Where is the Best Place to Complete Your LLC Formation? Thinking about turning your business idea into something more official? Or maybe you already have a business, and you're hoping to get the legal aspects taken care of. No matter where you are in your business ventures, LLC formation is a great move to help you get your startup ready to hit the ground running, protecting yourself and the future of your business. While there are many types of business entities that you can choose, an LLC stands out as one of the most popular choices for business owners around the world.
Best Option
Over 20 years ago, Bizee began in Kyle Lavender's extra bedroom, where he helped people start businesses by taking incorporation orders over the phone. Now, Bizee is known for being one of the most budget-friendly options out there, with LLC formation services that start as low as $0. Bizee's mission is to make starting a business simple and affordable by offering clear, easy-to-understand services that won't leave you confused about what to do next.
3 plans and 16 ways to help your business
There are three plans for LLC formation with Bizee. The Basic, Standard, and Premium options are all charged with one-time fees. Depending on the tier you choose, some items are included and others can be purchased separately as add-ons. Here's what you can expect overall from Bizee's LLC services:
Depending on which plan you choose, the process can take from 3 weeks down to 7 days.
Pricing from $0-$299 before state fees
The pricing breakdowns for LLC formation are simple, and as promised by the site, the costs start as low as $0. The Basic plan has no cost and includes preparation, 1 year of registered agent service, 1 free month of a virtual address, online access to the Bizee dashboard, a business banking account, and a business tax consultation. If you want extra features, you can find them at the following prices:
If you go with the Standard plan, the cost is $199 and includes all of the features of Basic plus everything except expedited filing and business contract templates, business email, domain name, and 1 year of a business phone number. So, you get all the major necessities like an EIN, operating agent, and more. Finally, the Premium plan costs $299 and includes every feature listed above. The state filing fees in our test state (Florida) were $125.
Bizee handles it every step of the way
Bizee is a great choice if you want an easy, no-stress way to complete your LLC formation. The company handles the paperwork and filing for you, and Bizee even acts as the "organizer" to take care of signing the documents for you. You can relax knowing they're managing the details, and the best part is that their no-cost trial features (like 1 free year of a business phone number) won't turn into surprise charges later, since Bizee promises there are no automatic renewals or hidden ongoing fees.
Top ratings from business owners
Bizee gets high praise from customers on Trustpilot, where this LLC formation site has earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. Business owners who have formed their LLCs with Bizee often mention how fast and easy the LLC setup was. Some reviews even give shoutouts to specific team members who were friendly, professional, and quick to answer questions. On the Better Business Bureau, Bizee's rating is even a bit higher at 4.88 stars (almost a 4.9, really). Reviews on the BBB frequently praised the add-ons at Bizee, saying that it was a complete one-stop shop for all their business needs.
Best pick across the board
If you're looking for low costs, tons of customer service, and a hands-off experience, Bizee is the #1 choice for LLC formation. You don't have to worry about anything. Bizee will handle the forms with the details you provide, sign, and file for you without you needing to lift a finger. Across the board, Bizee receives extremely high praise for its customer service, and it's a top pick for thousands as their go-to LLC formation platform. For these reasons, Bizee earns the top spot in our review with a full 5 stars.
Great
Inc Authority focuses on helping you set up an LLC, alongside a list of legal help services and branding tools, started in 1989 by Cort Christie. While it does offer helpful features, the number of upsells can make using the site a little less intuitive than some LLC formation services out there. So, make sure you keep an eye on what services you want (and if you want to opt out of anything).
Helpful for free filing
Before you can see the Inc Authority LLC formation plans, you'll have to go through a quick questionnaire. However, during our review, there was an Internal Server Error with Inc Authority, which kept us from completing the full questionnaire. The site worked again when we changed browsers, so keep that in mind if you get similarly stuck. Some items at Inc Authority are free, but you need to choose between different add-ons. For example, you can either get your EIN free or 24-hour processing free. Some other free features included are:
$0 for LLC formation
The actual LLC formation is free with Inc Authority. Everything else is an add-on. Luckily, you can get your filing completed at no cost and a free EIN if you choose that option from the "either-or" menu. If you want to buy any extras beyond that, the costs include:
The registered agent service is required as an add-on and is free for the first year but will renew for $199 annually. Finally, the Inc Authority state fees for our test state (Florida) were what we expected at $125.
Hands-off and low-cost
Inc Authority makes it simple to get your company started since it takes care of the main steps for you, like filing and paperwork, without needing much input. If all you want is basic LLC formation or incorporation, this is a top pick for ease of use and low costs. Just make sure you cancel the annual service for the registered agent if you're not interested in subscribing after the free year.
Top pick from Trustpilot reviewers
Inc Authority gets lots of love on Trustpilot, where over 40,000 people have left reviews, giving it an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. Our research shows that about 98% of business owners gave Inc Authority perfect scores and spoke highly of the support team. What stands out is that no one mentioned issues with surprise charges, so, it may be pretty simple to cancel unwanted services if you get enrolled in them. Even though the Better Business Bureau gave it an "F" rating because of a handful of ignored complaints, the detailed Trustpilot feedback shows a larger group of business owners who are extremely happy with LLC formation services at Inc Authority.
Affordable and simple to use
Inc Authority is a strong pick if you're hoping to keep costs down when setting up your company, especially since it includes an EIN at no extra charge. The checkout process includes a lot of upgrade offers, but if you're only interested in basic services, it stays affordable. The only thing holding it back from taking first place for LLC formation in our review is its lower rating from the Better Business Bureau. Still, with great feedback from users on Trustpilot, Inc Authority earns a solid score from us.
Great
LegalZoom is a well-known site where you can take care of a bunch of legal needs all in one place, from business setup to estate plans and more. If you're looking for help with LLC formation, LegalZoom handles every step for you, but keep in mind that it usually costs more than other services that offer the same thing. Still, the LLC formation service at LegalZoom starts as low as $0, so you might be able to get a lot of value out of this platform, depending on what services or extras you need.
3 plans and 12 add-ons
Like with many LLC formation services in our review, LegalZoom has three different tiers: Basic, Pro, and Premium. There are plenty of features, some of which are only available with the higher tiers of LLC formation. Here are all the features you might run into with LegalZoom's LLC services:
Some of these can be purchased separately, but they might be in bundles, which is harder to pick and choose from than at other sites. For example, if you want to add an operating agreement, you can add a bundle of the operating agreement, EIN, forms, and eSign, pick a bundle of just the operating agreement and EIN, or just get the agreement. If you want other items from those bundles, you'll have to continue through the checkout process.
Pricing from $0-$299 before state fees
Pricing at LegalZoom starts at $0 for the Basic tier. This only includes the features that help make sure your business is legally official (articles of organization, name check, and tax consultant). The next tier up is the Pro plan which jumps to $249. This includes all of the features of Basic and also offers the operating agreement, EIN, bookkeeping tools, custom legal docs for 1 year, eSign for 1 year, and a website by Wix. Finally, the Premium tier is $299 and includes all the features of Pro along with access to attorneys during the process. Some extras you can add on for LLC formation include:
On top of higher-than-average costs for services, LegalZoom also has a slightly higher fee for state filing. Rather than the baseline $125 we've seen at other sites for our test state of Florida, LegalZoom charges $155 for state filing. We're not sure where that extra $30 is going.
Hands off and offers legal help too
LegalZoom is completely hands-off (and it should be given the cost of the middle and upper tier packages for LLC formation). Still, many other services also offer full support for a lot less money, and some even give you the basics (like EINs) at no charge with lower state fees than those charged by LegalZoom. However, for those who like the extra security of having a lawyer on call, LegalZoom may be a competitive choice.
Top marks for helpful customer service
LegalZoom currently has an "A+" rating and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Plus, this LLC formation service is competitive on third-party review sites. It recently raised its rating from a 3.2-star average to an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. With over 10,000 reviews on Trustpilot and high praise for the customer service (and legal) teams at LegalZoom, many customers feel that using the LegalZoom services is worth the cost. While it was harder to find reviews specific to LLC formation among the feedback for LegalZoom's other services, it's clearly a highly competitive site for business building with real legal help.
Best choice if you want legal advice
While LegalZoom is more costly than some of the LLC formation sites in our review, it stands out for offering assistance from real lawyers and business attorneys during the process (on higher payment tiers). You can still get your LLC squared away at $0 before state fees, but the slightly higher state fees and higher costs for mid-tier services keep LegalZoom from the top of the list. However, it remains a highly competitive choice, especially if you want someone who knows the ins and outs of business formation to help you along the way. For this reason, LegalZoom earns the #3 spot in our review.
Very Good
Business Rocket is a company incorporation site that was built by a team of experts (including business owners, lawyers, consultants, and accountants) who wanted to make LLC formation easier and more affordable for everyone. Since 2003, Business Rocket has helped people launch businesses by offering useful tools and partnerships with other companies to give you everything you need to succeed at entrepreneurship. Business Rocket teams up with well-known companies like Chase for business banking, Wix to help you build a website, and Payoneer to take care of payment processing.
11 add-ons with 3 plans
When you complete your LLC formation at Business Rocket you get a lot of free extras that you might not find on other platforms: some features like domain registration and logo design are included in the cost of your LLC formation. However, there is a decent amount of upselling you need to keep an eye on. Many items start out as "free" trials, but you'll be auto-enrolled into the add-ons afterward. Keep an eye out for the Voilply "free" business phone or Ionos "free" domain name. These can all be easily unchecked before you get to your cart, but they'll be auto-added if you're not careful. On top of that, there are three different plans: Starter, Essentials, and Supreme. You can expect the following features at Business Rocket:
But keep in mind, if you don't choose the plan that includes all of the features, only some items can be purchased separately "a-la-carte" at Business Rocket.
Pricing from $0-$249 without state fees
Pricing at Business Rocket starts as low as $0 for the Starter plan for LLC formation. This only includes document preparation and filing as well as the other free features like the logo design. You can buy extras like an EIN for $49, rush processing for $49, lifetime compliance for $49, bank resolution for $39, and a customer operating agreement and minutes for $99. The Essentials plan is $149 and includes everything from the Starter plan along with:
Finally, the Supreme plan is $249 and includes all of the features offered by Business Rocket. These costs do not include the state fees which are $155 at Business Rocket - which is $30 more than the state we used as a test case (Florida) actually charges, so your guess is as good as ours as to where the extra $30 goes.
Let Business Rocket handle the hard stuff
Business Rocket gives you a totally hands-off way to complete your LLC formation. The company takes care of all the filing for you. After you share your company's details, Business Rocket will handle the rest and even connect you with partner services to help you run your business. Getting through the steps to checkout can take a little time due to the upsell offers, but once you're done, you can sit back and relax.
Praised as a one-stop shop
Right now, Business Rocket doesn't have a score from the Better Business Bureau, so we turned to other trusted review sites like Trustpilot instead. Our research showed that Business Rocket held a strong 4.6-star average. Reviewers gave shout-outs to helpful team members who made LLC formation a breeze, and business owners described Business Rocket as a helpful "one-stop shop". That said, a few recent reviews gave low ratings, mentioning problems with canceling free trials for the add-ons that were automatically included during checkout. Overall, it's a strong choice, but keep an eye out for extra "free" services you don't want trials for.
LLC, logos, legal and more
Business Rocket is a great pick if you're looking for more than just the standard help with your LLC formation. We love the free logo design with every package, which is perfect if you're building your brand from scratch. Their Essentials package is also a competitive deal: it covers IRS registration and keeps you in line with business rules, all without being too costly. Since the site is known for being simple to use, it's a smart choice for first-time business owners who want to get everything started (and get some company branding and logo material going) without any hassle.
Very Good
Rocket Lawyer is a subscription-style service that's great if you're looking for legal help in a bunch of areas of your life. You'll find forms for things like patents, divorces, and company incorporation (including LLC formation), so it can be a one-stop shop for all your legal needs. Just keep in mind that this is a completely do-it-yourself setup. Rocket Lawyer gives you the documents, but you'll be the one responsible for completing them and submitting everything to your state. On the bright side, that means you won't pay any upfront state fees (or surcharges) with Rocket Lawyer.
Get access to 7 LLC formation documents
Rather than offering different tiers of service for LLC formation, Rocket Lawyer offers a range of documents for LLC formation that are all included in the cost of the monthly membership. There were 146 different options for LLC-related documents at Rocket Lawyer. Here are some of the documents you can expect to have access to:
Costs $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year
Rocket Lawyer uses a monthly subscription setup, which can be a budget-friendly pick if you'll need legal documents often. But better than that, if you need documents one time (like for LLC formation), you can try all of Rocket Lawyer's features for free for the first seven days. This includes making, editing, and downloading forms at no cost. Just remember, unless you cancel, the site will roll you into a paid plan once the trial ends. You can pick from two options: the monthly RocketLegal plan at $39.99, which gives you access to document tools, e-signatures, live legal chat, and discounts, or RocketLegal+, which is billed yearly at $239.88. However, keep in mind that the annual charge is the one that will auto-enroll when you're done with your 7-day free trial.
Totally DIY submission, but with some guides
Rocket Lawyer gives you a do-it-yourself way to handle your LLC formation. However, you're not completely on your own. You'll be guided through filling out the needed forms right on the site, which makes things easier. But when it's time to send everything into the state, that part is completely up to you. The good news is that with the free trial, you can use and download the forms without paying, which makes this a solid choice if you're okay with handling the final step yourself.
Customers praise the interface
Rocket Lawyer stands out as a solid choice for both legal support and LLC formation. According to our research, Rocket Lawyer holds an "A" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, it currently scores a 4.6-star average out of 5 on Trustpilot. Reviews frequently praise the ease of use for downloading and filling out Rocket Lawyer's template documents. The free trial gets a lot of love too; some customers say they were able to finish all the legal paperwork they needed during the initial 7-day trial without having to worry about getting charged or signing up long-term. If you're going to go a DIY route, this is one of the favorites for beginners.
Beginner-friendly DIY
Rocket Lawyer is a great pick for those looking to complete their LLC formation at zero cost (other than state fees). It's perfect for experienced business owners as well as beginners, due to the simple process and user-friendly interface that the company offers for downloading and filling out template documents. Plus, if you think you're going to need more legal documents in the future, Rocket Lawyer offers a fair monthly membership fee. Noted as a beginner-friendly DIY legal documents site by previous customers, Rocket Lawyer earns high marks in our review and a highlight as the best choice for those wanting low-cost, completely DIY LLC formation.
Good
Corp Net is a site that focuses entirely on LLC formation. The company got its start in 2009 and is a family-owned California-based business. Owners Philip and Nelli Akalp are both attorneys who worked in business formation and compliance for over 26 years. Corp Net promises upfront pricing and zero pesky upsells during the process. However, unlike some platforms in our review, Corp Net does not offer a $0 option for LLC formation.
13 features and 3 plans to choose from
There are plenty of helpful features you can expect with Corp Net's LLC formation. Some of these depend on which of the three packages you choose from (Basic, Deluxe, or Complete), but almost all of the features can be purchased a la carte. Here's what you can expect:
Notably, four items are not included in any tier. These are the form 2553, annual report filing subscription, business license research, and FinCEN report. The rest will be included in one of the three packages.
Pricing from $90-$269 before state filing fees
Unlike other LLC formation platforms in our review, Corp Net does not start at $0. The Basic tier costs $99 before state fees and includes the filing, free corporate compliance tool, organizer resolution, and shipping and handling (which has an extra charge of $29 and can't be opted out of). The Deluxe plan is $219 and includes everything from the Basic tier plus the EIN and free print delivery. Shipping and handling are still required for $29. Finally, the Complete package is $269 before state fees and includes everything from the Deluxe tier plus custom operating agreements and minutes, and custom LLC kit and seal. Extras that you can add include:
Finally, there is also a 3% "convenience fee" added to the final total (after the state fees, of course). The state fees for the same state as we used in every LLC formation test (Florida) were $160 at Corp Net - and again, we're not sure where the extra $35 is going, when FL only charges $125, but it feels like a bit of "lining their pockets".
100% hands-off with a satisfaction guarantee
Corp Net offers a mostly hands-off LLC formation process. There are some steps that you'll need to take to get your business running, but Corp Net will help you along the way with these. Plus, Corp Net offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee: the company will refund you for any of the service fees you paid. So long as you make the request within 60 days of placing your order for LLC formation, you'll get your money back. Keep in mind, though, that the guarantee does not include state or government fees or fees for third-party subscriptions.
High praise for helpfulness
Corp Net stands out with an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau as well as an impressive 4.9-star average rating on Trustpilot. According to our research, recent reviews praise the professionalism of the team at Corp Net. Customer service reps are extremely helpful and hands-on during the process, and tons of reviews praise particular individuals from Corp Net who answered questions and guided business owners as they completed the LLC formation process.
Feel like you're part of the family
While this isn't the least costly site in our review, it is one with the most impressive reviews. Now, we aren't super impressed with the higher-than-average state fees or convenience fees at Corp Net, but the reviews point to a high level of customer service that is a standout in the industry. With a money-back guarantee to back up the LLC formation process, you can trust that Corp Net has your back. For these reasons, it earns a competitive score despite having higher costs than competitors.
Good
Swyft Filings is a newer online service that focuses only on helping you start your business, specifically offering services for LLC formation. It launched in 2015 and stands out by offering plans that begin at no cost in some states. One of the biggest perks is that Swyft Filings comes with a 100% accuracy guarantee, so if your paperwork doesn't go through with the state, you can get your money back.
3 plans with 19 features across all plans
Swyft Filings offers three plans for LLC formation: Basic, Standard, and Premium. There are plenty of perks to choosing one of the tiers at Swyft Filings, though the total number of features you get will depend on which tier you pay for. Across the entire LLC formation process you can expect to see the following features in various plans:
Pricing from $0-$299 before state fees
The pricing for LLC formation plans at Swyft Filings starts at $0 for the Basic tier. You'll get filing, a name check, lifetime customer support, 15% off Google Workspace, 24/7 online portal access, organizer statement, free business tax consultation, and a free trial of ComplianceGuard. The Standard plan is $199 and includes all of the features of Basic along with custom minutes, custom LLC operating agreement, EIN, custom banking resolution, express processing, and a free website. The Premium tier, which is $299 includes all of the listed features in the list above. Some extras you can add if you want to go with the free tier include:
Finally, the state fees listed at Swyft Filings are the standard $125 to file with our test state (Florida).
Hands-off with a guarantee
Swyft Filings handles everything for you, even if you go with the free Basic plan, so you won't need to deal with the filing process yourself. Overall, it's a competitive service, offering plenty of features, though the Basic plan is a little more limited than with other platforms. The bottom line is you don't need to worry about a thing with Swift Filings. Plus with the 100% satisfaction guarantee, you have extra security when using this LLC formation service.
Generally positive reputation
Swyft Filings doesn't currently have a rating from the Better Business Bureau, so we looked at other trusted review sites like Trustpilot to see how this LLC formation service stacked up against the competition. According to our research, Swyft Filings has a solid 4.6-star average based on more than 6,000 verified reviews. While that's impressive, we also noticed more recent 1-star reviews talking about confusing fees for some company formation types. While we didn't run into any of these during our research and following through the entire LLC formation process, there are a decent number of upsells, which might be confusing for those who don't read the details carefully. Some customers also said it was hard to stop paying for extra services once they no longer needed them.
Worth a look on the free tier
Swyft Filings scores a solid score in our review and stands out for its fast service. What holds it back is the higher costs for extras like EINs and bare-bones offerings on the Basic tier. Concerned reviewers have recently mentioned having issues canceling subscriptions that were purchased through Swyft Filings. Still, if you want a company that makes the process simple, Swyft Filings could be a smart pick for setting up your business. For this reason, it earns a balanced score overall for LLC formation.
Average
FileNow is a service that makes LLC formation quick and simple, with a setup process that takes less than 20 minutes. One feature that makes this service stand out is the FileNow Wizard which walks you through a short quiz to help you figure out the best setup for your business. FileNow says its prices are up to five times cheaper than what a lawyer might charge, and it also promises to process your order within 24 hours. If you're looking for something fast, easy, and budget-friendly, FileNow could be a great fit for your LLC formation.
2 plans with up to 11 add-ons
There are only two packages available at FileNow, compared to other sites that generally offer three. There are also fewer total add-ons included in the total LLC formation package than with competitors. Here are the features you can expect from FileNow:
Some of these can be added on separately if you prefer to purchase the lower tier.
Pricing from $49-$199 before state fees
None of the LLC formation plans offered by FileNow are free. The Starter plan costs $49 before state fees and includes filing, unlimited support, electronic document delivery, name search, and company alerts. The Premium plan is $199 and includes the rest of the features listed above. If you want to buy any items separately and just get the Basic plan, here's how much the features cost a la carte:
Notably, the state fees for Florida (our test state) were on the low end at FileNow at $125 per filing (which is exactly what the state charges, with nothing extra tacked on).
No stress, no mess at FileNow
FileNow gives you a full-service experience where you don't have to do anything. From helping you figure out the right business type using their FileNow Wizard (just in case LLC formation isn't right for you) to handling the paperwork and sending everything to you, this service is made for people who want an easy and stress-free way to form an LLC. Just keep in mind that some of the features FileNow charges for might come free with other services that offer the same hands-off approach.
Top marks from the BBB, but not much buzz elsewhere
FileNow has earned an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which is a great sign for its LLC formation services. But when it comes to actual customer feedback, we struggled to turn up more than a handful of third-party reviews. For example, you'll only find two reviews on popular sites like Trustpilot. FileNow's main review source is Shopper Approved, where the company has fewer than 800 total ratings. While FileNow does have a strong 4.7-star average on Shopper Approved, and business owners mention the process is simple, many comments are short and not very detailed. Because of that, it's a little tricky to tell just how reliable the service really is.
Worth a look for lower state fees
FileNow works as a full-service option for LLC formation, but it falls short when compared to others that offer free filing. It tends to cost more while including simple features, which makes it less impressive overall. There aren't as many customer reviews too, which makes it harder to know how well it really performs. However, the costs are lower than some LLC formation platforms, making it worth a look. For these reasons, FileNow earns a "good enough" rating in our review.
Weak
Find Legal Forms is a site that gives you access to a wide variety of legal documents, covering topics like divorce, loans, credit, wills, and (of course) LLC formation. It'll be an option if you just need the paperwork and feel confident handling the filing and other company setup processes by yourself. Since the service only offers the forms and doesn't help with filing, it's best if you are already familiar with LLC formation. If you're looking for hands-on support, this won't be the right pick for you.
Pick from a kit or buy single documents
Find Legal Forms lets you either grab a full "Combo Kit" with several documents for LLC formation, or you can choose just the individual forms you need. If you're beginning your LLC formation from the ground up, you'll want to get the Limited Liability Company Forms Combo Package. Individual forms you can find include the Annual Meeting of LLC Members, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreements for LLC, and Pre-Organization Kits. You can also find termination documents, amendments for existing documents, and more.
Pricing from $7.99-$39.99
Most of the documents at Find Legal Forms are $19.95 for a one-time purchase. You'll select your state before you buy to ensure that your forms include the relevant details for legally completing your LLC formation in your business location. The combo kit is $39.95 for a total of 8 documents which would each cost between $7.99-$19.95 individually. This includes:
You need to be prepared for DIY
Find Legal Forms is a do-it-yourself option for LLC formation, so you'll need to be confident in handling the paperwork and filing with your state. The only thing it really takes care of is giving you ready-to-use templates, so you won't have to create legal documents from scratch. But beyond that, everything else (from making sure your forms follow the rules to actually submitting them) is totally in your hands. So, this is best for those who feel confident in their research abilities or who have completed an LLC formation before.
Misses the mark with the BBB
Find Legal Forms doesn't have a strong presence when it comes to customer feedback, and what exists isn't exactly glowing. It currently holds a low "D-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. On popular third-party platforms like Trustpilot, reviews were hard to find, and the few we did come across gave it an average of just 2.7 out of 5 stars. While the site does advertise a 30-day refund window, some users said they ran into problems getting their money back for certain legal forms, such as Power of Attorney and Living Wills.
Not worth the DIY hassle
Find Legal Forms might help you cut costs, but when it comes to LLC formation, it leaves most of the work to you. It only provides the paperwork, and if you're not already familiar with the process or ready to figure it out on your own, this may not be the easiest pick. On top of that, feedback from users about getting refunds hasn't been great, and Find Legal Forms has recently fallen to a "D-" rating from the BBB. Because of the extra effort required and the low review scores, this option lands toward the bottom of our list.
Poor
Nolo is an LLC formation service that promises quick and easy business formation in just 3 steps. Helpfully, Nolo offers a range of articles that detail why an LLC might be right for you as opposed to other business entities that you can use. This helps new business owners feel more confident with their selection of LLC formation by having more details about the process (and possible alternatives that you can also get taken care of at Nolo). Before you can jump into plans and fees, you'll have a quick questionnaire to answer, to make sure the plans reflect your state and the type of business you're planning to form.
Three plans with 9 features
There are three packages for LLC formation available at Nolo: Basic, Standard, and Express. For the first two tiers, you'll get standard filing times of 2-3 weeks. If you pick Express, you'll be offered priority rush filing within 7-10 business days. As for features, spread out across the three tiers you can find benefits like:
Pricing from $49-$299
Unlike many other LLC formation sites in our review, Nolo does not offer a free tier. Instead, costs start at $49 for the Basic tier. This includes company name validation, filing, error checking, customer support, and a guide to formalizing your LLC. The next tier, Standard, is $149 and includes all the features of Basic as well as an EIN and business forms. Finally, the Express tier costs $299, and it includes all the features of Standard as well as the LLC records kit, seal, and priority rush filing. If you want to add on any features like an operating agreement, it will be an additional $50, and if you want to use Nolo's registered agent service you will be billed $150 per year. Other add-ons include:
Finally, state fees at Nolo are higher than some competitors at $155 total for our test state of FL, which is $30 more than you pay when filing directly.
No-stress filing done by Nolo
Nolo is 100% hands-off: they will check your documents for LLC formation and file them with the state for you, so you don't need to step in or worry about the process after you've given Nolo everything it asks for.
Customers can't cancel subscriptions
Currently, Nolo is a bit hard to find in terms of reviews online. Let's start with the good news first: Nolo currently holds an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. However, Nolo only has a 1.1-star average out of 5 on the BBB site from customer reviews. Customers claim that it is difficult to cancel the registered agent service if you no longer need it. Further, Nolo also held a 1.4-star average out of 5 from Trustpilot where customers regularly mentioned the word "scam" along with their LLC formation experience, and business owners struggled to get questions answered by customer service.
Too many concerns to recommend
Compared to other sites that have solid reputations overall, Nolo stands out as one of the least favorite among reviewers on third-party review sites. With concerns about scams, issues canceling yearly subscriptions, and fewer features offered than we've seen at other LLC formation sites, Nolo doesn't stand out from the pack (or if it does, it's not in a good way). Regrettably, Nolo earns a cautionary note that if you check out this site for your LLC formation, you might want to make sure you don't sign up for any subscriptions during checkout.
Continued from above...
Thinking about turning your business idea into something more official? Or maybe you already have a business, and you're hoping to get the legal aspects taken care of. No matter where you are in your business ventures, LLC formation is a great move to help you get your startup ready to hit the ground running, protecting yourself and the future of your business. While there are many types of business entities that you can choose, an LLC stands out as one of the most popular choices for business owners around the world.
Choosing LLC formation over other types of business structures is a smart idea if you're looking for flexibility, protection, and simplicity. With an LLC, your personal assets are protected if your business faces debt or legal trouble, which isn't the case with a sole proprietorship or partnership. Unlike other corporation structures, LLCs don't require annual meetings or a board of directors, making them easier to manage day-to-day. You also get the perk of choosing how you want to be taxed (either as a sole owner, a partnership, or even as a corporation) so you can pick the option that saves you the most money.
But how do you get started? If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by all the legal terms and options, don't worry, you're not alone. That's exactly why LLC formation services exist. These services can guide you through the process by helping you fill out the documents, so everything goes smoothly during filing. Some companies offer full support and will handle all the paperwork for you, which is great if you'd rather not deal with the details. Others let you take on more of the process yourself, which can help save money if you're comfortable with a little DIY.
No matter if this is your first time setting up an LLC or you've done it before, making the process easier is always a good idea. Choosing a service that fits your needs can help things be hassle-free from start to finish. Not sure where to start? We're here to break down what to look for so you can find the best help for LLC formation. Here are a few factors that might help you pick:
To help you get started and form your next (or first) LLC, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best LLC formation services out there today. Now you can get your company and assets protected and jump into the excitement of running your own business!
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Things you should know before forming an LLC
Are you thinking about setting up a limited liability company for your new business? This is one of several common types of business structures available to you, and it comes with an extensive range of benefits that may be appealing to you. At the same time, it has several drawbacks that must be considered. By learning more about LLCs in general, you can make an intelligent decision about your business's structure. You can also have all of the facts in place to walk through the formation process without a hassle.
Membership in the LLC
An LLC is structured with a membership base. Each member holds a percentage of the ownership of the entity. There is no limit to the number of members that an LLC can have. In addition to the standard membership, there will be at least one managing member. The managing member or members are responsible for the business's primary operations on a daily basis.
It is important to know that an LLC is formed through your state. Usually, this is through the Secretary of State department. Some states require you to specifically state who the managing members will be at the time of formation. Others may assume that all members are managing members if this is not assigned at the time of formation.
With a corporation and other select entities, the owners or participants in the entity can change by amending documents. With an LLC, however, the entity must dissolve when a member leaves the organization for any reason. If you intend for your business to continue operating after a dissolution occurs, you will need to go through the process of forming a new LLC. With this in mind, it is important to finalize the ownership structure of your new business before you start the LLC formation process.
LLC Personal Liability Protection
Many business owners choose to set up an LLC because of the personal liability protection that it provides. If you choose to run a business as a sole proprietor, you are personally liable for all debts, losses and other credit impacts that occur from your business's operations. This means that your house, vehicles, cash and other assets are at risk. In an LLC, all members enjoy a high level of personal liability protection. This means that your personal assets are not at risk from the business's activities.
However, before you form your LLC, you should be aware that this is not ironclad protection. A legal ruling known as "piercing the corporate veil" may be issued by a judge if you are convicted of fraudulent activities. This may also occur if you did not take reasonable steps to keep your personal and business transactions separate. In the case of this ruling, creditors and others may pursue your personal assets for business debt collections.
The Impact on Taxation
The Internal Revenue Service views a limited liability company as a pass-through entity. Some business structures are taxed directly. For example, a corporation is taxed directly. With a pass-through entity like an LLC, however, the entity's profits or losses directly fall on the shoulders of its members. Each member is directly responsible for paying taxes on profits based on his or her specific ownership percentage. Likewise, an LLC's losses are allocated as a financial loss to the members, and this can directly offset each member's personal tax liability. In addition to this potential benefit to members, you may find that filing taxes is generally easier to do with an LLC than with a corporation.
You should be aware, however, that LLC members may have an additional taxation requirement. An LLC's members are direct owners, and they are viewed as being self-employed by the IRS. Because of this, they are subject to self-employment taxes. This means that they must pay Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes each year based on their allocation of the LLC's profits. This is taxation that is directly based on the LLC's net earnings.
Your LLC Formation Options
You may think that forming a business entity would be a stressful experience, and this may prove to be true when you form some types of entities. Forming an LLC, however, is a straightforward experience with a few easy steps. You can even prepare the few required documents online as soon as you are ready to do so. The first step in forming an LLC is selecting a business name. You can always change the name of your LLC by filing amended paperwork with your state's Secretary of State department. However, it makes sense to focus on building your brand and conducting operations from day one with a name that you will stick with.
After you have a name in mind, you need to decide who the members are and what their ownership percentages are. You also need to determine who your entity's registered agent will be. This is a designated individual or agent who receives service of process for your entity. While it can be a business owner, you may avoid unnecessary compliance concerns down the road by choosing a third-party registered agent.
You will then prepare and file your operating agreement with your state's designated filing agency. Typically, you will be required to pay a formation and filing fee at this time. A few final steps will follow this one. For example, you will need to request an EIN from the IRS. This enables you to file your LLC's tax returns, to apply for a loan and to take other important steps. You will also need to establish a business bank account. This bank account is crucial to keep business and personal financial transactions separate from each other. By maintaining distance in this way, you can protect the personal liability benefits that the LLC provides.
After your LLC has been filed and your business is up and running, you cannot neglect your entity. Different types of LLC maintenance may be required over the years. Through maintenance efforts, you can maintain compliance and ensure that you have personal liability protection going forward. Keep in mind that the LLC maintenance requirements vary by state. Some states, for example, may require the filing of an annual report. This may also be called a statement of information in some states. If this is the case, you must file the annual documentation by a specific date each year to remain compliant. Ensure that you add this important date to your professional calendar so that you do not overlook it.
Some specific LLC activities or events may trigger a maintenance need as well. For example, if you decide to change your entity's name, you will be required to submit an amendment to your state's business filings office. The specific need for a formal, filed amendment may vary by state. Before you firmly decide to form an LLC for your business and complete the easy process online, it is important to research your specific state's LLC requirements. Likewise, you should familiarize yourself with the IRS's LLC taxation rules while you are conducting crucial due diligence.
Set Up Your LLC Today
Have you firmly decided that you want to structure your new business entity as an LLC? The process of establishing a limited liability company is so straightforward that you can do so completely online. An alternative is to hire a business lawyer to facilitate the process. However, many people find that this alternative is unnecessarily time-consuming and costly. You can get started forming your LLC today by researching your state's filing requirements. Then, you can conveniently walk through the final steps online to complete the process. Depending on your state's processing timeline, you may expect to receive a confirmation that your entity is established within roughly a few weeks.
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