Delaware Corporation Formation

Form Your Delaware Corporation

Build a Delaware corporation that looks credible to banks, partners, and future investors — without getting stuck in paperwork or unclear steps. We prepare and file your formation documents accurately, keep the process organized, and guide you through the essentials after approval.

Start Your Corporation Plans from $290 + $109 state fee
Business professionals discussing documents in an office hallway
Free Registered Agent — 1st year
Formation Plans

Pick a Formation Plan That Works for You

Every plan includes a free Registered Agent for the first year and filing with the Delaware Division of Corporations. Pricing below is for U.S.-based founders — non-residents have their own plans, including the EIN without an SSN, on the International Entrepreneurs page.

Starter

$290+ $109 State Fee
  • Name Check & Clearance
  • Preparation of Incorporation Documents
  • Delaware State Filing
  • Free Registered Agent for the 1st Year
  • Formation Documents
  • Not included: Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
  • Not included: Corporate Bylaws Template
  • Not included: Statement of Incorporator & Initial Director Record
  • Not included: Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form)
  • Not included: Banking Resolution Template
  • Not included: Compliance Reminder Emails
  • Not included: Priority Email Support
Get Started with the Starter Corporation plan
Most Popular

Standard

$490+ $109 State Fee
  • Name Check & Clearance
  • Preparation of Incorporation Documents
  • Expedited Delaware State Filing
  • Free Registered Agent for the 1st Year
  • Formation Documents
  • Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
  • Corporate Bylaws Template
  • Statement of Incorporator & Initial Director Record
  • Not included: Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form)
  • Not included: Banking Resolution Template
  • Not included: Compliance Reminder Emails
  • Not included: Priority Email Support
Get Started with the Standard Corporation plan

Premium

$690+ $109 State Fee
  • Name Check & Clearance
  • Preparation of Incorporation Documents
  • Expedited Delaware State Filing
  • Free Registered Agent for the 1st Year
  • Formation Documents
  • Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
  • Corporate Bylaws Template
  • Statement of Incorporator & Initial Director Record
  • Certificate of Good Standing (Short Form)
  • Banking Resolution Template
  • Compliance Reminder Emails
  • Priority Email Support
Get Started with the Premium Corporation plan

* For full details about what’s included, please see our Terms of Service and Legal Disclaimer. If a filing is ever rejected because of an error on our side, we correct and refile it at no charge.

The Basics

What Is a Corporation?

A corporation is a type of U.S. business entity that is legally separate from its owners (called shareholders). Because the company is treated as its own legal “person,” it can enter into contracts, own assets, open bank accounts, and operate independently from the individuals behind it.

Corporations typically follow a more formal operating model than LLCs — with directors and officers, clearer decision-making records, and a defined ownership system through shares of stock. A Delaware corporation — often called a “Delaware C-Corp” — is also commonly used by startups and scaling businesses because issuing shares can make it easier to bring in co-founders, employees (through equity), or outside investors.

Consultation about forming a Delaware corporation, reviewing details on a laptop
Built for investors & growth
Why a Corporation

Benefits of a Delaware Corporation

  • Helps separate personal assets from business liabilities
  • Shares create clear ownership and easy transfers
  • Often preferred by investors for fundraising
  • Improves credibility with banks, vendors, and customers
  • Defined roles mean faster decisions and clear accountability
  • Continues operating even if owners change
  • Equity incentives help attract and retain talent
  • Scales well for growth and complex operations
Business partners shaking hands in a professional setting
Designed to scale with you
Is It for You?

Who Typically Forms a Delaware Corporation?

Delaware corporations are formed by entrepreneurs and businesses that want a more formal structure, clear ownership through shares, and a setup built for long-term growth.

  • Startups planning to raise outside funding
  • Founders working with co-founders or multiple shareholders
  • Businesses that want to issue shares or equity incentives
  • Companies preparing to scale, hire, or expand operations
  • International entrepreneurs who want a U.S. corporate structure
The Process

How We Form Your Delaware Corporation

Incorporating in Delaware is fast and straightforward — even if you’re outside the U.S.

Step 01

Provide Basic Information for Your Corporation

We collect your company details, share structure, and incorporator information to begin the Delaware filing process.

Step 02

We File Your Corporation With the State on Your Behalf

Your Certificate of Incorporation is prepared and submitted to the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Step 03

Your Corporation Is Approved and Delivered to You

Once approved, your official documents are delivered securely — your corporation is formed and ready to go.

Corporation or LLC?

Delaware Corporation vs. LLC at a Glance

Both are real U.S. companies with liability protection under Delaware law — they differ in ownership, taxes, and how decisions get made.

FeatureDelaware LLCDelaware Corporation
Owned byMembers, with flexible ownership percentagesShareholders, through shares of stock
Managed byThe members themselves, or appointed managersA board of directors and appointed officers
Federal taxationPass-through by default — profits are taxed once, on the owners’ returnsThe corporation files its own return; dividends are taxed again at the shareholder level
Raising investmentPossible, though many funds prefer stockThe structure most investors and accelerators expect
Ongoing formalitiesFewer — no required board or annual meetingsBylaws, board decisions, and share records
Typically chosen byOnline businesses, e-commerce sellers, agencies, and freelancersStartups planning to raise outside funding or grant equity

A simple rule of thumb: raising outside investment or granting equity? You’re on the right page. Running an agency, store, or online business without investors? A Delaware LLC is usually the simpler fit. Still unsure? Ask us — we’ll point you to the right one, no upsell.

FAQ

Delaware Corporation Questions, Answered

01Do I need to live in Delaware to form a Corporation?
No. You can form a Delaware corporation even if you live in another state or outside the U.S.
02How long does the incorporation process take?
Standard processing depends on the State’s queue and usually takes a few weeks. Expedited filing — included in our Standard and Premium plans — typically takes 4–7 business days.
03Do I need a Registered Agent in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware requires every corporation to maintain a Registered Agent with a physical address in Delaware. Every formation plan includes a free Registered Agent for the first year.
04What information is needed to form a Delaware Corporation?
Typically you’ll need a company name, Registered Agent details, incorporator information, and basic share structure (authorized shares). We’ll collect the required details and prepare the filing accordingly.
05What is the difference between a C-Corporation and an S-Corporation?
“C-Corp” and “S-Corp” refer mainly to federal tax treatment, while the underlying corporation is formed at the state level. If you’re unsure which is right, it’s best to consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
06What will my Delaware corporation cost after the first year?
Two things recur. Delaware charges corporations an annual franchise tax based on your share structure, plus an annual report filing fee — state charges paid to Delaware, not to us. After your free first year, Registered Agent service renews at $119 per year. There are no other IncReg fees required to keep your company active.

Ready to form your Delaware Corporation?

Delaware incorporation handled properly — accurate filings, upfront pricing, and support that continues after approval.

Start Your Corporation