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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Best LLC Services of June 2024

Lena Borelli
By
Lena Borelli
Lena Borelli

Lena Borelli

Contributor

Lena is a freelance contributor to Newsweek’s small business team. A business owner herself, today she advises on business owners of all kinds on proper management, software, and tools to maximize productivity and improve their exposure. She is based in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, and has been featured in leading publications such as TIME, Forbes, Bankrate, Digital Trends and Techopedia.

Read Lena Borelli's full bio
Christina Levandowski
Reviewed By
Christina Levandowski
Christina Levandowski

Christina Levandowski

Contributor

Christina is a freelance editor and contributor with Newsweek’s small business team. With a passion for small business optimization and strategy, Christina has successfully launched her own business and now works to help others do the same. She has studied extensively at Arizona State University on the pre-medical track, and is now an entrepreneur, author, strategist and editor. She is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Read Christina Levandowski's full bio

Hiring an LLC service is the first step to create an LLC. While you can do it yourself, these businesses can support you through state-specific formation steps and filing compliance—saving you time and money in the long run.

These best LLC services work actively to take the stress out of the process, and often do so by offering add-on services. Popular auxiliary services include bookkeeping, tax management, branding support and marketing, for example.

Wondering how to get an LLC? Below, our experts have listed the best LLC services available to small- and mid-sized business (SMB) owners.

Methodology Icon Our Methodology

Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.

Our Picks icon, Summary Our Picks
  • Best LLC Service Overall: ZenBusiness
  • Best LLC Service for Affordability: Bizee (Powered by Incfile)
  • Best Free LLC Service: Inc Authority
  • Best LLC Service for Online Businesses: LegalZoom
  • Best LLC Service for Registered Agent Services: Northwest Registered Agent
  • Best LLC Service for Legal Support: Rocket Lawyer
  • Best LLC Service for Customer Support: Swyft Filings
  • Best LLC Service for Branding Services: Tailor Brands
  • Best LLC Service for Compliance: Harbor Compliance
  • Best LLC Service for Additional Services: BetterLegal
  • Best LLC Service for Multi-State Expansion: Active Filings
  • Best LLC Service for Risk-Free Guarantee: Filenow

12 Best LLC Services of 2024

ZenBusiness

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Vault Verified

Price
$0-$349 per year, plus state filing fees
Free plan
EIN Included
Pro plan only
Registered Agent Service
$199 per year

Why We Chose It

ZenBusiness is the jack of all trades when it comes to business filings: it can form your LLC, create your website, assign your team email, obtain an Employer ID Number (EIN) and create your operating agreement. ZenBusiness also offers accounting, bookkeeping and tax services, plus options for funding, expanding your business and taking on more pursuits. With its all-in-one approach, it is a fantastic fit for SMBs and startups looking to centralize their operating needs.

Key Features

  • One-year worry-free compliance available from Starter tier
  • Modular, customizable plans
  • Business website builder and email support
  • 100% Accuracy Guarantee
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

Pros

  • Free tier available
  • Options for faster filing speeds with upgrade
  • Registered Agent add-on available

Cons

  • Can be expensive for bigger businesses
  • Add-ons come with additional fees
  • Users report mixed customer service experiences

Bizee (Formerly Incfile)

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Vault Verified

Price
$0-$299 per year, plus state filing fees
Free plan
EIN Included
Gold and Platinum packages only
Registered Agent Service
Free first year; $119 per year after

Why We Chose It

Wondering how to get an LLC? Bizee offers a free package that covers all of the essential features that an SMB needs, leaving you to pay just the state fee. The Free tier offers prepared Articles of Organization, unlimited name searches, and a free year of registered agent service. You’ll also receive complimentary compliance reminders and unlimited phone and email support.

Compliance services are available in the form of assistance with Certificates of Good Standing, annual report filings, and business license and trademark name searches. You can even get help with branding, thanks to the Corporate and LLC Kit.

Key Features

  • Annual report support
  • Scalable packages that grow with your business
  • Virtual address and mail scanning support*
  • EIN assistance add-on available
  • Business banking services

Pros

  • Comprehensive free package
  • Tax consultations available from Free tier
  • Entrepreneur grants available

Cons

  • Users report mixed customer service experiences
  • Modular pricing can add up quickly
  • Some services only available by state

Inc Authority

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Vault Verified

Price
$0, plus state fees and postage costs
Free plan
EIN Included
Registered Agent Service
First year free

Why We Chose It

Inc Authority skips the pricey memberships and fees and offers its LLC services free to new businesses and startups. Once your LLC is filed and your documents are complete, Inc Authority will keep digital storage of your documents so you can access them at any time. It also will act as your registered agent for the first year, saving you up to $200 or more when compared to other LLC services.

Key Features

  • Free LLC filing
  • Business name check
  • Two-minute formation processes
  • State and federal tax planning consultations available
  • Business credit and funding analysis available

Pros

  • Completely free to use
  • Complimentary first-year registered agent service
  • Phone and live chat support

Cons

  • Limited pricing information online
  • No turnaround time estimate
  • No mobile app

LegalZoom

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Vault Verified

Price
$0-$299 per year, plus state fees
Free plan
EIN Included
Pro and Premium plans only
Registered Agent Service
$249 per year

Why We Chose It

LegalZoom goes one step further than many of the best LLC services, offering legal services in addition to its LLC services. Beyond these services, LegalZoom keeps your business compliant, offers additional branding services and includes a satisfaction guarantee. You can add on things like registered agent service and operating agreements as your business continues to scale.

Key Features

  • Attorney network in all 50 states
  • Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations
  • Library of 150+ customizable documents
  • Free customizable website (powered by WIX)
  • Tax advising available

Pros

  • Extremely user-friendly
  • 60-day satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Higher price tiers can be expensive for some
  • Registered agent service not included
  • Customers report mixed experiences with customer service

Northwest Registered Agent

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Vault Verified

Price
Discounted offer to form your LLC, corporation or nonprofit today: $39 plus state fee
Free plan
EIN Included
Available for $50
Registered Agent Service
LLC Formation Service package

Why We Chose It

Northwest Registered Agent specializes in accessible registered agent services you can trust. They offer a free DIY option for startups and entrepreneurs, which is rare to see in the industry. There are several other scalable services available to add-on as well, including a free domain, business email, mail scanning and forwarding and a business phone with an iOS or Android app. Northwest also prioritizes company privacy, including with its plans its signature Privacy by Default feature that protects your personal data.

Key Features

  • Budget-friendly
  • Expedited LLC filings
  • Free domain and website add-ons available
  • Operating agreement support
  • Compliance support available

Pros

  • Free plan available
  • Same-day filing options
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Little legal support
  • Not BBB-accredited
  • Paid plans can be expensive

Rocket Lawyer

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Vault Verified

Price
$19.99-$39.99 per month, depending if billed monthly or annually
Free plan
EIN Included
Not included
Registered Agent Service
Rocket Legal: $249.99 per year – Rocket Legal+: $124.99 per year.

Why We Chose It

Like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer specializes in legally supported LLC formation for businesses that want an extra layer of compliance assurance and protection. They offer extensive legal support, available at any time through Rocket Lawyer’s exclusive network. We do want to note: Rocket Lawyer does require that you sign up for a membership in order to use its services; after that, there is no additional cost to create an LLC. Enjoy a free seven-day trial, then try the RocketLegal plan for $39.99 per month or pay $19.99 for RocketLegal+ per month.

Key Features

  • Free LLC with membership
  • Inexpensive legal services
  • RocketTax services available
  • Free seven-day trial
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

  • 3+ million customers
  • Trademark support for intellectual property protection
  • Excellent customer support

Cons

  • Membership required for free LLC
  • Add-on services quickly get pricey
  • Credit card required for trial

Tailor Brands

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Vault Verified

Price
Pricing offered after sign-up
Free plan
EIN Included
Pricing offered after sign-up
Registered Agent Service
Pricing offered after sign-up

Why We Chose It

In addition to LLC formation, Tailor Brands can provide a logo, business cards, websites, trademarks and even branded company swag—all designed to your liking. You can still add traditional services, too, like an EIN and business license or email. Professionals are available to help with tax and bookkeeping support if you need it, and there is also the option to open a business bank account.

Key Features

  • Free LLC formation
  • Professional branding and design support available
  • Registered agent service available
  • Website builder included
  • More comprehensive than other options

Pros

  • Free package
  • Customizable plans
  • Branding services

Cons

  • No support for articles of organization creation
  • EIN costs extra
  • Poor price transparency

Harbor Compliance

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Vault Verified

Price
Starting at $99, plus state fees
Free plan
EIN Included
Available for $99
Registered Agent Service
$89 to $99 per year

Why We Chose It

Harbor Compliance leads the industry, providing LLC formation support and scalable compliance services. The LLC process is simple and fast, and it’s backed by Harbor’s exclusive Compliance Gaps program—which automatically recommends regulatory filings you may need in the states in which you operate. Harbor Compliance also offers EIN or registered agent services for an additional fee.

Key Features

  • Harbor Compliance Score offers tailored compliance support
  • Business license assistance
  • Online dashboard offers real-time compliance insights
  • Legal support available
  • Same-day document access available

Pros

  • Flat-fee base pricing available
  • Users report strong customer support experiences
  • Discounts available for long-term commitment

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Limited money-back guarantee
  • EIN services cost extra

BetterLegal

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Vault Verified

Price
$299, plus state filing fee
Free plan
EIN Included
Included with service
Registered Agent Service
$90 per year

Why We Chose It

BetterLegal helps your business become official in just two business days, with set-up taking less than ten minutes on average. In addition to your LLC, you’ll receive an EIN, an operating agreement, a banking resolution and other business documents. That’s not all, however. BetterLegal comes with many extra features, including a complimentary tax consultation and insurance evaluation.

Key Features

  • Extensive legal support
  • Payroll and HR support available
  • Registered agent service available
  • AI legal translator tool
  • Tax and bookkeeping support

Pros

  • Comprehensive, limits future costs
  • Quick processing times
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Limited customer support
  • Learning curve for some users

Active Filings

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Vault Verified

Price
$0-$250, plus state filing fees
Free plan
EIN Included
Sprinter and Finisher plans only
Registered Agent Service
Free first year, $99 per year after

Why We Chose It

Active Filings is one of the oldest incorporation services in the country, providing services in English and Spanish. It offers domestic incorporation services in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, so you can expand your business into other states. The Starter package includes free incorporation services, annual report compliance and the first year’s registered agent services; you just have to pay state filing fees. You can get broader services, such as an EIN, privacy protection and a business address when you upgrade to its The Sprinter or The Finisher packages. Active Filings also offers international filing services for $999 or $1,499, plus state fees.

Key Features

  • Free LLC formation
  • Registered agent service available
  • Fair pricing
  • Unlimited free support
  • Free tax consultation
  • In-house servers for maximum security
  • Free website resources
  • English- and Spanish-speaking specialists available

Pros

  • Free plan available
  • International services available
  • Complimentary first-year registered agent services

Cons

  • EIN costs extra
  • No live chat feature
  • No mobile app

Filenow

See Offers

Vault Verified

Price
$0-$199, plus state filing fees
Free plan
No
EIN Included
Premium plan only
Registered Agent Service
Starter: $119 per year

Why We Chose It

Filenow offers free 24-hour order processing and an error-free filing guarantee, or you get your money back. Its company formation application is simple and user-friendly, taking about 15 minutes to complete. You also get unlimited name searches and email, chat and phone support, even with the Starter package. You can also buy a la carte services for Doing Business As, business license reporting, Certificates of Good Standing and company name reservations.

Key Features

  • Unlimited 24/7 live support
  • Free 24-hour order processing with Premium plan
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Transparent pricing
  • Budget-friendly LLC packages
  • BBB-accredited

Pros

  • Free business contract templates with Premium plan
  • 247 customer support
  • Money-back guarantee for Filenow errors

Cons

  • Same-day filing service costs extra
  • No free plan
  • EIN costs extra with Starter plan

Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best LLC Services of 2024

PriceFree PlanEIN IncludedRegistered Agent Service
ZenBusiness$0-$349 per year, plus state filing feesPro plan only$199 per year
Swyft Filings$0-$299, plus state filing fees
Standard and Premium packages only$199 per year
Bizee$0-$299 per year, plus state filing feesGold and Platinum packages onlyFree first year; $119 per year after
Inc Authority$0, plus state fees and postage costsFirst year free
LegalZoom$0-$299 per year, plus state feesPro and Premium plans only$249 per year
Northwest Registered AgentDiscounted offer to form your LLC, corporation or nonprofit today: $39 plus state feeAvailable for $50LLC Formation Service package
Rocket Lawyer$19.99-$39.99 per month, depending if billed monthly or annuallyNot includedRocket Legal: $249.99 per year.
Rocket Legal+: $124.99 per year.
Tailor BrandsPricing offered after sign-upPricing offered after sign-upPricing offered after sign-up
Harbor ComplianceStarting at $99, plus state feesAvailable for $99$89 to $99 per year
BetterLegal$299, plus state filing feeIncluded with service$90 per year

Active Filings
$0-$250, plus state filing feesSprinter and Finisher plans onlyFree first year, $99 per year after
FileNow$49-$199, plus state filing feesPremium plan only-Starter: $119 per year – Premium: First year free, $119 per year after

Learn More About LLC Services

Before you can choose the best LLC service, it’s important to know what an LLC is and how it works.

What Is An LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a type of business formation that protects the owners from personal liability regarding company debts and liabilities. Many view it as a cross between a partnership and a corporation, allowing multiple owners to benefit from liability protection.

LLCs are subject to state statutes, so it’s important to ensure that you are up-to-date on current state legislature around LLCs.

Certain businesses, such as banks and insurance companies, may not be registered as LLCs.

How Do LLC Services Work?

To open a new LLC, you will need to obtain an employer identification number and file certain paperwork with the state—including a document called the Articles of Organization. You can do this yourself, or you can choose to work with one of the best LLC services on this list. Either way, you will need to report the owner of the LLC, who is known as a member.

Members may be restricted by your state, but most allow individuals, corporations, other LLCs and foreign entities to serve as members of an LLC. These members enjoy personal protections as part of an LLC. For example: Should the company fail, members do not share personal liability in the debts. Additionally, should the company experience bankruptcy or experience legal issues, members’ own personal assets are still deemed separate and safe from collection.

LLCs change how businesses handle taxes. Instead of filing profits on direct business taxes, those profits are instead reported and taxed on each owner’s tax return. It’s usually a more advantageous arrangement than organizing your business as a corporation, which might lead to your income being taxed twice—once on the business and again on individual tax returns once they become income. LLCs, on the other hand, are only taxed once.

Who Are LLC Services Best For?

First-time business owners are sure to appreciate the ease and expertise that comes with using an LLC service. The best LLC services offer quick and efficient services that compile, file and monitor necessary paperwork—ensuring your business is in full compliance with both state and federal law.

These services can handle operating agreements, help you get an EIN and answer any compliance questions you may have.

An LLC service is perfect for busy business owners who find themselves short on time. By hiring these tasks out, you can focus on other operational tasks; while the LLC service takes care of the paperwork.

Types of LLCs

  • Domestic LLC: A domestic LLC is both created and operational within a single home state. It is the most common of LLC types.
  • Foreign LLC: A foreign LLC is created in one state but operates in another. It may also do business in multiple states.
  • Series LLC: A series LLC is a parent LLC to other LLCs that operate underneath it. It is currently available in Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Utah, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.
  • Nonprofit LLC: A nonprofit LLC is not designed to make a profit. Instead, it is often charitable, social or educational in nature, and is only recognized in four states: Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota and Tennessee.

How To Choose an LLC Service

In order to find the best LLC service, you need to know what to look for in an LLC provider. Here are a few features our experts recommend checking for as you search:

Type of Services Offered

An LLC service will show you how to start an LLC, but not all of them are designed to be full-service options. Some services specialize in quick filings, while others offer compliance and other support throughout the year. As you search, consider what type of LLC service you need, as well as the company’s expertise and track record.

Features

Every LLC service offers different options. Features to watch for include assistance with operating agreements, EIN applications, registered agent service, tax advice and legal support.

Customer Service

You may need help at some point throughout your set-up, so it’s important that you choose the best LLC service that includes excellent customer support as part of its service offerings.

You’ll want to first establish what customer service options you have from a service, if any. Then, you’ll also want to consider customer service hours of each option, and what types of contact methods are available.

Price

The cost to start an LLC can vary considerably, even among the best LLC services. While some LLC services are free, others may require a one-time fee or ongoing membership in order for business owners to benefit from their services.

Our experts do warn against choosing companies with no price transparency, or too many pricey add-ons; as a la carte services can add up quickly at a time when most budding business owners are already financially strapped.

Other LLC Service Alternatives

MyCorporation

MyCorporation provides business formation services nationwide and has been doing so since 1998. It offers four package levels to serve different needs, from its $99 Basic package that provides Articles of Incorporation, name searches and document storage to its $324 Premium package, which also offers registered agent services, annual reporting and business maintenance services.

Besides LLC services, MyCorporation offers payroll services, logo and website design, eNotary service, promotional products and print marketing. The website also includes a robust learning center to help you start and maintain your business. MyCorporation has excellent customer reviews, citing fast responses from real, experienced people ready to help you make changes, move states and ensure accuracy and compliance with state regulations. 

MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks has been helping business owners form their LLCs since 2001. Its signature Startup Wizard guides you through set-up, simplifying the process and helping you form your LLC quickly. Same-day processing is available for those looking for extra speed. Our experts appreciate the service’s proprietary 24/7 LLC tracking tool, giving you complete visibility through every step of the process.

Its basic package starts at $49, and includes next-business-day processing for your LLC. This tier also allows owners to perform a name search, prepare Articles of Organization and an operating agreement. The service also offers lifetime company alerts to help keep you on track, so you never miss an important filing deadline. Packages are customizable, and EIN or registered agent services are available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Company Is Best For LLC Services?

ZenBusiness is the best LLC service overall, thanks to its outstanding value and valuable features. It is also one of the most comprehensive free LLC services on this list, offering included compliance services. After you leverage services from their base tier, you can choose to upgrade your plan based on the additional services you require.

Can I Set Up An LLC for Free?

Not all LLCs come at a cost. Some companies, such as ZenBusiness, Bizee, Inc Authority, LegalZoom and Northwest Registered Agent, offer a free package for your business setup needs.

Do I Need A Registered Agent To Start An LLC?

A registered agent is generally required to start an LLC. You can serve as this agent in many states, or you can hire an LLC service to act as one for you. Be sure to review state laws before you create an LLC to ensure that you’re as compliant as possible.

How Long Does It Take To Get an LLC?

The processing time can vary by state. It can also depend on the LLC service you use, with some taking longer than others. Many of the best LLC services offer expedited processing that you choose if you are in a hurry—but be prepared to pay more for the convenience.

What State Has The Least Expensive LLC Fees?

LLC fees vary significantly by state, with filing fees ranging from $50 to $520 and ongoing annual fees of $0 to $800. Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and New Mexico only charge $50 to file an LLC. Several states do not charge an annual report filing fee: Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.

Article Sources

What Are the Different Types of LLC? Kelly. T. FindLaw.com. Accessed May 16.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Lena Borelli

Lena Borelli

Contributor

Lena is a freelance contributor to Newsweek’s small business team. A business owner herself, today she advises on business owners of all kinds on proper management, software, and tools to maximize productivity and improve their exposure. She is based in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, and has been featured in leading publications such as TIME, Forbes, Bankrate, Digital Trends and Techopedia.

Read more articles by Lena Borelli