TOP 5 LLC FORMATION SERVICES COMPARED 2020
Find the Best LLC Service

BEST LLC SERVICES: BREAKDOWN

BEST LLC SERVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS: ZENBUSINESS

Based on overall quality, we highly recommend ZenBusiness when starting an LLC. ZenBusiness offers company formation packages starting at only $39 per year (plus state fees).

All 3 packages include essential products to form your LLC:

• Registered agent services
• Free Operating Agreement (helps to define the terms of company formation)
• Worry Free CPA Assessment

The ZenBusiness Worry Free CPA Assessment will provide you with an evaluation of your company finances and recommend the proper licensed CPA for your specific needs at no charge. The suggested accounting services are a great way to keep track of your company’s monetary flow, file taxes, and stay organized.

As you climb up to ZenBusiness Pro, you’ll find other helpful features such as:

• An Employer ID Number (EIN)
• Worry Free Compliance Guarantee
• Domain name registration

Business email, website, and domain privacy are add-on features that are included in ZenBusiness’s Premium package ($299 + state fee). These are great products that can help your business so your clients can easily contact you, gain visibility, and protect your private information. The ZenBusiness Premium package even includes rush filing for entrepreneurs seeking quicker and more comprehensive business formation services.

The formation service offers an outstanding deal for entrepreneurs and small business owners. ZenBusiness LLC packages include more valuable features, you can find a plethora of positive feedback online, and the company offers a seamless customer experience.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: INCFILE AND NORTHWEST

Similar to ZenBusiness, Incfile provides a great value in their basic pricing plan for LLC services. Their Silver package, which is free with the exception of state fees, includes LLC formation, one year of free registered agent service, and lifetime company compliance alerts. Their Operating Agreement will cost you an additional $40.

Incfile Gold ($149 + state fee) contains an Operating Agreement, banking resolution, and EIN registration. Finally, their Platinum package ($249 + state fee) includes a free business website and domain name, contract templates, and expedited filing.

Northwest delivers all of the LLC services that are essential for online business formation. Both their middle and top-tier packages include an EIN and Operating Agreement. Much like ZenBusiness and Incfile, their registered agent services are included/free in their basic packages for $49 plus state fee ($125 every following year).

Northwest also has top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained U.S.-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.

BEST LLC LEGAL SERVICES: ROCKET LAWYER

Although there are better options for LLC formation, Rocket Lawyer is ideal if you want ongoing legal services. However, if you do decide to start an LLC through Rocket Lawyer, instead of paying the standard filing fee ($99.99), you can sign up for their premium membership for $39.99 per month. As a member, in addition to providing you with free business formation services, you’ll receive access to unlimited legal documents, free legal consults, and discounted attorney services.

MOST WELL-KNOWN LLC SERVICE: LEGALZOOM

LegalZoom is one of the most recognized business formation services. The company is more focused on full legal services beyond just business formation. For example, LegalZoom offers features like the Business Advisory Plan, which provides tax advice, attorney help, and access to legal forms.

Overall, going with an established name like LegalZoom comes at a higher cost. If you prefer to use a company with brand power and are willing to pay significantly more to form an LLC, consider choosing LegalZoom.

LLC FORMATION PACKAGES COMPARED

The following online business formation services offer multiple products at different price points. While each company names their option packages differently, they tend to follow the same three-tiered structure. We organized each of their packages as basic, middle, and top plan. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive side-by-side feature comparison.

BASIC PLAN COMPARISON

	ZenBusiness	LegalZoom	Incfile	Rocket Lawyer	Northwest
Order Processing Time	2-3 weeks	30 days	Next business day	15-20 business days	Up to 3 - 5 business days
The time it takes for the formation service to file your Articles of Organization with the state agency.
Registered Agent	Included with LLC formation package, then $119 per year	$159 extra per year	Free for one year, then $119 per year	X-Mark	Free for one year, then $125 per year
The company will act as your legal point of contact for the government to receive important notifications or mailings on your behalf.
Operating Agreement		$99 extra	$40 extra
A legal document that declares the name or names of an LLC�s owners, their percentage of ownership, and operating procedures for the company.
EIN Registration	$70 extra	$159 extra, must be bundled with operating agreement	$70 extra	$60 extra
Employer Identification Number (EIN) works essentially the same as an individual�s social security number, except for businesses. It�s how the government is able to keep track of your business� tax status.
Annual Compliance	$119	1 month free, $320/year after
The company will keep you notified of upcoming legal filing requirements, such as your annual reports.
Advisory Services	Worry Free CPA Assessment		Tax: Free 1-hour consultation	Legal: Free Ask-a-lawyer via email
Advisory services provide additional resources or advice on matters pertaining to business, law, and/or tax.
Web Domain	$25 domain name registration, $10 domain name privacy
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help reserve a domain name for your company website.
Web Hosting			$20/month
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help build your website on a web server for visitors to browse.

MIDDLE PLAN COMPARISON

TOP PLAN COMPARISON