4 Best LLC Services in Massachusetts (2023 Full Report)
Choosing a reliable LLC formation service in Massachusetts is crucial to protect your business from potential liabilities.
To help you make the right decision, our legal team has reviewed and tested the top LLC formation services in Massachusetts for you.
We also consulted various business professionals to get expert insights on the best services to recommend based on price, service features, and customer service.
ZenBusiness
Northwest
IncFileTop 4 Massachusetts LLC Formation Services (November 2023)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
When I was setting up my first LLC, ZenBusiness was my go-to choice. Being at the top of the list, they provided a seamless and high-quality formation experience.
It is simple to pay for a single service without needing to buy an annual membership.
Transparent package offerings, enriched with features like an EIN, stand out.
My LLC was ratified in just four days, complemented by a comprehensive New Business Kit. The dashboard is a treasure of resources, ensuring clients are well-informed.
ZenBusiness also offers domain purchases, business insurance rate comparisons, and top business credit card selections.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $520 State Fee): This basic LLC formation package includes LLC filing service, a Free CPA assessment, and standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks). One one-month free trial of banking, bank account, and Money Pro bookkeeping is included here to make your financial path easier. For those who want bulletproof protection from penalties or risks, there is optional worry-free compliance features free of charge first year.
- Pro Package ($199 + $520 State Fee): Pro Package builds on the Starter option, offering the fastest ''rush'' filing speed of 1-2 business days on average. With an EIN in this package, hiring employees will be much faster, as you cannot run a business without this federal tax ID. For smooth internal processes, business structure, and legal protection an operating agreement is present.
- Premium Package ($349 + $520 State Fee): Everything from the Starter and Pro option are included here, adding business document templates to cut on time-consuming bureaucracy. With domain name registration, domain privacy and customizable website with hundreds of templates this package will enable strong digital presence of your business.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The registered agent service then will annually be renewed for $199.
- Cost-effective Massachusetts LLC formation services
- A diverse set of packages
- Has outstanding online customer feedback
- Easy compliance processes
- Fast LLC formation
- Without non-profit business formation
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
I remember when I first ventured into business, Northwest Registered Agent was already a trusted name. Their years in the industry truly reflect in their expertise.
Northwest Registered Agent doesn't outsource any of its services; hence they are more independent and comprehensive than their rivals.
They specialize in providing registered agent services at a fixed cost.
Their staff has extensive knowledge in all aspects of LLC formation and maintenance, and we were impressed with the high level of service we received.
We breezed through the initial filing in 9 minutes, and before we knew it, in just 72 hours, our filing was complete.
This LLC service charges a little bit more than others for the registered agent, but since it charges a flat amount, there are no further fees or hidden costs.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $520 State Fee): If you decide to form your LLC with NorthWest, this Basic Plan might be a good choice for you. It comes with two processing speeds available. With the Basic Plan, you also get to use the services of a Registered Agent for a full year cost-free.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $520 State Fee): Many tools and free forms, operating agreements, and free mail forwarding are some perks you get with Full-Service Formation Plan. Your documents are going to be filed in just one day. All features from the Basic Plan are included.
- Northwest Registered Agent Services ($125): Privacy by design, unlimited mail forwarding and expert guidance on corporate issues are some of the features you get when you opt for Northwest's Massachusetts Registered Agent Services. First-year will be cost-free if you decide to form your business with the Basic or Full Northwest plan.
- No hidden LLC services fees
- Includes one year of a registered agent for free
- Has a solid data privacy infrastructure
- They have over 20 years of experience
- Their packages are expensive
3 - IncFile (Most Affordable)
When I was on a tight budget with my startup, IncFile was a lifesaver. Their complimentary registered agent service for a year was a unique offering that not many competitors provided.
IncFile offers end-to-end business creation services from establishment to dissolution.
Once the LLC formation procedure has been completed, this LLC service batch-ship all your copies and any requested materials.
Additionally, you may go into the IncFile website after purchasing to see how your transaction is progressing.
The third-party offers and a few upsells are the only drawbacks that IncFile has.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $520 State Fee): If you decide to form your LLC using Silver Package, IncFile is offering it for free. The only charge you will have to pay is the state fee, and you will have access to great features from this package like assistance in drafting your company articles as well as submitting them. Customer support is included.
- Gold Package ($199 + $520 State Fee): All benefits from the Silver package plus EIN business tax number, business tax consultation call, and assistance in the preparation of the operating agreement are part of the Gold Package.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $520 State Fee): If your business requires high-speed processing files then the Platinum Package is the right option for you. With all services from the Gold package, you will get a free domain name with many templates for business contracts.
- Registered Agent Service ($119): Annual fee will cost you $199. However, if you decide to form your LLC with IncFile with either a Silver, Gold, or Platinum package, the first year will be free of charge.
- Has a dedicated phone and email customer service team
- Offers budget-friendly pricing for LLC formation services
- Includes free Massachusetts registered agent services for a year
- Offered business formation services to over 800,000 business
- Annoying upsells and third-party offers
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
During my early days of entrepreneurship, I was overwhelmed with paperwork. Rocket Lawyer came to the rescue, ensuring I had all the right documents for the Secretary of State.
On their website, I was able to locate the pertinent paperwork, download it, and follow a short, step-by-step instruction manual on how to fill it out with all the necessary information.
Their one-time access charge is marginally more expensive than some other providers, but their monthly access rate for their whole catalog is comparable to all other LLC services in Massachusetts.
The unique aspect of Rocket Lawyer's business formation service is its customer support for legal documents. I communicated with a qualified attorney who gave us precise legal counsel.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Standard LLC Formation Package ($99.99 + $520 State Fee / Free with $39.99 per month membership) If you opt for Standard Package membership, you can benefit from free legal documents, attorney services, free LLC formation services, and 25% off registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Services ($149.99): $149.99 per year for Register Agent services - A 25% discount is available if you have a membership. Membership costs $39.99 monthly.
- Easy-to-use site
- Have professional attorney teams
- Offer a free trial period
- Pricey packages
- Complexity for First-time Users
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Massachusetts
We scrutinized a range of LLC service providers in Massachusetts, focusing on those that offered comprehensive and relevant services for businesses in the state.
Our evaluation involved anonymous interactions with these services and insights from an independent review team. This method allowed us to objectively assess their offerings and effectiveness.
1. Pricing
Understanding the pricing structures of different LLC service providers allows you to compare them effectively. You can evaluate which provider offers the best combination of services for the price, helping you make an informed decision.
We rated ZenBusiness a 5/5 for its free package, which includes essential services like standard LLC filing and a user-friendly website builder.
IncFile received a 5/5 with its free Massachusetts LLC incorporation and a year of registered agent service.
Rocket Lawyer, on the other hand, got a 2/5 for its expensive packages, especially for non-members.
2. Service Offered
Some services offer user-friendly online dashboards, easy document access, and streamlined processes. Evaluating these features can ensure you choose a service that is easy to use and efficient.
We ranked ZenBusiness the highest as it offers a wide array of services, including worry-free compliance and EIN acquisition.
Incfile and Northwest Registered Agent also provide essential services like annual reports, operating agreements, and EIN registration.
3. Turnaround Time
Sometimes, the formation of an LLC is a prerequisite for signing contracts, receiving grants, or participating in certain business deals. A quick turnaround ensures that these opportunities are not missed due to administrative delays.
Based on our review, ZenBusiness offers the fastest turnaround with a 1-2-day approval process on their Premium plan. However, the free package has a 2-3 week turnaround and can be discouraging if you prioritize swift delivery.
4. Customer Support
Especially for first-time business owners, the LLC formation process can be a learning curve. Customer support acts as an educational resource, providing valuable information and insights about the process, legal implications, and best practices.
We evaluated providers based on the variety of communication channels offered and the speed and quality of their responses. We also considered whether the customer support responses are handled by a human or a bot.
The top performers for this category are IncFile and Northwest Registered Agent, which excelled in customer support, offering quick and personalized assistance.
5. Ease of Use
A well-designed, easy-to-navigate website often reflects the overall professionalism and attention to detail of the service provider. It suggests that they value user experience and are likely to apply the same care to their service offerings.
Based on user experience, IncFile got a 5/5 for its intuitive online platform that allows for quick and error-free submission of necessary information and documents, speeding up the formation process.
6. Reliability and Reputation
The market has many services, some of which might be scams or inefficient. A service with a good reputation is likely to be legitimate and efficient, safeguarding your investment.
We considered customer reviews and ratings on platforms like TrustPilot to determine the most reliable services.
ZenBusiness got a lot of positive customer reviews and A+ ratings for its affordable packages, prompt customer service, and swift turnaround.
7. Local Expertise
Understanding the tax implications in Massachusetts is vital for financial planning and compliance. An LLC service provider with local expertise can offer valuable advice on state tax obligations, potential benefits, and how to optimize your LLC's tax status within that state.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent showed strong local expertise and familiarity with the state's bureaucratic processes and systems. This knowledge can expedite the filing and approval process, as the provider knows whom to contact, what paperwork is required, and how to efficiently navigate the system.
Related Articles:
- Looking Up an LLC in Massachusetts
- Dissolving an LLC in Massachusetts
- How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts
- How to Rename an LLC in Massachusetts
Steps To Start An LLC In Massachusetts
You can form your Massachusetts LLC by following these seven easy steps:
- Step 1: Create a name for your Massachusetts LLC
- Step 2: Find a Massachusetts registered agent
- Step 3: Submit the Massachusetts Certificate of Formation
- Step 4: Create a Massachusetts LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Receive your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Step 6: Choose the type of your LLC in Massachusetts
- Step 7: File your Massachusetts LLC annual report
FAQs
Do I Need an LLC Service in Massachusetts?
Yes, you need an LLC service in Massachusetts if you don't want to deal with all the paperwork associated with the LLC organization process.
How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Massachusetts?
It takes 1-2 business days to form an LLC in Massachusetts online and 2-3 business days by mail.
Our Verdict
Having navigated the maze of LLC formation in Massachusetts myself, I can't stress enough the importance of choosing the right service.
ZenBusiness, with its comprehensive offerings and transparent pricing, was a lifesaver for me. Their dashboard, rich with resources, made my journey smoother than I had anticipated.
While there are other commendable services, ZenBusiness stood out with its blend of affordability and quality. If you're like me, and you want a hassle-free experience while forming an LLC in Massachusetts, ZenBusiness is the way to go.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
- Cost-effective Massachusetts LLC formation services
- A diverse set of packages
- Has outstanding online customer feedback
- Easy compliance processes
- Fast LLC formation
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
- Without non-profit business formation
