Limited Liability Company
Delaware holds a prominent position among global jurisdictions for company formation. It is particularly notable for its high concentration of corporate entities. Nearly half of all publicly traded corporations in the United States, and more than 65% of Fortune 500 companies, are incorporated in Delaware. This includes some of the most recognizable multinational firms across technology, retail, and consumer goods sectors.
The state’s popularity is not incidental but is underpinned by a well-developed legal infrastructure, efficient administrative processes, and flexible business structures that accommodate a wide range of organizational needs. Among the various entity types available, the Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) has emerged as a particularly attractive option, especially for small businesses, international operators, and professionals engaged in cross-border activities.
A key feature distinguishing Delaware from other U.S. states is its Court of Chancery—a dedicated equity court with jurisdiction over corporate and fiduciary matters. Established in the 18th century, it is the oldest court in the United States focused solely on business law. The Court of Chancery does not use juries; instead, experienced judges with deep expertise in corporate law preside over proceedings.
This judicial specialization has resulted in an extensive and coherent body of case law that guides corporate governance and dispute resolution. The predictability of outcomes in litigation—based on well-defined legal precedents—reduces legal uncertainty and potential liabilities for businesses. Corporations and LLCs incorporated in Delaware benefit from this clarity when assessing the risks associated with litigation or evaluating settlement options.
Delaware’s LLC statute offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of internal governance, capital structuring, and operational arrangements. Unlike corporations, which are subject to more formal statutory frameworks, LLCs are contractual in nature. The rights, responsibilities, and economic relationships among members are defined in a private agreement known as the LLC Agreement.
An LLC in Delaware may be formed by a single member, who may also act as its sole manager. There is no statutory requirement for directors, officers, company secretaries, or shareholder meetings. This simplified structure allows for operational ease, especially for individuals or small groups seeking limited liability protection without the complexities of a traditional corporate hierarchy.
Membership interests represent ownership in an LLC, and these interests can be tailored through the LLC Agreement to reflect differentiated rights, such as varied capital contributions, voting powers, or profit entitlements. This contractual freedom makes Delaware LLCs highly adaptable vehicles for partnerships, investment structures, and service-based enterprises.
Delaware LLCs are considered separate legal entities, distinct from their members. As such, they can enter into contracts, own property, initiate legal proceedings, and incur liabilities independently of their owners. Members generally enjoy limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected from business debts and obligations, provided there is no evidence of fraud or misuse of the entity.
The hybrid nature of an LLC—combining the pass-through taxation characteristics of partnerships with the limited liability protection of corporations—makes it a versatile structure for both domestic and international use.
A Delaware LLC can elect how it is taxed under U.S. federal tax law. It may choose to be treated as a corporation (subject to corporate income tax) or as a pass-through entity for tax purposes. If it opts for pass-through status, the LLC itself does not pay federal income tax. Instead, income is attributed directly to the members, who are then responsible for reporting and paying tax on their share, regardless of whether profits are actually distributed.
For non-U.S. members, the implications depend on the source of income and their personal tax residency. U.S.-source income is typically subject to U.S. taxation, but foreign-source income may not be taxed by the U.S. if the LLC does not conduct business domestically. This arrangement can be particularly beneficial for members residing in jurisdictions with territorial tax systems or those with no personal income tax.
However, tax outcomes can vary significantly depending on the home country’s treatment of foreign entities. Some jurisdictions may not recognize the pass-through status of a U.S. LLC and may classify it as a corporation, thereby subjecting it to local corporate income tax. It is essential for LLC members to consult with tax advisors familiar with both U.S. and home country laws to ensure compliance and avoid unintended tax liabilities.
Delaware offers a relatively high degree of privacy for LLCs. State law does not require the names of members, managers, or officers to be disclosed in public filings. Only a registered agent and a certificate of formation are required at the time of incorporation. This level of confidentiality is often considered advantageous for private business arrangements or for individuals seeking to separate personal identity from business operations.
Incorporating an LLC in Delaware is procedurally straightforward and cost-effective. The formation process can often be completed within 3-4 business days, and the associated filing fees are among the lowest in the United States. Delaware’s Division of Corporations also offers expedited services for time-sensitive filings and has streamlined procedures for amendments, annual reporting, and compliance matters.
Delaware LLCs are frequently used by international professionals, consultants, and digital entrepreneurs engaged in e-commerce, technology services, or online retail platforms such as Amazon FBA. Their flexible structure, combined with the legal credibility associated with a U.S.-based entity, makes them suitable for global operations, banking relationships, and access to merchant service providers.
Additionally, Delaware LLCs are increasingly employed in joint ventures, holding structures, and intellectual property management arrangements due to their contractual adaptability and limited compliance burdens.
Delaware’s legal and regulatory framework offers a stable, flexible, and predictable environment for forming and operating Limited Liability Companies. The combination of judicial sophistication, minimal structural requirements, customizable governance, and favorable tax treatment makes Delaware LLCs a viable option for a broad spectrum of domestic and international business activities. Nonetheless, due diligence regarding cross-border tax compliance and regulatory obligations remains essential for effective and lawful use of this entity structure.
Legal
Country code – US
Legal Basis – Common law
Legal framework – Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (Title 6, Chapter 18, Delaware Code)
Company form – Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Liability - The liability of members is limited to the extent of their capital contributions.
Capital – There is no minimum or maximum capital contribution.
Members – A Delaware LLC may be set up by one or more members, who may be natural or legal persons, resident or non-resident, without limitations. The identity of the LLC registered members is not publicly disclosed.
Manager – An LLC may be managed by its members or by a manager (who may or may not be a member), or by a board of managers. Corporate managers are allowed. Details are not available to the public.
Registered Address – Every Delaware LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. This is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal papers on behalf of the LLC. If the LLC operates in Delaware, it may act as its own registered agent. A registered agent may be either an individual resident or business entity that is authorized to do business in Delaware. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Delaware.
General Meeting – There is no statutory requirement for any formal meetings of members.
Electronic Signature – Permitted.
Re-domiciliation – Foreign entities and other US companies may be continued in Delaware.
Compliance – Accounting records must be kept and shall be sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions. The books, records and minutes of the company may be kept in any place or country at the Manager's choice. Delaware requires LLCs to file an Annual Franchise Tax Statement by June 1st. The fee is $300. Delaware does not require LLCs to file annual reports.
- If the company is a foreign-owned single member disregarded LLC and does not have effectively connected income to a US trade or business, only a proforma Form 1120 (with the details of the company only) and Form 5472 disclosing transactional amounts between the LLC and related parties (i.e. members or companies owned by members) must be submitted every April.
- If the company is a multimember LLC, Form 1065 shall be submitted as information return on the income of the LLC to be submitted every March. This is also a substantially simple form.
- If the LLC has effectively connected income to a US trade or business, the nonresident member(s) that is an individual will need to submit an income tax return (Form 1040-NR) in June if an individual. Please note that the individual may need to obtain an ITIN (tax ID for non US residents). If the member is a foreign company, the company must obtain an EIN, and submit tax returns (1120F). If the LLC has US members, such members must report income of the LLC in their respective tax returns.
For LLCs that elect C-Corp tax treatment, a full federal income tax return (Form 1120) must be submitted in April, unless the Corporation has a financial year other than the calendar year (then the 4th month after the financial year end).
- Members not disclosed
- Members not disclosed
- Corporate members permitted
- Corporate manager permitted
- Local manager required
- Registered office or agent required
- Annual meeting required
- Redomiciliation permitted
- Electronic signature
- Annual return
- Audited accounts
- Audited accounts exemption
- Exchange controls
- Common law Legal basis
- 1 Minimum members
- - Minimum registered capital
- - Minimum paid up capital
- USD Capital currency
- 100% Foreign-ownership allowed
Taxes
Tax residency – A Delaware LLC is, by default, treated as a disregarded entity or a partnership for US tax purposes, being a tax transparent and therefore not generally considered a US tax resident entity for double tax treaty purposes.
An LLC that that elects to be treated as a C-Corp for tax purposes is tax resident in the United States.
Taxation – Delaware limited liability companies are treated as disregarded entities or partnerships for tax purposes.
- Tax transparent entity
- Offshore Income Tax Exemption
- Offshore capital gains tax exemption
- Offshore dividends tax exemption
- CFC Rules
- Thin Capitalisation Rules
- Patent Box
- Tax Incentives & Credits
- Property Tax
- Wealth tax
- Estate inheritance tax
- Transfer tax
- Capital duties
- - Offshore Income Tax Rate
- - Corporate Tax Rate
- 38% Capital Gains Tax Rate
- 11.4% Dividends Received
- 30% Dividends Withholding Tax Rate
- 30% Interests Withholding Tax Rate
- 30% Royalties Withholding Tax Rate
- 0 Losses carryback (years)
- 20 Losses carryforward (years)
- 7.65% Social Security Employee
- 15.3% Social Security Employer
- 46% Personal Income Tax Rate
- 0% VAT Rate
- 84 Tax Treaties
Country details
The United States of America (USA) is a North American country constituted in a federal constitutional republic composed of 50 states and a federal district.
It is located between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the continent, bordering Canada to the east and separated from Russia to the west by the Bering Strait. The state of Hawaii is a Polynesian archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and it is the only American state that is not located in the American continent. The country also has several territories in the Caribbean Sea and in the Pacific.
With 9.83 million sq. km, and with more than 324 million inhabitants, the country is the fourth largest in total area and the third in population.
The capital is Washington D.C. However, New York is the trade and financial center and the most populated city, with over 8 million inhabitants, and 22 million within its metropolitan area. Other large urban areas include Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, and Atlanta, among others. English is the official language of all states and territories, although some of them have their own co-official language.
As it is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, there are more than 20 languages with an important number of speakers, such as Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Italian, among others.
The United States is a constitutional, democratic and representative republic. In the US federalist system, citizens are generally subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local; The duties of local government are commonly divided between the county and municipal governments. In almost all cases, executive and legislative officials are elected by direct suffrage of the citizens of the district.
Its official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is the most traded currency, the world’s primary reserve currency and the currency used in the international markets for commodities such as gold and petroleum.
The USA is the largest economy worldwide in nominal terms and the second, after China, in purchasing power parity terms, home of the largest multinationals and well-known brands worldwide and leader in technological innovation and scientific research.
It has a mixed capitalist economy, characterized by abundant natural resources, like coal, natural gas, oil and uranium, developed infrastructure and high productivity.
Its economy is mostly based on the services sector, but it maintains large and competitive industrial sector, specialized in high technology, where the chemical, military, energy, oil, metallurgical, steelworks, automotive, aeronautics, electronics and IT are the largest.
It is the third largest oil producer in the world, as well as the largest importer. It is also the first world producer of electric power and nuclear power, as well as liquefied natural gas, sulfur, phosphates and salt. Despite primary sector accounts about 1% of its GDP, the country is one of the world’s largest producers of a wide variety of agricultural, livestock and fishing products.
Regarding the services sector, the largest of the USA economy, its most important activities are banking, insurance, education, healthcare, research, transport, trade, and tourism.
The US financial market is the most extensive and the most complex worldwide, and stands out for its influence in any economic decision at an international level. New York is the most important financial center worldwide, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is also the largest world’s capital market and the NASDAQ is the third one. USA is also the second most touristic country worldwide, ranking 2nd, after France and ahead of Spain.
Delaware is one of the fifty states that, together with Washington D., form the United States of America. Its capital is Dover and its most populated city, Wilmington.
It is located in the South region of the country, South Atlantic division, bordering to the north with Pennsylvania, to the northeast with the bay of Delaware that separates it of New Jersey, to the east with the Atlantic Ocean and to the South with Maryland.
With 6447 km² it is the second less extensive state, with around 900,000, the sixth least populated, and with 139,28 hab / km², the sixth most densely populated.
Despite its small size, Delaware is a large financial center. The services sector is the most important, with 79% of GDP. The provision of financial and real estate services is 38% of the state's GDP. More than 200 thousand companies are based in the state. Therefore, this state is also one of the largest banking centers in the United States.
Agriculture and cattle ranching together account for 1% of the state's GDP. Milk and cherries are the main product of Delaware's agricultural industry.
The secondary sector accounts for 20% of Delaware's GDP. The main industrialized products manufactured in the state are chemical products, transport equipment (mainly automobiles), chemicals, processed foods and paper.