosure inside the wizard. Most founders pick Delaware specifically for this privacy.

Question 3

What are the Delaware filing fees?

Accepted Answer

Delaware charges $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation and a $109 minimum for a Corporation Certificate of Incorporation (assuming up to 1,500 authorized shares with no par value). Higher share counts can change the corporate fee — we will flag any structure that triggers an upcharge.

Question 4

Why do people choose Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Delaware corporate law is widely considered the most predictable in the U.S., the Delaware Court of Chancery is the country's premier business court, and most venture-backed startups incorporate there because investors expect it. Delaware LLCs are also a strong choice for asset protection.

Question 5

Do I need a Delaware registered agent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Delaware law requires every LLC and Corporation to designate a registered agent with a Delaware physical street address. LaunchForma includes a Year-1 Delaware registered agent free in every package; renewal is $149/year (Delaware RA market is more expensive than other states).

Question 6

When are Delaware annual taxes due?

Accepted Answer

Delaware LLCs do not file an annual report — they pay a flat $300 Annual Tax due June 1 each year. Delaware corporations file an Annual Report and pay Franchise Tax due March 1 each year (minimum tax + report is $225 for small companies, but it can rise sharply with authorized shares). We will alert you to the optimal calculation method as your business grows.

Question 7

Do I have to live in Delaware to form a Delaware company?

Accepted Answer

No. Delaware does not require members, managers, officers, or directors to live in the state — only your registered agent needs a Delaware physical address (we provide one).

Question 8

What about the EIN — do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for a business bank account, hiring, or federal taxes. Standard and Concierge packages include EIN handling. If you have a U.S. SSN or ITIN we file the IRS online EIN application within one business day. If you are a foreign founder without an SSN/ITIN, you cannot use the IRS online tool — we will file Form SS-4 by phone or fax for you (this takes longer and may require identity verification).

Question 9

Does Delaware require an Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)?

Accepted Answer

Delaware law expects an Operating Agreement for LLCs and Bylaws for Corporations, but they are NOT filed with the state. Banks, investors, and tax advisors will all want copies. Bank-Ready and Concierge packages include a Delaware-tailored Operating Agreement; corporate bylaws are available as an add-on.

Question 10

Do I need to file a BOI report with FinCEN for my Delaware entity?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Delaware LLCs and Corporations are subject to the federal Corporate Transparency Act. Most entities formed in 2025 or later must file Beneficial Ownership Information with FinCEN within 30 days of formation. LaunchForma offers managed BOI filing for $49 — see /boi-reporting for details and current FinCEN enforcement status.

Question 11

Can a business or holding company own my Delaware LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Delaware permits another business entity (LLC, Corporation, trust) to be a member, manager, organizer, or owner. Inside our wizard you can mark each owner as either an Individual or a Business / Entity and provide the legal entity name plus state of formation. The owner entity will be reflected on the appropriate filing record.

Question 12

I formed in Delaware but plan to operate in another state — what do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Forming in Delaware doesn't authorize you to do business in another state. If you'll have an office, employees, or significant operations elsewhere, that state will usually require a separate "foreign qualification" filing (sometimes called "Certificate of Authority" or "Statement of Foreign Registration"). Each state has its own form, fee, and ongoing registered-agent requirement. We're rolling out foreign-qualification help as a separate product — flag your interest inside the wizard and we'll follow up.

Question 13

Can the Delaware Division of Corporations refuse my entity name?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Delaware can refuse names for subjective reasons that we cannot fully pre-clear from outside the agency — for example names suggesting deception, public-safety issues, abusive patterns, or excessive length. We will surface a notice in the wizard reminding you that final name approval rests with the Division. If your name is refused we will work with you to pick a near-equivalent.

Question 14

Are you a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. LaunchForma is a self-help service for forming Delaware business entities. We do not provide legal advice or represent you in legal proceedings. For VC-track corporations, multi-state operations, or complex stock structures we recommend a Delaware attorney.

Question 15

What's your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

The LaunchForma portion of your package is refundable for 14 days if we have not yet submitted your filing to Delaware. Once Delaware has accepted the filing, the state filing fee portion is non-refundable. Recurring services (Registered Agent, Compliance Alerts) can be cancelled at any time and will not auto-renew.

Feature	LegalZoom	ZenBusiness	Bizee
Free Year-1 Registered Agent		$199/yr
EIN included	$99		$199+ tier
Same-business-day preparation and submission	$249 tier
All-in package pricing (Florida fee included)
No surprise checkout fees
Operating Agreement	$99
Annual report reminders	$99/yr	$199/yr	$99/yr
Privacy-first (no data sales)

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