4 Best LLC Services in Michigan (2024) Tried & Tested
If you’re a Michigan-based entrepreneur or small business owner who handles everything in your firm, it can be challenging to deal with laws and regulations and run your business at the same time.
This is why many business owners decide to hire a reliable LLC service to handle their legal work.
To help you decide which LLC service to employ, our panel of legal experts conducted an in-depth comparative analysis of top companies in Michigan.
To validate their ranking, our criteria included general service features, costing, turnaround time as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
| 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 |
| LegalZoom (Best Essentials) |
3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
ZenBusiness4 Best Michigan LLC Formation Services (September 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Starts at a low cost of $0, excluding state expenses.
- Positive feedback for ease of use and support.
- Spectrum of services includes LLC formation and compliance adherence.
- Efficient and quick in processing and legal document filings.
- Committed to social causes and community participation.
- Value-laden packages at competitive rates.
- Business formation plans exclude Registered Agent service.
- Limited availability of customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs seeking a straightforward and affordable LLC formation service with excellent customer support.
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for in-person service interactions or highly customized legal services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers a cost-effective and user-friendly platform for LLC formation with robust support, making it ideal for new entrepreneurs who need a straightforward service.
ZenBusiness provides three subscription tiers for LLC formation to accommodate your specific business needs at a price that fits any budget.
According to the ZenBusiness website, the company has an 'Excellent' rating from 14,335 Trustpilot reviews.
Their intuitive system facilitates a speedy 10-12 minute filing. They lay out clear package options, underscoring key inclusions like an EIN.
When I formed my LLC using ZenBusiness, it was validated in just four days. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a comprehensive New Business Kit. Using their dashboard, I found a wealth of insights that clearly guided me on the next steps.
Their client-centric ethos is evident in their billing practices. ZenBusiness is a beacon in the LLC formation domain, deserving of my strong endorsement.
"Beyond LLC formation, ZenBusiness offers a range of other services, such as amendment filings, business license reports, and domain name registration, to support the various needs of a growing business."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $50 State Fee): Starter Package offers basic mandatory features that one needs to start an LLC. This includes LLC filing service covered by standard filing speed of 2 to 3 weeks. To support wider legal side, this package offers free monthly trial of banking, bank account, and Money Pro bookkeeping. Choosing Starter Package brings optional worry-free compliance free of charge first year.
- Pro Package ($199 + $50 State Fee): Pro Package features the LLC formation service options above plus faster-expedited filing speed of 1 to 2 business days on average. (4 to 6 days), Employer Identification Number (EIN) is included in this package, to enable running fully legal business and support hiring employees - without and EIN hiring employees is not possible. An operating agreement here helps with defining internal procedures.
- Premium Package ($349+ $50 State Fee): Premium Package has the Pro Package LLC formation service features plus business document templates, designed to cut time and dealing with repetitive tasks. Domain name registration, domain name privacy, and business email address, next to business website builder are included to help business build professional online image.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): You may renew it for $199 after the subscription expires.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Personal address kept confidential, a Northwest-specific feature.
- Flexibility in selecting desired services.
- Highly efficient and knowledgeable customer support team.
- Special discount for Venture Smarter enthusiasts.
- Over two decades of reliable business operations.
- LLC formation necessitates using their registered agent service.
- Lack of BBB accreditation may be a drawback for some.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses that value privacy and comprehensive, knowledgeable support throughout the business lifecycle.
Who is it not for?
- Small business owners who may be looking for the most budget-friendly options without additional features.
The Verdict
Northwest provides excellent privacy protections and a detailed support system which is great for businesses that value a comprehensive service and can afford a slightly higher price.
With Northwest Registered Agent you can be sure that professionals will handle your formation process.
They have highly qualified employees, and we can attest to it because we had a lot of law-related questions and they provided an instant answer to each.
Northwest Companies boasts a robust team of over 900 employees and maintains more than 3 million businesses across the nation, including numerous businesses in Michigan.
In our experience, they have highly trained customer service operators to assist you through each stage of the formation process, which will guide you through every formation step.
When I used Northwest Registered Agent for my business, I was amazed at how quick the process was. I completed the initial steps in just 9 minutes, and the entire formation was done in 72 hours, despite having a 5-day option available.
Partnering with Northwest Registered Agent for your Michigan LLC formation gives you the perks of contacting them anytime if you have questions or require assistance.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $50 State Fee): Some of many Basic Plan features are the formation of LLCs, articles of organization, corporations, nonprofits, an operating agreement, a year of cost-free Michigan registered agent service, with two processing speeds available: standard and expedited.
- Full-Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $50 State Fee): In Full Service Plan you will receive all features from Basic Plan plus limited mail forwarding for free, business filing on the same day, and client account filed with tools and free forms.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): Using any Michigan LLC formation service plan with Northwest will get you a cost-free first year of registered agent service. Some of the features you get are professional corporate guides, privacy, and cost-free email forwarding.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Zero-cost option for starting an LLC.
- One-year Registered Agent service included without extra charge.
- A quarter-century of solid industry experience.
- Some additional features are relatively expensive.
- Weekday-only availability for customer assistance.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Startups and small businesses looking for low-cost entry into LLC formation with essential services included.
Who is it not for?
- Those who need more extensive ongoing legal support or premium business services.
The Verdict
Bizee offers an affordable and efficient LLC formation service with a great starting package for entrepreneurs who are budget-conscious and need basic features.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is one of your best options if you're on a tight budget but still want to push your Michigan business.
They provide free Michigan LLC formation services, so you only have to pay the state fees and other minor charges due to the Michigan Secretary of State.
Based on our observations, if you only need your formation documents filed as quickly as possible, Bizee is the way to go.
Bizee is promoted as one of the top web services to use when creating your business online, so we decided to test it. It is fair to say that we were not disappointed. They provided us with a full year of guaranteed free registered agent service, making the process smoother.
While Bizee ensures data security with Norton Web Security, similar to Northwest Registered Agent, it lacks in providing expert business support and essential features like document scanning. These insights aim to guide Venture Smarter readers in making informed decisions for their Michigan businesses.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $50 State Fee): Many great features such as unrestricted name searches, drafting and submitting organization articles, the first year of cost-free registered agent services, email support, and the unlimited phone is included in the Silver Package.
- Gold Package ($199 + $50 State Fee): Gold Package is equipped with all Silver Package features plus banking resolution and banking business accounts. This great Package also comes with IRS Form 2553 and tax consultation for your business, EIN Business Tax Number, access to an online dashboard, and lifetime company alerts with an operating agreement.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $50 State Fee): Many business contract templates, next-day filing, domain name, and business email addresses are features you get with the Platinum Package on top of all of the Gold Package features.
- Registered Agent Service ($119): The first year is free of charge for buying any LLC formation package. If you want to continue with Registered Agent Services for next year, the renewal will cost you $119 per year. A great feature of getting Registered Agent Services is a personalized dashboard with access to your documents online.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Free access to diverse business templates.
- Comprehensive legal offerings for individuals and companies.
- Easy-to-navigate website with clear guidelines.
- LLC services priced above several other providers.
- Persistent promotion of additional offerings.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Good for entrepreneurs who want a well-known service with extensive resources and legal options.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best choice for those looking for the cheapest LLC service with minimal extras.
The Verdict
LegalZoom is recommended for its wide range of services and strong reputation, though it may come at a higher cost compared to some other providers.
LegalZoom provides every legal service you might need.
Business formation with them is more expensive compared to their competitors, but they justify it with a 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
We never had to request this guarantee from them, as their service was reliable and professional. They even provided us with regular access to an attorney.
Their entry-level plan is affordable, but it lacks the feature set of ZenBusiness and Bizee.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $50 State Fee): This package has some great features, including an LLC welcoming packet, a name check, and an article of organization. It also offers WIX website optimization.
- Pro Package ($249 + $50 State Fee): The Pro package has an all-inclusive Basic package with a personalized notebook, founder’s kit, and tax-saving consultation. You'll also get an EIN and a comprehensive business licensing guide.
- Premium Package ($299 + $50 State Fee): The Premium package includes an engaging professional business attorney guide and unlimited 30-minutes consultation. The package also adds an applied changes service for your LLC formation document in the first 3 subscription months.
- Registered Agent Services ($299): If you choose LegalZoom to create your startup, you will pay $50 less for the registered agent. After that, renewing would cost $299.
Why You Should Trust Us
Navigating Michigan's LLC formation and registered agent complexities requires the seasoned expertise of the Venture Smarter team. With a focus on the unique Michigan market, our nine-plus years of consulting have equipped us to support both emerging and established businesses in this dynamic environment.
Our hands-on experience with various LLCs and Registered Agent services has positioned us to meet Michigan's specific legal needs, helping local clients reach their business objectives and comply with state regulations.
The Venture Smarter team is dedicated to empowering Michigan entrepreneurs with necessary insights and strategies for success. Our commitment is to provide Venture Smarter readers with unmatched value, setting your Michigan-based business on the path to success from day one.
By partnering with us, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successfully navigating Michigan's business challenges. Our advice, tailored for Michigan businesses, ensures you meet the state's unique requirements effectively.
Related Articles:
- Looking Up an LLC in Michigan
- Dissolving an LLC in Michigan
- Changing an LLC name in Michigan
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Michigan
Our team conducted an extensive review of various LLC service providers in Michigan. We evaluated over 10 companies, engaging with their services anonymously to ensure an unbiased assessment.
Our approach included consulting with legal experts who are well-versed in Michigan's business landscape.
In our evaluation, we focused on several key aspects of service features, costing, and turnaround time. A comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of each service was also conducted to determine their overall effectiveness and value.
1. Customer Support
Good customer support contributes to client retention. Clients are more likely to stay with a service provider that offers reliable and responsive assistance, fostering long-term relationships.
We conducted 15 mystery shopper tests for each service to evaluate the responsiveness, knowledge, and helpfulness of their customer support teams. We measured the time taken to respond to inquiries and the accuracy of the information provided. Our focus was also on how quickly these services respond to inquiries and their overall availability.
Based on this criterion, ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent stood out for their responsive and comprehensive customer support. Customer support for these companies is available on weekdays during normal hours and you can reach them via phone, email, and live chat.
2. Pricing
We compared the total costs of forming an LLC in Michigan, including state fees, across all reviewed services. We analyzed three different scenarios (budget, standard, and premium packages) to assess the value for money and transparency of pricing.
ZenBusiness was rated 5/5 as it offers an affordable range of packages, starting at $0 plus state fees, making it a cost-effective choice.
In contrast, services like LegalZoom received a 2/5 rating because its features are priced higher.
3. Service Features
We created a checklist of 20 essential features for LLC formation and compliance. Each service was scored based on the number of features offered, the quality of these features, and their relevance to Michigan-based businesses.
By looking at the service features, you can ensure that the LLC service you choose aligns with your specific requirements.
We looked for services offering essential features like operating agreements and EIN registration, as well as additional services like legal document drafting and compliance alerts.
Based on this, the two top services that stood out were ZenBusiness and Bizee which offer comprehensive basic formation services, legal advice, or additional services like tax consultation and ongoing compliance.
4. Reliability and Reputation
LLC formation can be complex, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. A reputable and reliable LLC service will have knowledgeable staff who can provide valuable guidance on various aspects of forming and running an LLC.
We looked at ratings on platforms like TrustPilot and other user reviews.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent had strong 5-star ratings and reputations backed by positive customer reviews, especially for their comprehensive features, fast processing times, and efficient customer service.
5. Turnaround Time
Fast turnaround times can be critical for effective crisis management. It ensures that you have the necessary documents and legal support when you need it most.
We assessed how quickly each service processed LLC-related documents and communicated with state agencies.
Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee received a strong 5/5 recognized for their efficient same-day turnaround times. The staff responded to our calls within minutes.
6. Ease of Use
An intuitive website design is a key aspect of selecting a service provider that aligns with the client's needs and objectives when forming or managing a Michigan LLC.
Services like ZenBusiness offer intuitive online platforms that aid clients in quickly understanding the packages offered, finishing required formation tasks, and getting their LLCs up and running.
7. Local Expertise
Michigan has unique procedural requirements for LLC formation and operation, such as publication requirements, naming rules, and more.
Understanding these state-specific procedures is vital to ensure that clients navigate the process correctly.
Companies like ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent demonstrated a strong understanding of Michigan local laws enabling them to offer accurate advice and guidance related to state-specific legal matters.
Related Articles:
- Looking Up an LLC in Michigan
- Dissolving an LLC in Michigan
- Changing an LLC name in Michigan
Steps to Start an LLC in Michigan
The process of starting an LLC is pretty simple. So, even if you use an LLC formation service, you must understand the six steps to form a Michigan limited liability company.
- Step 1: Register Your Company with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Step 2: Name Your Michigan LLC
- Step 3: Find Yourself a Michigan Registered Agent
- Step 4: File Michigan LLC Articles of Organization
- Step 5: Formulate a Michigan LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 6: Fulfill Michigan LLC Employer Obligations
FAQs
Is Michigan a Good State to Start an LLC?
Yes, Michigan is a good state to start an LLC because of its low formation costs and flexible taxation systems.
Is There a Yearly Fee for LLC in Michigan?
Yes, there is a $25 yearly fee for an LLC in Michigan to file the annual report to keep the entity active.
Do LLCs Pay Taxes in Michigan?
No, LLCs don't pay taxes in Michigan. Instead, LLC owners report taxes on their personal tax returns.
Our Verdict
After diving deep into the world of LLC services in Michigan, I've come to a clear conclusion. ZenBusiness stands out as the top choice, and we can vouch for their excellence.
Their range of packages, tailored to fit any budget, made the process of forming our LLC smooth and stress-free.
What really impressed us was their quick filing time and their customer support which was always there when we needed them, even on weekends. The peace of mind that came with their 60-day money-back guarantee was the cherry on top.
In short, ZenBusiness combines affordability, efficiency, and excellent customer care, making them my top recommendation for anyone looking to start an LLC in Michigan.
