7 Best LLC Services in California (2024) Picked by Clients
Navigating the intricacies of establishing an LLC in California can be a daunting task due to the multitude of options available.
According to the Office of Advocacy, there are 4.1 million small businesses in California, accounting for 99.8 percent of all state businesses, with the majority being LLCs.
We consulted a team of legal professionals with years of experience in the industry and reviewed some of our top client's picks for the best California LLC formation services in 2024.
Together, we've spent over a month analyzing all the essential elements, including cost, speed, and customer service, to help you make the right choice.
| Company | LLC Packages | LLC Fees | Registered Agent Price | Same & Next Day Filing | Money-Back Guarantee | Free Package Features | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness (Best Overall) |
3 | From 0$ | $199 | Pro & Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
| Northwest (Best Premium) |
1 | $39 (using our link) | First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year | No | 90 days | None | No, A rating | No |
| Bizee (Most Affordable) |
3 | From $0 | First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year | Platinum Package | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
| Swyft Filings (Best Essentials) |
3 | From $0 | $199 | Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support | No | No |
| LegalZoom | 3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
| Harbor Compliance | 1 | $99 | $99 | Depending on the state | No | None | Yes | No |
| SunDoc Filings | 3 | From $79 | $159 | Key & Premier Packages (Basic Package for $100) | Order refundable before state payment | None | Yes, A+ | No |
ZenBusinessTop 7 Best LLC Services in California (November 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Attractively priced plans from $0, plus state fees.
- User acclaim for its user-friendliness and customer assistance.
- Broad spectrum of services, including LLC setup and compliance management.
- Quick turnaround for processing and filings.
- Strong focus on social responsibility and community involvement.
- Packages offer excellent value at competitive prices.
- No Registered Agent service in their formation packages.
- Customer support times are restricted.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for new and small business owners looking for a comprehensive yet affordable solution for LLC formation and compliance.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for those needing highly specialized legal services beyond basic business formation and compliance.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness is highly recommended for its ease of use, excellent customer support, and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs looking to start their business smoothly and efficiently.
When I started my first business in California, I turned to ZenBusiness.
From my experience, they truly stand out as the ideal LLC service provider for startups and entrepreneurs in the state, offering premium features without breaking the bank.
Their user-friendly interface ensures a swift initial filing process, clocking in at just 10-12 minutes. They offer clear package options, enriched by essentials like an EIN. My LLC was ready to roll in a mere four days, and I was equipped with a thorough New Business Kit.
Their intuitive dashboard demystifies the post-filing process, and their extensive library of resources is invaluable.
A noteworthy aspect is their billing approach for registered agent services, which kicks in only after LLC setup, showcasing their client commitment.
I found their starter pack particularly appealing, as it offers basic LLC services for $0, only covering the $1 state fee. This allowed me to begin my venture without making a significant financial investment.
Seeking a full analysis of this provider? Check out our detailed ZenBusiness analysis.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $70 State Fee): LLC formation, standard filing speed (7 to 10 days), and includes a 100% accuracy guarantee. ZenBusiness offers LLC formation packages to suit any budget, with their basic tier starting at $0 plus the applicable state fee. Additionally, they offer worry-free compliance free for the first year, which is optional and renews at $199/year if accepted. The package also comes with added benefits like banking, bank account services, Money Pro Bookkeeping, and a Website Builder, all with a 1-month free trial followed by nominal monthly fees.
- Pro Package ($199 + $70 State Fee): Includes everything from the starter plus fastest "rush" filling speed (1 business day avg), registration of EIN (Employer Identification Number), priority processing, filing of an annual report, and two amendments annually. The package also includes an operating agreement template at $79.
- Premium Package ($299 + $70 State Fee): Everything included in the Pro and Starter plans, plus domain name registration with privacy, a business email address, business document templates, a customizable business website, and 1 business day filing speed.
- Registered Agent Services ($199): The service will renew at $199/year.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent Service (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Keeps your home address private, a Northwest-specific perk.
- Freedom to choose necessary services only.
- Customer support praised for its quick and informed assistance.
- Special discount for readers of Venture Smarter.
- Over two decades of business, indicating a solid reputation.
- While there are cheaper services, their quality may differ.
- Basic service pricing is reasonable, but add-ons can be pricey.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Perfect for businesses that value privacy and personalized customer service in the LLC formation process.
Who is it not for?
- May not be the best choice for those looking for the lowest-priced option without consideration for enhanced privacy features or customer support.
The Verdict
Northwest excels in providing privacy protection and high-quality customer service, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize these aspects in their formation and ongoing operations.
I remember when I was in the initial steps of my company venture, feeling burdened with all the requirements. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a life-saver. Their extensive expertise made a difference as they managed each of my issues efficiently and in detail.
In the United States, where small businesses hire 61.6 million workers, making up 45.9% of the country’s workforce according to the Small Business Economic Profile, the solutions provided by Northwest Registered Agent made forming my LLC easy and clear.
The initial filing was finished in just 9 minutes, with everything wrapped up within 72 hours, even though we chose a 5-day service and began on a Saturday. Their focus on accuracy and customer support were clear throughout.
Using PrivacybyDefault made sure that we had no concerns about protecting our data.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $75 State Fee): Fast LLC setup service with additional state filing fees, including one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and complimentary mail forwarding when you set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Enjoy added privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to kick-start your business seamlessly.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): Once you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you receive the first year of this service for free. Following that, it will be charged each year. Discounted to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state operations.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Free initial LLC setup option.
- One-year free Registered Agent included in all options.
- Proven track record with 25+ years of operation.
- Swift processing, typically within one business day.
- Straightforward online service management dashboard.
- Additional services can be relatively expensive.
- Customer help available only on weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Great for entrepreneurs who need an easy and affordable start to their business, especially those who are forming an LLC for the first time.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best choice for larger businesses or those needing ongoing legal support beyond the initial setup.
The Verdict
Bizee offers a straightforward LLC formation service with competitive pricing and quick processing, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
For California businesses seeking affordable startup assistance, Bizee (formerly Incfile) is the go-to resource for filing formation documents quickly and cost-effectively.
Bizee is a corporation that provides business creation and registered agent services.
They provide a comprehensive range of formation, compliance, and filing LLC services which we found very comprehensive and helpful.
We learned we could count on Bizee's knowledgeable customer service team, which responded quickly and effectively.
Limited liability companies (LLCs), C-corporations, S-corporations, and charities may all be formed using Bizee.
This service has been highly praised by 10,000 satisfied customers, with nearly every single one of them awarding a perfect five-star rating.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package (0 + $0 State Fee): Includes California LLC formation service, one-year registered agent service, and lifetime compliance alerts. They charge $0 for their California LLC formation services, requiring you to only be responsible for state fees and minimal additional expenses like address confirmation and certification fees.
- Bizee Gold ($199 + $0 State Fee): Includes drafting the operating agreement and banking resolution, and registration of an EIN. This package also brings Operating Agreements and Lifetime company alerts.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $0 State Fee): This package contains everything as the Gold package, and adds preferred rush filing, free domain name, and website, contract templates.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): Free first year of registered agent service which renews on an annual basis at $119 included. It is free for the first year if made with an LLC formation package.
4 - Swyft Filings (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Cost-effective LLC formation solutions.
- User-friendly website design.
- Consistently positive customer feedback.
- Quick document preparation and filing.
- Extra charges for select services.
- Registered Agent fee escalates annually.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for small business owners who need to set up their LLC quickly and with personalized support.
Who is it not for?
- Not intended for businesses that require extensive legal services or those who are not prioritizing speed in their setup process.
The Verdict
Swyft Filings offers an efficient and user-friendly service with excellent customer support, ideal for entrepreneurs who need to get their business operational in a short time.
When I was on the lookout for a fresh perspective on LLC creation, I stumbled upon Swyft Filings. Even though they've been in operation since 2015, my experience with them felt like they've been in the game for decades.
I loved their incorporation service which is particularly focused on assisting you in establishing your business as quickly, reliably, and inexpensively as feasible.
You'll receive all of the tools you need to get your company started quickly, thanks to their short approval process and excellent customer service team.
Enhance your understanding of this company by consulting Swyft Filings' review.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $0 State Fee): It contains everything you'll require to start your own business, such as the preparatory work and filing of articles of incorporation (if applicable), a free 30-minute business tax consultation, a company name availability check, the preparation and filing of articles of organization, ComplianceGuard company alerts, a free domain name, and a standard filing duration.
- Standard Package ($199 + $0 State Fee): This covers all listed above, in addition to a customized LLC banking resolution, customized organizational minutes, a customized federal tax ID (EIN), and a customized LLC operating agreement.
- Premium Package ($299 + $0 State Fee): It includes a complimentary business website and web hosting, express filing, all Basic and Standard solutions, the electronic delivery of state paperwork, a personalized digital LLC kit, and FedEx expedited and monitored delivery.
- Registered Agent Service ($99): This is an ongoing quarterly subscription. Swyft Filings bundles do not come with a registered agent service; thus, you must purchase $149 per year to use it.
5 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- Free templates for various business needs.
- Wide array of legal services for different clients.
- Intuitive website with a straightforward process.
- Positive customer support experiences reported.
- LLC services cost more than some alternatives.
- Frequent promotion of extra services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for those who want a well-known provider that offers a wide range of legal services and resources alongside LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those seeking the most cost-effective solution, as their pricing can be higher than some competitors.
The Verdict
LegalZoom is a solid choice for businesses that may need robust legal support and various business services, offering reliability and a comprehensive suite of options to support different business needs.
LegalZoom represents one of the most well-known names in the LLC formation and incorporation industry.
They are well-known not only because of their LLC formation services but also for their extensive range of online legal services and contractual arrangements templates they provide.
You may also expect fast response times when filing and obtaining papers.
Their registered agent service stood out for its efficiency. We enjoyed working with them, and the overall experience was delightful.
However, LegalZoom prices are comparatively higher than some of its competitors which may not provide the best value for money.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $0 State Fee): Adds name search, articles of organization document, professional website by WIX, and digital welcome packet.
- Pro Package ($249 + $0 State Fee): Upgrades to even more deluxe features, including an operating agreement, EIN, in-depth guidelines on business licensing, and a 30-minute phone consultation addressing tax savings and insurance.
- Premium Package ($299 + $0 State Fee): Has both Basic and Pro packages, plus 30-minute countless consultation with a business attorney addressing new legal issues for the first 3 months of subscription. You'll also have interactive guidance from professionals in business law based on your state. The professional will also handle any changes in your LLC formation documents for the first 3 subscription months.
- Registered Agent Service ($299): Their premium registered agent service includes advanced features like identity theft protection, rigorous data security, and unrestricted virtual storage.
6 - Harbor Compliance
Pros and Cons
- Fast and capable handling of compliance requirements.
- Offers price reductions for longer service periods.
- Individualized access to compliance expertise.
- Includes a variety of services, like licensing and foreign qualifications.
- Priced higher than many competitors.
- Some instances of unsatisfactory customer service.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for businesses that require dedicated compliance services and are looking to form their LLCs in specific states due to strategic reasons like taxes and privacy.
Who is it not for?
- Less suited for solopreneurs or very small businesses that might find the comprehensive features and higher price point overkill for their needs.
The Verdict
Harbor Compliance is recommended for its focus on compliance and multi-state operations, making it perfect for businesses that need a thorough and professional service to handle complex requirements.
If you've been looking for relevant LLC formation services, Harbor Compliance has most likely surfaced on very few listings.
They provide companies and NGOs with full-service compliance solutions throughout their years of existence.
Harbor Compliance is the industry leader for critical compliance solutions required to launch a new business.
Their LLC services range from expert LLC forms, incorporation assistance, and more, offering the essential tools needed to start your own company confidently.
Harbor Compliance is legit and famous for its excellent customer service.
We chose to give it a try and were quite impressed with the outcomes.
The company is reliable in terms of facilitating communication between business entities and government agencies. This keeps the company legally compliant at all times.
They prioritize their customers' privacy, using Norton and Trustwave to ensure website security and data encryption.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Formation Package ($99 + $0 State Fee): Covers existence of Names, operating agreement form, articles of incorporation, EIN federal, and a registered representative.
- Registered Agent Service (89-$99): Among all LLC formations, Harbor Compliance offers a one-year period of registered agent service. This service will continue yearly at a price of $99 once the period term expires, and there are no additional charges.
7 - SunDoc Filings
Pros and Cons
- Ideal for California businesses, close to Capitol Building.
- Excellent responsiveness, 2,500+ positive online reviews.
- Confidence in service with refund option.
- Affordable $79 plan is basic, customer does prepairing.
- Website lacks user-friendliness.
- Occasional slow customer complaint response.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Professionals and entrepreneurs looking to form corporations or LLCs.
Who is it not for?
- Individuals seeking personal legal or document services.
The Verdict
SunDoc's document filing service is highly efficient for business entity formation, catering especially to law firms, CPAs, and small businesses. It's not the right choice for personal legal needs.
SunDoc is not among the top companies overall, but since you’re here to look for the best online LLC formation service in California, you might want to consider this.
They offer to hand-deliver paperwork to the California Secretary of State's office three times every day–that’s already an advantage when it comes to turnaround time. This perk is hard to find elsewhere.
As per our experience, SunDoc was really a surprise. We must say that we didn't expect much but it turns out they delivered a pretty decent service.
Sundoc's customer support was very knowledgeable and super helpful and we managed to stay on top of all of our legal obligations.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($79 + $0 State Fee): This Basic Package comes with LLC formation, courier, business license summary, and email delivery.
- Key Package ($99 + $0 State Fee): Key Package contains features from the Basic plan, but requires you to draft your own articles of organization. This includes email delivery and a description of the company license.
- Premier Package ($279 + $0 State Fee): Includes EIN registration in addition to everything in the previous package.
- Registered Agent Service ($149): They are simply accountable for delivering subpoenas and other state notices to you as your registered agent. In addition, it costs $159 per year for an existing entity.
Why Should You Trust Us
At Venture Smarter, we secretly test different service providers and use our expert team to give you honest and detailed advice. This careful approach ensures our advice is reliable and made just for California businesses.
Trust the Venture Smarter team because we know how important it is to choose the right services for your company's legal needs and efficiency. Our reviews are based on real experiences and legal knowledge, giving you clear and detailed feedback that is better than quick, shallow tips.
Venture Smarter team are dedicated to helping your California business grow and follow the law. We carefully check each service for how well it works, how good the customer service is, how affordable it is, and how efficient it is to make sure they are good enough for your business's success in the state.
Also, our promise to be clear and excellent means that choosing a service recommended by Venture Smarter is like choosing a partner who cares about your success. Our reviews aim to help you make smart decisions that help your business grow.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In California
We conducted an extensive review of multiple LLC services in California, focusing on client recommendations and expert opinions. Our team, including legal professionals, spent over a month analyzing various aspects of these services including cost, speed, customer service, and first-hand experiences.
Our assessment criteria included the cost of services, the range of primary and supplementary services offered, overall reputation, user-friendliness of the platform, expertise in California-specific regulations, operational speed, quality of customer support, and user feedback.
1. Pricing
Considering the price of an LLC service is essential for effective financial management, ensuring value for money, and making an informed decision that aligns with the business’s financial capabilities and long-term strategy
Our top picks for pricing are ZenBusiness and Bizee which offer compelling free packages, including a registered agent. Northwest also stands out with its $39 deal, including a free registered agent for account openings through our link.
Conversely, Harbor Compliance is at a disadvantage with its base formation package which costs $99.
"Don't be fooled by solely the cheapest option. Look for a service that offers value and features that support your unique needs."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
2. Customer Support
Efficient customer support is vital for the timely and effective resolution of queries and issues. We evaluated the communication channels available and the response time and availability of the support team.
Overall, ZenBusiness and Northwest stood out with their excellent, prompt, and professional customer service reachable via phone, email, and online chat.
However, LegalZoom lags in certain aspects like response time and their automated responses weren't as helpful during our formation process.
3. Service Offered
A wide range of services, including essential like name searches and filing the Articles of Organization, and additional offerings like EIN and operating agreement, is crucial for comprehensive LLC formation and management.
Based on this criterion, ZenBusiness got a 5/5 as its basic plan has all the essential features of forming an LLC plus useful additional services like bank account services, website builder, and Money Pro Bookkeeping.
Some services, however, like Swfyt Fillings may not be as extensive as their basic plan lacks essential features like registered agent service and annual reports.
4. Turnaround Time
Fast turnaround time saves you time that would otherwise be spent waiting for documents or services. This time can be redirected to more productive activities.
ZenBusiness received a 5/5 with its rush filing option that offers a 1-2 business day turnaround on LLC formation.
Other notable services with swift turnaround times include Northwest Registered Agent service and Bizee which processed and filed our formation paperwork within 72 hours.
5. Reliability and Reputation
A reliable service with a strong reputation ensures confidence in LLC formation and management.
Northwest Registered Agent has built a solid reputation with its 20+ years in business formation and compliance handling.
Based on TrustPilot ratings and user reviews, ZenBusiness and Northwest are highly reliable with 5-star ratings.
LegalZoom however, has mixed reviews, especially on their pricing structure and limited customer support hours.
6. Ease of Use
A user-friendly website is essential as it ensures clients can access services and information easily, which is especially important for business owners with busy schedules.
Based on customer experience and platform usability, ZenBusiness got a 4/5 with its user-friendly website and an online dashboard that allows easy access to documents.
However, we rated LegalZoom a 2/5 because of its outdated and complicated website that might be difficult to navigate and less intuitive.
7. Local Expertise
Lack of knowledge about state-specific laws can lead to errors that border on legal malpractice. Local expertise mitigates this risk, ensuring that the legal service meets professional standards of care.
All of the services we tested demonstrate strong local expertise in California, particularly with state laws surrounding business formation, document filing, and managing compliance.
Steps To Start an LLC in California
Individuals forming an LLC in California may be able to save money by foregoing the use of an LLC formation service.
The California Secretary of State does not require their utilization, although they can certainly provide valuable benefits during the process [3].
Follow these eight easy steps to form a California LLC:
- Step 1: Find a suitable LLC name
- Step 2: Find a California registered agent
- Step 3: File California LLC Articles of Organization
- Step 4: File LLC Initial Statement of Information
- Step 5: Decide on the type of your California LLC
- Step 6: Make an LLC operating agreement
- Step 7: Obtain a California LLC EIN
- Step 8: Obtain LLC licenses and business permits
FAQs
Do I Need an LLC Service?
Yes, you need an LLC service if you don’t want to deal with all of the paperwork that comes with the LLC formation process. However, the Secretary of State does not require hiring LLC services for your business formation.
Is California a Good Place to Start an LLC?
Yes, California is a good place to start an LLC. LLCs, like those in other states, have limited liability protection, which means they are not personally liable for the company's debts and if the company’s being sued. They also benefit from pass-through taxation and other advantages.
Do You Have to Pay the $800 California LLC Fee the First Year?
Yes, you have to pay the $800 California LLC fee for the first year. All LLCs, including those that aren't operational, must pay this first-year annual tax fee before the end of the 15th day of the fourth month of incorporation.
Our Verdict
Though many California LLC formation services may assist you in forming your LLC, based on our personal experience and research, we recommend ZenBusiness.
They are the best choice because of their well-rounded LLC services and customer support. Their services offer an accessible and economical way to get your business off the ground, providing all necessities for success.
We were delighted with the LLC formation service packages, registered agent services, and processing time. Positive reviews from their former clients also testify to this.
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