Best LLC Services Compared 2022

The 6 Best LLC Services

Hiring an online limited liability company formation service allows you to focus more on growing your small business. There are a plethora of online formation services that will start your business for a fee. We reviewed and ranked the 6 best LLC services. To do so, we actually formed separate LLCs with each service and carefully analyzed the platforms' pricing, features, accessibility, and more.

Our Best LLC Services for 2022:

1. Northwest is the best LLC service for small businesses.
2. Tailor Brands is the best premium, all-in-one service.
3. ZenBusiness
4. Incfile
5. Rocket Lawyer is best if you need ongoing legal services.
6. LegalZoom

We chose Northwest as the best LLC service for small businesses. The combination of expert customer support, competitive pricing, and straightforward plans make the business formation service a great choice when forming an LLC online.

We chose Tailor Brands as the best premium, all-in-one package. In addition to LLC formation, Tailor Brands provides a suite of AI-powered tools for entrepreneurs to instantly build their brand and online presence.

We also chose Rocket Lawyer as the best choice if you need ongoing legal services for your business. Through a partnership with Rocket Lawyer, we're offering an exclusive offer for our users, which includes free incorporation services and high-quality legal help beyond business formation.

Continue reading our full breakdown of the best LLC services below. You'll find more information about Northwest, Tailor Brands, and Rocket Lawyer, as well as honorable mentions and side-by-side comparisons.

1. Northwest

Northwest delivers all of the LLC services that are essential for online business formation. Their incorporation service is $29 plus state fees, and it includes LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, an online account to access business documents, and more.

Northwest is also known for their 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.

Northwest Pros

• Positive customer reviews
• User-friendly online ordering process
• No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
• Professional U.S.-based customer service representatives

Northwest Cons

• You’ll need to pay extra fees for important LLC formation features such as an EIN.

Northwest Pricing and Features

Northwest offers one formation plan. For only $29 plus state fees, you’ll receive the following business features:

• LLC Formation 
• Registered Agent Service 
• Business Address 
• Mail Forwarding 
• Privacy by Default® 
• Free Phone Service for 60 days
• Corporate Guide® Service

Want to learn more about Northwest? Read our full Northwest review.

2. Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands’ mission is to empower entrepreneurs by offering a full-featured one-stop shop, including LLC formation, compliance, and branding/online presence. While Tailor Brands offers three different plans, our recommended package is the Elite Plan. This is the plan where Tailor Brands really shines, including everything serious entrepreneurs need to reach their target market — arguably the most important part of establishing an online presence. 

Plenty of companies offer the basics for LLC formation and building a website, and taking these steps is certainly important. But they are really only the beginning of building a brand and reaching a market. The additional features found in Tailor Brands’ Elite Plan are what allow you to go from an LLC with a website to a recognized brand with an online presence. 

Tailor Brands Pros

• One-stop shop that includes everything you need to establish your business online
• Extremely easy to use — you can get started with just a few clicks in as little as 10 minutes
• Gives you tools focused on branding and building an online presence
• More customization than some other services, including graphic design and logo-making tools

Tailor Brands Cons

• Getting the most out of Tailor Brands requires purchasing the top-tier plan, meaning it might not be the right choice for those seeking the cheapest options

Tailor Brands Pricing and Features

The Elite Plan is where Tailor Brands differentiates itself from the competition. It includes the following:

• LLC formation
• Annual compliance
• Expedited processing
• Operating agreement

The plan also includes some vital business-building tools:

• Five logos to create through Tailor Brands logo maker
• Domain name
• Website builder
• Digital business card
• Graphic design tools for social media

Tailor Brands might not be the best choice for startups seeking the cheapest option, but it’s vital for those ready to seriously invest in building an online presence. If you’re ready to immediately build and grow that presence using powerful tools, we highly recommend Tailor Brands’ Elite Plan. Check it out today!

Want to learn more about Tailor Brands? Read our full Tailor Brands review.

3. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is another good choice when starting an LLC online. ZenBusiness offers company formation packages starting at $49 per year (plus state filing fee).

ZenBusiness Pros

• Responsive customer support
• Great customer feedback from ZenBusiness reviews online
• Digital dashboard to access important business documents

ZenBusiness Cons

• If you want an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you will have to pay an additional fee. However, we recommend learning how to get an EIN for free. You also have to pay extra fees for essential features like an operating agreement and registered agent services.

ZenBusiness Pricing and Features

All 3 packages include the following products and more to form your LLC:

• Articles of Organization filing
• Unlimited name availability searches
• Free accounting consultation
• Free automatic expense tracking
• Free tax deduction tagging
• Worry-Free Compliance (Includes annual filing report alerts and submittal (state fees may apply), two free filing changes per year (excludes state fee if applicable), and insurance on document filings to maintain good standing if documents are not submitted on time.)

As you climb up to ZenBusiness Pro, you’ll find other helpful LLC creation features such as a custom operating agreement and expedite filing.

ZenBusiness’s Premium package ($299 + state fee) includes even more add-on features:

• Business email, website, and domain privacy: These are great products that can help your business so your clients can easily contact you, gain visibility, and protect your private information
• Rush filing: For entrepreneurs seeking quicker and more comprehensive business formation services.

Want to learn more about ZenBusiness? Read our full ZenBusiness review.

4. Incfile

Similar to Northwest and ZenBusiness, Incfile provides a great value in their basic pricing plan for limited liability company services.

Incfile Pros

• Full year of registered agent service for free in all packages. After that year, it’s $119/year, which is still on the less expensive end of registered agent pricing.
• Incfile offers a real-time order tracking tool and quality customer support.
• The company provides a user-friendly, online dashboard to help you track important deadlines and compliance reminders

Incfile Cons

• Similar to Northwest, you will have to pay extra for important business features such as an Operating Agreement and EIN.

Incfile Pricing and Features

Their Silver package, which is free with the exception of state fees, includes:

• LLC formation
• One year of free registered agent service
• Lifetime company compliance alerts. 

Incfile Gold ($149 + state fee) contains:

• An Operating Agreement
• Banking resolution
• EIN registration

Finally, their Platinum package ($249 + state fee) includes:

• A free business website and domain name
• Contract templates
• Expedited filing

Want to learn more about Incfile? Read our full Incfile review.

5. Rocket Lawyer

Although Northwest is the better option for simply forming a small business, Rocket Lawyer is the best choice if you want ongoing legal services past LLC creation.

Rocket Lawyer Pros

• The TRUiC and Rocket Lawyer New Business Bundle offers an exclusive discount!
• If you want to try the legal services subscription package, which includes LLC formation service at no cost, the 7-day trial removes any risk.
• Rocket Lawyer provides excellent customer service.

Rocket Lawyer Cons

• Rocket Lawyer is focused more on legal help and advice beyond company formation. If you are simply interested in starting a small business, there are more affordable options out there.

Rocket Lawyer Pricing and Features

Rocket Lawyer sets itself apart by offering a subscription-based model for ongoing legal services, with premium members gaining access to legal documents, advice, and more. We’ve negotiated a deal to bundle Rocket Lawyer’s premium membership services into an exclusive package for our users at the discounted price of $349.99 (plus state fees). You’ll save about $300 (over 45%!) by choosing our New Business Bundle, which includes the following:

• Free Incorporation Service
• 1 Year of Registered Agent Services
• 1-Year Legal Services:
  
  • Real Lawyers, Expert Advice
  • 30-minutes lawyer consults on each new legal matter, up to 40% off the attorney's hourly rate after
  • Easy-to-use legal documents and contracts such as Operating Agreements
  • Exclusive discounts on future services
  • High-quality customer support

The TRUiC and Rocket Lawyer New Business Bundle is perfect for entrepreneurs who need additional legal expertise throughout their company’s lifetime. For example, if you’re starting a real estate business, you may want more comprehensive legal help and advice regarding rental applications, sublease agreements, etc. Rocket Lawyer excels in providing peace of mind for businesses that need easy access to attorneys and personalized guidance on legal issues that may arise.

Want to learn more about Rocket Lawyer? Read our full Rocket Lawyer review.

6. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the most recognized business formation services. The company is more focused on full legal services beyond just LLC creation. 

LegalZoom Pros

• LegalZoom has established itself as one of the most popular LLC services, which gives the company brand authority.
• LegalZoom offers more legal services than other LLC formation companies.

LegalZoom Cons

• LegalZoom is on the more expensive side when it comes to LLC formation.

LegalZoom Pricing and Features

LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages start at $79 plus state fees. They will provide basic LLC filing services, but they don’t include as many features as other formation companies. You will have to pay extra for services such as an EIN, Operating Agreement, registered agent service, etc.

LegalZoom does offer a Business Advisory Plan, which provides the following and more:

• Tax advice
• Attorney help
• 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 online, consider choosing LegalZoom.

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LLC Formation Packages Compared

The following online llc 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. Please be aware that LLC pricing and options could change at any time.

Please note: Rocket Lawyer only offers one level of formation or a premium membership. In the following charts, we’ve decided to categorize Rocket Lawyer’s non-membership formation as the basic plan, the premium membership as the middle plan, and our exclusive new business bundle as the top plan. Additionally, Northwest only offers one incorporation service package at $225 + state fees. However, we’ve partnered with Northwest to offer TRUiC customers an exclusive deal of $29 + state fees. We will include information for the $29 package in the basic and middle charts, and cover Northwest’s more expensive package in the top plan chart. Overall, we recommend choosing the $29 + state fees package, which will save you money in the long run

Basic Plan Comparison

	ZenBusiness	Tailor Brands	LegalZoom	Incfile	Rocket Lawyer	Northwest
Order Processing Time	2-3 weeks	Up to 14 business days	30 days	Next business day	15-20 business days	1-3 weeks
The time it takes for the formation service to file your Articles of Organization with the state agency.
Registered Agent	$199/year	$199/year	$159 extra per year	Free for one year, then $119 per year	No	Included for one 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	$125	$29	$99 extra	$40 extra	Templates for $39 extra	$50 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	$99 extra	$99 extra	$159 extra, must be bundled with operating agreement	$70 extra	$60 extra	$50 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	Yes	$199/year	1 month free, $320/year after	Yes	No	No
The company will keep you notified of upcoming legal filing requirements, such as your annual reports.
Advisory Services	Accounting consultation	No	No	Tax: Free 1-hour consultation	Legal: Free Ask-a-lawyer via email	No
Advisory services provide additional resources or advice on matters pertaining to business, law, and/or tax.
Web Domain	No	No	No	No	No	No
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help reserve a domain name for your company website.
Web Hosting	No	No	No	$20/month	No	No
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

	ZenBusiness	Tailor Brands	LegalZoom	Incfile	Rocket Lawyer	Northwest
Order Processing Time	1 week	Up to 2 business days	15 days	Next day	15-20 business days	1-3 weeks
The time it takes for the formation service to file your Articles of Organization with the state agency.
Registered Agent	$199/year	$199/year	$159 extra per year	Free for one year, then $119 per year	Yes	Included for one 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	Yes	Yes	$99 extra	Yes	Yes	$50 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	$99	$99	$159 extra, must be bundled with operating agreement	Yes	$60 extra	$50 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	Yes	Yes	1 month free, $320/year after	Yes	No	No
The company will keep you notified of upcoming legal filing requirements, such as your annual reports.
Advisory Services	Accounting consultation	No	No	Tax: Free 1-hour consultation	Legal: Free Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter	No
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	No	No	No	No	No
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help reserve a domain name for your company website.
Web Hosting	No	No	No	$20/month	No	No
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help build your website on a web server for visitors to browse.

Top Plan Comparison

	ZenBusiness	Tailor Brands	LegalZoom	Incfile	Rocket Lawyer	Northwest
Order Processing Time	3-5 business days	Up to 2 business days	7-10 business days	Next day	15-20 business days	1-3 weeks
The time it takes for the formation service to file your Articles of Organization with the state agency.
Registered Agent	$199/year	$199/year	$159 extra per year	Free for one year, then $119 per year	Registered agent service for one year	Included for one 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	Yes	Yes	$99 extra	Yes	Yes	Yes
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	$99	$99	$159 extra, must be bundled with operating agreement	Yes	$60 extra	$50 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	Yes	Yes	1 month free, $320/year after	Yes	No	No
The company will keep you notified of upcoming legal filing requirements, such as your annual reports.
Advisory Services	Accounting consultation	No	Legal, Tax: Free 30-day Trial $39.99 Monthly	Tax: Free 1-hour consultation	Legal: Free Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter*	No
Advisory services provide additional resources or advice on matters pertaining to business, law, and/or tax.
Web Domain	Yes	Yes	No	Free domain name for 1 year	No	No
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help reserve a domain name for your company website.
Web Hosting	Yes	No	No	$20/month	No	No
The company will assist or arrange for an affiliate to help build your website on a web server for visitors to browse.

Our LLC Review Methodology

Choosing the best LLC service to help you form your small business comes down to three things:

• Type of business you have
• Needs of your business
• Additional services you may want for your business

The TRUiC team evaluates each LLC service based on the following:

• Pricing: Does the company offer essential LLC services at an affordable price for small business owners?
• Features: Does the service’s basic LLC package include vital features such as Articles of Organization filing, registered agent services, and an operating agreement template?
• User Reviews: Have previous customers rated and reviewed the LLC service positively, and is the service receptive to negative reviews?
• Customer Support: Is the service’s staff knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive to customers? Will they provide entrepreneurs with peace of mind throughout the business formation process?
• Accessibility and Transparency: Is the information on the services’ websites easy for the user to navigate and understand? Is the checkout process straightforward, user-friendly, and void of hidden fees?

Overall, our main goal is to recommend the services that provide the best value for our users so they can more easily launch and grow successful businesses.

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The TRUiC Team

TRUiC’s team of researchers, writers, and editors dedicate hours to ensure howtostartanllc.com’s articles are accessible and actionable for both established and aspiring entrepreneurs. The team is made up of experts on a variety of topics from company formation to business growth. They consistently optimize the website’s content to ensure that all of the information is accurate and up-to-date.