7 Best DBA Filing Services (2024 Reviewed & Tested)
Just as business insurance protects against property damage, employee injuries, liability claims, and legal conflicts, choosing the right DBA (Doing Business As) filing service is pivotal for entrepreneurs.
Collaborating with a team of business advisors with over a decade of experience, I've delved into DBA filing services.
I leverage over a decade of expertise in business advisory to guide entrepreneurs through the critical decision of selecting the right DBA service.
My journey over recent months, rigorously testing various services, aims to equip you with the insights and confidence necessary to navigate this essential step in your entrepreneurial path.
ZenBusiness7 Best DBA Filing Services (September 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness
Pros and Cons
- $0 startup cost plus state fees, easing entry barriers
- 1-5 day filing speeds, accelerating business launch
- 100% accuracy guarantee, ensuring peace of mind
- Free year of Worry-Free Compliance, safeguarding against lapses
- Unlimited owner flexibility with LLC structure, enhancing adaptability
- Additional costs for EIN, website, and email services
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs seeking fast, simple LLC formation with comprehensive features at a competitive price.
Who is it not for?
- Those needing highly specialized legal services that extend beyond business formation.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness is highly recommended for its user-friendly service and great value, providing extensive support and features that cater to most small business needs.
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.
ZenBusiness has received positive feedback from its users, with an impressive total of over 14,155 reviews, highlighting the company's strong reputation and reliability in the business formation industry, according to their website.
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.
2 - Northwest
Pros and Cons
- Over 900 employees, ensuring robust support
- Manages over 3 million businesses, proving reliability
- Dedicated Corporate Guides, offering personalized help
- Free mail forwarding, enhancing privacy
- Possible over-reliance on external compliance management
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Business owners prioritizing privacy and long-term personal support for their business formation and operation.
Who is it not for?
- Individuals looking for the lowest cost solution without regard for added privacy and support features.
The Verdict
Northwest is ideal for those who value privacy and personalized support, making it a top choice for business owners who need more than just basic filing.
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.
According to their website, Northwest Registered Agent boasts a substantial workforce of over 900 employees, tasked with the maintenance and support of more than 3 million businesses nationwide, showcasing their significant footprint in the business services sector.
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.
3 - Bizee
Pros and Cons
- Skilled marketing and e-commerce support, boosting online presence
- +5 years of team leadership expertise, ensuring quality guidance
- Free consultation, offering tailored advice
- Positive client testimonials, evidencing satisfaction
- Limited information on specific pricing plans, requiring direct inquiry
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- New entrepreneurs looking for affordable LLC formation with good customer support and additional business services.
Who is it not for?
- Those requiring more hands-on legal guidance and those who prefer direct legal consultations.
The Verdict
Bizee is an excellent option for first-time business owners who want a balance of cost-effectiveness and supportive features for starting their business.
Bizee (formerly 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.
Bizee'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, Bizee 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.
4 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- LLC plans start at $0 + filing fees, making entry affordable
- Preliminary name check ensures business name availability
- Straightforward process for business formation, simplifying setup
- Name check does not guarantee trademark protection, requiring further action
- Legal advice limited to subsidiary law firm, possibly needing external counsel
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- A broad range of users, from those needing basic LLC services to those seeking extensive legal services and advice.
Who is it not for?
- Entrepreneurs who prefer a simple and more economical bare-bones service.
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers a comprehensive suite of services that can scale with your business needs, but might be pricier compared to other providers.
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.
5 - MyCompanyWorks
Pros and Cons
- 100% Satisfaction guarantee, ensuring peace of mind
- Free E-Delivery of documents, saving time and postage
- The Startup Wizard guides setup step-by-step, simplifying the process
- High satisfaction may set expectations not met by all services
- Wizard-based guidance might not cover unique or complex scenarios
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small business owners looking for fast and personalized business formation services with a satisfaction guarantee.
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for the cheapest service or needing more complex legal services that require attorney involvement.
The Verdict
MyCompanyWorks is suitable for entrepreneurs who appreciate fast, reliable service and excellent customer support in their business formation.
MyCompanyWorks is a company services provider dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and small business proprietors in establishing and overseeing their businesses.
It is 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.
"MyCompanyWorks is committed to offering high-quality DBA name services at affordable prices, making them a worthy option for those looking to file a DBA online."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
- 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.
6 - Inc Authority
Pros and Cons
- $0 base cost, pay only state fees
- Free registered agent for 1st year
- Business name availability check included
- Limited to LLC formation, not versatile for other entities
- Add-on services may be pricier than competitors
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for free LLC formation services and straightforward compliance support.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses that might need more complex or tailored business legal services not covered by Inc Authority’s offerings.
The Verdict
Inc Authority is commendable for its cost-effective solutions and is particularly beneficial for those starting their first business on a limited budget.
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.
7 - Rocket Lawyer
Pros and Cons
- Extensive legal services and support
- Quick business formation services
- Registered agent services available
- Confusing membership pricing structures
- Business registration not included in membership
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users needing not just LLC formation but ongoing legal services, including document review and legal consultations.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses looking for a one-time, simple LLC setup without the need for additional legal services.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer is ideal for businesses that anticipate needing regular legal support, offering significant value through its membership model.
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to selecting the right DBA filing service for your business, my extensive background and firsthand experience in the field position me as a trustworthy source of guidance.
As the CEO, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter, I've dedicated over nine years to consulting with startups and established businesses alike, assisting them in scaling and navigating the intricacies of successful operations. My journey is grounded in a solid academic foundation in business management, complemented by numerous industry certifications.
Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work closely with a variety of DBA filing services, directly contributing to the operational success of countless clients. This depth of experience has given me a well-rounded perspective on what businesses genuinely need from their DBA service providers.
Therefore, when I recommend ZenBusiness as the premier choice for your DBA filing needs, it's with a mix of professional expertise and a track record of favorable outcomes.
My dedication to your success is supported by years of aiding businesses in reaching their objectives, making my endorsement of ZenBusiness a recommendation you can trust with confidence.
How We Picked And Tested The Best DBA Filing Services
In Venture Smarter 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 Venture Smarter DBA filing service provider selection process:
1. Pricing Transparency
The cost of DBA filing services is a crucial factor for most entrepreneurs.
Affordable and transparent pricing not only makes these services accessible but also reflects the company's commitment to supporting small businesses.
Services that offer straightforward pricing structures without hidden fees or surprises gained an advantage in our evaluation.
We created a checklist of all potential fees and compared it against each service's advertised prices. For instance, we requested detailed quotes for DBA filing in three different states and noted any discrepancies or hidden charges not initially disclosed.
ZenBusiness offers a range of packages that cater to different budgetary needs, while Northwest provides a balance of cost-effectiveness and comprehensive service.
2. Turnaround Time
The speed at which DBA filing services operate is crucial for businesses eager to commence operations under their new name. Faster turnaround times can significantly benefit business planning and execution.
We prioritized services that could efficiently handle DBA filings, ensuring that entrepreneurs could start doing business under their chosen names as quickly as possible.
We submitted DBA filing requests for the same business name in multiple states with each service and recorded the actual completion time. This allowed us to measure efficiency and compare it against the promised timelines, highlighting any services that consistently delivered faster than advertised.
Services like ZenBusiness and LegalZoom have demonstrated efficiency in processing and relaying documents swiftly, while some smaller providers may take longer due to less streamlined processes.
3. Service Features
The breadth of services offered is critical, as it determines how well a company can cater to the varied needs of different businesses.
We sought services that facilitated DBA filings and provided additional features such as registered agent services, compliance support, and document templates.
We utilized a feature checklist to verify the presence of key offerings such as registered agent services, compliance support, and document templates. For a select number of services, we also conducted a mock setup of a DBA filing to assess the ease of accessing and using these features in real-time scenarios.
Companies like ZenBusiness and Northwest offer many services, making them stand out.
4. Customer Support
Exceptional customer support is a pillar of our evaluation process.
It ensures that businesses can receive timely assistance and answers to their queries, making the process smoother and more reliable.
We considered services that demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction, providing accessible and responsive support to address any queries or concerns arising during the DBA filing process.
LegalZoom and ZenBusiness have been noted for their responsive support teams. The speed of response varied, with some companies providing immediate assistance while others took longer.
The availability of human support over chatbots was more prevalent in companies like ZenBusiness, enhancing the quality of assistance.
5. User Feedback
The reliability and reputation of a DBA filing service are indicative of their ability to deliver consistent, error-free service.
We weighed user feedback and reviews to gauge overall customer satisfaction and identify any potential pain points or areas where these services excelled.
ZenBusiness and Northwest have garnered positive reviews for their reliability and quality of service, while some newer companies are still building their reputation in the market.
6. Local Expertise
Understanding state-specific laws and requirements is crucial for accurate and compliant DBA filings. Services with local expertise can provide tailored guidance and ensure adherence to regional regulations.
Several reviewed companies, including ZenBusiness and Northwest, have strongly understood state-specific requirements and offer tailored advice and services.
7. Ease of Use
A straightforward, intuitive online platform is essential for a hassle-free DBA filing experience. It enables users to navigate the process with minimal confusion or need for external help.
Companies like ZenBusiness have invested in creating user-friendly interfaces, while others may have more complex or less intuitive platforms.
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.
Venture Smarter Verdict On The Best DBA Filing Service
ZenBusiness takes the title of the best choice for DBA filing services.
Venture Smarter 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
- $0 startup cost plus state fees, easing entry barriers
- 1-5 day filing speeds, accelerating business launch
- 100% accuracy guarantee, ensuring peace of mind
- Free year of Worry-Free Compliance, safeguarding against lapses
- Unlimited owner flexibility with LLC structure, enhancing adaptability
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Additional costs for EIN, website, and email services
Actually, if you look at the data correctly, you’ll see a discrepancy in the third paragraph. Please check your sources.
Wow, this article is as useful as a screen door on a submarine! 😂
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This article is, like, super boring? Nothing new, tbh. Waste of my time.
Wow, whatta fantastic article! Really eye-opning, learned so much!