As someone who’s tested entrepreneurial waters, I know it can be daunting, especially when it’s your first time. There’s the adrenaline rush, yet a feeling of being lost, given so many unknowns. Something fundamental, like deciding between a sole proprietorship that requires minimal paperwork or going for a more structured LLC, can feel overwhelming. If you register an LLC, choosing between different LLC filing companies becomes the next big decision.
When researching registering an LLC, I remember being stretched between decoding legal jargon, figuring out state requirements, and wrapping my head around the endless LLC filing companies that came up on a Google Search. Like anyone else who starts a company, I wanted the best LLC filing company for my business. So, I spent a lot of time exploring options minutely, surfing different websites, and analyzing for reviews before making any choice.
Having gone through the (rather lengthy) process, I’ve compiled a list of the top LLC filing companies to help entrepreneurs make an informed choice without spending as much time as I had to. In this blog, I’ll share my top recommendations for the best LLC filing companies,
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Why go with LLC filing companies and not do it yourself? I’ve figured getting external help handling the paperwork to register the business is a good idea because the initial few days in any entrepreneurial journey are taxing. It doesn’t hurt to reserve focus at that time on more strategic pursuits to grow the business. You don’t want to be circling a mountain of paperwork that you don’t want to make errors in, right? On that note, let me take you through my top picks.
The Top 9 LLC Filing Companies
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the leading LLC filing companies in the United States. They offer an easy, all-in-one platform to help business owners with all the tools and support they need to start, run, and grow a successful business. The company offers comprehensive packages that include business name availability searches, document filing, registered agent services, and more.
Trustpilot Score: 4.8/5 (based on over 19,233 reviews).
Best For: Individuals looking for budget-friendly, reliable services.
Pricing Plans: Currently. they’re offering 3 annual packages for LLC filing: Starter($0 + state fees), Pro ($169 + state fees), Premium ($250 + state fees),
Standout Features:
- Value-for-money service with an affordable price point.
- A wide array of services like operating agreements, worry-free compliance alerts, and ease of use under one umbrella.
- A patient, cordial, and invaluable customer service team.
Potential Drawback(s): A close study of their reviews shows they require US addresses to use the services — a fact that isn’t communicated before signing up. So, if you’re not US-based, this might be a drawback you might want to consider.
2. Bizee (formerly IncFile)
Bizee is a business formation and registered agent company. It is one of the market’s most affordable LLC formation options and offers a full suite of formation, compliance, and filing services for businesses across all 50 states. It’s essential to note they help with forming LLCs but don’t offer legal advice or other legal services concerning your LLC formation.
Trustpilot Score: 4.7/5 (based on 20427 reviews)
Best For: Price-conscious entrepreneurs looking for value-for-money LLC filing services.
Pricing Plans: They’re offering three packages, all with a one-time fee. These include: Basic ($0 + state fees), Standard($199 + state fees), Premium ($299 + state fees),
Standout Features:
- Transparent, upfront pricing with a one-time fee instead of subscriptions that renew year after year.
- Free-lifetime compliance reminder alerts, such as texts or emails.
- Free registered agent service is available in the first year — chargeable from year two onwards at $119 annually.
Potential Drawback: Bizee might not be the best fit if you’re looking for the smoothest customer service experience. After reading reviews thoroughly, I learned that reaching their customer support isn’t a breeze. Moreover, Bizee’s users often expect to receive more direction than they get.
3. BizFilings
Founded in 1996, BizFiling can be regarded as a pioneer of the online incorporation space. In 2002, the company became part of Wolters Kluwer-backed CT Corporation, the industry’s premier legal services brand. They offer various products, services, and tools to support entrepreneurs throughout the life of their business, from setting up to amending documents as needed to stay compliant over time.
Trustpilot Score: 4.6/5 (based on 94 reviews)
Best for: Entrepreneurs seeking excellent service and quick response times and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Pricing Plans: They offer three LLC packages with different inclusions. However, they don’t have standard pricing for each package. The base charges vary across states, with the lowest at $99. Additional state fees apply.
Standout Features:
- Simple ordering process that’s available both online and by phone.
- They offer a warranty against any filing defects.
- There are no hidden fees. The price displayed at the beginning of the order is the price you’ll see at the end.
Potential Drawback:
They may not be the most economical service. Customers have written reviews saying that other filing businesses offer more for the same fee.
4. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer combines LLC filing services with access to affordable legal advice. Their offering revolves around helping start a business and retaining a legal expert to answer any questions that arise then or eventually. They thrive on ensuring the law is not out of reach for the ordinary citizen due to costs and complexity, making their service a versatile option for businesses of all sizes.
Trustpilot Score: 4.6/5 (based on 8831 reviews)
Best For: Business owners who anticipate needing ongoing legal assistance.
Pricing Plans: They offer two plans: Rocket Legal ($39.99/month) and Rocket Legal+ ($19.99/month). Both plans come with free 7-day trials where you just need to pay the state fees.
Standout Features:
While they have two plans, it’s unmistakable that Rocket Legal+ offers the best value for money. What stands out in this plan is the following:
- Availability of paralegals and attorneys to answer queries online or consult live.
- Personalization of legal documents according to local laws instead of relying on generic templates.
- Discounts on add-ons like business filings, tax prep, and filings are available.
Potential Drawback: It appears they lack transparency about their pricing structure. I’ve found reviews with customers complaining about their “free advertisement.” They mentioned that once you get to the end of the process, they ask you to pay up to proceed. Another one complained about their package inclusions, for instance, Q&A with lawyers, which hands out no concrete answers but lawyer referrals. So, I’d take their freebies with a pinch of salt.
5. Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings is an incorporation service built on convenience. They’ve designed their offering to help entrepreneurs get their company up and running as quickly, efficiently, and affordably as possible with expert help on board.
Trustpilot Score: 4.6/5 (based on 6866 reviews)
Best For: Entrepreneurs looking for a simplified solution with expert help when starting up.
Pricing Plans: Currently. they’re offering 3 annual packages: Basic ($0 + state fees), Standard ($199 + state fees), Premium ($299 + state fees),
Standout Features:
- They offer a highly convenient process. You fill out a simple questionnaire, and they will prepare the documentation.
- Personalized support is available from experts to avoid errors.
- Features for growth, protection, and compliance are included in majority plans free of charge.
Potential Drawback(s): It would be their non-transparent cancellation options. I’d read reviews of some customers complaining that they were signed up for services they didn’t opt for on a subscription basis. When they went out to cancel, it was a taxing process with little clarity and support to stop the recurring fees.
6. Doola
Doola is a one-stop shop built to help entrepreneurs launch, maintain, and grow their LLCs in the United States, regardless of where they are based worldwide. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, from business formation to bookkeeping and tax filings.
Trustpilot Score: 4.5/5 (based on 1723 reviews)
Best For: Non-US-based entrepreneurs looking to register and grow an LLC in the US.
Pricing Plans: Currently they’re offering 3 annual packages: Starter ($297 + state fees), Total Compliance ($1999 + state fees), and Total Compliance Max ($2999 + state fees).
Standout Features:
- Diverse offerings, from registering an LLC and sorting essentials to getting a bank account to helping with compliance and bookkeeping.
- They have a strong partner network for services they don’t offer directly, which can be very helpful for everyone, especially those not in the US.
- It is backed by YCombinator, Hubspot, Nexus, and Hustle Fund, which indicates volumes about its credibility.
Potential Drawback: I’ve noticed several customers express concern over their communication flow. Their dashboard isn’t seemingly intuitive, and contacting the company doesn’t yield satisfactory responses speedily.
7. Northwest Registered Agent
Trustpilot Score: 2.9/5 (based on 111 reviews), Rated 4.7 / 5 stars by 1295 clients on Google
Northwest Registered Agent is renowned for its registered agent services and its suite of helpful offerings, including crafting the operating agreement, arranging business addresses, and mail forwarding. The company prioritizes data security and offers personalized service.
Best For: Entrepreneurs seeking personalized assistance and keeping their address off their filings.
Pricing Plans: Currently, they’ve got a single plan called The Northwest LLC ($39 + State Fees).
Standout Features:
- Local expertise with offices in every state and a team of 200+ local business experts ready to provide guidance.
- Free mail forwarding and business address for all customers.
- Privacy-focused, ensuring your personal information is secure.
Potential Drawback: Their response time appears slow. A frustrated user complained that their query went unanswered for 24 hours. The same user also complained that it takes longer than the standard time to apply for an EIN.
8. LegalZoom
Established in 2001, LegalZoom is a well-established name in business formation, with offices in Los Angeles, Austin, and the Bay Area. They offer a wide range of legal services in addition to LLC filings. Interestingly, they’ve helped over 4 million entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, which I think talks a lot about their credibility.
Trustpilot Score: 4.4/5 (Based on 11751 reviews)
Best For: Entrepreneurs who want a one-stop shop for business and legal needs.
Pricing Plans: Currently, they’ve got three packages to choose from: Basic ($0 + state fees), Pro ($224 + state fees), Premium ($269 + state fees).
Standout Features:
- Comprehensive services, from LLC formation to legal advice.
- Step-by-step guidance to launch and protect a new business.
- Excellent customer service.
Potential Drawback:
I’ve noticed users complain about their program/menu. A disappointed user mentioned that it was dysfunctional and caused an enormous waste of time. The customer service rep was patient and helped, but the time they took to resolve the query was putting off.
9. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is a unique LLC filing service that offers end-to-end services in the truest sense. Their offerings cover the needs of those just getting started and those already in business with a revolutionary business-building platform focused on branding activities.
Trustpilot Score: 4.4/5 (based on 9095 reviews)
Best For: Entrepreneurs looking for a one-stop shop to register their LLC and get basic branding activities moving.
Pricing Plans: Currently they’re offering 3 annual packages: Starter($0 + state fees), Pro ($169 + state fees), Premium ($250 + state fees).
Standout Features:
- They bundle LLC formation with branding services like logos, business cards, branded merchandise, and more.
- Perfect for new businesses building their online presence.
- Simple, user-friendly platform.
Potential Drawback: Some customers complained that the company is highly focused on upselling and little concerned about what customers need. Their commitment and quality of customer support can also be put off.
Are you ready to file your LCC?
Researching the best LLC filing companies out there has been an eye-opening experience. Firstly, I’ve realized that “free” rarely is as good as it sounds. When you go for the cheapest bet, you could find yourself paying for essential add-ons and sneaky hidden costs that quickly add up if you don’t read the fine print.
I’ve also learned that no one-size-fits-all best LLC business filing solution exists. What you choose should depend on your business needs (and budget). Some entrepreneurs might need essential filing support, while others may prefer to sign up for ongoing compliance support, legal assistance, or branding tools. The best approach is to take your time and weigh your options before committing to any service. Doing this can save you quite a bit of money and frustration down the road.
Having said all this, I’d like to close on an important note. Remember: Registering your business is an important step — but it’s just a step. Your real work is going to start after this. On that note, happy filing and focusing on what truly matters: growing your business.