7+ Best LLC Services in the United States (Ranked for 2023)
Choosing the right LLC service is crucial to ensure that your business remains in good standing with the state. From business formation to tax planning, the best LLC service can help you meet your goals. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 7+ best LLC services so that you can pick the best one for you.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent provides the right expertise for all your LLC needs such as company registration, tax filing, and more.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom provides a wide range of legal services for entrepreneurs, including LLC registration, trademark registration, and more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers support in the various stages of business formation, from getting it off the ground, to making sure that it is successful.
Incfile
Incfile has helped more than half a million businesses launch since its inception in 2004; there is no problem that Incfile hasn’t seen.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides LLC formation services and has an AI-powered logo design tool that helps brands get up and running.
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Are you thinking about starting your own business?
You’re not alone!
It’s interesting to know that just in June 2021, more than 440 thousand small businesses were started.
Whether starting with a completely new small business idea or considering using a marketplace to buy and sell online businesses as a potential idea source, it’s essential to know as much as possible about your business entity.
A limited liability company, also known as an LLC, is a type of business that is relatively easy to set up.
In this article, I share the best LLC services right now, helping you choose the one that best fits your needs.
What Is The Best LLC Service?
The following are some of the best online formation services to consider when starting an LLC.
1. Northwest Registered Agent.
Best Overall.
Adam’s Take
Northwest Registered Agent provide a great experience when setting up an LLC because they have years of experience. They are also very affordable when one considers all the costs. Their team can help you with everything from company registration to tax filing.
Northwest Registered Agent provides the right expertise for all your LLC needs.
This expertise includes the company registration process, tax filing, annual reports, and member meetings.
They have Corporate Guides® that can help you answer any questions you have about the forming of your new LLC and can also help with its ongoing management.
With custom-built backend software, Northwest Registered Agent can provide you with the best customer experience tailored to your needs.
Key Features:
- State compliance notification means you will receive an email when your LLC is due to file taxes or public notices, giving you time to prepare your documents accordingly.
- Access to every state form is available and has settings they have prefilled, making your part of the process quick and easy.
- They provide a secure online account, allowing you to upload legal documents and share them with them as needed.
- Northwest provides a business address when you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent.
- Privacy and security come standard with the service. All your documents are stored safely and securely.
Get started with Northwest Registered Agent.
2. LegalZoom.
Best for trademark registration.
Adam’s Take
LegalZoom can help with anything LLC-related, from filing the Articles of Organization to preparing Operating Agreements. They also have experience with trademark registration, so they can help you protect your business name and logo.
LegalZoom provides a wide range of legal services for entrepreneurs, including LLC registration, trademark registration, and more.
Whatever your legal requirements, LegalZoom can help you.
They have trained their support staff thoroughly to understand your needs, making the process of LLC registration that much easier for you.
The primary benefit of using LegalZoom is that in addition to LLC registration services, LegalZoom provides trademark and copyright registration services and patent application assistance, which is a fantastic all-around experience.
Key Features:
- Costs to form an LLC start at $79 with LegalZoom – however, this only happens after they give you the right advice about what will work for your specific business needs.
- They have a vast range of services to choose from, meaning you can find everything you need in one place.
- LegalZoom offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the service, further showing their commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Their newsletter offers you the latest in business law and more, so you can keep up to date with all the changes.
- Protect your IP with compatible trademarks and copyrights, ensuring your business is protected.
Get started with LegalZoom.
3. ZenBusiness.
Best For Ideas.
Adam’s Take
ZenBusiness is another excellent resource for small business owners. It offers a wide range of services to help you get your business up and running while ensuring you stay compliant with all the necessary regulations.
ZenBusiness offers business support in the various stages of business formation, from getting it off the ground to ensuring it is successful.
You will benefit from their business experts’ support, allowing you to feel confident in your decisions.
With the ability to choose the filing options that best suit your needs, ZenBusiness can make the LLC formation process quick and easy.
Ongoing compliance services are also available, so you will always be able to stay on top of everything.
Key Features:
- Their pricing starts at $49, meaning you can set up your legal business without breaking the bank or going over your budget.
- Their secure website makes it easy for you to upload your documents and share them with Zenbusiness as needed, making the process fast.
- Submission of a new business takes up to 10 minutes, so you’ll be up and running in no time.
- One of their main goals is simplifying the red tape processes, making the LLC formation process as easy as possible for you.
Get started with ZenBusiness.
4. Incfile.
Best for experienced business owners.
Adam’s Take
Incfile has been around for over 15 years and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs get their businesses going. If you’re looking for a comprehensive LLC service that can help you with everything from filing your Articles of Incorporation to getting an EIN, Incfile is an excellent option.
Incfile has helped more than half a million businesses launch since its inception in 2004.
With this amount of experience in the LLC formation process, there is no problem that Incfile hasn’t seen before and isn’t able to solve.
Whether you are starting a new company, need help to restructure a current one, or even need help when it comes to managing your state compliance, Incfile can help with all your needs.
Their LLC experts will be able to guide you through the registration process, making it quick and easy for you to get things done.
Knowing that they have a positive track record in filing annual reports and paying state taxes, you can feel safe knowing they can help you at every step.
Key Features:
- No hidden fees mean that the price you see is what you’ll pay.
- Set up your business in four easy steps, making the process less daunting than ever.
- Vast knowledge and expertise in LLC formations mean that you will be in safe hands each time you need help.
- With banking and bookkeeping services also available, Incfile can help with all your business needs.
- The expert team offers continuous support and customer service to give members peace of mind.
Get started with IncFile.
5. Tailor Brands.
Best For Branding.
Adam’s Take
Tailor Brands is my number one recommendation when setting up an LLC. With helpful resources and an AI-powered logo design tool and helpful resources that can get you the majority of the way there, it’s hard to beat what Tailor Brands offers when setting up your business.
Tailor Brands is one of the best LLC formation services, as they take care of most of the work for you.
Their resources are beneficial for those wanting to set up an LLC quickly and easily, ranging from a logo creator, a website builder, a business mailbox, a digital business card, and more.
These services don’t even include their LLC formation services, allowing you to form your business in any state quickly.
They also take care of your business listings so customers can easily find you online. Overall, it’s hard to beat what Tailor Brands has to offer when setting up your business.
Key Features:
- Search Engine Optimization features help your target audience find you online.
- Business listings make it so customers can find your business online without hassle.
- Business cards from Tailor Brands look fantastic and help leave a lasting impression.
- Tailor Brands also offers branded merchandise with your new logos, such as t-shirts and mugs.
- Their digital business card is a great way to share your contact information.
- Lastly, their AI logo design tool is perfect for those who need help creating a professional-looking logo.
Get started with Tailor Brands.
6. Rocket Lawyer.
Best for legal help.
Rocket Lawyer explains your options in plain English when starting a business.
From LLCs to corporations, they can help you form the proper business structure for you and provide the ongoing support you need to ensure your business is booming.
With their ‘ask a lawyer’ service, you can get your questions answered quickly and easily, allowing you to make the right decisions fast.
They also have a legal app that anyone can use to get help.
Key Features:
- Specialists are on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- They offer a free ‘ask a lawyer’ service via their online website, meaning it is only a click away when you need legal support.
- Their legal app allows you to get legal advice on the go, wherever you are.
- They offer reliable help even after you start your own company, ensuring you comply with the law.
- Create an agreement with their ready-made templates and get access to a wide range of legal services, such as corporate law.
7. BizFilings.
Best For Providing Incorporation Benefits.
BizFilings is a service that is confident in its capacity to exceed client expectations.
They offer great tools and resources, such as an incorporation wizard, a business license wizard, and a business-type comparison chart.
These resources simplify the incorporation process for you as the business owner.
They complete most of their client’s transactions without delays, and many are satisfied with the results. BizFilings take pleasure in offering the most professional service in the market.
Each order is analyzed to detect any mistakes or omissions and is reviewed by a trained professional to ensure accuracy before proceeding.
Key Features:
- They provide interactive tools and resources to help you decide the best business structure.
- With their vast experience, they help you understand the difference between the best types of incorporation needed. These include LLCs, C Corporations, S Corporations, and non-profits.
- BizFilings guarantees that your order will be reviewed by a trained professional for accuracy before submission.
- Quickly start your business and run it with BizFilings’ online resources.
- The BizFilings specialists can answer your questions and provide the advice you need.
8. MyCompanyWorks.
Best old-school LLC formation process.
MyCompanyWorks provides incorporations that start from just $59 (plus the state filing fees), which makes them a very affordable option.
They offer your money back if you are not 100% satisfied at any stage, and they provide this on a no-questions-asked basis.
This condition incentivizes them to make the best decisions for your business while keeping you informed about what’s happening.
In addition, you can also get a lifetime business form and tax guide assistance, ensuring your business is always playing according to the law books.
With a free business tax consultation included (this comes with all the packages – from the basic package to the most advanced one), you can be sure that your business is always in good hands.
You can take advantage of various upsells that might make your business life more accessible depending on your specific needs.
Key Features:
- Choosing the speed at which they incorporate your company is one of your many options with MyCompanyWorks.
- They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back, no questions asked.
- Access to a My Account Dashboard means that you can keep track of all the documentation and correspondence.
- They provide a free logo if you incorporate it with them – this is a nice touch when starting your business.
- MyCompanyWorks offers free E-Delivery of your formation documents.
Other LLC services not mentioned in this article include MyCorporation, Inc Authority, and Swyft Filings.
What Is An LLC Service?
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a relatively new business structure that came into being in 1977.
It was made to give entrepreneurs who have just started their businesses a legal framework to help them stay compliant with the law and to protect their assets from any financial threats.
LLC services can help you make the most of the LLC structure. These services include:
- Help with business formation, including LLC certification and filing
- Tax, legal, and compliance advice on the incorporation process to help you choose the right structure for your company
- Legal support in case you get into any trouble later down the line when running your business
Also, some LLC service providers offer additional services to assist you with the business license application process.
You will not have to worry about taking care of this tedious task yourself, which is a big bonus if you are already busy running your own business.
What Does An LLC Formation Do?
An LLC formation can help to protect your personal assets if your business is sued.
It can also help make raising money for your business and managing your taxes easier.
If you are considering starting a business, it is essential to consult with an attorney to discuss the best way to form an LLC.
In addition, an LLC can provide its members with limited liability protection.
The members are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the LLC.
This feature is a big advantage over a sole proprietorship, in which the business owner is personally liable for any debts and obligations of the business.
There are a few things to keep in mind when forming an LLC.
First, the company must have an operating agreement.
This document lays out the rules and procedures for running the company.
It is important to ensure that all LLC members agree to the terms of the operating agreement.
Another thing to remember is that LLCs are only automatically recognized in some states.
You may need to file paperwork with your state to recognize your LLC.
Make sure to check with your state’s requirements before you form your LLC.
Finally, it is vital to choose a name for your LLC that another company does not already use.
You will also need to register your LLC with the state and obtain a registered agent.
Once you have done all this, you will be ready to start doing business as an LLC.
Considerations When Choosing An LLC Formation Services
The following are the factors to consider when choosing the right LLC formation service for your business needs.
The Price Of The Services
Looking at the price of the services is always a good place to start when you’re looking for an LLC formation service.
Some companies offer meager prices, but the quality of their services may not be as good as those that charge more.
Make sure you look at what’s included in the price and whether or not there are any hidden costs to consider.
In addition, ensure that no hidden prices are added to your bill, which some companies try to sneak in.
Ensuring you know the price you’ll ultimately be paying is always a good idea.
The Quality Of The Services
The quality of the services is another essential factor to consider when choosing an LLC formation service.
You want to ensure that you’re dealing with a company with a lot of experience in this area.
If a company has served thousands of clients and has a lot of positive customer reviews, then you can be sure that it will provide a high-quality service.
On the other hand, if a company doesn’t have any positive reviews or is new to the market, you may want to consider looking elsewhere.
The best-registered agent services will be those that have been around for a while and know how to handle all types of businesses.
Also, checking out review sites, such as Trustpilot, can give you a good indication of how good a company is.
The Level of Customer Support Offered
Customer support is another critical factor when choosing an LLC formation service.
The best companies offer 24/7 customer support, so you can get it immediately if you need help.
In addition, look at what other benefits are being offered with your package.
The majority of business owners would benefit greatly from talking with a company specialist so that they can get all their questions answered.
It will also serve as an excellent test to ensure that their support team is knowledgeable enough.
The Incorporation Process Turnaround Time
Another essential factor to consider is the incorporation process and how long it will take for your company to be registered.
The best companies have a very streamlined process that takes just a few business days, but some companies can take weeks or even months.
Make sure you know how long the process will take, so you’re not left waiting too long.
In addition, find out what type of customer support is offered once your company has been registered, as you may need extra help at this stage.
The best companies offer a wide range of support services that can help you with anything.
Company Experience
When choosing an LLC formation service, you want to ensure that you’re dealing with a company with a lot of experience and expertise in this area.
The best companies have been serving clients for many years and know how to provide excellent results every time.
Such companies will always be very open about their experience and qualifications so that you can learn more about them before deciding.
Specific products the company specializes in
The best LLC service is the one that fits your needs.
A registered agent service should be able to help you form an LLC in addition to helping you with any other legal services you may need.
Make sure the service offers a variety of products that can meet all your needs in one place.
Types of Business Structures
There are a lot of pros and cons to choosing a specific type of LLC over another.
Knowing your selection and what you’re getting into is vital from day one.
With that in mind, let’s review the most common types of structures you can go for:
- Sole Proprietorship: This is the most basic type of LLC and is ideal for businesses that are just starting. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require as much paperwork as other LLCs since only one person will be the business proprietor.
- Partnership: This type of LLC is ideal for businesses with multiple owners. It offers more liability protection than a Sole Proprietorship LLC, which can be more complicated to set up.
- Corporation: This type of LLC is ideal for larger businesses and offers the most liability protection. It’s more complex to set up and manage than other types of LLCs, but it can be an excellent option for businesses that want to protect their assets.
- Limited Liability Company: This is the most common type of LLC and offers the best of both worlds – liability protection and ease of management. It’s a good option for businesses of all sizes.
- Professional Corporation: This type of LLC is ideal for businesses that provide professional services, such as lawyers or accountants.
- Limited Liability Partnership: This type of LLC is ideal for businesses with multiple owners who want more liability protection.
- C-Corp: This type of corporation is where the business owners and shareholders pay separate taxes from the business entity.
When choosing an LLC, consider your business type and the liability protection you need.
Other factors to consider in incorporation services
Let’s finally consider the services offered by most LLC filing services.
Knowing what services are available and differentiating between those that are needed and those that aren’t is critical.
In addition to the services that come with a basic plan, a premium package might also include the following:
- An EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- A custom logo
- A customized website with a premium domain name
- Lifetime assistance
- Tax filing is done every year
In addition to the above, the best LLC formation services ensure that your business license and other necessary documents are in order, saving you from unnecessary hassle in the first year (or more) of running your business.
Also, consider the banking resolution document – this which authorizes the company to open and manage business bank accounts.
This document is highly recommended for every LLC starting its business.
An LLC agency can also help with this.
Many companies have services ranging from a silver package to a platinum package.
These packages might be helpful to delve into and understand how to make the most out of them, especially as your business starts operating and scaling.
Forming A Foreign LLC
Forming a foreign LLC is an excellent way for business owners to expand their operations into other states and take advantage of new opportunities.
It can also provide excellent liability protection and give the company access to new markets.
To form a foreign LLC, first, the company must find a qualified Registered Agent in the state where they plan to establish their LLC.
The Registered Agent will handle all legal documents in the country and assist with compliance matters.
Depending on the jurisdiction, this may involve applying for a license or submitting an application for registration with the local government office.
The company may also need to submit additional paperwork, such as articles of incorporation, financial statements, and other documents related to forming a company in a different state.
In addition, businesses must comply with local laws and regulations that apply to operating an LLC in the new state.
Businesses should also ensure they are familiar with labor law compliance in that jurisdiction to hire employees and adequately comply with labor regulations.
Additionally, it would be best to familiarize yourself with customs regarding intellectual property and copyright law so you can protect your assets while operating abroad.
Finally, businesses should obtain appropriate insurance coverage since accidents or losses could be costly if not adequately insured.
What’s Included In An LLC Formation Package?
An incorporation service typically includes the following:
- Name availability search
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation
- Preparation and filing of LLC Operating Agreement
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) application
- Registered Agent service
- Corporate kit or binder
- Customized corporate seals
- Stock or membership certificates
- Documentation of corporate minutes
- Initial resolutions
- Filing instructions
An LLC formation package may also include the following:
- Business licenses and permits
- Zoning approvals
- Site selection assistance
- Lease negotiation assistance
- Business plan development assistance
The cost of an LLC formation package varies depending on the services included.
Typically, the more services that are included, the higher the cost.
However, shopping around and comparing prices is essential before choosing an incorporation service.
Also, an online LLC service may be less expensive than a traditional law firm. Be sure to read the reviews before choosing an online service.
Services That Compliment LLC Formation
Here are some of the services that the top LLC formation companies might also offer to help you get your business off the ground.
Website Creation
Developing an effective and professional website is key to success in any business.
It conveys the message of your products and services and helps to establish trust among customers and partners.
A business without a website is like a car without an engine – it won’t go far.
Business Plan Development
Create a detailed business plan that outlines goals, strategies, budgets, sales projections, marketing plans, etc.
Such a plan will help you get organized before launching your business.
A well-thought-out plan can also be beneficial when applying for loans or investor funding.
Accounting And Bookkeeping Services
Proper accounting methods are essential in running a successful LLC.
An experienced accountant can provide valuable insight into financial operations processes such as budgeting, cash flow management, forecasting, and taxation.
Legal Counsel And Document Preparation
Navigating the legal aspects of starting a business can be a daunting task.
Having a qualified attorney to review contracts, documents, and other legal matters can save you time and money in the long run.
A lawyer can also help you draft documents unique to your business or industry.
Marketing Strategies And Implementation Plans
Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is crucial to the success of any business.
An experienced marketing consultant can guide you to reach your target customers and campaigns to drive sales and generate brand awareness.
They can also assist in designing an implementation plan that outlines steps for executing the strategy.
Best LLC Services – FAQ
What’s an online LLC formation service?
An online LLC formation service is a company that helps you form a limited liability company online.
They usually offer a variety of products and services to future small business owners, including registered agent services, small business insurance, legal advice, and document filing.
What should I look for in an LLC service?
When looking for an LLC formation service, be sure to consider the following factors:
- The company’s experience and reputation
- The types of LLCs they offer
- The price of services offered
- The level of customer support they offer
- The products and services they offer
When considering these factors, be sure to find a company that fits all of your specific needs.
Does the state in which an LLC is operating affect the application process?
Yes, an LLC formed in Delaware, California, Texas, or Wyoming will have different requirements for business filing.
You’ll need to meet the requirements before you can begin working.
Make sure that whatever company you choose understands these requirements and can guide you through the process.
Can you trust LLC services online?
An online business formation service is just as trustworthy as a traditional one.
Many great options are available if you research and shop for the best company for your needs.
Solid business plan software and a quality online LLC formation service can help you quickly and easily get your business off the ground.
In addition to business filing, one can trust the right online LLC formation service to help with name availability, ensuring that the business name you want is still available when you’re ready to file.
What is an LLC operating agreement?
An LLC operating agreement is a contract that determines how your business will function going forward.
It includes information such as how the business operates, a list of members and managers, rules for making changes to the LLC, and information about withdrawing from or transferring memberships in the LLC.
It might be a good idea to consult online legal services regarding your operating agreement, though some LLC services also offer this feature.
What is needed to form an LLC?
The following are some of the formation documents and information you will need to form an LLC:
- Federal Tax ID number / EIN
- Business name / Company name
- Member or manager names and addresses
- LLC operating agreement
- Registered agent information
- Certificate of Formation
- Articles of organization
- Operating agreement template
How much does it cost to form an LLC?
The cost of LLC formation depends on various factors.
The cheapest LLC service starts at around $50, while the most expensive package can cost upwards of $1000.
It’s essential to research all of your options and compare pricing before you make a decision.
Some companies have an a la carte menu where you can pick and choose the services you need, while others offer all-inclusive service packages.
Depending on your situation, some companies also offer various upsells that might be worth the extra money.
Company formation services can be an excellent investment for your business and help you avoid common legal mistakes when making the right choices.
What’s the difference between an LLC and a corporation?
The main difference between these two is that the shareholders own a corporation.
On the other hand, an LLC is owned by a single or multiple individuals.
Is an LLC right for me?
It depends.
There are over 30 different types of business entities that you can use to start your company.
It’s essential to decide which business entity is correct before forming your own company or hiring someone else to do it for you.
Some types of entities also make it easier to open an online business bank account than others, which might be another important consideration for you.
Are free LLC business formation services good?
No good business formation service is free, and you should always be wary of any company that offers a free LLC formation service.
While a free LLC formation through a free registered agent service might seem like a good idea, in the beginning, various risks are involved.
If such services break any laws or your business gets sued without having all your bases covered, it might be more trouble than it’s worth.
The up-front cost of forming your LLC is not a relatively significant investment considering that you’re opening a business, and it’s worth it in the long run.
Wrap Up.
Online LLC services can provide a great way to form your business.
A wide variety of services are available in the market, but finding one with an excellent reputation is key to having the best experience possible.
The best ones listen to customer feedback and improve as needed.
In addition, all companies come with different types of LLC formation packages, so make sure you read into what each offers before making any decisions.
Next, find out if there are any add-ons or extra fees for their packages, as this can affect which service you choose from those available.
When forming your own LLC, knowing everything about each company is essential before making your choice.
To recap, the Best LLC services to form your business are:
- Northwest Registered Agent: Best overall.
- LegalZoom: Best for trademark registration.
- ZenBusiness: Best for small businesses.
Keep these top LLC services in mind as you take the leap and become a business owner.
Have you ever formed an LLC?
Is there an LLC service provider that should be included in this list?
Let me know in the comments below.
Further reading on AdamEnfroy.com: Need help determining which type of business you want to start? Check out my post on how to start an eCommerce business and how to start a dropshipping business for detailed information about these two potential business models for you.
Also, consider who your registered agent will be when you form your LLC.
If you don’t have anyone in mind (or no one satisfied the necessary conditions), the right company can help you.
