There are many companies that offer LLC formation services online, and it’s sometimes difficult to determine which one has your best interests in mind.
If you’re looking to form an LLC, but you’re not quite sure where to turn, we have outlined the 13 best LLC services online. For each service, we will cover pricing, features, strengths, weaknesses, company stats, and what we think overall.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness, one of the best and most popular LLC formation services, has been helping entrepreneurs form a business online since 2015.
Our Texas-based company is trying to flip the online business services market on its head by offering inexpensive LLC and corporation formation services, without sacrificing valuable features. ZenBusiness receives excellent customer feedback, and our options for formation are quite consumer-friendly.
Pricing & Features:
- Starter (FREE) – This plan starts with the formation essentials, including the full preparation and filing of your business formation documents. In addition, you’ll receive a statement of the organizer document, access to the free version of its ZenBusiness Money platform, and a risk-free accounting assessment. Please keep in mind you still need to pay the required state fee.
- Pro ($199) – On top of everything from the Starter package, this plan adds annual report service, up to two amendments, a custom LLC operating agreement, and prioritized processing (compared to customers who purchase the Starter plan).
- Premium ($299) – This package starts with all contents of the Pro plan, then adds several third-party features: a business website, domain name, domain name privacy tools, and a business email address. You’ll also receive prioritized processing (over customers purchasing the Starter or Pro plans).
Strengths:
- Among the best prices in the industry
- Outstanding customer feedback
- A dedication to giving back
Weaknesses:
- Not as much experience as the industry giants
Company Values and Track Record:
ZenBusiness is a relatively new company in the business services industry, as we opened our doors in 2015. In our few years of experience, we’ve already helped thousands of customers, and our goal is to form one million more LLCs and corporations by 2024. Plus, we’re also a socially conscious organization that uses lending to help lift people out of poverty.
Customer Service Quality:
With ZenBusiness, you can access our support department by phone, email, or the chat function on our website. Our team is very friendly and has even extended our assistance to weekends, should you need it. (Note: Most LLC websites don’t offer this kind of availability.)
Incfile
Incfile has a unique advantage when it comes to pricing, as they offer a free (not including the required state LLC filing fee) LLC formation service that still includes a year of registered agent service. One of Incfile’s biggest selling points is their solid customer feedback, as they have a high volume of positive reviews available online.
Pricing & Features:
- Silver ($0) – Incfile’s Silver package starts with the basics of formation, including the preparation and filing of your articles of organization. This package also includes 12 months of registered agent service.
- Gold ($149) – This package includes everything from the Silver package, then adds a federal tax ID number (EIN), a banking resolution, a custom operating agreement, lifetime access to its company alerts system, a business tax consultation, and express shipping of all documents. In addition, if you want your LLC to be classified as an S corporation with the IRS, they will file the relevant forms.
- Platinum ($299) – This package includes everything from the Gold package, then adds expedited state filing which dramatically speeds up your turnaround time in most states. You also receive a collection of business contract templates written by an attorney and a third-party offer for a business website and domain name.
Strengths:
- Affordable price points
- Thousands of positive customer reviews
- 15+ years of experience
- One year registered agent service included with any formation package
Weaknesses:
- Platinum package is a bit overpriced
- Includes several third-party partner offers that don’t add much value
Company Values and Track Record:
Incfile opened for business in 2004, and to date they’ve formed more than 500,000 LLCs and corporations for their clients. Even more impressive than their solid experience level is their customer feedback. Incfile has several thousand reviews available on third-party review websites, and even with such a high volume of feedback, they maintain good average rating scores. It’s clear that most of Incfile’s clients are satisfied with what they have to offer.
Customer Service Quality:
Incfile has a good reputation for customer service, which was confirmed when we used it for ourselves. When you call them, their response times are quick, and their representatives are courteous and well-informed. That said, we’ve experienced some long wait times for Incfile’s email support. They do not have the same level of personalization for customer support as some competitors, but Incfile still does a solid job with their support.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is one of the most popular LLC formation service providers available. Their prices are reasonable for what you get, and every formation package they sell includes one full year of their registered agent service. In addition, they have personalized customer support, with highly knowledgeable representatives assigned to each client account.
Pricing & Features:
- Basic ($225) – Northwest’s primary offering includes the preparation of your articles of organization, and they’ll also file these documents with your state to officially form your company. This package also includes 12 months of registered agent service.
Strengths:
- Reasonable pricing model
- 12 months registered agent service included
- Personalized customer support
Weaknesses:
- Fewer features than other popular LLC websites
- High prices for LLC formation
Company Values and Track Record:
They opened for business in 1998 and they’ve served millions of clients since then. They have around 400 customer reviews (most of which you can find on Google), and nearly all of them are positive. We were unable to find more than a small handful of critical reviews when it comes to Northwest’s services and reputation.
Customer Service Quality:
Northwest is well-known for their Corporate Guides, which is what they call their support representatives. Their Corporate Guides are quite knowledgeable about a variety of issues that you may come across as a client.
LegalZoom
When you discuss online incorporation services, the first name that comes to nearly everyone’s mind is LegalZoom. That’s because they’ve served millions of customers, and they also advertise heavily across several different mediums.
LegalZoom’s pricing models aren’t exactly packed with value, and they do not include annual reports or registered agent service with any of their LLC formation packages. In short, you can get more bang for your buck from ZenBusiness, Incfile, or Northwest, but LegalZoom has some advantages of their own as well.
Pricing & Features:
- Economy ($79) – With LegalZoom’s entry-level LLC service package, you receive the essentials of LLC formation, along with a banking resolution.
- Standard ($329) – This package adds an LLC kit and seal to the Economy package.
- Express Gold ($349) – The Express Gold plan prioritizes your order’s processing over customers who buy the Economy or Standard packages, plus express shipping with a tracking number.
Strengths:
- Tons of experience
- Widespread name recognition
- Good customer feedback
Weaknesses:
- No registered agent included
- “Standard” package is way too expensive
- Constant upsells
Company Values and Track Record:
LegalZoom formed in 1999, and they’ve served more than 6 million clients since then, with more than 2 million businesses formed. Their customer feedback is mostly positive with thousands of reviews, although their average rating scores fall a bit short of the overwhelmingly positive feedback for Northwest and ZenBusiness.
Customer Service Quality:
In our experience, LegalZoom has solid phone support. They’ve always been able to answer our questions accurately and thoroughly, and their reps are quite responsive. However, their email support is less impressive, as we’ve waited more than a full week to hear back from them, only to receive a form email that doesn’t address our question at all.
MyCompanyWorks
The most impressive aspect of MyCompanyWorks as a company is their strong customer feedback, as nearly all of their 4,000+ online reviews are positive. We also appreciate the fact that they guarantee that all LLC formation orders will be processed and filed with the state within one business day.
Pricing & Features:
- Basic ($59) – This package includes the essentials of LLC formation, along with a personalized operating agreement and organizational minutes.
- Entrepreneur ($199) – With this package, you’ll receive all features of the Basic plan, plus a federal tax ID number (EIN), one year of registered agent service, and some business forms.
- Complete ($279) – This package adds annual report service and due date tracking, along with business entity monitoring and compliance alerts to the Entrepreneur plan.
Strengths:
- Positive customer feedback
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Strong registered agent service offering
Weaknesses:
- Registered agent service only included in most expensive packages
- Not much customer support availability
Company Values and Track Record:
MyCompanyWorks has been around since 2001. Over the years, they’ve helped form 60,000+ business entities. They were even named to the Inc5000 rankings for the fastest-growing private companies in the nation in 2017.
Customer Service Quality:
MyCompanyWorks has solid, reliable customer support that you can reach by phone or email. When we’ve reached out to them, we’ve always found their team members to be knowledgeable, and their response times are fast as well. However, you can only reach their support team from 11am-7pm ET on weekdays, which is a pretty short window of availability.
BizFilings
BizFilings has plenty of experience, with over 500,000 business filings since they were founded in 1996. Their entry-level price is acceptable, and all of their LLC formation packages include six months of registered agent service, but their top two packages vary in price considerably depending on which state you’re forming in.
Pricing & Features:
- Basic ($99) – This package includes the preparation and filing of your articles of organization, along with six months of registered agent service.
- Standard (varies from $159-244) – The Standard plan adds an LLC kit and seal, as well as a sample operating agreement and other business form templates.
- Complete (varies from $199-434) – This package adds a federal tax ID number (EIN), a certified copy of your articles of organization, overnight shipping, and an instructional DVD.
Strengths:
- High level of experience
- 6 months registered agent included
- Strong customer support with long hours of operation
Weaknesses:
- Fewer customer reviews
- Higher pricing
Company Values and Track Record:
BizFilings formed in 1996, and since then they’ve formed over 500,000 business entities. Today, BizFilings is a subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer, a global compliance and information services company.
Customer Service Quality:
You can access BizFilings customer support by phone or email. We have experience with both options, and we’ve always received timely support from their well-trained representatives. Their hours of operation are quite generous, as they run from 7am to 9pm ET Monday through Friday.
Harvard Business Services
Harvard Business Services is a good provider of LLC formation service in the state of Delaware, although they do not provide service in any other state. They provide a full year of registered agent service with all of their formation packages, and they receive positive customer reviews. Harvard Business Services has formed 300,000+ businesses in Delaware since opening in 1981.
Pricing & Features:
- Green ($89) – With this entry-level package, you’ll receive a business name check and the prep/filing of your articles of organization. In addition, they bundle in a year of registered agent service and compliance alerts.
- Basic ($139) – This plan adds some customizable business forms and a hard copy of your filed documents.
- Standard ($239) – The Standard package adds an LLC kit and seal, along with ten membership certificates.
Strengths:
- Affordable pricing for registered agent
- Positive customer feedback
- Solid track record
Weaknesses:
- Services only available for Delaware businesses
Company Values and Track Record:
Harvard Business Services opened their doors in 1981. Since then, they’ve formed more than 300,000 business entities in Delaware. The company has grown considerably over the years, as the founder used to operate the business out of his home. Today, Harvard Business Services has office space staffed with employees in Lewes, Delaware.
Customer Service Quality:
With Harvard Business Services, you can access their customer support team by phone, email, web chat, or Skype. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive helpful, professional assistance from their representatives. We have also never had to wait very long to hear back from them.
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings has low price points for limited liability company formation packages, but they don’t include many valuable features. This company is a recent addition to the business formation services industry, but they serve a high volume of clients. Their best selling point is their positive customer feedback, with thousands of reviews and high average rating scores.
Pricing & Features:
- Basic ($49) – This package includes the essentials of business formation, along with a statement of the organizer and a handful of third-party partner offers.
- Standard ($149) – This plan starts with all features of the Basic package, then adds a federal tax ID number (EIN), a custom LLC operating agreement, a custom banking resolution, and organizational minutes.
- Premium ($299) – The Premium plan adds a digital corporate kit (an ownership ledger and custom membership certificates) and a third-party business website and hosting offer.
Strengths:
- Low price points
- Positive customer feedback
- Guaranteed same-day filing
Weaknesses:
- Formation packages lack valuable features
Company Values and Track Record:
There is very little information about Swyft Filings available online. The company was founded in 2012 by an attorney, and they’ve formed thousands of businesses, but that’s all the info we could find.
Customer Service Quality:
Swyft Filings offers customer support via phone, email, or web chat. They always respond quickly when we contact them, and their team members have always been able to answer our questions accurately.
Nationwide Incorporators
Nationwide Incorporators’ claim to fame is that every document they prepare is either drafted or reviewed by an experienced business attorney. While their prices may be a bit higher than some competitors for LLC formation service, their “Attorney-Powered” slogan is more than just a catchphrase.
Pricing & Features:
- Basic ($200) – With this package, you receive the essentials of LLC formation, along with a sample operating agreement and organizational minutes.
- Priority Deluxe ($425) – This plan starts with all features of the Basic package, adding an embossed minute book, a custom short-form LLC operating agreement, custom membership certificates, and a state-specific checklist of ongoing maintenance requirements.
- Priority Premium ($475) – The Priority Premium package adds custom minutes, a membership ledger, and a federal tax ID number (EIN).
Strengths:
- All documents drafted or reviewed by an attorney
- State-specific compliance requirements
Weaknesses:
- Pricing is a bit higher
- Some services only available via phone
- Formation packages don’t include registered agent service
Company Values and Track Record:
Nationwide Incorporators has been around since 1997. Current CEO Robert E. Stenson also brings to the table his 25+ years of experience as a corporate attorney. While they may not have a high client volume like some competitors do, they say on their website that you should never “confuse volume with quality.”
Customer Service Quality:
You can reach Nationwide Incorporators by email or phone. We’ve used both of these options several times, and we’ve always been impressed with the quality of their support. Company owner Robert E. Stenson often answers the phone himself, giving Nationwide Incorporators a unique advantage — none of their competitors have seasoned business attorneys answering the phones.
MyCorporation
MyCorporation has been around since 1998, and they’ve served more than a million business clients in those years. They receive solid customer reviews, and they also offer good support. The issues with MyCorporation start with their $34 shipping fee, which is not added into the advertised price of their packages. In addition, they offer “rush processing” for $100, but they don’t indicate how much this speeds up your turnaround time.
Pricing & Features:
- Basic ($133) – This package includes only a name availability check, and the prep and filing of your formation documents.
- Standard ($158) – The Standard plan adds one year of annual report service to the Basic package.
- Deluxe ($258) – This plan includes all features of the Standard package, then adds one year of registered agent service.
- Premium ($358) – The Premium package starts with all features of the Deluxe plan, adding a year of MaintainMyBiz service. This feature allows you to make up to four business filings in the next year at no additional cost.
Strengths:
- Strong customer feedback
- Plenty of experience
- Good client support
Weaknesses:
- Additional $34 shipping fee
- Confusing “expediting” service and what it entails
Company Values and Track Record:
MyCorporation has been in business since 1998. In their 20+ years in the industry, they’ve helped more than a million clients. They’re a woman-owned business, and you can reach their CEO directly on Twitter (@deborahsweeney) if you have any questions or comments. We found around 400 mostly positive reviews of MyCorporation’s services on several reputable third-party review websites.
Customer Service Quality:
MyCorporation offers customer support by phone or email. We’re impressed by their quick response times with either option, as we’ve never waited long to hear back from them. Their reps are friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, we have no complaints about their support system.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer handles a massive volume of clients, as they’ve helped around 20 million customers since they opened in 2008. LLC formation is just one of many services provided by Rocket Lawyer ― the centerpiece of their offerings is their legal services subscription, which provides access to qualified business attorneys and several other perks. Rocket Lawyer receives strong customer feedback, indicating that most of their clients are pleased with their service, and they also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pricing & Features:
Rocket Lawyer has just one LLC formation package. It costs $99.99, and includes no additional features beyond the basics of formation. If you subscribe to their legal services plan ($39.99/month), you can get LLC formation for free as a new client — existing customers are eligible for a 25% discount.
Strengths:
- Good customer reviews
- Tons of experience
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Weaknesses:
- Higher pricing for LLC formations
- Minimal features included with LLC service
Company Values and Track Record:
Even though Rocket Lawyer has only been around since 2008, they’ve already served 20 million customers. It’s not clear how many of those are business clients instead of people buying personal services (like wills or power of attorney), but it’s an impressive client volume either way.
Customer Service Quality:
Rocket Lawyer offers customer support via phone, email, or web chat. Their extended operating hours are a significant advantage, as you can contact them at any time from 9am until 9pm on weekdays. Their reps are helpful and friendly, and they respond in timely fashion as well. The only (minor) issue we have with their support is that the chat function is somewhat convoluted and not very user-friendly.
InCorp
InCorp is much better known for their registered agent service than for their LLC formations. While they offer solid pricing for registered agent, with a large roster of active registered agent clients, their LLC formation service is a bit underwhelming.
Pricing & Features:
InCorp only has one LLC formation service package, which costs $117 plus state fee, once you add the $18 shipping fee to the $99 service fee. It just includes the basic elements of forming a company: a business name availability check, and the preparation and filing of your articles of organization.
Strengths:
- Affordable registered agent service
- Strong customer support
Weaknesses:
- Higher prices than other options
- Not a lot of client feedback
Company Values and Track Record:
InCorp entered this industry in 1998. Today, they’re the fourth-most popular registered agent service in the nation, with 125,000+ active clients. Their EntityWatch feature is an intriguing feature, as it tracks your compliance status, maintains a calendar of filing deadlines, stores your documents, and more.
Customer Service Quality:
InCorp’s customer support team is available by phone, email, or chat. They have Spanish-speaking representatives available at all times, and their operating hours run from 9am-9pm ET on weekdays. We have always been impressed by the quality of their support, and we have no complaints about the way they provide customer service.
Incorporate.com
Incorporate.com is one of the oldest companies in the business services industry, as they opened for business well over a century ago, in 1899. Unfortunately, their LLC formation service is quite expensive, costing twice as much as many competitors without adding enough valuable features to make their price point worthwhile. Incorporate.com doesn’t have good customer reviews either.
Pricing & Features:
- The Starter ($99) – This package includes only the essentials: a business name availability check, and the preparation and filing of your articles of organization.
- The Essentials ($634) – This plan adds a federal tax ID number (EIN), an LLC kit and seal, annual report service, and a compliance dashboard tool.
- The Works ($734) – The Works package adds a business license research package and a customized operating agreement.
Strengths:
- Over a century of experience
- Good customer service
Weaknesses:
- High prices
- Confusing advertising (not all advertised features are actually included)
Company Values and Track Record:
Incorporate.com has been around since way back in the 19th century, as they opened in 1899. Over the years, they’ve served over 750,000 clients. Their name has changed a few times (from Corporation Service Company to The Company Corporation to Incorporate.com), but their core business has remained the same for over 120 years. However, this company has very few customer reviews available.
Customer Service Quality:
One of the things Incorporate.com does right is customer support. You can reach them via phone, email, or chat. They always reply quickly, and their representatives provide accurate information that answers any questions you might have.
Additional Reading
How Do Online LLC Services Work?
For the most part, online LLC services require very little effort from entrepreneurs. All you’ll need to do to get your LLC formed with most of these companies is provide them with some basic information about yourself and your business. Then, you will pay the service’s in-house fees, as well as your state’s business formation fee.
From there, the service provider will draft the articles of organization, which is the document used to officially form your LLC with your state’s government. Once that form is ready to be submitted, they will file it with your state and pay the fee they collected from you. At that point, your formation is in the hands of the state.
When the state finishes processing your formation, you’ll receive confirmation of the successful LLC formation process, and your business will be officially ready to operate.
How to Set Up an LLC Yourself
Would you rather form your own LLC? This option can save you some money, as you won’t have to pay a service to form your business. However, we will note that you’ll still need to pay your state’s fee.
- Prepare to Draft Your Articles of Organization – Before you get started, you’ll need to do two things. First, you should choose a business name for your LLC, and make sure it’s available by searching your state’s business database. Secondly, you need to decide who you want to serve as your registered agent. You can hire a registered agent service or designate yourself as the agent, or you can enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend. You could also designate an attorney or accountant, but this is a rather costly option without any major advantages to make it worth the expense, in our opinion.
- Create and File the Articles of Organization – Each state has a slightly different take on LLC formation, so you should check with your state to determine what is required in this document. For the most part though, you’ll need to include the name and address of your business, the nature of business conducted by your LLC, the identity and location of your registered agent, and the names of your LLC’s owners.
- Obtain an EIN – Also known as a federal tax ID number, the Employer Identification Number (EIN) allows your business to hire employees, file taxes, open business bank accounts, and more. The EIN is comparable to a Social Security number for your company.
- Draft an Operating Agreement – While not strictly required by law, it’s highly important that you create an operating agreement for your company. This document dictates how the business will be run, and can help prevent disputes between owners in the future. In general, you should describe the roles, responsibilities, and rights of each owner, along with plans to allocate the LLC’s profits. In addition, you’ll want to set out guidelines for holding meetings and voting on important issues, and outline the process for replacing an owner.
- Open a Business Bank Account – Next, you’ll want to set up a financial infrastructure for your business by opening a bank account. This helps you keep your personal and business finances separate, and it also lends your LLC an air of professionalism. After all, your customers will feel much more comfortable writing checks to your business than they will to your personal name.
- Acquire Licenses and Permits – While some businesses can operate in compliant fashion without getting any licenses, most LLCs do require at least one license or permit. The U.S. has thousands of licensing jurisdictions, and they all have their own rules and regulations. You’ll need to check with your state, county, and municipality to make sure you have everything your business needs to remain in good standing.
Best LLC Services in Each State
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri