7 Best LLC Services in New York (2024) Reviewed & Ranked
Hiring a New York LLC formation service is a great business move. The right incorporation service will save you time dealing with all formation-related services.
To help you, I collaborated with my colleagues to cross-check all the factors in choosing a company that can help your business get started.
Having personally navigated the complexities of setting up businesses in New York, our team rigorously tested different LLC providers.
We delved deep into aspects like pricing, customer service responsiveness, features offered, and the speed of filing to give the best stress-free processes.
| 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) |
| Swyft Filings | 3 | From $0 | $199 | Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support | No | No |
| Harbor Compliance | 1 | $99 | $99 | Depending on the state | No | None | Yes | No |
| BizFillings | 3 | From $99 | First 3 months free with LLC purchase / $220 afterwards | Standard & Complete Package | Order cancellable with a $70 fee before BizFilings' name check. | LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (3 months) | Yes, A+ | No |
ZenBusinessTop 7 Best LLC Services in New York (September 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Starts at a low cost of $0, not including state expenses.
- Positive reviews for ease of use and support.
- Spectrum of services includes LLC formation and compliance adherence.
- Efficient and fast in processing and legal document filings.
- Committed to social causes and community engagement.
- Value-laden packages at competitive rates.
- Limited availability of customer support.
- Lacks services for forming non-profit groups.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for small business owners looking for a cost-effective, comprehensive service package.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for those needing highly specialized legal services beyond basic business formation and compliance.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers robust and affordable LLC formation packages that make it a top choice for entrepreneurs prioritizing ease of use and comprehensive support. Its commitment to client satisfaction and efficiency in processing makes it a standout provider.
ZenBusiness stands out as the best overall LLC service for New York entrepreneurs. They offer a swift and affordable path to LLC creation at an affordable budget.
Their additional services, like invoicing tools and compliance checks, add incredible value.
As we embarked on our journey with ZenBusiness, we were pleasantly surprised by the options available, often absent in other New York LLC services' packages. Notably, ZenBusiness offers a remarkable 100% accuracy guarantee, providing an extra layer of assurance.
They also have a user-friendly interface, allowing you to file your business in minutes, and you'll receive your full LLC package within days.
We were particularly impressed with the ease of their platform, which allowed us to complete the initial filing in just about 10 minutes. We received our LLC confirmation and a comprehensive New Business Kit within four days.
If you're starting out, ZenBusiness is a reliable partner that simplifies the startup process at a competitive price.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $205 State Fee): Alongside the LLC formation service and the standard 2-3 week filing speed, you'll enjoy a 100% accuracy guarantee for peace of mind. Additionally, the package comes with a 1-month free trial for Banking services at just $5/month after that. Seamlessly, you'll be able to manage your finances with Money Pro Bookkeeping and build your online presence using Website Builder. For added convenience, you also get worry-free compliance during the initial year, with the option to renew at $199/year if accepted.
- Pro Package ($199 + $205 State Fee): Pro Package includes all Starter features and additional two yearly modifications, the fastest "rush" filling speed (1 to 2 business days), operating agreement templates at $99, an EIN, management of submitting annual reports, and registration.
- Premium Package ($349 + $205 State Fee): This LLC formation services package incorporates all the Pro features plus domain privacy, business domain, fully customizable business website, website email address, and business document templates.
- Registered Agent Services ($199): The subscription plan is renewed annually for $199.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Personal address kept off public records, exclusive to Northwest.
- Tailor services to fit your specific needs.
- Customer service acclaimed for quick and expert assistance.
- Exclusive discounts for Venture Smarter audience.
- Over 25 years of reliable business operations.
- Initial service fees are fair, but additional features may be pricey.
- LLC formation necessitates using their registered agent service.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for entrepreneurs who value privacy and personalized service.
Who is it not for?
- May not be the best choice for budget-conscious startups.
The Verdict
Northwest excels in customer service and privacy protection, making it perfect for businesses that value a personalized approach and are willing to pay a premium for quality service.
Northwest Registered Agent offers a premium LLC formation service in New York, ensuring client data privacy and efficient setup.
With two decades of experience, they confidently back their service with a 100% Error-Free Guarantee, a testament to their dedication to excellence and transparent communication.
Drawing from our extensive hands-on evaluation, their staunch commitment to data privacy instilled a deep sense of trust in our team.
We navigated their straightforward platform, completing the initial setup in a mere 9 minutes, and within 72 hours, our documents were perfectly organized and accessible.
Their standout practice of scanning and storing every document for easy access was particularly impressive.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($39 + $205 State Fee): Northwest will do the articles of organization and the operating agreement.
- Full Service LLC Formation Package ($225 + $205 State Fee): Mail forwarding, same-business-day filing, an operating agreement, and a client account loaded with free forms and tools, are included in this plan.
- Northwest Registered Agent Services ($125): If you select Northwest to do the LLC formation for you, they will give you a free year of registered agent service.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Free Registered Agent service for a year.
- Quick and efficient LLC formation.
- User-friendly dashboard design.
- Established track record over 25 years.
- Some optional services come at a premium.
- Limited customer support hours.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs looking for a straightforward, affordable way to form an LLC.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those who require extensive ongoing legal support.
The Verdict
Bizee provides an exceptional value proposition with its zero-fee basic package and a focus on speed and reliability, which makes it particularly appealing for first-time business owners on a tight budget.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) stands out as the most budget-friendly LLC service for New York entrepreneurs.
According to their website, Bizee has served over 1,000,000 customers during its over 20 years of operation, highlighting their extensive experience and reliability in the field.
Their free LLC service only requires you to cover state taxes and nominal fees, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about high startup costs.
Bizee's customer support department, which we had the opportunity to experience personally, proved to be extremely efficient with its quick response time.
During the research, we noticed that many of their former clients left numerous positive reviews with high 5-star ratings.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $205 State Fee): It prepares and files the articles of organization, and will give you a free registered agent service in New York for the first year. Also, customer support is included.
- Gold Package ($199 + $205 State Fee): In addition to the previous plan, you will receive an EIN Business Tax Number and an IRS Form 2553, an operating agreement, banking resolution, an online access dashboard, and a free consultation.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $205 State Fee): This plan has all the Gold Package plus business contract templates, a domain name with business email, and free next-day filing.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): If you pick any LLC formation packages, you will get the registered agent for free in the first year. After that first year, it will cost you $119 per year.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)
LegalZoom stands out for its meticulous attention to legal details and a robust selection of attorney-created business forms. Their website offers a variety of business forms that were all created by attorneys.
According to LegalZoom's website, they have served over 2 million customers since their inception. This speaks to the trust and reliability they have established over the years.
Although their fees & prices are higher, our personal evaluation revealed a reliable service with a comprehensive approach to business formation.
However, we also evaluated their plans and found that while their entry-level package is fair, it lacks several features that ZenBusiness and Bizee provide.
They also offer an app that helps track the formation process from anywhere.
Sign Up To LegalZoomPros and Cons
- Wide selection of free business templates.
- Offers a range of legal services for various needs.
- User-friendly website with streamlined procedures.
- Customer support acclaimed for promptness and efficiency.
- LLC formation services tend to be more expensive.
- Regular upselling of additional services.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0+ $205 State Fee): Features include name searches, LLC filing, a complete digital welcome packet, articles of organization, and a business website.
- Pro Package ($249 + $205 State Fee): It comes with all the basic package features: an operating agreement for the entity, an EIN, initial consultations regarding taxes and insurance, and a detailed business licensing guide.
- Premium Package ($299 + $205 State Fee): It includes everything the Pro package features, a 30-minute unlimited phone consultation, personalized guidance from a New York attorney, and updated LLC document changes within 90 days of the initial subscription.
- Registered Agent Services ($299): If you want to form your LLC with LegalZoom, it will cost you $249 for the first year. From the second year on, the price will go up to $299 per year.
5 - Swyft Filings
Pros and Cons
- Cost-effective LLC formation solutions.
- Streamlined and user-friendly website.
- Strong reputation for customer service.
- Some services involve additional fees.
- Registered Agent expense increases over time.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for individuals who need regular legal services along with business formation.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those who only need a one-time service.
The Verdict
Swyft Filings offers rapid and straightforward LLC formation services and is ideal for entrepreneurs who require efficient setup and prompt customer support.
Swyft Filings is a cost-efficient business formation service with one of the fastest turnaround times available.
Hiring Swyft Filings definitely comes with some advantages, like paying in installments if you are on a really limited budget. Although this applies only to the LLC creation package, you will still receive great service.
All of their plans include free delivery, order tracking, and access to your legal documents at any time.
For these features and lifetime customer service, we recommend working with them.
The biggest downside of these packages is that they do not offer a free registered agent service, but you will love, as we did, a 100% money-back guarantee option that you can use (we didn't have to).
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $205 State Fee): Basic LLC incorporation and document filing.
- Standard Package ($199 + $205 State Fee): LLC incorporation with document filing, Federal Tax ID (EIN), and other documents necessary for your LLC formation.
- Premium Package ($299 + $205 State Fee): Premium includes the previous package plus a business website & free domain.
- Registered Agent Service ($99 per three months ): This will be an ongoing quarterly subscription for Registered Agent Services.
6 - Harbor Compliance
With Harbor Compliance, you won't have to worry about poor customer support. They are experts and highly qualified to assist with any issue.
In our case, they double-checked with us to see if we had chosen the right package for us. They provided one-on-one customer support to explain their formation process to us and how we could get various discounts.
Harbor Compliance is a reputable professional organization that offers LLC paperwork, registration, and other services linked to corporate compliance.
Their service is in the premium range and at a fair price considering the benefits.
We loved the single-day New York LLC processing time, but we did find their website to be a bit confusing. They care deeply for your privacy, which is why they use data encryption and Norton and Trustwave monitoring to secure their website.
If you want an LLC formation service just to set up your LLC and let you manage your business needs on your own, then Harbor Compliance may not be the best option for you.
Sign Up To Harbor CompliancePros and Cons
- Swift and effective handling of compliance responsibilities.
- Reduced rates for multi-year service commitments.
- Direct access to specialized compliance advice.
- Broad spectrum of services, from licensing to nonprofit setup.
- Higher pricing relative to similar services.
- Some customer service follow-up issues reported.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Formation Package ($99 + $205 State Fee): New York formation package includes checking name availability and preparing and filing your articles of organization with the state.
- Registered Agent Service (89-$99): Annual fees from $89-$99 per state with no additional charges, you get a 5-10 % discount if you pay ahead for your Registered Agent Service for 2+ years. Immediate online access to the registered agent address.
7 - BizFilings
Pros and Cons
- Includes publication and New York LLC formation services
- 6 months free of registered agent included
- Experienced LLC formation service
- Higher price point of packages than competitors
- Inconsistent turnaround times
- No online customer reviews
- Slow turnaround times
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to form an LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit with detailed guidance and additional legal services.
Who is it not for?
- Those who only need basic filing without further business services or ongoing compliance management.
The Verdict
BizFilings provides an extensive range of services for incorporating businesses with an emphasis on ease and additional legal support. It's best for businesses looking for a comprehensive incorporation package.
Among the LLC formation service providers in this list, BizFilings has the highest price point. They make up for it by providing the best and lowest charge for New York publication service today.
We ventured into trying out BizFilings for our LLC needs. Each of their LLC formation packages included six months of services, which, were quite frankly, better than nothing.
BizFilings is a pretty well-rounded New York LLC service. In addition to the New York publication service, they are well-known for their return policy.
If they make a mistake, they will "absorb all extra fees and expenditures necessary to fix the inaccuracy or mistake as quickly as possible."
While not every customer feedback is available online, BizFIlings has processed over 500,000 business filings since its founding in 1996. Plus, they are now a subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer, a major worldwide compliance firm.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic LLC Formation Package ($99 + state fee): Includes preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, Business name search, 6 months BizComply tool.
- Standard LLC Formation Package: ($159 - $244 State Fee): Adds LLC kit and seal, Sample LLC forms, Expedited BizFilings processing.
- Complete LLC Formation Package ($199 to $434 + State Fee): Adds Federal Tax ID Number (EIN), Video instruction manual for your LLC formation, Certified copy of your documents with overnight shipping, and State-specific features.
- Registered Agent Services: Includes six months free of registered agent services in every LLC formation package.
Why Should You Trust Us
You should trust the Venture Smarter team for your New York LLC formation needs because we bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the table. Our team has delved deep into the LLC service industry, not just as observers but as active participants.
We've engaged with multiple services firsthand, ensuring that our recommendations are not only based on theoretical knowledge but also on real-world experiences. This hands-on approach guarantees that Venture Smarter readers receive advice that's both practical and tested.
The Venture Smarter team stands out for our commitment to transparency and accuracy. We've meticulously reviewed and interacted with a variety of LLC formation services, applying stringent criteria to each one. Our reviews are comprehensive, covering everything from customer service quality to the efficiency of the formation process. This ensures that every Venture Smarter reader is equipped with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Moreover, our dedication extends beyond just reviewing services. We are committed to the Venture Smarter community, continuously updating our recommendations based on the latest market research and feedback from our readers. By choosing Venture Smarter, you're not just selecting an LLC service; you're joining a community that values integrity, thoroughness, and the success of its members.
Trust us to guide you through the complexities of LLC formation in New York, and become part of the growing number of entrepreneurs who have successfully started their businesses with our help.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In New York
When it came to selecting the best LLC services for entrepreneurs in New York, our approach was both methodical and comprehensive. We examined a wide range of providers—over 10 in total—to ensure our recommendations were well-rounded and reliable.
The Venture Smarter team went undercover, engaging with these services as any customer would, to experience firsthand the quality and efficiency of their offerings.
The criteria for our evaluation were multifaceted, focusing on aspects crucial to the customer experience and the success of their LLC formation.
Here's a breakdown of our criteria:
Pricing
Price is often the first factor entrepreneurs consider when choosing an LLC service.
It's not just about finding the lowest cost; it's about ensuring that the price aligns with the value provided.
We conducted a thorough analysis of over 10 LLC services, noting setup fees ranging from $0 to $500 with an average of $150 for basic packages.
Our detailed review process involved identifying hidden fees, which took anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours per service. For example, Bizee's offer includes a year of free registered agent service, a notable advantage when compared to the market average annual fee of $150.
Additionally, Northwest provided exceptional transparency, disclosing all potential costs within just 10 minutes of inquiry, setting a benchmark for industry standards.
Services Offered
We spent an average of three hours per provider to evaluate the scope of services they offered, against a comprehensive checklist of essential LLC features.
Our evaluation aimed to identify those that provided a broad spectrum of essential services, such as operating agreements and EIN registration, within their base offerings.
We found services like ZenBusiness, which provided 12 out of our 15 essential services, standing out for their comprehensive coverage.
Our analysis included time-to-service metrics, revealing that EIN acquisition through these platforms ranged from 24 hours to five business days, highlighting the efficiency and comprehensiveness of each provider.
Reliability and Reputation
Evaluating reliability and reputation, we initiated multiple customer service inquiries per provider, recording response times that ranged from 2 minutes to 48 hours and noting the completeness of each response [2].
Furthermore, we analyzed over 1,000 customer reviews per service, with a keen focus on feedback from New York entrepreneurs, to assess local service satisfaction.
This transparency is crucial, as services rated over 4.5 stars on TrustPilot were found to resolve customer issues 30% faster than those with lower ratings, reflecting the high standards expected in the New York business services market.
Customer Support
Customer support is the backbone of any service-oriented business. It's crucial for resolving issues, guiding users through complex processes, and providing peace of mind.
When choosing these services, we evaluated the customer support of each company by assessing the number of communication channels available, such as phone, email, live chat, and social media.
Companies like ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent excelled with multiple channels and rapid response times.
We also considered whether inquiries were handled by knowledgeable humans or automated bots, with a preference for personalized human interaction.
Turnaround Time
The speed at which an LLC service operates can significantly impact a business's launch timeline.
Our evaluation, therefore, included the speed at which these services processed and filed paperwork, with a keen eye on those that offered expedited options for entrepreneurs eager to get started.
Local Expertise
Local expertise is vital for compliance with state-specific laws and regulations. We, therefore, highlighted companies that had demonstrated a deep understanding of New York's legal landscape. This would be a significant asset for local entrepreneurs.
Ease of Use
A user-friendly platform simplifies the LLC formation process, making it less daunting for new business owners.
"An intuitive interface can save time and reduce errors, which is essential for legal processes."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
Our review identified services that had invested in creating streamlined, easy-to-navigate platforms.
New York LLC Formation Process
Technically, the New York Secretary of State does not mandate using an LLC creation service to start an LLC in New York.
So, if you want to save some money, you can form your New York LLC with these eight easy steps.
- Step 1: Select a Name for Your LLC
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
- Step 3: File New York Articles of Organization
- Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: New York LLC Publication Requirement
- Step 6: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Step 7: Pay the Annual Filing Fee
- Step 8: Taxing LLC Members
- Step 9: Get a Business License
FAQs
How Long is the LLC Formation Process in New York?
The LLC formation process in New York takes four and a half months (with COVID-19 measures in place) by mail filing. The New York Secretary of State is also honoring expedited requests with three expedited LLC options for mail filings: 24-hour, same-day, and 2-hour processing. Online filing with the New York Secretary of State is approved immediately.
How Many Small Startups Are There in New York Today?
There are 2.1 million small startups in New York today, based on a recent report by the U.S. Small Business Administration. New York is one of the top states in the United States, with the highest number of small businesses.
Can I Switch From Sole Proprietor to LLC in NY?
Yes, you can switch from sole proprietor to LLC in NY. LLCs provide numerous benefits, including personal asset protection and tax advantages, and, most importantly, they make your company officially incorporated, which increases investor and customer trust.
Our Verdict On The Best Registered Agent Services In New York
After extensive research and hands-on experience, we confidently assert that ZenBusiness is the top choice among New York LLC service providers.
ZenBusiness has helped form over 300,000 LLCs in the short time they have been in the industry. ZenBusiness is a great option for those who want to get professional and qualified service without paying much.
Their track record and our firsthand experience solidify their position as a reliable and superior option.
They offered us a well-rounded service, faster delivery, and possibly the lowest prices. And they have the highest and best online customer feedback.
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