New Jersey Startup Business Lawyer

Startup and Business Formation Attorney Serving New Jersey

Starting a business in New Jersey requires choosing the right legal structure, filing formation documents with the state Division of Revenue, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and establishing the governance framework that will guide your operations. Whether you are forming an LLC, incorporating, or setting up a partnership, the decisions you make at formation affect your personal liability, tax treatment, and ability to raise capital for years to come.

New Jersey offers several advantages for business formation compared to neighboring states. There is no publication requirement for LLCs (unlike New York, which requires expensive newspaper publication), annual report fees are reasonable, and the state's business-friendly legal framework provides flexibility in structuring management and ownership. Getting the formation right from the start avoids costly restructuring later.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we help entrepreneurs and business owners form and structure their companies in New Jersey. Our Englewood office at 285 Grand Avenue serves Bergen County and North Jersey directly, and our Manhattan office at 30 Broad Street provides access for clients on both sides of the Hudson. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your business formation.

Our New Jersey Legal Services

New Jersey LLC Formation

We handle every step of forming a New Jersey LLC: preparing and filing the Certificate of Formation with the Division of Revenue, drafting a comprehensive operating agreement that defines member rights and management structure, obtaining an EIN from the IRS, and advising on initial compliance requirements including NJ-REG business registration. Unlike New York, New Jersey does not require LLC publication in newspapers, saving new business owners significant expense.

New Jersey Corporation Formation

For businesses that plan to seek outside investment or issue stock, a New Jersey corporation may be the appropriate structure. We prepare and file the Certificate of Incorporation, draft bylaws, issue initial stock certificates, prepare organizational resolutions, and advise on the ongoing compliance requirements including annual reports filed with the Division of Revenue. We also advise on whether incorporating in New Jersey versus Delaware or another state makes sense for your specific situation.

Operating Agreements and Bylaws

The operating agreement (for LLCs) or bylaws (for corporations) form the governance backbone of your business. We draft these documents to address management authority, voting procedures, profit and loss allocation, capital contribution requirements, buy-sell provisions, and dissolution procedures. For multi-member LLCs, the operating agreement is especially critical because it governs how disputes between members are resolved.

Business Registration and Licensing in NJ

New Jersey businesses must register with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (NJ-REG) for tax purposes. Depending on your industry and location, you may also need municipal business licenses, professional licenses, health department permits, or state-specific certifications. We help identify which registrations and permits your business requires and coordinate the application process.

Partnership and Joint Venture Formation

We structure and document general partnerships, limited partnerships, and joint ventures under New Jersey law. Each structure has distinct liability, tax, and governance implications. A well-drafted partnership agreement or joint venture agreement prevents disputes by addressing contributions, distributions, decision-making authority, and exit procedures before they become contentious.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

The choice between an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship depends on your liability concerns, tax objectives, number of owners, and growth plans. We analyze your specific situation and recommend the structure that balances protection, flexibility, and tax efficiency. For businesses operating in both New Jersey and New York, we also advise on foreign entity registration requirements and dual-state compliance obligations.

What You Should Know About Starting a Business in New Jersey

New Jersey's business formation process is straightforward compared to many states. The Division of Revenue processes formation filings efficiently, and the absence of an LLC publication requirement (which costs New York LLC owners $1,000 to $2,000 or more) makes New Jersey an attractive state for formation. Annual reports are due each year and the filing fee is modest. New Jersey does impose a minimum corporate business tax, and LLCs with more than one member are subject to New Jersey's partnership filing requirements. For business owners who live in one state and operate in another, understanding nexus, registration, and tax obligations in both jurisdictions is essential. Our dual-state licensing allows us to advise on these cross-border considerations.

Why New Jersey Entrepreneurs Choose Agarunov Law Firm

• Dual-state licensing: admitted in both New Jersey and New York, essential for cross-border business operations
• Englewood office: our Bergen County location at 285 Grand Avenue provides direct access for North Jersey entrepreneurs
• Direct attorney access: your formation is handled personally by a licensed attorney, not an online filing service
• Full-service approach: we handle formation, operating agreements, EIN, and initial compliance in a single engagement
• Responsive communication: same-day responses to all calls and emails