Looking for the right LLC formation service to handle the entire business formation process? Read this review of the best LLC services to save your time:
There are numerous advantages to starting an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation). An LLC offers the same degree of protection as a company, but without requiring compliance with record keeping or mandatory board meetings. LLCs seem to be common, especially when a new business is choosing a legal structure.
That said, starting an LLC can be complicated, time-consuming, and costly. For this reason, most startups are on the lookout for the best LLC services that can handle the formation process on the business’s behalf.
The main goal of this review is to provide you with the best LLC formation service list based on rating as well as a number of other factors. These factors include affordability, convenience, and any special offers.
Table of Contents:
Top LLC Services for LLC Formation – Review
The image below shows that 35% of all small businesses are LLCs:
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Expert Advice: Below are a few things you need to consider before hiring an LLC service:
#1) Value for Money: Despite the allure of a lesser price, you should never sacrifice quality for cost. The package must be well worth the money that you spend on it. It should at the very least include essential registered agents and LLC formation services.
The most important thing, of course, is to ensure that your chosen company offers all the services that your company requires. This way, you won’t have to hire multiple companies to meet your various requirements. It is not only more streamlined but also more cost-effective.
#2) Service Speed: Time is another critical factor to consider. You would prefer to use services that provide results in a relatively short period of time. Some businesses guarantee next-day or even same-day processing, while other services can take over a week.
For the latter, they may charge additional fees to expedite the business formation procedure. But speedier services are typically more expensive. Hence, it all comes down to your budget and whether or not you are crunched for time.
#3) Feedback: The most natural approach to forming an initial opinion of a firm is by reading reviews. Feedback from other customers may help you determine whether to proceed with a supplier or exclude them from consideration.
A standout indicator of a business’ competency is the level of customer service it provides and how quickly customer questions and requests are catered to. There is nothing more aggravating than being neglected when you already have business concerns to attend to.
#4) Geographical Reach: As your company grows, you will most likely be expanding into new states and many LLC formation services tend to be state-specific. Thus, if you decide to establish a presence in another state, you may need to hire another LLC service, which entails higher costs, more time, and increased paperwork.
So, it is important to use a nationwide service provider if you plan to tap into other states in the future. So, even as your business grows, the processing remains easy and efficient.
#5) Additional Services: Almost all LLC services provide their clients with a standard set of services. Yet, you could consider additional amenities that could help simplify your entrepreneurial journey.
These packages may involve obtaining a federal tax ID number, filing annual progress reports, and utilizing contract templates. Some LLC formation services also offer legal correspondence and consultation that might save you the cost of employing an attorney.
With the rapid development of digital technology, features may also take the shape of software that guarantees easy access to specific data or documents.
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LLC Filing Service FAQs
Q #1) What is an LLC formation service?
Answer: LLC formation services are businesses in the United States that specialize in the formation of LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) at the state level. Every state has its own set of rules and regulations governing the formation of any type of business. LLC formation services understand the intricacies of establishing an LLC in one or more states.
Q #2) What are LLCs?
Answer: In the United States, limited liability companies, or LLCs, are businesses formed at the state level.
Laws differ from one state to the next. However, in every state, LLCs provide their owners with limited liability protection. In other words, the owners of an LLC are not held liable for the company’s liabilities and debts.
The basic guidelines for forming an LLC vary between states. While no legal counsel is required in any state, if the LLC has more than one owner or investor, we recommend seeking legal counsel due to the complexity of ownership.
An LLC is a highly flexible business entity. In fact, this flexibility is perhaps the main reason for the popularity of limited liability companies throughout the country.
Some of the benefits offered by an LLC include:
- LLCs can adopt any entity’s tax preferences.
- It can be member-managed.
- It can be manager-managed.
- It can decide who controls the company.
- LLCs enjoy limited liability.
Q #3) What kinds of LLC Formation Services are available?
Answer: There are LLC formation services available for various needs and budgets. Some new business owners do not want to pay the fees associated with hiring a lawyer to create an LLC. But you might find that lawyers who work in this area charge a small flat fee that is comparable to what you would pay for some of the services that help you set up a limited liability company.
At the end of the day, you need to determine the amount of money you can spend for the formation of your LLC and how much the LLC cost you can bear.
Below are a few things you need to consider before hiring an LLC service:
- Your budget
- Number and extent of services included in the package
- State-relevant LLC-formation experience
- Recommendations and reviews
- Guarantees offered by the services (the best LLC filing services often offer a money-back guarantee to mitigate your risk)
- Ease of use
- Customer service
- Free features/value addition
- The presence of legal professionals on the team
LLC formation services are suppliers to your firm in the same way that any other vendor would be. Understand your requirements and budget, and do your research before choosing an LLC service.
Keep in mind that the best online LLC formation service will understand the nuances and requirements of creating an LLC in a particular state or even in multiple states across the country.
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Q #4) What is the best company to create an LLC?
Answer: LegalZoom and ZenBusiness are two of the best companies to create an LLC, offering a wide range of affordable services to new and existing LLCs.
Q #5) What is the cheapest website to start an LLC?
Answer: LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Incfile, and Inc Authority all offer LLC filing services at zero cost (excluding state filing fees).
Q #6) Is ZenBusiness good for LLC?
Answer: Yes, ZenBusiness is one of the best filing services for LLCs, offering a free-of-cost Basic package (excluding state filing fees), a wide range of services, multiple subscription tiers, a money-back guarantee, and annual reports with every plan.
List of the BEST LLC Services
Popular and best Reliable LLC formation services:
- LegalZoom
- ZenBusiness
- Rocket Lawyer
- Hashtag Legal
- Nationwide Incorporators
- Incfile
- Northwest Registered Agent
- Inc Authority
- Tailor Brands
- MyCompanyWorks
- Swyft Filings
Comparison of the Top LLC Formation Services
| Name | Standout Aspects | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|
| LegalZoom | • Affordable LLC formation • VIP processing (only included in select plans) • Premium customer support • Ease of use • Money-back guarantee | Excellent |
| ZenBusiness | • Wide range of features • Multiple subscription tiers • 60-day money-back guarantee • Annual report service included with all plans | Excellent |
| Rocket Lawyer | • Free LLC formation for members • 30-day money-back guarantee • Multiple customer support routes • Free trial | Excellent |
| Hashtag Legal | • Customized plans • Educational podcast • Strong customer support | Good |
| Nationwide Incorporators | • Provision of a business attorney • State-specific compliance • Education Center | Good |
| Incfile | • Affordable prices • Easy and swift checkout process • Quick turnaround • No concealed charges or automatic renewals | Excellent |
| Northwest Registered Agent | • Simple pricing plans • Transparent fee • Intuitive checkout process | Excellent |
| Inc Authority | • Free LLC formation • Excellent customer support | Good |
| Tailor Brands | • A one-stop shop • Easy-to-use • Customization features (graphic designing, for example) | Excellent |
| MyCompanyWorks | • Compliance Locks • Business Credit Wizard • Free yearly reports | Excellent |
| Swyft Filings | • Flexible payment • Installment options available | Good |
Detailed Review:
#1) LegalZoom
Best for existing and new LLC businesses.
LegalZoom provides cost-effective pricing solutions that match your specific requirements. Further services, including a registered agent, tax assistance, and access to a document library and legal form, can be added to packages ranging from $79 to $349 (plus state filing fees).
In addition, businesses can pay a minimal flat charge for a wide range of legal services, granting them continued access to legal evaluations and attorney consultations. Add-ons can be expensive, but the majority of LLC orders can be divided into three monthly payments, based on the total amount. You will not be entitled to installments if you simply filed the LLC.
The turnaround time depends on whether there are any backlogs in the state and which of the three Filing Speed packages an LLC chooses.
The turnaround times are as follows:
- Economy Filing-Speed Package: 20 working days
- Standard Filing-Speed Package: 10 working days
- Express Gold Filing-Speed Package: 2-5 working days
LegalZoom also gives you 60 days to get your money back if you are unhappy with their services. If you are unsatisfied, you can request a refund and get your money back within five working days.
Services:
- Company formation
- License and permit application
- Tax ID application
- Wills
- Power of Attorney
- Patents
- Copyrights
- Trademarks
- Estate planning documents
Pros:
- Intuitive online platform
- Affordable ongoing legal assistance
- VIP processing included with certain plans
- Premium Customer Service
- Money-back guarantee with every plan
Cons:
- Costly registered agent services
- LLC formation may take up to 30 working days
- Expensive add-ons
- Several up-sells
Verdict: In addition to being an excellent choice for forming a limited liability corporation (LLC), LegalZoom offers legal assistance for many aspects of your life, including family, intellectual, and personal property.
Price:
- Basic Package: $0 + state filing fees
- Pro Package: $249/year + state filing fees
- Premium Package: $299/year + state filing fees
Website: LegalZoom
#2) ZenBusiness
Best for business people looking for an affordable LLC formation service.
ZenBusiness has made it to our list of the best LLC services because it is affordable, easy to use, and has unique features. The company has three pricing plans that can help you set up your business, whether you are an LLC or a corporation. Plans range from free to $299 a year, plus filing fees from the state.
Each plan includes one year of annual reporting service, along with filing and preparation services for your business. You will also get a free app for sending invoices to clients so you do not have to find and pay for a different software for this purpose.
How long it takes to form an LLC depends on your filing state and if you go for a plan that allows for rush or expedited filing.
Services:
- LLC formation
- Registered Agent Service
- Expedited business filing
- EIN document preparation
- Business domain
- Business website
- Business email
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Yearly reporting service included with every plan
- 60-day money-back guarantee included with every plan
- Extended hours for customer support
Cons:
- Costly EIN service
- The company offers registered agent services as an add-on
Verdict: ZenBusiness specializes in helping people start their own businesses. Despite being a fairly young company, its excellent customer service and low-cost plans make it stand out from its competitors.
Price:
- Starter Package: $0
- Pro Package: $199/year
- Premium Package: $299/year
Website: Zen Business
#3) Rocket Lawyer
Best for businesses looking to become Rocket Lawyer members or require ongoing legal business services.
Instead of having different price levels, Rocket Lawyers allows non-members to buy services à la carte. Members, on the other hand, get discounts or services for free. Membership with Rocket Lawyer costs $39.99 per month, and you can stop using it at any time.
Rocket Lawyer’s standout features include flexible pricing and affordable packaging, which were the main reasons that the company made it to this list of best LLC services.
If you choose to become a member, you will be able to get your first corporation registered at no cost (the state filing fees will still apply). Free legal forms are available to you, and you can use the website’s forum to ask any queries you may have of a lawyer.
Rocket Lawyer also offers 30-minute free phone consultations with their lawyers on any legal matter you would like to discuss. Members can get discounts on services, including registered agent services (25% off) and legal representation (up to 40% off).
Services:
- Business Formation
- Registered Agent
- Ask-a-Lawyer
- Legal documents
- 30-minute legal consultations
Pros:
- Free LLC formation for members
- Access to business lawyers
- Members receive discounts on a variety of legal services
- 7-day free trial
- Live chat, email, and phone support are available
- Money-back guarantee (30 days)
Cons:
- Costly á la carte legal documents
- Must become a member of a free LLC formation
- Memberships can be pricey, particularly if you will not be using lawyers or legal documents
Verdict: Rocket Lawyer is an online platform for getting legal help. It offers many services, such as starting a business, gaining access to legal documents, and getting legal advice and assistance from business attorneys. Even though Rocket Lawyer’s business model is similar to that of some of its competitors, it stands out by offering free LLC formation services to its members.
Price:
- $479.88/year (after a seven-day free trial)
Website: RocketLawyer
#4) Hashtag Legal
Best for small businesses in New York or New Jersey looking for customized LLC formation plans.
Hashtag Legal is geared towards small businesses that want to avoid the legal pitfalls of their industry. The company works with these entrepreneurs on a one-to-one basis and meets them where they are. By doing so, Hashtag Legal helps you achieve your particular business objectives.
Since Hashtag Legal makes all of its cases unique and the price is determined on a case-to-case basis, there is little pricing information on the company’s website.
Hashtag’s legal staff can only operate in New Jersey and New York. As a small business, Hashtag Legal may not be able to address cases as swiftly as some of its larger competitors. That said, the staff is transparent and does not sugar-coat information about bottlenecks.
Services:
- Entity formation and consultation
- Registered Agent
- Copyright and trademark
- Contract drafting
- Contract review
- Legal strategy
- Outside legal counsel
- Podcast
Pros:
- Customized, need-based plans
- Robust Customer Support
- Educational podcast
Cons:
- Non-transparent pricing
- Small firm
- Restricted to New Jersey and New York
Verdict: Hashtag Legal gives you a modern way to start a business and a clear way to get around legal problems along the way. The company provides a personalized approach to the expansion of your business, tailoring its services to your particular requirements.
Price:
- $225 upfront fee OR $40 to $80 monthly charge depending on the state in which you file.
Website: Hashtag-Legal
#5) Nationwide Incorporators
Best for businesses looking for LLC formation services reviewed by a registered attorney.
Nationwide Incorporators has been around since 1997, and its owner, Robert E. Stenson, has been a business lawyer for more than 25 years. They don’t have as many clients as some of their competitors, but, as their website says, “Don’t confuse quantity with quality.”
The motto “Attorney-Powered” is what distinguishes Nationwide Incorporators from its rivals. Your paperwork will be created or examined (or both) by an experienced business attorney if you acquire business services from them.
You can also speak with an attorney over the phone at no cost to discuss the specifics of the incorporation procedure. They can help you with everything, from assisting you to choosing the sort of business to form to clarifying the specifics of your entity’s taxation.
Services:
- Creation and filing of AOO (Articles of Organization)
- Name availability check
- Customized operating agreement
- Customized membership agreements
- Federal EIN
- DBA Name
- Business Licensing Research Package
- Registered Agent
- Foreign Qualifications
- Seller’s Permit
- Operating Agreement
Pros:
- Attorney-reviewed entity formation
- State-specific compliance
- Education Center
Cons:
- Pricey basic LLC service
Verdict: Nationwide Incorporators are a good middle-ground if you’d like the security of having an experienced business attorney create and/or go through your corporate documents prior to filing, but do not want to spend the amount of money needed to employ a lawyer to form your LLC.
Price:
- Basic Package: $200/year + State filing fees
- Priority Deluxe Package: $425/year + State filing fees
- Priority Premium: $475/year + State filing fees
Website: Nationwide Incorporators
#6) Incfile
Best for businesses on a limited budget.
Since 2004, Incfile, a Houston, Texas-based company, has assisted in the formation of more than 75,000 companies. The business has built a reputation for offering superior service at a lesser price than its competitors.
Incfile is a great choice for LLC formation. The company provides free registered agent services for an entire year, free basic business formation (excluding state taxes), email reminders regarding compliance requirements, and safe online storage of formation paperwork.
Services:
- LLC formation
- Registered agent
- Compliance alerts
- Business website
- Tax consultation
- EIN
- Operating agreement
- Banking solutions
- IRS form preparation and filing
- Custom domain and website
Pros:
- Low prices
- Excellent value
- Easy and swift checkout
- Swift order turnaround
- No concealed charges or automatic renewals
Cons:
- Limited add-on options
- Customer support agents are occasionally unavailable
Verdict: Incfile is an excellent solution if you have a tight budget. The Silver package, which is free except for state fees, offers excellent value. In addition, they include several other advantages, such as a free registered agent service for one year, and free lifetime alerts regarding LLC compliance requirements.
Price:
- Silver Package: $0 + State filing fees
- Gold Package: $149/year + State filing fees
- Platinum Package: $299/year + State filing fees
Website: Incfile
#7) Northwest Registered Agent
Best for businesses looking for á la carte services.
Northwest Registered Agents provides business formation services, in addition to its registered agent services. It also focuses on offering superior customer service from agents all over the United States, while also guaranteeing that your information will never be sold.
Numerous providers of LLC registration and filing services provide multiple premium plans with add-ons, such as EIN filing and operating agreements. Northwest Registered Agents deviates from the usual by only providing a single-priced package that covers LLC filing and registered agent services. Everything else you request is considered an add-on.
Services:
- LLC formation
- Registered agent
- EIN filing
- Compliance filing
- Virtual office
- Mail forwarding
- Copy of Articles of Organization (certified)
- Good Standing certificate
- Corporate supplies
- Virtual Telephone Service
- FCC registration
- Trucking agent coverage
Pros:
- Streamlined pricing
- Intuitive checkout process
- No-pressure up-sells
- Transparent fees
- No selling of data
Cons:
- Costly EIN service
- High number of add-ons, which can increase the overall price
- Not accredited by BBB
- Does not have a business license
Verdict: If you agree with Northwest’s principles or would like to pick and choose the business services you need, it is a service worth considering. It gets high marks for its customer service, which may make the extra cost worth it.
Price:
- $125/year (single price)
Website: Northwest Registered Agent
#8) Inc Authority
Best for if you need incorporation assistance but will likely not need any further help in the future.
Inc Authority is an online service that helps people set up an LLC and run a business. This includes paperwork assistance and helping satisfy other legal requirements.
The company is based in Nevada and has been helping small businesses for close to three decades and helps form more than 25,000 corporations and LLCs annually. Inc Authority aims to make the business creation process less expensive, complicated, and daunting for entrepreneurs.
Services:
- Business name availability check
- LLC formation documents
- Registered agent (free for the first year)
- Digital and delivery storage of startup documents
- INC CARE (the company’s customer support offered to business owners)
- Tax consultation and planning
- S-Election
- Business funding and credit analysis
Pros:
- Free LLC incorporation
- Robust Customer Support
- Free registered agent service (for one year)
Cons:
- Numerous up-sells
- EIN filing is not free
- No refund policy
- Not accredited by BBB
- Expensive packages
Verdict: As an industry leader that provides free services, the Inc Authority might be an especially cost-effective choice for business owners wanting company formation assistance but do not anticipate needing additional support in the future.
Price
- Basic services (including providing a registered agent during the LLC’s first year in operation): $0
- Starter Business Bundle Premium package: $369.95/year
Website: Inc Authority
#9) Tailor Brands
Best for businesses looking for a comprehensive suite of services.
Tailor Brands is one of the best providers of LLC formation services, particularly for businesses wanting to have a strong brand and web presence.
If you are prepared to leverage online marketing platforms to spread the word about your organization, Tailor Brands provides what is perhaps the best all-in-one premium package.
Services:
- LLC formation
- Application processing
- Annual compliance
- Operating agreement
Pros:
- A one-stop shop, including features required to establish an online presence
- Very intuitive interface
- Includes business-building and branding tools
- Customization features that allow you to make your business stand out
Cons:
- Not suitable for businesses only requiring basic LLC formation services
Verdict: Overall, Tailor Brands provides the most comprehensive package for entrepreneurs desiring business formation, in addition to tools for enhancing their brand and internet presence. The company’s Elite package is ideal for new businesses wanting to build a fast and strong presence on the internet to attract consumers and achieve other business objectives.
Price:
- Lite Package: $35/year + State filing fees
- Essential package: $149/year + State filing fees
- All-in-One Elite package: $199/year + State filing fees
Website: Tailor Brands
#10) MyCompanyWorks
Best for businesses on a low budget.
MyCompanyWorks, formerly called MyNewCompany, has assisted over 50,000 businesses with incorporation since its founding in 2001. While they may not work with as many brands as some of the industry’s larger brands, this company has established itself as a reliable, experienced service for people who require assistance in establishing their enterprises.
MyCompanyWorks is so confident in its ability to meet your demands that it offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you are dissatisfied within the first 90 days, they will either strive to resolve the issue or issue a complete refund.
Startup Wizard is a unique tool that this provider has to offer. This is a step-by-step tool that will walk you through all the steps you need to take to organize your business properly (such as getting a business license or resale permit).
You will receive an email every week reminding you of the steps you still need to take, and this email can also be downloaded as a PDF. The Wizard keeps track of your progress as you finish your tasks, making sure you don’t make any mistakes that will cost you money during incorporation.
Services:
- LLC formation
- Startup Wizard
- Free company alerts
- Federal Tax ID filing
- Tax consultation
- Registered agent
- Banking resolution
- Name availability search
- Email and phone support
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
Pros:
- Startup Wizard
- Money-back guarantee
- Quick turnaround
- BBB accreditation
- Robust Customer Support
Cons:
- The site is overloaded with information and may be complicated to use.
Verdict: Overall, because of its affordable price, the wealth of useful services, strong BBB rating, and high customer satisfaction, MyCompanyWorks comes across as a solid option for online business incorporation.
Price:
- Basic Package: $59/year
- Entrepreneur Package: $199/year
- Complete Package: $279/year
Website: MyCompany Works
#11) Swyft Filings
Best for small businesses looking for a decent basic LLC incorporation service.
Swyft Filings is a collection of tools for launching a business, including fundamental LLC formation procedures like name verification, filing with the appropriate authorities, IRS paperwork preparation and filing, the creation of commonly used legal documents, and regulatory compliance.
The Basic package includes everything you need to incorporate a business. Swyft Filings assists customers with the creation and filing of Articles of Incorporation, as well as the verification of name availability. You can hasten the filing procedure for an extra $50 cost. Also, you will receive counseling on business taxes, a free domain name, and compliance reminders.
The Standard package includes everything in the Basic one. Other than that, you will receive organizational minutes, a bespoke banking resolution, and a banking resolution. Swyft Filings will also help you obtain the EIN and TIN.
The Premium plan includes everything in the aforementioned two packages. In addition, you get digital state paperwork delivery, a personalized digital LLC kit, a free company website and hosting, express filing, and monitored shipping.
All packages come with free shipping, lifetime customer support, and real-time order tracking. A registered agent, however, is not part of any of these packages and is provided as an add-on.
Services:
- LLC incorporation
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation
- Name availability verification
- Organizational minutes
- Custom banking resolution
- EIN and TIN filing
- Digital state paperwork delivery
- Custom digital LLC kit
- Free company website and hosting
- Express filing
- Monitored shipping
- Lifetime Customer Support
- Free shipping
- Real-time order tracking
- Registered agent (add-on)
Pros:
- Flexible pricing
- Allows for installments
Cons:
- Registered agent is not part of any of the packages
- Several services are outsourced
Verdict: Swyft Filings is a reasonably priced LLC formation service that includes business formation services, compliance alerts, a personalized company kit, tax identity acquisition, and other services to help you quickly launch your firm. It is most suitable for business owners or small companies who require inexpensive and speedy LLC establishment.
Price:
- Basic Package: $49/year + State filing fees
- Standard Package: $149/year + State filing fees
- Premium: $299/year + State filing fees
Website: Swyft Filings
Conclusion
To sum up, the best online LLC formation service can help you navigate the intricacies, complexities, and legal requirements of LLC incorporation, allowing you to dedicate greater focus and attention to other aspects of your business.
We hope that this comprehensive review covering the best LLC service in the market will prove fruitful for you and your organization.
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Research Process:
- Time Taken to Research this Article: 28 hours
- Total LLC Services Researched: 35
- Total LLC Services Shortlisted: 11