The definitive guide and comparison of the best LLC formation services
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The StartupHoncho editorial team has conducted independent research on the best LLC services available in 2022. We have selected a group of top-tier service providers for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Quick Overview
1
ZenBusiness  4.8/5 |
over 10,000 customer reviews |
2
IncAuthority 4.8/5 |
over 14,000 customer reviews |
3
Incfile 4.7/5 |
over 4,000 customer reviews |
4
Northwest  4.6/5 |
over 10 customer reviews |
5
BetterLegal 4.5/5 |
over 270 customer reviews |
6
Rocket Lawyer  4.1/5 |
over 5,000 customer reviews |
7
LegalZoom  3.6/5 |
over 1,500 customer reviews |
Introduction
In the United States, a private limited company is called a limited liability company (LLC). The United Kingdom equivalent is a private limited company (Ltd). An LLC has added benefits of pass-through taxation identical to sole proprietorships and partnerships, but it resembles a corporation.
If you want an LLC filing company to register your business, the LLC formation service completes and submits all the necessary forms to establish your business.
An LLC formation service is a legal way of forming a business. It provides flexibility to business owners because it enables them to use corporate tax rules rather than partnership tax rules. In some instances, LLCs can be non-profit organizations. The two well-known advantages to forming an LLC are its limited liability advantage (that gives its owners protection over their assets) and the advantage of lower taxes.
Entrepreneurs wanting to start an LLC will find it tricky knowing where to start and who to approach because online LLC service providers offer slightly different packages. The choice depends on your preferences and needs.
People hire professional LLC services to save time and money and use a professional who knows and understands U.S. state laws and regulations.
Some factors to consider include the cost, turnaround time, customer reviews, company reputation, availability of legal services and tax consulting, user-friendly applications, and customer support. The menu with some of these online LLC formation services is long and confusing which makes it an arduous task to try and compare the various options of LLC services.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Reputation: Reputable companies with experience and expertise.
- Turnaround time: LLC filing can take one day or over a month to process. Expedited delivery costs much more.
- Cost: LLC filing can cost hundreds of dollars with many nice add-ons. Some companies provide the extras for free, so do the research.
- Registered agent services: Many LLC companies need a registered agent. Investigate whether this service is included in the fee or an additional cost.
- Legal services: Some companies specialize in this if you need ongoing legal advice.
- Tax consulting: Some companies offer business tax knowledge, and it is invaluable if you are not au fait with tax issues.
- Customer reviews: Avoid companies with bad reviews or no reviews.
- Customer Support: Read what other customers say about the best LLC formation services.
- User-friendly applications: The online LLC formation service should be user-friendly.
People hire professional LLC services to save time and money and use a professional who knows and understands U.S. state laws and regulations. LLC formation services assist you with supplying the correct forms and giving advice on how to complete all the paperwork. If you try to do this yourself, you must research the state laws on business location. After that, you must obtain and complete the correct forms without error and submit them, hoping that the authorities do not reject your business formation request.
Leading financial websites, such as Investopedia, top business magazines such as Forbes, and other innovative companies all run surveys to find the best LLC services in the United States. In some cases, slightly different criteria are used but they commonly give awards for specific qualities like best online service, best LLC, best small business formation service, most affordable, best customer service, and more.
In general, the surveys compare LLC services’ cost, reliability, and usability. We analyzed the results of these surveys and conducted our own independent research to compile our list of the best LLC formation service providers.
Top LLC Services In 2022
OUR TOP PICK
ZenBusiness
4.8
On Zenbusiness’ Website
Quality
Excellent
Usability
Excellent
Value
Excellent
Quick facts
- Price: Starting at $49 plus state fees
- The number of Tiers: 3
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy guarantee
ZenBusiness is one of the best LLC formation services on the market
The combination of fantastic customer service, competitive pricing, and simple LLC formation plans makes ZenBusiness one of the best LLC services.
ZenBusiness is a socially aware for-profit company that gives back to investors, employees, customers, and suppliers. The company’s main drawcard is its competitive lowest level package ($49 plus state fees) which guarantees success with LLC filing. If you want faster filing, the second-tier plan is $199-per-year. The Premium Plan is $299-per-year, which gives you speedy filing, a website with a domain name and other features. You can add website development, registered agent service and compliance to any of the three packages.
Overall, we determined that ZenBusiness is one of the best LLC formation services on the market. It offers affordable packages (starting at only $49) that provide entrepreneurs with all the essential LLC services they need to get started in business.
ZenBusiness Grant Program
ZenBusiness has a monthly Grant Program that awards select entrepreneurs $5,000 grants. You’re eligible if you produce products or deliver services that are positive for your community and you used ZenBusiness for LLC formation within the last 6 months. If you are not selected in a particular month, you can apply again each month. As an entrepreneur, financing the initial stage of your business is key and ZenBusiness with its generous Grant Program might be the best place to start your business.
- They have the most affordable plan for LLC filing
- You can add features or upgrade your plan at a later stage
- Easy to follow
- Fantastic customer support
- Great reviews
- Registered agent service is exceptional
- They ask for an annual subscription
- Optional add-ons come at additional costs
GREAT CUSTOMER REVIEWS
IncAuthority
4.8
On IncAuthority’s Website
Quality
Excellent
Usability
Good
Value
Excellent
Quick facts
- Price: 100% free, you only pay state fees
- The number of Tiers: 1
- Guarantee: None
Inc Authority offers a free LLC / Corporation registration service that includes one year of registered agent service.
Inc Authority has 28 years of experience with small businesses and handles over 25,000 LLC & corporation registrations a year. They will prepare and file your entity formation documents for free. They also offer business credit & funding analysis and a free tax planning consultation. Inc Authority strives to be the one-stop shop for all your business needs. You will have access to a comprehensive menu of startup services and upgrade options.
They offer a Starter Business Premium Bundle (save up to 75%, price upon inquiry) which includes an IRS Tax ID Number (EIN), Operating Agreement/bylaws, website domain, 5 business email addresses, annual compliance notifications, unlimited phone and online support, etc.
They also offer a Premium Rush Service where your order is marked for priority handling. Each state has a different turnaround time that can range from one week to 6 months. They guarantee to submit your business filing within 24 hours of receipt of your order during our normal business hours.
Inc Authority offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. They will refund 100% of your costs, unrelated to state fees, within 60 days of purchase.
- Over 14,000 reviews on TrustPilot rating them excellent
- Free LLC filing Service
- Free one-year registered agent service
- Free Tax Planning Consultation and Business Credit & Funding Analysis
- Options to upgrade services and get unlimited customer support
- No processing time guarantee
- Premium Bundle and Rush Service price is only available upon inquiry
BEST FREE SERVICE
IncFile
4.7
On Incfile’s Website
Quality
Good
Usability
Good
Value
Good
Quick facts
- Price: Free LLC service. You only pay for state fees
- The number of Tiers: 3
- Guarantee: No guarantee
IncFile offers a free LLC service which includes one year of registered agent service
Incfile doesn’t charge for LLC filing service and getting your business registered. The company prepares and files your articles of organization and gives you one year of registered agent service free.
The company requests a one-off fee instead of a monthly subscription for more sophisticated packages.
Additional plans are available with more services for a one-time fee. Their Gold package costs $149, and for that fee you get an EIN, operating agreement, help with taxes, and an operating agreement. If you want to file an S corp election with the IRS to change a business’s tax status, the company does it for you on their Gold package. The Platinum package includes express filing, a business domain name and email for $299.
- Free LLC filing service
- One-year registered agent service is included free in all packages
- After that year, the registered agent service costs $119 for the year
- Many options to upgrade for additional services
- Incfile offers a real-time order tracking tool
- Good customer support
- You can track deadlines and compliance reminders
- Although it costs nothing to get the LLC filing done, it makes money by upselling other services at relatively high prices
- No money-back-guarantee
TOP CHOICE FOR FAST PROCESSING
Northwest Registered Agent
4.6
On Northwest’s Website
Quality
Excellent
Usability
Excellent
Value
Good
Quick facts
- Price: Starting at $39 plus state fees
- The number of Tiers: Varies by add-ons and options
- Guarantee: None
For $39 plus state fees, Northwest Registered Agent service will provide LLC filing, registered agent service, and an online account to access business documents. They also ensure customer privacy protection. A commitment not to share personal information is valuable if you are a single entrepreneur working from home who fears having your address and phone number shared. The LLC filing package with registered agent services starts at $39 plus state fees, paid monthly or as a one-off fee.
There are continuous appraisals for Northwest’s customer service. When you call or email, an in-house staff member answers your request. These corporate guides are well trained, and they know the answers to your questions. Once you have a corporate guide, you deal with that person until completion.
- Fastest sign up process
- Being able to stagger payment monthly or pay upfront
- Free do-it-yourself filing guide
- Optional add-ons include adding a registered agent and virtual office
- Positive customer reviews
- No hidden fees
- Optional add-ons come at additional costs
- No chatbot for signup
BEST PACKAGE DEAL
BetterLegal
4.5
On BetterLegal’s Website
Quality
Excellent
Usability
Good
Value
Good
Quick facts
- Price: 100% free, you only pay state fees
- The number of Tiers: 1
- Guarantee: None
BetterLegal gives its clients support according to individual needs
Inc Authority offers a free LLC / Corporation registration service that includes one year of registered agent service.
Inc Authority has 28 years of experience with small businesses and handles over 25,000 LLC & corporation registrations a year. They will prepare and file your entity formation documents for free. They also offer business credit & funding analysis and a free tax planning consultation. Inc Authority strives to be the one-stop shop for all your business needs. You will have access to a comprehensive menu of startup services and upgrade options.
They offer a Starter Business Premium Bundle (save up to 75%, price upon inquiry) which includes an IRS Tax ID Number (EIN), Operating Agreement/bylaws, website domain, 5 business email addresses, annual compliance notifications, unlimited phone and online support, etc.
They also offer a Premium Rush Service where your order is marked for priority handling. Each state has a different turnaround time that can range from one week to 6 months. They guarantee to submit your business filing within 24 hours of receipt of your order during our normal business hours.
Inc Authority offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. They will refund 100% of your costs, unrelated to state fees, within 60 days of purchase.
- Fast turnaround time
- Upfront prices
- Great reviews
- Customizable packages
- A user-centred approach and customer satisfaction
- No hidden costs
- Customer support is only available via live chatbots.
- BetterLegal has no registered agent service.
- BetterLegal can be a little costly.
TOP CHOICE FOR USABILITY
Rocket Lawyer
4.1
On Rocket Lawyer’s Website
Features
Good
Usability
Excellent
Value
Good
Quick facts
- Price: Starting at $99.99 plus state fees
- The number of Tiers: 2
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy guarantee
If you need ongoing legal services, then this company is for you.
Rocket Lawyer has two packages for non-members and one for premium members. As the company name suggests, Rocket Lawyer is strong on legal advice and online legal services, so if you need ongoing legal services, then this company is for you.
For a non-member, creating a legal document is $39.99 per document and LLC incorporation filing is $99.99 (excluding state fees). The registered agent services are $149.99 per year.
The Premium membership costs about $480 per year, but you get access to a lawyer for this price. New customers to the Premium Plan pay $39.99 per month on a subscription system. Rocket Lawyer allows a week’s trial of this plan at no cost.
The New Rocket Lawyer Business Bundle negotiated by TRUiC offers the Premium membership for $349.99 (plus state fees). This special offer includes a free online incorporation service, one year of registered agent services, and one year of legal services. Legal services have full access to legal documents and a 30-minute one-on-one legal consultation. After that, the legal fees are reduced by 40%.
- Free legal support in the Premium membership
- Affordable LLC-only filing option
- Business registration included free in Premium membership
- The New Business Bundle offers an exclusive discount
- There is a 7-day trial for the Premium membership
- Excellent customer service
- Positive reviews
- A membership plan may be more costly over time
- The refund policy only covers errors
- There are more affordable options for starting a small business
- Legal support for non-members is costly and priced per item
GOOD VARIETY OF FEATURES
LegalZoom
3.6
On LegalZoom’s Website
Quality
Excellent
Usability
Fair
Value
Good
Quick facts
- Price: Starting at $79 plus state fees
- The number of Tiers: 3
- Guarantee: 60 day, 100% satisfaction guarantee
LegalZoom have handled 2 million business formation services.
LegalZoom organizes its pricing according to the urgency required for forming an LLC. Their lowest-tier plan files your business for $79 but it takes 30 days. To cut the processing time to 15 days, you pay $329. You also get an organizer, stock certificates, and company seal for this second tier. The 10-day business filing plan costs $349 as your documents are express shipped.
LegalZoom is a large company with an extensive reach across the U.S. They have handled 2 million business formation services since 1999 and have a well-recognized online legal service.
- Their online LLC filing service is straightforward
- Option to upgrade for additional services
- LegalZoom is an established brand
- Its legal services surpass other LLC formation companies
- They have extended customer service hours and are open until 10 pm ET on weekdays and until 7 pm on weekends
- Their turnaround time for the basic package is 30-days
- Some reviews report long waiting time to be served
- The online ordering process is full of upsells
- The upsells are quite pushy and could tempt people into opting for unnecessary services at a high cost
- Slightly more expensive for LLC formation and LLC services online
BEST FOR NON-US RESIDENTS
doola
4.7
On doola’s Website
Quality
Excellent
Usability
Good
Value
Excellent
Quick facts
- Non-US residents’ top choice for forming an LLC in the US
- Offers a US address, bank account, mail scan and phone number
- US social securities numbers NOT required
- Starting from $197 plus state fees
doola is the go-to service for global entrepreneurs to form US LLCs and open bank accounts without the hassle of visiting the US
doola is a unique LLC formation service which focuses on helping global entrepreneurs looking to set up companies in the US remotely. In fact, the company brands itself as a fintech platform that provides on-going support to founders on their entrepreneurial journey in the US.
doola not only provides global entrepreneurs with remote incorporation services covering the US LLCs, C Corps, and DAO LLCs, but also allows them to remotely open US bank accounts, and register physical mailing addresses as well as phone numbers.
Included in the annual subscription are US payment solutions (such as Square, essential for online businesses), a free tax consultation, and US tax support.
You can even get 24/7 support on WhatsApp, rather than using cumbersome chatbots on websites. What’s more, subscribers to their annual service can enjoy $50,000 in perks (credit and discounts on partnered services).
doola is backed by leading venture capital funds
doola is backed by some of the top US investors, including Nexus Venture Partners, Y Combinator, and Hustle Fund.
The majority of doola’s customers are based outside of the US, with India-based entrepreneurs being their no.1 clients. To better service Indian founders, doola has a team based in Bengaluru supporting Indian entrepreneurs to go global.
And of course, US-based founders can use doola’s service to start companies in the US as well.
- Supports LLCs for non US Founders
- Provide live support on Whatsapp
- Perks include $1,000 credit for Amazon Web Services and more
- Supports DAO LLC creations for Web3.0 founders
- doola can’t currently open accounts for founders living in the following countries: Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cuba, Congo, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nicaragua, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
- doola is a subscription solution so may not be the best fit for those who want one-time solutions
Honcho Ratings
| Company | Honcho Rating | Trustpilot Rating | Min. Price | Middle Price | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ZenBusiness | 4.8 | 4.6 | $49 | $199 | Learn MoreOn Zenbusiness’s Website |
| Inc Authority | 4.8 | 4.8 | $0 | $49 | Learn MoreOn Inc Authority’s Website |
 Incfile | 4.7 | 4.7 | $0 | $199 | Learn MoreOn Incfile’s Website |
| Northwest | 4.6 | 3.5 | $39 | Varies | Learn MoreOn Northwest’s Website |
| BetterLegal | 4.5 | 4.9 | $199 | $199 | Learn MoreOn BetterLegal’s Website |
| Rocket Lawyer | 4.1 | 4.7 | $99 | $480 | Learn MoreOn Rocket Lawyer’s Website |
 LegalZoom | 3.6 | 4.5 | $79 | $329 | Learn MoreOn LegalZoom’s Website |
How To Enroll With An LLC Service
Signing up for an LLC service can be done online. Start by creating an account and entering personal information and general business information. Often, at this stage, you will get offered many add-on options that all cost extra, but try to ignore these.
When you have completed all the information on the form, you submit payment. It is as easy as that! Most LLC filing can be completed in less than ten days. When your files are registered, you can log into the LLC filing company’s website and download a digital copy of your forms. A physical copy of the articles of the organization gets sent by mail. You have created an LLC business. Again, you may be offered additional legal or tax advice, business banking advice or registered agent services. You can update payment methods, cancel services, and manage your account online.
Conclusion
If you are a new business owner and you want it to be an LLC, you can create it independently without the help of LLC formation services. However, LLC formation services take the stress out of the situation, save you time, and assist with guiding you through the filing requirements that are specific to your location. Using LLC formation services gives you peace of mind that your LLC will be filed correctly and accepted without changes.
Several surveys list the best LLC services in the U.S. and why these companies continue to win awards and gain reputation.
ZenBusiness constantly wins awards for affordability, social awareness, and high-quality service. Northwest registered agent service’s unique point of difference is the provision of one-on-one, corporate guides for each customer. Incfile’s free standard package (excluding the state fee) is appealing because you get a free year’s use of a registered agent and free LLC filing. Rocket Lawyer offers ongoing legal services for a reasonable monthly fee, and new customers get an LLC filing included. LegalZoom is a reputable brand that offers affordable online LLC filing services, legal advice, and tax solutions.
There are many options when it comes to companies that can help you form an LLC. If you research a few of the top ones, you are bound to find one that will suit your needs for a fraction of the price of hiring an attorney.
