LLC Formation Services
Compare top LLC formation services, including Incfile, ZenBusiness, and BetterLegal. See pricing, features, and reviews.
Updated on September 13th, 2023
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Updates:
Updated 21st of July 2021
We added BetterLegal to our table and updated pricing.
Updated 24th of April 2020
We added detailed comparisons of Incfile, ZenBusiness, and Northwest Registered Agent.
An LLC formation service assists entrepreneurs with setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC). These providers offer business formation packages for a fee and typically include filing articles of organization, EIN registration, registered agent services, and compiling operating agreements.
Why We Chose Incfile, ZenBusiness & BetterLegal:
Incfile offers an online platform that is easy to navigate and provides you with lifetime customer support and notifications for important dates and filing requirements. With their free silver plan, Incfile offers their services for free for a year.
Incfile has affordable rates, including a year-long free plan. Starting at just $149.00, excluding state fees, you will have ongoing support for accounting, tax, and legal issues. Incfile has also received many positive customer reviews.
ZenBusiness is an affordable LLC incorporation service. Their base package costs just $49.00 per year and includes ongoing services such as a registered agent and online document access. You can also opt for additional services like expedited filing and an Employer Identification Number.
BetterLegal offers same-day business filing in every state. Besides the typical offerings of an LLC operating agreement and registered agent, BetterLegal includes features such as EIN registration, banking resolutions, and free website creation in their packages. Their online tools make it easy to manage your LLC's documents anywhere and anytime.
Things to Consider When Evaluating LLC Formation Services:
- Ask for references and read customer reviews to evaluate the reputation of the company.
- If your business needs to operate in multiple states, consider companies that provide their services across those states.
- Compare companies and their services to your business needs to choose the best company for you.
Best LLC Formation Services:
Rank | Name | Offer | Review | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | $0.00 + State filing fee | Offers affordable rates and lifetime customer support but EIN registration and operating agreements drafting cost extra. | ||
2. | $49.00 /yr. + State filing fee | Offers fast business formation services and reasonable rates, but EIN registration and Registered Agent services cost extra. | ||
3. | $299.00 + State filing fee | Fast and affordable service that offers same-day filing and includes EIN registration, tax and insurance evaluation, and a free website or online store. | ||
4. | $225.00 + State filing fee | A reliable service that protects your information and offers strong customer support. | ||
5. | $79.00 + State filling fee | Offers a wide range of services and forms, but their services can become expensive. | ||
6. | $0.00 + State filing fees (with membership) | Assists with the legal matters of your business but does include additional legal expenses. | ||
7. | $49.00 + State filing fee | Offers affordable business filing services but Registered Agent services are only offered at an additional cost. | ||
8. | $79.00 + State filing fee | Offers legal compliance aid and free Registered Agent services but EIN registration is extra. | ||
9. | $79.00 + State filing fee | Offers step-by-step guides and strong customer supports, but Registered Agent services are only included in one of their plans. | ||
10. | $99.00 + State filing fees | Offers a wide variety of forms and documents for free. Lacks company reviews. | ||
11. | $99.00 + State filing fees | Offers several packages and a variety of filing services, but LLC formation fees are higher than its competitors. |
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Fast, easy process.
- Easily incorporate your business in other states.
- Most fees are relatively low.
Cons
- Can be more costly than doing the paperwork yourself.
- Some services may charge a premium fee to access all of their services.
Incfile vs. ZenBusiness vs. BetterLegal:
Of the three leading LLC formation services, Incfile has the lowest starting price. Incfile does not charge anything for their Silver package, which includes Articles of Organization and a Registered Agent for one year free of charge. All customers have to pay is the applicable filing fee in whatever state they are incorporating. However, additional services such as a Banking Resolution or Operating Agreement come with their own fee.
ZenBusiness has a similar fee structure to Incfile, although there is a $49.00 base fee for their Starter package on top of the state filing fee. Customers can expedite their service for an additional $50.00, which is unique because Incfile requires customers to upgrade to the Gold package for this option.
Although BetterLegal has the highest initial fee, the cost is not padded out by optional services as it is with Incfile and ZenBusiness. Instead, customers pay $299.00 plus the state filing fee and get a banking resolution, an operating agreement, online document access, and more. BetterLegal includes an Employer Identification Number with their incorporation package, which Incfile and ZenBusiness charge an extra $70.00 for.
Incfile vs. ZenBusiness vs. BetterLegal Comparison:
Offering | Incfile | ZenBusiness | BetterLegal |
|---|---|---|---|
Starting price | $0.00 + State filing fee | $49.00 /yr. + State filing fee | $299.00 + State filing fee |
Filing speed | Next day (Gold & Platinum packages only) | +$50 for expedited filing (3-5 days) | Same-day filing |
LLC Operating Agreement | ✓ (+ $40.00) | ✓ | ✓ |
Online document access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Registered agent | ✓ (one year included) | ✓ | ✓ (+ $10.00 /mo.) |
Support | Phone and email | Phone and email | Online chat |
Employer Identification Number | ✓ (+ $70.00) | ✓ (+ $70.00) | ✓ |
Banking resolution | ✓ (+ $35.00) | ✓ (+ $30.00) | ✓ |
FAQs:
What services do LLC formation providers offer?
- Name check.
- EIN registration.
- Preparation and filing of articles.
- Registered Agent services.
- Expert support.
How long does it take an LLC formation service to set up an LLC for me?
It varies by state, but the average time to file an LLC is 3-4 weeks. Some LLC formation companies offer expedited services where they wrap everything up in 1-5 business days.
What is LLC formation?
- Obtaining Articles of Organization documents from the Secretary of State website or office.
- Choosing a name for your business.
- Completing the Articles of Organization form.
- Publishing a notice of your intent to form an LLC (certain states only).
- Submitting your Articles of Organization and pay the filing fee.
- Creating an Operating Agreement.
How much do attorneys charge to set up an LLC?
On average, attorneys charge between $100.00 and $1,000.00, depending on your needs and location. Using an LLC formation service would be remarkably cheaper.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC?
LLC formation services charge between $49.00 and $100.00, excluding the state filing fee, to set up an LLC for you. State filing fees range from $40.00 to $500.00.
Do I need a lawyer to file an LLC?
No, you do not need a lawyer to file an LLC. You can file the legal paperwork yourself, or use an LLC formation service to set up one on your behalf.