Delaware is not a state that has no taxes, so the answer is no. While Delaware does not have a state-wide sales tax or personal income tax, it does charge all companies that are formed there with a corporate income tax and a franchise tax.
All corporations and LLCs formed in the state of Delaware are subject to an annual franchise tax. This tax is computed using the par value of the corporation’s stock and the number of authorized shares. For companies and LLCs, the yearly minimum franchise tax is $175 and $300, respectively. However, for larger businesses, the actual sum can be considerably more.
What accounts for the high Delaware franchise tax then? One reason why many big firms opt to incorporate in Delaware even if they don’t have a physical presence there is because the state’s business rules are particularly benevolent to corporations. This means that even if a large number of companies do not conduct business in Delaware, Delaware may nevertheless be able to collect franchise taxes from them.
Additionally, the state of Delaware will need you to pay an annual fee if you have a Delaware LLC. For LLCs, the cost is $300, and it must be paid by June 1st of every year. Through the website of the Delaware Division of Corporations, you can make the payment online.
Delaware LLCs are they private? The quick response is no. Despite the fact that Delaware does provide some privacy protections for LLC owners, such as the option to utilize a registered agent and maintain the confidentiality of ownership information, the state nonetheless mandates that LLCs submit annual reports that must disclose the names and addresses of all members and management.
What makes Delaware the greatest state to create an LLC, then? Delaware continues to be a popular option for business owners wishing to register an LLC despite the franchise tax and annual charge. One explanation is that the state has strong legal protections for LLC owners and has business rules that are particularly friendly to LLCs. A lot of companies opt to incorporate in Delaware because it is one of the greatest business courts in the nation, according to the Court of Chancery of Delaware.
Despite not being a tax-free state, Delaware still has a lot to offer companies wishing to incorporate or create an LLC. Prior to forming an organization in Delaware, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of conducting business there.