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JurisdictionsUSA

USA

Delaware C-Corp

Venture-standard Delaware C-Corp for startups raising equity, issuing options, and scaling globally.

4-10 business days
21% tax
Popular choice
Operational CompaniesInvestment FundsToken IssuanceE-CommerceConsulting

Formation starts at

$250

+ $250/year

Start Formation
No hidden feesFull support

Key Benefits

Why form in USA?

VC-Standard Structure

Often the default corporate form for venture financings, employee equity plans, and institutional investors.

Clear Governance

Board-based governance and well-established Delaware corporate case law supports complex financing terms.

Equity Plan Friendly

Designed for issuing shares, options, and multiple classes of stock to founders, employees, and investors.

Fast Incorporation

Often incorporated within about 1–2 weeks depending on processing speed and documentation readiness.

Strong Market Credibility

Widely recognized by banks, platforms, enterprise customers, and counterparties globally.

Tax Overview

USA taxation at a glance

Federal Corporate Income Tax

Applies to US corporate taxable income.

21%

Delaware Corporate Income Tax

Applies if the corporation has Delaware-apportioned taxable income / does business in Delaware.

8.7% (on Delaware-apportioned income)

Delaware Franchise Tax

Annual franchise tax typically applies regardless of where you operate; amount depends on capitalization/filing method.

Varies

Sales Tax

Delaware has no state sales tax; other states may apply based on nexus.

0% (DE state)

Formation Process

How we incorporate your Delaware C-Corp

1
Day 1–2

KYC & Cap Table Setup

We confirm ownership, authorized shares, and key corporate details.

2
Day 3–4

Prepare Charter & Bylaws

We draft the Certificate of Incorporation and initial governance documents.

3
Day 5

File With Delaware

We submit the incorporation filing to the Delaware Division of Corporations.

4
Day 6–8

State Processing

Delaware processes the filing and issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

5
Day 9–10

Post-Incorporation Pack

We deliver the corporate pack and post-incorporation action checklist.

Pricing

What's included in your Delaware C-Corp

Formation Package

$250

  • Filed Certificate of Incorporation (stamped/acknowledged by Delaware)
  • Filing receipt from Delaware
  • Incorporator Action / Initial Consent (appoints initial directors, adopts bylaws, etc.)
  • Initial Board Consent / Board Resolutions (opening bank account approvals, officer appointments, stock issuance approvals)
Get Started

Annual Maintenance

$250/year

  • Registered Agent Services
  • State Filing Fee
  • Ongoing Support

Add-ons

Enhance your Delaware C-Corp

Other Services

  • Beneficial Ownership Registry (USA)
    FinCEN requires some LLCs and C-Corps to report information regarding their beneficial ownership depending upon their ownership.
  • Expediated Filing (Delaware)
    Filed in 3 days vs standard 5 days.

Entity Management

  • EIN Application
    A US entity requires an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to facilitate various activities, such as opening a bank account or hiring US employees.
  • DBA Trade Name Filing
    Trade Names require filing an additional filing.
  • S-Corporation Election
    An S-corp is an IRS tax classification that can provide some businesses tax savings.
  • US Mailing Address - Delaware
    A U.S. Mailing Address Service provides you with a physical mailing address in the United States for receiving and forwarding mail.

Nominee Services

  • Nominee Corporate Director
    Appoint a professional third-party director to protect your privacy and meet local residency or compliance requirements.
  • Nominee Shareholder
    Nominee shareholding to separate legal title from beneficial ownership

Bank Accounts & Payments

  • International Fiat Bank Account Opening
    Open a secure international fiat bank account to manage global payments, receive client funds, and hold multi-currency balances with reputable banking partners.

Learn More

About the Delaware C-Corp

The default structure for VC-backed companies: clear shareholder governance, easy equity issuance, and widely understood legal norms. Best if you expect institutional investment, multiple share classes, and a cap table that evolves quickly.

Ready to get started?

Form your Delaware C-Corp in USA and have your entity ready in 4-10 business days.

Start FormationView All Jurisdictions

EntityEngine is a private facilitation platform, not a government agency or law firm. Information is general only (not legal/tax advice). Filings are completed by regulated third-party partners. Terms.