Start a Business in New Jersey
Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for NJ.
- Cost rank
- 45th of 50
- 118% of the national average · 5 states cost more
- State income tax
- 1.4-10.75%
- Charged on top of federal income tax
- Sales tax
- 6.625%
- You collect it on taxable sales and remit it to the state
- LLC filing fee
- $125
- One-off, paid to the Secretary of State · 16th most expensive of 50 (median $100)
Where New Jersey sits on cost
Cheapest third to most expensive third, by startup cost index. Select a state to open its page; on desktop, hover shows its index and rank.
What's different in New Jersey
New Jersey is dense, expensive and squeezed between two of the largest markets in the country, which means both the customers and the competitors are close together. The state applies a strict test to worker classification, so an operating plan built on paying helpers as contractors is likely to be reclassified, with back liabilities attached — treat crew as payroll from the start unless an attorney says otherwise. Property costs and municipal fees vary sharply from town to town within a very short drive. The shore economy adds a seasonal layer, with whole stretches of trade compressed into the summer and businesses inland that never feel it.
- Classification is strict
- The state's test makes contractor arrangements hard to sustain; assume employees when modelling costs.
- The next town is a different cost base
- Municipal fees, rents and rates change over short distances, so compare specific towns rather than regions.
- The shore is its own season
- Coastal trade compresses into the summer while inland demand runs flat across the year.
Business Guides for New Jersey
All 53, cheapest first. Ranges are what that business actually costs in NJ.
Under $10K 16
- Notary Services $366 – $2,440
- Pet Sitting $590 – $3,540
- Social Media Management $600 – $3,550
- Dog Walking $590 – $5,900
- Web Design $600 – $5,900
- Handyman $2,000 – $10,000
- Personal Training $2,000 – $10,000
- E-Commerce $590 – $11,800
- Tutoring $600 – $11,800
- Graphic Design $1,175 – $11,800
- Window Cleaning $1,180 – $11,800
- Bookkeeping $2,350 – $11,800
- Cleaning Business $2,000 – $15,000
- Photography $2,000 – $15,000
- Lawn Care $3,000 – $15,000
- Pressure Washing $3,000 – $15,000
$10K – $50K 17
- Tax Preparation $2,350 – $17,700
- House Painting $2,360 – $17,700
- Pool Cleaning $2,360 – $17,700
- Vending Machine $3,660 – $18,300
- Consulting $1,175 – $23,600
- Event Planning $2,350 – $23,600
- DJ Service $3,550 – $23,600
- Interior Design $2,360 – $29,500
- Carpet Cleaning $5,900 – $29,500
- Massage Therapy $5,900 – $29,500
- Mobile Spa $9,760 – $30,500
- Auto Detailing $5,000 – $50,000
- Landscaping $5,000 – $50,000
- Wedding Photography $11,800 – $47,200
- Junk Removal $5,900 – $59,000
- Pest Control $11,800 – $59,000
- Pet Grooming $5,900 – $88,500
$50K and up 20
- Catering $11,800 – $88,500
- Florist $11,800 – $88,500
- Tree Service $11,800 – $88,500
- Bakery $2,000 – $100,000
- Electrician $17,700 – $88,500
- Plumbing $17,700 – $88,500
- Yoga Studio $17,700 – $118,000
- HVAC $23,600 – $118,000
- Moving Company $24,400 – $122,000
- Barber Shop $30,500 – $146,400
- Nail Salon $36,600 – $183,000
- Hair Salon $42,700 – $183,000
- Gym $61,000 – $183,000
- Food Truck $50,000 – $200,000
- Ice Cream Shop $59,000 – $354,000
- Coffee Shop $100,000 – $375,000
- Daycare $5,900 – $590,000
- Car Wash $59,000 – $590,000
- Laundromat $118,000 – $590,000
- Restaurant $213,500 – $610,000
Get a personalized cost estimate for New Jersey
Calculate CostsBusiness Requirements in New Jersey
Register Your Business
File with New Jersey Secretary of State. LLC fee: $125
Get Business License
Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).
Get EIN
Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.
Register for Sales Tax
State rate: 6.625%. Local taxes may apply.
Get Business Insurance
General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.