Jake Lawson here. New Jersey charges $75 annually for LLC annual reports—a legitimate state requirement you can’t skip. But I guarantee you’ll receive mail trying to charge you $185+ for the same filing. Here’s how to handle this requirement correctly without falling for the inevitable scams.
New Jersey requires every LLC to file an annual report to maintain good standing. It’s online-only, costs $75, and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Don’t let anyone convince you it’s more complicated than that.
New Jersey Annual Report Basics
Cost: $75 per year (increased from $50 in 2019)
Due Date: Last day of your LLC’s anniversary month
Filing Method: Online only (no mail option)
Processing: Immediate when filed online
Late Penalty: LLC falls out of good standing, potential dissolution
Example: LLC formed June 5, 2024 → First annual report due June 30, 2025, then June 30 every year after.
The Scam Mail You’ll Receive (And How to Spot It)
Within weeks of forming your New Jersey LLC, you’ll receive official-looking mail demanding $185+ for “annual report services.”
Red Flags of Scam Mail:
- Fee amounts: $185, $195, or other amounts higher than $75
- Urgency language: “FINAL NOTICE,” “IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED”
- Company names: Often include “Services,” “Compliance,” or “Registry”
- Fine print: Hidden disclaimers like “We are not the government”
- Payment methods: Often require checks or money orders only
Real vs. Fake:
Real New Jersey communications:
- Come from addresses ending in .nj.gov
- Charge exactly $75 for annual reports
- Reference your specific LLC information correctly
- Provide .njportal.com links for filing
Fake scam mail:
- Generic information that could apply to any LLC
- Overpriced “services” for government filings
- No official government letterhead or seals
- Private company return addresses
Jake’s rule: If you didn’t initiate contact and they want more than $75 for an annual report, it’s a scam.
Annual Report vs. LLC Partner Tax (Don’t Confuse Them)
New Jersey has TWO separate annual requirements that often confuse LLC owners:
Annual Report ($75):
- Filed with: Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services
- Required for: ALL New Jersey LLCs (single and multi-member)
- Purpose: Maintain good standing with the state
- Due: End of anniversary month
LLC Partner Tax ($150 per member):
- Filed with: Division of Taxation (different department)
- Required for: Multi-member LLCs only (2+ owners)
- Purpose: New Jersey tax requirement
- Due: April 15th
Single-member LLCs: Pay only the $75 annual report
Multi-member LLCs: Pay both the $75 annual report AND $150 per member partner tax
Common mistake: People think the partner tax replaces the annual report. Both are required for multi-member LLCs.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Annual Report Online
Step 1: Access the New Jersey System
Go to New Jersey’s Annual Reports page and click “File an Annual Report”
Step 2: Business Identification
You’ll need:
- NJ Entity ID Number: Found on your Certificate of Formation or through business name search
- Formation date: Month and year your LLC was approved
- Business type: Select “NJ Limited Liability Company (LLC)”
Can’t find your Entity ID? Search your LLC name in the state database and look for the ID number in the results.
Step 3: Review Outstanding Reports
The system shows any overdue annual reports. You’ll see your LLC name and filing requirements.
If multiple years are due: You’ll need to file (and pay) for each missed year.
Step 4: Registered Agent Information
Review your current registered agent information.
If changes needed: Click “Change” (costs additional $25)
If current information is correct: Click “Continue”
Using a registered agent service? Make sure their information is current to avoid missing important state communications.
Step 5: Business Addresses
Review your Main Address and Principal Address.
Requirements:
- Must be street addresses (no P.O. boxes)
- Can be in New Jersey or any other state/country
- Principal Address is optional (Main Address is required)
Privacy note: These addresses become part of public record. Consider using a registered agent address if you want to keep your home address private.
Step 6: Officers/Members Information
List all LLC members (owners). The system calls them “Officers” but means LLC members.
For each member, provide:
- Full legal name
- Address
- Title (typically “Member” for LLC owners)
Adding members: Click “Add New Officer” for additional owners.
Step 7: Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you have employees: Enter your workers’ comp insurance details
If no employees: Select “No”
Most single-member LLCs: Select “No” unless you have hired employees.
Step 8: Review and Sign
Double-check all information for accuracy—errors can cause compliance issues.
Select signer: Usually “Business Owner/Officer or Member”
Enter signer information: Name, title (“Member”), phone, and address
Step 9: Optional Additional Documents
Certificate of Standing: $50 (short form) to $100 (long forms)
Status Report: $5
When you need these:
- Bank loan applications
- Registering as foreign LLC in another state
- Vendor qualification requirements
- Legal proceedings
Most LLCs: Skip these unless specifically required for a business purpose.
Step 10: Payment and Completion
- Select credit card payment
- Enter billing information
- Pay the $75 fee
- Download your filed annual report for records
Processing: Immediate confirmation and filing
Common New Jersey Annual Report Mistakes
Mistake #1: Falling for Scam Mail
Problem: Paying $185+ to private companies for a $75 state filing
Solution: File directly with New Jersey at njportal.com
Mistake #2: Missing the Anniversary Month Deadline
Problem: LLC falls out of good standing
Solution: Set calendar reminders; don’t rely only on state mailings
Mistake #3: Confusing Annual Report with Partner Tax
Problem: Filing one but not the other when both are required
Solution: Multi-member LLCs need both; single-member LLCs need only annual report
Mistake #4: Using Outdated Information
Problem: State communications go to wrong addresses
Solution: Update registered agent and business addresses when you move
Mistake #5: Not Keeping Filing Records
Problem: No proof of compliance if questions arise
Solution: Download and save annual report confirmations
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline
Immediate consequences:
- LLC falls out of good standing
- State may initiate dissolution proceedings
- Banking relationships may be affected
- Professional licenses could be impacted
How to fix it:
- File overdue annual reports as soon as possible
- Pay $75 for each missed year
- LLC returns to good standing immediately upon filing
Reinstatement: New Jersey doesn’t charge additional reinstatement fees beyond the annual report fees themselves.
Managing Multiple Years of Missed Reports
If you’ve missed several years:
- Calculate total owed: $75 × number of missed years
- File through the standard online system
- System will show all outstanding years
- Pay for all missed years at once
- LLC returns to good standing immediately
Example: LLC formed 2020, never filed reports, now 2025:
- 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 reports due
- Total cost: $75 × 5 = $375
Setting Up Your Annual Compliance System
Create Reminders:
- Phone calendar: Recurring annual reminder 60 days before due date
- Computer calendar: Backup reminder 30 days before due date
- Business calendar: Note in planning calendar for budget purposes
- Written note: Physical reminder in business files
Track Important Dates:
- Formation date: From Certificate of Formation
- Anniversary month: Month your LLC was approved
- Due date: Last day of anniversary month
- Business tax year: Usually December 31 for LLCs
Maintain Current Information:
- Registered agent: Keep service current or update if self-serving
- Business address: Update if you move operations
- Member information: Add/remove members with proper documentation
- Contact information: Ensure state can reach you
New Jersey Annual Report Action Plan
60 Days Before Due Date:
- Review current LLC information on file with the state
- Update any changes that occurred during the year
- Budget for the $75 fee (and partner tax if applicable)
- Gather required information for filing
30 Days Before Due Date:
- Log into New Jersey portal to verify account access
- Complete annual report filing
- Pay $75 fee online
- Download and save confirmation
Throughout the Year:
- Monitor for scam mail and discard appropriately
- Keep registered agent information current
- Update business address changes promptly
- Maintain business records including annual report confirmations
Special Situations and Considerations
Home-Based Businesses:
- Can use home address as business address
- Consider registered agent for privacy protection
- Same annual report requirements apply
Virtual/Mail Forwarding Addresses:
- Acceptable as long as they’re street addresses (not P.O. boxes)
- Must be able to receive official state correspondence
- Popular for privacy protection
Multi-State Operations:
- File annual report in New Jersey regardless of where you operate
- May need foreign LLC registration in other operational states
- Don’t confuse New Jersey requirements with other states
Seasonal Businesses:
- Annual report still required even if not actively operating
- Use expected dates for seasonal operations
- Consider dissolution if permanently ceasing operations
The Bottom Line on New Jersey Annual Reports
New Jersey’s $75 annual report is a legitimate, unavoidable requirement that takes 15 minutes to complete online. The state provides a user-friendly system and immediate processing.
Don’t get scammed by companies charging $185+ for a simple state filing you can handle yourself.
Stay organized with calendar reminders and current information to avoid compliance issues.
Budget annually for this $75 expense (plus $150 per member partner tax if you have multiple owners).
Your savings: $110+ annually by filing directly instead of using overpriced “compliance services.”
Ready to File Your New Jersey Annual Report?
Access New Jersey Annual Reports system →
Search your LLC information →
Get my complete New Jersey LLC guide →
Download my annual compliance checklist →
Questions about New Jersey annual reports or running into issues with the state filing system? Contact me directly—I’ve helped hundreds of New Jersey LLC owners stay compliant while avoiding expensive service company upsells.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal or tax advice. New Jersey LLC requirements can change over time, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and consult qualified professionals for specific legal and tax matters.