Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Additional Information:

Businesses planning to contract with any public agency in New Jersey, including state agencies, local governments, colleges/universities and local school boards as well as with casino licensees will be required to provide a Business Registration Certificate as proof of registration. To obtain a Business Registration Certificate, you must have filed Form NJ-REG, but be mindful that if you operate a legal entity like a corporation or LLC, you must also file a formation/authorization document.

Out-of-state businesses that believe they do not have state tax nexus should file a paper form NJ-REG in order to obtain a Business Registration Certificate. Business entities that file form NJ-REG only will be subject to a nexus review, initiated and conducted by the Division of Taxation.

If you only need to withhold payroll taxes for an employee(s) who reside in NJ and you are not conducting business operations in this State, go to the online service and select “Register a non-New Jersey Business Entity with employees residing in New Jersey.” For information on tax exempt status for non-profits, consult the Division of Taxation’s Starting a Non-Profit in New Jersey page.

Choosing a Name for Your Business Reviewing Names on File

Before choosing a name, you may review business names on file with New Jersey online free of charge. If you want assistance in checking the availability of a business name, you may call the Division at 609-292-9292 . Fees apply for this service.

A business formed outside of New Jersey must use the exact name that is on the formation document in its home state. If that name is already being used by another business entity in this state, the foreign (non-New Jersey) business will need to establish a secondary or 'doing business as" name for New Jersey purposes. Only foreign businesses may use a "dba" name. When a "dba" is designated, online registration is not available. File using a paper form. The downloadable form (pages 23 and 24) is available. Remember to attach the business’ resolution adopting the dba name to the filing.

Name Availability Check and Name Reservation Services

You may check on the availability of a business name by calling the Division at 609-292-9292 . Fees apply for this service. You may also reserve an available name prior to filing a formation/authorization document. The length of time the reservation is in effect depends on the type of business

Alternate/Fictitious Names

These types of names may also be used to conduct business in this state. Alternate/Fictitious names must be registered. Complete the request form online.

Trade names for sole proprietorships should be filed at the county level at the County Clerk's office.

HELPFUL LINKS FOR NEW BUSINESSES

NJ Division of Taxation

NJ Department of Labor, Division of Employer Accounts