4 Best LLC Services in Iowa (2024) To Start Your Company
With my background as a consultant with more than 9 years of experience in business formation, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating an LLC in Iowa.
In this detailed guide, I teamed up with my legal team and carefully assessed the top LLC services in Iowa, collaborating with a team of legal and LLC formation specialists to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Venture Smarter analysis took into account customer feedback, pricing, and the breadth of services provided. Let's delve into each one and examine their comparative strengths.
| 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 |
| Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials) |
1 | Free with Rocket Legal+ / $99.99 with Rocket Legal | $249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+ | No | 30 days | None | Yes | Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription) |
ZenBusiness
Northwest
Bizee4 Best LLC Services In Iowa (April 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
2000+ Reviews
When I started my first business in Iowa, I chose ZenBusiness. Their unique tools and advice were invaluable. I can personally vouch for their excellent LLC services, having had a smooth and positive experience.
According to Trustpilot, ZenBusiness has received an excellent rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 14,539 reviews.
ZenBusiness assists in the formation of an LLC, handling the paperwork and filing process with the state. This includes preparing and filing the Articles of Organization.
The company often provides registered agent services and receives important legal and tax documents on behalf of the business.
They also help ensure that your LLC remains in good standing with the state by providing services like annual report filing and alerting you to important filing deadlines.
ZenBusiness may also offer other services such as creating an Operating Agreement, obtaining an EIN, and offering advice on compliance and business operation matters.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Package ($0 + $50 State Fee): Includes standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks), worry-free compliance, expense and deduction tracking, accounting consultation, and guaranteed 100% accuracy. Worry-free compliance is free for the first year (optional); it renews at $199/year if accepted. It also has Banking and Bank Account services, Money Pro Bookkeeping and a Website Builder.
- Pro Package ($199 + $50 State Fee): Includes fastest “rush” filing speed (1-2 business days avg). In addition, Employer Identity Number, accounting consultation, and expense and deduction tracking. Furthermore, you can access an LLC operating agreement template for $99.
- Premium Package ($349 + $50 State Fee): Includes all Pro package features plus, domain name, email address, and business document templates.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The registered agent fee renews annually at $199.
- Affordable LLC registration starts at $0 plus state fees.
- Extended customer support hours for user convenience.
- High customer satisfaction with strong reviews.
- Worry-free compliance services included in all packages.
- Business banking services available for as low as $5/month.
- Offers a wide range of services under one umbrella.
- Registered agent not included, could increase costs.
- EIN not standard in the entry-level plan, requires upgrade.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
1000+ Reviews
I remember when I was setting up my second venture, I turned to Northwest Registered Agent. Their reputation for stellar customer service in Iowa is well-deserved.
The company charges $39 plus state fees for LLC formation, making it an affordable choice. If you're on a tight budget, Northwest's monthly payment plan is a wallet-friendly option.
Northwest offers a unique service called Corporate Guide®, consisting of local business experts across the U.S. specializing in LLC filings.
They assist with any questions or issues during the LLC formation process.
The company uses its addresses on filings to protect clients' privacy, acting as a buffer between the client and public records.
This LLC service also offers mail forwarding and a second phone number to keep clients' physical addresses and personal phone numbers private.
We highlight the ease of use and the customizable nature of Northwest's services, particularly appreciating the wide range of operating agreement templates.
"Northwest Registered Agent's modern website features a well-designed interface that ensures a streamlined experience, making the LLC formation process simple and straightforward to navigate."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic LLC Formation Package ($39 + $50 State Fee): This LLC services package includes a filing service fee, a state filing fee, and a registered agent if you opt for Northwest to form your LLC.
- Full Service LLC Formation Package ($225 + $50 State Fee): This LLC services package includes same business day filing, free limited mail forwarding, a free registered agent for a year, an operating agreement, and a client account loaded with free tools and forms.
- Registered Agent Service ($125/annually): This service includes a registered agent, registered office, form filing, biennial report reminders, digital mail forwarding services, address use, data privacy, and lifetime support.
- Address privacy off public records.
- Lifetime customer support.
- Annual Report reminders provided.
- Over 20 years of reliable service.
- No selling of customer data.
- Not the cheapest option available.
- Limited to core services.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
1000+ Reviews
A friend recommended Bizee (formerly Incfile) to me a few years back, and I decided to give them a shot.
According to Bizee's website, they have served over 1,000,000 customers over the span of 20 years, maintaining their commitment to "Business without barriers."
Bizee offers lifetime company alerts to remind business owners of important filing deadlines like annual reports and tax filings.
They provide a free one-hour business tax consultation with a tax professional, which could be particularly beneficial for new business owners.
Clients have access to an online dashboard where they can track the status of their orders and access important documents.
Some of their additional business services include preparing and filing IRS Form 2553 for the S-Corp election, filing amendments, and obtaining certificates of good standing.
We can confirm that Bizee consolidates and ships your paper copies and any requested materials after completing the formation of your Iowa limited liability company.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $50 State Fee): This LLC services package includes preparing and filing articles of organization, unlimited name searches, free registered agent services in Iowa for a year, and unlimited phone and email support.
- Gold Package ($199 + $50 State Fee): This LLC services package includes preparing and filing articles of organization, unlimited name searches, free registered agent service for a year, EIN business tax number, IRS form 2553, bank resolution, lifetime notifications, online dashboard, unlimited phone and email support, business banking account, and business tax consultation.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $50 State Fee): This LLC services package includes everything in the Gold Package but with additional features such as business contract templates, free next-day filing, domain name, and business email.
- Registered Agent Service ($119): This service is free for the first year if you purchase their LLC formation package. To support business operations further, this service comes with easy online access to your documentation.
- Business formation starts at $0 plus state fees.
- Wide range of business services offered.
- First-year free Registered Agent service included.
- Free compliance reminders provided.
- Additional services may increase overall price.
- Free Registered Agent service only for the first year.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
I had to draft a contract once and stumbled upon Rocket Lawyer. Their free legal resources were a lifesaver, and I even consulted with one of their affordable attorneys.
Rocket Lawyer's LLC formation services stand out for their convenience, accessibility, and affordability.
The platform's ease of use, combined with expert legal support, makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses efficiently.
Typically, forming an LLC through Rocket Lawyer takes 7-10 business days.
Ongoing compliance assistance is available for an extra fee, including alerts for filing deadlines and state-specific updates.
Their website dedicates an entire page to providing information on topics such as technical support, membership, and launching a business online.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Rocket Lawyer Package ($99.99 + $50 State Fee): This LLC formation service bundle includes free business incorporation services, registered agent services for one year, and a year of legal services. If you opt for Rocket Lawyer you will get 25% off registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99): This fee is a yearly subscription, and you can get a 25% discount if you have a membership (for $39.99 monthly).
- Extensive legal services and support.
- Assists in business formation services.
- Option for registered agent services.
- Unlimited access to legal document builder.
- Limited membership options, no free tier.
- Confusing membership pricing structures.
- Credit card required for free trial activation.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to selecting the optimal LLC formation service for your business in Iowa, my extensive involvement and direct experience in the industry lend me a credible voice of authority.
As the CEO, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter, I have spent over nine years advising both startups and seasoned companies, guiding them through growth phases and helping them navigate the complexities of successful business operations. My journey is backed by a solid educational foundation in business management, enhanced with numerous industry-specific certifications.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to engage closely with various LLC formation services, contributing significantly to the operational success of many clients. This experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of what businesses truly need from their LLC service providers.
Therefore, when I point to ZenBusiness as the top choice for your LLC formation needs in Iowa, it's based on a blend of professional judgment and a history of positive outcomes.
My commitment to your success is backed by years of supporting businesses in achieving their goals, making my recommendation of ZenBusiness a piece of advice you can rely on with confidence.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Iowa
Venture Smarter conducted a thorough and detailed evaluation to identify the best LLC services in Iowa. Our review encompassed 10 LLC formation companies, ensuring a wide and varied selection.
Our assessment criteria covered factors such as pricing, service range, reliability, user experience, local expertise, processing speed, and customer support, aiming for a balanced and thorough evaluation.
1. Service Offered
One of the most important things to think about when choosing an LLC formation service is having a company that provides the complete service package.
One that allows you to have limited personal liability and separate personal assets from business assets, fewer reporting and record-keeping requirements, avoidance of double-taxation, and biennial reports.
Another thing, the needs of businesses can change over time as the business grows, and it would be great if you could hire LLC services that can assist you with additional services as time passes.
We simulated a typical business owner's needs by seeking comprehensive LLC formation services, including name checks, document filings, and ongoing compliance alerts. We submitted mock applications to assess the completeness and responsiveness of each service.
ZenBusiness offers diverse packages, including legal formation, bank accounts, bookkeeping, and ongoing compliance services.
Rocket Lawyer, with extensive experience, specializing in business entity formation, tax management, lawyer services, and corporate record management.
2. Pricing
Unarguably, the quality of the best Iowa LLC service is the most important. However, the pricing of the services provided should also be considered.
We created comparison tables for each LLC service, listing all associated costs - from state fees to optional add-ons. We then created three different business profiles with varying needs to calculate the total cost for each service.
Our analysis highlighted companies offering great value. For example, Bizee's no-cost package includes a year of registered agent service, appealing to budget-conscious businesses.
3. Turnaround Time
We submitted identical LLC formation requests to each service and measured the time until we received official state acknowledgment. We also evaluated the speed of customer service responses and the availability of expedited services.
By examining the speed at which each service processed and completed LLC formations, we identified the most efficient providers that process documents within 1-5 business days.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent stood out for their quick LLC formation services in Iowa, ideal for businesses eager to commence operations promptly, within 3 business days.
4. Customer Support
We scrutinized LLC services in Iowa, emphasizing customer support. By analyzing user testimonials, response times, and the quality of assistance provided, we pinpointed services that excelled in aiding clients.
Our objective was to highlight providers that prioritize and deliver exemplary support to Iowa's entrepreneurs.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent excelled in providing positive customer support experiences, with the availability of multiple communication channels and quick response times.
5. Reliability and Reputation
A company's reputation is a crucial indicator of its reliability and service quality.
We considered positive feedback on platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot and the duration of operation in Iowa.
ZenBusiness, with high customer satisfaction ratings, and Northwest Registered Agent, with over 20 years of experience, have established strong reputations.
6. Ease of Use
An easy-to-use website can aid in a better understanding of the legal requirements and compliance issues associated with forming and maintaining an LLC. This understanding is crucial for the long-term success and legality of the business.
ZenBusiness scored high for its user-centric design, ensuring a smooth filing process.
Their website is easy to use and simplifies and speeds up the process of forming an LLC, allowing entrepreneurs to focus more on other aspects of their business.
7. Local Expertise
Each state has its own set of laws and regulations governing LLCs. An LLC service that is well-versed in Iowa's specific legal requirements ensures that the LLCs they form are in full compliance with state laws [1].
With over two decades of experience, Northwest Registered Agent has proven expertise in Iowa's local state laws. This includes adherence to filing requirements, tax obligations, and naming conventions specific to Iowa.
Related Articles:
Steps To Start an LLC in Iowa
Here are the eight steps to follow to form a limited liability company in Iowa:
- Step 1: Name the LLC in Iowa
- Step 2: Get a registered agent service
- Step 3: Create a business structure
- Step 4 Write and file the Iowa certificate of organization with the Iowa Secretary of State
- Step 5: Get a state business license
- Step 6: Learn Iowa rules of employment
- Step 7: Hire an accountant for your taxes
- Step 8: File a biennial report every odd-numbered years
FAQs
How Can I Set up a Limited Liability Company in Iowa?
You can set up a limited liability company in Iowa by completing an Iowa LLC service search and choosing a business name. Provide a physical address for your business. Lastly, hire an LLC formation service in Iowa to do the rest for you.
What Is the Total Cost of Forming and Maintaining a Business Entity in Iowa?
The total cost of forming and maintaining a business entity in Iowa can be between $390 and $1150 annually.
Our Verdict on the Best LLC Service in Iowa
Having carefully reviewed these four services based on their affordability, features, and customer reviews, ZenBusiness stood out as the only service that offers the best value for your money.
Their blend of affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive support makes them ideal for entrepreneurs starting a new business.
ZenBusiness's commitment to customer satisfaction, coupled with additional services like registered agents and compliance assistance, guaranteed us a smooth and stress-free experience.
For anyone looking to establish an LLC with minimal hassle and maximum support, we highly recommend ZenBusiness, which offers both value and reliability in the business formation journey.
Venture Smarter #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
- Affordable LLC registration starts at $0 plus state fees.
- Extended customer support hours for user convenience.
- High customer satisfaction with strong reviews.
- Worry-free compliance services included in all packages.
- Business banking services available for as low as $5/month.
- Offers a wide range of services under one umbrella.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
- Registered agent not included, could increase costs.
- EIN not standard in the entry-level plan, requires upgrade.
References:
- https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law
