Best LLC Formation Services
The best LLC services for getting started fast. We've compared them all so you don't have to.
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Inc Authority
Budget-conscious entrepreneurs comfortable with DIY approach
Inc Authority offers genuinely free LLC formation with free registered agent service for the first year. While their basic package is unbeatable for price, be prepared for upselling attempts and note that the registered agent service renews at $119/year. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who want the absolute lowest cost and don't mind a more hands-off approach.
Pros:
- ✓ Truly free basic formation
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Free tax planning consultation
- ✓ No hidden fees on basic package
- ✓ Phone and chat support available
- ✓ Basic compliance tools included
Cons:
- ✗ Aggressive upselling tactics
- ✗ Processing can be slow (7-10 days)
- ✗ Registered agent renews at $119/year
LegalZoom
Businesses that need ongoing legal support and established credibility
LegalZoom brings decades of experience and attorney-backed support to LLC formation. While some add-ons are pricey, their comprehensive legal services, extensive forms library, and ability to connect with attorneys make them ideal for businesses with complex legal needs or those who value the security of working with an established industry leader.
Pros:
- ✓ Attorney support available
- ✓ Comprehensive legal forms library
- ✓ Rush processing available (1 day +$99)
- ✓ Phone and chat support
- ✓ 30+ years in business
- ✓ Peace of mind guarantee
Cons:
- ✗ Registered agent costs $249/year
- ✗ Operating agreement costs extra (+$99)
- ✗ EIN service expensive (+$159)
Rocket Lawyer
Businesses needing ongoing legal support beyond formation
Rocket Lawyer offers comprehensive legal services beyond just LLC formation. Their platform provides access to attorneys, unlimited legal documents with membership, and ongoing legal support. While the formation takes 5-7 days, they're ideal for businesses that anticipate needing regular legal assistance.
Pros:
- ✓ Full legal services platform
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ Attorney consultations available
- ✓ Mobile app for on-the-go access
- ✓ Document library with membership
- ✓ Phone and chat support
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Registered agent costs $149/year
- ✗ EIN service costs extra (+$99)
LLC Formation Services vs DIY Pros and Cons
Pros
- Professional handling of all paperwork and state requirements
- Compliance monitoring and deadline reminders
- Registered agent service typically included
- Expert support for questions and issues
- Time savings - no research or form preparation needed
- Accuracy guarantee and error protection
Cons
- Higher cost than filing directly with state
- Some services include aggressive upselling
- Less control over timing and process
- Ongoing fees for additional services
Quick Service Comparison
Compare pricing, speed, and features across our top picks.
| Service | Base Price | Speed | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 4.9/5 | Best Overall Value |
| Bizee | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks | ★ 4.6/5 | Fastest Formation |
| Inc Authority | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 4.4/5 | Free Formation |
| Tailor Brands | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks | ★ 4.3/5 | Best for Branding |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days | ★ 4.2/5 | Best for Legal Support |
| Rocket Lawyer | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days | ★ 4/5 | Legal Documents |
| BetterLegal | $299 all-inclusive | 2 days | ★ 3.9/5 | Speed & Simplicity |
| Active Filings | $199 + state fees | 5-10 days | ★ 3.8/5 | Traditional Service |
| Filenow | $99 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 3.6/5 | Budget Option |
| Northwest | $39 + state fees | 7-10 days | ★ 3.4/5 | Basic Formation |
Turn Your Idea Into a Plan
Professional business planning tools to validate your concept and secure funding.
LivePlan
Entrepreneurs seeking funding or comprehensive business planning
LivePlan is the most comprehensive business planning software available, offering professional templates, financial forecasting, and step-by-step guidance. With over 500 sample business plans and automatic syncing with QuickBooks, it's perfect for both new entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking funding.
Pros:
- ✓ 500+ sample business plans
- ✓ Professional investor-ready templates
- ✓ Financial forecasting and tracking
- ✓ QuickBooks integration
- ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ One-on-one expert support available
Cons:
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Can be overwhelming for simple plans
- ✗ More expensive than alternatives
Bizplan
First-time entrepreneurs who want guided, step-by-step planning
Bizplan combines business planning with fundraising tools in an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Their modular approach breaks business planning into manageable sections, making it less intimidating for first-time entrepreneurs while still producing professional results.
Pros:
- ✓ Drag-and-drop interface
- ✓ Modular planning approach
- ✓ Built-in fundraising tools
- ✓ Beautiful design templates
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Free version available
Cons:
- ✗ Fewer templates than LivePlan
- ✗ Limited financial modeling features
- ✗ Newer company with less track record
Upmetrics
Entrepreneurs who want industry-specific templates and AI assistance
Upmetrics offers over 400 business plan templates across various industries with AI-powered writing assistance. Their platform focuses on making business planning faster and easier with automated financial forecasting and professional presentation tools.
Pros:
- ✓ 400+ industry-specific templates
- ✓ AI-powered writing assistance
- ✓ Automated financial forecasting
- ✓ White-label options available
- ✓ Affordable pricing
- ✓ Excellent customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Newer platform, still developing features
- ✗ Limited integrations compared to LivePlan
- ✗ Some advanced features require higher tiers
Business Plan Software vs Templates Pros and Cons
Pros
- Step-by-step guidance through complex planning process
- Professional templates that impress investors
- Built-in financial forecasting and modeling tools
- Regular updates and industry benchmarking
- Collaboration features for team planning
- Export capabilities for presentations and funding
Cons
- Monthly subscription costs vs one-time template purchase
- Learning curve for complex software features
- May include more features than needed for simple businesses
- Requires ongoing internet access for cloud-based tools
State-Specific LLC Information
Each state has different fees, requirements, and processing times. Find the best deal for your location.
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee | Franchise Tax | Total 1st Year | Processing | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky KY | $40 | $15 | — | $55 | ✓ 5-7 business days | |
| Arkansas AR | $45 | $150 | — | $195 | ✓ 5-7 business days | |
| Arizona AZ | $50 | FREE | — | $50 | ✓ 5-10 business days | |
| Missouri MO | $50 | FREE | — | $50 | ✓ 5-7 business days | |
| Iowa IA | $50 | $45 | — | $95 | ✓ 5-10 business days | |
| Colorado CO | $50 | $10 | — | $60 | ⚡ 1-2 business days | |
| Hawaii HI | $50 | $15 | — | $65 | ✓ 3-5 business days | |
| New Mexico NM | $50 | FREE | — | $50 | ⏱ 7-10 business days | |
| Michigan MI | $50 | $25 | — | $75 | ⏱ 7-10 business days | |
| Mississippi MS | $50 | FREE | — | $50 | ✓ 5-7 business days |
Ready to Start Your Business Journey?
Choose your LLC service, create your business plan, and launch with confidence.