What Is The Best Online Llc Registered Agent In Ca
Fortunly's Guide
The Best LLC Service Choices in 2021
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Starting your business can be both an exhilarating and cumbersome adventure, with mountains of paperwork and planning needed to ensure that your business structure and finances are in order before you can actually begin chasing your dreams.
This is why many new entrepreneurs look to some of the best LLC service companies which can help you set up a limited liability company in a matter of minutes, all from the comfort of your home. Our in-depth reviews of these services are meant to showcase the market leaders and save you precious time and money that you can spend better elsewhere.
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Top 14 LLC Formation Services
Best for: Registered agent free with every package
Incfile
OVERVIEW
Incfile offers one of the best deals in the industry with unlimited name availability searches, a completely free registered agent service, and much more completely free for a year when first signing up. The company's services are very affordable in general, but they don't compromise on quality either. Read Review
- •Great prices
- •Registered agent free with every package
- •Easy order placement
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $0 + State Fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• One business day
REGISTERED AGENT:
• Included in all packages
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Depends on chosen package
EIN REGISTRATION:
• Depends on chosen package
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• $99 + state fee
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• Depends on chosen package
OVERVIEW
While it might not be the best-priced LLC service around, Northwest Registered Agent offers top-tier service at reasonable prices, customizable plans, and the very popular same-day application processing service. Read Review
- •Registered agent included
- •One-day processing
- •Customizable plans
PRICE STARTS AT:
• free/ $79 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• 1 week (basic plan)
REGISTERED AGENT:
• 1st year incl. in basic package (then $125/year)
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
EIN REGISTRATION:
• $50 (included in Deluxe and Premium packages)
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• $100
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• No
Best for: Fast processing and relatively quick turnaround
MyCompanyWorks
OVERVIEW
MyCompanyWorks offers some of the best-priced LLC services for people in a hurry. While its plans are by no means the most affordable ones on our list, it's very rare for a company to offer same-day processing starting at just $79 per application. Read Review
- •Three pricing tiers with a long list of services
- •Fast processing and relatively quick turnaround
- •Multiple avenues of customer support
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $79 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• Same-day processing
REGISTERED AGENT:
• Depends on the plan
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Included in all plans
EIN REGISTRATION:
• Depends on the plan
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• Yes
OVERVIEW
As the name implies, Swyft Filings is a company that prides itself on some of the fastest incorporation times for your LLC on the market. The company also offers lifetime customer support and plenty of other useful perks at a very reasonable price. Read Review
- •Renowned company
- •Outstanding customer reviews
- •Fast incorporation
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $49 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• Same-day processing
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $149/year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Included with top two tiers
EIN REGISTRATION:
• Included with top two tiers
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• $99 + state fees
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• Included with top tier
OVERVIEW
Harbor Compliance offers a comprehensive business formation service for all business types and entities. The company's main selling point is its team of compliance specialists that support clients through the entire process of LLC incorporation. Moreover, with a high-tier pricing plan, you'll get unlimited online help for managing your business and staying compliant with state regulations. Read Review
- •Leading compliance provider
- •Fast online preparation and filing
- •Reliable
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $399 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $99 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
EIN REGISTRATION:
• Free with the Formation package
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• Free with the Compliance package
ADVISORY SERVICE:
• Free during the incorporation
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• No
Best for: Wide variety of additional services
ZenBusiness
OVERVIEW
A household name with a long track record and thousands of happy customers, ZenBusiness offers a lot of bang for your buck, including a free accounting and tax assessment as well as registered agent services for up to a year with all plans. Read Review
- •Registered agent services included
- •Easy-to-use platform
- •Business operation services
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $49 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• 2-3 weeks (Basic plan)
REGISTERED AGENT:
• Incl. in formation package, then $119 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
EIN REGISTRATION:
• Depends on plan
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• Depends on plan
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• Depends on plan
OVERVIEW
As the name suggests, Rocket Lawyer offers you the services of professionally licensed attorneys who draft up and get your LLC documents processed in record time. The company also offers one-off payment or subscription options, depending on your needs. Read Review
- •Free trial
- •Registered agent available
- •Legal advice from lawyers
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $99 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• Up to 5 business days
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $149/year ($111/year for Premium)
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
EIN REGISTRATION:
• $59.99
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• No
OVERVIEW
A well-respected company with more than 30 years of industry experience, Inc Authority is a very popular choice due to its fantastic basic plan that includes free registered agent services for up to a year. Read Review
- •Free basic plan
- •Fast and easy setup
- •Free registered agent for a year
PRICE STARTS AT:
• Free + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• Up to a week
REGISTERED AGENT:
• 1st year free, then $99/year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
EIN REGISTRATION:
• $59.99
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• Available through Tycoon bundle
OVERVIEW
BetterLegal is a Texas-based online LLC service provider. It stands out among other LLC formation companies thanks to its comprehensive offer of additional services. Tax analysis, website creation, and insurance evaluation are all free services you can benefit from as a client of BetterLegal. However, the services of a registered agent are not free. Read Review
- •Free additional services
- •Fast processing time
- •Excellent user experience
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $299 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• 2 business days
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $10/month or $90/year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• N/A
OVERVIEW
This company doesn't focus solely on preparing and filing articles of organization. MyCorporation also offers services like EIN registration, tax filing, and registered agent support. Read Review
- •Positive customers reviews
- •Four pricing plans with lots of add-ons
- •Excellent customer support
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $99 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $124/year, free with the Deluxe and Premium plans
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• $59
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• $99 with the Basic plan
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• Yes
Best for: Incorporation package for non-Americans
BizFilings
OVERVIEW
A pioneer in LLC services, BizFilings boasts that it has helped more than 500,000 entrepreneurs form and run their businesses. BizFilings reviews support the notion that it is a secure service provider. Read Review
- •Easy to apply
- •Flexible pricing packages
- •Overnight shipping for additional fees
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $99 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
• 6 months free registered agent service, then $174 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• With higher-tier pricing plans
EIN REGISTRATION:
• $79, free with the Complete plan
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• Depends on plan
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• No
OVERVIEW
In addition to helping you get an LLC online, Nationwide specializes in providing legal and financial advisory services at an affordable price. The company prepares and files your documents quickly and without errors. Read Review
- •Attorney support
- •Reputable company
- •Wide range of services
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $145 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $145 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Depends on pricing plan
EIN REGISTRATION:
• $100, free with the Premium plan
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE:
• Depends on pricing plan
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• No
Best for: Affordable registered agents
InCorp
OVERVIEW
InCorp's portfolio includes more than 150,000 active clients, which says a lot about this company's reputation. Its application process can take a while, but clients are generally very satisfied with InCorp's services. Read Review
- •Live chat support
- •Registered agent service
- •Available in Spanish
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $99 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
• Two-day processing for an additional $18
REGISTERED AGENT:
• Starts at $67/year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• N/A
Best for: Available in all 50 states; positive reviews
LegalNature
OVERVIEW
LegalNature specializes in providing legal forms and services to both individuals and businesses. Thanks to its easy-to-use dashboard, fast and reliable customer support, and cost-effective business formation services, LegalNature has hundreds of satisfied clients and many positive reviews on BBB and Trustpilot. It offers its online LLC formation services in all 50 states. Read Review
- •Easy to use
- •Rich library of legal forms
- •Affordable
PRICE STARTS AT:
• $40 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
• $125 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
• Yes
WEB DOMAIN & HOSTING:
• No
How to Choose an LLC Service - Our Review Methodology
With so many LLC service providers to choose from, it's hard not to feel a little overwhelmed with all of the options available. To narrow down your options, we've created a list of criteria to look out for when reviewing online LLC services. This is the formula we used in our reviews below.
Price and Value
The best things in life may be free, but top LLC services usually aren't. While there are numerous state filing fees to consider, registered filing agents will also charge you for the services that they provide. Given that a single product can hardly suit each customer, most business formation services offer tiered pricing plans.
Any company worth its salt will have clearly explained plans and let their customers know exactly what they are getting for their money. Some may even offer basic services for free, but don't expect too much. At the end of the day, it's all about the relative value of what the company offers compared to the competition.
Main Features
Picking the best LLC service comes down to more than price. Various LLC formation companies provide a variety of different services, but there are two basic elements that every company offers: assistance with LLC formation and registered agent services. In addition, most offer help with creating Articles of Organization and the Operating Agreement.
Setting up an LLC is usually the most stressful part of running your own business. Unless you're well-versed in legal matters or one of your buddies is a lawyer, the vast amount of legal paperwork involved will probably scare you off. Online company formation services can take care of all the necessary corporate filings for your LLC while adhering to state-specific laws and regulations.
LLC filing services will also provide you with registered agents that shoulder the burden of dealing with legal documents for you.
Every business needs to have a local representative, so if you operate in multiple states, you can end up with substantial legal fees. This is where registered agent services come in handy, especially considering that most LLC service providers offer this feature at no additional cost for anywhere between six months to a year.
Additional Services
In addition to helping you set up your LLC and handling legal documents, LLC filing services may provide other forms of assistance to help you run your business.
Top LLC companies can offer supplementary features such as annual report filing, amendments, LLC publication services, EIN, trademark registration, foreign qualification, business licenses, seller's permits, office supplies, virtual offices, legal services, business advisory plans, and dissolution filing.
It might not be your top priority when searching for a company to help you with LLC creation, but you should read through the bonus services that come with the offer. Just because you've taken care of the basic LLC setup doesn't mean there aren't plenty more potentially complex legal matters you'll have to deal with down the line.
Turnaround Time
The top online LLC companies pride themselves on more than just the scope of their services. Turnaround time is a big factor, especially for people who need to have their organization operational ASAP. While it's not something that depends solely on your LLC company, and various state-specific regulations can slow things down to a crawl, it's still an important factor to consider when picking your LLC service provider.
Company Reputation
Considering that the LLC service market is becoming more competitive each day, it's important to take the time to explore your options before making a final decision. The best online LLC services are popular for good reason.
A good business reputation is hard to build. It's even harder to maintain, but it's really easy to destroy. While online customer reviews speak volumes about how the general public sees the company, these can also be misleading due to practices like review bombing.
To get a more accurate picture, we also took a look at each company's Better Business Bureau rating if applicable, as these typically provide a much more balanced way of gauging a company's reputation. The BBB considers not only customer complaints, but the length of time a company has been in business, the transparency of their business practices, and many other relevant factors.
Customer Support
Even the top-rated online LLC formation service may give you headaches at some point. Or maybe you're just an inquisitive type and want to know more about the company's offer before signing up, and the website just isn't providing the information you need.
High-quality customer support is an essential part of any business model. The best online incorporation service sites should always have a reputable customer care team. If an LLC service doesn't provide a dedicated phone line and an email support platform, it will make its job as a mediator between your company and the state much more difficult.
Quick Breakdown
Best Rated Online LLC Formation Service Options for 2021
-
Incfile - Registered agent free with every package
-
MyCompanyWorks - Fast processing and relatively quick turnaround
-
ZenBusiness - Wide variety of additional services
-
MyCorporation - Free EIN registration with coupon code
-
BizFilings - Incorporation package for non-Americans
-
InCorp - Affordable registered agents
-
LegalNature - Available in all 50 states; positive reviews
LLC Services - Detailed Reviews
Incfile Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$0 + State Fees
PROCESSING TIME:
One business day
REGISTERED AGENT:
Included in all packages
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
Depends on chosen package
- • Affordable
- • Registered agent free with every package
- • Easy order placement
In any serious search for a reliable LLC service, you'll stumble upon Incfile. Founded back in 2004 in Houston, Texas, the company has surged in popularity over the last decade, helping more than 250,000 companies with business compliance and other legal issues. The formula for Incfile's success includes exceptional business filing and registered agent services, completely free for your first year. All you'll have to pay are the state filing fees.
Many of our readers are very interested in the Incfile vs LegalZoom comparison. To put it bluntly, we like LegalZoom, but Incfile currently offers one of the greatest deals in the entire industry.
How does it work? Well, there are three packages available: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. They cost $119, $149, and $299 respectively (plus state fees, of course). The best part is that the starting Silver package is completely free during the first year and no one is forcing you to renew your subscription.
So what exactly does zero dollars get you? A whole lot, actually. The Silver package gives you unlimited name availability searches, a completely free registered agent service, a business banking account, a Gold corporate kit, online order status tracking, next-day business processing, lifetime alerts from the company notifying you about compliance changes, and even a business website. Simply put, it's an excellent website for LLC creation that doesn't cost a dime.
We could go on listing features, but it's best to mention what's missing. To get an EIN/tax ID, an operating agreement, a banking resolution document, and the ability to list your LLC as either S-Corp or C-Corp for tax purposes, you'll need to move up to the $149 Gold plan.
Finally, the Platinum package includes everything in the previous two plans as well as expedited filing, business contract templates, and a domain name with a business email for one year. It also includes a platinum version of the corporate kit from the Gold package, adding a company seal to the already luxurious offer.
In addition to paying for arguably the best registered agent service after your first year is up, you can also invest any extra cash you may have on individually payable services such as annual reports ($99 per year), a virtual mailbox for $29 per month, a letter of good standing for $49, or a foreign qualification for $149. You can combine the individual services with the preset packages - just remember that most filing-related ones come with filing fees.
The signup process is very quick and you'll always have a clear idea of what you are paying for. But many online Incfile reviews complain about customer service. While it may not be the quickest LLC service around when it comes to response times, the customer support agents will do their best to help you via phone or email during weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST.
Overall, Incfile is a fantastic LLC organizer and company formation service. A cheap LLC setup is great, but a completely free one is even better. And despite the low price, these guys don't skimp out on features. If you can deal with slightly slower customer service, this is the best option on the market.
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ZenBusiness Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$49 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
2-3 weeks (Basic plan)
REGISTERED AGENT:
Incl. in formation package, then $119 per year
- • Registered agent services included
- • Easy-to-use platform
- • Business operation services
ZenBusiness is another household name in the world of corporate filing services. Granted, the name may imply that starting and running a business is a stress-free experience, but the company certainly does a great job of making it seem that way. With an A- rating on the Better Business Profile and overwhelmingly positive online ZenBusiness reviews, the company's reputation really does precede it.
As is the case with some of the leading LLC formation companies, ZenBusiness tries to accommodate different budgets. The three main plans on offer are the $49 Starter plan, the $199 Pro option, and the $299 Premium package. These prices don't include state filing fees.
So, what's included? Every package comes with preparation and filing of the formation documents, name availability search, a free accounting and tax assessment for your company, an LLC agreement, and most importantly registered agent services. These are completely free for all packages within the first 12 months, after which the cost is $119 per year.
The Pro package adds banking resolution, EIN filing assistance, faster document filing, and a so-called worry-free guarantee. It's the best online LLC service for people who want to pay a lump sum each year and forget all about document filing. This plan includes automated annual report filing plus two amendments per year, complete with an alert system that notifies you about important filing dates for taxes, and other government paperwork.
Finally, if you want the fastest possible turnaround rates and to promote your business online, you should take a look at the Premium plan. In addition to rush filing, you'll also get your own business website complete with a domain name and business email address. It may not be the greatest LLC website one could come up with, but according to customer reviews, the company does a fine job.
Features such as worry-free compliance, EIN service, and registered agent services can also be purchased separately, along with certificates of publication that some states still require from new LLCs.
Everything about the user experience at ZenBusiness is stellar. The signup process is straightforward. Simply select your business type and state, pick the plan you want and any add-ons, and the site will show you a list of your selected services along with the cost.
When trying to identify the most suitable online LLC company, you can't ignore customer support. In addition to being available through live chat and phone from Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. CST, ZenBusiness's excellent support agents are also available on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to working on weekends, the staff is also reachable through social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
We'll wrap up this ZenBusiness review by acknowledging that the company may not be the most affordable LLC service provider, but it's hard to beat its list of fantastic services and great customer support.
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Swyft Filings Review
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On Official Website
Swyft Filings Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$49 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
Same-day processing
REGISTERED AGENT:
$149/year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
Included with top two tiers
- • Renowned company
- • Outstanding customer reviews
- • Fast incorporation
Swyft Filings may be one of the newest kids on the block when it comes to LLC services, but don't let that fool you. Despite being in business for less than a decade, it has quickly made a name for itself as one of the most affordable and quickest filing companies on the market. A lot of online Swyft Filings reviews claim it's the best online incorporation service around, which is some serious praise, to say the least.
Swyft Filings offers three core packages: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The starting Basic plan costs only $49 + state filing fees. That money gets you basic filing services, including name availability verification, an LLC organizer statement, and articles of organization.
You also get lifetime customer support and access to your incorporation documents online, as well as a free business tax consultation in the form of a 30-minute webinar. Amazingly enough, that's not all. Swyft will also cover the cost of your company's web domain and alert you about any legal compliance changes through its ComplianceGuard alerts.
While the best value services for your LLC are found in the Basic package, the other two plans have some useful features as well. For $149 + filing fees, the Standard plan will get you everything from the Basic package + EIN filing and an LLC operating agreement, as well as a resolution document if you need to open a bank account for your LLC.
If you want to splurge, the $299 + fees Premium plan has everything in the Standard package and adds the immediate electronic delivery of your LLC's legal documents. You'll also get a free website for your company with three months of web hosting and a digital LLC kit with 20 customized stock certificates, a ledger, and a digital company name seal.
While Swyft Filings offers possibly the cheapest LLC service, some features available for free with companies such as Inc Authority have to be paid for here. For example, the services of a registered filing agent will cost you $149 per year.
The company also offers other useful services for a one-time fee, such as amendments or dissolution services for your LLC, business licenses and permits, or annual report filing. These all cost between $99 and $149 per service. Finally, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee without any cancellation fees as long as you make a reasonable case for not being satisfied with the service you receive.
In terms of user experience, Swyft Filings is not the finest LLC site around. The initial process can be needlessly complicated, taking up to half an hour of navigating through various pages and upsell offers. Once everything is set up, though, and your LLC is registered, you'll get access to an excellent user dashboard that enables you to keep track of how your business is doing.
Customer support is also excellent. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can be reached via email, live chat, or phone from Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST.
Overall, Swyft Filings is a fantastic service and a strong candidate for the best service to open an LLC without exhausting your financial resources. With very competitive prices, excellent turnaround times (usually three business days, same day with rush service), and fantastic customer support, cheap LLC filing doesn't get much better than this.
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MyCompanyWorks Review
Learn More
On Official Website
MyCompanyWorks Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$79 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
Same-day processing
REGISTERED AGENT:
Depends on the plan
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
Included in all plans
- • Three-tier pricing strategy with a long list of services
- • Fast processing and quick turnaround
- • Multiple customer support avenues
MyCompanyWorks is another name on our list with almost two decades of experience. Its journey dates back to 2001 when it started as MyNewCompany, a service designed to help with the formation of new companies. It might not be the best LLC formation service around, but it's certainly grown into a respectable company that offers excellent business filing and registered agent services at very competitive prices.
Like most of its competitors, MyCompanyWorks offers three different LLC packages and an array of bonus features that you can purchase separately.
One great thing about the site is that unlimited customer support and same-day processing are available with all packages at no additional cost. The Basic package costs $79 + state filing fees and will provide you with all of the essentials, such as name availability search and articles of organization. You'll also get an LLC operating agreement, which most other companies leave for their more expensive packages.
The $199 Entrepreneur package adds features that every top registered agent service needs to have: EIN processing, an LLC kit, company seal, and member certificates. Also, customers get lifetime access to a huge library of company forms, such as contracts, purchase agreements, leases, maintenance, and tax forms.
Finally, paying $279 + filing fees for the Complete LLC package delivers everything from the previously described plans plus registered filing agent services. We should also mention that all plans include free company alerts notifying you of approaching compliance deadlines and educational resources for new businesses and startups.
MyCompanyWorks offers some interesting bonus features as well. For example, you can get the Business License Compliance Package for $99, and the same sum will get you a WordPress website with one year of free hosting.
As with many LLC formation services, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee. You can easily get in touch with the customer service team at any time between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
Another excellent option offered is the $99 per year Premium subscription, which basically automates compliance and security for your company. In addition to standard filing services and compliance alerts, you'll also get an e-ledger and access to e-certificates, 5 GB of cloud storage for documents, priority customer support, and more. It's a much better deal than Rocket Lawyer, for example.
MyCompanyWorks may be a great LLC formation company for people who need to get things done in a hurry. In addition to unmatched one-day filing services across all plans, the site's interface is very easy to use and intuitive. Getting your entire application ready should take no more than 10 minutes. All you need is a company name, shipping address, and the name of your registered agent. From there, you can pick a package and any additional services you need, including registered filing agents.
Overall, we were very impressed by MyCompanyWorks. It has very competitive prices, some of the best LLC services in the business, and a very friendly and helpful customer support team. The only downside is the high cost for the services of a registered filing agent.
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Northwest Registered Agent Review
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On Official Website
Northwest Registered Agent Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$79 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
1 week (basic plan)
REGISTERED AGENT:
1st year incl. in basic package (then $125/year)
- • Registered agent included
- • One-day processing
- • Customizable plans
Northwest Registered Agent has been around since 1998, and it took the company less than a decade to become one of the top registered agent services in the industry. Its BBB rating has recently dropped from an A+ to a C+, but the customer review average of 4.5 stars shows that the company has a loyal customer base. With perks like same-day processing and customizable plans, as well as free services from a registered agent for a year, there's plenty to like here.
The company has three standard plans, called Basic, Deluxe, and Premium. They all come with free agent services in the first year as well as lifetime customer support, but you'll need to pay state filing fees on top of the standard package costs.
Considered by many to be the best LLC service around, the vendor starts things off with its $79 Basic plan, which includes everything you'll need for the initial business formation process: name search, registration, and filing of all the relevant documents.
The $179 Deluxe package includes everything from the Basic plan while adding useful features aimed at helping existing LLCs expand their business. Namely, the company processes your Employer Identification Number orders and provides you with an operating agreement, which details the ownership structure of your LLC.
Finally, if you're willing to pay another $20 ($199 + state fees in total) for a top LLC service, you can choose the Premium package. In addition to everything we've already mentioned, your application will also get priority processing, which means that all of the required paperwork will be filed on the day you apply.
In addition to these packages, Northwest Registered Agent offers plenty of pay-per-use services. Aside from paying your agent $125 per year after the first free year, you can also get annual compliance checks for $100 per year, a certificate of good standing for a one-off payment of $60, or premium mail forwarding for $40 per month. Other services include international market certification for your business, phone forwarding, FMCSA BOC-3 filing, and FCC 499-A registration.
The most popular LLC sites are easy to use, and Northwest Registered Agent is no different. It takes around 10 minutes to complete an application and the site guides you throughout the process. You can also switch between sections with ease, enhance your package with add-ons, and go back to correct any part of the application with a simple click.
The customer support team is also excellent. You can reach out to agents by sending an email, using a web form, or calling the dedicated support line. Support is available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Monday and Friday.
Overall, we were pretty impressed by Northwest Registered Agent. Not only is it one of the leading registered agent services, but it also offers a range of options that you won't easily find with the competition. It's certainly not the cheapest agency around, but bear in mind that you get the services of a professional registered agent for a whole year without paying a dime.
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Rocket Lawyer Review
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On Official Website
Rocket Lawyer Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$99 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
Up to 5 business days
REGISTERED AGENT:
$149/year ($111/year for Premium)
- • Free trial
- • Registered agent available
- • Legal advice from lawyers
Unlike the industry giants Inc Authority and Northwest Registered Agent, Charley Moore's Rocket Lawyer started with smaller plans back in 2008. Nevertheless, what started as a small-time platform for helping people compile legal documents and get in touch with lawyers quickly became one of the top LLC sites. By 2020, more than 20 million people had used Rocket Lawyer's various services, with about 10% of them starting their LLC online through the site.
The key to the website's amazing success involves an incredibly intuitive interface, a network of expert lawyers, and a 100% money-back guarantee, which underscores the company's confidence in its product and services.
While most corporate filing services have several tiered plans, things are simpler at Rocket Lawyer. You can either choose a premium monthly membership or pay per service.
As with every good LLC service, there is a one-time $99 payment for a basic online LLC creation package. But don't expect a highly comprehensive service for under a hundred bucks. All they'll require from you is to fill out your LLC's information and pay the state fees. Unlike the best offers in the business, though, you don't get registered agent services unless you pay extra.
To get your registered filing agent, you'll have to pay $149 per year, or $111 if you already have the premium membership. Rush filing will set you back another $530 but enable processing and filing in one to two business days. State costs are also covered with this fee.
Anyone claiming to have a comprehensive online LLC formation service has to include the option of getting a federal tax ID as an employer. With Rocket Lawyer, this service will set you back $59.99. If you want to take your company branding to the next level, an official seal and a binder engraved with your company name are also available as a bonus service for $99.
Remember, Rocket Lawyer's primary objective is to get you to subscribe to its premium service. If you're debating on whether to get Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom, for example, here is what the subscription model offers.
For $39 per month (with a seven-day free trial), you'll get to form one LLC completely free, consult a lawyer for an unlimited number of times for up to 30 minutes per session, create one premium document or contract, get access to a one-time digital contract signing service, access a library of free document templates, and get unlimited support from Rocket Lawyer's customer service team. Your subscription will also give you a discount on certain services, such as the aforementioned assistance from a registered filing agent.
Before we wrap up this review, it's worth mentioning that Rocket Lawyer is one of the premier corporate filing services when it comes to customer support and ease of use. While using the intuitive online app, setting up your LLC can be done in less than 10 minutes. If you face any difficulties, you can consult a wealth of helpful articles or get in touch with the customer support team from Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PST via email, phone, or live chat.
All things considered, Rocket Lawyer is an ideal fit for people who need to get their LLC off the ground without breaking the bank. Ongoing costs are not as cheap as some of the competition, but you can get things off the ground with just one $39 premium membership payment.
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Inc Authority Review
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Inc Authority Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
Free + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
Up to a week
REGISTERED AGENT:
1st year free, then $99/year
- • Free basic plan
- • Quick and easy setup
- • Free registered agent for a year
Inc Authority is an industry veteran. It's been one of the top LLC companies around even before the digital age. Founded in 1989, the company's main selling point has always been a simple but effective one: registering your LLC without any extra charges, barring those required for paying state fees.
Unlike much of the competition, Inc Authority truly offers all of the basic services you'll need to get your LLC off the ground without charging you simply for convenience. That being said, it does offer plenty of additional features at a premium level, but your business needs will determine how useful those are going to be.
The best price for LLC services is zero, and that's exactly what the basic package at Inc Authority offers. So, what do you get free of charge? First of all, there is the company name search and registration, as well as complete document preparation and filing. There is even a tax election form for people wanting to create an S-type corporation. Best of all, you get services from a registered filing agent for an entire year without paying a dime ($99 per year after that).
If you're willing to pay for one of Authority Inc's more comprehensive plans, be prepared for some pretty steep prices. Other than the free plan, the company has three paid plans: the $399 Starter, the $499 Executive, and the $799 Tycoon bundle.
As with many of the other LLC websites, Inc Authority offers a lot of bang for your buck. The Starter plan comes with a business record book and a company seal, while automatically making you eligible for a business loan of up to $100,000. You also get a complete operating agreement along with ownership certificates, an Employer Identification Number, and an IRS tax ID.
The Executive upgrade gives you access to excellent Business License Report software for monitoring your business assets, as well as a domain for your company website. The premium Tycoon package takes things up a notch with same-day document filing services, initial registration at the Dun & Bradstreet credit bureau, Business Credit Launchpad software, free business credit coaching, and more.
Proven LLC formation companies are all about options and flexibility, so you don't necessarily have to stick to a pre-configured plan. For example, if you're on the free plan, it will cost you $49 for same-day processing or filing an application for an Employer Identification Number.
Inc Authority is also popular thanks to the simplicity of the entire application process. To get the ball rolling, all you have to do is choose the type of company you want to start and which state(s) you'll want to be registered in. The site offers a wealth of information about forming an LLC, including the best type of LLC to start your prospective business.
Furthermore, the incredibly helpful customer support team is accessible via email, live chat, or phone from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, even for non-paying customers.
In conclusion, while the paid plans may not be the cheapest around, we wholeheartedly agree with a lot of Inc Authority reviews: this is not just the best free LLC service, but probably one of the leading companies in the business.
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Harbor Compliance Review
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Harbor Compliance Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$399 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
$99 per year
- • Leading compliance provider
- • Fast online preparation and filing
- • Reliable
Established in 2012, Harbor Compliance is best known for providing online compliance services to businesses from a variety of different industries. The company already helped over 25,000 clients apply and maintain state-specific licenses. Its main selling point is a modern software solution that helps you stay up to date with licensing renewal deadlines.
As one of the top-rated company formation service providers, Harbor Compliance allows you to form any type of business entity you want, including LLCs and corporations. The service is available through the company's modern website that many online reviews praise for its navigability.
To set up an LLC online, you need to provide elementary information about your business. You can do that through a website form or by getting in touch with one of the company's agents.
Unlike most of the providers, Harbor Compliance offers dedicated support for each new client. That means that as soon as you create an account, you'll get an account manager or the compliance specialist to guide you through the entire process of business formation. It's the best way to file an LLC application, especially if you don't have any experience with preparing and filing legal documents. The company's agent makes sure that your formation documents don't have any errors, provides the necessary state-specific forms, and sends them to the right address.
Harbor Compliance is transparent about its services, but for the full pricing list, you'll need to contact the company. You can choose between two pricing packages: the Formation package and the Compliance package. Formation includes everything you need for an LLC – business name availability check, articles of organization, operating agreement template, EIN registration, and registered agent.
The LLC formation price is $399, which makes it one of the most expensive business formation providers. However, with this package, you'll get all the documents and services you need to manage your company. Many other providers offer less expensive initial LLC packages, but charge additional fees for things like EIN registration and the registered agent. Harbor Compliance packages include a registered agent service, which is billed at $99 per year.
Aside from the online LLC setup package, there's also the Compliance package. It costs $799 and includes all the forms and services from the Formation package plus additional documents that are required in certain states. For example, some states require businesses to publish a notice of their formation in newspapers. When the ads have run for a required amount of time, Harbor Compliance provides proof to the state in the form of an affidavit. The package also includes annual report compliance management and filing. This package is beneficial for companies that require long term support.
One of the reasons why Harbor Compliance is on our list of the best LLC services for 2021 is its excellent customer support team. You'll get professional support during the entire process of incorporation, and, depending on the pricing plan you choose, unlimited support after you are incorporated.
Harbor Compliance holds an A + rating with BBB and is accredited by the bureau. It has 4.3/5 stars on this site based on the 13 customer reviews. Trustpilot rates the site with 3.2/5 stars. Overall, Harbor Compliance is a reputable company with excellent managers and services in all 50 states. Even though it has expensive pricing options, dozens of positive reviews guarantee that you'll get the best and the most comprehensive services.
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BetterLegal Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$299 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
2 business days
REGISTERED AGENT:
$10/month or $90/year
- • Free additional services
- • Fast processing time
- • Excellent user experience
BetterLegal is a Texas-based company that has been offering LLC and corporation formation services since 2016. It's a small provider, albeit with a large base of clients across the country. As one of the best services for LLC formation, it offers a wide range of services you can avail of for free with the standard package.
BetterLegal works similarly to other online formation providers. Visit its well-organized and easily navigable website to start your business entity formation. BetterLegal.com puts an emphasis on exceptional user experience. That's why the online filing process is straightforward, and it doesn't take more than two minutes to answer all the questions and submit your request. The procedure looks approximately like this: Much like other top-rated online LLC formation services, BetterLegal will ask you to choose the state of formation and the entity type you want to form - a single-member or multimember LLC, which is a crucial thing to consider before submitting the application. How your payroll and tax returns will be calculated depends on the LLC type you choose.
BetterLegal offers only one but comprehensive plan. It covers all the necessary documentation you need to properly incorporate and run an LLC: the operating agreement, EIN, banking resolution, and other documents.
Although BetterLegal is one of the great websites to start an LLC, it's definitely not the most affordable one. LLC formation costs $299 plus state filing fees. The registered agent service is not included in the deal, so you'll need to pay extra for it: $10 per month or $90 per year. However, BetterLegal service comes with many useful add-ons that won't cost you a cent. If you need a website for your new company, BetterLegal can help. Included in its filing plan is the option to create your website and get helpful inventory management tools. BetterLegal powers your business in other ways, too. Free tax analysis is also available, as well as insurance evaluation.
Most BetterLegal reviews on the internet are favorable. The LLC provider has several positive reviews on BBB that praise its services. Compared to many other similar providers, BetterLegal has much faster processing times. The company says it requires two days to complete and send you documentation. Other clients praise the company's wide range of additional services and knowledgeable and polite customer support. BetterLegal's overall score on Trustpilot is 4.8/5.
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MyCorporation Review
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On Official Website
MyCorporation Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$99 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
$124/year, free with the Deluxe and Premium plans
- • Excellent customer support
- • Lots of positive reviews
- • Available in all 50 states
Another provider on our list of top-rated LLC services is MyCorporation. Founded in 1998, this company boasts of having helped more than a million businesses. The company offers business-formation services for LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. Aside from providing filing and setting up LLCs, MyCorporation supports business owners during the entire lifecycle of their companies. Whether you need an EIN service or an agent to help you file taxes, MyCorporation is a good choice.
MyCorporation has a long history of providing online LLC services. We checked the company's reputation on Trustpilot. Refreshingly, there were no complaints, but only affirmative MyCorporation reviews. Clients applaud MyCorporation's polite and talented agents, who patiently answer questions. Many clients say this is the best online company to form an LLC with. Overall, MyCorporation gets 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, which is an excellent score.
MyCorporation offers four pricing plans: Basic, Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. You can order LLC formation online by selecting the type of company and the state where you want to incorporate it.
The Basic package costs $99 plus state filing fees. It provides essentials like name search and articles of organization. You will also get online storage for keeping your business documents and sharing them with clients or investors.
The next is the Standard plan, which costs $124. It adds only the filing of your annual report to the Basic plan.
MyCorporation is not the best choice if you're looking for cheap LLC formation with a registered agent service. Neither of the lower-tier pricing options includes a registered agent.
It comes for free for one year only with the high-tier pricing option. After that, the price renews at $120 per year, which is too expensive.
The Deluxe plan costs $224 plus state fees and the registered agent service is included for the first year. After that, the service renews at $120 per year. That's a fair price; the same service costs twice as much at LegalZoom.
The $324 Premium plan is the only one that includes the preparation of an operating agreement. That document is essential for every LLC, but at MyCorporation you have to pay extra unless you sign up for the most expensive plan. The best companies include it in their entry-level packages.
That said, the Premium plan's MaintainMyBiz service is a package of 16 essential and useful documents, including the operating agreement, annual report, and stock certificates. A year of MaintainMyBiz is included with the Premium plan. The service renews at $250 per year.
EIN registration usually costs $79 at MyCorporation, but you can use the coupon code FREEIN to get it for free.
Overall, if you're looking for affordable LLC formation, MyCorporation might not be the best solution for you.
This MyCorporation review wouldn't be complete without mentioning its customer service. Live chat, email, and phone support are all available. The company's social media accounts are active and representatives answer quickly. We also appreciate the MyCorporation Learning Center, which is packed with useful articles on how to establish and manage your business.
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BizFilings Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$99 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
6 months free registered agent service, then $174 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
With higher-tier pricing plans
- • Experienced incorporation agents
- • Free registered agent for six months
- • Incorporation package for non-Americans
Founded in 1996 by Brian Wiegand and Rick Oster, BizFilings was among the first LLC-formation services. The company has helped more than 500,000 business owners form, run, and grow their companies. An A+ score on BBB says a lot about this company's reliability.
Since 2002, the company has been owned and operated by Wolters Kluwer, a leading information service company. Of all the top LLC companies we've reviewed, BizFilings is the one that routinely offers LLC-formation service to individuals outside the US.
BizFilings supports fast and uncomplicated online company formation. You can quickly create an LLC online by ordering, preparing, and filing documents online.
Like other providers, BizFilings allows you to complete your order through the website. You need to select your state of operation, business type, and pricing package. The process is beginner-friendly, but if you need extra support, BizFilings experts are ready to help. Customer service is available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Extended business hours are not the only reason BizFilings is the best company to file an LLC with. Its transparent pricing model and error-free guarantee have convinced us that this is a trustworthy company.
Once you choose your state of operation, the full pricing plan - including state fees - will be displayed on your screen.
BizFilings' LLC formation service comes in three versions: Basic, Standard, and Complete. There are also lots of additional features that you can purchase a la carte. Each plan includes the following services: name search and verification, preparing and filing all documents, and 24/7 business monitoring. Moreover, you'll get a registered agent service for six months and a 60-day trial of ClientBooks. After six months, the registered agent service costs $174 per year.
It's tempting to choose the cheapest LLC formation package, but it's important to read the fine print. For example, the BizFilings Basic LLC formation package doesn't include an LLC operating agreement, which is mandatory in all states. You can purchase this document as an add-on, but it will cost you an additional $99, so it's smarter to choose the Standard plan from start. In addition to basic features, it includes the BizFilings LLC kit, official seal, operating agreement, and other important documents for forming an LLC online.
The Complete package doesn't provide any additional services that are necessary for LLC registration, but it does provide document compliance, EIN registration, and other services you will surely need sooner or later. Overall, the Complete package is our recommendation. The price is $199 plus state fees.
Upon conducting our LLC company reviews, we discovered that this company also offers its services to foreigners who want to incorporate a business in the US. The U.S. Incorporation package costs $389 plus state fees. It includes the BizFilings LLC kit and apostille.
BizFilings offers many services that you can purchase as add-ons to your package. For example, rush filing service can speed up the process of formation significantly by getting you state approval for your LLC within an hour.
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Nationwide Incorporators Review
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On Official Website
Nationwide Incorporators Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$145 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
$145 per year
OPERATING AGREEMENT:
Depends on pricing plan
- • Experienced team of attorneys and financial advisors
- • Reputable company
- • Numerous services available a la carte
The next contender on our list of company formation services is Nationwide Incorporators. The company has been in operation for more than 20 years, offering full support for setting up and running LLCs. This is a reputable company that stands apart from the competition because of its team of experienced lawyers and financial advisors.
One significant benefit of using Nationwide is that you'll get complete legal advice on which kind of business entity best fits your business. The company will also support you when it comes to tax laws and financial matters.
Nationwide Incorporators is more than a website; it's a well-established organization that offers attorney services sufficient to help you start and run your business on solid ground. It deserves its spot on our list of 2020's best LLC services.
Nationwide offers three pricing plans: Basic, Priority Deluxe, and Priority Premium. Each package includes standard LLC services: name search and verification plus the preparation and filing of articles of organization.
The main disadvantage of doing business with Nationwide is that it's expensive. For instance, the Basic plan costs $200 plus state fees, and it doesn't include the preparation of an operating agreement or acquisition of an EIN. The Priority Deluxe plan includes these features for a total cost of $425 plus state fees. Nationwide says the plan includes fast filing services, but it doesn't say how fast is fast.
A good place to register an LLC is a company that provides registered agent services as part of the default contract. Registered agents are required in every US state. Many of the LLC-formation companies we've evaluated offer this service free for six months or a year, after which you need to pay affordable fees in exchange for registered agent service. There's no free year of service with Nationwide Incorporators. You'll pay $145 per year starting the first year.
When researching LLC formation websites, we always check to see if the application process is beginner-friendly. Nationwide starts well. You just select the state and the kind of business entity you're starting, and away you go. However, we didn't care for the website's user interface. Lots of features, buttons, and text blocks surround the application form, so it is really hard to find it on the home page. The font is too small, and the form was surrounded by lots of interesting, useful, distracting articles.
To speed up the registration process, each candidate for the top LLC service allows you to order services online. You can order many services online at Nationwide, but you must contact the company's sales team and get a quote for some features.
If you need a seller's permit or sales permit - required if you sell taxable items - you can acquire this document from Nationwide Incorporators. The company helps you gain permits for your business - including multiple locations - and file all necessary sales tax returns. This $150 service can be purchased a la carte with any pricing model you choose.
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InCorp Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$99 + state fees
PROCESSING TIME:
Two-day processing for an additional $18
REGISTERED AGENT:
Starts at $67/year
- • 150,000 active clients
- • Fast document shipping
- • Affordable registered agents
Next on our list of the best LLC service companies is InCorp. The company has been in operation for more than 20 years, offering fast LLC registration services to entrepreneurs all over the United States. InCorp also provides business incorporation services for non-US businesses.
IncCorp doesn't focus solely on forming LLCs and corporations; it also offers a wide range of services for helping you manage your business. If you need a registered agent, EIN filing support, or support for entity dissolution, InCorp is the right place for you.
The registered agent receives important legal documents on your company's behalf. For this reason, the agent must have a physical address in the state where you've registered your company. Like other LLC company formation providers, InCorp has official agents in all 50 states - plus Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The service can be purchased a la carte, and there are several pricing models that depend on the term of your contract. A five-year contract is very affordable: just $66.56 per year for registered agent services. Discounted two-year and three-year contracts are also available.
As for company formation and registration services, InCorp offers a basic package with name search and paperwork filing. It's not our top choice for cheap LLC registration; the service costs $99 plus state fees. The company also charges an $18 document shipping fee, but at least you'll have your documents within two business days.
The rest of InCorp's services can be purchased a la carte. A managed report service, for example, costs $45. It's a set of tools that will help you prepare and file annual reports effortlessly. Some tools and services are generally included at no extra charge with other providers. For example, many of the websites we've reviewed are loaded with articles, guides, and blogs that explain how to establish and run an LLC. The leading LLC formation and incorporation services offer limited free consultations with attorneys and experienced business advisors. But InCorp charges $24.99 for its guide on how to run an LLC.
Navigating through the InCorp website is needlessly complicated. We prefer websites that display the online application form prominently. The InCorp LLC application was hard to find. Once you find it, you will discover that it's a longer, more detailed application process too.
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LegalNature Review
PRICE STARTS AT:
$40 + state fees
REGISTERED AGENT:
$125 per year
- • Easy to use
- • Rich library of legal forms
- • Affordable
The next name on our list of LLC service providers is LegalNature, a California-based company that's been operating for ten years. Over the last decade, LegalNature helped thousands of business owners set up and manage their LLCs, C Corps, S Corps, and even nonprofits. The company's vast library of state compliant legal documents and services are also used by individuals for personal affairs.
Customers are especially pleased with the site's navigational efficiency, the fact that documents are easy to access, and the company's reliable customer support team.
Perhaps more importantly, the service is affordable. One of the company's main objectives is to provide legal services for everyone. So whether you want to set up an LLC online, transfer property, or write a last will and testament, LegalNature's library of documents has you covered.
One of the great things about this company is that you can purchase individual legal forms or opt for a more comprehensive legal service and subscribe to some of the company's pricing packages. There's a monthly subscription of $38.95 that provides access to different legal document categories, including business formation, healthcare, estate planning, and landlord forms. In our review, we focus on the company's top-rated LLC service.
LegalNature helps you set up an LLC in a matter of minutes for just $40 plus the state filing fees. The service includes articles of organization, filing, online document status tracking, and standard GA processing.
Much like other formatting services, LegalNature has an online dashboard where you can track the status of the order, manage your business documents, and get notifications about the next filing date. In addition, you can use the company's free tools to decide which state is the best option for your business incorporation. You can compare LLC formation fees in different states and see how long business formation takes in each state.
This affordable LLC formation service will cost you less than with much of the competition. However, if you want articles of amendment for your LLC, the company charges an additional $75. Articles of dissolution are $99, certificates of good standing are $89, while for certified copies you need to pay $20.
Also, state law requires every LLC to have a registered agent – a person or service tasked by a business to receive official government correspondence and legal notices. At LegalNature, this service costs $125 per year. It's important to note that LegalNature offers its services in all 50 states because a registered agent needs to have a physical address in the state where your company is based.
The cost of starting an LLC may include an Employer Identification Number that needs to be registered with the IRS. LegalNautre charges $70 for this service.
LegalNature's state-of-the-art dashboard makes it incredibly easy for clients to manage legal documents. It's also mobile-friendly, so you can access your database from a mobile phone or tablet. Should you need additional support, you can always contact the company's customer service agents by phone or email. Phone support is available from Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PST), and on Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (PST). In addition, the company's site is full of useful guides and articles.
According to numerous LLC reviews, LegalNature is an affordable and easy-to-use service. The business is rated with A+ on BBB, and it has 4.3/5 stars on Trustpilot.
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Introduction to LLC Services
If you're an entrepreneur looking for the most efficient way to form a limited liability company, there are three options you should consider.
- Option one: Take care of the whole process on your own. Research the state-specific requirements, file the necessary paperwork, and hope that you've done everything correctly.
- Option two: Hire an attorney to do most of the work on your behalf, keeping in mind that the best LLC service lawyers may charge you a hefty fee.
- Option three: Use an online LLC filing service to help you get through the whole process in a quick, convenient, and cost-effective way.
Reasons to Use LLC Services
Most entrepreneurs don't feel comfortable with the idea of going through the process of registering an LLC on their own, but they also can't justify the costs of hiring an attorney to do the work for them. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you'll be happy to hear that there are affordable and reliable LLC formation services that can handle all the paperwork for a fraction of an attorney's fee.
Company incorporation specialists help form numerous business entities every day. Their knowledge and experience eliminate the risk of mistakes and delays that could occur if you decide to do the paperwork yourself. Additionally, some LLC services offer an error-free guarantee, which means that the service won't charge you for filing any additional documents needed to ensure that your LLC's information is correct.
Another good thing about using one of the reliable LLC filing companies is that it can save you lots of time and effort. The company will do the filing in accordance with individual state requirements, take care of all tax-related and legal matters, and update you on relevant government deadlines.
How LLC Services Work
If you've decided to organize your business as a limited liability company and wish to get everything filed correctly the first time around, using an LLC service is a wise choice.
Setting up an LLC with help from a specialist is simple and easy. All you have to do is provide the company with a name for your business, the state where you'd like to register your LLC, your industry, your personal information, and your registered agent's details. The LLC service will take it from there and handle all the paperwork with the state to create your new company.
Here's a breakdown of everything you can expect from an LLC formation service to help you with:
Take care of legalities for you
One of the best things about using an incorporation service is that it doesn't matter whether you understand the legal side of forming an LLC or not. Your LLC specialist will research all the state-specific rules and requirements and make sure to file the documents accordingly.
Keep you updated on deadlines and necessary filings
Maintaining an LLC can be as complicated as forming it. That's why most online LLC services will provide you with a dashboard where you'll get alerts for any upcoming government deadlines and notifications about documents you need to file.
Work as a mediator between the state and your business
If you decide to go through the process of registering and maintaining an LLC on your own, bear in mind that you'll need to get in touch with the state directly for any questions or concerns. On the other hand, working with the best LLC service means that you can get your questions answered and issues resolved much quicker.
6 Steps to LLC Formation
Now that you've gotten some more insight into the things to look out for when searching for good LLC services, let's talk a bit about the actual process of creating your own LLC.
Forming an LLC is the simplest way of structuring your business while protecting your personal assets in case your company is sued or indebted. The concept of limited liability ensures that you can't be held liable for the company's debts and obligations beyond the amount you invest in the business.
Whether owned by one person (single-member LLCs) or co-owned (multi-member LLCs), these business structures are hybrid entities that bring together the characteristics of a partnership or sole proprietorship with those of a corporation. While the limited liability component resembles that of a corporation, greater tax flexibility and fewer corporate formalities are similar to those of partnerships.
Some of the main reasons why entrepreneurs decide to organize their business as an LLC include limited personal liability, minimal requirements for record keeping and reporting, pass-through taxation, ownership flexibility, management flexibility, and flexible profit distribution.
The LLC registration process consists of the following six steps, regardless of whether you decide to handle everything on your own or hire a professional to do it for you.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Choose the state where your LLC will be registered
When deciding where to form your LLC, there are a few factors you should consider, including the regulatory burden, taxes, and workforce availability. For most new businesses, forming your LLC in the state where you reside and plan to conduct your company's activities is usually the best option. Alternatively, you can also create an LLC in one of the states with more business-friendly regulations, such as Delaware, Nevada, or Wyoming.
2. Pick the company's name
Next up, it's time to pick a name for your LLC and make sure that it meets legal requirements. Considering that rules may differ from state to state, we suggest you look them up on your local Secretary of State website. However, there are a few common requirements for most states. Most importantly, the company's name has to be unique, and it usually has to be followed by LLC. It cannot mention terms such as "corporation," "bank," or "insurance."
3. Choose a registered agent
In all 50 states, a business registered as an LLC is required to have a registered agent, also known as a statutory agent or agent of process. A registered agent is an entity designated to accept legal notices (federal and state legal documents along with service of process) on behalf of your business, sign for them, and email you a copy. A registered agent can either be an individual or an agency that has a physical address in your LLC's state of operation. Keep in mind that registering your company in more than one state will require a registered agent in each state of operation.
4. File the articles of organization
Your company has to be legally recognized before it can start operating. In other words, to properly register your LLC, you have to file a state-required formation document. While most states refer to this document as "articles of organization," it can also be called "certificate of formation" or "certificate of organization." Through this document, you'll provide information about the LLC and its owner or owners to the state. This usually includes the company's name, address, ownership, registered agent, and the LLC's effective start date. The most popular LLC service providers usually include this feature in their basic package.
5. Create the operating agreement
Unlike the articles of organization, an operating agreement isn't always required by law. Much like partnership agreements do for corporations, an operating agreement outlines an LLC's rules of ownership and operation. This type of document usually includes each member's ownership percentages, voting powers, rights and responsibilities, how the company allocates its profits and losses, means of management, and buy-sell provisions.
6. Get an EIN
Unless you run a single-member LLC and don't plan on hiring employees, you'll need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. An EIN is essentially your business's Social Security number, and it's easy to apply for – all you have to do is fill out a form on the IRS website.
FAQ
Where is the best place to set up an LLC?
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In most cases, the best state to incorporate your LLC in is the state where you live and plan on conducting your company's activities. Alternatively, you can register your business in one of the states with business-friendly regulations and low taxes, such as Delaware, Nevada, or Wyoming.
Does an LLC pay less in taxes?
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The pass-through tax treatment is one of the most significant advantages of an LLC. What this means is that owners of an LLC don't need to file corporate tax returns. Instead, all LLC owners have to report their share of profit or loss while filing their individual tax returns.
How can I get my LLC for free?
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Instead of hiring an LLC filing agency to help you form your company, you can take care of the whole process on your own. If you decide to go for this option, make sure you research the legal requirements and file all the necessary paperwork correctly. While the state-specific requirements may vary, you'll need to think of a unique name, choose a registered agent, file the articles of organization, create the operating agreement, apply for an EIN, and pay state filing fees.
How do online LLC services work?
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The process of registering a business is much less complicated with an online LLC service. With the best LLC service agencies, all you have to do is give the company that you've decided to work with your business's name, location, and the industry of operation along with some basic information about you as the owner and your registered agent. From there, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the LLC service company to take care of the paperwork for you.
What Is The Best Online Llc Registered Agent In Ca
Source: https://fortunly.com/business/best-llc-service/
Posted by: helleryouseks68.blogspot.com
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