Delaware LLCs do not file a traditional annual report — instead, they pay an annual franchise tax to the Delaware Division of Corporations. For most LLCs, this is a flat fee of $300 due by June 1 each year. There is no annual report form to fill out, but maintaining a Delaware Registered Agent is mandatory at all times. Late payment triggers a $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest.
If you operate a Delaware LLC as a non-resident entrepreneur, staying compliant with Delaware’s annual requirements is non-negotiable. Delaware does not use the term “annual report” for LLCs the same way other states do — the filing obligation is actually a franchise tax payment due every year by June 1. This guide explains exactly what you owe, when it is due, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
What Is the Delaware LLC Annual Report (Franchise Tax)?
Delaware uses the term “annual report” loosely when it comes to LLCs. Unlike corporations, Delaware LLCs are not required to file a detailed annual report form with the Delaware Division of Corporations. Instead, Delaware LLCs must pay an annual franchise tax — a flat fee — each year to keep the LLC in good standing.
The franchise tax for a Delaware LLC is a flat $300 per year, regardless of the LLC’s income, number of members, or business activity. This is different from Delaware corporations, which calculate franchise tax based on authorized shares or assumed par value capital.
What Are the Delaware LLC Annual Filing Requirements?
Here is what a Delaware LLC must do annually to stay in good standing with the State of Delaware:
- Pay the $300 franchise tax by June 1 each year via the Delaware Division of Corporations online portal.
- Maintain a Delaware Registered Agent — a physical address in Delaware where legal notices can be received on behalf of the LLC. This is required at all times, not just at filing.
- Keep your LLC in good standing — if you miss the franchise tax payment or let your Registered Agent lapse, the Delaware Secretary of State can void your LLC’s good standing or revoke its certificate.
- Update officer or member information if required — Delaware LLCs can update member or manager information on the Division of Corporations website at any time.
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When Is the Delaware LLC Annual Franchise Tax Due?
The Delaware LLC annual franchise tax is due on June 1 of each year. There is no grace period. If you do not pay by June 1, the Delaware Division of Corporations assesses the following penalties:
- $200 late penalty applied immediately after the June 1 deadline.
- 1.5% monthly interest on the outstanding $300 franchise tax balance (calculated from the original due date).
- Good standing revocation — if the tax remains unpaid for an extended period, the State of Delaware may cancel the LLC’s Certificate of Formation, voiding the LLC entirely.
You can pay the franchise tax online at the Delaware Franchise Tax portal. You will need your Delaware LLC’s file number (found on your Certificate of Formation or on the Division of Corporations website).
How Much Does the Delaware LLC Annual Franchise Tax Cost?
The Delaware LLC franchise tax is a simple flat fee. Here is a breakdown of the costs:
| Filing Type | Annual Fee | Due Date | Late Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware LLC Franchise Tax | $300 | June 1 | $200 + 1.5%/month |
| Delaware Corporation (min) | $50–$200+ | March 1 | $200 + 1.5%/month |
| Delaware LP/LP/LLP | $300 | June 1 | $200 + 1.5%/month |
| Delaware Foreign LLC | $200 registration + $300/yr | June 1 | $200 + 1.5%/month |
How to File the Delaware LLC Annual Franchise Tax: Step-by-Step
- Find your Delaware entity file number: Log into the Delaware Division of Corporations website or check your original Certificate of Formation.
- Navigate to the Franchise Tax portal: Go to icis.corp.delaware.gov and click “Pay Taxes.”
- Enter your entity information: Provide your LLC name, file number, and contact details.
- Review the amount owed: For LLCs, this is always $300 (plus any penalties if overdue).
- Pay online: Use a credit/debit card or ACH bank transfer. The system generates a receipt immediately.
- Save your confirmation: Download and save the payment confirmation for your records. This serves as proof of good standing payment.
What Is the Role of the Delaware Registered Agent in Annual Compliance?
Delaware law requires every LLC registered in the state to maintain a Registered Agent at all times — an individual or business entity with a physical address in Delaware that can receive legal notices (service of process), government correspondence, and compliance reminders.
Your Registered Agent will typically send you an annual reminder that the franchise tax is due. If you do not have an active Registered Agent on file, the Delaware Division of Corporations has no way to contact you — and you may miss the deadline entirely.
Business Globalizer provides US Registered Agent services for Delaware LLCs, including annual franchise tax reminders and document forwarding.
What Happens If Your Delaware LLC Falls Out of Good Standing?
If you fail to pay the Delaware franchise tax, your LLC will initially receive a “delinquent” status. Continued non-payment leads to:
- Voided Certificate of Formation: The State of Delaware can void your LLC, meaning it no longer legally exists.
- Loss of limited liability protection: If your LLC is voided, you lose the legal protection the LLC structure provides.
- Inability to open bank accounts or sign contracts: Most banks and counterparties require a certificate of good standing before transacting business.
- Need to reinstate: Reinstatement requires paying all back taxes, penalties, interest, and a reinstatement fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Key Insights
- ▸Delaware LLCs pay a flat $300 annual franchise tax — not a traditional annual report — due June 1 each year.
- ▸Missing the June 1 deadline triggers a $200 late penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest on the unpaid $300 balance.
- ▸Delaware requires all LLCs to maintain a physical Delaware Registered Agent at all times — not just at formation.
- ▸Delaware corporations calculate franchise tax differently (using authorized shares or assumed par value methods) — LLCs always pay the flat $300.
- ▸If your Delaware LLC is voided for non-payment, reinstatement requires paying all back taxes, penalties, interest, and a reinstatement filing fee.
- ▸You pay the franchise tax online at the Delaware Division of Corporations portal using your LLC’s entity file number.
- ▸Non-resident LLC owners (foreign nationals) are subject to the same $300 franchise tax — there are no exemptions based on residency.
- ▸A loss of good standing can prevent you from opening US business bank accounts, signing contracts, or obtaining a certificate of good standing from the state.
- ▸Delaware LPs and LLPs also owe $300/year by June 1 — the same flat rate as LLCs.
- ▸Always download and save your franchise tax payment confirmation — it serves as proof that your LLC is in good standing.
- ▸Business Globalizer can serve as your Delaware Registered Agent, ensuring you never miss the franchise tax deadline and always receive important state notices.
Frequently Asked Questions: Delaware LLC Annual Report & Franchise Tax
Does a Delaware LLC need to file an annual report?
Delaware LLCs are not required to file a detailed annual report form. Instead, they pay a flat $300 annual franchise tax to the Delaware Division of Corporations by June 1 each year. The franchise tax payment serves as the LLC’s annual compliance obligation with the State of Delaware.
How much is the Delaware LLC annual franchise tax?
The Delaware LLC annual franchise tax is a flat fee of $300 per year, due by June 1. This amount does not change based on the LLC’s income, revenue, or number of members. If paid late, a $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest applies.
When is the Delaware LLC annual filing deadline?
The Delaware LLC franchise tax is due by June 1 every year. There is no grace period. If you miss the June 1 deadline, the State of Delaware immediately applies a $200 late payment penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest on the unpaid balance.
What happens if I don’t pay my Delaware LLC franchise tax?
If you fail to pay the Delaware LLC franchise tax, your LLC will be marked as delinquent. Continued non-payment leads to the State of Delaware voiding your LLC’s Certificate of Formation — effectively dissolving your business. You will need to pay all back taxes, penalties, and interest to reinstate the LLC.
Do I need a Registered Agent for my Delaware LLC?
Yes. Delaware law requires every LLC to maintain a Registered Agent with a physical address in Delaware at all times. Your Registered Agent receives legal notices, government correspondence, and compliance reminders on behalf of your LLC. Without an active Registered Agent, you may miss critical filings and deadlines.
Can a non-resident entrepreneur form and maintain a Delaware LLC?
Yes. Non-resident aliens and foreign nationals can form and operate a Delaware LLC. You do not need to be a US resident or citizen. The LLC must still pay the $300 annual franchise tax and maintain a Delaware Registered Agent. Business Globalizer specializes in forming and maintaining Delaware LLCs for non-resident entrepreneurs worldwide.
Keep Your Delaware LLC in Good Standing
Business Globalizer provides Registered Agent services in Delaware — so you never miss your $300 franchise tax deadline or lose your good standing.
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