7 Best LLC Services in Pennsylvania (2023) To Work With
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania can be complex, but hiring a professional LLC formation service can make the transition much smoother.
These Pennsylvania LLC formation services can simplify the transition and allow you to save money to put back into your company.
Together with our experienced legal team, we have done the hard work for you and have identified the top 7 LLC services in Pennsylvania. Our thorough research ensures each service meets the highest quality and reliability standards.
Our main criteria for critique were features, cost, and turnaround time.
Read on to learn more about the best Pennsylvania LLC services to form your LLC.
ZenBusiness
Northwest
IncfileThe 7 Best Pennsylvania LLC Formation Services (November 2023)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
ZenBusiness uses the latest technology and automation to lower the cost of its LLC creation service. Their technology offers a customized online experience and personalized Pennsylvania LLC services.
In our experience with ZenBusiness, their LLC services phone support was fantastic.
The representative we spoke with didn’t try to upsell LLC services like other businesses but gave us the truth about which package would be best for us.
ZenBusiness also provided us with additional services beyond just LLC formation, such as a business operating agreement form and an invoicing tool.
Their platform is user-oriented, ensuring a hassle-free 10-12 minute filing. Transparent package choices, inclusive of essentials like an EIN, are commendable. My LLC was approved in just four days, and I was equipped with a New Business Kit.
Their dedication to clients is evident in their billing practices. ZenBusiness is a frontrunner in the sector, meriting my strong recommendation.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter LLC Formation ($0 + $125 State Fee): The Starter Package includes essential LLC formation features, including timely LLC filing. Standard filing speed, averaging 2-3 weeks, efficiently manages paperwork, provides accurate guidance, and ensures legal compliance. This package covers Pennsylvania name search, a website builder, 100% accuracy guarantee and optional worry-free compliance with a 1-month free trial and renewal at $199/year.
- Pro LLC Formation ($199 + $125 State Fee): The Pro Package includes all Starter features, with expedited ''rush'' filing (1-2 business days avg). Recommended for swift formation without delays, ensuring prompt operations. Obtain an EIN for tax and legal ID. Includes LLC operating agreement template ($99) to outline ownership, management, and procedures, reducing misunderstandings.
- Premium LLC Formation ($349+ $125 State Fee): The Premium option includes Starter and Pro features, along with business document templates for swift, professional documents. Document templates streamline tasks and uphold branding. For $349, receive domain privacy, business domain, fully customizable website, and website email for comprehensive online presence.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): Upon the formation of a business, the $199 annual renewal fee for the Registered Agent is deferred until the business is duly registered.
- Many personalized business formation service options
- Affordable LLC services price
- Compliance notifications
- Their customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive
- Allows you to form your business quickly
- Non-profit business formation is not provided
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Northwest Registered Agent is one of the top LLC service providers in Pennsylvania. They help thousands of business owners reach their business goals through their business formation service and the like.
They primarily offer registered agent services and are there to help you form a new business with the Pennsylvania LLC formation service package.
We found their experienced staff knowledgeable in all aspects of LLC formation and maintenance, and they provided us with the highest quality of service.
The initial filing took us only 9 minutes, and surprisingly, our filing was done in 72 hours, despite starting on a weekend and choosing a 5-day option. Their platform's user-friendliness made the process even more seamless.
We highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent for their quick turnaround times and exceptional customer service.
Their customer support is available by phone, email, or chat, and they always provide timely and helpful responses.
Although they are on the more expensive side, we believe that the quality of their services justifies the higher price.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $125 State Fee): Corporations, limited liability companies, and non-profit organizations can be established using the Basic Plan. Its features include articles of organization, one year of free registered agent service, standard or expedited processing options, and operating agreements.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $125 State Fee): In addition to the services from the Basic Plan, you'll receive free limited mail forwarding as well as an operating agreement, same-day filing, and a client account with free forms and tools.
- Northwest Registered Agent Services ($125): The first year's registered agent fee is waived if Northwest forms your LLC. A total of $5,200 will be charged for registration in all 52 jurisdictions. Besides expert corporate guidance and free forwarding, the service has privacy features.
- Reliable and secure source for setting up their business
- Provide comprehensive LLC services
- Transparent with no hidden costs
- The ultimate privacy for Pennsylvania LLC formation services
- Not as affordable as other services
3 - Incfile (Most Affordable)
Incfile is one of the most affordable and accessible ways to form your LLC in Pennsylvania.
It constantly reminded us of renewal dates to keep us compliant, and they stored our formation documents securely in case we needed to access them.
IncFile's user-friendly online order form allows for quick and easy incorporation in just a matter of minutes. They offer reliable registered agent services across Colorado, in addition to their incorporation services.
One of the main advantages of using IncFile is its convenience. We completed the entire process of forming our LLC online and IncFile made sure everything else was in good shape.
With a wide range of services, the company has been instrumental in helping over 500,000 businesses get off the ground and running.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $125 State Fee): Among the many benefits of the Silver Package are the preparation and filing of the articles of incorporation, one year of free registered agent service, free name searches, and phone and email assistance.
- Gold Package ($199 + $125 State Fee): The Gold Package offers extra advantages beyond the prior plan, such as a banking resolution, an operating agreement, lifetime company alerts, access to an online dashboard, a business bank account, business tax guidance, and an EIN Business Tax Number accompanied by IRS Form 2553.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $125 State Fee): This particular package includes everything in the Gold Package, along with a domain name, complimentary next-day filing, templates for business contracts, and a business email.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): If you create an LLC using our formation package, the first year is free. There will be an annual renewal fee of $119 for agent services after the first year. Documents can be accessed online through a custom dashboard.
- Inexpensive LLC service
- Registered agent service included in LLC formation service package
- Helped create 800,0000 businesses
- Phone and email customized support
- High upselling rate
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
Rocket Lawyer is a comprehensive legal service that has been providing quality legal services to its 25 million registered users for over a decade.
They offer legal document filing, Pennsylvania business formation, and genuine legal advice.
Rocket Lawyer's customer support center is a helpful resource that provides suggestions tailored to the type of business you operate.
We found their user interface to be intuitive and user-friendly, and their website even has an entire page dedicated to customer support, covering topics like technical assistance, membership, and launching a business online.
Rocket Lawyer has professional lawyers who can provide legal guidance while forming your Pennsylvania LLC.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Standard LLC Formation Package ($99.99 + $125 State Fee / Free with $39.99 per month membership): If you choose the Standard Package membership, you can benefit from complimentary legal documents, LLC formation services, attorney services at no charge, and a 25% discount on registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99):The annual cost of Register Agent services is $149.99, but members receive a 25% discount. Membership costs $39.99 per month.
- Intuitive platform
- 30-Day money back guarantee
- Excellent service team
- It doesn’t solely focus on the Pennsylvania LLC formation service process
- A la carte options can be pricey
5 - Swift Filings
Swift Filings is an excellent, affordable, reputable LLC formation service that will help you open your Pennsylvania LLC.
They can also give tax advice, expert consultation, and more.
We tried them out and we were particularly impressed by Swyft Filings' ComplianceGuard feature, which notifies clients of any necessary filings and deadlines to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania's Secretary of State requirements.
This tool helped us keep our business in good standing and avoid any penalties for missed deadlines or non-compliance.
With over 6 years of experience, Swift Filings has earned a reputation for providing decent customer service. They have also received numerous positive ratings and reviews from their customers.
LLC Formation Packages:
- The Basic Package ($49 + $125 State Fee): If you require a basic LLC incorporation and document filing service, this package is perfect.
- The Standard Package ($149 + $125 State Fee): Everything from the Basic Package is included. Additionally, you will receive a Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN), as well as most documents needed to start a business (including organizational minutes, an operating agreement, and a bank resolution).
- The Premium Package ($299 + $125 State Fee): Besides the Basic and Standard services, the Premium Package includes free domain and business website hosting, a customized digital corporate kit, and FedEx delivery of your approved articles with a tracking number.
- Registered Agent Service ($99 per three months): Subscriptions to the Registered Agent Service will be available every quarter.
- Same day filing
- Flexible payment options
- Comprehensive platform
- Excludes registered agent service
- Certain services are outsourced to 3rd party
6 - My Company Works
MyCompanyWorks is an experienced business formation service that has helped entrepreneurs build 60,000-plus business entities in Pennsylvania.
They provide several legal services in addition to Pennsylvania LLC formation. Their services include entity selection, document filing, and registered agent services.
MyCompanyWorks offers same-day processing for all LLC plans, regardless of whether you choose their entry-level, mid-level, or comprehensive package.
This is a great deal compared to other companies that charge varying fees based on processing time.
We were very satisfied with the quality of MyCompanyWorks' registered agent services.
They efficiently managed court documents and IRS communications, helping us stay on top of all necessary matters.
They also provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee, promising to address any customer issues or provide a refund.
To request a refund, customers must submit a written request via email within 90 days of the purchase date, return any provided documentation, and explain the reason for the return.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Formation Package ($59 + $125 State Fee): The Basic Formation Package provides quick processing on the same business day, unlimited assistance via phone or email, a check for name availability, creation and submission of articles of organization, customized operating management, setting up of a business bank account, formulation of banking resolution, online access to scanned documents, tracking of orders and updates on their status, a complimentary logo, a new guidebook for LLCs, and permanent access to the My Account Dashboard (MAD).
- Entrepreneur Formation Package ($179 + $125 State Fee): Besides everything included in the Basic Formation Package. Besides the Federal tax ID, you will also receive a year of registered agent service and MyCompanyForms lifetime forms and tax guide.
- Complete Formation Package ($259 + $125 State Fee): You will receive all of the benefits of the Entrepreneur Formation Package, along with MyCompanyWorks premium services for initial and annual reports: Annual and Initial Report Filing Service, ComplianceLock™ Alerts, Monitoring of Business Entities, E-Ledgers, E-Certificates, 5 GB Cloud Storage, Automatic Minutes and Resolutions and Priority Support are just some of the features you will receive with this package.
- Registered Agent Service ($99): Pricing begins at $99 per year for the Entrepreneur Package and the Complete Package, which includes a free first year of service.
- Fast turnaround
- Business monitoring
- Generous 90-day refund policy
- Less affordable than other plans
- Outdated web dashboard
7 - Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is another good company that offers various services to help businesses form and maintain their LLCs.
They have industry experts as a part of their staff to solve every issue.
The company's software is designed to show customers where they are registered for business and keep track of renewal deadlines.
Their website's interface is easy to navigate, and their formation package includes all the essential features you need to start an LLC in Colorado.
We put their services to the test and were impressed with their skillful management of formal communications between our business and government agencies.
This ensured that all legal requirements were fulfilled promptly.
However, it's worth noting that their formation package doesn't include any additional services.
If you require services such as publication and annual report services, minutes managers, or tax records managers, you will need to upgrade to their premium compliance package.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Formation Package ($99 + $125 State Fee): The Formation Package includes checking the availability of your preferred name and preparing and filing your articles of organization with the state.
- Registered Agent Service (89-$99): No additional charges for annual fees of $89-$99 per state. If you pay ahead for your Registered Agent Service for 2+ years, you'll get a 5-10% discount-instant online access to the registered agent's address.
- 24 hours processing time
- Comprehensive software
- A specialized Pennsylvania registered agent
- No money-back guarantee
- Expensive
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Pennsylvania
We conducted an extensive evaluation of various LLC service providers in Pennsylvania. Our team interacted anonymously with their business formation and services, leveraging the insights of an independent review team. This approach ensured that our recommendations were based on evidence and real experiences.
Our main criteria for critique were features, cost, and turnaround time. We looked for services that offered affordable pricing, exceptional customer service, and a fast processing time. Our goal was to identify services that could efficiently and cost-effectively help in forming an LLC in Pennsylvania.
1. Pricing
Understanding the pricing structure within the service features ensures that you are not surprised by hidden fees or unexpected charges. Affordable pricing is also essential for new businesses trying to minimize expenses.
In our analysis, ZenBusiness stood out with its Starter LLC Formation package at $0 plus state fees that offer unlimited name searches and worry-free compliance.
Northwest Registered Agent, although more expensive, offered comprehensive services justifying its higher price.
2. Services Offered
Assessing service features helps you evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the LLC service. You should consider the value provided by the features relative to the price you pay.
ZenBusiness provided a variety of services, including a business operating agreement form and an invoicing tool, making it a top choice.
On the other hand, some services like Harbor Compliance, while efficient, did not include additional services in their basic package.
3. Customer Support
Excellent customer support is vital for navigating the complexities of LLC formation from filing the Articles of Organization and submitting to the Secretary of State to obtaining an EIN for taxation purposes.
We evaluated the availability of different communication channels, response times, and the nature of support (human or bot).
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent excelled in this area with their responsive and helpful customer support teams that were reachable during business hours.
4. Reliability and Reputation
The reputation and reliability of an LLC service are critical factors to consider when engaging them for your business. These factors directly affect your business's legal standing, operational efficiency, and overall success.
We assessed the reliability and reputation of each service by examining user reviews and ratings on platforms like TrustPilot.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent again stood out with positive customer feedback and a strong reputation in the industry.
5. Turnaround Time
Choosing a service with quick turnaround times ensures that your business can operate efficiently and remain in good standing with state regulations.
IncFile was notable for its quick turnaround times, completing filings within the same day. Northwest also completed our filings in 72 hours.
6. Ease of Use
A less intuitive website for an LLC service can result in customer frustration, errors, decreased satisfaction, and potential negative impacts on the LLC formation process.
ZenBusiness, with its intuitive and hassle-free filing process, provided an excellent user experience. It was easy to locate the information we needed and we swiftly completed essential tasks related to forming our LLC.
Some other services like MyCompanyWorks, however, had less user-friendly interfaces that made it challenging to complete tasks efficiently, hindering the overall efficiency of the LLC formation process.
7. Local Expertise
Local expertise allows the service provider to offer tailored advice that considers the specific business environment, industry regulations, and market conditions in the state where your LLC is registered.
All seven companies in our list demonstrated strong local expertise in Pennsylvania LLC regulations from formation and compliance maintenance to dissolution.
Related Articles:
- Looking up an LLC in Pennsylvania
- Dissolving an LLC in Pennsylvania
- How Long Does It Take to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania
- How to Rename an LLC in Pennsylvania
Steps to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania
Based on my experience in setting up an LLC in Pennsylvania, there's a specific process to follow. Here are the steps I went through:
- Step 1: Select an LLC Name
- Step 2: Choose A Registered Office or Agent
- Step 3: Prepare and File the Certificate of Organization
- Step 4:Get an EIN
- Step 5: Receive A State Certificate
- Step 6: Draft An Operating Agreement
- Step 7: Comply With Employer Obligations
FAQs
Is Pennsylvania A Great State For LLCs?
Pennsylvania is a great state to form an LLC because it doesn’t require annual reporting. LLCs in Pennsylvania are only required to file a report every 10 years on years ending in 1. These reports are to update the state of changes in your business.
How Long Does It Take For My LLC To Be Approved in Pennsylvania?
It takes a few business days to a week for your LLC to be approved in Pennsylvania if you file online. Mail filings might take several weeks, depending on the current workload of the state's filing office. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to check directly with the Pennsylvania Department of State or the specific division responsible for business filings.
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a reliable Pennsylvania LLC service provider with a solid reputation and vast expertise, ZenBusiness should be at the top of your list.
Our experience with ZenBusiness was nothing but positive. From the moment we signed up for their services, their team was accommodating and ready to help us and we also found them very knowledgeable.
We were particularly impressed with how fast they were able to register our business, which only took a few days.
We highly recommend ZenBusiness LLC for Colorado businesses due to its intuitive interface. You can easily tailor a plan that meets your specific needs by choosing from a variety of ZenBusiness packages.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
- Many personalized business formation service options
- Affordable LLC services price
- Compliance notifications
- Their customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive
- Allows you to form your business quickly
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
- Non-profit business formation is not provided
