11 Cheapest LLC Filing Services (2024 Buying Guide)

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: March 1, 2024
FACT CHECKED by Lou Viveros, Growth & Transition Advisor
Methodology
We diligently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides. By interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions. Learn more

A reliable LLC service will ensure your formation and filing process with the Secretary of State is completed without difficulties. I teamed up with my legal advisors to help you hire a well-grounded LLC service and reviewed all available options across the LLC services industry. Here are the eleven cheapest business formation services that offer the most value for money to small business owners.

Company LLC Packages LLC Fees Registered Agent Price Same & Next Day Filing Money-Back Guarantee Free Package Features BBB Accredited Advisory Services
ZenBusiness
(Best Value for Money)
3 From 0$ $199 Pro & Premium Package 60 days LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee Yes Accounting Consultation
Northwest
(Best Premium Service)
1 $39 (using our link) First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year No 90 days None No, A rating No
Bizee
(Cheapest LLC Service)
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
Swyft Filings 3 From $0 $199 Premium Package 60 days LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support No No
Inc Authority 1 From $0 First year free with LLC purchase / $179 from 2nd year Yes 60 days LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1year), EIN, Express Processing, Tax Planning Consultation & more No Tax Planning Consultation
Rocket Lawyer 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)
Tailor Brands 3 From $0 $199 No 14-day refunds, then only credits. LLC Filing No No
MyCompanyWorks 3 from $59 First year free with when buying Entrepreneur & Complate Package / $99 from 2nd year Yes 90 days None Yes, A+ Trademark Consultation & 1-hour Tax Webinar
LegalZoom 3 From $0 $299 No 60 days LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website Yes, A+ rating Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan)
Harbor Compliance 1 $99 $99 Depending on the state No None Yes No
Incorp 1 From $99 $129/year ($87/year with purchase of multi-year service) Yes 60 days, minus $29 fee None Yes Yes


11 Cheapest Business Formation Services (March 2024)

1 - ZenBusiness (Best Value for Money)

Logo of ZenBusiness with a background of a woman writing down notes in front of a laptop
Support
5.0
Price
4.9
Features
5.0
Turnaround
4.9
User Rating
2000+ Reviews
Overall
5.0
Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Value for Money)?

When I first stumbled upon ZenBusiness, I was skeptical, given its relatively new presence in the industry. But after using their services, I was pleasantly surprised.

When I subscribed to ZenBusiness, I gained access to elements not generally included in the offerings of other LLC providers.

Their platform is user-oriented, facilitating a quick initial filing in 10–12 minutes. My LLC saw approval in just four days, and I was furnished with an all-inclusive New Business Kit. The dashboard is a goldmine of information, offering a clear post-filing trajectory.

As the best LLC service, it offers free invoicing software, an operating agreement template, and a slew of other products that helped us go beyond just forming an LLC.

Service Features: 

  • Starter ($0 + state fee) : This best LLC service will submit your LLC formation paperwork for $0 each year plus state filing costs. You'll also experience the convenience of standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks), a 100% accuracy guarantee, and a worry-free compliance option for the first year (renewable at $199/year). Additionally, enjoy a 1-month free trial of Banking, Bank Account, Money Pro Bookkeeping, and Website Builder, followed by affordable monthly rates. 
  • Pro ($199 + state fee) : You'll get accelerated filing speed (1-2 business days on average) for your company and the preparation, operating agreement guide ($99) and submission of EIN documentation so that you may acquire your tax ID number promptly. The package also has all Starter plan services. 
  • Premium ($349 + state fee) : This pack provides everything included in the two lower-priced options, as well as a business entity domain, webpage, email, hosting, and business document templates.
Pros
  • An array of best LLC formation services
  • Free registered agent service included in all plans
  • Free accounting consultation to assess needs
  • $150 Google Ads credits for new businesses
  • High customer satisfaction with support and efficiency
Cons
  • The brand power isn't strong
Sign Up To ZenBusiness

2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium Service)

Northwest Registered Agent Service logo with a businessman signing paperwork in the background
Support
5.0
Price
4.6
Features
4.8
Turnaround
4.9
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.8
Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium Service)?

When I first started my business journey, I turned to Northwest Registered Agent. They not only provided registered agent services but also assisted me throughout the business creation process.

This service also focuses on offering excellent customer service from representatives in the United States and guarantees never to share your information.

Northwest Registered Agent is a decent value if you only need the basics. To begin, the business charges $39 to form an LLC, and you are liable for paying any state fees that apply.

I completed the initial steps in 9 minutes, and by the 72-hour mark, everything was in place, even though I had selected a 5-day service. Their commitment to timely service was commendable.

Service Features:

  • Formation Plan ($39 + state fees) : Northwest Registered Agent forms your LLC at this standard price plus the respective state filing fees. It does include a FREE year of registered agent.
  • Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + state fees) : This plan features 24-hour business filing, a full year of registered agent service, free limited mail forwarding, an operating agreement, and a client account loaded with free forms and tools.
Pros
  • Decade-long expertise
  • Free Registered Agent service for the first year with LLC formation service
  • Provides privacy by default, allowing use of their address to keep yours off public records​
Cons
  • Some optional add-ons can be costly, such as Apostille services at $400
  • The refund and cancellation process can be tricky and requires a phone call​
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent

3 - Bizee (Cheapest LLC Service)

bizee
Support
4.9
Price
4.9
Features
4.9
Turnaround
4.8
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.9
Would you recommend Bizee (Cheapest LLC Service)?

When I was overwhelmed with the paperwork for my limited liability company, Bizee (formerly Incfile) came to the rescue. Their online legal paper drafting and filing service made the entire process so much simpler and quicker than I had anticipated.

In my experience, choosing the business to file, picking a plan, and entering my order information were simple.

Furthermore, it provides good customer support and an exceptional price; the Silver plan is free; you only pay your state filing cost. With these advantages, entrepreneurs may easily manage all aspects of business creation.

In addition to commercial services, Bizee provides many free resources and services for entrepreneurs, such as a DIY emailing course, a limited company quiz, a how-to-establish business manual, and a company operating checklist.

Service Features:

  • Silver ($0 + state fee) : Has access to live phone and email support, unlimited name searches and verifications, plus a free registered agent.
  • Gold ($199 + state fee) : Offers everything in the silver package plus EIN registration.
  • Platinum ($299 + state fee) : Offers everything in the lower tiers, unlimited support, and expedited shipping.
Pros
  • Fits every budget
  • Includes one year of free registered agent services
  • Worked with over 800,000 firms
  • Provides a free 1-hour consultation with a professional
Cons
  • Tax consultancy services may not suit complex tax situations
Sign Up To Bizee

4 - Swyft Filings

Swyftfilings logo with an office worker in the background

When budget constraints were tight during my early entrepreneurial days, Swyft Filings proved to be a lifesaver.

Their low-cost LLC creation service provided everything I needed to get my business off the ground.

It provides compliance alerts, tailored company kits, an operating agreement, tax identity registration, and other tools to assist you in getting your business up and operating quickly.

Swyft Filings also collaborates with a regional accounting company to provide you with one hour of free consulting on business tax regulations and the administration of commercial bank accounts.

Service Features:

  • Basic Package ($0 + state fees) : Includes everything you need to start a business. Swyft Filings assists customers with name eligibility verification and the creation and filing of articles of incorporation.
  • Standard Package ($199 + state fees) : You will receive personalized banking resolution and institutional minutes. Swyft Filings may also assist you in obtaining your TIN or EIN.
  • Premium Package ($299 + state fee) : The plan features everything from their basic and standard package. It also includes free domain and business website hosting, a customized digital corporate kit, and the FedEx delivery of your approved articles with a tracking number.
Pros
  • You can pay in installments
  • Includes valuable partner offers such as a free 30-minute tax consultation and a free domain name
  • Provides lifetime customer support via email, chat, or phone
Cons
  • Registered agent service not included for free, costing $149/year
  • The checkout process involves navigating through several upsell offers​
Sign Up To Swyft Filings

5 - Inc Authority

A smiling man using a laptop and a logo of Inc Authority
Support
4.8
Price
4.8
Features
4.6
Turnaround
4.6
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.7
Would you recommend Inc Authority?

When I was researching different LLC services, Inc Authority caught my attention. They stood out from the crowd by offering many of their basic services for free, which was a huge relief for my startup budget.

This free LLC service offers to compile, submit, and preserve the documentation required for an LLC to get started and supply a registered agent for the first year of operation.

This LLC filing service also provides free, helpful information on the business formation process, minor business legal concerns, and other areas of business ownership.

Service Features:

  • Starter Package ($0 + state fee) : This free LLC formation service offers essential LLC features like business name verification, free registered agent service, articles of organization, digital document storage, and delivery, among other benefits.
Pros
  • Free filing for new LLC
  • High ratings across review platforms
  • High-quality support and personalized assistance throughout the formation process​
  • Convenient online access to your incorporation documents and ongoing compliance alerts
Cons
  • Exclusive Banking Partnership with Bank of America may limit options for business banking
Sign Up To Inc Authority

6 - Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer LLC Service logo in front of an office worker working

In my early days of entrepreneurship, I stumbled upon Rocket Lawyer. Their online platform was a one-stop-shop for all my legal needs, from business formation services to accessing crucial legal documents.

Their team of experts was always ready to assist.

Although Rocket Lawyer's business strategy is similar to some of its rivals, it distinguishes itself by providing free LLC business creation to individuals who pay a monthly subscription fee.

Rocket Lawyer had most of the services we needed to create a business, and we tried several of them for free with a seven-day free trial.

Service Features:

  • Premium Subscription ($39.99) : Premium members in this plan get free LLC creation, customer support, online legal services, tax consultations, and free legal documents like an operating agreement. If you don’t opt for membership, you can expect to pay $99.99 + state fee.
Pros
  • Members receive a free LLC
  • Expert legal advice and document review
  • Premium membership includes a range of free services
Cons
  • Requires credit card info for free trial
  • Basic LLC filing services are not isolated, may include unnecessary items
Sign Up To Rocket Lawyer

7 - Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands logo and two people having a deal in an office in the background

When I was launching my brand, TailorBrands became my go-to platform. Their diverse range of automated services, from LLC creation to logo design, helped shape my business's identity and online presence.

TailorBrands is the type of company you want, whether you operate a small or medium-sized business, are a startup, or have a limited budget.

Because it focuses on small businesses, its LLC service rates are relatively inexpensive while delivering excellent services to aid with the legality of your organization.

Service Features:

  • Lite Package ($49 + state fees) : Basic plan with AI business tools. This plan features LLC formation and standard processing.
  • Essential Package ($199 + state fees) : Provides a single package for several fundamental LLC formation services. This LLC filing company also offers affordable add-ons such as accelerated filing and an operating agreement.
  • All-in-one Elite ($249 + state fees) : Includes everything in the lower plans plus logo maker and marketing graphics.
Pros
  • Excellent, individualized client support
  • No-hassle creation of an LLC
  • Many positive customer reviews
Cons
  • The entry-level product has no business domain
  • Auto bills unexpectedly
Sign Up To Tailor Brands

8 - MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks logo with a business woman doing paperwork in the background

MyCompanyWorks is a reputable online LLC creation service based on its low pricing, high customer satisfaction ratings, and long presence in the industry since 2001.

Drawing from my experience, whether you choose the entry-level, mid-level, or comprehensive LLC plan, your order will be fulfilled the very same business day.

I appreciate that MyCompanyWorks guarantees a 100% satisfaction level or a refund.

You must provide a written (email) complete refund request within 90 days of the purchase date, return any given paperwork, and indicate the reason for the return [1].

Service Features:

  • Basic package ($59 + state fee) : This includes tailored corporate minutes, an unlimited number of name availability checks, and the creation and filing of state articles of incorporation.
  • Entrepreneur LLC package ($179 + state fee) : The entrepreneur package contains, in addition to everything in the preceding package, a Federal tax ID, a document seal, an LLC kit, and a lifelong tax manual.
  • Complete Package ($259 +state fee) : The plan features everything from the lower tiers, plus it includes premium features, such as Initial and Annual Report Filing Service, ComplianceLock™ Alert, Automatic Minutes and Resolutions, Business Entity Monitoring, E-Ledger, E-Certificates, 5 GB Cloud Storage, and Priority Support.
Pros
  • Offers same-day business processing for all packages
  • Uses clear, easy-to-understand language on its website and service descriptions
  • Provides a comprehensive bundle of services in MyCompanyWorks Premium for $99/year, including managed Annual Report Service and ComplianceLock™ alerts
Cons
  • Charges for add-on services that are often included for free in lower-priced plans by other service providers
  • Limited support hours
Sign Up To MyCompanyWorks

9 - LegalZoom

Legalzoom logo with an office worker posing in the background with a table full of paperwork

Starting a business came with its fair share of regulatory challenges for me. That's when I discovered LegalZoom.

Their digital platform offered a comprehensive solution, simplifying all my regulatory obligations.

LegalZoom is an excellent alternative for forming an LLC and offers legal assistance in other areas of your life, such as personal, family, and copyrighted material.

Additionally, businesses have access to continuing legal assessments and consultations with attorneys by paying a reasonable set fee of $249 for professional business legal services.

Service Features:

  • Basic ($0 + state fee) : This plan comes with name verification service, article of organizations, customizable website (by WIX), and starters digital package.
  • Pro ($249 + state fee) : The plan features everything in the basic package, plus an operating agreement, comprehensive business licenses guide, EIN, and prioritized phone business consultation with a professional.
  • Premium ($299 + state fee) : The plan includes everything from the lower tiers. It also includes a 30-minutes unlimited consultations with an attorney, interactive legal business guides from an experienced attorney with a single entity amendment within the initial 90 days of subscription.
Pros
  • A wide range of legal services beyond LLC formation, including document preparation and legal advice
  • Offers a mobile app for convenient access to services
  • Satisfaction guarantee, offering refunds for service fees if unsatisfied
Cons
  • Long processing times for basic orders, which may take 30 business days or longer
  • Upsells can be annoying and expensive
Sign Up To LegalZoom

10 - Harbor Compliance

Harbor compliance logo with an office worker in the background

When I was expanding my business across states, Harbor Compliance became an invaluable partner.

Their affordable registered agent services ensured I was compliant in every state I ventured into.

Businesses may utilize Harbor Compliance to preserve compliance and govern every stage of the company life cycle for as little as $99 per year. They also provide punctual services, such as a proactive contact center network.

Harbor Compliance provides a discounted option and prolonged agreements with their registered agent service in certain states.

Service Features:

  • Formation Package (starts at $99 + state fee) : You may use this plan to verify the availability of business names in your state, prepare the documents of incorporation for the LLC, and offer a preliminary operating agreement.
Pros
  • Direct access to a compliance specialist
  • Single-day processing time
  • High application success rate (notably for 501(c) nonprofit service)
Cons
  • Issues with transparency and efficiency in registered agent services
  • Despite employing legal professionals, no legal advice is provided
Sign Up To Harbor Compliance

11 - Incorp

InCorp logo and a background of two business men shaking hands

Starting my business on a shoestring budget, I was on the lookout for an LLC service that wouldn't compromise on features. That's when I found Incorp, which provided all the essentials without burning a hole in my pocket.

One of the lowest prices in the sector is offered to customers who prepay for 5 years or more and receive a registered agent for just $66 annually.

This LLC formation service takes appropriate measures to protect its customers, guarding its website using GeoTrust, which verifies the legitimacy of websites, and McAfee SECURE, which checks for viruses and encrypts your personal information.

Service Features:

  • Standard Plan ($99) : Basic LLC formation services are included, with various add-on capabilities offered on an a la carte arrangement. This fee only covers the fundamentals, such as a company name availability check and drafting and filing your incorporation articles. The company does not offer formation services unless you opt for their registered agent service at $129.
Pros
  • Industry-standard processing times with expedited options
  • Protected by McAfee SECURE and GeoTrust for data safety
  • Price match guarantees to offer the best deals to customers​
Cons
  • Mandatory $18 shipping fee for LLC filing service, making the actual cost higher​
  • Some variability in processing times, with up to 2 months in certain cases
Sign Up To Incorp

Why You Should Trust Us

When selecting the right LLC formation and Registered Agent services for your business, my extensive background and firsthand experience, fostered through my leadership at Venture Smarter, render me a reliable source of guidance.

As the CEO, Co-Founder, and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter, I've dedicated over nine years to assisting startups, helping them scale and navigate the complexities of successful business operations.

This journey, enriched by my academic foundation in business management and various industry certifications, underscores the expertise and insights Venture Smarter brings to the table.

Throughout my career, particularly at Venture Smarter, I've collaborated with numerous LLCs and Registered Agent services, contributing to the success of many businesses. This vast experience grants me a holistic understanding of what companies truly require from their service providers.

Therefore, when I recommend ZenBusiness as the ideal choice for your LLC formation needs, it's with the backing of professional insight and a history of positive outcomes, reflecting the quality and commitment you can expect from Venture Smarter.

How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services

Our team conducted an in-depth analysis of the cheapest LLC services, meticulously reviewing 20 providers to obtain a genuine understanding of what they offer.

During our review process at Venture Smarter, we considered a variety of criteria, including the affordability of services, the range of primary and additional features provided, the reputation within the industry, the ease of use of their digital interfaces, their knowledge of state-specific legal requirements, the efficiency of their service delivery, the caliber of customer support, and the experiences shared by other customers.

With all this information at hand, we rated each service provider, factoring in any service guarantees and customer testimonials.

1. Customer Support

A smiling man working as a customer service agent

Customer support is a critical component of any LLC service provider, as it directly affects the customer experience.

When initiating an online chat, some companies employ bots initially to gather our basic information before transferring us to a human representative.

We tested it firsthand.

Among the providers, Zenbusiness and Northwest stood out for their exceptional customer support. They offer multiple channels of communication and have a rapid response time.

Our inquiries at various hours consistently received prompt assistance, reaffirming their commitment to 24/7 human support via live chats.

In contrast, LegalZoom, despite offering multiple contact options, exhibited slower response times and restricted availability, placing it at a disadvantage in terms of customer support efficiency.

2. Turnaround

Turnaround time is crucial, as it determines how quickly a business can start operating legally. The faster the documents are processed and filed, the sooner the LLC can begin functioning.

After a thorough evaluation, we found Bizee and ZenBusiness to be the frontrunners, with proven records of collecting and filing documents swiftly, often within 3–4 days.

In contrast, Legal Zoom has a slower processing time of 30 days if you buy the basic package. This can delay business operations, making it less appealing to those with time-sensitive needs.

3. Service Offered

A smiling business man using a laptop in an office

The range of services offered is vital, as it determines the value and comprehensiveness of an LLC service.

ZenBusiness stands out with a comprehensive package that includes key services like operating agreements and EIN registration at no extra cost. We also evaluated their supplementary services, which encompassed compliance alerts and annual report filings, and confirmed that they were indeed offered at no additional expense.

MyCompanyWorks also offers a broad range of services but at a higher base price.

"LLCs are required to maintain proper records and documentation, including the company's operating agreement, financial statements, and meeting minutes, which can be time-consuming and may require the help of a professional, especially for unique partnership situations."

-Fareed Kaisani, an Attorney with Dallas-based Platt Cheema Richmond PLLC

Conversely, LegalZoom and Tailor Brands provide the basics but at an additional cost for services that competitors include, making them less competitive.

4. Reliability and Reputation

A reliable reputation assures customers of the quality and dependability of the service. Ratings on platforms like TrustPilot and user reviews provide insights into customer satisfaction and service quality.

Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Rocket Lawyer have high ratings across various platforms, indicating consistent customer satisfaction and reliability.

In contrast, Incorp has mixed reviews, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction, which may raise concerns about their reliability.

5. Pricing

Pricing is a fundamental concern for entrepreneurs when selecting an LLC service because it directly impacts the initial cost of starting a business

Based on our evaluation, we found Bizee and ZenBusiness affordable because of their free basic packages, which include the preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization, unlimited name searches, and verification.

Concurrently, Northwest presents a remarkable offer of $39 that encompasses a complimentary registered agent service when you sign up using our provided link.

On the other hand, LegalZoom is on the higher end of the spectrum, with LLC formation services starting at $79 plus state fees. LegalZoom base package includes the necessary documentation for LLC formation, but they charge additional fees for services like registered agent services, which are included for free in the first year with some other providers like Northwest.

6. Ease of Use

A user-friendly platform simplifies the process of forming an LLC, making it accessible to those without legal expertise. It can significantly enhance the customer experience and efficiency.

Several companies in our analysis have invested in intuitive, easy-to-navigate platforms.

ZenBusiness, for instance, has a highly user-friendly interface that simplifies the LLC formation process. On the other hand, LegalZoom's platform is less intuitive, with more complicated navigation that could be a barrier for some users.

7. Local Expertise

Local expertise is essential to ensure compliance with state-specific laws and regulations, which can vary significantly from state to state.

Bizee and Rocket Lawyer have demonstrated local expertise in different states, offering tailored services that address the unique requirements of the state. This expertise is invaluable for businesses looking to navigate the state-specific legal landscape.

Steps To Start an LLC

A business man writing down the LLC formation process

In the United States, there are approximately 21.6 million active Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).

Additionally, the country is experiencing a notable increase in business activity, as evidenced by the 5.48 million business applications submitted in 2023, marking a 7.87% rise from the 5.08 million applications recorded in 2022.

If you wish to start and register an LLC in any state, here are seven simple steps to take:

  • Step 1: Give your Limited Liability Company a name.
  • Step 2: Locate a registered agent.
  • Step 3: Submit a state Certificate of Formation.
  • Step 4: Create your state LLC Operating Agreement
  • Step 5: Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Step 6: Choose the structure of your LLC
  • Step 7: Submit your LLC's yearly report.

FAQs

Where Is the Cheapest Place to Set Up an LLC?

The cheapest place to set up an LLC is Iowa state which charges only $50 for the whole filing process.

Can I Use an LLC For My Small Business?

Yes, you can use an LLC for your small business to stay compliant and get more credibility from the state.

Our Verdict

Following my evaluation of 11 LLC formation services, ZenBusiness stands out as the most affordable and effective LLC formation service.

In my experience, they offered me all that I needed to start my business venture for $0, plus they added a year of registered agent service.

ZenBusiness offers rush filing, business domain, guided LLC operating management, and order tracking as a one-stop shop for all your LLC needs.

Our #1 Recommendation

ZenBusiness (Best Value for Money)

Logo of ZenBusiness with a background of a woman writing down notes in front of a laptop
Support
5.0
Price
4.9
Features
5.0
Turnaround
4.9
Overall
5.0
Pros
  • An array of best LLC formation services
  • Free registered agent service included in all plans
  • Free accounting consultation to assess needs
  • $150 Google Ads credits for new businesses
  • High customer satisfaction with support and efficiency
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
Cons
  • The brand power isn't strong

About The Author

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