4 Best LLC Services in Massachusetts (2024 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.
| 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) |
ZenBusinessTop 4 Massachusetts LLC Formation Services (October 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Economical plans starting at $0, plus applicable state fees.
- Notable for its user-friendliness and excellent customer support.
- Provides a wide array of services, including LLC formation and compliance.
- Known for prompt processing and official filings.
- Dedicated to social responsibility and community involvement.
- Packages offer optimal value at competitive prices.
- Customer support not available round the clock.
- No services for non-profit organization formation.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs seeking fast and affordable business formation.
Who is it not for?
- Those who require advanced legal and customized business services beyond basic formation and compliance.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers a streamlined service for quick LLC formations at competitive prices, making it ideal for new entrepreneurs on a budget. It may not suit businesses needing more hands-on legal and complex corporate services.
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.
According to their website, ZenBusiness has assisted over 200,000 businesses with LLC formation, showcasing their extensive experience and reliability in the field.
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.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Keeps your home address off public listings, a unique Northwest advantage.
- Choose only necessary services, providing great flexibility.
- Customer support praised for its efficiency and expertise.
- Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- Over 25 years in the industry, indicating a stable track record.
- Reasonable initial service pricing, but extras can add up.
- LLC formation tied to their registered agent service.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs prioritizing privacy and comprehensive support for LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Business owners looking for the cheapest service available without additional support services.
The Verdict
NorthWest provides robust privacy protections and extensive customer support, setting it apart for businesses concerned about data security. However, it might not be the best fit for cost-sensitive entrepreneurs.
I remember when I first ventured into business, Northwest Registered Agent was already a trusted name, backed by a strong team of over 900 employees and responsible for maintaining over 3 million businesses nationwide. 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.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Complimentary initial LLC setup service.
- Free Registered Agent for the first year in all plans.
- Over 25 years of industry credibility and trust.
- Services often executed within just one working day.
- Select add-ons come with a higher price tag.
- Customer support confined to weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- First-time business owners needing guidance and a simple setup process.
Who is it not for?
- Established businesses that might require more tailored or extensive legal services.
The Verdict
IncFile shines in making the LLC formation process understandable and accessible, particularly for newcomers. Its basic services are excellent, though not necessarily sufficient for larger, more complex business needs.
When I was on a tight budget with my startup, Bizee (formerly Incfile) was a lifesaver. Their complimentary registered agent service for a year was a unique offering that not many competitors provided.
Bizee 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 Bizee website after purchasing to see how your transaction is progressing.
The third-party offers and a few upsells are the only drawbacks that Bizee has.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $520 State Fee): If you decide to form your LLC using Silver Package, Bizee 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 Bizee with either a Silver, Gold, or Platinum package, the first year will be free of charge.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Diverse range of legal services and documents.
- Document Defense® feature for enhanced contract protection.
- User-friendly legal document creation experience.
- Cases of unexpected billing complaints.
- Issues with clarity of free trials and managing subscriptions.
- Some difficulty reported in contacting customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs who want ongoing legal services and comprehensive business management tools.
Who is it not for?
- Individuals looking for a one-time service without further legal needs.
The Verdict
RocketLawyer is well-suited for those needing both initial business formation and ongoing legal support, offering a breadth of services that can grow with your business. It's less appropriate for those who just need to form an LLC without additional legal services.
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.
Why Should You Trust Us
You should trust the Venture Smarter team for your Massachusetts LLC formation needs because our dedicated team, comprised of legal experts and business professionals, has thoroughly reviewed and tested the top LLC formation services available in the state. Our unique approach involves anonymous interactions with these services and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, ensuring that our recommendations are unbiased and in the best interest of Venture Smarter readers.
The Venture Smarter team is committed to providing transparent and evidence-based suggestions to help you navigate the complexities of starting your LLC in Massachusetts. We understand the importance of choosing the right service provider to ensure compliance and protect your business from potential liabilities. That's why we've partnered with legal professionals to identify the top choices for your business, focusing on price, service features, and customer service.
Our recommendations are designed to provide Venture Smarter readers with peace of mind, knowing that their chosen LLC service will handle their business formation efficiently and confidentially. We aim to empower you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision, ensuring that your business complies with Massachusetts laws and regulations.
By choosing Venture Smarter, you're not just selecting an LLC service; you're choosing a partner dedicated to the protection and growth of your business in Massachusetts. Trust the Venture Smarter team to guide you to the best LLC service that meets your business needs and legal requirements.
Related Articles:
- Looking Up an LLC in Massachusetts
- Dissolving an LLC in Massachusetts
- How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts
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.
We meticulously compared the pricing structures of each LLC service provider, focusing on the transparency and comprehensiveness of their offerings relative to their costs.
We rated ZenBusiness a 5/5 for its free package, which includes essential services like standard LLC filing and a user-friendly website builder.
Bizee 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
We thoroughly reviewed the range and quality of services offered by each provider, emphasizing user-friendly features such as online dashboards and document access.
We ranked ZenBusiness the highest as it offers a wide array of services, including worry-free compliance and EIN acquisition.
Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent also provide essential services like annual reports, operating agreements, and EIN registration.
3. Turnaround Time
We evaluated the actual turnaround times for LLC formation advertised by each service, noting the differences between their promised and real-world processing times.
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
Our evaluation of customer support involved testing each service's responsiveness, the availability of support channels, and the quality of assistance provided.
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 Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent, which excelled in customer support, offering quick and personalized assistance.
5. Ease of Use
We assessed the user-friendliness of each service's online platform, focusing on the ease of navigation, clarity of information provided, and the simplicity of the LLC formation process.
Based on user experience, Bizee 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
We analyzed customer feedback and third-party reviews on platforms like TrustPilot to gauge the reliability and reputation of each service.
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."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
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
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.
