Best LLC Services in New York

New York's entrepreneurial spirit is legendary, but so is its paperwork. Cut through the chaos and launch your dream with these top LLC services.

Ready to form an LLC and make it in the Big Apple and beyond? These top LLC services in New York offer unique advantages to help you get started.

Compare their offers and choose the best service to launch your New York LLC today.

LegalZoom

Best for: LLCs with extensive legal needs

Given the high volume of lawsuits in New York^[1], an LLC provider with legal services might come in handy. With LegalZoom, you can form an LLC and consult business attorneys for legal help.

You'll have access to an independent network of attorneys offering legal consultations, tax preparation, document review, and more.

Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped over 4 million businesses with business and legal service needs.^[2] It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau and receives mostly positive reviews from verified customers.^[3]

Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:

• Articles of organization
• Name check service
• Digital welcome packet
• Customizable website

Click Here to Form Your LLC

Core services and fees:
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages to choose from:

• Basic: $0 + state fees^[4]
  With LegalZoom's free plan, you get a business name availability check and of course, preparation and filing of formation documents. You only pay for the state filing fees.

• Pro: $249 + state fees^[4]
  Pro comes with everything from Basic and a few helpful features, like an operating agreement and EIN. You might also appreciate the free year of e-signature services, bookkeeping tools, and editor access to customizable forms.

• Premium: $299 + state fees^[4]
  With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus a 30-day subscription for legal guidance services, copyright registration service, and LLC amendments with rush filing.

Pros + Cons:

Tailor Brands

Best for: LLC formation with branding services

New York's business scene is brutal. In just one year (March 2020 to March 2021) 64,870 businesses opened, while 68,420 shut down.^[5] The competition isn't just fierce—it's a survival game.

If you're starting a business in New York, it must stand out. Beyond forming your LLC, Tailor Brands can help design your logo and business cards, build a website, and create branded merchandise. Plus, their wide suite of social media tools can help elevate your online presence with uniform branding.

Tailor Brands isn't just an LLC formation service. It helps build your company's brand identity from the ground up.

Set Up Your LLC - $0 + State Fees

Click Here to Get Deal

Get your LLC in just a few quick steps, includes:

• Free business plan included (no credit card required)
• Lifetime compliance alerts
• Comprehensive name check
• Lifetime customer support via email and phone

Pricing and packages:
Tailor Brands offers three types of LLC formation packages:

• Lite: $0 + state fees
  With Tailor Brands' cheapest plan, you only need to pay the state filing fees, then you'll get formation services like name availability research and preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization.

• Essential: $199/yr + state fees
  For an annual fee, the Essential plan also includes an operating agreement and annual compliance services. You're also entitled to expedited filing within two business days after payment.

• Elite: $249/yr + state fees
  Only Tailor Brands' most expensive plan comes with business branding tools. It includes extras like a 1-year free website domain, DIY website or e-commerce store, complimentary logos, business card tools, and a social media post tool.

Tailor Brands also offers add-ons like registered agents, business license and permit reports, and other business branding services.

Pros + Cons:

ZenBusiness

Best for: Comprehensive LLC packages

Unlike other states, you must publish a copy of your New York LLC's Articles of Organization in two newspapers. One newspaper must be a weekly publication, and the other must be a daily publication.^[6]

Fortunately, ZenBusiness's comprehensive LLC services include a newspaper publication that helps simplify this process. No need to do all the work on your own.

This LLC giant can also help you file your biennial report, register an EIN on your behalf, and more. When your LLC is ready to expand, ZenBusiness' comprehensive services will be there for you.

Founded in 2015, ZenBusiness has helped over 800,000 businesses and received mostly positive customer reviews.^[7] ZenBusiness is also BBB-accredited with an A+ rating.^[8]

Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

Click Here to Learn More

• Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
• Standard filing speed
• 100% accuracy guaranteed
• Other services are available with additional costs

Packages and fees:
ZenBusiness offers three packages for LLC formation: a free basic package, and 2 paid tiers with annual fees.

• Starter: $0 + state fees^[10]
  With Starter, you get standard formation features like business name search, preparation and filing of formation documents, and an online account to access documents.

  The Starter plan also includes a free year of Worry-Free Compliance services and a free tax savings consultation.

• Pro: $199/yr + state fees^[10]
  Pro is ideal if you want ZenBusiness to handle most of your LLC's requirements without paying for each service separately. You get everything in Starter plus an operating agreement, EIN, and rush filing.

• Premium: $299/yr + state fees^[10]
  Premium includes everything in the first two plans, plus unlimited access to Zenbusiness's business template library, a business website, and business email.

Pros + Cons:

Northwest Registered Agent

Best for: LLC formation with an operating agreement

New York is one of the few states that require an operating agreement.^[11] While other providers may charge extra for this, Northwest includes this in their base package of $39 + state fees. Plus, you get a free year of registered agent service.

Established in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is one of the country's oldest LLC services. They have at least one office location in each state (with one in Albany, New York) and over 900 local Corporate Guides® nationwide.^[12]

Business Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

Click Here to Find Out More

• Form Your LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit Today
• A Fully-Formed Business
• Registered Agent Service
• Business Address
• Mail Forwarding
• Privacy by Default

Core services and fees:
Northwest Registered Agent offers just one LLC formation package, with add-on services:

• Filing Services: $39 + state fees^[13]
  Aside from preparing and filing your documents, you also get one year of free registered agent service, an operating agreement, and 90 days of free website, email, and phone.

• Registered Agent Services: $125/year^[14]
  Get same-day scans, instant notifications, a business address, free mail forwarding, and more.

• Annual Report: $100/year + state fees^[15]
  Most states require LLCs to submit an annual report. It contains updated information about your business, including a new address, contact number, or member. Northwest files this report yearly, so you don't have to worry about due dates.

• Identity Services: $9+/monthly^[16]
  Northwest's business identity services are free for 90 days. Identity services include a website domain name, a customizable website, up to 10 business email addresses, and an Internet-accessible phone line (unlimited calls and texts).

Pros + Cons:

Bizee

Best for: Fast and free LLC formation

Have a fresh business idea? Market trends and opportunities can shift rapidly in the Big Apple, so you might want to act fast. If you want to launch quickly and grab that crucial first-mover advantage, Bizee could be your number one choice—even with limited capital.

Its free LLC package processes your formation documents within 7 days—pretty quick compared with other free LLC services. You'll also get a free year of registered agent services, which helps cut costs in your first year.

Bizee (previously Incfile) is one of the first online formation companies to offer free LLC formation services nationwide. Founded in 2004, it has two decades of helping over a million entrepreneurs start a business.^[17]

Plans and Pricing:
Bizee has three formation packages, each designed to fit different business needs. Here's what to expect from each plan:

• Basic: $0 + state fees^[18]
  Bizee's free plan prepares and files your documents with the state, and also includes unlimited business name search and one year of free registered agent. You'll also get lifetime compliance alerts, electronic delivery of LLC formation documents, and business tax consultation.

• Standard: $199 + state fees^[19]
  The Standard plan offers helpful extras like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolutions. It also provides unlimited phone and email support.

• Premium: $299 + state fees^[20]
  Premium is ideal if you want comprehensive business formation services in one plan. You get all the features of the first two plans plus business document templates, a website with a domain name, a business email, and express delivery of physical documents.

Aside from business formation, you can pay for a la carte services like business license research, DBA filing, and annual report services.

Pros + Cons:

Methodology

To identify the best LLC services in New York, we evaluated five key criteria: pricing and formation packages, turnaround time, registered agent, compliance assistance, and customer support.

We reviewed each service's pricing structures and formation packages, ensuring cost transparency and valuable features—such as operating agreements, EIN, and expedited turnaround time.

Next, the cost and availability of registered agent services and compliance assistance were assessed. These services help businesses stay in good standing with the state.

Finally, customer support was evaluated based on office hours and response times. These two factors allowed us to identify the most dependable and user-friendly LLC services in New York.

How to Choose the Best LLC Service

There are a lot of LLC services out there. Choosing the best one can be tough, especially if this is your first time using one.

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Compare the included features
  LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. Compare each to see which package has the services you need at the price you're willing to pay.

• Read customer reviews
  You want an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. Check customer reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries.

• Consider their specialty
  LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and ZenBusiness are better if you need more startup business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.

Setup Fee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	Starts at $0 + state fees (Starter)	$39 + state fees
Registered Agent	$249/year	$199/year	$125/year
Order Processing Time	1 to 2 weeks	7 to 10 business days	Within 1 business day
Expedited Processing	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs
Cancellation	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	90-day money-back guarantee; State fees are non-refundable
Customer Service	Phone: (888) 379-0854 Monday - Friday: 5AM - 7PM PT Weekends: 7AM - 4PM PT Online chat	Phone: 844-493-6249 Monday - Friday: 8AM - 8PM CT Saturday - Sunday: 9AM - 6PM CT Online chat Web form	24/7 Phone: 509-768-2249 Online chat Web form

DIY vs. Hire LLC Services in New York

The decision to DIY or hire an LLC service depends on your comfort level, budget, and priorities. Here are points to consider:

• Cost
  Filing business formation documents on your own is cheaper as you only pay state filing fees. Alternatively, subscribe to free LLC formation services like those offered by Zenbusiness and Bizee. Just be prepared for the upsells of other services.

• Time and convenience
  You can DIY if you have time to research the requirements, prepare the documents, file them with the state, and track its status. Otherwise, hire an LLC service to do the job.

• Expertise
  Use LLC services if you’re unsure about legal jargon or don’t want to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, take time to learn them before filing documents with the state.

• Registered agent services
  You can be the LLC's registered agent as long as you qualify. But if you aren't ready to shoulder this responsibility, appoint someone else or an LLC service as the registered agent.

• Compliance requirements
  Most states have annual LLC requirements, including annual fees and reports. If you want someone else to manage these, hire an LLC service.

• Control
  You hire LLC services because they can do the heavy lifting. However, that also means you rely on them to do everything correctly. That said, DIY is ideal if you want complete control over the process.

Generally, DIY is easy if your LLC is simple, like a single-member LLC with no special tax needs.

Why Form an LLC in New York?

New York offers several benefits for LLCs. For instance, the START-UP NY program enables qualified businesses to operate tax-free for 10 years in designated zones.

Additionally, startup entrepreneurs in the state have access to lower-interest loans. Pursuit and the U.S. Small Business Administration are two financial assistance programs available to New York entrepreneurs.

How to Form an LLC in New York

Starting an LLC in New York is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in seven steps:

1. Choose a name
   Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in New York. It must also have LLC, Ltd., or similar at the end.

2. Appoint a registered agent
   A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business.

3. File the Articles of Organization
   Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the Secretary of State. This form usually includes details like the LLC name, registered agent, and business purpose.

4. Publish your LLC in newspapers
   In New York, you're required to publish a copy of your LLC's Articles of Organization in two newspapers, one daily and one weekly for six consecutive weeks. This must be done within 120 days of forming your LLC with the state.^[21]

5. Create an operating agreement
   An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided.

6. Get an EIN
   Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

7. Get business permits and licenses
   Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. For example, you need a sales tax permit if you sell consumable goods. Research state-specific requirements and local rules that apply to your LLC.

Once your LLC is up and running, comply with ongoing requirements like paying the annual fee, filing the biennial statement, and renewing business permits and licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does an LLC cost in New York?

  It costs $200 to file the Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State. Aside from that, you must also budget for the publication fees and business permit fees. Depending on your business requirements and where it is located, the total cost could increase from a hundred to a few thousand dollars.

• How long does it take for an NY LLC to be approved?

  The New York Secretary of State has an average processing time of 7 days for LLC formation documents filed online.^[22] It could take less time or longer depending on the volume of documents being processed by the state.

• Is it hard to get an LLC in New York?

  It isn't hard to get an LLC in New York as long as you follow the straightforward procedure set by the Secretary of State.

  However, unlike other states, New York requires LLCs to publish a notice of formation in two newspapers, one daily and one weekly. You must do this within 120 days of having your articles of organization approved.

• Do I have to renew my LLC every year in NY?

  LLCs in New York only submit a biennial report to the secretary of state every other year. However, you must also pay an annual fee if your LLC is treated as a partnership or disregarded entity, also called a single-member LLC.

• How much tax does an LLC pay in NY?

  LLC profits and losses are typically reported on the owner's personal tax return. This means you'll owe state income tax, with rates ranging from 4% to 10.9% plus fixed costs.^[23] On top of that, you must also pay federal income taxes.

Bottom Line

The best LLC service in New York will always be the one that suits your needs. You could go for Northwest Registered Agent if you value privacy, or Tailor Brands for an LLC formation with business branding services.

Carefully compare their offers, pricing, and customer reviews to select the perfect partner for your business needs.

References