Forming an LLC in Delaware is more convenient if you hire an LLC formation company to do the legwork. While there are various Delaware LLC formation services available, it's critical that you find only the best in the state.
As business professionals ourselves, we've consulted our legal team and performed thorough research on various companies offering the services.
We've listed the leading LLC formation services in the state, including their features and other legal services they offer.
By the end of this article, you should be able to make an informed decision based on our recommendation.
ZenBusiness 
Northwest
IncFileTop 7 LLC Services in Delaware (September 2023)
1 - ZenBusiness (Editor's Choice)
2000+ Reviews
ZenBusiness is known for providing high-quality LLC formation packages at unbeatable prices. This makes them the most valuable Delaware LLC service for Delaware-based startups and entrepreneurs.
ZenBusiness offers us three different LLC formation packages tailored to your specific business needs. Prices start at $0, not including the Delaware state fee, and go up to $299 per year.
Our experience with ZenBusiness was remarkable - the process was simple from start to finish because their dashboard is easy-to-use and their customer support is extremely helpful and skilled.
We would highly recommend them whether you are just starting a business or you just need some legal advice.
Service Features:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $110 State Fee): Standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks) and LLC formation paperwork. Rest assured, a 100% accuracy guarantee ensures a smooth process. Additionally, you can enjoy worry-free compliance for the first year, with the option to renew at $199/year if you accept the offer. You'll also get additional advantages like a 1-month free trial of banking and bank account services, followed by $5/month, as well as Money Pro Bookkeeping and a Website Builder, both with a 1-month free trial and subsequent monthly rates of $30 and $15 respectively.
- Pro Package ($199 + $110 State Fee): Besides starter features, you get annual report paperwork, two yearly amendments, Employer Identification Number (EIN) registration, and a Delaware LLC operating agreement template at $99. The package also has the fastest “rush” filing speed (1-2 business days avg).
- Premium Package ($349 + $110 State Fee): Besides previous package features, you get a custom business website, domain name, privacy, website address, and business document templates.
- Registered Agent Services ($199): It may be renewed for $199 yearly.
- Provides a variety of packages for LLC formation
- They have the most cost-effective LLC formation packages
- Worry-free Compliance is included in their packages
- Swift business formation process
- Solid customer feedback
- Non-profit business formation is unavailable
2 - Northwest Registered Agent
1000+ Reviews
Northwest Registered Agent is among the highly respected leaders in the business formation sphere. They began by providing agent services before expanding to include LLC formation services.
With over 20 years of experience, they have already established a high standard for client service in the business formation industry.
From our experience, they have a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who helped us navigate the complexities of business formation and compliance with state filing requirements.
One of the perks of working with them is that you have 24/7 access to their customer support if you have a query or need assistance.
Service Features:
- Base Formation Package ($39 + $119 State Fee): Handling basic LLC formation paperwork, such as business name search and filing formation documents. The package includes mail forwarding, Corporate Guides Service, a business address, and a free statutory agent service in Delaware for a year.
- Full Service LLC Formation Package ($225 + $119 State Fee): Full Service Package will process your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and provide a free LLC business operating agreement. It will also offer free limited mail forwarding.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): A free registered agent service in your initial year is included in every package if you hire Northwest to form your LLC. You can renew it for just $125!
- Provides a high-quality LLC service backed by 20 years of expert business formation
- Has a high level of privacy protection for customers
- They do not charge any hidden fees
- You can enjoy a full year of registered agent service with them
- They are more expensive than other options
3 - IncFile
1000+ Reviews
IncFile offers the best value in its basic price plan for formation services.
Whatever type of Delaware business you have, the company provides free basic business formation as well as a full year of free registered agent service!
Besides its free LLC formation, we praise IncFile for its fast checkout process and turnaround times. We received our documents in three business days.
Also, suppose you're a startup or a small business owner looking to use Delaware formation services but want to minimize your first business expenditures in the state.
In that case, IncFile offers good value for the money.
Service Features:
- Silver Package ($0 + $119 State Fee): Free Delaware LLC formation service minus the state fee, a full year of free registered agent service, and lifetime company compliance alerts.
- Gold Package ($199 + $119 State Fee): This package comes with an EIN registration, processing of the operating agreement, and banking resolution.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $119 State Fee): Provides business name and email and expedited filing services. This bundle also includes a domain name, business email, and free next-day filing.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): Each package includes a cost-free registered agent service for the first year, after which you may renew it for $119.
- Affordable Delaware LLC formation service
- Offers a whole year of registered agent service
- Created over 800,000 businesses since it launched
- Provides reliable phone and email customer support teams
- Limited upsells and third-party benefits
4 - Rocket Lawyer
Headquartered in San Francisco, Rocket Lawyer is a leading provider of online legal services.
Rocket Lawyer's objective is to ensure that legal requirements are met in a convenient and affordable manner.
They caught our eye pretty quickly and we had to try them out. We were extremely satisfied with the results, and their customer service team was always eager to address any concerns.
Rocket Lawyer offers comprehensive legal assistance and LLC formation support for individuals, entrepreneurs, or small to medium-sized businesses in Delaware.
Rocket Lawyer is fully accessible in most states in the USA and four European countries. It's the best Delaware LLC service for a Delaware business needing further assistance on legal matters.
Service Features:
- Premium Member Package (starts at $39.99 per month): Free LLC services for new members with a 25% discount in the following years, free 30-minute phone consultation, exclusive access to their “Ask a Lawyer” legal service, and a 25% discount on their registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Services ($149.99): The price point for this service depends on whether you have a premium membership or none. Premium members can purchase their representation service at $111.99 per year, while non-members can purchase it at $149.99 per year.
- Trusted LLC service provider backed by Google Ventures
- Provide business advice from genuine and reputable attorneys
- Offers value-packed packages with monthly subscription plans
- They are mainly focused on providing legal services
- Expensive service packages
5 - Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings' online business formation services have received many positive reviews over the years.
It is one of Delaware LLC service providers with an affordable pricing model and quick LLC formation turnaround time.
Drawing from our experience, their services are pretty decent. Their customer support team excels in helping you understand and navigate your business's legal aspects, ensuring compliance with Wisconsin state regulations.
We also appreciated their user-friendly interface. They were consistently prompt in responding, making the overall experience highly enjoyable.
Swyft Filings is a strong competitor for the best Delaware LLC formation service. However, the primary factor that knocks them down is that the registered agent service isn't included in any of their formation packages.
Service Features:
- Basic Package ($0 + $119 State Fee): Includes essential services such as business name search, 30-minute tax consultation, compliance notices, and a free domain name for your Delaware business.
- Standard Package ($199 + $119 State Fee): Custom banking resolution, organizational minutes, LLC operating agreement, and an EIN registration. This package will cover all documents that you need to start a business.
- Premium Package ($299 + $119 State Fee): Expedited LLC filing in one to five days, free website and web hosting, and a customized digital LLC kit making business presentations faster and easier.
- Registered Agent Services ($99): This will be an ongoing quarterly subscription. Not included in any package and is only available as an add-on service from a third-party provider.
- Quick and responsive customer online service
- Has an excellent 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot
- Has quick turnaround times
- No representation service included in their LLC formation service
- Has many upsells and outsourced third parties
6 - Harbor Compliance
Best known for its personalized customer service, Harbor Compliance has been reviewed as one of the best Delaware LLC services.
Their customer service is trained to assist business owners in the entire business formation process, including resolving various issues.
Harbor Compliance has shown to be very reliable through our tests. Overall, we loved working with them and we loved their knowledgeable support team.
Their services include a cost-free year of agent services. It covers the registered office address for receiving all important files.
Service Features:
- Formation Package ($99 + $119 State Fee): This plan includes templates for an LLC Certificate of Formation and Operating Agreement, an EIN registration, and a Delaware registered agent.
- Registered Agent Services (89-$99): Included in their LLC services in Delaware as a free feature in the first year. Renews annually for $99 with a 10% discount for multi-year subscriptions.
- Offers personalized customer support for every client
- Offers multi-year discounts
- Includes an EIN registration on their basic package
- High pricing
- Has an outdated website
7 - LegalZoom
LegalZoom has been delivering reliable services in all aspects of business legal needs.
They have provided LLC services in Delaware to over 2 million individuals and business entities across the country.
Besides providing exceptional customer service, this business formation service features more generous support contact hours compared to its competitors.
Based on our experience with them, their team is highly knowledgeable. We strongly recommend them to anyone starting a new venture.
Despite being one of the best Delaware LLC services, their Delaware registered agent service is only available as an add-on.
Other LLC providers include this for free in their packages.
LegalZoom is a more expensive alternative than some of the other LLC providers on this list. However, its scope of online legal services makes it worth the investment.
Service Features:
- Basic ($0 + $119 State Fee): Includes articles of organization, name check service, and a digital welcome package. You also receive a Wix-powered customizable business website.
- Pro ($249 + $119 State Fee): The package includes all Basic package features plus an EIN, operating agreement, and comprehensive business licensing guide. The package also contains preliminary phone consultations with industry experts on insurance and taxes.
- Premium ($299 + $119 State Fee): This package includes benefits from the Basic and Pro packages and a bit more. You'll also get personalized guidance from a business attorney and 30 minutes of unlimited attorney consultations regarding trending legal topics for the initial 3 months of subscription.
- Registered Agent Service ($299): It features quality registered agent service packed with high data security, identity theft protection, and limitless virtual storage.
- Has strong brand power in the business formation industry
- Offers comprehensive legal support for your Delaware LLC
- Has a large volume of clients
- LLC formation packages provide limited features
- No registered agent services are included in their formation packages
Advantages of Creating an LLC in Delaware
Here are three advantages you should look forward to when you decide to use an LLC formation service in Delaware:
1. Personal Asset Protection
Creating an LLC in Delaware can protect your assets from being targeted by creditors if your business gets sued in court [1].
Similarly, creditors cannot seize LLC owners' assets if another LLC member has a judgment filed against them.
2. Flexibility in Taxation
LLCs in Delaware can choose how they want to be taxed - as a partnership, S corporation, C corporation, or sole proprietorship.
So, in terms of flexibility, Delaware LLCs have a great advantage. Meanwhile, LLCs with only one member are not recognized by the IRS and hence do not pay taxes. Tax liabilities are instead directly passed through to the member.
3. Delaware LLC Privacy
Other states require LLCs to disclose information about the owner before forming an LLC. But, in the state of Delaware, LLCs are not required to do that.
Instead, they only need to appoint a contact person, and this is where the Delaware Registered Agent comes in. This way, your identity as an LLC owner is protected [2].
Our Selection Process
We used the following criteria to come up with this list:
1. Service Features
Under this section, we prioritized Delaware LLC service providers that offer packages jammed up with quality service features.
This is important because, as an entrepreneur, you need to be sure that you'll invest in a package that offers as many features as possible–minimizing the need for pricey add-ons.
2. Customer Support
If you're forming an LLC for the first time, it's inevitable not to encounter problems and questions along the way.
To help you out, we selected Delaware LLC services that provide hassle-free customer assistance. We looked into customer service in terms of timely response through phone or email and availability during regular business hours.
3. Turnaround Time
Time is money, especially for business owners like you. Because of this, we made sure to prioritize and top-rank LLC services that have a record of fast turnaround times, anywhere between 1-7 business days.
We also measured turnaround time regarding timely compliance filing to ensure you stand right with Delaware business state laws.
See our article for more information on how long it takes to form an LLC in Delaware.
4. Price Point
As for pricing, we went with Delaware LLC services that are affordable. When starting a business, your budget for the LLC formation could be limited, so choosing a provider that offers reasonable prices but doesn't sacrifice the service features is best.
Also, here we ranked providers who have few add-ons that are also relatively cheaper.
Delaware LLC Formation Process
Starting an LLC in Delaware involves completing the formation process. It entails the filing of LLC formation documents as well as the payment of state filing fees and other minor business fees.
Below is an overview of a Delaware LLC formation process:
- Step 1: Find a unique name for your Delaware LLC
- Step 2: Find a Registered Agent in Delaware
- Step 3: File your Delaware Certificate of Formation
- Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number
See our complete guide on how to start a limited liability company in Delaware. Plan your LLC formation and check in advance the cost to start an LLC in Delaware.
FAQs
Do Delaware LLCs Pay Taxes?
Yes, Delaware LLCs pay taxes of $300, which are due on or before June 1st of every year.
Do You Have to Live in Delaware to Start an LLC There?
No, you don’t have to live in Delaware to start an LLC there. You are required, though, to have your registered agent in Delaware who will provide the physical address for your LLC.
The Best Delaware LLC Formation Service
Although we’ve concluded that the agencies listed above provide well-rounded services, ZenBusiness impressed us with their excellent value for money. Their services are comprehensive, and the customer support team is always available and helpful.
Not to mention, their rates are among the most competitive in the industry.
Each of their LLC packages includes great service, so we were not worried about our compliance with essential filing deadlines.
Among the many plausible perks of ZenBusiness LLC service are their reasonably priced packages and an onboarding process that can be done in a few minutes.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness
- Provides a variety of packages for LLC formation
- They have the most cost-effective LLC formation packages
- Worry-free Compliance is included in their packages
- Swift business formation process
- Solid customer feedback
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Non-profit business formation is unavailable
