Independent LLC service comparison

Best LLC Formation Services of 2026

Compare formation providers by true setup cost, registered-agent renewal, package clarity, support, upsells, and the founder each service fits best.

Written byJason McDonaldEditorial Director

Reviewed by David ReynoldsUpdated August 4, 2026

Published June 3, 2026Updated August 4, 2026Research scope Public pricing and terms

Best OverallZenBusiness Best for PrivacyNorthwest Registered Agent Best Legal BrandLegalZoom

Compare all 9 Use the planner

31 providers tracked9 ranked here13 head-to-head reviews

Decision first

Compare the best LLC services at a glance

Start with buyer fit, real renewal exposure, and the main tradeoff—not the advertised $0 headline.

How to compare services View all reviews

ServiceScoreBest forStarts atRegistered agentMain caution

ZenBusiness96/100BLFS Editorial ScoreOverall value$0 + state feesPaid add-onSome important services are paid add-ons

Northwest Registered Agent94/100BLFS Editorial ScorePrivacy and support$39 + state feesIncluded first year; renews separatelyNot always the cheapest advertised entry point

LegalZoom88/100BLFS Editorial ScoreBrand recognition$0 + state feesPaid add-onCan cost more after add-ons

Doola89/100BLFS Editorial ScoreForeign founders$297/yr + state feesIncluded in StarterHigher starting price than $0 service-fee filing companies

Rocket Lawyer86/100BLFS Editorial ScoreLegal documentsMembership/model variesPaid add-onNot the cheapest for filing only

Swyft Filings84/100BLFS Editorial ScoreFast setup$0 + state feesPaid add-onAdd-ons can raise final cost

Tailor BrandsResearch profileBranding plus LLC$0 + state feesPaid add-onNot purely formation-focused

Inc AuthorityResearch profileFree service-fee filing$0 + state feesOften included first year; verify renewalUpsells can raise total cost

MyCompanyWorksResearch profileOrganized formation workflowCheck current package + state feesPaid/included by packageLess brand recognition

ZenBusiness

Northwest Registered Agent

Interactive planner

Pick the service path that matches your launch

Choose a state and buying priority to shortlist the best-fit LLC services.

Independent review notes

Why each provider made the shortlist

Every entry includes buyer fit, limitations, pricing confidence, source scope, and the items that still require checkout verification.

Best Overall

ZenBusiness

Dashboard, compliance tools, and beginner-friendly workflow. Best for First-time founders and Owners who want a guided dashboard.

Easy-to-use platformGood balance of price and featuresHelpful compliance tools

Starting price$0 + state feesPaid add-on

96/100BLFS Editorial Score

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Research evidenceCore provider information verifiedPricing confidenceOfficial public pricingPractical package$199Agent renewalPaid add-on; verify renewal before checkout

Why it stands out

Easy-to-use platform
Good balance of price and features
Helpful compliance tools
Strong for first-time owners

Limitations

Some important services are paid add-ons
Subscriptions can increase total cost
Registered agent is not usually in the cheapest plan

Good fit when

First-time founders
Owners who want a guided dashboard
Businesses that value compliance reminders

Look elsewhere when

You only want a bare state filing
You dislike subscription-style add-ons

Our assessment of ZenBusiness is based on a structured review of its publicly available pricing, service terms, package details, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. We verify key claims against official sources and clearly identify any areas that require confirmation before purchase. Check the official source.

Best for Privacy

Northwest Registered Agent

Privacy-focused registered agent support. Best for Privacy-focused founders and Owners who want registered agent support.

Strong privacy focusRegistered-agent-first companyHelpful customer support

Starting price$39 + state feesIncluded first year; renews separately

94/100BLFS Editorial Score

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Research evidenceCore provider information verifiedPricing confidenceOfficial public pricingPractical package$39Agent renewal$125/year after first year in the public LLC offer

Why it stands out

Strong privacy focus
Registered-agent-first company
Helpful customer support
Fewer aggressive upsells than many competitors

Limitations

Not always the cheapest advertised entry point
Fewer branding or marketing tools
Some services cost extra

Good fit when

Privacy-focused founders
Owners who want registered agent support
Multi-state filers

Look elsewhere when

You want logo and website tools
You only care about the lowest first checkout price

Our assessment of Northwest Registered Agent is based on a structured review of its publicly available pricing, service terms, package details, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. We verify key claims against official sources and clearly identify any areas that require confirmation before purchase. Check the official source.

Best Legal Brand

LegalZoom

Large legal services platform with broad add-ons. Best for Users who prefer a large brand and Owners who may need broader legal services.

Well-known brandBroad legal service catalogUseful if you need more than formation

Starting price$0 + state feesPaid add-on

88/100BLFS Editorial Score

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Research evidenceCore provider information verifiedPricing confidenceOfficial public pricingPractical package$249Agent renewalPaid add-on; verify annual renewal

Why it stands out

Well-known brand
Broad legal service catalog
Useful if you need more than formation
Large customer base

Limitations

Can cost more after add-ons
Checkout includes many optional services
Budget users may overbuy

Good fit when

Users who prefer a large brand
Owners who may need broader legal services
Founders who want attorney-plan options

Look elsewhere when

You want a simple no-upsell checkout
You only need a bare filing

Our assessment of LegalZoom is based on a structured review of its publicly available pricing, service terms, package details, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. We verify key claims against official sources and clearly identify any areas that require confirmation before purchase. Check the official source.

Best for Non-US Founders

Doola

Formation, EIN, US bank-account guidance, business address, and registered agent support for global founders. Best for Non-US founders forming a US LLC and Global ecommerce owners.

Strong non-US founder positioningStarter includes EIN and registered agent serviceUseful US banking guidance

Starting price$297/yr + state feesIncluded in Starter

89/100BLFS Editorial Score

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Research evidenceCore provider information verifiedPricing confidenceOfficial public pricingPractical package$297/yrAgent renewalIncluded in annual plan positioning

Why it stands out

Strong non-US founder positioning
Starter includes EIN and registered agent service
Useful US banking guidance
Higher-tier tax and bookkeeping options

Limitations

Higher starting price than $0 service-fee filing companies
Annual plan model may be more than simple US founders need
Tax/compliance packages are materially more expensive

Good fit when

Non-US founders forming a US LLC
Global ecommerce owners
Founders who need EIN and banking guidance

Look elsewhere when

You only need a low-cost domestic filing
You already have EIN, banking, address, and tax support handled

Our assessment of Doola is based on a structured review of its publicly available pricing, service terms, package details, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. We verify key claims against official sources and clearly identify any areas that require confirmation before purchase. Check the official source.

Best for Legal Documents

Rocket Lawyer

Legal forms, signatures, and legal help around formation. Best for Businesses needing contracts and Owners who want ongoing documents.

Great for legal documentsUseful for ongoing contract needsAttorney access available

Starting priceMembership/model variesPaid add-on

86/100BLFS Editorial Score

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Research evidenceCore provider information verifiedPricing confidenceOfficial public pricingPractical package$249/yrAgent renewal$125/year on public pricing table

Why it stands out

Great for legal documents
Useful for ongoing contract needs
Attorney access available
Good fit beyond one-time filing

Limitations

Not the cheapest for filing only
Best value may require membership
Registered agent is separate

Good fit when

Businesses needing contracts
Owners who want ongoing documents
People who value attorney access

Look elsewhere when

You only want one state filing
You dislike subscription models

Our assessment of Rocket Lawyer is based on a structured review of its publicly available pricing, service terms, package details, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. We verify key claims against official sources and clearly identify any areas that require confirmation before purchase. Check the official source.

Best for Fast Filing

Swyft Filings

Simple filing process with guided add-ons. Best for Owners who want a guided filing flow and Founders who value faster package options.

Simple interfaceBeginner-friendlySpecialist-reviewed filing flow

Starting price$0 + state feesPaid add-on

84/100BLFS Editorial Score

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Research evidenceCore provider information verifiedPricing confidenceOfficial public pricingPractical package$169 sale / $199 regularAgent renewalPaid add-on; verify renewal

Why it stands out

Simple interface
Beginner-friendly
Specialist-reviewed filing flow
Useful add-ons for new businesses

Limitations

Add-ons can raise final cost
Registered agent costs extra
Less privacy-focused than Northwest

Good fit when

Owners who want a guided filing flow
Founders who value faster package options
Beginner LLC owners

Look elsewhere when

You want the strongest privacy-first option
You want included registered agent service

Our assessment of Swyft Filings is based on a structured review of its publicly available pricing, service terms, package details, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. We verify key claims against official sources and clearly identify any areas that require confirmation before purchase. Check the official source.

Best for Branding Tools

Tailor Brands

Combines LLC setup with logo, website, and business tools. Best for New businesses without a brand and Creators needing logo/site tools.

Helpful for brand-new businessesLogo and website toolsAll-in-one startup feel

Starting price$0 + state feesPaid add-on

Verification in progress

Visit Site Full review

See costs, evidence, pros & cons

Research evidenceCore provider information reviewedPricing confidenceCheckout verification neededPractical packageVerify packageAgent renewalPaid add-on; verify renewal

Why it stands out

Helpful for brand-new businesses
Logo and website tools
All-in-one startup feel
Easy for beginners

Limitations

Not purely formation-focused
Add-ons can become expensive
Less useful if you already have branding

Good fit when

New businesses without a brand
Creators needing logo/site tools
Beginners who want a bundled startup experience

Look elsewhere when

You already have branding
You only want legal formation help

Our assessment of Tailor Brands reviews its available pricing, package details, service terms, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. Key published claims are checked against official sources, with package or checkout details that require confirmation clearly identified. Check the official source.

Best Free Filing Funnel

Inc Authority

Free-entry filing funnel with startup add-ons. Best for Budget-sensitive filers and Simple LLCs.

Low starting service feeGood for simple filingsAdd-on menu for startup tasks

Starting price$0 + state feesOften included first year; verify renewal

Verification in progress

Visit Site Full review

See costs, evidence, pros & cons

Research evidenceCore provider information reviewedPricing confidenceCheckout verification neededPractical packageVerify packageAgent renewalOften included first year; renewal must be verified

Why it stands out

Low starting service fee
Good for simple filings
Add-on menu for startup tasks

Limitations

Upsells can raise total cost
Renewal pricing needs review
Not as transparent as a flat-fee model

Good fit when

Budget-sensitive filers
Simple LLCs
Owners willing to review upsells carefully

Look elsewhere when

You want flat all-in pricing
You dislike sales-oriented add-ons

Our assessment of Inc Authority reviews its available pricing, package details, service terms, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. Key published claims are checked against official sources, with package or checkout details that require confirmation clearly identified. Check the official source.

Best Startup Checklist

MyCompanyWorks

Structured startup dashboard and filing workflow. Best for Owners who want an organized launch checklist and Small businesses that value workflow clarity.

Organized processGood checklist orientationHelpful for first-time owners

Starting priceCheck current package + state feesPaid/included by package

Verification in progress

Full review

See costs, evidence, pros & cons

Research evidenceCore provider information reviewedPricing confidenceCheckout verification neededPractical packageVerify packageAgent renewalPaid/included by package; verify renewal

Why it stands out

Organized process
Good checklist orientation
Helpful for first-time owners

Limitations

Less brand recognition
Pricing should be checked before purchase
Some add-ons cost extra

Good fit when

Owners who want an organized launch checklist
Small businesses that value workflow clarity

Look elsewhere when

You want a giant legal-services platform
You only compare nationally recognized brands

Our assessment of MyCompanyWorks reviews its available pricing, package details, service terms, disclosures, and customer-facing policies. Key published claims are checked against official sources, with package or checkout details that require confirmation clearly identified. Check the official source.

True-cost dataset

Compare the price beyond the $0 headline

State fees remain separate unless a bundle explicitly includes them. “Verify” is intentional when public information cannot support a reliable total.

Practical-package baselineFirst-year service cost, excluding state fee

ZenBusiness$199

Northwest$39

LegalZoom$249

Doola$297/yr

Rocket Lawyer$249/yr

Swyft Filings$169 sale / $199 regular

These are comparison baselines, not guaranteed checkout totals.

Renewal exposureFirst-year baseline vs. known year-two cost

NorthwestPublic offer vs. agent renewal

Y1 $39Y2 $125

DoolaStarter annual plan retained

Y1 $297Y2 $297

Rocket LawyerPlus membership + agent retained

Y1 $249Y2 $374

ServiceAdvertised service feeFirst-year total*Year-two total*Price checkedEvidence status

ZenBusiness$0$199 Pro baseline; state fee and agent add-on excluded.Agent and subscription renewals require checkout verification.Review attempted July 18, 2026Pricing page was dynamic; recheck the final basket.Official public pricing

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Included in higher package or paid add-on
EIN: Included in higher package or paid add-on
Cancellation requirement: Confirm cancellation and refund terms before payment.
Promotion / variability: Advertised package prices may change; confirm the selected plan.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

Northwest Registered Agent$39$39 public offer; state fee excluded.$125 registered-agent renewal baseline.Verified July 18, 2026Official LLC page showed $39 plus state fees.Official public pricing

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Forms/templates available
EIN: Optional add-on or file directly with IRS
Cancellation requirement: Confirm cancellation and refund terms before payment.
Promotion / variability: Public offer can change; confirm before ordering.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

LegalZoom$0$249 Pro baseline; state fee and agent add-on excluded.Agent and subscription renewals require checkout verification.Verified July 18, 2026Official LLC page showed Basic, Pro, and Premium options.Official public pricing

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Included in Pro/Premium; add-on or DIY in Basic
EIN: Included in Pro/Premium; add-on or DIY in Basic
Cancellation requirement: Confirm subscription cancellation and current guarantee terms.
Promotion / variability: Package prices and included trials can change.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

Doola$297/yr$297 Starter annual plan; state fee excluded.$297 annual-plan baseline if Starter is retained.Verified July 18, 2026Official pricing page showed Starter at $297/year plus state fees.Official public pricing

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Included/available in formation workflow
EIN: Included in Starter positioning
Cancellation requirement: Annual billing; confirm cancellation before the next renewal.
Promotion / variability: Annual plan pricing can change; confirm the renewal basket.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

Rocket Lawyer$149/yr$249 Plus membership baseline; state fee and agent add-on excluded.$249 membership plus $125 agent if both are retained.Verified July 18, 2026Official LLC and membership pages require plan-level comparison.Official public pricing

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Included through legal document membership features
EIN: $70 on public pricing table
Cancellation requirement: Membership renewal applies; confirm the cancellation path and timing.
Promotion / variability: Membership and registration offers can vary.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

Swyft Filings$0$169 sale / $199 regular Standard baseline; state fee excluded.Agent and compliance renewals require checkout verification.Verified July 18, 2026Official LLC page showed package prices and preparation times.Official public pricing

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Included in Standard/Premium on public package table
EIN: Included in Standard/Premium on public package table
Cancellation requirement: Confirm cancellation and refund terms before payment.
Promotion / variability: Standard was displayed as $169 sale / $199 regular; sale expiry was not stated.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

Tailor Brands$0$0 entry filing; practical total depends on selected add-ons.Branding, agent, and compliance renewals require verification.Verified July 18, 2026Official formation page advertised a $0 entry path plus state fees.Checkout verification needed

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Package/add-on dependent
EIN: Package/add-on dependent
Cancellation requirement: Confirm subscription cancellation and refund terms.
Promotion / variability: Bundle and add-on pricing can change in checkout.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

Inc Authority$0$0 entry filing; practical bundle total requires verification.Agent and other renewals require checkout verification.Review attempted July 18, 2026Formation page could not be independently parsed; verify checkout.Checkout verification needed

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Package/add-on dependent
EIN: Package/add-on dependent
Cancellation requirement: Confirm cancellation and refund terms before payment.
Promotion / variability: Free-entry offer and bundle pricing can change.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

MyCompanyWorksVerify packageRequires state and package selection.Registered-agent and compliance renewals require verification.Review attempted July 18, 2026Pricing requires state and package selection; verify directly.Checkout verification needed

See full cost record

Operating agreement: Package/add-on dependent
EIN: Package/add-on dependent
Cancellation requirement: Confirm cancellation and refund terms before payment.
Promotion / variability: Selected-state package pricing can change.
Archived previous price: Baseline created July 18, 2026; no earlier price archived.

*Totals exclude state fees. “First year” uses the documented practical-package baseline; “year two” includes only recurring costs the source record supports. Final checkout totals, promotions, taxes, and renewal terms can change.

Turnaround and support evidence

Separate provider preparation from state processing

A one-day provider promise does not mean the state will approve an LLC in one day. Published support channels also do not guarantee round-the-clock availability.

ServiceProvider preparationState processingExpedited optionSupport and hoursCorrection / rejection help

ZenBusinessPackage dependent; no fixed preparation time used here.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.State and package dependent.Dashboard support; other channels vary by package.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Not clearly published on the cited pricing page.

Northwest Registered AgentNo fixed preparation time published on the cited LLC page.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.State dependent.Corporate Guides, phone, and email.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Not clearly published on the cited LLC page.

LegalZoomNo fixed preparation time published on the cited LLC page.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.Package and state dependent.Chat and phone listed across the formation packages.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Provider says errors or rejections caused by it are corrected at no added cost.

DoolaStarter page states filing in 1–2 business days.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.Faster EIN handling appears on higher plans; state time remains separate.Email support; live-call scheduling on eligible plans.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Formation errors caused by the service are covered by a stated partial refund policy.

Rocket LawyerNo fixed preparation time published on the cited LLC page.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.State and selected service dependent.Legal Q&A, document support, and attorney-network features.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Not clearly published on the cited LLC page.

Swyft FilingsBasic 7–10 days; Standard 3 days; Premium 1 business day.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.Faster paid preparation tiers are published.Phone and chat with formation specialists.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.The cited package page states a 100% accuracy guarantee.

Tailor BrandsNo fixed provider preparation time published on the cited page.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.State and package dependent.Help center and product support.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Not clearly published on the cited formation page.

Inc AuthorityNo reliable fixed preparation time captured.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.Verify by state and package.Phone and online support references.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Not reliably documented in the current source record.

MyCompanyWorksNo reliable fixed preparation time captured.Separate from provider preparation; timing varies by state.Verify by state and package.Phone and email support references.Hours: Not published on the cited formation page.Not reliably documented in the current source record.

Service vs. DIY

Choose the filing path before choosing a provider

A commercial registered agent is not a formation method by itself. The third path below means filing directly while separately hiring an agent.

Direct state filing

Typical cost: State fee only
Time required: You complete and monitor the filing
Privacy: Personal details may appear in the public record
Document assistance: State filing only; you handle the operating agreement and EIN
Renewal exposure: State reports, taxes, and licenses only
Best fit: Confident owners who want the lowest service cost

Formation service

Typical cost: $0–$300+ service fee, plus state fee and add-ons
Time required: Guided intake; provider prepares and submits
Privacy: Depends on the package and address options
Document assistance: Varies from filing-only to bundled startup documents
Renewal exposure: Agent, compliance, legal, or business-tool subscriptions
Best fit: Founders who value guidance and convenience

DIY + commercial registered agent

Typical cost: State fee plus roughly $100–$300/year for the agent
Time required: You file; the agent receives official notices
Privacy: Agent address can replace yours in some, not all, fields
Document assistance: Usually no formation help unless separately bundled
Renewal exposure: Annual registered-agent fee plus state obligations
Best fit: DIY filers who want notice handling or an added privacy layer

Transparent scoring

What the BLFS Editorial Score measures—and what it does not

A score appears only when the public source record supports a consistent assessment. A difference under three points is not treated as a clear overall lead.

25%

Pricing clarity

Service fee, state-fee separation, renewal visibility, and add-on clarity.

20%

Registered agent value

Privacy, scanning, coverage, renewal price, and how central agent service is to the provider.

20%

Founder fit

How well the service matches beginners, privacy buyers, budget filers, startups, or non-US owners.

20%

Support and workflow

Checkout clarity, dashboard usefulness, document access, correction support, and reminders.

15%

Upsell risk

How easy it is to avoid unnecessary subscriptions, EIN fees, bundled tools, or confusing package jumps.

No hidden test claim. Public-source research and hands-on testing are separate evidence types. A provider is labeled hands-on only when a documented test record exists.

Read the complete scoring anchors and evidence requirements

Customer sentiment lens

Use review themes without manufacturing a star score

Review platforms use different samples and moderation rules. Until a source-dated dataset with a published sample count is available, customer sentiment is kept qualitative and excluded from the editorial score.

Billing and renewals

Separate the advertised formation price from registered-agent renewal, annual subscriptions, and cancellation notice windows.

Support resolution

A fast reply is not the same as a useful answer. Look for whether support can resolve filing corrections, billing questions, and document issues.

Filing speed

Distinguish the provider's preparation time from the state's processing time so expedited marketing is not mistaken for a state guarantee.

Checkout pressure

Watch for preselected add-ons, repeated upgrade prompts, and services such as EIN filing that a founder may complete directly for free.

ZenBusiness

Positive signal to validateEasy-to-use platform

Concern to validateSome important services are paid add-ons

Editorial watchlist—not a pooled customer rating.

Northwest Registered Agent

Positive signal to validateStrong privacy focus

Concern to validateNot always the cheapest advertised entry point

Editorial watchlist—not a pooled customer rating.

LegalZoom

Positive signal to validateWell-known brand

Concern to validateCan cost more after add-ons

Editorial watchlist—not a pooled customer rating.

Doola

Positive signal to validateStrong non-US founder positioning

Concern to validateHigher starting price than $0 service-fee filing companies

Editorial watchlist—not a pooled customer rating.

Choose by situation

Find the best LLC service for your business type

Use a focused buyer guide when your state, privacy needs, budget, or business model changes the decision.

Startups

Best LLC Services for Startups

Startup founders often need more than a filing receipt: operating documents, banking readiness, EIN guidance, compliance reminders, and sometimes attorney or tax review.

Non-US Residents

Best LLC Services for Non-US Residents

Foreign founders forming a U.S. LLC should focus on registered agent reliability, EIN support, U.S. address needs, banking readiness, tax caveats, and state choice.

Cheap LLC Services

Best Cheap LLC Services

Cheap LLC services can work well when you separate the advertised service fee from state fees, registered agent renewal, EIN add-ons, and compliance subscriptions.

Privacy

Best LLC Services for Privacy

Privacy-focused owners should pay close attention to registered agent service, business address handling, public records, mail scanning, and renewal pricing.

LLC Services With Registered Agent

Best LLC Services With Registered Agent

Registered agent value depends on address privacy, document forwarding, renewal price, cancellation rules, and whether multi-state coverage is available.

Ecommerce

Best LLC Services for Ecommerce

Ecommerce sellers should compare LLC filing help with EIN readiness, sales-tax awareness, banking setup, payment processor records, and clean company documents.

Buyer checklist

Run these checks before choosing an LLC service

True first-year cost

Add the service fee, state filing fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and expedited options.

Year-two renewal cost

Check registered agent renewal, compliance subscriptions, and whether cancellation is simple.

State fit

Most small businesses should compare the home state first before choosing Delaware, Wyoming, or Nevada.

Document ownership

Make sure approved filings, receipts, operating agreement, and EIN records live somewhere you control.

Support scope

Know whether support covers filing administration or can also help with corrections and rejected documents.

Upsell pressure

Avoid paying for EIN filing, licenses, domains, or consultations unless they solve a real problem.

Head-to-head pages

Popular LLC service comparisons

All comparisons

ZenBusiness

LegalZoom

Northwest Registered Agent

ZenBusiness

Rocket Lawyer

LegalZoom

Northwest Registered Agent

LegalZoom

Doola

Northwest Registered Agent

Doola

LegalZoom

Feature matrix

LLC services compared by core feature

ServiceOperating agreementEIN add-onRegistered agentCompliance alertsLegal helpBranding tools

ZenBusinessYes/variesYesPaid add-onYesLimitedYes/Some

NorthwestYes/variesLimitedIncluded first year; renews separatelyYesLimitedNo

LegalZoomYes/variesYesPaid add-onSomeYesNo

DoolaLimitedYesIncluded in StarterYesLimitedNo

Rocket LawyerLimitedLimitedPaid add-onSomeYesNo

Swyft FilingsYes/variesYesPaid add-onYesLimitedNo

Tailor BrandsLimitedLimitedPaid add-onSomeLimitedYes/Some

Fast answers

Questions people ask before choosing an LLC service

Direct answers first, with the important qualification immediately afterward.

What is the best LLC formation service?

The best choice depends on your budget, privacy needs, desired support, and whether you want legal documents or branding tools. ZenBusiness is a balanced all-around option, Northwest is strong for privacy, and LegalZoom is useful when broader legal services matter.

What is the cheapest LLC formation service?

Several providers advertise low or $0 service-fee packages, but state filing fees still apply. The cheapest final option depends on add-ons, registered agent renewals, and your state fee.

Can I form an LLC myself?

Yes. You can usually file directly with your state. A formation service is optional and mainly helps with convenience, document preparation, registered agent service, and reminders.

Are LLC formation services worth it?

They can be worth it if you want a guided workflow, privacy through a commercial registered agent, compliance reminders, or help avoiding filing mistakes.

Do I need a registered agent?

Most states require an LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You may serve yourself if you meet the state rules, or you can hire a commercial service.

Is an EIN included with LLC formation?

Sometimes, but often it is a paid add-on. You can generally apply directly through the IRS for free after state formation.

How long does it take to form an LLC?

Timing depends on the state filing office, filing method, correction requests, and whether expedited processing is available.

Which LLC service is best for privacy?

Northwest Registered Agent is commonly a strong privacy-focused choice because registered agent service is central to its offering.

Which LLC service is best for beginners?

ZenBusiness, Swyft Filings, and LegalZoom are beginner-friendly options because they guide users through the filing workflow and common add-ons.

Is LegalZoom good for LLC formation?

LegalZoom can be a good option for people who want a large, recognizable legal services brand, but final checkout cost should be compared carefully.

Do LLC formation services include an operating agreement?

Some packages include an operating agreement and others charge extra. Always check whether the document matches your ownership situation.

What is the difference between service cost and state filing fee?

The service cost is what the company charges. The state filing fee is a government fee required whether you file yourself or use a service.

Should I form in Delaware, Wyoming, or my home state?

Most small businesses should start with the home state where they operate unless there is a specific legal, tax, investor, or privacy reason to choose another state.

Formation library

Guides to read before forming

All guides

International founder guide

US Company Formation Agents: How to Choose a Provider from Outside the United States

A due-diligence guide for choosing a U.S. company formation agent from abroad, covering LLCs, corporations, registered agents, EINs, addresses, banking, state selection, compliance, and tax limits.

Read guide

Formation service model comparison

Online LLC Formation Service vs Full-Service Company Formation Agent

Compare basic online LLC filing services with full-service company formation agents that add international founder support, banking preparation, addresses, tax coordination, bookkeeping, and compliance.

Read guide

LLC filing speed

Fastest LLC Formation: Provider Preparation Time vs State Approval Time

Understand the difference between provider preparation speed and state approval time, including online filing, corrections, state expedite options, weekends, and realistic fastest-LLC timelines.

Read guide

Final recommendation

Compare the top three, then verify the state fee and renewal terms.

Use the score as a shortlist—not a substitute for checking the final checkout basket, recurring charges, and support scope.

Compare the top services Check state fees