5 Best LLC Formation Services 

Avatar photo
By: Michaela Dale Updated on: September 12, 2024

Forming a limited liability company (LLC) is an ideal business structure for entrepreneurs looking to protect personal assets without the complexity of a corporation. 

The right LLC formation service can simplify the process, ensuring compliance with state regulations and offering additional services to support your business’s growth. Here, we review the top 5 LLC formation services to help you make an informed decision.

Don't want to deal with all the boring paperwork? Let Northwest handle it for you! Start your business with Northwest for just $29 + state fees and get back to the fun stuff!
  • Formation and FREE registered agent services for your first year
  • Best privacy protection and customer service
Do It For Me

Top 5 LLC Formation Services for Small Businesses 

Registering as an LLC provides you with personal liability protection, tax flexibility, and brand credibility. Using a formation service ensures your new business is registered correctly, setting your entrepreneurial journey up for success. 

  1. Best Formation Service: Northwest Registered Agent 
  2. Tailor Brands
  3. LegalZoom 
  4. ZenBusiness 
  5. Bizee (Incfile) 

1. Northwest Registered Agent 

With a commitment to personal service and data privacy, Northwest Registered Agent stands out for its approach to LLC formation and registered agent services. It differentiates itself by offering privacy-focused services, where it acts as a shield for personal information. 

Northwest has built a reputation on its straightforward approach, promising no hidden fees and a personalized customer experience, where every client receives guidance from a dedicated service representative. Plus, when you purchase formation services with Northwest, you receive one year of registered agent free. 

Northwest is renowned for its exceptional customer support and privacy protections. Offering straightforward and no-nonsense LLC formation, Northwest ensures your business starts on the right foot.

Pricing

Northwest offers one formation package at $29 plus state fees. This also includes a suite of business perks and features. 

Features

  • Personalized customer support from experienced professionals
  • Privacy by Default®: Protects your personal information
  • Free registered agent service for one year
  • A customizable operating agreement 
  • Free annual report reminders 

Pros

  • Exceptional customer support
  • Strong emphasis on privacy and data protection
  • No upsells or hidden fees

Cons

  • Higher initial cost compared to some competitors

2. Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands extends its services beyond LLC formation, specializing in branding and digital solutions for small businesses. With a comprehensive suite of tools for logo creation, website design, and digital marketing, 

Tailor Brands positions itself as a holistic platform for entrepreneurs looking to not only start their business but also establish a strong brand identity from day one. What sets this formation service apart is the seamless integration of branding and business formation services, making it a convenient choice for businesses that prioritize market presence.

Pricing

With Tailor Brands, you can choose from three packages: 

  • Lite — $0 + state fees
  • Essential — $149 + state fees 
  • Elite — $199 + state fees 

Features

  • Comprehensive branding services
  • Easy-to-use logo maker and design tools
  • Digital marketing and website building services

Pros

  • Ideal for businesses also seeking branding assistance
  • Competitive pricing for LLC formation
  • Broad range of additional business services

Cons

  • Primary focus is not solely on LLC formation
  • More expensive than some competitors for paid packages 

3. LegalZoom 

LegalZoom is a giant in the legal services arena, offering a wide range of solutions from LLC formation to legal consultations. Its broad appeal lies in its extensive experience and array of services, accommodating businesses at any stage of growth. 

LegalZoom’s platform is designed to provide legal services beyond LLC formation, including trademarks, wills, and legal consultations, making it a versatile option for entrepreneurs who anticipate needing additional legal assistance. From selecting the right business structure to filing all necessary documents and offering ongoing compliance services, LegalZoom is designed to support entrepreneurs through the lifecycle of their business.

Pricing 

With LegalZoom, you can choose from three packages:

  • Basic — $0 + state fees 
  • Pro — $249 + state fees 
  • Premium $299 + state fees 

Features

  • A wide array of legal services
  • Personal consultation with licensed Next Insurance agent 
  • Customizable business website powered by Wix

Pros

  • Brand recognition and reliability
  • Comprehensive legal services available
  • Strong customer service and support network

Cons

  • Many valuable features not included in free package

4. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness caters to small business owners looking for a budget-friendly and efficient way to form their LLC. It distinguishes itself with a focus on simplicity and affordability, without compromising on service quality. 

ZenBusiness offers a stress-free path to compliance, with packages designed to grow with your business. Their “Worry-Free Compliance” service and customizable plans make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs seeking value and convenience.

Pricing

With ZenBusiness, you can choose from three packages: 

  • Starter — $0 + state fees 
  • Pro — $199 + state fees 
  • Premium — $299 + state fees 

Features

  • Worry-Free Compliance guarantee
  • Affordable pricing with valuable features
  • Easy-to-use online platform

Pros

  • Highly cost-effective for businesses
  • Responsive customer support
  • User-friendly service

Cons

  • Upsells during the checkout process
  • Higher cost for add-on services  

5. Bizee 

Bizee (Incfile) offers affordable and efficient LLC formation services. Since its inception in 2004, Bizee has facilitated over 500,000 business formations, emphasizing no-frills service and a user-friendly platform. 

Their platform is streamlined for ease of use, making the daunting task of navigating state-specific legal requirements a breeze for new business owners. Additionally, Bizee offers a range of services aimed at supporting businesses as they grow, including business banking, tax consultation, and registered agent services.

Pricing 

With Bizee, you can choose from three packages:

  • Silver — $0 + state fees 
  • Gold — $199 + state fees 
  • Platinum — $299 + state fees 

Features

  • Unlimited phone and email customer service 
  • Free registered agent service for the first year
  • Business tax consultation 

Pros

  • Affordable, fast formation services 
  • Includes a free year of registered agent services
  • Easy-to-use online dashboard for document management

Cons

  • Upselling of additional services can be aggressive
  • Obtaining an EIN through Bizee costs extra 

Conclusion

Choosing the right LLC formation service depends on your business needs, budget, and the level of additional services you require. Whether you prioritize customer support, privacy, comprehensive legal services, branding assistance, or affordability, there’s a service that meets your needs. By comparing these top contenders, you can select the best LLC formation service to help launch and grow your business successfully.

Recommended: Form your LLC today with Northwest Registered Agent and get a free year of registered agent services.