Starting your LLC can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to forming an LLC. But here’s some good news – in 2025, there are several excellent LLC formation services ready to help turn your business ideas into reality.
We tested and compared lots of LLC formation services, looking at their prices, what they offer, how they help customers, how fast they work, and how easy they are to use.
These companies do much more than just file papers – many now help with ongoing business needs, from being your registered agent to keeping track of deadlines and helping with taxes.
Ready to find the LLC formation service that fits you just right? Let’s get started.
Keep Reading – Get the Best Online Incorporation Service in 2023
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 How to Choose the Right LLC Formation Service
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 FAQs
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall – LLCBuddy (New pricing starting at $0 + state fees)
- Best Value – ZenBusiness ($0 + state fees)
- Best for Privacy – Northwest Registered Agent ($39 + state fees)
- Most Established – LegalZoom ($0 + state fees)
- Best for Legal Support – RocketLawyer ($39.99/month)
Now, let’s dive deep into each service and find out which one might be perfect for your business needs.
1. LLCBuddy – Best Overall Choice
LLCBuddy is a helpful platform for anyone who wants to start or run an LLC. They don’t just tell you what to do – they can do it for you. They offer LLC formation services and can handle the entire setup process. They also review other LLC services to help you find the best option for your needs.
The website is easy to use, with a clear organization that helps you quickly find what you’re looking for. When you have questions, their expert team is ready to help explain things about LLC formation.
For anyone starting or running an LLC, LLCBuddy provides both the knowledge and assistance needed to manage your business properly.
What You Get
- Free registered agent service for the first year (all packages)
- Next-day filing speed
- Lifetime customer support
- Custom operating agreement
- EIN registration (included in Standard and Premium)
- Banking resolution
- Compliance alerts
Pricing:
LLCBuddy helps you form an LLC for $0 plus state fees – that’s all you pay. They don’t try to sell you extra services or hide any costs. They’ll handle the specific paperwork your state needs, and they won’t charge you for things you don’t need. If you want a simple way to start your LLC without surprise fees, LLCBuddy keeps things straightforward and budget-friendly.
Customer Support:
What really sets LLCBuddy apart is its exceptional customer service team. They provide dedicated support representatives who stay with you throughout the entire formation process. Do you have a question about your operating agreement? They’ve got answers.
5. ZenBusiness – Best Value
ZenBusiness makes starting and running a business simple. They aim to keep prices low while giving customers the help they need to get their business off the ground. The website breaks down each task into clear steps so you won’t miss anything important.
What makes ZenBusiness different is how they stick with you after you form your business. They help with yearly paperwork and keep you updated on what you need to do to stay legal.
The company has built trust with business owners by being clear about their prices and always having support available. If you’re opening a new business or want to make your current one run better, ZenBusiness has tools and help ready for you.
What You Get:
- Basic LLC formation
- Registered agent service (first year free)
- Worry-free compliance
- EIN registration (Pro and Premium)
- Rush filing (Premium)
- Domain name registration
- Website building tools
Pricing:
ZenBusiness has three pricing tiers for different business needs. The Starter package costs $0 plus state filing fees and includes standard filing speed, a 100% accuracy guarantee, and one free year of Worry-Free Compliance (which renews at $199 yearly).
The Pro package is $199 per year plus state fees and adds faster processing, an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and an operating agreement. The Premium package costs $299 yearly plus state fees and builds on the Pro features by including a domain name, email address, business website builder, and premium support.
These packages let business owners choose the right level of service for their goals and budget.
Customer Support:
Their customer service team is known for being friendly and knowledgeable, with support available via phone, email, and chat.
2. Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Privacy Protection
If privacy is your top concern, Northwest Registered Agent is your best bet. Northwest Registered Agent provides registered agent services, LLC formation, and business compliance support across the US.
Unlike competitors, they don’t sell customer data and maintain minimal data collection practices. They scan documents locally rather than outsourcing to processing centers.
What You Get:
- Local Corporate Guides for personalized support
- Private business data protection
- Online account dashboard
- Annual report filing
- Real-time compliance alerts
- Business name availability searches
- LLC/corporation filing services
- One year of free registered agent service
- Privacy by Default® protection
- Same-day filing available
- Free phone service
- Custom operating agreement
Pricing:
- Single Package: $39 + state fees (includes everything you need to form your LLC with a free registered agent for 1 year).
- After 1 year, you have to pay $125/year for registered agent service.
Customer Support:
Here’s where Northwest really shines. Their Corporate Guides® aren’t just customer service reps – they’re trained business experts who actually understand what you’re going through. They’re known for exceptional customer service and privacy protection.
4. LegalZoom – Most Established Name
LegalZoom helps businesses and people handle their legal work online. The website takes complex legal tasks and breaks them down into simple steps.
Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped millions of customers with business formation, trademarks, wills, and other legal documents. Their platform pairs do-it-yourself tools with attorney support when you need it.
The company offers guides, templates, and forms for common legal situations. You can work through most tasks on your own, but they also have lawyers ready to review your documents or answer questions. Whether you’re setting up an LLC or writing a will, LegalZoom’s tools help you complete the paperwork correctly.
What You Get:
- LLC formation
- Registered agent service
- Legal document templates
- Attorney consultations
- Trademark registration
- Business licenses and permits
- Annual compliance support
- Tax services through partnerships
- Patent filing assistance
- Personal legal services (wills, divorce)
Pricing:
LegalZoom’s LLC formation basic package costs $0 plus state filing fees and covers the must-haves: preparing and filing your articles of organization, checking your business name, and a tax consultation.
At $249 plus state fees, the Pro package adds more tools like an operating agreement, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and one year of bookkeeping software. You also get over 150 legal document templates, unlimited eSignatures, and a Wix-powered website.
The Premium package runs $299 plus state filing fees and includes everything in Pro, plus direct help from a business attorney. You can pick your attorney based on what you need, and for your first 30 days, you get unlimited 30-minute consultations about new legal questions.
Customer Support:
LegalZoom offers extended customer support hours and access to legal professionals, though you might need to be patient during peak times.
5. RocketLawyer – Best for Ongoing Legal Support
Rocket Lawyer is a solid choice for creating legal documents and getting attorney help online without paying typical law firm rates. You’ll save time with their document builder – just answer questions, and it will create your contracts and agreements automatically.
If you’re forming a business, they make the incorporation process clear and manageable. Whether you want an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, they’ll walk you through each part. Business owners can quickly create employee contracts and service agreements using their templates.
One of the best parts is having access to real attorneys. When you need a lawyer to review something or answer questions, you can book a consultation right through the platform. Their legal guides also break down complex topics into plain English, making it easy to understand what your state requires.
Pricing:
Rocket Lawyer offers flexible pricing for LLC formation. Their LLC service is free for premium members, who pay $39.99 per month. Non-members can form an LLC for a one-time fee of $99.99 plus state filing fees.
The premium membership includes benefits like unlimited legal documents, attorney consultations (30-minute consultations on new legal matters), and document defense protection. Members also get registered agent service for the first two months free, after which it costs $149.99 per year.
If you need to use their service just once, the non-member price might work better. But if you plan to create multiple legal documents or want ongoing legal help, the membership could save you money over time.
What You Get
- LLC formation services
- Unlimited legal documents
- 30-minute attorney consultations
- Document defense
- Registered agent service (discounted for members)
- Real-time attorney Q&A
Customer Support:
Their support includes access to actual attorneys, which is a huge plus if you need legal guidance.
How to Choose the Right LLC Formation Service
Picking the right LLC formation service doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you focus on a few important things, you’ll be able to make a choice that fits your needs. Here’s what to think about:
1. Price
Start by looking at your budget. Some services offer basic LLC formation for $0 plus state fees, which can be great if you’re on a tight budget. But if you need extra services like an EIN or Operating Agreement, you may want to check out higher-tier packages.
2. Customer Support
Support can make or break your experience. Look for a service that’s easy to reach when you have questions, whether by phone, email, or chat. Quick responses can save you time and stress.
3. Extra Services
Many LLC services offer more than just formation. Things like registered agent services, business license research, and website building tools can be helpful as your business grows. Check if these extras are included or offered at an additional cost.
4. Ease of Use
A simple, easy-to-use platform makes everything run smoother. You want a service that guides you through each step and keeps things clear so you don’t have to guess what comes next.
5. Customer Reviews
Don’t skip reading reviews! Feedback from other business owners gives you a real sense of how reliable and helpful a service is.
6. Turnaround Time
If you need your LLC up and running quickly, make sure the service offers fast processing. Some services allow same-day filings or expedited options, which can save you time if you’re on a tight deadline.
7. State Availability
Be sure the service works in your state. While most LLC providers work across the country, it’s still a good idea to double-check.
By focusing on these factors, you’ll be able to pick an LLC service that fits your business needs without all the stress.
Conclusion
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to LLC formation services. Each provider has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs.
- If you want the best overall experience with great value, go with LLCBuddy
- If you want the best bang for your buck, ZenBusiness is hard to beat
- If privacy is your top concern, choose Northwest
- If you want a proven track record, LegalZoom won’t disappoint
- If you need ongoing legal help, RocketLawyer makes sense
The most important thing is to get started. Don’t let analysis paralysis hold you back from launching your business. Pick the service that feels right for your needs and budget, and take that first step toward becoming a business owner.
Good luck with your new business venture! Remember, choosing an LLC formation service is just the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Take your time to review each option, but don’t get stuck in the decision-making process. Your future business is waiting for you to take action!
FAQs
Think of an LLC (Limited Liability Company) as a protective shield for your business. It keeps your personal assets safe if your business faces any troubles – kind of like having a fence between your personal and business life. Plus, it can give your business a more professional edge and some nice tax flexibility.
The timeline can vary depending on your state, but typically you’re looking at 2-6 weeks. If you’re in a hurry, most LLC services like LLCBuddy offer expedited processing.
Not necessarily! Having a lawyer can be helpful, but many people can successfully form their LLC without one. Think of it like building furniture – some people prefer having an expert, while others are comfortable following the instructions themselves.
Absolutely! It’s like giving your business an upgrade. The process varies by state and your current business structure, but it’s generally doable. Just make sure to handle it properly to avoid any tax surprises or legal hiccups along the way.
If you’re expanding into other states, you’ll need to register your LLC as a “foreign LLC” in each new state where you plan to do business. It’s like getting a passport for your business – you’re still based in your home state, but you’re legally recognized in others, too.