FileNow Review (2024 Updated) All You Need to Know

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: November 18, 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

If you’re looking to form a new business, FileNow is an excellent option that has a great reputation and has helped form and maintain thousands of businesses.

Although it’s a fairly new company, FileNow has quickly risen to be one of the top options for forming an LLC.

Since I've collaborated with several online formation services across all states, I've gained considerable experience dealing with companies and clients alike.

Given that basis, the review on FileNow will cover all aspects with regard to their packages, costs, benefits, special services and other factors to help you decide if it is the ideal platform for your business entity.

What Is FileNow?

A FileNow logo and two people having a chat in an office

FileNow is a formation service that has offered services to help form LLCs since 2018.

As I've been monitoring the company since its inception, I can attest that despite being a newer company, they have built a reputation as one of the fastest formation services in the industry.

The company is a team of attorneys, tax professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Their experience and professionalism have made FileNow one of the most reliable formation services to form your business entity.

"Filenow makes business formation seamless allowing you to create a new business in under 20 minutes. In addition, the turnover time is fast, and it is of no additional cost to you."

- Brette Sember, J.D., Former New York State Attorney, Author

FileNow

FileNow

FileNow logo with a background of two business men having a conversation in an office
Rated 4.30/5
4.3
Support
4.3
Price
4.3
Turnaround
4.3
Ease of Use
4.3
User Ratings
4.3
Features

FileNow Review Ratings

In evaluating FileNow, Venture Smarter meticulously considered various aspects of their service to provide a comprehensive and unbiased rating.

Venture Smarter ratings reflect the company's performance in key areas crucial for any business seeking LLC formation services.

Support - 4.3/5

FileNow's customer support is rated highly at 4.3 out of 5. This rating is attributed to their responsive and professional customer service team, which is accessible via phone, email, and live chat.

The company's commitment to assisting clients through every step of the process, coupled with the knowledge and helpfulness of their representatives, underscores its strong support system.

In my experience, FileNow's customer support quickly resolved my issues within hours, aligning with their high rating and confirming their claim of responsive service.

Price - 4.3/5

We rated FileNow's pricing at 4.3 out of 5, recognizing their excellent value.

Reflecting on the cost, I found FileNow's $0 starter package provided substantial value, justifying the high rating and supporting their claim of affordability.

The balance between affordability and the range of services provided, including premium options, contributes to their high rating in this category.

Features - 4.3/5

FileNow's features score a 4.3 out of 5.

While they offer various essential services for LLC formation, including error-free guarantees and company name availability searches, they fall slightly short in offering as many additional services as competitors.

From my use, while FileNow offered all essential LLC formation services, it lacked some advanced features, which accurately reflect the given rating.

However, their ability to customize plans and the inclusion of a free EIN in every package are notable strengths.

Turnaround - 4.3/5

The company's turnaround time is rated at 4.3 out of 5, reflecting its efficiency and speed in processing LLC formations.

Based on my application, FileNow processed my LLC significantly faster than anticipated, validating their efficiency claim and the high turnaround rating.

FileNow's simple ordering process and same-day filing option demonstrate their commitment to quick service, making them a reliable choice for businesses that value speed in their formation process.

User Ratings - 4.3/5

FileNow garners a strong user rating of 4.3 out of 5, reflecting widespread satisfaction among its customers. Users often highlight the platform’s efficiency and the promptness of its services.

In my experience, FileNow delivered on its promises with speed and accuracy, making the incorporation process straightforward.

The customer service was particularly commendable, ensuring that any questions or concerns were addressed swiftly, contributing to a positive overall experience.

Ease of Use - 4.3/5

FileNow’s ease of use stands out with a rating of 4.5 out of 5, showcasing the platform’s user-friendly nature. The interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing even those with minimal experience in business formation to navigate the process with ease.

During my application, I found the step-by-step process clear and easy to follow, with each stage of incorporation explained in simple terms.

The well-structured dashboard made it easy to manage my filings and track progress, which significantly reduced the time and stress typically associated with such tasks.

LLC Service Features And Prices

  • Starter LLC Formation Package ($49 Plus State Fees): Includes their error-free guarantee, company name availability search, email and chat support, compliance company alerts, online order status tracking, and electronic delivery of business documents. 
  • Premium LLC Formation Package ($199 Plus State Fees): Includes everything from the Starter package and one-day processing, a federal tax ID EIN, free registered agent service for a year, shipping with tracking, a limited liability company kit, contract templates, and a banking resolution document to form a business bank account.
  • Registered Agent Service ($119 /year): Registered agent services are free in the first year if you choose any of the two packages and then renews at $119 annually after that.

Additional Services

A business man counting money while using a laptop

If you choose the Start Package, FileNow offers premium options separately to allow you to customize the packages to your business needs.

  • Same-day filing: $75 
  • EIN acquisition: $75
  • A company kit: $99 
  • Certificate of good standing: $49
  • An operating agreement: $50 
  • A banking resolution document: $50
  • Contract templates: $100
  • Name reservation: $50

Benefits

Here are the perks of working with FileNow.

  • Customer Support: FileNow offers multiple channels for customer support, which I found to be exceptionally responsive and professional, aligning with the industry benchmark where 85% of customers expect 24/7 service. According to FileNow website, their team, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate in resolving queries, was always ready to assist with any questions I had.
  • Reputation and Independent Reviews: Despite being new, FileNow has an A- BBB rating and high customer ratings.
  • Ability to Customize Plans: FileNow allows for the customization of business formation packages, which I appreciate as it lets me tailor services to my specific needs.
  • Money-Back Guarantee: Offers a 100% refund within 30 days if the application process fails.
  • Quick Filing and Fast Process: Known for a simple and fast LLC formation process, my experience with FileNow was smooth and efficient, with no unnecessary delays.
  • Registered Agent Service: Provides a year of free registered agent service with the basic plan.
  • Electronic Delivery of Documents: The facilitation of easy access and tracking of documents was a significant convenience, allowing me to stay organized and informed.
  • Company Formation Wizard: Assists in choosing the right business entity.
  • Free EIN: The inclusion of a free EIN with every package was a notable benefit, saving me time and additional costs [1]. This streamlined process is especially valuable considering that over 75% of new businesses require an EIN for tax purposes, highlighting the importance of this feature for entrepreneurs starting their journey, according to IRS.

Downsides

The only downside is they have fewer additional services than other company formation services in the industry.

Depending on your business and what you need, the add-ons offered by other companies may not benefit your business structure.

Who Should Hire FileNow?

Two business men shaking hands and closing a deal

Business professionals looking to start small businesses on a budget or any new business professionals needing top-notch support to begin the process of filing should hire FileNow.

Their starter package is free plus the state fee and comes with all the essentials to start your new business.

FileNow's business experts are there to help you get your business started right.

FileNow User Testimonials

"Super easy to file for an LLC! Easy to understand, non-complicated UX, customer service was very helpful!"
- David W, Better Business Bureau 

"Thanks. I appreciate your service! Your service allowed me to move forward!"
- John B, Better Business Bureau

"They made it simple to start my business. I spent 10 mins on their site learning about different company structures and choosing the best one for me. I got all paperwork within a week after placing my order. Couldn't have asked for it to have been easier."
- Alex Rocha, Google

"I had a great experience using FileNow service. Their website is easy to navigate, and the customer support I received was amazing. As a new business owner, I obviously had a ton of questions. The customer support team answered all my questions and helped me choose the package that best fit my business. I was also able to expedite my filing, which is something I wasn't able to do with other websites. They followed up with me to ensure I was satisfied and to ensure I had everything I needed to get my company up and running. When I'm ready to set up another corporation, I will be back using FileNow services."
- Chris, Google

"So far, so good. I appreciated you spelling out your services offered and what I was to expect with each package. I felt it was easy to understand. I'm excited to see my next steps in moving forward with my business."
- Janay S, Shopper Approved

"Service was excellent and very user-friendly. Our LLC was complete in just a few days and received the documents within a week of completion of, which were all put together in a binder with all contents neatly labeled and very professional."
- Matthew G, Shopper Approved

FileNow Alternatives

Venture Smarter compared FileNow to its biggest competitors: ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee. Here’s what we’ve concluded.

1. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness logo with a background of a business man using a laptop

Both ZenBusiness and FileNow offer LLC formation services. They provide comparable services, both of which start at $0.

Both of these companies have solid reputations and great reviews.

ZenBusiness offers some extra services in their base packages, such as one-year free worry-free compliance, that FileNow doesn't like an accounting consultation, expense tracking, and deduction tracking.

Their second packages are the same price and offer similar services.

FileNow's filing time is generally quicker than ZenBusiness's if you're looking to file your LLC quickly.

For really quick business formation, ZenBusiness offers Pro Package with the fastest ''rush'' filing speed of 1 to 2 business days.

2. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent and FileNow have features in common, including custom customer service, positive customer reviews, and more.

However, there are some significant differences between these companies.

FileNow offers a zero-cost LLC formation service, while Northwest Registered Agent's plans begin at $39.

FileNow's process and turnaround time are also quicker than Northwest Registered Agents' turnaround time.

Northwest Registered Agent also doesn't include a federal tax ID EIN like FileNow's starter package.

3. Bizee

bizee

Bizee and FileNow both offer similar plans. However, there are some differences between these businesses.

FileNow includes a federal tax ID number in their plans, which Bizee (formerly Incfile) charges extra for. Despite FileNow having a low number of reviews, the reviews are more positive than Bizee.

Bizee has a higher number of negative reviews that mention customer service issues.

Bizee also has a higher number of upsells with their $0 package.

Related Articles:

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Form An LLC With FileNow?

It costs $49 plus state fees to form an LLC with FileNow. Keep in mind that the actual cost varies depending on how much your state fee is.

How Long Does FileNow Take To Process Your LLC?

On average, it normally takes seven to ten business days for FileNow and the state to process your LLC. Of course, that time frame varies by state and if the state is behind on applications or understaffed.

Does FileNow Help With Taxes?

No, FileNow doesn't help with taxes. Other businesses like ZenBusiness help with some essential tax filing assistance, but most LLC formation companies don't offer tax services.

Venture Smarter Verdict On FileNow

FileNow is a great option for forming your LLC. FileNow can offer services such as a federal EIN and quick order processing.

They also have a stellar reputation, excellent customer service, the ability to customize their plans, and a money-back guarantee.

However, if you are looking for add-on services, including an accounting consultation, expense tracking, and deduction tracking, choose ZenBusiness.

The additional features ZenBusiness offers can be extra beneficial to specific customers, especially those who aren't experienced with business taxes.

We Recommend This Instead

ZenBusiness

A working young entrepreneur and a ZenBusiness logo
Rated 4.92/5
5.0
Support
4.9
Price
4.9
Turnaround
4.9
Ease of Use
4.8
User Ratings
5.0
Features
Pros
  • They offer various formation packages to choose from
  • The prices of each package are reasonable
  • They provide a worry-free compliance
  • They make business formation as quick as possible
  • Has a lot of positive customer feedback
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of December
Cons
  • Formation of non-profit business is not supported

About The Author

Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Growth & Transition Advisor
LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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