Annual Costs Associated with a Delaware C-Corp

Annual Costs Associated with a Delaware C-Corp

Managing a Delaware C-Corp requires attention to mandatory annual costs to ensure compliance and maintain its good standing. These costs include an annual franchise tax, which is not based on income, and a registered agent service fee, crucial for receiving legal documents on behalf of the corporation.
Table of Contents

To maintain a Delaware C-Corp, you are required to pay two annual costs or fees. Firstly, you will be responsible for paying an annual franchise tax. Franchise Tax is not calculated based on your company’s income. Delaware law requires companies incorporated in Delaware to pay annual franchise tax to keep the company in “good standing”. Even companies with no business activity must pay franchise tax to maintain “good standing” status.

The second cost is a registered agent service fee.

What is an Annual Franchise Tax?

Every state has slightly different requirements for corporations but Delaware C-Corps pay Franchise Tax due March 1st of each year. The Franchise Tax for a corporation is based on your corporation type and the number of authorized shares your company has. You can visit https://corp.delaware.gov/paytaxes/  to find out about up-to-date Corporation Franchise Tax.

There are two methods to calculate Franchise Tax for a maximum stock company: Authorized Shares Method and Assumed Par Value Capital Method. You can visit https://corp.delaware.gov/frtaxcalc/ to calculate Franchise Taxes for your Delaware C-Corp. Delaware C-Corps are also required to file an annual report.

Who is a Registered Agent?

The second cost is a registered agent service fee. Maintaining a registered agent for corporations is required by Delaware Law.  According to The Delaware Code, every corporation shall have and maintain a registered office and agent.

Once you choose the entity type and name for your company, hiring a registered agent becomes your next step. This registered agent can be an individual residing in Delaware or a business entity authorized to operate in the state. The agent must maintain a physical address and be available during normal business hours to receive legal notices and documents on behalf of your corporation. For these services, an annual fee is payable to your registered agent, who essentially serves as your business’s official representative.

Ensuring Long-Term Success and Compliance with Clemta

Successfully managing these annual requirements is crucial to maintaining your Delaware C-Corp in good standing. If you’re seeking assistance in meeting compliance needs or managing your corporation’s annual obligations, Clemta offers expert guidance and solutions tailored to your business needs. By leveraging Clemta’s expertise, you can focus more on growing your business while staying compliant with state requirements.

For more details on how to efficiently manage your Delaware C-Corp, consider exploring the resources and services available at Clemta.

Explore more
Always available to guide her team
Close Your Business: Company Dissolution Guide

Annual payments and meeting state and federal obligations can be difficult for an inactive company. You may decide to close a company that you do not use so that dissolving may rescue you from taxes and registered agent debts.

Read More »
tax day concept with red circle on calendar date and tax return on table
Postpone Tax Deadline: File an Extension

The United States federal tax deadline is very soon, the due date is April 15!  Since there are only a couple of days left, you may consider filing an extension if you have not filed your taxes yet. 

Read More »
What Is a Resale Certificate? Understanding Sales Tax and the Streamlined Sales Tax Program
What Is a Resale Certificate? Understanding Sales Tax and the Streamlined Sales Tax Program

A resale certificate lets you buy inventory in the US without paying sales tax upfront—crucial for protecting ecommerce margins. In this guide, we unpack how resale certificates differ from sales-tax permits, how to apply in every state, and how the Streamlined Sales Tax Program can fast-track compliance for non-resident founders. Avoid penalties, simplify filings, and learn how Clemta automates the entire process.

Read More »
7 Proven Amazon Product Research Tactics
7 Proven Amazon Product Research Tactics

Product research is the foundation of a successful Amazon business. In this article, we share 7 practical tactics to help you identify high-demand, low-competition products with strong profit potential. With the right strategies and tools like Seller Assistant, you can streamline your research process and make smarter decisions for your Amazon store.

Read More »
Need Help Before You Go?

Get answers to your questions with a quick meeting. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and next steps.