4 Best LLC Services in New Jersey (2024) For Your Startup
New Jersey is home to many LLC formation services that offer a wide range of package options to assist you in setting up your business easily.
As a seasoned entrepreneur and business consultant, I have helped numerous clients set up their LLCs and navigate complex legal requirements.
To help you make the right decision, I collaborated with other Venture Smarter legal experts, ensuring a broad spectrum of insights and expertise.
Together, we have meticulously researched and tested each service to provide a detailed comparison and ranking based on their service features, pricing, and efficiency in turnaround times.
In this article, we’ll review the 4 best-registered agents you can work with in New Jersey.
| 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) |
ZenBusinessTop 4 New Jersey LLC Services (October 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Starter package at $0 + state fees.
- Fast filing option available.
- 100% accuracy guarantee.
- Worry-Free Compliance for peace of mind.
- Operating Agreement included.
- Employer ID Number (EIN) service available.
- Higher packages can be expensive for startups.
- Not all features necessary for every business.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs needing comprehensive startup tools
Who is it not for?
- Those seeking the cheapest bare-bones formation only
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers a full suite of services for ease of LLC formation and management, ideal for those valuing thorough assistance and comprehensive features. Its user-friendly platform and wide range of service options make it a top choice for new business owners.
ZenBusiness was best overall LLC service provider for New Jersey businesses, offering a blend of customizable packages, exceptional customer service, and a user-friendly experience.
Their service simplifies the process of starting a Limited Liability Company in New Jersey, making it accessible and straightforward.
We were impressed with ZenBusiness's customer service and transparent package offerings, enriched with features like an EIN.
Their commitment to client satisfaction was evident in every interaction. We found their user-centric design to be a major advantage, ensuring a swift LLC filing process that took just 10-12 minutes.
Our LLC was ratified in a mere four days, and we were provided with a comprehensive New Business Kit.
Throughout our LLC formation process, we reached out to their help desk multiple times, from Monday through Sunday. Each time, we received quality and timely responses, reflecting their dedication to customer service.
This level of support was not just limited to the initial stages; their billing structure also demonstrated a clear commitment to their clients.
"ZenBusiness has recently introduced an automated "chat" formation process, which involves engaging in a simulated conversation with a robot to collect all the necessary information for your Articles of Organization."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter LLC Creation Package ($0 + $130 State Fee): The base LLC formation service plan offers a comprehensive package for establishing a new LLC. This includes New Jersey LLC name searches, the organization articles of filing packet, a website builder, a certificate of formation issued by the state of New Jersey Department of State, and standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks). You'll also get a 100% accuracy guarantee and optional worry-free compliance with a 1-month free trial and renewal at $199/year. Enhance your experience with a 1-month free trial of banking and bank account services at $5/month each. Plus, the Money Pro Bookkeeping and Website Builder come with 1-month free trials, followed by $30/month and $15/month respectively.
- Pro LLC Package ($199 + $130 State Fee): Everything from the Starter package is included in this Pro LLC formation service package, an EIN, LLC operating agreement template ($99) to help you create your operation manual, along with the fastest rush filling speed (1 to 2 business days) and a certified company copy.
- Premium LLC Package ($349 + $130 State Fee): This New Jersey LLC formation service plan offers all of the features of the Pro service, an audit report, and business document templates. You'll also get access to business credit reports, business websites, business e-mail, and monitoring services for up to five years after your company is formed.
- New Jersey Registered Agent Service ($199): ZenBusiness's registered agent service will provide a registered agent for your company for $199, give you access to information about your company online, receive important legal notices on your company's behalf, and act as a point of contact for the government.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Privacy By Default service.
- Free mail forwarding included.
- Dedicated Corporate Guides.
- Physical address in every state.
- Instant service for urgent needs.
- Specific fees aren't listed upfront.
- May be costlier than other options.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs valuing privacy and personalized support
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for the most economical option
The Verdict
Northwest excels in providing privacy and hands-on customer service with a straightforward approach, making it perfect for those who prioritize these aspects in their business formation. It's well-suited for entrepreneurs who need more than just basic filing.
When it comes to establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in New Jersey, Northwest Registered Agent stands out as the best premium service provider.
According to Northwest Registered Agent, their company boasts over 900 employees and serves over 3 million businesses nationwide, ensuring all clients receive dedicated Corporate Guides committed to their success.
Renowned for their exceptional commitment to customer privacy and efficient service, they ensure every client's seamless and secure experience.
We appreciate the company's faster turnaround times. The initial setup process was impressively swift, taking just 9 minutes to complete.
Within a mere 72 hours, our filing was successfully processed, a testament to the company's rapid turnaround capability.
The expertise and responsiveness of their support agents significantly enhanced our experience. Their online services were straightforward and hassle-free, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.
This level of service is particularly beneficial for those who value time and seek to get their LLC operational with minimal delay.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $130 State Fee): Basic Plan may be used to form corporations and LLCs, and nonprofits and comes with articles of organization, a year of free registered agent services, an operating agreement, and both standard and expedited processing speeds available.
- Full-Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $130 State Fee): With Full Service, you get free limited mail forwarding, same-business-day filing, an operating agreement, and a client account loaded with free forms and tools in addition to the service features from the Basic Plan.
- Northwest Registered Agent Services ($125): If Northwest forms your LLC, the first year's registered agent service fee is free. Registering in all 52 jurisdictions will cost you $5,200. Expert corporate guides, free mail forwarding, and privacy are all included by default.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Formation starts at $0 + state fees.
- Simple pricing with no hidden fees.
- Free first year Registered Agent.
- Free Compliance Reminders service.
- Additional services may increase costs.
- Limited customization for free packages.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious entrepreneurs starting a business
Who is it not for?
- Those needing extensive ongoing business services
The Verdict
Bizee is most appealing for its affordability and ease of use, perfect for first-time entrepreneurs who need a straightforward LLC formation without additional frills. It's best for those who can manage on minimal support after the initial setup.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) stands out as the most affordable and reliable choice for LLC formation and registered agent services in New Jersey.
Since 2004, their expertise has led to the successful formation of over 800,000 companies, a testament to their trusted and efficient service, according to their website.
They excel not only in affordability but also in personalized guidance, helping clients select the ideal business structure tailored to their specific needs. Bizee's team takes charge of all paperwork and filings, ensuring a smooth and worry-free process.
Our personal experience with Bizee reflects their commitment to excellence. They provided us with insightful advice on the best business structure for our requirements and seamlessly managed all the paperwork and filings.
Their hands-on approach and dedication to client satisfaction made our LLC formation journey effortless and successful.
Bizee also maintains your contact details so you can concentrate on running your business.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $130 State Fee): Silver Package includes LLC services such as preparing & filing the articles of organization, free registered agent service for the full year, unlimited name searches, and phone and email support.
- Gold Package ($199 + $130 State Fee): In addition to the previous plan, in New Jersey Gold Package you get EIN Business Tax Number, IRS Form 2553, operating agreement, banking resolution, lifetime company alerts, online access dashboard, business banking account, and business tax consultation.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $130 State Fee): This plan has all the New Jersey Gold Package plus business contract templates, a domain name with business email, and free next-day filing.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): It is free for the first year if made with an LLC formation package. After that first year, the renewal will be $119 per year for Agent Services. It comes with a personalized dashboard where you can access your documents online.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Preliminary name check ensures availability.
- Peace of mind with legal help.
- Registered Agent Services available.
- Additional services may increase costs.
- Higher plans can be expensive for startups.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those looking for a blend of DIY options and professional support
Who is it not for?
- Entrepreneurs who need advanced, industry-specific solutions
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers a reliable and versatile platform that suits a wide range of business needs, from simple to complex, with options for legal support. It's ideal for those who anticipate needing varying levels of guidance throughout their business journey.
In the bustling business landscape of New Jersey, LegalZoom emerges as a beacon for entrepreneurs seeking the best essentials in LLC services.
Founded by two visionary attorneys, LegalZoom has carved a niche for itself, offering affordable and user-friendly solutions that resonate deeply with the needs of small startups.
When starting our small business, we turned to LegalZoom precisely because of its affordable legal services.
Their step-by-step guidance transformed what we anticipated to be a complex process into a seamless and efficient journey. The ease and clarity with which they handled every aspect of our business setup were truly remarkable.
Their popularity in New Jersey is well-deserved, and I highly recommend LegalZoom to other small startups.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $130 State Fee): With the Basic New Jersey LLC service package, you'll get a name search service, a customizable website from Wix, articles of organization, and a digital LLC welcome packet.
- Pro Package ($249 + $130 State Fee): This LLC services bundle includes all the Basic package features. Additionally, you'll enjoy comprehensive guidelines on business licensing matters, initial tax and insurance consultations from a professional, and an operating agreement and EIN.
- Premium Package ($299 + $130 State Fee): This LLC services bundle includes everything offered by the Pro package, plus 30 minutes of countless attorney consultations regarding new legal topics and applied changes to your formation documents within 3 months the of initial subscription.
- Registered Agent Services ($299): If you choose to establish your business with LegalZoom, the registered agent will cost you $249 for the first year. Afterward, extending would cost $299.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to choosing the best LLC formation service for your New Jersey business, my extensive expertise and hands-on experience in the industry render me a reliable advisor.
As the CEO, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter, I've devoted over nine years to aiding startups and seasoned enterprises alike, steering them towards scalable growth and navigating the complexities of legal and operational frameworks. My professional journey is rooted in robust business management education, augmented by a spectrum of industry-specific certifications.
Throughout my tenure, I've collaborated closely with numerous LLC formation services, contributing significantly to the operational triumphs of a diverse range of clients. This breadth of experience offers me a holistic view of what New Jersey businesses require from their LLC service providers.
Thus, when I suggest ZenBusiness as the optimal choice for your LLC formation needs in New Jersey, it's based on a combination of in-depth professional knowledge and a history of positive client outcomes.
My commitment to your success is fortified by a lengthy track record of assisting businesses in achieving their goals, making my recommendation of ZenBusiness not just advice, but a testament of trust built on years of validated support.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In New Jersey
In Venture Smarter comprehensive review process, we meticulously evaluated many LLC service providers in New Jersey. Our approach involved thoroughly examining various aspects to ensure a well-rounded assessment.
We conducted an extensive analysis of numerous LLC services available in New Jersey. This deep dive into the market allowed us to understand the diverse offerings and identify the top contenders.
Our evaluation focused on several critical factors, including pricing structures, the range of services offered, the reputation and reliability of each provider, user experience, local expertise, turnaround times, and the quality of customer support.
This multi-faceted approach ensured a balanced and comprehensive review.
1. Pricing
Price plays a pivotal role in selecting an LLC service, as it directly impacts the affordability and value for entrepreneurs.
We analyzed the cost structure of each LLC service, including base fees and additional charges. We simulated the registration of different types of LLCs to gauge the actual expenses involved.
Most LLC services in New Jersey have a price range that varies based on the features they offer. While some might offer basic services at a lower cost, others might charge a premium for additional features.
We focused on those services that provide the best value for money, ensuring that you get top-notch services without breaking the bank.
ZenBusiness and Bizee lead with their free base packages, offering great value for startups.
Northwest Registered Agent's low-cost plan at an impressive price of $39, with added benefits like a free registered agent for a year, made it an attractive option.
2. Reliability and Reputation
The reliability and reputation of an LLC service are fundamental, as they reflect the provider's track record and client satisfaction levels.
We examined customer feedback from various platforms and verified client testimonials. We also considered the history and track record of each service in delivering on their promises without errors or legal mishaps.
ZenBusiness garnered outstanding customer feedback for its LLC formation services.
With over two decades of experience, Northwest Registered Agent has also built a reputation for prioritizing customer privacy and providing efficient service.
3. Local Expertise
Local expertise is vital for complying with state-specific laws and regulations. Services with a deep understanding of New Jersey's legal landscape can provide more tailored and effective assistance.
This is crucial for businesses to operate legally and efficiently within their state.
We evaluated each service’s knowledge and experience with New Jersey-specific business laws and requirements. This involved checking the accuracy of the information provided against state resources and consulting with local business experts.
Both ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent demonstrate a strong understanding of New Jersey's legal landscape.
4. Services Offered (Included and Additional)
The breadth of services offered, both included and additional, is crucial as it determines how well an LLC service can cater to the varied needs of different businesses.
The best LLC services should offer more than just the basics. This ensures that once you've set up your LLC, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the nitty-gritty details.
From providing registered agent services to ensuring compliance with state regulations, we looked for companies that offer a comprehensive package.
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom stood out for their extensive range of services, catering to both basic and advanced LLC formation needs.
5. Ease of Use
Ease of use is a critical factor, especially for new entrepreneurs. A user-friendly platform simplifies the LLC formation process, making it more accessible.
ZenBusiness topped the criteria by offering a user-centric design that ensures a quick and straightforward filing process. Their platform's intuitive navigation and clear instructions cater to users of all levels of technical expertise.
6. Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is a crucial aspect of LLC services, as it determines how quickly a business can transition from planning to operation.
For entrepreneurs eager to launch their ventures, a swift and efficient service can significantly accelerate their market entry.
ZenBusiness offers scored high due to its fast filing process with quick LLC ratification. Their user-centric design guarantees a brisk filing process, typically taking about 10-12 minutes.
We also noted Northwest Registered Agent's impressive 72-hour turnaround time.
7. Customer Support
Quality customer support is essential for addressing queries and guiding clients through the LLC formation process. We evaluated the responsiveness and availability of support channels among different providers.
ZenBusiness excels in customer support with its responsive service and wide availability. Northwest Registered Agent also receives praise for its efficient service.
Bizee and LegalZoom are recognized for their customer service and guidance, respectively, but lack detailed structure in their support responsiveness and nature.
Steps to creating an LLC in New Jersey
Here's a quick overview of the steps you'll need to take to form your LLC in New Jersey:
- Step 1: Get a name for your LLC in New Jersey
- Step 2: Hire a New Jersey registered agent
- Step 3: Draft the articles of incorporation
- Step 4: Draft all your operating agreements
- Step 5: Obtain an EIN for your business account
FAQs
Is It Good To Form an LLC in New Jersey?
Yes, it is good to form an LLC in New Jersey. It has lower taxes than many states and no corporate income tax, so it's an attractive location for businesses that want to minimize their tax liability.
What Is the Total Cost of Starting a New Jersey LLC?
The total cost of starting a New Jersey LLC is between $200 to $300. There are no annual fees or franchise taxes. You will also need to register with the Department of Revenue Services and pay $100 in annual tax returns.
Venture Smarter Verdict On The Best LLC Service New Jersey
New Jersey LLC formation services vary widely in terms of cost and service level.
After diving deep into various New Jersey LLC formation services, I've found that ZenBusiness truly stands out.
I was particularly impressed by their affordable plans and comprehensive packages, which included everything from New Jersey LLC name searches to a handy agreement template.
What really sealed the deal for me was their exceptional customer support. I remember reaching out to them on a weekend and getting prompt guidance.
If you're starting up in New Jersey, going with ZenBusiness is a decision you won't regret.
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