Earlier this year I was laid off from my job, (a victim of cost-cutting due to Covid-19). Thankfully, I had predicted the change and had been working on starting a new company on the side. It was definitely an exciting (and nerve-wracking) time for me, I am more than glad I was forced to make the leap mind you.
One issue I researched quite thoroughly was how to actually go about forming my LLC. With the various service providers online, all selling different types of packages it was a bit of a minefield.
The various reviews on this site helped me greatly. However, after looking around I ended up opting to use Swyft Filings. I went for their standard package as it seemed to have everything I need. The price was competitive too.
Anyway, after the guys here at Vault50 asked if I’d be up for contributing an article about my experiences with Swyft Filings I was more than happy too (Kevin is an old friend of mine and has been helping with my business website – cheers Kev.)
A summary is in the box below. I go into detail about the packages Swyft Filings provide further on, along with my thoughts on the good and bad points of using their service.
For all those starting an LLC in what has been a very challenging yearr, good luck; I hope this review helps.
Table of Contents
Swyft Filings Review Summary
PRICING: Basic: $49 / Standard: $149 / Premium: $299 (State fees apply on each)
The standard package has great options for only $149- The process is quick, easy and efficient
- I especially like the ComplianceGuard reminder service
- 100% satisfaction guarantee, they’ll refund their service fees if you are not happy.
- Option to pay for your LLC formation in two installments
- Swyft Filings have a quality track record with satisfied customers
Their base rate of $49 doesn’t compete with other services that offer basic services for free- None of their LLC formation packages include a year’s registered agent service for free, (whereas the competition does). The extra $149 for this is significant.
I personally found Swyft Filings difficult to fault. I was extremely happy with the speed and ease of the service. I was especially impressed with services such as the operating agreement and compliance guard reminders. However, I was not on a tight budget. Other services will include the registered agent service for 1 year for free. In other words, if you are on a budget, you might want to shop around. If not, go for their standard package at $149, you won’t be disappointed.
Who are Swyft Filings?
A look at the about page will tell you that Swyft Filings have been around since 2012.
This actually makes it a lot newer company than many others in the LLC formation space.
I didn’t mind this, however; in my mind, they were old enough to know what they were doing, yet new enough to still have something to prove and not be complacent.
This was just my gut feeling of course. The figures on the number of businesses served did back this up mind you.
With thousands of filings under their belt, Swyft Filings were definitely proving popular and had to be doing something right.
They offer services in both the USA and Canada too.
Swyft Filings LLC Formation Packages
As with the majority of the formation services I looked at, Swyft Filings do 3 main packages covering a range of services.
The basic package is good, however, I did see a number of competing services that covered the same but for cheaper, (both IncFile and IncAuthority do a basic package of $0 plus state fee).
Due to the fact I wanted more services included, a basic package from any provider wouldn’t have fit the bill.
Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself here. Let’s take a look at each of the Swift Filing service packages in detail.
1. Basic Package: $49 + State Fee
The basic package contains the fundamentals. With no frills attached, you will be able to form your LLC using this. The services included are as follows:
Preparation and Filing of Articles of Organization
This is the nuts and bolts LLC formation service that all packages, whomever you use, will have.
Here Swyft Filings will do all the necessary paperwork to officially form your company.
In other words, they will prepare the documents and then file them with the Secretary of State’s office within the state you have requested your LLC to be formed.
Name Availability Verification
Before Swyft Filings process your formation application they will search through your state’s official business database in order to check that no other entity is using the name that you wish to use.
Lifetime Customer Support
This is a nice addition that not all services provide. For the life of your LLC, you will be able to contact Swyft Filings for advice, support, and information surrounding the formation and other relevant inquiries.
30-Minute Business Tax Consultation
As part of the basic package, Swyft Filings will offer a no-obligation free consultation with a reputable, national accounting firm.
This will help you have a clearer idea of how your business will be taxed, and how to best go about setting up business accounts, how to pay employees, and such.
ComplianceGuard Company Alerts
I actually really liked this addition, and the fact it is part of the basic package is impressive.
If you opt to use Swyft Filings you will gain access to their corporate compliance tool. This keeps you informed on important filing deadlines and other notable legal requirements surrounding your LLC.
It offers great peace of mind to the new business owner that important due dates are being tracked. You can also use the system to access your incorporation documents.
One Year Free Domain Name
For me, this last inclusion is a bit pointless. I had begun building my business website before I formed my LLC.
All the same, should you be interested, Swyft Filings will provide a domain name for your business free of charge for one year.
2. Standard Package: $149 + State Fee
The standard package is the one that I used. It contains everything I have talked about above, plus some really important (to me) extras that help you launch your business.
Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
From the start of my LLC, I knew I would be taking on staff. The only way you can do that is if your business has an EIN.
This is the equivalent of a Social Security Number for your LLC. Once you have this you can use it to hire employees, pay business taxes and open your business bank accounts. In fact, all businesses need one after they are formed.
If you don’t want the headache of sorting this with the IRS, Swyft Filings will do it all for you. Yes Please!
LLC Operating Agreement
This service was also important to me. An officially drawn-up LLC operating agreement is used to clarify the ownership structure of the company, (mine was slightly convoluted due to outside investment so I wanted this document to be done right).
The LLC operating agreement will also define some rules and regulations on how your company will be operated.
The standard package means that Swyft Filings will draft all of this for you.
Banking Resolution
I didn’t really understand this feature. Swyft Filings will create a document stating who is authorized to open a bank account for your LLC.
Combining the EIN and the consultation with the accountants I didn’t see why this was needed, and nor did I request one.
Organizational Minutes
Another extra you get with the standard package is documents to use in the organizational meeting of your company.
My outfit was definitely going to operate in a less formal manner than this, however, should you need a structure to that meeting, the organizational minutes will assist you.
Again, this may be worthwhile for some, but I didn’t need them.
3. Premium Package: $299 + State Fee
The premium package is difficult for me to comment on from a personal experience point of view. I didn’t purchase this one.
However, for those interested, the extra $150 will you get everything that was included in the basic and standard packages, plus the following:
Expediting Options
The premium package includes the expediting option as part of the price. In other words, you will receive the express filing time of 2 business days.
You can opt for this on any of the other packages, however, it costs an extra $90 to have your application fast-tracked.
I was not in a hurry, so I didn’t need this.
Electronic Delivery of State Documents
Another feature included in the premium package that has to be paid for as an extra on the other packages is the electronic delivery of the state documents.
For those in a hurry, they will be able to download these documents from their Swyft Filings online dashboard as soon as they are available.
Digital Corporate Kit
If you would like an official LLC kit and seal Swyft Filings can provide an electronic version for you.
This features a digital “seal” that represents your company. You will also get a ledger to track ownership transfers. They also produce customized stock certificates. This was all unnecessary from my point of view.
Business Website and 3 Months Hosting
For some new business owners, this could prove very helpful.
Swyft Filings have a partnership with a third-party website building service. If you opt for the premium package you will get a basic business website built by this service (from a template).
They will purchase the domain name for a year (at which point you will have to renew it yourself) and will also cover 3 months hosting fees.
Swyft Filings vs The Competition
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 |
The Vault50 editorial team recently reviewed 7 of the major online LLC formation services here. As you can see from the comparison table above, we ended up awarding IncFile as our top value option because of their zero filing fee (+ state fee) package. (Inc Authority are another company that provides such an offer).
This really is excellent value for money, especially when you consider that Incfile throws in a year of free registered agent service too.
Zen Business was another service of note. Their pro plan with its comprehensive list of included services, plus the excellent user interface, make them a great choice for those with a mid-range budget.
Northwest Registered Agent also scored well. Their professional customer service department makes them very easy to deal with and help take the stress out of starting your LLC.
My experience using Swift Filings
Making the application
Firstly, I liked how intuitive the Swyft Filings website was to use.
After reading reviews and checking out what they had to offer, it was a very quick and painless process to signup. (I guess they make it so because they want your business).
Anyway, after selecting that I wanted to form an LLC and that the state should be Minnesota, I had another chance to check through the three packages via a handy comparison table.
I opted for the standard package and was then led to a page where I filled in my contact details.
The next page is where you fill in your business details and description; you then go on filling in the business address details and names of the management, before choosing who will be your registered agent.
(NOTE: Anyone forming a new LLC will need a registered agent. This is basically the third-party you designate to receive official documents for your business. I simply chose Swyft Filings. You have the option to appoint another registered agent, however.)
After all this (it took me about 10 minutes) you make payment and create login details for your account.
You then sit back and wait for the filing to be completed.
- Related Content: Inc Authority Review – Should you use their LLC formation services
Receiving the documents
As I didn’t pay for the fast track option or immediate electronic copies, I had to wait about a week for my official state formation documents to arrive.
They were delivered via premium postage which was great.
During that first week, I did contact Swyft Filings via their live chat feature and they were fast and responsive. They gave me an update on the progress of my application and also gave me the option to set a date for the tax consultation.
The extra services
The add-on services that were part of the standard package came soon after my LLC had formed.
The EIN was with me almost immediately. After a little correspondence with Swyft Filings over email, I also had a very professionally drafted LLC operating agreement.
The banking resolution and organizational minutes were also sent to me, however, I only really gave this a cursory look as I didn’t intend to use them.
The ComplianceGuard feature is great, however, and I am very happy to have this alert system in place to notify me when deadlines need to be met.
I am so busy with the company that it is easy to forget these.
Pros & Cons of Using Swyft Filings
- The standard package had all the options I needed at a great price of only $150
- The process is quick, easy, and efficient
- I especially like the ComplianceGuard reminder service (available free on all packages)
- 100% satisfaction guarantee, they’ll refund their service fees if you are not happy.
- Option to pay for your LLC formation in two installments
- Swyft Filings have a quality track record with satisfied customers (me included).
- Their base rate of $49 doesn’t compete with other services that offer it for free
- None of their LLC formation packages include a year’s registered agent service for free, (whereas the competition does). The extra $149 is significant
Bottom Line
I personally found Swyft Filings difficult to fault. I was extremely happy with the speed and ease of the service.
Everything was delivered promptly and I was especially impressed with services such as the operating agreement and compliance guard reminders.
However, all that being said, I was not on a tight budget. I had no issue paying for the standard package (good value at $149) as well as the year’s registered agent with Swyft Filings.
It can not be ignored that other services will include the registered agent service 1 year for free. In other words, if you are on a budget, you might want to shop around.
For those that are not, you will definitely be satisfied with the level of service on offer here.
- Related Content: CorpNet Reviews: what our readers had to say
