LLC formation: Comparing the top 5 US service providers

Forming an LLC is challenging but exciting. What you want is to go through the process and do it right first time. One of the easiest ways to register an LLC fast and easy is to use an LLC formation service. Your initial search may have shown you that there are many service providers available to help entrepreneurs to register their LLCs for a fee. Maybe you are not sure how to choose one?

Here we review the top 5 service providers from which you can make an informed choice with confidence.

1. ZenBusiness

A registered agent is included in all packages for one year but after that you pay $119 per year. State fees are extra in all cases.

Basic plan: $39

Processing takes 2-3 weeks. An operating agreement is automatically included in the package and you get worry-free CPA assessment. You pay an extra $70 for EIN registration, $110 for annual compliance, $25 domain name registration, and $10 for domain name privacy.

Middle plan: $139

Processing takes 1 week. The package includes an operating agreement, worry-free CPA assessment, EIN registration, annual compliance, and domain registration. You pay $10 for domain name privacy.

Top plan: $249

Processing takes 3-5 days. The package includes an operating agreement, EIN registration, annual compliance, worry-free CPA assessment, domain registration and web hosting.

2. LegalZoom

All plans require an extra $50 state filing fees.

Basic plan: $79

Processing takes 30 days. You pay an extra $159 per year for a registered agent, $99 for an operating agreement, $159 for EIN registration, and $320 per year for annual compliance (with the first month free).

Middle plan: $329

Processing takes 15 business days. You pay an extra $159 for a registered agent, $99 for an operating agreement, $159 for EIN registration, $320 per year for annual compliance (with the first month free).

Top plan: $349

Processing takes 7-10 business days. You pay an extra $159 for a registered agent, $99 for an operating agreement, $159 for EIN registration, and $320 per year for annual compliance. You can get legal and tax advice for free for 30 days then pay $39.99 monthly.

3. FileInc

In all the packages, a registered agent is free for one year and then you pay $119 per year. All plans charge state fees.

Basic plan: Free

Processing takes one day. The package includes annual compliance and one hour of tax consultation. You pay extra $40 for an operating agreement, $70 for EIN registration, and $20 per month for web hosting.

Middle plan: $149

Processing takes one day. The package includes an operating agreement, EIN registration, annual compliance, and one hour of tax consultation. You pay extra $20 per month for web hosting.

Top plan: $249

Processing takes one day. The package includes an operating agreement, EIN registration, compliance, free domain name for one year and one hour of tax consultation. You pay extra $20 per month for web hosting.

4. Rocket Lawyer

This is a legal subscription model. The service suits people who can handle most of their paperwork and mostly need help with legal matters and drafting of contracts.

Basic plan: $39.99

Processing takes 15-20 business days. The package includes an operating agreement and legal advice via email. You pay extra $60 for EIN registration.

Middle plan: $49.99

Processing takes 15-20 business days. The package includes an operating agreement, legal advice via email and 30 minutes per month of legal consultation via telephone for new matters.

Top plan: 54.99

Processing takes 15-20 business days. The package includes an operating agreement, an agent for one year (then pay $99 per year), legal advice via email and 30 minutes per month of legal advice via telephone.

5. Northwest

In all the plans, a registered agent is included for one year, and then you pay $115 per year. A state fee is applicable in all cases.

Basic plan: $49

Processing takes 3-5 business days. The package includes annual compliance.

Middle plan: $139

Processing takes 3-5 business days. The package includes an operating agreement, EIN registration, and annual compliance.

Top plan: $199

Processing is done on the same day. The package includes an operating agreement, EIN registration and annual compliance.

DIY LLC formation

You can choose any of these top five paid service providers depending on your needs. However, there is an option of doing it yourself. TRUiC’s free guide shows you how to form an LLC in any of the 50 states without using a paid online service. Want to save on fees and do it yourself? Get the free guide and you’ll be well on your way!