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Corporation Filing Fees in Delaware

In Delaware, filing a certificate of incorporation costs at least $109 and the annual franchise tax report carries a $50 filing fee plus franchise tax.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Delaware at a glance

Articles of incorporation fee
$109 minimum
Includes filing, indexing, data entry, municipality and county recording fees for a one page document; it varies with the authorized stock and adds $9 per extra page.
Annual report fee
$50 plus franchise tax
Franchise tax is separate; under the authorized shares method it is $175 for up to 5,000 authorized shares.
Report frequency
Every year (franchise tax report)
Due on or before March 1; a $200 penalty applies if late.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Delaware

How much does it cost to file articles of incorporation in Delaware?

Articles of incorporation fee in Delaware: $109 minimum. Includes filing, indexing, data entry, municipality and county recording fees for a one page document; it varies with the authorized stock and adds $9 per extra page.

What is the annual report fee for a corporation in Delaware?

Annual report fee in Delaware: $50 plus franchise tax. Franchise tax is separate; under the authorized shares method it is $175 for up to 5,000 authorized shares.

How often does a corporation in Delaware have to file a report with the state?

Report frequency in Delaware: Every year (franchise tax report). Due on or before March 1; a $200 penalty applies if late.

Where do the Delaware corporation filing fees come from?

The rules above come from 8 Del. C. 391, 8 Del. C. 502 and 8 Del. C. 503. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check the filing office's current fee schedule before you file. Fees are set by statute but can change, and some offices add separate charges for expedited processing, certified copies, name reservations, or paying by card.

Note the report due date when the corporation is formed. Missing a periodic report can lead to late fees, loss of good standing, and eventually administrative dissolution, which can affect contracts and lawsuits.

The formation fee is only one part of the cost. Franchise or privilege taxes, publication requirements, and local business licenses are often separate, so budget for them as well.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.