What company offers the best incorporation service? You've done the hard work, put in the hours, and chased the dream of starting your own business. Now you're ready to make it official and incorporate. Where do you start? How do you know what type of corporation to create?
Best Option
Since 2001, MyCompanyWorks (formerly MyNewCompany) has been on a mission to help others start their own businesses "as simple, fast, and inexpensive as possible." They have helped thousands of companies and LLCs nationwide file in every state.
Fees have increased
MyCompanyWorks offers three packages to process your incorporation, which have gone up in price since our last review - which noted that their pricing had decreased since the review prior to that. If you're considering this company, we recommend keeping an eye on their pricing because of their history of fluctuation. Look at the banner on the top of the website home page for a coupon code to save on their services. Here are the regular prices for their incorporation services as of the time of our most recent visit:
Some of the upgraded items are available as add-ons to increase the cost of your package without going to the next level. Their fees are upfront and they say there are no subscriptions to remember to cancel. When you click to see pricing and packages, you are presented with these options, which also display the state fee. (We found this helpful to see all of the costs in the same place.) We did notice later that at least one state fee was $30 higher than the state's fee found on an internet search.
Lots of features at all levels for added value
Exclusive features of MyCompanyWorks' packages include several components for all package levels. The New Corporation Handbook is a 23-page guide to help you with your corporation. Startup Wizard is an online checklist which guides you through the steps after you form your corporation. Free company alerts will notify you if an annual report must be filed. Additionally, the MyCompanyWorks Vendor Network is accessible with discounts for those who use these services. On higher packages, MyCompanyForms' lifetime access offers a web-based library of documents to help with your corporation's needs. A Premium service is also offered for those who want to have annual report services managed, business entity monitoring, e-certificates, e-ledgers, priority customer support, and more. The registered agent service is only included on the top two packages (for the first year), and it costs $119 after that, making the middle package a good value if you are considering hiring a service.
Pay extra if you'd like to rush
All packages include a standard filing speed of 7-9 business days. If desired, MyCompanyWorks offers a rush filing service which is 1-2 business days instead for $103.
Unsatisfied? There's a guarantee
If after receiving your completed order you are unsatisfied with MyCompanyWorks' business filing services for any reason, they will either correct the situation or refund your money. Money paid to the government cannot be refunded, but they will provide a 100% refund for any paid services within 90 days of purchase - no questions asked. (That sounds pretty good to us. We like it when a company stands behind its services.)
Website guides for more in-depth info
Helpful articles on the MyCompanyWorks website - with pros and cons - can assist you in determining what type of business to form. Top frequently asked questions offer guidance, and a search bar can help you to find the other answers you seek. Wanting to help you make an informed decision, MyCompanyWorks even has a "compare us" page on which you can see where they stack up against four other incorporation services providers for 21 categories. However, these statistics may not be updated all that often (two that we checked were found to be untrue), so while this could be used as a starting point, we wouldn't place too much faith in it.
Free phone consultation
If desired, MyCompanyWorks will answer your general questions - no legal advice - and help you navigate the process with a free 15-minute phone consultation. They claim to provide superior service with 100% US-based phone and email support from highly trained and experienced customer service employees.
Security is priority
If that's not enough, MyCompanyWorks is open about their levels of security and why you should trust them. Their systems have quarterly scans and are 100% compliant with Payment Card Industry security standards. Additionally, their office in Las Vegas has additional security measures in place to secure your data, such as motion sensors, detection-entry, and 24/7 armed response.
High satisfaction levels and great ratings
An accredited business with the BBB, MyCompanyWorks has earned an impressive "A+" rating with just three complaints in the past three years. Reviews across online platforms range from 2.6 stars on Trustpilot for a handful of reviews to an excellent 4.9 out of 5 stars from nearly 4,600 reviews on ShopperApproved. Happy customers rave that the service was convenient and quick. One called it a "very smooth and straightforward process," saying he'd used them before and would use them again. The negative reviews, though very low in number, complain of difficulties reaching customer service and trouble with the satisfaction guarantee.
Top choice
With lots of value in a mid-level package and rave reviews from most customers, MyCompanyWorks earns the top spot on our list of incorporation services. With their 90-day satisfaction guarantee and "A+" rating, we feel confident in recommending them to you as you take your business to the next level.
Great
Filenow calls themselves the "formation experts," claiming you can simply and affordably complete the process in under 20 minutes with their help. Employees of the incorporation service are entrepreneurs, lawyers, business experts, and tax professionals with years of experience creating new companies.
Comparable prices and services, plus a coupon
We received a pop-up offer for a coupon code by signing up for their email list. Filenow says there are no hidden fees and all charges are one-time payments. We don't like surprise fees, so this is excellent news. There are two levels of packages to incorporate using this company:
Speedy service for all incorporations
Providing expert guidance with their unlimited phone, email and chat support 24/7, Filenow says they offer 24-hour processing at no additional cost - though we only find it listed as included on premium packages. If you want the state to rush your application, Filenow will charge you a fee which varies by state. With an error-free guarantee and upfront pricing, this company says they are a risk-free service to use for incorporation. Starting with their Filenow Wizard, you'll answer a few questions to make sure you have the right entity for your business. Then they will verify company name availability and look for application errors prior to preparation of the required forms. After the filing is approved, you will receive your incorporation package.
Guaranteed against errors
With an error-free money-back guarantee, Filenow stands out in the incorporation service business. This warranty against defects caused by Filenow for the life of your company promises to absorb fees or necessary costs in correcting the mistake as soon as possible. Some reviewers of other companies commonly complain about errors made, so we find this reassuring.
Lots of learning materials
Filenow offers a quick online guide to choosing the best option for your business: LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp. If you want more details on each option, Filenow provides definitions, differences, advantages, and disadvantages for you to explore and compare. If you want to check out their service against others, there is a chart comparing their features to a couple rival companies, as well as how it stacks up against doing it yourself.
Happy customers, though fewer reviews available
As an accredited business by the BBB, Filenow has received an impressive "A+" rating with zero complaints. Across online review platforms, the reviews are extremely positive. This company, which has been around since 2018, has hundreds of satisfied reviews. Their service is called "professional and fast," "very straightforward," and simple to use and understand. The handful of negative reviews complain that they were frustrated with the process and uncertain about the value paid. However, these appear few and far between.
Excellent choice for your business incorporation
While newer to the industry, Filenow offers an excellent service with speed and a guarantee against mistakes. The high reviews and value provided in their packages places them solidly near the top of our list for best incorporation services.
Very Good
For the past 20 years, Bizee (formerly Incfile) has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs "by providing exceptional service at fair, honest prices." The privately-owned company believes this makes the difference in how they run things and what they can do for you.
Three choices including a free option
As one of the first companies in the world to offer no-fee corporate formation services, Bizee changed the industry for the benefit of all entrepreneurs. With three package options, they streamlined their processes to keep costs down and provide a free package to help you form your corporation with truly no strings attached. If you need more assistance, they offer different levels of packages, which include specific benefits for a one-time fee. Unlike competitors, they don't have subscriptions which you have to remember to cancel, and they say their commitment to transparency also sets them apart, promising you will get the complete cost with no fees added later in the process. With Bizee, it seems like what you see is what you pay - end of discussion. Take a look for yourself:
If you would like to customize your package, some of the upgrades are available a la carte.
Free year of registered agent service and compliance alerts
Since each state requires a registered agent to handle state-related correspondence and ensure state compliance, Bizee offers a free first year of registered agent service for their clients. After the first year, the fee is $119 (compared to $199 to $249 charged by some rivals), though you can act as your own registered agent if you wish. Free lifetime compliance alerts (via email or text) will remind you of filing deadlines and are included in every formation package. They'll even sign the paperwork on your behalf.
Website is a great business resource
Startup Central on Bizee's website is a hub with articles, podcasts, and videos to help you along the way as you start your business. For example, if you want to understand more about corporate structure, they have short articles and videos to explain the differences between LLCs, C-Corps, S-Corps, and non-profits. Simple and clear listings of state rules and regulations are available to keep you informed about all parts of the process, including listing the state fee at the top of the webpage. The subheads "trending," "ideas & strategies," "marketing & branding," and "how-to" provide an easy way to navigate topics of interest. A business glossary on the website also helps to explain the unfamiliar terms you may encounter in the process.
Customers mostly pleased...
Across online review platforms, Bizee rates high with their customers. With averages of 4.6-4.8 out of 5 stars from over 164,000 reviewers, we are impressed. Positive reviews note that the service is very user-friendly, straightforward, "painless," and "everything they advertise." The company gets good marks for their customer service reps, too, which is always good to hear from clients. Negative user experiences claim mistakes were made and express being frustrated with the process, though Bizee responds to nearly every negative review with explanations.
...despite bad rating by the BBB
Surprisingly, Bizee has received an "F" rating from the BBB and is unaccredited. This is a change from the previous review in which the company had no rating. However, the BBB says reasons for rating are six complaints unresolved and one failure to respond. According to the BBB's listing, Bizee has had less than 100 complaints total in the past three years. We have seen other companies with higher complaint counts have much better ratings, leaving us scratching our heads regarding how this rating was determined. Complaints seem to be about difficulty canceling services that are no longer needed. While the customers have been pleased for the most part, we are slightly concerned about that rating and suggest reading some of the complaints before you dive in.
Excellent option
In the past Bizee has been our top recommendation, but their rating from the BBB makes us hesitate a little to place it there now. We still believe they offer an excellent option for consideration and suggest looking into Bizee if one of our other incorporation services doesn't meet your needs.
Very Good
Northwest Registered Agent offers free business tools to form a corporation, in addition to their paid registered agent services, which can help you through the process. With their tagline "we're just not annoying," this family-owned company is owned by employees "that give a crap." The company manifesto promises speedy service and easy-to-contact agents with no late fees. They say their goal is to "do business the right way." From waterfall photographers to video game collectors, you can get to know some of their "corporate guides" on the website by reading about the representatives who answer your calls and emails.
Free DIY option plus intro pricing for their service
The Northwest Registered Agent website offers free access to state forms and tools in an attempt to "earn your trust." Another option is to hire them to do the work for you. For $39 plus state fees, you are given a full year of their registered agent service, free limited digital mail forwarding, bylaws, a client account of comprehensive legal forms, and on-call business experts. (Confusingly, another page says the cost to set up your corporation with them is $100 plus state fees, though the form to have the papers filed states the charge at the lower $39. It seems there has been a recent price reduction and it was not corrected all over the website.) If you are only looking into hiring their registered agent service, the cost is $125 per year, which they claim never changes.
Some nice perks with subscription after 90 days
When you use Northwest Registered Agent's service to start your corporation, you also get a free business domain name for a year, and business identity services. The package also comes with a 90-day free trial for a business website (you'll own it but they host it), business email (up to 10 addresses), and business phone number. After the trial period, these items are $9 per month each or discounted to $21.60 if you keep all three. Add-on optional items are Tax ID, S-Corp, premium mail service, trademark filing, and corporate supplies (books, seals, notary stamps, and share certificates).
Helpful information - and entertainment
The Northwest Registered Agent website offers some great information about forming a corporation while encouraging visitors to use their service. For example, in the article "How to Form a Corporation," the first step is "Designate a Registered Agent," suggesting that hiring a service can help you keep your personal information private. (The article continues to give reasons why you should have your corporation formed by your registered agent - hopefully, their company.) There are some funny parts to their website as well, such as pros and cons about starting your business in certain states. (Illinois' pro says "Chicago rocks" while the con mentions the high taxes, high fees, and "stifling regulations." Massachusetts' pro says they're good with expedited filings but the con actually notes "their nickname is ‘Taxachusetts'.".)
Switch and they'll cover the cost
One unique perk of using Northwest Registered Agent is that they offer to pay the state-levied fee to change this information with the state (price varies by location).
Customer satisfaction is a bit mixed
Northwest Registered Agent is not accredited by the BBB but has earned an "A" rating. The reason for the nearly-but-not-quite-perfect rating is that the company has 38 complaints against them, many having to do with services that aren't actually to do with their service. Some are for issues with the service, but the company is very responsive and appears to be working with clients to make things right. Across online review platforms, they range between 3.5 to 4.7 out of 5 stars. Happy customers say the company was knowledgeable and addressed all questions in easy-to-understand language setting up their business. Negative reviews rant against slow communication and support issues.
Great option to consider
As a service trusted by the BBB and with lots of happy clients, Northwest Registered Agent offers an inexpensive way to incorporate. By offering an introductory price on their registered agent service, they provide additional value to their one package offering. We rank them as a service worth consideration for incorporating your business.
Very Good
Calling themselves "the smartest way to start a business and maintain compliance," CorpNet offers fast, reliable, and guaranteed service. The family-owned company was founded in 2009 and has helped over half a million people start and maintain their businesses.
Watch out for added fees to what is quoted
Offering corporate filings in all 50 states, CorpNet has three levels of packages:
However, at the bottom of the price list, all packages tack on a shipping and handling fee of $29 and a 3% convenience fee. (Why doesn't CorpNet just include those fees in their base fee? These hidden fees are frustrating to business owners searching for the bottom-line price.) Also, we noticed that the state fee quoted was slightly higher on CorpNet for some states, which may be a slightly shady practice or an error - either way we don't like it.
Several add-ons to consider
Add-on services, which are optional for a fee, include business license research package, S-Corp submission and filing, FinCEN BOI reporting submission and filing, and a report submission and filing. If you would like to speed up the process, a 24-hour processing fee of $250 is charged (not available in all states) or an express (timeframe depends on the state) fee is $150.
Free consultation
Even if you don't go with CorpNet, they offer business consultations to provide answers with no cost or obligation. A 30-minute consultation can be scheduled or you can simply call their toll-free customer service line.
60-day money-back guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with CorpNet's service, you can request a full refund within 60 days. This refund is no-questions-asked and is only applicable to their fees (not state fees or third parties).
Helpful videos, articles, and more
If you're still unsure which company you want to go with, CorpNet provides a comparison chart on their website to show how they stack up against seven of their competitors. More than simply a filing company, they provide educational content for business owners, including FAQs, articles, state-by-state resources, podcasts and webinars, and educational videos. "Business Incorporation 101" and "What is an S Corporation: Everything You Need to Know in Under 5 Minutes!" are just two of the helpful videos on their website. In addition, CorpNet has tax registration bundles for purchase and a free business compliance portal to maintain your company's good standing.
Customers are happy
Though unaccredited, CorpNet has earned an "A+" rating from the BBB with an excellent zero complaints received. Trustpilot records over 1,100 reviews which rank CorpNet 4.9 out of 5 stars. Most users are pleased with the service received, saying the service was professional, easy, and helpful. They gush over customer service representatives by name and mention their patience, help, and positive attitudes. Negative reviews complain of the company representing services they could not provide and difficulties reaching customer service.
Solid option if you're happy with the price
With tons of pleased reviewers and the features most businesses want, CorpNet provides a great option for incorporation services. But, their prices are slightly higher than other top choices and then they tack on fees at checkout, ranking them slightly lower in our book.
Good
Swyft Filings has helped over 600,000 businesses since 2015 with fast, affordable, and simple incorporation service. Is it the right choice to help you with your business? Read on and decide for yourself.
Get your personalized assistance here, even with the free package
Swyft Filings starts with a free package, calling their service "best-in-class." The company offers three options:
Registered agent price is very high and not included
With Swyft Filings' worry-free compliance and address privacy, your documents will be delivered online to your private, secure account. Though not included in any package, Swyft Filings offers registered agent service as an add-on at a hefty fee of $149 per quarter, plus an initial filing fee by state. Some included tools and perks have free trials, so be sure to cancel them in the right amount of time to not incur charges for services you aren't using. While they say they have some of the fastest processing times in the industry, they don't give specifics and offer express for $50 (included in higher packages) or same-day services for $100 (included in premium).
Accuracy guaranteed
With a 100% accuracy guarantee, you can trust that mistakes won't be made when incorporating your business with the help of Swyft Filings. If there is a problem, they will "make it right" or refund your fees to you. This is encouraging to hear since some customers complain about errors made by other companies.
So much to learn from on their website
With a "library of resources" on the Swyft Filings website, business owners can learn a lot about topics of interest. For example, if you're still unsure which business type you want, there are brief descriptions to help you make up your mind. Articles about managing your business - including social media marketing and labor rules - are offered here as well. State guides can help you better understand how filing or starting a business in your area works. Want help creating your business name? There is an AI-powered generator on Swyft Filings' website. For those wanting help registering a trademark, they also provide that service at a rate which may be less than traditional law firms.
Customers' feelings are mixed and the BBB doesn't rate
Disappointingly, Swyft Filings is neither rated nor accredited by the Better Business Bureau. They do not have sufficient information to rate, according to the BBB, though they have received 141 complaints in the past 3 years. This is a change from the previous time we reviewed this company when they had an "F" rating. If you're considering using this company, we suggest skimming through the complaints to see if any of them are similar to your business situation. Across online review platforms, we were surprised to see a mix of rating averages, from 2.24 stars out of 5 on the BBB to 4.6 on Trustpilot. Negative reviews rant about the hidden fees that show up as recurring charges (see our warning above) and upselling. On the other hand, with thousands of four- and five-star reviews, customers rave about how pleased they are with the helpful customer service, speedy process, and easy communication. It seems Swyft Filings' customer service model with personally-assigned agents truly makes for happy customers. However, the non-rating with the BBB has us concerned and we recommend proceeding with caution.
Just above average
While we love the assigned personal business specialist model for Swyft Filings, we aren't as happy with some of the other discoveries we made as we evaluated their incorporation services. The lack of rating from the BBB and hidden fees put this company as just above average for us.
Average
BusinessRocket claims to have the lowest prices and fastest national processing times. In business since 2009, the company offers a free option, as well as other paid packages, and has provided registration for over 5,000 companies.
Lowest upfront fees around
To register your corporation with BusinessRocket, complete a short form (under 5 minutes). The company offers a free starter package plus two other levels to choose from:
What's included has fees after the first year
All paid levels of incorporation services at BusinessRocket offer Compliance Guard free, to help you stay compliant. Registered agent services and Rocket Compliance have a cost after the first year, so keep that in mind.
Inflated state fee for us
BusinessRocket says they have the guaranteed lowest prices, though nothing is said about price matching if you find a lower price elsewhere. However, when we put in our state to go through the process, we were told the fee was over $131 more than what most other companies (and a web search) list. While this was not the case for other states, we wonder what caused this discrepancy (which cannot be corrected anywhere on the checkout form). There is no satisfaction guarantee, which would be nice considering the fact that BusinessRocket doesn't have a rating by the BBB (see below).
Bonus help for your business
If you're still uncertain about which type of business to form, BusinessRocket offers some basic information to help you make your decision. A free website builder, powered by Wix, is offered on their webpage as well.
Customers pleased but company isn't rated by the BBB
BusinessRocket is not accredited or rated by the BBB, which states there is insufficient information for rating. While there have only been four total complaints over the past three years, we wonder about this issue. Across online review platforms, customers are overwhelmingly pleased with the service, rating them 4.1 to 4.5 out of 5 stars. The lower reviews are from the Google page, which only has 9 reviews. On Trustpilot, they have received over 1,300 5-star reviews, many naming specific customer service agents who helped them get their businesses incorporated, calling it "a breeze" and "one-stop shop." Negative experiences mentioned difficulties getting their paperwork in a timely manner or contacting the registered agent service, though the company maintains that they cannot do anything regarding government response times.
Just average for us
We love that BusinessRocket wants to be the lowest priced incorporation service on the market - and they are. However, the lack of rating from the BBB and recurring fees, combined with a state fees discrepancy, leave us hesitant to place them any higher on our list. Circle back if you don't find the package you need with a rival service, but don't make BusinessRocket your first stop for help with incorporating your company.
Average
Rocket Lawyer has helped more than 3 million businesses with their legal and business services, including incorporation services, since 2008. They provide guaranteed enforceable documents for businesses, as well as legal articles and pros to guide you through all of your company's needs.
Members get their first one free
The foundation of Rocket Lawyer is their memberships, though it appears you can use their incorporation service without joining if you would prefer (it's really hard to tell anything without going through the forms, and the service is membership-driven). Members of their Rocket Legal+ program are given one C-Corp registration for free (+ state fees) - S-Corp is $49.99. The membership offers a free 7-day trial and then costs $239.88 for the year. Business registration is listed at $99.99 (+ state fees) for the lower-priced Rocket Legal membership, which also comes with a trial period and is billed monthly for $39.99. Since your incorporation would take longer than the free week, either way you would have to pay something with Rocket Lawyer. The Rocket Legal+ membership starts to pay off for those who need other documents or services which are provided by Rocket Lawyer, including additional business formations for half price.
Hard to see what you get
Unlike most companies we reviewed who clearly listed what is included in the business registration package, we struggled to find what you get for using Rocket Lawyer. The pricing page lists all of their services and costs, which separately lists registered agent service as $249.99 per year for the lower-level membership and half price for Rocket Legal+, so it is safe to assume that is not included in their package. This lack of transparency was frustrating to say the least.
Membership offers consultations
The basic Rocket Legal membership gives you access to unlimited documents for personal and business use, electronic signatures, and the opportunity to ask "quick" legal or tax questions online. In order to get the first free incorporation, you'll save money with the annual Rocket Legal+, which gives access to all business services, Rocket Tax, and a legal pro. The Rocket Lawyer memberships provide a free, 30-minute phone consultation with an attorney, and legally enforceable documents are guaranteed. If you think you'll want to have these documents and an online legal staff on retainer, the plus membership is your best bargain to get the free incorporation service. However, if you just want to incorporate, this is not the most cost-effective option.
A few incorporation perks
Since they offer so many services and are focused primarily on their legal document service and professional advice, Rocket Lawyer's website can be difficult to navigate for those seeking information about incorporation services. While there are legal guides and resources, as well as brief descriptions of business types, this website is not as helpful as others we viewed. However, once you're on the Business Legal Services page, you can find some help, such as an AI Business Name Generator and Logo Generator, links to get a registered agent or obtain an EIN Tax ID, and other additional services that you will need to call to receive (business name verification, business license, corporate kit and seal, custom stock certificates, and publications for your business).
Customer satisfaction is high for the company
An accredited business by the BBB, Rocket Lawyer has earned an "A+" rating, despite 185 complaints in the past three years - mostly stemming from subscription charges the customer does not recall signing up for. Across online review platforms, the company is in good standing, receiving an average of 4.34 to 4.7 stars out of 5 from reviewers for all of their services. The negative reviews are mostly from people who were surprised by the recurring charges they paid for forgetting about the free trial's end date (this is one reason to watch out for subscription services). Users rave about the easy-to-use service, though we struggled to find feedback about Rocket Lawyer's incorporation services specifically.
Just an average choice
If you already have a Rocket Legal+ membership, this may be an excellent basic option for incorporation services since there is no fee for the first one. However, since their registered agent service is not included and costs more than other companies, we recommend looking elsewhere for everyone else.
Fair
BizFilings has helped start over half a million businesses since their start in 1996. The company became part of Wolters Kluwer's CT Corporation in 2002.
Quick start but hard to read and see all the add-ons
Claiming they can help you start in just 10 minutes, BizFilings says they offer transparent pricing and no hidden fees (though watch for the annual fee renewal on the registered agent service). Here are their three packages:
One complaint about the BizFilings package selection form is that the font is very tiny - just 8 or 9 point. This makes reading the fine print a little harder for some of us. The customization page (add-ons) is even smaller, believe it or not. While the prices are large enough, you really have to know what you're looking for on this page. (FYI: If you don't uncheck the box, you will receive a quote for ADP payroll services.) Speaking of the website, most of it is easy to navigate but some pages we encountered also had this tiny print, such as the Customer Service FAQs. We would like to see a more user-friendly website which keeps its fonts and themes the same throughout for continuity and readability.
Watch out for that renewal
Since the packages all include three months of registered agent service, watch for the renewal rate of $220 which is its annual cost.
Error-free guarantee
Confident they will exceed your expectations, BizFilings says their orders are reviewed for potential errors and warranty their services against filing defects for the life of your corporation. If an error was made by the company, they will cover costs and fees to correct their mistake quickly.
Confusion regarding state fees
At checkout, our state fee was added and we were told the fee was $30 more than what most other companies (and a web search) list as the state's fee. However, most of the other states we checked matched a competitor's listed fees, so maybe this was just an error, which makes us wonder about that guarantee against mistakes. If nothing else, it should let you know that you'd better double-check the state fees BizFilings is going to charge and compare it with rival incorporation services' costs.
Helpful business tools and other services offered
BizFilings says they want to be your ideal partner, not just for incorporation services but to also provide necessary support throughout the life of your business. Providing compliance and filing services, they also offer sales tax and payroll tax registration, certificates of good standing, certified copies, and more. The BizFilings website offers a lot of helpful articles on topics that explain business incorporation options. Charts display differences between the types or you can use the incorporation wizard tool to help you choose. State guides, a business owner's toolkit, and podcasts are even more resources found on their website.
Customers are satisfied but reviews are lacking
With an "A+" rating from the BBB, BizFilings is not accredited but has only had one complaint in the past three years. While the reviews across online platforms are sparse (less than 150), they are excellent, with the company receiving an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Pleased clients mention they were kept informed throughout the process, felt the website was easy to use, and called it "quick, efficient service at a reasonable cost." A handful of negative comments say the service is terrible and disorganized. We would like to see many more reviews for a company that reportedly helped over 500,000 companies, so until we have more feedback, we suggest considering the more reviewed incorporation services.
Consider other options first
BizFilings offers a good service according to their customers, yet small print and add-ons make it difficult to see what is included. The error-free warranty is nice, but with a mistake on their website, we wonder how effective it truly is. All that adds up to a below-average ranking for BizFilings, and our recommendation that you check out higher-ranked rivals first.
Fair
Since 2001, Legal Zoom has offered legal solutions for millions of people, with business incorporation services, business management aid, legal assistance, document creation, and more. Calling themselves the number one online legal service, they say they handle life's legal needs with "confidence, accuracy, and clarity."
High-priced packages with legal benefits
There are three levels of incorporation service packages at Legal Zoom:
Registered agent service not included
Legal Zoom's regular processing times are not listed, so it's hard to gauge just how much the faster services will save you if you're in a hurry. If you're looking for other business-related services, those are offered as add-ons, including business compliance, annual reports, business licenses, operating agreement, EIN/Tax ID, and registered agent service (at $249 per year, one of the higher prices we found). If you want help with compliance, expect to pay extra for that, too. Legal Zoom's sweet spot is legal advice and it shows with what they choose to include in their packages. Depending on your company's needs, having legal help for a month may be worth the extra money you pay to get the top-tier package. Otherwise, other companies offer many more company incorporation benefits at a lower cost.
Accuracy guaranteed
Legal Zoom provides a 100% accurate filing guarantee, promising that they will correct their mistakes at no additional cost to you.
Limited website benefits for incorporating
The Legal Zoom website offers brief comparisons between the types of corporations so you can make the best choice for your business. Their staff attorneys are available to answer your questions seven days a week with your paid membership.
Customer satisfaction is excellent
Legal Zoom is an accredited business and has earned an "A+" from the BBB, despite over 1,400 complaints in the past 3 years. Most complaints have to do with excess fees charged or mishandling of paperwork required for business documents. Across online review platforms, the company receives an average of 3.57 to 4.6 stars out of 5. The lower score comes on the BBB, where it is calculated from over 1,500 reviews. Trustpilot has an impressive 24,500 reviews giving the company an excellent rating. Reviewers here are generally pleased about the professional, direct, and detailed service received, one specifically noting that they "guided me through the business incorporating process effectively and successfully." On the other hand, some negative reviews rant about customer service woes and hidden fees, even calling the company a "scam." With so many pleased customers and the highest rating from the BBB, we would take these comments from disgruntled customers lightly.
Other options first
The benefit of Legal Zoom is that they offer legal assistance on top of the incorporation services. While we are impressed with the volume of pleased reviews for Legal Zoom overall, unless you need legal guidance, we recommend looking at one of the companies higher on our list that include a free year of the registered agent service you are required to have.
Subpar
Since 1998, MyCorporation has helped over 1 million new businesses form and grow through their filing services, calling themselves the "most trusted online filing company."
Packages in four levels
There are four package levels available for incorporation services, which are listed on MyCorporation differently from most other companies we reviewed. Instead of S-Corp and C-Corp, the options are listed as general for profit corporation, professional corporation, and benefit corporation:
Auto renewal for many products may surprise customers
All packages include offers for payroll processing. Be aware that annual auto renew applies to products such as registered agent service, annual reports, MyIncGuard, and MaintainMyBiz. Written notice of cancellation is required at least 30 days prior to the next renewal. Rush filing is available as an add-on for $100 plus any applicable state fees for rushing. Also note that shipping and handling fees may be tacked on at checkout.
No guarantees
There is no express guarantee on MyCorporation. In the FAQs, we were directed to the legal page. It says if you're unhappy, they will try to resolve the matter to your satisfaction but if that doesn't work, you can make a refund request within 60 days of the service. State filing fees, publication fees, corporate kits, and shipping and handling are nonrefundable.
Inflated state fees
We encountered a problem with state filing fees, being told the fee was over $65 more than what most other companies (and a web search) list. Interestingly, many other states displayed slightly lower or higher filing fees on MyCorporation than with other incorporation services. Some other items shown as add-ons came with additional state fees, such as Sales & Use Tax for $200. With a $20 "state fee" added for a state that does not charge one (Pennsylvania), we are left scratching our heads. We aren't sure why there is such a discrepancy and can only conclude that MyCorporation isn't honest in their dealings and should not be anywhere near a "most trusted" label.
Some helpful website videos and more
There are some informational articles and videos on MyCorporation's website to help you on your company's journey. In addition to corporation filing services, MyCorporation offers trademark services, copyright registration, registered agent services, and more related products. They also offer a business startup consultation if you complete their request form; this can help you learn about the business formation process, specific state rules, entity options, and protection of your personal assets.
Lowered rating by the BBB and limited customer reviews
MyCorporation is not accredited or rated by the BBB. The listing says there is not sufficient information to rate, which we found odd considering that the company has been in business for over 25 years with no complaints. This is a huge change since their previous rating of an "A+" the last time we reviewed this company. When we check out the reviews across online platforms, it reveals ratings by less than 300 people ranging from 3.4 to 3.7 out of 5 stars, a significant decline from the 4 stars the last time we reviewed MyCorporation. If they have helped start over 1 million new businesses, there should be significantly more reviews of their services. While pleased reviewers mention good customer service experiences, negative reviewers rant about difficulty reaching anyone and receiving assistance. One reviewer said that they were very slow with his incorporation, leaving him hanging and not providing updates or answering simple questions. With these mixed reviews and the lack of backing from the BBB, we would avoid this company.
Look for another option
MyCorporation provides four levels of incorporation services to help businesses. However, their seemingly less-than-honest dealings lead us to rank them below average on our recommendations and suggest you look elsewhere.
Weak
Two California attorneys started FindLegalForms in 2001 with the mission of making quality legal documents available at a fraction of the price an attorney would charge. The company claims to have helped millions of satisfied customers.
DIY option
The main difference between FindLegalForms and the others we have reviewed is that you are only purchasing the forms here. You will have to file them yourself. While this can provide a significant savings, if you need help figuring out what to do to incorporate your business, we recommend choosing another option. Additionally, since many of the reputable companies on our list have a free option, there aren't a lot of reasons to choose this route, unless you are a do-it-yourself pro or distrust the other companies to do it correctly for you.
What's included in your kit
The forms here are sold individually or in combo kits. All forms are attorney-prepared and kept up-to-date, available for instant download. Free eSignature is included with any form purchase from FindLegalForms, and they are compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux for Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, WordPerfect, and Rich Text Format. Do you know which forms you need? You will have to be certain to use this option. When you get to the Corporate Legal Forms collection, you can scroll through the countless incorporation and formation documents; the search bar would not allow us to type in many of the incorporation documents we sought. Single documents range in price from $9.99 for an amendment to corporate bylaws to $19.95 for an S-Corp kit. For $39.95, you can choose a corporate startup forms package which has the articles of incorporation kit, bylaws for corporations, S-Corp status, articles of incorporation amendment, bylaws amendments for corporations, first board meeting of corporation, first shareholders meeting, pre-incorporation kit, corporate stock certificates kit, and financial record keeping kit. Considering the cost of purchasing the forms individually on FindLegalForms, you will save 79% if you opt for the kit. The forms may be used as many times as you want once you have purchased them, but you will still have to fill them out and file them yourself with the state.
Money-back guarantee on forms
All forms at FindLegalForms come with a 100% money-back guarantee to meet your specific situation and your highest expectations. This 60-day guarantee means that you can try the forms with no risk, and they are guaranteed to be valid in your state.
Some inconsistency
The FindLegalForms website is nothing special or eye-catching, seeming to just use the basics from a developer kit. One thing we noticed are discrepancies between pages. For example, one page says over 3,500,000 satisfied customers while another says 1,300,000.
No help to be found
When we checked out the customer service topic "which form to use," we got a message saying that it appears we tried to submit a legal question (we didn't), and were told to go to another site where we might get an answer.
Watch out for this
In the FAQs, they mention that if you are offered a subscription for secure online storage and editing and do not select "no thanks," you will be automatically signed up and billed $4.99. Yikes.
Customer reviews nonexistent and bad rating from the BBB
The BBB has not accredited FindLegalForms and has rated them "D-" for failure to respond to complaints filed against them. This is a huge disappointment since the last time we reviewed them they had an "A+" rating. We could not find any reviews for the company at all, which is strange considering they have been in business for nearly 25 years and claim to have helped millions.
Look at other options
Unless you're set on doing this yourself, FindLegalForms is not the option to choose. We strongly recommend looking at the higher-ranked incorporation services on our list and letting someone else do the work for you, often for less than the cost of these forms.
Continued from above...
You've done the hard work, put in the hours, and chased the dream of starting your own business. Now you're ready to make it official and incorporate. Where do you start? How do you know what type of corporation to create?
Incorporation can be defined as the process of legally creating a corporate entity. Once established, a corporation has its own rights and responsibilities from its owners, providing a range of benefits including tax advantages, liability protection, and increased credibility in the eyes of the consumer. To decide which kind of company works best for your needs, consider the basic differences between them. C-Corporations are subject to corporate income tax while S-Corporations instead have the income and losses passed through to shareholders for reporting on personal income taxes. A tax professional can help you decide which option works better for your personal situation.
Each state has its own legal requirements for what needs to be filed when and how much it will cost. Typically, you will file in your home state, but sometimes companies choose to incorporate in a different state to take advantage of tax benefits. Wherever you file, you will probably need to file articles of incorporation, appoint a board of directors, hold annual meetings, and maintain corporate records.
If that sounds like a lot to you, perhaps you want to get help with this process. Good news. There are many services which will do the work for you - usually for a fee of some sort. They can also walk you through processes you didn't consider. Some offer legal advice while others are clear that they are not legally permitted to do so.
How do you know where to go for reputable help? Incorporating your company can be complex, but there are ways to make it easier by using one of these services. Remember, it's essential to get it right the first time and avoid costly mistakes. Here are the top factors we recommend for comparing incorporation services:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we are excited to help as you take this big leap into incorporating your business. As such, we have looked into today's most popular services, then reviewed and ranked them so you can more easily choose the right company to help you through this process. Best of success to you in your business endeavors!
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Why Should You Incorporate Your Business?
Perhaps you've been in business for a while and feel you want to formalize your status, legally and otherwise. Perhaps your business has been local to date, but you are looking toward operating in more than one state. Maybe you are competing with larger companies in the same niche and feel a change in legal status will bump up your credibility. Or maybe you just like the sound of the syllable "Inc." after your business name.
There are myriad answers to the question, "Why should you incorporate your business." Following are just a few:
Protect Your Assets
If you've owned a sole proprietorship, you know all too well that not only does the buck stop with you relative to operations, you're also on the hot seat when it comes to financial and legal complications that may arise. If a sole proprietorship stumbles under the weight of excessive debt or is taken to court, it's the proprietor's personal as well as business assets that
are at
risk. A corporation is a legal entity all its own. If your company faces legal issues or cannot meets its obligations, your personal assets do not come into play.
Gain Tax Advantages
When you incorporate your business, the IRS allows you to get a tax ID number for your business, establishing its status as a separate entity relative to tax liability. In fact, a corporation files its own tax return -- paying taxes on its profits -- at a complete remove from your individual return.
Separate tax identity alone can be enough justification for some to incorporate their businesses. Keep in mind, though, that when you incorporate, you and any other owners also become shareholders. If your company distributes dividends, you must pay taxes on that dividend income when you file your personal return.
Formalize Status
When you incorporate, you must make your business known to state, and sometimes local, authorities. Regulation specifics vary by state, but nearly universally, you must file articles of incorporation with your state's Secretary of State's office. In addition, you will have to create and record by-laws. Moreover, you'll have to set up a calendar of regular shareholder meetings;
the
minutes from those meetings must be recorded and kept on file at your company. The shareholders are required to elect a board of directors who must also meet regularly to make important decisions about the firm. Not surprisingly, establishing a corporate structure typically requires engaging the services of a lawyer or law firm.
Make a Name (or Two) for Yourself: State and Local Recognition
One key step toward incorporation is filing a business name with state and/or local authorities. If you want to do business under more than one name, you'll also need to file one or more fictitious business name statements. For example, if your company is called Snow Corporation, and you want to sell skis under the name "Speed
Plus
Company," you have to submit the appropriate paperwork to the relevant authorities.
Raising Capital
Finally, incorporating your business makes it possible to raise capital by selling shares to stockholders. Relying solely on bank or personal loans or company profits for financing will be a thing of the past.
The decision to incorporate should be a deliberate one. The administrative costs alone should be enough to deter you from entering into this new status lightly. Should you decide to take the plunge, incorporating could be a crucial step in your company's journey.
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