In 2024, the best online LLC formation services include ZenBusiness, Tailor Brands, LegalZoom, Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee (Powered by Incfile), and Swyft Filings. The Forbes Advisor Small Business team looked at 23 factors and checked the facts four times. They looked at general features, value, service and support, and an expert score to find the top LLC services.
Starting an LLC online can cost a lot, depending on who you use. Some services are cheap for basic needs, while others cost more for more features. Things like EIN application help, operating agreement templates, and alerts for staying in line with the law can also change the cost.
Key Takeaways
- The top online LLC formation services in 2024 are ZenBusiness, Tailor Brands, LegalZoom, Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee (Powered by Incfile), and Swyft Filings.
- Prices for starting an LLC online can range from affordable basic packages to premium prices with comprehensive features.
- ZenBusiness stands out for offering the most comprehensive document preparation and filing services.
- Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent provide cost-effective registered agent services.
- ZenBusiness and LegalZoom offer operating agreement templates and EIN application assistance.
What Is an LLC?
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a common business setup. It keeps the owners and the company separate. This means the owners’ personal stuff is safe from the company’s debts and problems. Plus, LLCs let owners pick the best tax setup for them.
Key Benefits of an LLC
- Personal asset protection: The owners’ personal stuff is kept separate from the business. This protects it from the business’s debts and problems.
- Tax flexibility: LLCs can be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. This gives owners tax benefits.
- Credibility and professionalism: Starting an LLC makes your business look more established and professional.
The limited liability company setup is great for many reasons. It protects personal assets, offers tax benefits, and boosts business credibility. This makes it a top choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“An LLC provides the personal asset protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and operational flexibility of a partnership.”
| Key Factors | LLC Benefits |
|---|---|
| Business structure | Hybrid structure combining features of corporations and partnerships |
| Personal asset protection | Members’ personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities |
| Tax flexibility | LLCs can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation |
| Credibility | Forming an LLC can give your business a more professional and established appearance |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Forming an LLC
Choosing the right business structure is crucial. The LLC offers both pros and cons. Knowing these can help entrepreneurs make a smart choice for their business.
Pros of Forming an LLC
- Asset Protection: An LLC protects your personal assets. If your business has debts or legal problems, your personal money stays safe. This is because an LLC keeps your personal and business finances separate.
- Tax Advantages: LLCs let you pick the best tax option. You can go for pass-through taxation or corporate-style taxation. This can save your business and you a lot of money in taxes.
- Operational Flexibility: LLCs give you more freedom to run your business. You can decide how to manage, share profits, and make decisions that fit your needs.
- Credibility: Being an LLC can make your business look more professional. This can make it more believable to customers, partners, and investors.
Cons of Forming an LLC
- Formation Costs: Starting an LLC costs money. These costs can be a few hundred dollars or several thousand, depending on your state and legal needs.
- State Regulations: LLCs follow state laws that can change a lot. Meeting these laws can make running your business harder and more complicated.
- Limited Growth: Sometimes, LLCs can make it hard to get more money or find investors. This is because changing ownership can be tricky.
- Self-Employment Taxes: If your LLC doesn’t choose corporate taxation, you’ll pay self-employment taxes. This can make your taxes go up.
Deciding to form an LLC should be based on what your business needs and goals are. Weighing the llc advantages and llc disadvantages helps entrepreneurs pick the best business structure pros and cons. This includes looking at asset protection, tax advantages, operational flexibility, credibility, formation costs, and state regulations.
Steps to Start an LLC
Starting an LLC is a smart choice for entrepreneurs wanting to start a new business. It involves several key steps to make sure your LLC is formed right and follows state laws. Let’s look at the main steps to start an LLC:
Choose a Business Name
The first step is to pick a unique and legal business name. Naming rules for LLCs differ by. They usually require the name to be unique, not use certain words, and include “limited liability company” or its short form.
- Learn your state’s naming rules and what’s not allowed.
- Check if your desired name is not taken by others.
- Save your chosen name with the state to keep it for your LLC.
Choosing the right name is key. It’s the base of your LLC’s brand and identity.
Designate a Registered Agent
In the U.S., having a registered agent is a must for LLCs. This agent needs a physical address in the state and must be there to get legal papers for the company during business hours.
File Articles of Organization
Next, you need to file the Articles of Organization to officially start your LLC. This document varies by state but lists the LLC’s details like who runs the company.
Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is key. It sets up how the LLC is run, who does what, and other key details. It’s not needed everywhere but is a good idea for all LLCs to keep things clear and organized.
Obtain an EIN
The last step is to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This nine-digit number is for federal taxes and needed for things like opening a bank account, hiring staff, and more.
By doing these steps, you’re on your way to starting your LLC and building a strong business.
Why Use an Online LLC Formation Service?
Starting a new business can be tough, especially when it comes to forming an LLC. But, using an online LLC formation service can make things easier. These services offer benefits of using llc formation service, like expert help and efficiency. They also help avoid the drawbacks of diy llc formation.
Advantages of Using an Online LLC Formation Service
Online LLC formation services have the expertise of online llc services to help you every step of the way. They know all about the legal stuff and paperwork needed for your LLC. This means your documents get filed right and on time, saving you a lot of time and effort.
These services also offer additional services offered, like templates for operating agreements, help with getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and alerts for staying in compliance. This is super useful for new business owners who don’t know all the rules and regulations for an LLC.
Disadvantages of DIY LLC Formation
Trying to form an LLC by yourself can take a lot of time and might lead to mistakes. Without the expertise of online llc services, you could miss important steps or file wrong documents. This could cause big problems and delays later on.
Even though going DIY might seem cheaper at first, it can end up costing more. Mistakes during the setup can lead to fines, legal trouble, and the need to fix things. This can be both a waste of time and money.
In the end, the benefits of using llc formation service are usually better than trying to do it yourself. Online LLC formation services are a smart choice for entrepreneurs who want to start their business right and efficiently.
Top Online LLC Formation Services
Setting up a limited liability company (LLC) has many online options. The Forbes Advisor Small Business team has picked the best ones for online LLC formation services. They look at best llc formation services, top rated llc providers, and online llc incorporation companies.
ZenBusiness, Tailor Brands, LegalZoom, Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee (Powered by Incfile), and Swyft Filings are the top choices. Each offers different features and prices for business owners.
| Provider | Base Price | Registered Agent Service | Customer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | $125 per year | 4.9/5 stars |
| MyCompanyWorks | $59 + state fee | $99 per year | 4.4/5 stars |
| ZenBusiness | $49 + state fees | $199 per year | 3.75/5 stars |
| Bizee | $0 + state fees | $119 per year | 3/5 stars |
Bizee, known as Incfile, has over 17,000 reviews on Trustpilot with a 4.7 out of 5 rating. It’s a top choice for online llc incorporation companies. ZenBusiness and Swyft Filings offer a $0 basic plan, great for those watching their budget. Swyft Filings has high ratings, showing customers are happy with the service.
Tailor Brands is the best for startups, offering a full premium package for new businesses. LegalZoom is easy to use, giving a customizable website and digital welcome package in its basic plan.
Choosing the best llc formation services means looking at price, features, support, and value. Knowing what these top providers offer helps entrepreneurs pick the right service for their business.
ZenBusiness – Most Comprehensive
Forming a zenbusiness llc is easier with ZenBusiness. They are known for their detailed and quick help in setting up a company. This makes them a top pick for entrepreneurs who need thorough support.
Since 2017, ZenBusiness has helped over 500,000 businesses start. This shows their reliability and know-how in the field. They offer a free LLC service, only asking for the state’s fee. This is unlike others who charge a lot for similar services. In 2023, they plan to give 40 grants of $5,000 each to support new businesses.
Many customers are happy with ZenBusiness, giving them over 12,900 reviews online. This shows they are doing a great job with their comprehensive llc services. They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, giving customers peace of mind.
ZenBusiness is a one-stop-shop for business needs. They handle all the paperwork and offer ongoing support to make setting up a business easy. This makes them a top choice for entrepreneurs wanting to simplify the LLC formation process.
“ZenBusiness offers an impressive array of services, making them a true one-stop-shop for business needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and value is unparalleled in the industry.”
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| LLC Formation | Free (plus state fee) |
| Registered Agent | $99/year |
| Operating Agreement | $39 |
| EIN Application | $70 |
ZenBusiness provides a full range of zenbusiness llc formation services. This makes them a great choice for entrepreneurs who want a smooth and efficient way to start their business.
Tailor Brands – Best for Business Building
Tailor Brands is a top pick for forming LLCs. It offers more than just setting up an LLC. It helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses with various services.
They have three LLC formation plans: the Lite plan at $0 + state fees, the Essential plan at $199 + state fees, and the Elite plan at $249 + state fees. Each plan helps form an LLC. But, the higher plans offer more like fast service, a template for an operating agreement, and help with an EIN.
Tailor Brands is great for branding, marketing, and web design too. The Elite plan comes with a website builder, a business deck template, and an online store. Entrepreneurs can create a professional online look. Tailor Brands also has business services subscriptions at different prices. These include logo design, social media templates, and help with taxes and bookkeeping.
| Service | Tailor Brands | Northwest Registered Agent | Rocket Lawyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation | Starts at $49 + state fees | Starts at $39 + state fees | Starts at $99 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | $199/year | Free for 1st year, then $125/year | $149/year |
| EIN Registration | $99 | $50 | Not Included |
Tailor Brands doesn’t offer legal services like registered agent help or business lawyer talks. But, it’s great for tailor brands llc formation, business building services, and marketing and branding tools. It’s a solid choice for entrepreneurs looking for a full solution to start and grow their businesses.
LegalZoom – Best Legal Support
For entrepreneurs looking for top legal help, LegalZoom is the top pick for legalzoom llc formation. It’s known for its strong support in forming LLCs and more. They offer premium llc packages to make the process easy and worry-free.
LegalZoom is all about legal expertise. They give customers access to lawyers for one-on-one advice. With prices starting at $0 + state fees, they meet the needs of many clients. You can pick the service that fits your business best.
- Basic LLC formation at $0 + state filing fees
- Premium LLC formation package at $299 + state filing fees
- Free compliance filings for the first year
- Emphasis on forming an LLC in 3 easy steps
LegalZoom doesn’t stop at just forming LLCs. They also help with things like picking a registered agent, making an operating agreement, and applying for an EIN. This full support helps entrepreneurs start and run their businesses with confidence.
“LegalZoom is the #1 choice for helping to start, run, and grow small businesses according to a January 2023 survey of small- and midsize-business owners comparing LegalZoom to other online legal services companies.”
LegalZoom is dedicated to making customers happy and offering great value. They’re seen as the best legal support for those starting an LLC.
Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Registered Agent Services
When starting a limited liability company (LLC) in the US, Northwest Registered Agent is a top pick. They offer great registered agent services at a good price. This makes it easy for entrepreneurs to start and keep their business running smoothly.
Forbes Advisor named Northwest Registered Agent the #1 best registered agent in Maryland. They beat over 60 other services. They charge only $125 per state each year for their services, which is quite affordable.
Comprehensive Registered Agent Services Included in Base Package
Northwest Registered Agent is known for its excellent registered agent services in its basic package. Entrepreneurs don’t have to pay extra for this important service. Other LLC formation services often charge extra for it. Here are some key features of their services:
- Annual report reminders to ensure compliance
- Prompt forwarding of legal documents and official mail
- Maintaining a registered office address in the state of formation
- Availability during regular business hours to accept service of process
They also offer more services like LLC formation, federal EIN registration, and customizable corporate forms. All these services are easy to use online.
| Registered Agent Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125 per year |
| Harbor Compliance | Lowest price compared to other services |
| LegalZoom | $299 per year |
| ZenBusiness | $99-$149 per year |
| IncFile | $119 per year |
| Rocket Lawyer | $125 per year |
For entrepreneurs looking for a reliable and affordable registered agent service, Northwest Registered Agent is a great choice. They offer full services in their basic package.
Bizee (Powered by Incfile) – Most Cost Effective
Bizee, powered by Incfile, is a top choice for forming an LLC on a budget. It offers affordable prices and clear packages that give great value. Entrepreneurs can choose from free to nearly $400 options, meeting the needs of small business owners.
Bizee stands out by including one year of free registered agent services in its basic price. This can greatly lower the ongoing costs of an LLC. Since starting in 2004, Bizee has helped over 1,000,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their companies.
Flexible Pricing and Comprehensive Services
Bizee has three pricing tiers for forming an LLC: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Prices range from $0 + state fees to $299 + state fees. The Silver package includes all needed services for free the first year, with a $119 renewal fee starting the second year.
Bizee also offers a trademark registration package. It includes a trademark search, legal advice, and filing the trademark application. The company sends email reminders to Gold and Platinum customers about filing deadlines in their state.
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Features | 4.8 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.6 |
| Usability | 4.7 |
| Customer Satisfaction | 5.0 |
Bizee has a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 78,487 reviews and a TrustScore of 4.7 from 16,300 reviews. It’s known for providing quality LLC formation services at a good price to entrepreneurs across the U.S.
“Bizee made the process of forming my LLC in Mississippi incredibly smooth and straightforward. The transparent pricing and range of options were exactly what I needed to get my business up and running cost-effectively.” – Sarah, Texas
Swyft Filings – Business Specialist Offered
Swyft Filings LLC is a top choice for forming an LLC. They are known for their business specialists and specialized services. Since 2015, they’ve helped over 300,000 businesses. Their focus on detail and personalized service makes them a great pick for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Swyft Filings has three LLC formation packages to fit different needs. The Basic plan is $0 plus state fees, perfect for those watching their budget. The Standard plan, at $199 plus fees, includes fast LLC filing. The Premium plan, at $299 plus fees, offers same-day filing and more.
| Package | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 + State Filing Fees | 10-day standard filing |
| Standard | $199 + State Filing Fees | 5-day express filing |
| Premium | $299 + State Filing Fees | Same-day filing, personalized Founders Kit, and more |
Swyft Filings is known for their business specialists who help with LLC formation. They focus on 100% accuracy and offer personalized support. This makes the LLC formation process smooth and stress-free for everyone, from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned business owners.
Swyft Filings has earned over 36,000 five-star reviews for their work. They are a trusted name in business specialists and specialized services. If you’re looking to start your business, consider Swyft Filings for LLC formation.
Pricing Comparison of Top LLC Services
When forming an LLC, the cost is key. The Forbes Advisor Small Business team has done a detailed pricing comparison. This helps entrepreneurs find the best deal for their needs. Let’s dive into the annual costs and what each top LLC formation service offers.
| Service | Basic Plan | Standard Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees | N/A | N/A |
| LegalZoom | $149 + state fees | $329 + state fees | $349 + state fees |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | $199 + state fees | $299 + state fees |
| Bizee (Powered by Incfile) | $0 + state fees | $199 + state fees | $299 + state fees |
| Swyft Filings | $0 + state fees | $199 + state fees | $299 + state fees |
The llc formation service pricing varies a lot among the top providers. Some offer affordable options starting at $0 plus state fees. Others charge up to $349 plus state fees for their premium packages. When looking at the cost comparison, think about what each plan offers. This will help you find the best value for your business.
“Selecting the right LLC formation service can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs, providing convenience, legal support, and cost-effective solutions to get their business up and running quickly.”
By looking at the llc formation service pricing and what they offer, you can make a smart choice. You’ll find the most suitable affordable options for your LLC formation needs.
Features Offered by Top LLC Services
Forming an LLC often means picking from a variety of services online. These services usually have features like checking if a name is available, filing documents, and more. Each service offers different things, so it’s key to know what you’re getting.
Common LLC Formation Service Features
- Name Availability Search – Checking if your business name is okay and follows state rules.
- Document Filing – Filing the papers needed to register your LLC.
- Registered Agent Service – Having a person or service get official documents for your business.
- Operating Agreement Templates – Giving you templates for how your LLC will work together.
- EIN Application Assistance – Helping you get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
- Compliance Alerts – Telling you about important deadlines and what you need to file.
Knowing about these common features helps you pick the best service for your business. It’s all about finding what fits your needs and budget.
“Choosing the right LLC formation service can make a significant difference in the ease and success of starting your business.”
best online company to form llc
When evaluating the best online company to form an LLC, consider factors such as pricing, features, customer support, and overall value for money.
Choosing the right online LLC formation service is key to your business’s success. You should look at pricing, which ranges from $0 + state fee at Bizee (formerly IncFile) to $225 + state fee at Northwest Registered Agent. This price difference can affect your budget.
Features and tools matter a lot too. Make sure the service offers easy LLC formation, registered agent services, and templates for your operating agreement. Good compliance help can also make managing your business easier. Plus, great customer support is crucial, so check reviews to find a reliable provider.
The best LLC formation service balances cost, features, and support well. By weighing these factors, you can pick a service that helps your business thrive. This careful choice is important for your business’s future.
FAQ
What is an LLC?
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a business type that gives a legal shield between owners and their businesses. This means owners’ personal stuff is separate from the business. They won’t be personally on the hook for business debts.
What are the advantages of forming an LLC?
The main reason to form an LLC is to protect your personal stuff if your business goes under or gets sued. LLCs also look more professional and can help you get investors.
What are the disadvantages of forming an LLC?
Starting and registering an LLC costs a few hundred dollars and includes yearly fees of to 0 or more. Moving to other states can be tough due to different LLC rules. Also, LLCs might find it hard to get money compared to corporations.
What are the steps to start an LLC?
Starting an LLC involves picking a business name, choosing a registered agent, filing papers with your state, and making an operating agreement.
Why should I use an online LLC formation service?
Online LLC services are great because they bring expertise and experience to the table. They make forming an LLC easy by handling all the paperwork and making sure it’s done right. They also offer extra help like operating agreement templates and EIN applications.
What are the top online LLC formation services?
The best online LLC services are ZenBusiness, Tailor Brands, LegalZoom, Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee (Powered by Incfile), and Swyft Filings.
How do the top LLC formation services differ?
ZenBusiness is known for its full document and filing help. Tailor Brands is great for business tools. LegalZoom has the most complete premium packages. Northwest Registered Agent is top-notch for registered agents. Bizee (Powered by Incfile) is the cheapest option. Swyft Filings offers personalized advice from business experts.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best online company to form an LLC?
When picking the best online service for forming an LLC, look at their prices, what they offer, their customer support, and the value they give for the cost.