Forming an LLC can be a daunting yet exciting prospect. Essentially, it is a process that you want to get right the first time and go through only once. One of the simplest ways to do so is by using an online LLC formation service.
If you have done any preliminary research into this you will already know that there are a large number of services available. You may also feel that choosing the most appropriate seems complicated. However, after you have finished this review guide you will have the confidence and knowledge to start the process of setting up your LLC.
Below you will find a comprehensive comparison of 6 leading LLC formation services online, along with detailed information on the various packages they provide, and the best circumstances to use them.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For our detailed reviews, plus an in-depth buyer’s guide keep on reading.
Table of Contents
Top Picks
Best Value: IncFile
Incfile is a quality LLC formation service that prioritizes a budget-friendly and transparent approach to what they offer.
Their zero filing fee (+state fee), combined with a 1 year free Registered Agents service is an industry first. It represents incredible value for money.
Furthermore, the usual extras (EIN / Operating Agreements, etc) are competitively priced too. You can sign up for Incfile and know you are getting one of the best LLC formation deals currently available.
Best Premium Plan: Zen Business
If you’re looking for a high-quality all-in-one package, the Pro Plan offered by Zen Business is the one to go for.
It includes 1 year of free registered agent service, as well as various extras such as employee EINs, operating agreements, and banking resolutions.
Not only that, Zen Business has one of the best user interfaces on the market. Intuitive and available on all your devices, it can be the one-stop place to take care of the state and federal legalities of your business. Highly Recommended.
Best Customer Service: Northwest Registered Agents
Northwest Registered Agents take the ethos of a more traditional brick and mortar LLC formation service and brings it online.
Their hands-on and reachable customer service, staffed by professionals makes them a great choice for those looking for a service that goes beyond having a flashy website and phone app.
However, in terms of what is included in the service fee, other providers do offer more value for money.
Top 6 LLC Formation Services Compared
BEST VALUE INC FILE | BEST PRO PLAN ZEN BUSINESS | BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE NORTHWEST | CORPNET | SWIFT | MY COMPANY WORKS | |
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
PROCESSING TIME | 1 Business Day | 1 Week | 1-3 Business Days | 1 Week | 1 Week | 1 Week |
REGISTERED AGENT | 1st Year Free, | 1st Year Free, | $125/year | 60 Day Free, | $149/year | $99/year |
OPERATING AGREEMENT | $40 Extra | Included | Included | $69 Extra (Free on Top Plan) | $35 Extra (Free on Mid Plan) | No |
EIN REGISTRY | $70 Extra | Included on Mid (Pro) Plan | No | $69 Extra | $70 Extra | No |
ADVISORY SERVICES | Free 1hr Tax Consultation | No | No | No | 30mins Tax Consultation | Free LLC Handbook |
HOSTING & DOMAIN | Optional: $20p/mo | Included on Top Plan | No | No | Free Domain | No |
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE | Free Lifetime Annual Alerts | Free Lifetime Annual Alerts | Included with Registered Agents | Free Lifetime Annual Alerts | Free Lifetime Annual Alerts | Free Lifetime Annual Alerts |
CPA ASSESSMENT | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
PLAN/PRICES | Basic: $0 | Basic: $49 | $100 + State Fee | Basic: $79 | Basic: $49 | Basic: $79 |
Online LLC Formation Service Reviews
1. BEST VALUE: Incfile Review
UPDATE: PRICE REDUCTION
IncFile have recently changed their pricing plan. Amazingly, they are now offering their silver package LLC formation service for $0 + state fee, (reduced from $49 + state fee). That is an incredible offer, that beats all of the competition on the market.
This is a professional, reliable, and competent LLC formation service that is headquartered in Houston. It specializes in providing registered agent services and business formation services at competitive prices to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
In the context of this review, it specializes in the formation of LLCs, S-corporation, C-corporation, and nonprofit organizations.
Most importantly, Incfile allows one to organize an LLC in almost all the states in the US. Additionally, Incfile staff is experienced incorporation specialists with at least 6-year experience of providing formation services.
This level of experience is bound to benefit LLC members as Incfile can anticipate legal hurdles during the formation process, as well as during ledger keeping and tax filing. Furthermore, the online ordering process of LLC formation is very streamlined and transparent to allow one to monitor progress.
Incfile has the authorization to organize 10 types of LLCs.
- Domestic LLC,
- Foreign LLC,
- Anonymous LLC,
- Restricted LLC,
- Member-Managed LLC,
- Single-Member LLC (allows for the conversion of sole proprietorships into LLCs),
- Manager-managed LLC,
- Series LLC, and L3C (which is analogous to a B corporation).
- Series LLC is a special type of LLC whereby a master LLC presides over separate legal entities, and this option is available in the 8 states: Delaware, Texas, Illinois, Utah, Nevada, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
There is also a need to differentiate between Domestic and Foreign LLC as the designation can create some confusion. A domestic LLC is formed to operate only in the state where it has been organized, while a foreign LLC can operate in other states.
LLC formation packages are bundled into the following three types (levels of price tiers); the Silver package, the Gold package, and the Platinum package.
The silver package is the cheapest option and it only covers the basic services of LLC formation, while the most expensive option, the platinum package offers a comprehensive set of services.
The price tiers also allow for customization; for example, if one does not need all the services in the Gold Package, then (s)he can choose the Silver Package and then add some of the services included in the Gold package, and only pay for these Gold-level services alongside the silver price.
The silver package
- verification of the availability of company name,
- registered agent services, online tracking of the order status (normal order turnaround [completion] is 24hours),
- lifetime company alerts,
- lifetime customer support,
- business website and domain name acquisition,
- tax consultation, and drafting, preparation, and filing of articles of organization; as well as opening up an LLC bank account with the Bank of America.
The premium services that can be added to the Silver Package are:
- EIN/FTIN obtainment,
- preparation of an operating agreement and company by-laws,
- provision of business contract templates,
- banking resolution, and corporation organizational meeting minutes,
- preparation and submission of IRS Form 2553 that qualifies the special categories of an organized business entity as an LLC.
All these premium services are included in the Gold Package with the exception of Business Contract Templates, which is included in the Platinum Package.
The Platinum Package
The platinum package is designed to ensure that members receive services that cover the key processes of LLC formation, especially operating agreement preparation and EIN registration, as well as ensuring that there is annual compliance with state laws and regulations.
This bundle also comes with advisory services with the initial 1-hour tax consultation being free. Registered agent services are also provided. This bundle also covers the registration and operation of the LLC web domain and web hosting services.
Retainment of Incfile as a registered agent during the post-formation phase of LLC ensures that Incfile would accept to legally provide service of process, including notice of litigation, as well as a record of service on behalf of the LLC.
The LLC is then promptly notified through email notification or a telephone call. Likewise, Incfile is expected to forward tax, legal and official correspondences received from state authorities to the LLC. For the first year, registered agent services are free of charge.
Incfile provides unrestricted access to LLC organization documents.
Professional and legal provider of registered agent services.- Order processing time is 24hours.
- Experienced provider of LLC formation services.
- Legally authorized to organize these 10 types of LLCs: Domestic LLC, Foreign LLC, Anonymous LLC, Restricted LLC, Member-Managed LLC, Single-Member LLC, Manager-managed LLC, Series LLC, and L3C.
- Initial 12months of registered agent services are free of charge.
- The initial hour of tax consultation is free.
- Allows for the seamless formation of LLC whose subsequent operation prioritizes compliance with state laws.
The platinum package, which is the most recommended price tier, is relatively expensive.
Bottom-line
Incfile is a quality LLC formation service that prioritizes a budget-friendly and transparent approach to what they offer.
Their zero filing fee (+state fee), combined with a 1 year free Registered Agents service is an industry first. It represents incredible value for money.
Furthermore, the usual extras (EIN / Operating Agreements, etc) are competitively priced too. You can sign up for Incfile and know you are getting one of the best LLC formation deals currently available.
2. BEST PREMIUM PLAN: Zen Business Review
ZenBusines, Inc PBC is another popular LLC formation service that has enjoyed large expansion in recent years.
With its focus on fast reliable delivery, the service has taken a tech-minded approach to the LLC formation process. In other words, they have created a platform that is easy to use and provides the business owner everything they need to form their LLC via an easy-to-use online dashboard.
Users of the service can organize the various components of their LLC (i.e the operating agreement and articles of organization, as well as issuing membership certificates), within the online portal.
They can also use it to keep track of necessary obligations such as annual compliance, file returns, CPA assessments, and other basic LLC statutes.
Importantly Zen Business is able to provide LLC formation services in all 50 states. It is important to remember that state fees will vary, so make sure to cost this fact in, when choosing your plan.
Let’s take a look at the available plans now.
How much does Zen Business LLC Formation cost?
ZenBusiness provides a number of services beyond simple LLC formation and this is reflected within the 3 packages.
For those that want add-on services, the company can also provide post-formation tax filing services, registered agent services, and a whole lot more besides.
The cheapest plan is the starter package and costs $49.
- A search of LLC name.
- Filing of relevant documents for LLC organization and formation.
- Registered agent services.
- Free CPA (certified public accountant) assessment.
- Virtual business guide.
- Conceptualization, personalization, drafting, and processing of an operating agreement.
- Filing is done at standard (filing) speed.
As you can see, this includes the fundamentals required in order to formulate an LLC. In our mind, the package to go for is the Pro Plan.
This provides what an LLC owner needs to meet the various legislative requirements when running a new company. The stress-relieving benefit of having these areas taken care of (and being able to track them all within your online dashboard) is what you should be aiming for as you launch your LLC.
- Expedite filing speed.
- Employer ID number.
- Advisory services on legal compliance, as well as filing of relevant documents to government authorities (on behalf of the LLC).
- Banking resolution service that allows one to open a bank account for the LLC.
Finally, the Premium Plan is worthwhile for those that want some additional help with their business website. However, in our opinion opting to have Zen Business take care of your domain name, email addresses are unnecessary.
With cheaper prices available elsewhere and loads of free internet guides on how to launch a new business website, the following list of services seems slightly superfluous to me.
- Business website.
- Business domain name.
- Business email address.
- Domain name privacy.
- The Pro Plan has everything you need to start your LLC
- The process is quick, easy, and efficient (the website is very intuitive to use)
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- ZenBusiness have a lot of great customer feedback
- State fees are extra on top
- If you opt for additional services such as annual reports & EIN Numbers on the starter package the price will add up.
Bottom Line
Overall, ZenBusiness is an easy-to-use surface. They have created an interface on the website that is really intuitive. It definitely helps to take the stress out of forming an LLC.
There are cheaper options available, but opting for a reliable, transparent, and professional service is always worth the extra expense. Our top premium choice for 2022 for good reason.
3. BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE: Northwest Registered Agent Review
This is a professional and reliable LLC formation service that specializes in providing registered agent services and business formation services at excellent rates to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
It is headquartered in Spokane, Washington; and is registered as an LLC, which means that it can help business entities to not only organize an LLC, but it can also provide up-to-date advice, as well as guidance on how to run the LLC with priority given to legal compliance.
Its LLC formation services come bundled with data security, corporate guides, and privacy protection services. This makes it the ideal service provider for LLCs that are organized to operate exclusively online.
It also provides excellent formation services for brick-and-mortar LLCs and LLCs that operate both online and offline.
Moreover, it is authorized to allow non-US residents to register LLCs in Florida, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, and Delaware.
It is important to note that non-residents in this context cover both US citizens living outside the US, and non-US citizens who want to own a business in the US.
Northwest Registered Agent allows one to organize an LLC in 50 U.S states, with Washington DC and Puerto Rico also treated as legal states.
This service provider is staffed by experienced, talented, and professional incorporation specialists who are dedicated to providing excellent formation services.
The staff and customer service representatives can help a business entity to anticipate legal hurdles during the formation process, as well as during ledger keeping and tax filing.
Additionally, the formation process is quite streamlined and transparent to allow one to monitor progress and appraise for legal conformity.
The order processing time can take anywhere from 3 days to 5 days. It also has the authorization to organize PLLCs.
The customer support services provided by Northwest Registered Agent are quite impressive, and they ensure that queries and requests of customers are attended to promptly. This makes its customer service the best in this review.
LLC formation packages are bundled into three price tiers: the basic-tier, middle-tier, and top-tier.
The basic tier is the cheapest option and it only covers the basic services of LLC formation while the most expensive option, the top tier offers a comprehensive set of services. The price tiers also allow for customization of LLC formation services.
Basic Tier Services
The key services in the basic tier are:
- verification of the availability of company name,
- registered agent services,
- online tracking of order status,
- company alerts,
- lifetime customer support, and consultation on annual compliance,
- drafting, preparation, and filing of articles of organization.
It does not provide a business website and domain name acquisition, tax consultation, and opening up of an LLC bank account, which comes bundled with the Silver package of Incfile.
Middle-Tier Package
The middle-tier package adds EIN registration and operating agreement drafting, compilation, and processing.
Top-Tier Package
The top-tier package is designed to ensure that members receive comprehensive services that cover key processes of LLC formation with the exception of website domain acquisition and data storage services.
Northwest Registered Agent does not also include advisory services in this package, unlike Incfile which provides these services in its Gold Package.
Nonetheless, Northwest Registered Agent offers registered agent services for free for the first 12 months.
Retainment of registered agent services during the operational phase of LLC allows Northwest Registered Agent to legally accept to provide service of process and record of service on behalf of the LLC. The LLC is notified when these services are provided.
- Professional and legal provider of registered agent services.
- Experienced provider of LLC formation services.
- Includes data security, corporate guides, and privacy protection services to its LLC formations service packages.
- Allows non-US residents to register LLC.
- Legally authorized to organize these PLLCs, Domestic LLC, Foreign LLC, Member-Managed LLC, Single-Member LLC, and Manager-managed LLC.
- Initial 12months of registered agent services are free of charge.
- Allows for the seamless formation of LLC whose subsequent operation prioritizes compliance with state laws.
- Its top-tier package is cheaper than the Platinum package of Incfile.
- Does not offer advisory services, nor provides web domains and data storage services in its packages.
- The order processing time ranges from 72 – 120hours.
- Its packages are not as feature-rich as those offered by Incfile.
Bottom-line
Northwest Registered Agents take the ethos of a more traditional brick and mortar LLC formation service and brings it online.
Their hands-on and reachable customer service, staffed by professionals makes them a great choice for those looking for a service that goes beyond having a flashy website and phone app.
However, in terms of what is included in the service fee, other providers do offer more value for money.
- Related Content: 10 Important steps to take after forming an LLC
4. CorpNet LLC Formation services Review
This is a professional LLC formation service that specializes in providing registered agent services and business formation services at varying price points to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
It allows one to organize an LLC in almost all states in the US. It was established in 1997 by a married couple and is currently headquartered in Westlake Village in Los Angeles, California.
Currently, it prioritizes on providing document filing services, and this legally bars it from proving financial, tax, and legal advice in its document filing packages.
Expectedly, this makes its LLC formation service packages to closely resemble those offered by the Northwest Registered Agent with the exclusion of advisory services.
CorpNet is staffed by experienced, talented, and professional incorporation specialists who are dedicated to providing excellent formation services.
This allows it to help its clients to anticipate possible hurdles during the formation process, and during ledger keeping and tax filing; as well as conceive a workable contingency plan.
Furthermore, the online ordering process of LLC formation is quite streamlined and transparent to allow one to monitor progress.
Even so, there is a need to note that CorpNet does charge a mandatory shipping fee as it ships the documents through USPS Priority Mail. Therefore, the more frequently the documents are sent, the more shipping fees one is expected to pay.
CorpNet is authorized to organize Domestic LLC, Foreign LLC, Member-Managed LLC, and Manager-managed LLC. Its LLC formation packages are bundled into the following three levels; the Basic package, Deluxe package, and the Complete package.
The Basic Package
The cheapest option is the Basic package which covers the basic services of LLC formation including the following:
- verification of the availability of company name,
- registered agent services,
- online tracking of order status,
- company alerts,
- customer support, and drafting, preparation, and filing of articles of organization.
There is an extra fee if one needs the order completed within 24hours.
Registered Agent services are provided for free for the first 60days. The 24-hour document preparation fee is only omitted in the Complete Package, while the Registered Agent services are provided for free for 12months in both the Deluxe and Complete Packages. As expected, the use of price tiers allows for the customization of LLC formation services.