What is an LLC?
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure that combines aspects of partnerships and corporations. Like a corporation, an LLC protects its owners from personal liability for business debts and obligations. Like a partnership, it allows for pass-through taxation where business profits and losses are passed to the owners' personal tax returns.
Benefits of Forming an LLC
Some key benefits of forming an LLC include:
- Limited liability protection
- Pass-through taxation
- Operational flexibility since LLCs are not bound by corporate formalities
- Credibility for easier business financing
Forming a limited liability company (LLC) can be a complex process that requires filing the right paperwork, choosing a business structure, and following state regulations. While you can certainly do it yourself, using an online service can make the process much simpler.
Here are 10 of the top online services for forming an LLC:
- Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services in all 50 states. They have extensive experience with startup formations and provide free lifelong company alerts and document filing.
Features and Benefits
- $225 LLC formation fee plus state fees
- Registered agent service included
- Excellent customer support
- Free business website and banking resolution
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Operating agreement ($100)
- Rush filing ($100)
- Business license research ($100)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Reasonable pricing, exceptional customer service, free registered agent service
Cons: Not many extras included in the base plan
Swyft Filings provides streamlined LLC filing services starting at $49 plus state fees. Their registered agent services start at $119 per year.
Features and Benefits
- $49 basic LLC filing fee plus state fee
- Guaranteed approval or $50 credit
- Expedited processing available
- Free initial consultation with an attorney
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Operating agreement ($99)
- Registered agent service ($119 per year)
- Rush filing (from $50)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Low LLC filing fees, money-back guarantee, free attorney consultation
Cons: Minimal features and services beyond LLC filing
- LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the largest online legal services companies. They offer LLC filing packages starting at $79 plus state fees.
Features and Benefits
- $79 basic LLC filing fee plus state fees
- The $159 deluxe package includes the operating agreement
- $249 express gold package with expedited filing
- Registered agent services available
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Operating Agreement ($59+)
- Rush filing ($50)
- Ongoing legal advice plans
Pros and Cons
Pros: Recognized brand, different package options
Cons: More expensive than competitors, upsells required for some key services
- ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the most popular LLC formation services with over 400,000 businesses formed.
Features and Benefits
- $49 basic LLC filing fee plus state fee
- Free registered agent service for one year
- Fast turnaround times
- Tax consultations available
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Operating agreement ($150)
- Rush filing ($50)
- Annual report filings ($150 per year)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Low pricing, free registered agent service, fast processing
Cons: Additional services can be expensive
- Incfile
Incfile offers free LLC filing services and registered agent services for the first year.
Features and Benefits
- $0 basic LLC filing service
- Free registered agent for one year
- Turnaround time within 1-3 days
- Lifetime customer support
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Operating agreement ($99)
- Expedited filing ($50)
- Annual registered agent fee ($119+ per year)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Free LLC filing and registered agent
Cons: Upsells required for some key services
- Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer provides legal documents and attorney advice for individuals and small businesses.
Features and Benefits
- $249 LLC filing and service fee
- 7-day free trial of full-service legal platform
- Q&A with a lawyer
- Legal documents library
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Registered agent service ($149 per year)
- Legal advice plans ($39-$49/month)
- Attorney document review ($59.95 per document)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Legal advice and document help
Cons: High baseline pricing, extensive upsells
- MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks has over 20 years of experience with LLC filings and compliance services.
Features and Benefits
- $199 basic LLC filing package
- Obtain EIN/tax ID number
- Lifetime customer support
- Additional compliance services
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Registered agent service ($235 per year)
- Rush filing ($200)
- Operating agreement ($97)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Long track record, EIN service included
Cons: Higher filing fees than competitors
- BizFilings
BizFilings provides LLC formations and filings along with incorporation services.
Features and Benefits
- $99 basic LLC package plus state fees
- $160 deluxe package with operating agreement
- Rush filing options available
- Free initial consultation
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Registered agent service (from $160 per year)
- Operating agreement ($99-$200)
- Ongoing compliance packages ($287 per year)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Different package options, free consultation
Cons: Registered agent service not included
- Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance specializes in Delaware LLC filings but can form an LLC in any state.
Features and Benefits
- $99 basic LLC formation fee plus state fee
- Preparer expertise in Delaware LLCs
- Compliance services like annual reports
- Client dashboard for easy tracking
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Registered agent service ($149 per year)
- Rush filing ($149)
- Operating agreement ($29)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Delaware LLC expertise, affordable pricing
Cons: Limited to business formation and compliance
- LegalNature
LegalNature offers self-service legal documents and filings for business formation.
Features and Benefits
- $159 basic LLC filing package
- Additional filings like articles of organization
- Legal documents library access
- US-based customer support
Filing Fees and Additional Services
- Registered agent service (from $99 per year)
- Operating agreement ($35)
- Rush filing ($50 extra)
Pros and Cons
Pros: Low pricing, DIY legal documents
Cons: Limited overall services, no legal advice
Forming an LLC online provides convenience, affordable packages, and step-by-step guidance. Consider both cost and services provided when choosing an online service that fits your business needs. With some research, you can find a great option to help get your LLC formed quickly and smoothly.
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