LegalZoom Review (2025 Update) An In-Depth User Report
As a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist with years of practice, I gained profound expertise in the formation of LLCs using different services.
After using LegalZoom and collaborating with our panel of expert advisors, I'll provide you with a comprehensive review of its features, services offered, and the benefits of employing the online legal service company.
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Quick Summary
LegalZoom offers a straightforward approach to business formation and legal services at a significantly lower cost than traditional attorneys. Their user-friendly interface simplifies the process of navigating legal forms and services, making it accessible even for those without a legal background.
While the platform excels at providing essential legal services and templates, users should be aware that LLC formation costs are higher than many rivals, and there's persistent promotion of additional services throughout the process which some users find annoying.
Key Service Highlights:
- Business Formation Services: Complete LLC, Corporation, and other business entity formation with all necessary documentation
- Legal Document Templates: Access to numerous business templates and legal forms
- Registered Agent Services: Available for $249 per year to receive legal documents
- Filing Speed: Standard processing within 30 days; expedited options available
- Support Options: Email, chat, and phone support channels available
Pros & Cons
✅ Free access to numerous business templates
✅ Wide range of services for individuals and businesses
✅ User-friendly website with a clear interface
✅ BEST PRICE until the end of May
❌ LLC formation costs higher than many rivals
❌ Persistent promotion of extra services
Our #1 Recommendation
LegalZoom
- Free access to numerous business templates.
- Wide range of services for individuals and companies.
- User-friendly website with a clear process.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of June
- LLC formation costs higher than many rivals.
- Persistent promotion of extra services.
LegalZoom Pricing & Packages
When analyzing their services, Venture Smarter discovered that LegalZoom offers three tiers of service: Economy, Standard, and Express Gold. Aside from LLC formation services, LegalZoom offers a selection of premium add-ons.
Plan Options:
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic LLC Formation | $49 + State Filing Fee | • Articles of organization • Name check • Business filing service • Digital welcome packet • Support through Email & chat • Customizable website powered by Wix |
| Pro LLC Formation | $249 + State Filing Fee | • All Basic features plus: • Operating Agreement • Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) • Business license & permits guide • Financial account authorization letter • Personalized consultation with a licensed NEXT insurance agent • Tax consultation with a small business specialist • Support through Email, chat, & phone |
| Premium LLC Formation | $299 + State Filing Fee | • All Pro features plus: • 3 months subscription for Attorney Guidance • Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations • 3 months subscription to customizable forms library • One copyright registration per month |
*As of May 2025
LegalZoom's pricing is rated at 4.7/5, acknowledging their competitive and transparent pricing structure. Despite being slightly higher than some alternatives, the value derived from their comprehensive service packages justifies the cost.
Verdict: 4.7/5
Additional Services
| Service | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Operating Agreement | $99 | Creates an LLC Operating Agreement based on your company details |
| LLC Operating Agreement + EIN Bundle | $159 | Prepares an LLC Operating Agreement and obtains an EIN |
| LLC Operating Agreement + EIN + Business Licenses Bundle | $199 | Prepares an LLC Operating Agreement, EIN, and business licenses |
| Registered Agent Services | $249/year | Serves as your official LLC Registered Agent |
| Annual Report | $55 + state fees/year | Files your LLC Annual Report |
| Compliance Calendar | $69/year | Sets up a calendar with deadlines for your business |
| Minutes Manager | $99/year | Provides templates for business meetings documentation |
| Legal Forms | $59/document or subscription | Library of legal forms - pay per document or monthly subscription |
*As of May 2025
**You can create membership certificates for your LLC at home using many templates that are available online.
LegalZoom Alternatives
| Service | LegalZoom | Bizee (ZenBusiness) | Incfile | Northwest | Rocket Lawyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Formation | $49 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $39 + state fees | $100 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | $249/year | Free 1st year, then $119/year | Free 1st year, then $199/year | Free 1st year, then $125/year | $150/year |
| Operating Agreement | Included in Pro ($249) | $99 | Included in Gold ($299) | Included | Included in subscription |
| EIN Filing | Included in Pro ($249) | $70 | $70 | $50 | $60 |
| Annual Compliance | $69/year | $119/year | $199/year | Included with registered agent | Included in subscription |
| Processing Speed | 30 days standard | 10-15 business days | 15 business days | 3-5 business days | 7-10 business days |
| Customer Support | Email, chat, phone | Email, chat, phone | Email, chat, phone | Email, phone | Email, phone |
*As of May 2025
Several other business formation services may better suit your needs if you're not set on using LegalZoom for your LLC formation. Here are some popular alternatives to LegalZoom:
- Bizee: Formerly Incfile, Bizee offers LLC formation for $0, with a free year of registered agent service. Afterward, it’s $119 annually. License and permit research is available for $99.
- ZenBusiness: The basic package costs $0 plus state fees, with a 2-3 week filing time and one year of free compliance. The $199 and $349 plans offer faster processing and extra features, including an EIN and operating agreement.
- Northwest Registered Agent: LLC formation is $39 plus state fees, with the first year of registered agent service included. After that, it’s $125 annually. They also provide address privacy.
- IncAuthority: LLC formation is free, but they upsell additional services. They have a partnership with Bank of America for easy business bank account setup.
- RocketLawyer: One of the most well-known online legal services companies. Rocket Lawyer offers an LLC formation service for $100 + state fees and legal document creation. The annual fee for registered agent services is $150.
Related articles:
LegalZoom User Experience & Filing Process
The platform's user-friendly interface simplifies the process of navigating legal forms and services, making it accessible even for those without a legal background.
From my experience, the step-by-step guidance provided during LLC formation was straightforward and lacked any major pitfalls, though the constant promotion of add-on services was somewhat distracting.
Many of my clients vouched that LegalZoom's platform and added tools like compliance calendars and minutes manager add significant value for businesses seeking legal assistance.
Verdict: 4.7/5
LegalZoom Core Services & Features
Business Formation Process
LegalZoom excels in its offerings beyond LLC formation to incorporate business licenses, Operating Agreements, and EIN services, catering to a wide range of business needs. The formation process is comprehensive and well-guided, though users should be prepared to decline additional services if not needed.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Document Preparation & Filing
LegalZoom provides a budget-friendly alternative to traditional attorneys, offering essential legal services at a significantly lower cost. By handling all the client paperwork and filings, LegalZoom saves valuable time for business owners, allowing them to focus on strategic aspects of their business.
Verdict: 4.6/5
Registered Agent Services
LegalZoom's registered agent services are available early in the registration process for $249 per year, which is higher than some competitors but includes comprehensive service.
Verdict: 4.3/5
LegalZoom Customer Support
LegalZoom's customer support is rated 4.6/5, reflecting their commitment to providing timely and helpful assistance. Customers appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly support team, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of legal services.
The availability of multiple channels for support, including email, chat, and phone, made it easier for users to access customer service. From personal experience, while the service was effective and met my needs, I did find myself having to be cautious about additional charges that weren't immediately apparent.
Verdict: 4.6/5
LegalZoom's Review Ratings from Review Sites
- TrustPilot: 4.6/5
- Better Business Bureau: "A+" rating with a 3.52/5
- G2: 3.3/5
FAQs
What are the Legal Protect Plan and the Business Advisory Plan?
The Legal Protect Plan offers 30-minute consultations with an attorney and legal documents from LegalZoom's library, including HR policies and forms. The Business Advisory Plan includes Tax advice, attorney assistance, and access to legal paperwork.
Can I Edit My LegalZoom Document?
Yes, you can edit your LegalZoom document, but you must create and pay for a completely new document. It's important to note that you can't update a LegalZoom document by editing the original. Updating your document by striking out clauses or writing changes is unacceptable.
When Is the Best Time to Contact LegalZoom Customer Support?
The best time to contact LegalZoom customer support is during their working hours. They are available 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our Verdict on LegalZoom
Having personally navigated the maze of starting a business, I can't emphasize enough how valuable a service like LegalZoom is. Their straightforward approach took the guesswork out of the process for me.
From choosing a business structure to ensuring all paperwork was filed correctly, they were a lifesaver.
The additional services, like LZ Tax and Registered Agent Services, were the cherries on top. If you're on the fence about using LegalZoom, I wholeheartedly recommend giving them a shot.
Our #1 Recommendation
LegalZoom
- Free access to numerous business templates.
- Wide range of services for individuals and companies.
- User-friendly website with a clear process.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of June
- LLC formation costs higher than many rivals.
- Persistent promotion of extra services.
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I blog often and I genuinely appreciate your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
I’ve read mixed reviews on LegalZoom, but this article makes it seem like a decent choice if you just want a quick LLC setup. Still, gonna do some more research before committing.
Didn’t realize LegalZoom had so many different pricing tiers. The basic package seems like a good deal, but $249 a year for a registered agent service feels kinda expensive compared to some other options.
This review is super helpfull! I was on the fence about using LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness, and now I think I’ll go with Zen since it’s cheaper and still gets the job done.
I used LegalZoom for my LLC last year, and it was pretty straight forward. The process was easy, but yeah, they do push a lot of add-ons. Just gotta be carefull not to select anything you don’t need.
LegalZoom seems like a solid option for LLC formation, but the upselling sounds a bit annoying. Wish they were more upfront about all the extra costs before you get started.