Article
Best LLC Formation Services in 2026
Starting a business shouldn't be complicated. Our experts tested the top LLC formation services to help you launch your company quickly, affordably, and correctly.
Starting an LLC doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The right LLC formation service handles the paperwork, ensures compliance, and gets your business up and running quickly—often for free or under $100.
Our team spent over 80 hours testing the top LLC formation services, evaluating pricing transparency, processing speed, customer support, and long-term value. Here are the best LLC formation services for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ZenBusiness | Best Overall | $0 + state fees | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Northwest Registered Agent | Best for Privacy Protection | $39 + state fees | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Bizee (formerly Incfile) | Best Value Package | $0 + state fees | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. LegalZoom | Best for Legal Support | $0 + state fees | ★4.6/5 |
| 5. Inc Authority | Best Free Service | $0 + state fees | ★4.7/5 |
| 6. Swyft Filings | Best Customer Reviews | $49 + state fees | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Rocket Lawyer | Best Subscription Value | $0 with membership | ★4.4/5 |
| 8. CorpNet | Best for Compliance Services | $99 + state fees | ★4.5/5 |
| 9. BizFilings | Best for Established Businesses | $99 + state fees | ★4.3/5 |
| 10. Tailor Brands | Best for Branding & Coaching | $0 + state fees | ★4.4/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness leads the LLC formation market with its unbeatable combination of affordability, ease of use, and customer support. The free Starter plan covers all essentials, while Pro ($149/year) and Premium ($349/year) plans add valuable features like expedited filing and compliance tools.
Pros
- ✓Free starter plan with no hidden charges
- ✓Excellent customer support and user experience
- ✓Fast processing times with expedited options
- ✓Comprehensive dashboard for business management
- ✓Strong compliance and reminder features
Cons
- ✗First-year registered agent discount, then price increases
- ✗Does not offer non-profit LLC formation
- ✗EIN costs extra on Starter plan
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the gold standard for privacy-conscious business owners. They let you use their address on public documents and guarantee they won't sell your data. Their flat $39 fee includes one year of registered agent service and an operating agreement.
Pros
- ✓Physical offices in all 50 states plus DC
- ✓Outstanding privacy protection on public records
- ✓No upselling or hidden fees
- ✓Transparent pricing structure
- ✓Excellent customer reviews and BBB rating
Cons
- ✗Higher base price than free competitors
- ✗Fewer add-on services than larger providers
- ✗Limited online business management tools
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Bizee (formerly Incfile) delivers exceptional value with its free base package that includes name check, articles of organization filing, compliance alerts, and one free year of registered agent service. Pro ($199) and Premium ($299) tiers add expedited filing and legal templates.
Pros
- ✓Fastest processing time at just 1 business day
- ✓Completely free base package with solid features
- ✓Free registered agent service for first year
- ✓Compliance alerts and business banking included
- ✓Over 800,000 businesses formed since 2004
Cons
- ✗State filing can still take several weeks
- ✗Some customer service inconsistencies reported
- ✗Ongoing registered agent renewal at $119/year
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is the best choice when you need ongoing legal support alongside LLC formation. Their Premium Package ($249 + state fees) includes attorney consultations, contract reviews, and step-by-step compliance guidance, though this comes at a higher cost than formation-only services.
Pros
- ✓Access to business attorneys and legal guidance
- ✓Extensive legal document library and templates
- ✓Trusted brand with millions of customers
- ✓Comprehensive business services beyond formation
- ✓Premium plan includes ongoing attorney access
Cons
- ✗Registered agent service expensive at $249/year standalone
- ✗Premium legal subscription costs $49/month after trial
- ✗More expensive overall than specialized competitors
Inc Authority
Inc Authority offers a genuinely free LLC formation package that includes registered agent service and EIN at no cost. Their stellar customer service and 30 years of experience make them ideal for budget-conscious entrepreneurs who want reliable, straightforward formation.
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free LLC formation with EIN included
- ✓Exceptional customer service ratings
- ✓5-star Trustpilot rating with 44,000+ reviews
- ✓Free registered agent service for first year
- ✓Over 27,000 businesses formed nationwide
Cons
- ✗Rush processing costs extra ($49-149)
- ✗Fewer advanced features than paid competitors
- ✗Limited business management tools
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings has earned exceptional customer reviews thanks to its intuitive platform and responsive support. Founded by an attorney in 2012, they bring legal expertise to the formation process at a reasonable $49 base price, making them ideal for those who prioritize customer experience.
Pros
- ✓4.8 TrustScore on Trustpilot with 4,000+ reviews
- ✓Founded by a lawyer with legal expertise
- ✓Free S-Corporation election form preparation
- ✓Intuitive online platform
- ✓Excellent customer support responsiveness
Cons
- ✗Higher starting price than free alternatives
- ✗Registered agent service costs extra
- ✗Processing can be slow if not expedited
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer bundles LLC formation with a legal subscription service at $39/month, giving you free formation plus access to attorneys and thousands of legal documents. It's perfect if you need ongoing legal support, but the subscription model may not suit everyone.
Pros
- ✓Free LLC formation with $39/month membership
- ✓Access to attorney consultations included
- ✓Extensive legal document library
- ✓A+ BBB rating and 4.7 Trustpilot score
- ✓One-time $99.99 option without subscription
Cons
- ✗Requires ongoing subscription for best value
- ✗LLC services less specialized than competitors
- ✗Monthly fee adds up over time
CorpNet
CorpNet stands out for its comprehensive compliance services, including state payroll tax registration that most competitors don't offer. At $99, they're more expensive than free options but provide valuable ongoing support for businesses with complex compliance needs.
Pros
- ✓Can register for state payroll taxes (rare feature)
- ✓Free initial incorporator resolutions
- ✓Free S-Corporation election form preparation
- ✓Strong compliance and ongoing support services
- ✓Over 25 years in business
Cons
- ✗Higher base price than free competitors
- ✗Registered agent service costs extra
- ✗Fewer customer reviews than newer competitors
BizFilings
BizFilings brings enterprise-level expertise to small business formation as part of the Wolters Kluwer family. Their $99 base package includes solid features, and higher tiers ($229, $359) offer comprehensive support ideal for businesses that want established, institutional backing.
Pros
- ✓Part of Wolters Kluwer with strong reputation
- ✓A+ BBB rating and solid customer reviews
- ✓Six months free registered agent service
- ✓Comprehensive mid and high-tier packages
- ✓Operating since 1997 with extensive experience
Cons
- ✗Higher registered agent renewal at $199/year
- ✗More expensive than budget competitors
- ✗Fewer modern online management tools
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands uniquely combines LLC formation with business coaching, branding tools, and marketing support. While their free plan handles basic formation, paid tiers add hands-on guidance through one-on-one coaching sessions, making them ideal for entrepreneurs who want support beyond just paperwork.
Pros
- ✓Unique business coaching program included
- ✓One-on-one sessions and interactive workshops
- ✓Integrated branding and marketing tools
- ✓Website builder included in higher tiers
- ✓Perfect for first-time entrepreneurs
Cons
- ✗Best features require paid plans
- ✗Slower processing times
- ✗Less focus on pure formation efficiency
How We Evaluate LLC Formation Services
Our comprehensive LLC formation service testing process examines every aspect of the formation experience:
Pricing Transparency
We analyze the true cost of formation:
- Base pricing: Initial formation fees and state filing costs
- Hidden fees: Upsells, add-ons, and mandatory purchases
- Ongoing costs: Registered agent renewals and annual compliance
- Value assessment: Features included vs. extra costs
- Competitor comparison: Price-to-feature ratios across providers
Processing Speed
We measure actual formation timelines:
- Internal processing time (how fast the service submits)
- State filing timeframes (actual government processing)
- Expedited options and associated costs
- Communication during the process
- Delivery of formation documents
Customer Support Quality
We test support across all channels:
- Response times for phone, email, and chat
- Knowledge and helpfulness of support staff
- Availability of support (hours, days, channels)
- Quality of self-service resources and guides
- Post-formation support and guidance
Feature Completeness
We evaluate essential and bonus features:
- Name availability search and reservation
- Articles of Organization preparation and filing
- Operating Agreement templates
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) service
- Registered Agent service (first year and ongoing)
- Compliance monitoring and annual report reminders
- Business banking, credit cards, and additional services
What is an LLC?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. It combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and operational simplicity of a sole proprietorship or partnership.
Benefits of Forming an LLC
- Personal asset protection: Your home, car, and savings are protected from business liabilities
- Tax flexibility: Choose how you want to be taxed (sole proprietor, partnership, S-corp, or C-corp)
- Credibility: “LLC” after your business name builds trust with customers and partners
- Simple structure: Fewer formalities and paperwork than corporations
- Ownership flexibility: Any number of owners (called “members”) with flexible profit distribution
Understanding LLC Formation Costs
The total cost to form an LLC includes several components:
State Filing Fees
These vary dramatically by state:
- Cheapest states: Kentucky ($40), Missouri ($50), Mississippi ($50)
- Most expensive states: Massachusetts ($500), Illinois ($500), Nevada ($425)
- Average cost: $100-150 in most states
Service Provider Fees
- Free options: $0 base fee (ZenBusiness, Bizee, Inc Authority, LegalZoom)
- Budget options: $39-99 (Northwest, CorpNet, BizFilings)
- Premium options: $149-349 for expedited service and extras
Ongoing Costs
- Registered Agent: $99-249 per year (often free first year)
- Annual reports: $0-500 depending on state
- Business licenses: Varies by industry and location
Choosing the Right LLC Formation Service
Consider these factors when making your decision:
Budget Considerations
- Tightest budgets: Inc Authority, ZenBusiness Starter, Bizee ($0 + state fees)
- Best value: ZenBusiness Pro, Bizee Pro ($149-199 per year)
- Premium service: Northwest, LegalZoom Premium ($200+ per year)
Privacy Concerns
- Maximum privacy: Northwest Registered Agent (physical offices, no data selling)
- Standard privacy: Most providers offer registered agent service
- DIY filing: Your personal address becomes public record
Support Needs
- Legal guidance: LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer (attorney access)
- Business coaching: Tailor Brands (one-on-one coaching sessions)
- Self-service: Inc Authority, Bizee (excellent online resources)
Compliance Complexity
- Multi-state operations: CorpNet (payroll tax registration)
- Basic compliance: All providers offer annual report reminders
- Ongoing support: BizFilings, CorpNet (established institutions)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use an LLC formation service or do it myself?
LLC formation services save time, reduce errors, and often cost just $0-50 beyond state fees. Unless you’re comfortable navigating state-specific requirements and have time to research, a formation service provides excellent value. Services also include registered agent service, which you’d need to purchase separately anyway.
What is a registered agent and do I need one?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents and official state correspondence on your LLC’s behalf. Every LLC must have one. Using a professional registered agent ($99-249/year) keeps your home address private and ensures you never miss important legal notices.
How long does LLC formation take?
Internal processing by the service takes 1-7 business days. State processing adds 1-6 weeks depending on your state and current backlog. Expedited state filing (extra cost) can reduce this to 1-3 business days in most states. California and New York tend to be slowest; Delaware and Nevada are fastest.
Can I form an LLC in a different state than where I live?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state anyway, doubling your costs and paperwork. Most small businesses should form in their home state. Delaware and Nevada only make sense for specific situations (venture capital funding, asset protection strategies, etc.).
What’s the difference between an LLC and a corporation?
LLCs offer simpler management, flexible taxation, and fewer formalities. Corporations have stricter structure, mandatory board meetings, and easier access to venture capital. For most small businesses, an LLC provides better flexibility and simplicity. Consider a corporation if you plan to raise significant investment or go public.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
You need an EIN if your LLC has employees, has multiple members, or chooses corporate tax treatment. Single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner’s Social Security number, but getting an EIN is recommended for privacy and professionalism. Most formation services include EIN filing for free or $50-100.
What happens after my LLC is formed?
You’ll receive your Articles of Organization and should create an Operating Agreement (often included). Next steps: get an EIN, open a business bank account, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and maintain compliance with annual reports. Good formation services provide checklists and reminders for ongoing obligations.
Can I change my LLC formation service later?
Your registered agent service can be changed anytime by filing a change form with your state (usually $25-50). Your formation service itself is only needed for initial setup and one-time services. For ongoing needs like annual reports and compliance, you can use any service or handle it yourself.