5 Best LLC Services in South Dakota (2024) For Your Startup
If you own a business in South Dakota, working with an LLC service supplier is crucial to help you deal with legal paperwork and ensure the protection of your company.
With the numerous service providers on the market today, hiring the best one that makes the grade and perfectly fits your business entity is daunting.
Having been in the LLC formation industry for more than 6 years, I tested some of the best LLC services in South Dakota to get you off the ground.
To give you a better preview, I also sought expert advice from Venture Smarter legal team and rounded these services based on their key service features, document delivery, and pricing structures.
| 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) |
| LegalZoom | 3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
ZenBusiness5 Best LLC Formation Services in South Dakota (September 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- $0 starter package, easing business launch.
- 100% accuracy guarantee, ensuring peace of mind.
- Worry-Free Compliance keeps you on track.
- Fastest filing speed for urgent needs.
- Free EIN with certain packages, saving time and money.
- Business website builder included, enhancing online presence.
- Premium pricing for advanced features.
- Compliance service renews at $199/yr, a hidden cost.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs looking for a quick and affordable LLC setup with ongoing compliance support.
Who is it not for?
- Those needing highly tailored or niche industry-specific services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness provides a user-friendly, efficient service with a variety of packages to suit different needs. It’s ideal for those who want a balance of price, features, and ease of use.
ZenBusiness has rapidly established itself as a top contender in the online registration service industry, renowned for its reliability and user-friendly approach.
According to Trustpilot, ZenBusiness is rated 'Excellent' with a score of 4.8 out of 5, based on 14,362 customer reviews as of 2023, demonstrating high levels of customer satisfaction and trust in their services.
Offering a range of customized packages, ZenBusiness caters to various business needs, ensuring a positive user experience throughout.
It provides the most crucial aspects, including the preparation and submission of formation documents, and reliable customer assistance.
ZenBusiness has redefined the LLC formation experience. Their user-optimized platform ensures a seamless 10-12-minute filing.
ZenBusiness provides a wide array of formation packages that are billed annually and renewed at a consistent rate each year.
In our experience, their customer support was superb and helped us clear out all legal doubts. We could reach them via email and phone, and their response was always prompt.
Their commitment to clients, especially in billing, is exemplary.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $150 State Fee): The Starter Formation Package is an excellent choice for LLC formation. It includes affordable LLC filing (standard filing speed of 2-3 weeks), a month's free trial of banking, bookkeeping, and website building for online presence. Also, enjoy worry-free compliance assistance for a full year. If a deadline is missed, it helps regain compliance. After a year, the service costs $199/year.
- Pro Package ($199 + $150 State Fee): The Pro Package enhances Starter features with a rapid ''rush'' filing (1-2 business days), making it ideal for urgent business formation. It includes EIN filing and a $99 LLC operating agreement template to outline ownership, procedures, and ensure legal protection for LLC members.
- Premium Package ($349 + $150 State Fee): Premium Package offers everything from the lower bundles plus domain registration, domain privacy, and website email address for full online professional presence. This package covers business document templates ensure accuracy and quality, aiding in maintaining branding.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): As your agent, they'll receive legal documents like service of process on your behalf. You can renew this service yearly at the same standard rate.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Free mail forwarding streamlines communication.
- Dedicated Corporate Guides provide expert support.
- Instant service for urgent business needs.
- Free website domain enhances online presence.
- Privacy protection with business address use.
- Premium pricing for comprehensive privacy.
- Domain and hosting renewals may be costly.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Business owners who prioritize privacy and personalized customer service.
Who is it not for?
- Price-sensitive entrepreneurs who may find cheaper options elsewhere.
The Verdict
NorthWest Registered Agent offers exceptional privacy protections and customer support, making it suitable for businesses that value personal service and data security.
Northwest Registered Agent is a reputable LLC service provider, frequently commended for their excellent customer service and highly skilled team.
The starting price costs $39 and includes a free registered agent service for an entire year. We were amazed to see how fast they processed our orders.
We spent only 9 minutes on the initial filing, and in a swift 72 hours, everything was finalized despite our 5-day selection. Their team's responsiveness and support were very good.
Northwest Registered Agent had the quickest response time among all the LLC service providers we evaluated.
Their knowledgeable customer support team guided us through each stage of the business formation process.
We also discovered that their online platform was easy to use, featuring intuitive navigation and commands.
Another great thing about the LLC formation service is its solid privacy system that keeps our critical business information from unauthorized access.
"Northwest is renowned for its outstanding customer support and extensive LLC formation expertise, with knowledgeable representatives dedicated to assistance rather than sales."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $150 State Fee): You can use the Basic Plan to start either corporations, LLCs, or nonprofits. It has included the articles of organization, an operating agreement, and the first year of the registered agent service.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $150 State Fee): With Full Service, you will get free limited mail forwarding, a working agreement, same-business-day filing, 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): The first year's registered agent service fee is free of charge if you open your LLC with Northwest. Afterward, a $125 yearly plan. Professional corporate guidance, privacy, and free mail forwarding are all provided.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- $0 startup cost plus state fees, easing business launch.
- User-friendly website streamlines setup process.
- Free first-year registered agent service.
- Fast filing speeds for quick business formation.
- Comprehensive packages for different business needs.
- Additional services may incur high fees.
- Limited customization for complex business needs.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- First-time entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for cost-effective LLC formation and basic registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Those who need more hands-on business consulting and legal services.
The Verdict
IncFile is noted for its ease of use and low entry cost, making it ideal for newcomers to business formation who want a straightforward start without large initial expenses.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is one of the most economical options, which offers a free creation bundle that needs you to pay your state charge.
Every Bizee creation package comes with a full year of registered agent service.
Bizee also receives strong consumer feedback. They keep up high average rankings and have thousands of internet reviews.
Additionally, we appreciate its customer service department for its quick response time. We received prompt and detailed answers to all our questions about filing procedures.
Bizee is known for its outstanding service and affordability; however, during our experience with them, we noticed they often tried to upsell additional services.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $150 State Fee): Bizee Silver Package includes drafting & submitting the articles of organization, free South Dakota registered agent service for a full year, unlimited business name searches, and phone, and email support.
- Gold Package ($199 + $150 State Fee): In addition to the previous plan, in Gold Package you get: EIN Business Tax Number, IRS Form 2553, operating contracts, lifetime company alerts, banking resolution, access to an online dashboard, business banking account, and business tax-consultation.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $150 State Fee): This plan has all the Gold Package plus a domain name with free business email, free next-day filing, and many business contract templates.
- 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 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Free 7-day trial, exploring services without initial cost.
- Unlimited legal documents, catering to various needs.
- Electronic signing and storage, streamlining document handling.
- Access to real lawyers for questions, ensuring professional advice.
- Complex cases may require additional fees.
- In-depth consultations might incur extra costs.
- Full legal representation not included.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs who want legal services bundled with LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for the lowest-cost formation without additional legal services.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer is great for businesses that may require ongoing legal consultation, offering a comprehensive service that combines LLC setup with legal support.
Rocket Lawyer is a legal service that provides users with access to a variety of pre-formatted legal papers as well as other high-quality legal services.
When evaluating service providers, we found Rocket Lawyer has a great personalized customer support system.
We were able to talk directly with an attorney who personally walked us through the challenges we had with our LLC.
We are pleased that the company gives a 7-day free trial time for you to test out their value-added services if you are hesitant about their membership.
However, keep in mind that this trial only allows you limited access to the majority of their services.
Also, after subscribing to the free trial, remember to cancel the subscription to avoid an automatic charge to your credit card.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Standard LLC Formation Package ($99.99 + $150 State Fee / Free with $39.99 per month membership) If you opt for the Standard Package membership, you can benefit from free legal documents, LLC formation services, free attorney services, and 25% off registered agent service.
- South Dakota Registered Agent Service ($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
5 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- LLC plans start at $0 + filing fees, making startup affordable.
- Preliminary name check ensures business name availability.
- Straightforward process for business formation.
- Additional services and state fees can add up.
- Full legal representation not included in basic packages.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small to medium-sized business owners looking for a range of legal services alongside LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Entrepreneurs looking for the most budget-friendly LLC service.
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers a wide range of services and has a solid reputation, which makes it a reliable choice for businesses that also need legal services and are willing to pay a bit more for quality.
Being a one-stop online shop for legal services, LegalZoom offers extensive legal services that have helped over 4 million businesses so far.
LegalZoom gives you access to a half-hour session with an expert lawyer with the Business Advisory Program.
You can benefit from the 25% discount if you hire one of their lawyers for continuing legal concerns, according to LegalZoom's service descriptions and client agreements.
Although LegalZoom comes at a much higher price than the companies on this list, it still provides exclusive features like Deluxe Organizers and Peace of Mind Review.
We value the extensive array of services LegalZoom provides, with their registered agent service being a notable highlight.
This feature enables you to establish your business hours, ensures privacy protection, and helps prevent fines.
Nonetheless, it is important to mention that we found their business formation plans relatively costly and somewhat lacking in certain registered agent services offered by competitors.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0+ $150 State Fee): Get unrestricted name search and business entity filing, welcoming digital LLC packet, a customizable website supported by Wix, and articles of organization.
- Pro Package ($249 + $150 State Fee): Get all Basic package features plus consultation for tax savings and insurance, an operating agreement, a detailed guide on business licensing, and an EIN.
- Premium Package ($299 + $150 State Fee): Get all services in Basic and Pro packages, plus a firsthand guide from an experienced South Dakota state attorney. You'll also enjoy countless consultations from a business attorney for 30 minutes, and all your formation document changes will be handled within 90 days of the initial subscription.
- Registered Agent Services ($299): If you decide to employ LegalZoom to incorporate your startup, the registered agent will cost you $249 for the initial year's use. After that, it'd cost $299 to renew.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to choosing the ideal LLC formation service for your South Dakota business, my extensive experience and hands-on approach in the industry lend credibility to my recommendations.
As the CEO, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter, I have spent over nine years guiding startups and mature businesses through the complexities of growth and legal compliance. My background is rooted in a strong academic understanding of business management, enhanced by a series of professional certifications in the field.
Over the years, I have collaborated with numerous LLC service providers, directly impacting the success and legal compliance of a diverse range of clients. This experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of what businesses truly need from an LLC formation service.
Thus, when I suggest ZenBusiness as the optimal choice for your LLC formation needs in South Dakota, it is based on a combination of professional judgment and positive client outcomes.
My commitment to your success is backed by a history of assisting companies in achieving their goals, making my recommendation of ZenBusiness a reliable and trustworthy one.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In South Dakota
In Venture Smarter search for the best LLC services in South Dakota, we extensively analyzed a wide range of providers. Our strategy included a detailed review of many companies for a thorough assessment.
We evaluated more than 20 distinct LLC services, using anonymous testing methods to authentically gauge their performance.
This technique enabled us to experience their offerings directly and seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable about the business environment in South Dakota.
Here's a brief description of our criteria for selecting these best South Dakota LLC services.
1. Service Features
When assessing service providers, one of the most important factors we value is their service characteristics.
This is significant since some providers provide pricey packages with constrained service features.
We evaluated each LLC service by registering three distinct types of businesses in South Dakota, assessing the comprehensiveness of each package, including legal document templates, EIN registration, and operating agreements.
ZenBusiness offers a range of packages that include crucial aspects like LLC formation and compliance adherence.
Northwest Registered Agent provides personalized services tailored to specific requirements.
While offering a broad spectrum of legal services, LegalZoom's business formation plans are relatively costly and somewhat lacking in specific registered agent services competitors offer.
2. Turnaround Times
Turnaround time is critical for businesses that need to start operations quickly.
We filed identical LLC applications through each service on the same day and recorded the exact time taken from submission to state approval, comparing these against advertised times
After that, we evaluated and graded services with shorter lead times (one to seven business days).
Northwest Registered Agent demonstrated the quickest response time among the evaluated services. They processed orders within 72 hours, even for selections with longer expected times.
We identified Bizee for its quick 1-day turnaround, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing fast service.
3. Pricing
Price is a critical factor in choosing an LLC service because it directly affects the affordability and overall value for the customer.
After subscribing to the different packages offered by top LLC services in South Dakota, we proceeded to rank these five as they offered the most value for money.
IncFile stands out for those seeking the most cost-effective solution, while LegalZoom and ZenBusiness offer great value with their free basic packages.
With its slightly higher price point, Northwest still presents a compelling offer due to the inclusion of a registered agent service.
4. Customer Support
Customer support is a pivotal aspect of LLC services as it directly impacts the client experience.
Effective support ensures clients receive timely assistance, guidance, and clarification on complex legal and procedural matters.
We contacted all the help desk teams of all LLC formation services in this list by mail, chat, and phone.
Northwest Registered Agent stands out with the quickest response time. ZenBusiness also receives praise for its prompt and helpful customer support.
While not explicitly mentioned as underperforming, LegalZoom's customer support might not be as accessible or responsive as the top performers.
5. Reliability and Reputation
A company's reliability and reputation are vital for trust and confidence in their services.
High ratings and positive reviews generally indicate a reliable and reputable service provider, while lower ratings and negative reviews can be red flags.
In our analysis, we looked at ratings and reviews on platforms like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and Better Business Bureau to gauge these companies' trustworthiness and quality of service.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent are highlighted for their positive user experiences and reliable services.
6. Ease of Use
Ease of use of an LLC service's online platform is important for a smooth and efficient formation process.
It reduces the time and effort required to navigate the service, submit necessary documents, and understand the various steps in forming an LLC.
We noted ZenBusiness for its user-optimized platform, ensuring a seamless filing experience.
Northwest Registered Agent also had a user-friendly online platform featuring intuitive navigation and commands, making the process straightforward for users.
7. Local Expertise
Local expertise is crucial for understanding state-specific laws and regulations, ensuring compliance, and effectively handling legal requirements.
During our research, we looked at various services and experience in dealing with various state regulations, which suggests familiarity with state-specific laws and requirements.
From our analysis, ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent understand local requirements well.
Related Articles:
- Dissolving an LLC in South Dakota
- Looking Up an LLC in South Dakota
- How Much Does It Cost to Get an LLC in South Dakota
Steps to creating an LLC in South Dakota
Here's a rundown of the seven steps you need to follow to create your LLC in South Dakota:
- Step 1: Do multiple name searches for your LLC in South Dakota
- Step 2: Look for a South Dakota registered agent
- Step 3: File the South Dakota Formation Certificate
- Step 4: Construct an Operating Agreement for your South Dakota LLC
- Step 5: Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Step 6: Choose the type of your South Dakota LLC
- Step 7: File your South Dakota LLC annual report
FAQs
How Long Is the LLC Formation Process in South Dakota?
The LLC formation process in South Dakota is around 3-5 working days by mail. However, online filings for South Dakota are instantly accepted because you can access and download the documents immediately after you complete the process.
What Is the Total Cost of Forming a South Dakota LLC?
The total cost of forming a South Dakota LLC is around $150. This is the cost of submitting the articles of organization with the South Dakota Secretary of State. If submitted by mail, there is an extra filing cost of $15. For $25, you can reserve the name of your LLC with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Do I Need a Business Formation Service in South Dakota?
Yes, you need a business formation service in South Dakota if you want to have a worry-free compliance filing process and be in the right standing with the Secretary of State. Although it’s not a must to have your LLC when starting your business, you can commence the LLC formation process later on when running your startup.
Venture Smarter Verdict On The Best LLC Formation Service in South Dakota
Many LLC formation service providers can incorporate your LLC, but only a selected few provide premium quality LLC service in South Dakota.
For a well-rounded, affordable LLC formation service, ZenBusiness may be your best option. ZenBusiness is the ideal company if you’re looking for high-quality customer service and one of the best service values.
ZenBusiness offered us inexpensive LLC creation services with one of the quickest response times in the industry.
Thanks to their quick application process and first-rate customer support team, you'll have the resources to start your firm and be operational in no time.
Venture Smarter #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
- $0 starter package, easing business launch.
- 100% accuracy guarantee, ensuring peace of mind.
- Worry-Free Compliance keeps you on track.
- Fastest filing speed for urgent needs.
- Free EIN with certain packages, saving time and money.
- Business website builder included, enhancing online presence.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Premium pricing for advanced features.
- Compliance service renews at $199/yr, a hidden cost.
