TOP 5 LLC FORMATION SERVICES COMPARED 2020
Looking for the best LLC service in 2020 to form your business? Formation companies can lower startup costs for your business when forming an online LLC. The best filing service can also provide you with affordable features such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and registered agent services.
In this review of the top 5 best LLC formation services of 2020, we strip away the fluff and give you a side-by-side comparison of the main features you should care about when starting an LLC.
Hiring an online LLC formation service allows you to focus more on growing your company. We compare the best business formation services below:
There are dozens of online formation services that will start your business for a fee. We reviewed and ranked the 5 best LLC services. To do so, we had a separate LLC formed by five of the most popular providers:
Some of these business formation services can also form other structures such as the following:
- Nonprofit - charitable organizations eligible for tax exemptions
- Sole proprietorship - individually owned entity, not legally separate from owner
- DBA (Doing Business As) - any name a business operates under that isn't their legal name. To learn more, read our how to file a DBA guide.
- Corporation
- C-Corp - legal entity separate from shareholders, subject to double taxation
- S-Corp - tax classification, owner and/or member is considered salaried employee
Based on overall quality, ZenBusiness is the best LLC service. ZenBusiness offers company formation packages starting at only $39 per year (plus state fees). All 3 packages include registered agent services, a free Operating Agreement, and a Worry Free CPA Assessment; this feature 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.
Business email, website, and domain privacy are add-on features that are included in ZenBusiness’s Premium package. These are great products that can help your business so your clients can easily contact you, gain visibility, and protect your private information.
All in all, the combination of great customer service, competitive pricing, and straightforward plans makes ZenBusiness a great choice.
LegalZoom is one of the most recognized business formation services. If you prefer to use a company with brand power and are willing to pay significantly more, consider choosing LegalZoom.
Continue reading our full breakdown of all 5 LLC services below.
Our Recommendation for Best LLC Service: ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the overall best online business formation service, providing a large number of features at an affordable price.
FORM AN LLC WITH ZENBUSINESS($39 + State Fees)
OUR BUSINESS FORMATION SERVICE REVIEWS
DIY - USE OUR FREE GUIDE
ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees)
Incfile ($0 + State Fees) Northwest ($49 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($79 + State Fees)
Rocket Lawyer ($99 + State Fees)
Our free guide teaches you how to start an LLC in all 50 states without using an online LLC formation service. Subscribe now to access our guide and other helpful resources:
OUR BUSINESS FORMATION SERVICE REVIEWS
ZenBusiness ($39 + State Fees) Incfile ($0 + State Fees) Northwest ($49 + State Fees) LegalZoom ($79 + State Fees) Rocket Lawyer ($99 + State Fees)
DIY - USE OUR FREE GUIDE
Our free guide teaches you how to start an LLC in all 50 states without using an online LLC formation service. Subscribe now to access our guide and other helpful resources:
BEST LLC SERVICES: BREAKDOWN
The following online business formation services offer multiple products at different price points. While they name 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, as well as our overall recommended business formation service and honorable mentions.
BASIC PLAN COMPARISON
MIDDLE PLAN COMPARISON
TOP PLAN COMPARISON
BEST OVERALL BUSINESS FORMATION SERVICE: ZENBUSINESS
We chose ZenBusiness as the best LLC service. ZenBusiness offers their customers tremendous value, even in their lowest priced business formation services plan. Their Starter package only costs $39 (+ state fee). It includes essential products to form your LLC, such as a registered agent service, an Operating Agreement (helps to define the terms of company formation), and a Worry Free CPA Assessment.
As you climb up to ZenBusiness Pro, you’ll find other helpful features such as an Employer ID Number (EIN), Worry Free Compliance Guarantee, and domain name registration.
The ZenBusiness Premium package ($249 + state fee) even includes rush filing for entrepreneurs seeking quicker and more comprehensive business formation services.
Best LLC Service: ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the overall best online business formation service, providing a large number of features at an affordable price.
FORM AN LLC WITH ZENBUSINESS($39 + State Fees)
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.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
FORM AN LLC WITH INCFILE($0 + State Fees)
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.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest provides elite customer service from knowledgeable professionals. Get business attorney level service at a cost any business can afford.
FORM AN LLC WITH NORTHWEST($49 + State Fees)
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.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is worth consideration if you want ongoing legal advice past LLC services. This platform is also great for new business owners who don’t have a lot of experience forming contracts.
FORM AN LLC WITH ROCKET LAWYER($99.99 + State Fees)
OUR BUSINESS FORMATION SERVICE REVIEWS
DIY - USE OUR FREE GUIDE
Our free guide teaches you how to start an LLC in all 50 states without using an online LLC formation service. Subscribe now to access our guide and other helpful resources:
OUR BUSINESS FORMATION SERVICE REVIEWS
DIY - USE OUR FREE GUIDE
Our free guide teaches you how to start an LLC in all 50 states without using an online LLC formation service. Subscribe now to access our guide and other helpful resources: