Can I form an LLC by myself for free?

Yes, you can form an LLC yourself. The only costs you have to worry about are the fees (state filing fee, publication fees, registered agent fees, etc.).

Updated October 12, 2024

Best LLC Formation Services

By Alyssa Supetran

Top 9 LLC Services

An LLC formation service is undoubtedly a more convenient option if you want to start an LLC. But which one should you choose for your business?

Here are the 9 best LLC services you can check out:

Set Up Your LLC - $0 + State Fees

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

Get Deal

Read Review

Business Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

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

Find Out More

Read Review

Economy Package at $149 + State Filing Fees

Form your corporation at $149 + state filing fees, with the Economy package. The Economy package includes:

Name check service
Business consultation
Digital welcome packet
Customizable WIX website

Get Deal

Read Review

Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

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

Learn More

Read Review

Tailor Brands: Best for Company Branding

Tailor Brands is the best LLC filing service if you need help with branding and marketing, both online and offline.

Starting from their base LLC package, you'll get the following:

Business name search
Preparing and filing of formation documents
Electronic access to your documents

You can also get features like EIN, registered agent services, business branding, etc. as paid add-ons. So you can customize your LLC package to your liking.

Pricing:

starts at $0 + state fees^[1]

Processing Time:

14 business days^[2]

Affordable services
Easy-to-use platform
Company branding tools available

No free registered agent service

Why We Like It:
Tailor Brands offers affordable LLC formation by only charging you the state fees when you hire them. And although the free plan has limited features, you can always enhance it by getting add-ons for an additional cost.

Besides LLC services, Tailor Brands can also help with company branding. From distinct logos to digital business cards, they have a wide variety of tools that will help your business build its unique brand identity and create a solid online presence.

They can even help with your marketing campaigns by creating branded merchandise with your company logo. So you can easily get your new LLC's name out there.

What Customers Say
Positive reviews say that their customer support team is generally helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. They also said the company was quick to respond and handled their concerns efficiently.

Set Up Your LLC - $0 + State Fees

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

Click Here to Get Deal

ZenBusiness: Best for Small Businesses

ZenBusiness is one of the more popular LLC services available. And they have helped more than 400,000 businesses with their needs since launching in 2015. They're great for small businesses because they offer reliable formation services at a reasonable price.

All of their plans come with the following standard features:

Business name availability search
Preparation and filing of your LLC paperwork
Access to your documents via an online dashboard
Free accounting consultation
Customer support via phone or email

Their more expensive plans include extra features, like a free year of Worry-Free Compliance Services, expedited processing, and guided operating agreements.

Pricing:^[3]

Starter: $0 + state fees (one-time fee only)
Pro: $199 + state fees (renews annually)
Premium: $299 + state fees (renews annually)

ZenBusiness has a handy online calculator that will help you compute how much it'll cost and how long it'll take per state.

Processing Time:

2 to 3 weeks with Starter

If you upgrade to either Pro or Premium, it'll only take 1 to 5 days^[4].

Straightforward pricing
Customizable plans
Variety of business services

Registered agent service costs extra
Charges extra for EIN applications

Why We Like It:
ZenBusiness is the best LLC service for business owners who want a free basic package with the option to customize. And their prices are straightforward. You'll know exactly how much you have to pay. There's no need to worry about hidden fees or surprise charges.

ZenBusiness is a public benefit corporation. This means they're geared toward giving back to the community, even if they charge customers for their services.

They also allow you to build your own plan if none of their ready-made packages have what you need. This is great if you only want to pay for the features you use. Or if you prefer more personalized services.

They offer a good selection of other business services, from registered agent services to annual compliance filing. So it's a great option if you only want one platform for everything.

Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

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

Click Here to Learn More

What Customers Say
Customers praise ZenBusiness's support team for being helpful, knowledgeable, and quick to respond. However, some have complained about how this sometimes doesn't extend to resolving billing issues. Since it can take them a while to resolve unusual charges and/or cancellation requests.

Forming an LLC means going public with your business. This next option can help you have some privacy back.

Northwest Registered Agent: Best for Privacy Protection

Northwest Registered Agent is an LLC service great for privacy protection. It doesn't sell your customer's data to third-party companies.

The public won't know your company's sensitive information. And you won't get any unwanted adverts.

There's only 1 paid plan, which comes with the following features:

Business name availability search
Preparation and filing of LLC formation documents
1-year registered agent service (renews annually)
Dedicated business address
Annual compliance reminders and filing
Access to online resources and tools about LLC formation

Like ZenBusiness, you can get other services at an extra cost. These include EIN applications, virtual office access, trademark registrations, business phone services, etc.

Pricing:^[5]

Free account: $0 + state fees
Paid LLC formation service: $39 + state fees

Northwest's free account gives you access to their library of formation tools and resources. But you have to handle the entire process yourself.

Processing Time:

Usually within the same business day

Excellent customer support
Transparent pricing
Convenient checkout process
Registered agent service already included

EIN application costs extra
Costly base price

Why We Like It:
If protecting your privacy is your top priority, Northwest is the best LLC formation company for that. They're also great if you want excellent customer support from US-based business experts.

Did you know?
When you form an LLC, some of your company's details (like its official business address) will become part of the public record. But with Northwest, you get a dedicated business address you can use in all public forms. You don't have to disclose your company's actual address.

They started with registered agent services as their main offer. But they have since expanded their list to accommodate different business needs. This includes LLC formation in all 50 states.

The company also prides itself on being a family-owned business. And their main goal is to help entrepreneurs establish their businesses with no problem. They're a good choice if you're looking for a service with a more personable approach toward their clients.

Also, there are lots of positive reviews for the company. You can count on their customer support. They deliver high-quality services, even after years in the industry.

Business Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

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

Click Here to Find Out More

What Customers Say
Northwest is well-known for providing top-notch customer support to their clients, thanks to their Corporate Guides stationed all across the country. They can help resolve your concerns or questions quickly and efficiently since they're experts who know the ins and outs of LLC formation in every state.

If you're on a tight schedule and budget, this next option's perfect.

Bizee: Best for Quick Processing

Bizee (formerly Incfile) is another popular online LLC service. They're well-known for their affordable, straightforward formation packages and other business services. They're a great choice if you need to form your LLC as quickly as possible without paying extra for expedited processing.

The standard features for all their formation packages include:

Unlimited business name availability searches
Preparation and filing of LLC documents
Free registered agent service for 1 year
Lifetime company alerts
Unlimited customer support

If you choose the Standard or Premium plan, you also get features like EIN applications, business bank accounts, tax consultations, and more. But you can get these as add-ons for an extra cost.

Is an LLC worth it for tax purposes?
It can be. LLCs generally have more flexibility when it comes to taxes since you can choose from 4 different classifications. They also don't usually pay corporate income taxes and can deduct certain business expenses from taxes.

Pricing:^[6]

Basic: $0 + state fees
Standard: $199 + state fees
Premium: $299 + state fees

Bizee gives customers access to an extensive library of online resources, which they can use to learn more about different business processes in their area. You can access all of these, including your company's documents, through their intuitive online platform.

Processing Time:

1 business day

Fast turnaround time
Great value for money
Easy-to-use online platform
Free registered agent service
No auto-renewals

Add-ons can get pricey
Long wait for customer support

Why We Like It:
Bizee is the best LLC formation company for feature-rich services at competitive prices and with fast turnaround times.

You get a free year of registered agent services and one-day processing in all their packages, including the Basic plan. This is something you have to pay extra for with other service providers.

Their selection of other business services is comprehensive enough to cover different needs. For example, they have bookkeeping and accounting services that can keep your company's finances well-organized. Which, in turn, can help solidify your LLC's liability protection.

They also have transparent pricing for their offers. And there are no auto-renewals without your permission. You don't have to worry about being charged for services you no longer use.

What Customers Say
In terms of quality, Bizee's customer service is generally good. Customers have praised how helpful, knowledgeable, and professional they are. Their main complaint was how long it took them to reach someone on their customer support team.

Now, we know that forming a limited liability company involves the law. But consultations can get expensive, right? Not with LegalZoom.

LegalZoom: Best for Low-cost Legal Services

LegalZoom is a good choice if you need basic LLC formation services with the option for legal assistance (personal or business).

They provide low-cost legal services catering to different needs. This includes handling personal matters like estate planning, name changes, and deed transfers.

All their LLC packages have the following features:

Business name availability search
Preparation and filing of LLC formation documents
Digital welcome packet
Online dashboard access
Ongoing customer support via chat and email (+ phone for Pro and Premium)
Free customizable business website (powered by Wix)

Higher-tiered plans will give you more features like EIN applications, operating agreements, copyright registrations, etc. There's also a library of customizable legal forms.

You can get other services as add-ons for an extra fee. These include registered agent service, annual compliance assistance, DBA applications, etc.

Pricing:^[7]

Basic: $0 + state fees
Pro: $249 + state fees
Premium: $299 + state fees

Depending on the exact service, you might qualify for their installment payment plan if it costs $200 or more.

Processing Time:

usually within 1 to 2 weeks

Easy-to-use services
Affordable pricing
Solid reputation
Installment payments

Registered agent service costs extra
Long wait times for customer support

Why We Like It:
LegalZoom is designed to be a one-stop shop for anyone who needs online legal assistance. They handle legal matters for businesses, individuals, and families.

It's one of the more reputable services for business formation. They have helped 1M+ companies establish different business entities, including LLCs.

Also, their easy-to-use services allow you to form an LLC in a different state without needing to go to the area yourself. This is convenient if you want to start a foreign LLC but have a hectic schedule.

Economy Package at $149 + State Filing Fees

Form your corporation at $149 + state filing fees, with the Economy package. The Economy package includes:

Name check service
Business consultation
Digital welcome packet
Customizable WIX website

Click Here to Get Deal

What Customers Say
Positive customer reviews say LegalZoom's team is overall professional and helpful. They were able to expertly guide them through the process and answer their questions. However, like with Bizee, their main complaint was the long wait times. In some cases, they didn't hear back until much later when they'd already handled the issue themselves.

Speaking of customer support, Swyft Filings is better if you're particular about it.

Swyft Filings: Best for Hands-on Support

If you need dedicated, hands-on support from experts, Swyft Filings is your best choice. They'll assign you your own Business Specialist who will familiarize themselves with your business and its unique needs.

For any plan, you'll get:

Business name availability search
Preparation and filing of formation documents
Dedicated Business Specialist
ComplianceGuard company alerts
Online access to your paperwork
Document delivery

The Standard and Premium plans give you access to advanced features like an EIN application, operating agreement, and banking resolution.

But you can also get these features as add-ons.

Pricing:^[8]

Basic: $0 + state fees
Standard: $199 + state fees
Premium: $299 + state fees

Processing Time:

10 business days (Basic)

If you're worried about processing times, you can always shorten it by upgrading to Standard or Premium for faster filing times.

Dedicated Business Specialist
Affordable pricing
Flexible payments

Registered agent service costs extra
Lots of upsells during the checkout process

Why We Like It:
Swyft Filings is one of the best LLC services to try if you value hands-on guidance from business experts. Your assigned Business Specialist can give you detailed insights into your company's operations. This will help you streamline everything, especially after your LLC is formed.

Aside from that, Swyft is affordable even for those on a tight budget. You can even divide the total amount into 2 installments, thanks to their 2-Easy Payment Plan. No need to break the bank just to form your LLC.

What Customers Say
One of Swyft's best-selling points is its customer support. Previous customers were impressed by how helpful and professional the customer support was. Their team even helped customers resolve problems with their services, even it was due to the customer's mistake.

If you need long-term, comprehensive legal advice, this next option is the best option for that.

Rocket Lawyer: Best for Legal Assistance

Rocket Lawyer is another online service that focuses on providing ongoing legal assistance to business owners, like LegalZoom. They cover different business needs, including forming an LLC in your preferred state.

Where is the best place to register my LLC?
Your home state (where your business operates) is generally the best place to register your LLC. Other than that, the best places for LLCs would be Delaware, Nevada, and Wyoming. They have the most business-friendly laws in the country.

With a Rocket Lawyer premium membership, you get the following features:

Access to their library of customizable legal forms
Document Defense® with their legal forms
30-minute consultations with a lawyer
Business formation filing (excludes state fees, only free for the 1st company)
Up to half off their registered agent service, attorney services, and trademark registration assistance

There's the option to get each service individually. But this can become pricey if you need to use their services regularly or need two or more services.

Pricing:^[9]^[10]

Rocket Legal: $39.99/mo (billed monthly)
Rocket Legal+: $19.99/mo (billed annually at $239.88/yr)
LLC formation: $99.99 + state fees ($0 + state fees with Rocket Legal+)

You can enjoy additional discounts if you pay annually instead of monthly. These lower your overall costs for ongoing legal and business assistance.

You'll get up to half off their tax assistance services (Rocket Tax™), registered agent services, and on-call attorneys.

Use their 7-day free trial to check out their services before you commit to a subscription. If you don't think they're the right fit, you won't have to pay anything as long as you cancel before the 7 days are up.

Processing Time:

2 to 3 weeks

7-day free trial
Comprehensive services
Discounts for members
Multi-channel customer support

Pricey if you only need basic LLC formation services

Why We Like It:
Rocket Lawyer is great for business owners who need long-term or ongoing legal advice but don't want to break the bank.

They're also one of the best LLC formation companies to hire if you're planning to start multiple LLCs in different states. Since they'll give you discounted rates after your first one.

They also have multiple channels for customer support - phone, email, and live chat. It's easier to reach them if you have concerns or questions about their services.

What Customers Say
Most customers have given Rocket Lawyer mostly positive reviews when it comes to customer support. They said that the company's representatives were courteous and understanding. And they were able to address their concerns right away.

But if you're still new to the business world, this next company might be more useful.

MyCompanyWorks: Best for New Businesses

If you're looking for an LLC service focusing on startups and new businesses, MyCompanyWorks is your best bet. They help new business owners understand the ins and outs of running a business, not just forming an LLC. They're the best LLC service if you want to learn more about being an entrepreneur.

Their packages include:

Unlimited business name availability search
Same business day processing
Preparation and filing of formation documents
Personalized operating agreement and organizational minutes
Lifetime access to online documents
Free business guides and handbooks
Startup wizard access

If you go for their more expensive plans, you also get features like registered agent service, EIN application, and access to tax forms and guides. Or you could get them as separate services for a fee.

Pricing:^[11]

Basic: Starts from $79 + state fees
Entrepreneur: Starts from $199 + state fees
Complete: Starts from $319 + state fees

Processing Time:

Within the same business day (3 PM EST cutoff)

Competitive pricing
Fast turnaround time
Responsive customer support

Not suitable for experienced business owners
Limited hours to contact customer support

Why We Like It:
While they're not the cheapest, their prices are still relatively affordable considering the features they include. The company also has an intuitive startup wizard that walks you through every step of the process.

They even give you access to several guides and handbooks that can help you understand what your company needs.

They detail all the compliance requirements in your formation state. Ultimately, you decide which services to get and avoid hidden fees or surprise charges.

What Customers Say
MyCompanyWorks is well-known for its responsive customer support. The team often replies to messages within minutes. Customers were also impressed by how quickly the company formed their LLCs, even when there were issues during the process.

Next, let's talk about free stuff.

Inc Authority: Best for Free Services

Inc Authority is another LLC formation company that doesn't charge for its services. You only have to pay the state fees. It's the best LLC service for business owners who want comprehensive features with their LLC package without having to pay more.

Their basic LLC formation package comes with the following features:

Business name availability search
Preparation and filing of formation documents
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
1 year of registered agent service
S-Corp election form preparation and filing
Online document storage and delivery
Tax planning consultation
Business credit and funding analysis

Getting a business bundle will give you more features such as operating agreement creation, annual compliance notifications, ownership certificates, etc. But you can also choose to get individual services.

How do LLCs get tax refunds?
LLCs generally receive tax refunds if they pay more in taxes and withholdings than liabilities. They can also get additional refunds by choosing a C-Corporation tax status.

Pricing:
The Basic plan costs $0 + state fees.^[12] Choose from the Starter or Fast-Track Business Bundle if you need advanced features. But you must contact them for the price.^[13]

Processing Time:

2 to 3 weeks

Free basic formation service
Free registered agent service (1 year)
Easy-to-use online platform
Excellent customer support

Undisclosed pricing
No refunds

Why We Like It:
The free year-long registered agent service and tax consultations can help you set up your business more efficiently. No need to pay extra.

Also, additional perks such as bonuses and discounts from some of their partner brands will lower your business costs even more. Their intuitive online platform makes placing an order easy and convenient.

And if you have any inquiries, easily contact them through phone or email. With their help, you can get your LLC up and running with minimal fuss.

What Customers Say
Positive customer reviews say that their team was overall friendly and informative. They answered and provided detailed explanations for each question they had. However, some have complained about how tough it was to reach someone when they have concerns about their orders.

Honorable Mentions

These formation companies didn't make it to our main list. But they're still worth checking out because of the benefits they offer.

BetterLegal
BetterLegal is an excellent alternative if you want fast filing times and transparent pricing. It only has one formation package priced at $299 (+ state fees).^[14]

But it already comes with useful features, like:

EIN
Operating agreement
Banking resolutions
Business website
Tax analysis services
Business checking account

You usually have to pay extra for these with other providers. A name availability search isn't included, but it provides a free tool you can use to check it yourself.

Aside from that, BetterLegal also files your documents with the state the same day it receives your order at no additional cost. So you get your LLC that much faster.

However, this means all orders are considered final, so you can't request a refund anymore once you've placed it.

Transparent pricing
Same-day filing
Comprehensive features
Cheap registered agent service

No refunds (all sales are final)
Limited customer support

BetterLegal doesn't offer free registered agent services with its plan, but you can still get it as an add-on for only $90/yr.^[15]

Filenow
Filenow is another option worth checking out, especially if you only need business filing services. For LLC formation, it has two packages available.

The Starter plan costs $49 + state fees, while the Premium plan costs $199 + state fees.^[16] The Premium plan offers the best value of the two because of all its features, like:

Free registered agent (1 year)
EIN
Operating agreement
Business contract templates
Unlimited name search
Banking resolutions

Filenow also processes all orders within 24 hours at no additional cost and will deliver your formation documents through email or your dashboard as soon as the state approves your LLC.

Additionally, it offers 24/7 unlimited support through email, phone, and chat. So you can reach out to them if you have concerns, even during odd hours of the day.

Filenow currently doesn't offer annual report filing services or legal assistance. So it may not be the best fit if your business has more complex requirements.

Transparent pricing
24-hour processing time
24/7 customer support
Error-free guarantee

No free plan
No legal or annual report services

	ZenBusiness	Northwest Registered Agent	Bizee

	Visit Site	Visit Site	Learn More
Setup Fee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Starter)	$39 + state fees	Starts at $0 + state fees (Silver)
Order Processing Time	2 to 3 weeks	Within 1 business day	Within 1 business day
Registered Agent	$199/year	$125/year	Free for the 1st year then renews at $119/year
Cancellation	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	90-day money-back guarantee; State fees are non-refundable	Refundable until payment is forwarded; Minus $30 cancellation fee + other incurred expenses
	Visit Site	Visit Site	Learn More

What is an LLC?

An LLC, or limited liability company, is a business structure that offers personal asset protection to its owners.

It's considered a separate legal entity, like a corporation. So no need to worry about losing personal assets (like your house or car) because creditors can't take them as payment for the company's unpaid debt.

Other benefits of an LLC include:

More tax options (as a disregarded entity or corporation)
Flexible management structure
Fewer ongoing requirements

However, LLCs can't sell company stocks or shares to raise capital. LLC owners also need to pay self-employment taxes because they're not considered employees, unlike with corporations.

What type of LLC is best?
A single-member LLC is best if you're a sole proprietor. It's easy to set up with less paperwork required. And as the name suggests, multi-member LLCs are best for companies with more than 1 owner.

Also, domestic LLCs are better if you're forming one in the state where your business operates. It's simpler than registering a foreign LLC, which can cost more and has additional requirements.

How to start an LLC

The exact process of starting an LLC will vary from state to state. But some steps are the same in each one.

Here are the usual ones:

Choose an LLC name
You need to choose a suitable business name before you can register an LLC. It should reflect your company's brand while still following the state guidelines. But these might differ in each area, so check your state's rules before deciding.
Assign a registered agent
LLCs are required by law to have a registered agent listed in their formation documents. You can't start an LLC without one. You can assign yourself or another person to the role. Or you can hire registered agent services to handle it for you.
File the Articles of Organization
To officially form your LLC, you need to file the paperwork and pay the state fees. The filing fees will vary per state, and some have additional costs you need to be aware of.
Create an operating agreement
Operating agreements serve as an LLC's guidelines. It outlines how the company will operate and be managed, making it easier to resolve conflicts later on. Some states, like California, require companies to have a written operating agreement.
Get an EIN
LLCs are considered separate legal entities, so you need to get a separate tax ID number for yours. You'll need it to pay taxes, open a business bank account, apply for more funding, and much more.

Starting an LLC can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Luckily, LLC services can help ease the burden.

How to Start an LLC for Each State

What are LLC services and how do they work?

LLC services are companies that help business owners form their LLCs. They usually charge a fee in addition to state fees.

They know the business formation process in different states. And they can handle every step for you. This includes verifying your business name's availability to filing your formation documents.

Just give them the necessary information about your business and pay the fees. They'll handle the rest.

Now that you know what they are, let's talk features.

What features do LLC services offer?

LLC services include different features in their plans. So you might not get the same ones every time.

That said, here's what you usually get with basic LLC formation services:

Business name search

Unique business names are a prerequisite for registering a limited liability company. An LLC formation service can check if the name you want is still available before filing the paperwork with the state.
Preparation and filing of LLC documents

LLC companies will fill up and file the required forms for your LLC with the state. Then, they'll deliver them to you electronically or physically after your LLC is approved. You just need to give them the necessary info.
Registered agent services

Registered agents are a must-have for business entities like LLCs and corporations. Without one, the state will just reject your application. These companies will also usually act as your registered agent for an annual fee. Some even include free registered agent services as part of their formation packages.
Operating agreement

Operating agreements for LLCs aren't required in all states. But it's still a good idea to have one. Most of these LLC filing services can help you draft an operating agreement for your company. Or give you a template you can follow instead.
Employer identification number (EIN)

Like registered agents, business entities like LLCs need an EIN. Especially for multi-member LLCs. An LLC service can apply for one on your behalf, so you have fewer things to worry about. These usually cost extra or only part of more expensive LLC packages.
Annual report/compliance filing

Business entities like LLCs and corporations have to comply with annual requirements. For LLCs, this usually means filing an annual report with the state. Many business formation services, like ZenBusiness and Bizee, will also handle this for an extra cost.
Other business services

Many of these LLC filing services also handle the formation process for other business entity types. Like corporations and non-profits. Some of them also offer additional business services like bookkeeping, accounting, and even legal assistance.

Best States to Start an LLC
Your home state is the best area to start an LLC since it usually has the fewest requirements and costs. Besides that, Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada are great alternatives. They have business-friendly laws and regulations with strong privacy rules that keep your information safe.

How likely will you need add-on services like EIN acquisition, tax service or annual compliance?

Next, let's talk about choosing the best LLC service for you.

How to Choose the Best LLC Service

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

Here are a few tips that can help you decide:

Compare the included features
LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. So make sure you double-check and compare each one to find the best provider.

It's generally a good idea to go for an LLC service that offers a good balance between features and price. Just make sure that what they include are the ones you actually need.
Consider the quality of their support
You'll want to go for an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. You can check previous customers' reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries.
Check if they have other services
If you need additional services besides LLC formation, it can be a good idea to choose a company that can provide them. It's generally easier to just have one platform for everything.

Just make sure you consider their specialty. For example, LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and ZenBusiness are better if you need more business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.

What is the most important factor for you when choosing an LLC service?

How much does an LLC service cost?

	Setup Fee	Registered Agent
Tailor Brands	Starts at $0 + state fees (Lite)	$199/year
ZenBusiness	Starts at $0 + state fees (Starter)	$199/year
Northwest Registered Agent	$39 + state fees	$125/year
Bizee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Silver)	Free for the 1st year then renews at $119/year
LegalZoom	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	$249/year
Swyft Filings	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	$149/quarterly
Rocket Lawyer	$99.99 + state fees ($0 + state fees with Rocket Legal+)	$249.99/year ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+)
MyCompanyWorks	Starts at $79 + state fees (Basic)	$99/year
Inc Authority	$0 + state fees	Free for the 1st year then renews at $179/year

The exact cost of LLC formation services varies depending on the provider, but it usually ranges from $0 to $300. Many companies, like ZenBusiness and Bizee, have "free" plans that are great if you just want simple LLC formation.

But keep in mind that you still have to pay the state fees, so it's not entirely free. Check out the table below to see how much it'll cost in your state:

LLC Filing Fees Per State

State	Domestic LLC Filing Fee	Foreign LLC Filing Fee	Annual or Biennial Report Fee
Alabama^[17]	$200	$150	None
Alaska^[18]	$250	$350	$100 every two years
Arizona^[19]	$50	$150	None
Arkansas	$45 (online) $50 (paper)^[20]	$270 (online) $300 (paper)^[21]	$150 each year^[22]
California^[23]	$70	$70	$20 every two years
Colorado^[24]	$50	$100	$25 each year
Connecticut^[25]	$120	$120	$80 each year
Delaware^[26]	$110	$200	None ($300 annual tax)^[27]
District of Columbia^[28]	$99	$220	$300 every two years
Florida^[29]	$125	$125	$138.75 each year
Georgia^[30]	$100 (online) $110 (paper)	$225 (online) $235 (paper)	$50 each year (online) $60 (paper)
Hawaii^[31]	$50	$50^[32]	$15 each year
Idaho^[33]	$100	$100	$0 each year
Illinois^[34]	$150	$150	$75 each year
Indiana^[35]	$95	$105	$31 every two years
Iowa^[36]	$50	$100	$30 every two years (online) $45 (paper)
Kansas^[37]	$160 (online) $165 (paper)	$165	$100 every two years (online) $110 (paper)^[38]
Kentucky^[39]	$40	$90	$15 each year
Louisiana^[40]	$100	$150	$30 each year
Maine^[41]	$175	$250	Domestic: $85 each year Foreign: $150
Maryland^[42]	$100	$100	$300 each year
Massachusetts^[43]	$500	$500	$500 each year
Michigan^[44]	$50	$50	$25 - $75 each year
Minnesota^[45]	$155 (in person/online) $135 (paper)	$205 (in person/online) $185 (paper)	$0 each year
Mississippi^[46]	$50	$250	$250 each year (for foreign LLCs only)
Missouri^[47]	$50 (online) $105 (paper)	$105 (paper)	None
Montana^[48]	$35	$70	$20 each year
Nebraska^[49]	$100 (online) $110 (in-person)	$100 (online) $110 (in-person)	$25 every two years (online) $30 (paper)^[50]
Nevada^[51]	$75	$75	$150 each year
New Hampshire^[52]	$100	$100	$100 each year
New Jersey^[53]	$125	$125	$75 each year
New Mexico^[54]	$50	$100^[55]	None
New York^[56]	$200	$250	$9 every two years
North Carolina	$125^[57]	$250^[58]	$203 each year (online) $200 (paper)^[59]
North Dakota^[60]	$135	$135	$50 each year
Ohio^[61]	$99	$99	None
Oklahoma^[62]	$100	$300	$25 each year
Oregon^[63]	$100	$275	$100 each year
Pennsylvania^[64]	$125	$250	$7 each year
Rhode Island^[65]	$150	$150^[66]	$50 each year
South Carolina^[67]	$110	$110	None
South Dakota^[68]	$150 (online) $165 (paper)	$750 (online) $765 (paper)	$50 each year
Tennessee^[69]	$300 - $3,000	$300 - $3,000	$300 - $3,000 each year^[70]
Texas^[71]	$300	$750	None
Utah^[72]	$59	$59	$18 each year
Vermont^[73]	$125	$125	Domestic: $35 each year Foreign: $140
Virginia^[74]	$100	$100	$0 each year^[75] ($50 Annual Registration)^[76]
Washington^[77]^[78]	$200 (online) $180 (paper)	$200 (online) $180 (paper)	$70 each year
West Virginia^[79]	$100	$150	$25 each year^[80]
Wisconsin^[81]	$130 (online) $170 (paper)	$100+	Domestic:$25 each year Foreign:$65 (online) $80 (paper)
Wyoming^[82]	$100	$150	At least $60 each year

Getting add-on services can also increase the overall price, especially if you get multiple services at once.

The most common add-ons business owners get are:

Registered agent services - $99 to $300 per year
EIN/ tax ID - $49 to $99
LLC operating agreement - $29 to $99
Annual report filing - $99 to $199 (+ state fees)

Most formation companies already include these in their paid packages. Which might be cheaper than getting them as extras if you choose the free plan.

Speaking of cheaper, let's talk about how to stick to your budget when hiring online LLC services.

How to Save on LLC Service Costs

Worried you might go over budget? Here's how you can save on LLC service costs:

Choose add-on services carefully
The more services you get, the more expensive it becomes. So make sure you only get the ones you need and avoid paying for services you can get for free, like EINs. It's free if you apply directly with the IRS.
Stick to your home state
Starting an LLC in another state can mean additional requirements and fees. If you don't plan on expanding your operations to other areas, it's better to start an LLC where your business is currently located.
Skip expedited filing
You can usually get expedited filing for an additional fee. It might be better to skip this if you're not in a hurry. Or better yet, choose an online LLC service with fast filing times, like Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent.

Not sure if using online LLC services is right for you? See what other options you have but take note of the pros and cons of each.

DIY vs. Business Lawyer vs. LLC Services

If you want to form an LLC, you generally have three options: do it yourself, hire a lawyer, or use an LLC service. Let's compare.

Doing it yourself
Handling the process yourself is the cheapest and most straightforward way to start an LLC. You only have to pay for what's necessary, like the state filing fees. This is best if you have a limited budget and don't mind doing the work yourself.

The downside is that you have to do everything yourself. That includes ensuring all the information is accurate and correct. So if you're not familiar with your state's formation process, the risks of making costly errors are higher.

Can I form an LLC by myself for free?
Yes, you can form an LLC yourself. The only costs you have to worry about are the fees (state filing fee, publication fees, registered agent fees, etc.).
Hire a business lawyer
If you have more complex needs, hiring a business attorney can be a good option. They can give you hands-on guidance during the formation process. And also help you with other aspects, like drafting an LLC operating agreement or employment contracts.

However, the major drawback of this option is the cost since lawyer fees tend to be expensive. It can put a strain on your budget, especially if you need to consult with them frequently.
Use an LLC service
Using an LLC filing service offers the best of both worlds. They can start your LLC quickly and efficiently without paying a lot for professional fees. They also have other useful services, like registered agents, business accounting, DBAs, and more.

Of course, this still costs more than doing it yourself, especially if you're getting higher plans or additional services. Online LLC services might also charge you for services that are otherwise free, like EINs or operating agreements.

DIY vs. Business Lawyer vs. Hired Services
	DIY	Lawyer	Hired Services
Cost	Low	High	High
Processing time	Slow	Fast	Fast
Proneness to error	High	Low	Low
Difficulty	High	Low	Low

Which option do you prefer to form your LLC?

Got all that? Lastly, let's talk about how we came up with this list.

Our Methodology

We understand that running a business can be tough. And LLC formation services should ease the burden, not add to it.

That's why we only included services that meet the following criteria:

Good balance between features and price
Responsive and helpful customer support
Wide selection of other related services
Generally reliable and trustworthy services
Mainly positive reviews from previous customers

There are many LLC formation companies out there. Yet not all of them deliver high-quality services. Make sure you evaluate each one carefully before deciding.

What the Experts Say

CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions. Here's what they said:

Bottom Line

Hiring an LLC formation service can be more expensive than doing it yourself. But they can make starting your LLC so much easier and more convenient.

Just make sure you do your research first and choose a service provider that best meets your company's needs.

That way, you get the best possible value for your money and enjoy a smoother LLC formation process.

References

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