Best LLC formation service 2023
A professional LLC formation service can save you time, money, and stress by simplifying the process of starting an LLC. Based on customer ratings and reviews, affordability, and convenience of their packages, we evaluated the best LLC formation service currently available.
Moreover, we have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each service, summarizing the key considerations when selecting an LLC.
8 best LLC formation services
Following is the list of some of the best LLC formation services
1 – ZenBusiness (Editor’s Choice)
ZenBusiness is a premier online legal service provider that offers discounted business services, low-cost LLC formation, and expert support to assist with starting a business. This best LLC service has a proven track record of success, and it’s one of the market’s most trustworthy LLC formation services.
ZenBusiness prides itself on its user-friendly platform, which has streamlined the process of starting a new business. Their commitment to simplicity has earned them a reputation for managing thousands of businesses. They have received over 10,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with a whopping 86% of them being positive customer feedback.
In addition to its commitment to simplicity, ZenBusiness understands the importance of providing outstanding customer support. We were impressed with their responsiveness and attention to detail every time we reached out with questions.
Pricing and features:
- Starter ($0 + State Fee): With the ZenBusiness site, you can access your files and search for name availability with name availability search capabilities.
- Pro ($199 + State Fee): Additionally, you get worry-free compliance, financial reports, guided Operating Agreements, employment ID number generation, and compliance reviews and alerts.
- Premium ($299 + State Fee): You get everything from the two packages above plus the fastest rush filling speed (1-2 days), a domain name, email address, and the option to customize the website for your business.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): Upon business formation, ZenBusiness charges a fee of $199 for its registered agent service, which is renewed annually.
Pros
- Alongside legal services, we offer several formation packages
- There is a reasonable price
- Compliance with operating agreements, especially
- It is easy to form a business
- Positive customer ratings are large
Cons
- There is no non-profit business formation
2 – Northwest Registered Agent
When it comes to selecting a registered agent, Northwest Registered Agent is a wise choice that comes with a plethora of advantages. This top-notch registered agent offers a comprehensive range of services, including document delivery via email, address solutions, and other features that will help streamline your business operations.
What sets them apart from the competition is their manifesto, which includes Corporate Guides and Privacy by Default®. By following this manifesto, they have been able to serve over 3 million businesses across the country.
Northwest Registered Agent is a true master in the field with over 20 years of experience, and their expertise was evident as they provided us with prompt and in-depth responses to all of our queries.
Pricing and features:
- Basic Plan ($39 + State Fee): Northwest Registered Agent offers a standard online LLC formation service with additional state filing fees and one year of free registered agent service.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + State Fee): An operating agreement, a free year of registered agent service, same-day filing, and a client account packed with free forms and information.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): After forming your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you will get a free year of this service, followed by an annual fee of $100. Discounted to $100 for multi-state businesses.
Pros
- Expert in the procedure with over 20 years of experience
- Your privacy is a priority to them
- The service fees they charge are evident
- For the formation package, you will receive a free year of registered agent service
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey
3 – Incfile
Since IncFile started as a small incorporation company, its business has expanded nationwide. The company’s headquarters is located in Houston.
IncFile’s “zero fees, no hidden charge” policy sets them apart from their competitors, making them the most affordable LLC formation service provider available today. The mission of this company is to provide unparalleled customer service at an unbeatable price.
According to our experience, they have indeed achieved their mission statement. They have provided prompt and satisfactory phone and email support, something rare in today’s market. Their customer service was outstanding, as one would expect from a company that claims to provide an unmatched customer experience at an unbeatable price.
Pricing and features:
- Silver Package ($0 + State Fee): You receive the best free llc service in this silver package. You will only be charged state filing fees for your location and any additional business legal services you require.
- Gold Package ($199 + State Fee): Besides the Silver Package features, this package includes an EIN for business tax purposes, an operating agreement, a banking resolution, an online dashboard with company alerts for the life of the company, access to a business banking account, and consultation on business taxes.
- Platinum Package ($299 + State Fee): A domain name and business email are included in the Platinum Package, as well as business contract templates, free next-day filing, and everything included in the Gold Package.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): If forming an LLC, you get the first year free. After that, you have to pay $119 annually for renewal.
Pros
- Service provided by a professional LLC at a low cost
- Free registration agent services for the first year
- With their LLC formation services, they have helped over 800,000 businesses
- Customer service via phone and email
Cons
- Adding more features along the way
4 – Rocket Lawyer
Charley Moore, the initiator of Rocket Lawyer, aimed to deliver legal services that were easily accessible, affordable, and uncomplicated.
The trial period of Rocket Lawyer lasts for 7 days, after which membership is priced at $39.99 per month, with the option of canceling anytime.
During the trial period, Rocket Lawyer provides an array of premium features that lure potential customers, such as the premium package.
We availed ourselves of the premium package to examine its benefits, and we were highly impressed with its simplistic and user-friendly legal templates. The templates expedited our legal processes, and we highly recommend them to anyone starting out in their legal journey.
Pricing and features:
- Formation of LLC services ($99.99 + State Fee): Rocket Lawyer offers free basic business formation LLC service for new subscribers. For registered agent services, you can get 25% off if you’re a subscriber.
- Registered Agent Services ($149.99): Membership costs $39.99 per month, so a 25% discount is available if you have a $39.99 monthly membership.
Pros
- Easy-to-use legal templates are available through Rocket Lawyer
- A free trial of a premium subscription is available for seven days.
- Legal services are available online through Rocket Lawyer
Cons
- It isn’t the cheapest
- There is limited live interaction with it
5 – Swyft Filings
The highly regarded LLC filing service Swyft Filings was founded by a lawyer who realized that simplifying the incorporation process was imperative. With their incorporation service, businesses can start with ease and affordability, streamlining their paths to success.
In addition to providing exceptional customer service 24 hours a day, their user-friendly technology ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Swyft Filings’ completely automatic contract renewals make the business formation process a breeze for clients, saving them valuable time and effort.
Offering unbeatable value to its customers with highly competitive pricing and a comprehensive range of services, Swyft Filings has rapidly emerged as a dominant player in the market.
Pricing and features:
- Basic business formation services ($0 + State Fee): A free domain name, a company name that is available, articles of organization, documents filed with the Secretary of State, and lifetime customer support.
- Standard LLC formation services ($199 + State Fee): Everything from the Basic Package and a Federal Tax ID number, to a Custom LLC Operating Agreement, to a Banking Resolution, to Organizational Minutes are included in this package.
- Premium LLC formation service ($299 + State Fee): All basic and standard services are included in the premium option, along with a Digital LLC kit, a Business website, and three months of free web hosting.
- Registered Agent Services ($99): The price will be charged quarterly on an ongoing basis on top of the best LLC service packages.
Pros
- Installment plans available
- Even the Operating Agreement gets personalized customer service
- Money-back guarantee of 100%
Cons
- There are a lot of upsells
- The agent service is not included
6 – MyCompanyWorks
As one of the fastest, easiest, and most affordable LLC creation services on the market, MyCompanyWorks has steadfastly committed to its clients.
The company’s policies are among the most generous in the industry. If a client is unsatisfied with the quality of the service provided by them, they guarantee a full refund of their fees within 90 days of the service’s termination.
There are very few competitors that offer this feature. Our experience with MyCompanyWorks, however, confirmed that they are true to their word. The dashboard’s precision and ease of use for the account were outstanding. The customer service staff was very responsive and knowledgeable.
Pricing and features:
- LLC Formation-basic package ($59 + State Fee): It includes a free logo, rewards and discounts amounting to $250,000, a free E-book, a startup guide/wizard, and lifetime access to the vendor network as part of this basic package.
- The Entrepreneur Package ($179 + State Fee): There is everything included in the Basic Package, plus the MyCompanyForms lifetime forms & tax guide, as well as the federal tax ID and registered agent services offered by MyCompanyForms.
- The Complete Package ($259 + State Fee): MyCompanyWorks Premium, including priority support, is included in the Complete Package and everything the Basic and Entrepreneur packages offer.
- Registered Agent Services ($99): If you are looking for a registered agent service, we recommend you choose either the Entrepreneur or Complete Package plans since both offer a free first year of service.
Pros
- Customers have given excellent reviews
- Fulfillment guaranteed to the highest standard
- Dashboard for your online account
Cons
- Registered agent services are not included in basic services
- There is a bit of a price difference between LLC filing companies
7 – Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is a renowned enterprise that has provided superior services to over 35,000 patrons from diverse industries in licensing applications, acquisitions, and maintenance.
Our personal experience confirms that Harbor Compliance provides a level of service that far exceeds expectations.
In our interactions with the company, we were struck by its impressive expertise in facilitating official communications between our business and government institutions. They meticulously ensured that all legal requirements were fulfilled within the designated timelines.
Their services effectively met our legal needs, and we were thoroughly impressed with the outcome.
Harbor Compliance’s strongest attribute is its bespoke customer support; while other competitors use a digital interface, Harbor Compliance assigns each client an actual human compliance specialist. This unparalleled approach significantly enhances the quality of service and contributes to its excellent reputation in the industry.
Pricing and features:
- LLC Formation Package ($99 + State Fee): Including articles of organization and a name search, this is the basic formation package.
- Agent Services (89-$99): You can get a 5%- 10% discount if you pay for two years or more upfront. Bulk discounts are available when you order for several entities or combine services.
Pros
- A feature that provides ultimate convenience
- Service with a personal touch, along with other features
- Access to documents on the same day
Cons
- There is no user-friendly interface on the website
- There are fewer online legal services available
8 – LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a leading online legal technology firm providing a comprehensive range of LLC services, including incorporation and access to additional LLC services that businesses may need for their business.
With a wide range of adaptable and economic plans, LegalZoom has served more than 2 million businesses over the past 20+ years, cementing its reputation as a leader in the industry.
One of LegalZoom’s most impressive features is the Compliance Calendar. This extraordinary tool has proved to be indispensable in tracking compliance deadlines, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve and ensuring that all necessary legal requirements are fulfilled promptly and with ease.
Furthermore, LegalZoom offers access to an exclusive network of attorneys, guaranteeing that businesses have access to top-quality legal advice and are fully protected under the legal system. LegalZoom truly believes that every business deserves the full support of the legal system, and they work tirelessly to make that a reality.
Pricing and features:
- Basic Package ($0 + State Fee): With this package, you get everything you need for a beginner’s website, including a name search, an organization article, as well as a WIX-powered website that is customizable.
- Pro Package ($249 + State Fee): There are a number of extra features offered by the pro package, including operating agreement guidelines, EINs for tax filings, tax and insurance consultations by phone, and detailed license information.
- Premium ($299 + State Fee): The package includes a lifetime 30-minute consultation with a legal business attorney, plus the complete features of the pro package, plus 3 months of one-on-one guidance. In addition to amending your LLC’s legal contracts during the first 90 days after it is formed, a professional attorney will also provide you with access to editable legal documents each month.
Pros
- There is a 60-day refund policy
- An online platform that is user-friendly
- Help with affordable legal matters
Cons
- The cost of registered agent service is higher than competitors’
- Add-ons are expensive
How to Register an LLC?
An LLC formation service provider can help you simplify the LLC process. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
- The first step is to select an LLC formation service provider. The list above can be helpful. These service providers will provide you with guidance and counseling throughout the process.
- Determine who will be the members of your LLC and their respective ownership percentages. This step can be ignored if you plan to start a single-member LLC.
- Choose a state where you want to register your LLC. If you are planning to register out of your domicile state, it is advisable to seek legal advice to understand the tax implications.
- Check if the desired name for your LLC is available. Common names are usually taken, so creating a 2 or 3 word business name can be helpful.
- Submit basic information to your LLC formation service provider. They may require additional information based on your submission.
- Once the formation is done, apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Some LLC formation providers do this on your behalf.
- After obtaining an EIN, you can open a bank account in the name of your LLC. You may also apply for a credit card if necessary.
- Get a virtual mailbox for your LLC if required. This can be especially useful if you are still employed or located overseas.
- Register a domain and get a professional email for your business. It is not necessary to go overboard with website design if it is not your primary source of business. You can always make changes later.
Advantages of LLC Formation
Following are the advantages of LLC formation:
1. Limited Personal Liability
The assets of your company are separated from your personal assets. If you encounter legal problems, your assets are protected.
2. Hassle-Free Paperwork
It is indisputable that LLC services have streamlined the process of starting a business by providing a bundle or package that includes a plethora of services, such as filing documents and voluntary paperwork.
This comprehensive package allows entrepreneurs to concentrate on growing their company rather than the mundane and time-consuming task of dealing with legal requirements.
3. LLC Tax Advantages
You are not required to pay LLC taxes using an online LLC service. You pay personal income taxes and pass through your own tax returns.
4. Flexibility In Management Structure
There are three types of LLC management: member, manager, and member manager.
5. Cost-Effective
Forming a Limited Liability Company is relatively easy and inexpensive compared to establishing a corporation. There is also less operational complexity involved in setting up a Limited Liability Company.
