Collaborating with a team of business advisors with over a decade of experience, I've delved into the world of DBA (Doing Business As) filing services.
Just as business insurance acts as a protective shield against property damage, employee injuries, liability claims, and legal conflicts, choosing the right DBA filing service is pivotal for entrepreneurs.
I have spent the past months trying out different DBA filing services to provide you with the guidance and assurance needed to make informed decisions for your business journey.
ZenBusiness
Northwest
IncFile7 Best DBA Filing Services (October 2023)
1 - ZenBusiness
2000+ Reviews
ZenBusiness is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses, simplifying their operational and legal procedures.
Initially founded to streamline the business formation process, ZenBusiness has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering a range of services, including business formation, registered agent services, annual reports, and more.
As the company has expanded its service offerings, it has demonstrated a commitment to making entrepreneurship hassle-free.
Having used ZenBusiness personally, I can vouch for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and dedication to reliable solutions.
My experience shows that ZenBusiness has steadily grown its customer base, a testament to its excellent customer service and valuable resources for business owners.
They adapt to market demands and consistently improve their services, making them a trusted partner for entrepreneurs seeking efficient business operations and compliance solutions.
- Starter Package (Starting at $0) : This package includes a business filing service, a free Registered Agent for the first year, an operating agreement template, and a Worry-Free Guarantee.
- Pro Package (Priced at $199 annually) : The Pro Package includes everything in the Starter Package along with obtaining a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN), a customizable operating agreement, a banking resolution template, expedited filing speed, and 1 year of ZenBusiness's Registered Agent service.
- Premium Package (Available at $349 annually) : The Premium Package encompasses all features of the Pro Package, plus domain name registration, up to 5 business email addresses, and domain privacy protection.
- Diverse formation packages
- Reasonable pricing
- Worry-free compliance
- Swift business formation
- Positive customer feedback
- Limited brand recognition
2 - Northwest
1000+ Reviews
Northwest Service has evolved significantly since its inception several decades ago, starting as a small local provider to becoming an industry giant.
Their journey is marked by strategic expansion and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
They have diversified their services, expanded their reach, and incorporated cutting-edge technology, all while maintaining a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction, quality, reliability, and responsiveness.
I've had the privilege of being a Northwest Service customer for several years, and my experience reflects their commitment to excellence.
Their professionalism, top-notch services, and unwavering dedication to clients set them apart.
Northwest Service has undoubtedly earned its place as a trusted and respected industry leader, and I can personally attest to their reliability and dedication to customer satisfaction.
- Registered Agent Service (prices start at $125 per year) : Ensures legal compliance, accepts lawsuits on behalf of your business.
- Privacy by Default : Prioritizes client data privacy, never sold.
- Corporate Guides (prices vary) : Lifetime expert support for business setup and maintenance.
- Business Formation and Compliance (prices start at $475 per year) : Assistance with filing and compliance.
- Free Legal Forms : Access to legal forms post-formation.
- Mail Forwarding and Virtual Office (prices start at $20 per month) : Privacy options available for additional fees.
- Business Maintenance Tools (prices vary) : Streamlines operations.
- State Compliance Notifications (prices vary) : Ensures ongoing compliance with state regulations.
- Access to State Forms (prices vary) : Quick access to state forms with pre-filled settings.
- Secure Online Account (prices vary) : Easy access to all documents accepted on your behalf.
- 20 years of expertise
- Strong focus on privacy
- Transparent fees
- Includes 1-year registered agent service
- Higher pricing
3 - IncFile
1000+ Reviews
IncFile is a leading business formation service, offering a comprehensive range of solutions for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
They simplify LLC formation, incorporation, and annual reporting, making it easier to navigate complex business registration and compliance.
IncFile's user-friendly online tools and resources guide users through the entire process. They have a substantial customer base of satisfied clients who appreciate their affordability, simplicity, and efficiency.
In my personal experience, IncFile was instrumental in launching my business.
Their support and commitment to simplifying the process while keeping costs reasonable were invaluable.
They're a trusted partner for entrepreneurs navigating the world of business formation.
- Silver Package (Starting at $236) : This package includes preparing and filing the Articles of Organization, unlimited name searches, free registered agent service for a year, and unlimited phone and email support.
- Gold Package (Starting at $435) : This package includes everything in the Silver Package along with obtaining an EIN Business Tax Number, IRS Form 2553, an Operating Agreement, a Banking Resolution, lifetime company alerts, access to an online dashboard, assistance with opening a business banking account, and a business tax consultation.
- Platinum Package (Starting at $535) : The Platinum Package encompasses all features of the Gold Package, plus business contract templates, free next-day filing, and a domain name along with a business email.
- Affordable services
- Includes 1-year registered agent
- Extensive track record
- Offers phone and email support
- Additional upsells
4 - LegalZoom
1000+ Reviews
LegalZoom offers a wide array of legal services to both individuals and businesses. The company's primary goal was to simplify legal procedures and make legal resources more affordable.
Over the years, LegalZoom has expanded its services beyond basic document templates, including offerings like business formation, estate planning, and intellectual property services.
I've seen firsthand how they've enhanced user experience and customer support. I value their user-friendly interface, affordable solutions, and access to legal expertise.
- The Economy Package (Starting at $149) : Offers standard templates and documents for various services, providing access to LegalZoom's library of legal forms. This package features a self-guided process without professional review.
- The Standard Package (Starting at $259) : Includes all features of the Economy Package, along with basic customer support, professional review of documents, and priority processing for quicker completion.
- The Express Gold Package (Starting at $379) : Builds upon the Standard Package, offering rush processing, additional customer support options, and personalized legal advice from an attorney.
- The Comprehensive Package (Starting at $559) : Extends the benefits of the Express Gold Package, adding extensive legal consultation with an attorney, customized document creation, and ongoing support for document updates.
- Business Formation Packages (Starting at $0) : Come in different tiers, tailored to various business entity types. These packages assist with document preparation and filing, offer access to registered agent services, and provide compliance features like operating agreements and EIN filing.
- Trademark Registration Packages (Starting at $199) : Offer different tiers for comprehensive trademark services, including trademark search and analysis, preparation and filing of trademark applications, and monitoring for potential infringements.
- Convenient and comprehensive services
- Transparent pricing
- Ongoing compliance support
- Additional costs for state fees
- May not be helpful for all businesses
5 - MyCompanyWorks
1000+ Reviews
MyCompanyWorks is a company services provider dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and small business proprietors in establishing and overseeing their businesses.
MyCompanyWorks primarily focused on entity formation services, including LLCs and corporations.
Over time, it expanded its services to include registered agent support, annual compliance, and document filing.
As far as I have seen, MyCompanyWorks is committed to customer satisfaction and has a significant and expanding base of satisfied clients.
Their reputation for exceptional service and positive reviews reflects their success in assisting numerous entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals.
- Basic Package (Starting at $59) : This package usually includes essential services like business formation and registered agent services.
- Entrepreneur Package (Starting at $179) : A step up from the basic package, the standard package may include additional services like EIN (Tax ID) acquisition and compliance assistance.
- Complete Package (Starting at $259) : The premium package offers a comprehensive suite of services, including business formation, registered agent, EIN acquisition, and ongoing compliance support.
- Custom Packages : MyCompanyWorks also allows for customization, allowing you to select specific services that align with your unique business needs. Pricing for custom packages can vary widely depending on your selections.
- Comprehensive services
- Customization options
- Competitive pricing
- Pricing variation by state
- Limited package transparency
6 - Inc Authority
1000+ Reviews
Inc Authority, a business services firm, specializes in assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses in establishing and managing their companies.
Established in 1989, the company has continuously evolved to meet its clients' evolving needs and changing business dynamics.
Initially, its primary focus was on offering incorporation services, but Inc Authority has since diversified its offerings to encompass a wide spectrum of business solutions, including registered agent services, EIN acquisition, and ongoing compliance support.
My experience with Inc Authority was incredibly positive; they not only simplified the often daunting process of starting a business but also provided me with expert guidance every step of the way, ensuring I felt confident and well-informed throughout the journey.
- LLC Registration (free) : Inc Authority offers free LLC registration, where you only pay the state fees.
- Tax ID Number (free) : Provide a free Tax ID number (EIN) for your business.
- Registered Agent (free) : A free registered agent service for 1 year is included to ensure you never miss a legal notice.
- Business Name Check (price upon request) : Check your business name within your state to ensure it's available.
- Digital Storage & Delivery (price upon request) : A digital copy of your startup documents is delivered and stored for easy online access.
- Tax Planning Consultation (price upon request) : A tax planning consultation to help you save more of your business income.
- Preparation & Filing (price upon request) : Inc Authority prepares and files your entity formation documents with the state.
- S-Election Form (price upon request) : Prepare and file S-Election document Form 2553 with the IRS.
- INC CARE Support (price upon request) : Expert support staff is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.
- Business Credit & Funding Analysis (price upon request) : A Business Credit and Funding Expert will review your business credit and financing needs.
- Streamlined business formation
- Expert guidance
- Customization options
- Additional costs
- Limited ongoing support
7 - Rocket Lawyer
1000+ Reviews
Rocket Lawyer stands as an online legal services platform that offers a broad spectrum of legal resources, documents, and access to legal professionals for individuals and small businesses.
Founded by Charley Moore in 2008, the company has undergone significant evolution since its inception.
Initially, it launched as a platform enabling users to create customizable legal documents like contracts and wills.
Over time, Rocket Lawyer expanded its offerings to include on-demand access to licensed attorneys, legal advice, and business formation services.
The company has built a substantial customer base, with millions of satisfied users.
In my personal experience, Rocket Lawyer provided invaluable support when I needed to draft a complex contract, offering a user-friendly interface and cost-effective solution that made a challenging task considerably easier.
- Legal Document Creation (prices start at $39.99 per month) : Rocket Lawyer offers a wide range of legal documents for business contracts, real estate, and personal matters like Last Will and Testament, Divorce Settlement Agreement, etc.
- Unlimited Revisions and Copies (prices start at $39.99 per month) : Users can make unlimited revisions and copies of their legal documents.
- Electronic Signatures (prices start at $39.99 per month) : The platform offers unlimited electronic signatures with RocketSign.
- Legal Advice (prices start at $39.99 per month) : Users can get quick answers from real lawyers through phone, email, or chat.
- Document Defense Protection (prices start at $39.99 per month) : This feature offers dispute protection on all your contracts.
- Incorporation Services (prices start at $39.99 per month) : Rocket Lawyer helps you incorporate your business quickly and easily with step-by-step guidance.
- Comprehensive legal services
- User-friendly platform
- Affordable pricing
- Subscription-based model
- Limited customization for complex needs
Our Selection Process
In our DBA filing service evaluation, we have explored various options from different DBA filing service providers.
This entails assessing factors such as DBA registration, fictitious business name, trade name, business advisory plan, business checking account, and tailoring a suitable DBA filing service.
We consider aspects like requirements for business entities, whether they are a sole proprietor, business owners, or part of a limited liability company.
Here's a brief overview of our DBA filing service provider selection process:
Pricing Transparency
One of the critical aspects we considered is pricing transparency. We recognize that entrepreneurs and small business owners value clear and affordable pricing.
Services that offer straightforward pricing structures without hidden fees or surprises gained an advantage in our evaluation.
Turnaround Time
Time is of the essence in the business world. We prioritized services that could efficiently handle DBA filings, ensuring that entrepreneurs could start doing business under their chosen names as quickly as possible.
Service Features
To cater to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, we looked at the range of services offered by each provider.
We sought services that not only facilitated DBA filings but also provided additional features such as registered agent services, compliance support, and document templates.
Customer Support
Exceptional customer support is a pillar of our evaluation process.
We considered services that demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction, providing accessible and responsive support to address any queries or concerns that may arise during the DBA filing process.
User Feedback
Real-world experiences matter. We weighed user feedback and reviews to gauge overall customer satisfaction and identify any potential pain points or areas where these services excelled.
FAQs
What Are the Risks of DBA?
The risks of a DBA include the lack of personal asset protection, as it does not alter your entity status. Consequently, if your sole proprietorship or general partnership faces a lawsuit, your personal assets and business assets remain vulnerable to creditor claims.
How Do You Use DBA?
Using a DBA is a way to inform the public that a specific individual or business entity is operating under a name different from its legal name.
What Is the Best DBA Filing Service?
ZenBusiness takes the title of the best choice for DBA filing services.
Our selection was based on meticulous evaluation criteria encompassing pricing transparency, turnaround time, service features, customer support, and user feedback.
ZenBusiness excelled in providing diverse formation packages at reasonable prices, ensuring a hassle-free compliance process, and maintaining a user-friendly interface.
Its commitment to customer satisfaction, evidenced by its steady growth and positive feedback, sets it apart.
ZenBusiness stands as the ideal partner for entrepreneurs, offering efficiency, reliability, and dependable support, making it the prime choice among DBA filing services.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness
- Diverse formation packages
- Reasonable pricing
- Worry-free compliance
- Swift business formation
- Positive customer feedback
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of October
- Limited brand recognition
