The Best Online LLC Formation Services

Historically, lawyers were the only option when forming an LLC or incorporating. Now, there are many (good and bad) online options to help you form an LLC without a lawyer. We did a deep dive into the offerings of the most popular online LLC formation services. In the process, we uncovered some surprising facts we think you'd want to know about.

Use our LLC formation chart below and our detailed reviews of the best LLC services to determine your best option.

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Top 5 online LLC services

Our top 5 online LLC services are:

Incfile

Incfile landed at the top spot in our list for many reasons. It is rare when we find a company that has so few negatives and even more rare when they are also the most economical. See our full Incfile Review.

Northwest

Northwest provides reasonable, transparent pricing and makes it easy to set up your new business online. Because of these factors, as well as its many years in business, and positive reviews, we recommend Northwest as a good choice to start your LLC, nonprofit or corporation. See our full Northwest Review.

My Company Works

My Company Works (formerly known as My New Company) received 4.5 stars in our review process. They are one of the most economical options of all online LLC services. See our full My Company Works Review.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is revolutionizing the business formation market with their subscription based pricing structure. They offer a starter business formation package for $49 + state filing fee. See our full ZenBusiness Review.

BizFilings

BizFilings is one of the first online LLC services. They started in 1996! Read more in our full BizFilingsReview.

LLC Formation Comparison Chart

Many people are opting to hire one of the best LLC services to handle the LLC formation paperwork. The chart below analyzes the best LLC services online, but we recommend looking at our full online LLC reviews as well.
  • Ranking
  • Cheapest Package
  • Expensive Package
  • All 50 States
  • Free Registered Agent?
  • Registered Agent Price
  • This is the time it takes the service provider to prepare or file your documentsTurnaround Time
  • Customers Served
  • Established in
  • Bonus Feature
  • Full Review

  • IncFile

  • $0


    + state fees

  • #1

  • $0
  • $299
  • 1 year
  • $119/yr
  • 1 Business Day
  • 500,000+
  • 2004
  • Talk to an Incorporation Specialist not a Salesperson! They don’t employ salesmen. All of their staff has at least 6 years experience incorporating new businesses.Speak to a Specialist

  • Northwest

  • $225


    + state fees

  • #2

  • $225
  • $225
  • 1 year
  • $125/yr
  • If you use Compare Legal Forms’ special pricing above, same-day service is only included in the premium package. Basic and deluxe packages are still quick, with next-day service provided.Next Day
  • Undisclosed
  • 2006
  • Northwest provides each of its clients with access to a local Corporate Guide, an experienced professional who is familiar with your state’s procedures for filing LLCsCorporate Guides™

  • MyCompanyWorks

  • $59


    + state fees

  • #3

  • $59
  • $279
  • $99/yr
  • or next business day if ordered after 3pm ESTSame Day
  • 60,000+
  • 2001
  • ComplianceLock™ is the peace-of-mind service that 1) sends email and text alerts (SMS) for important compliance due dates, 2) generates meeting minutes/consents with one click and 3) monitors the status of your companyCompliance Lock

  • ZenBusiness

  • $49


    + state fees

  • #4

  • $49
  • $299/yr
  • $199/yr
  • They aim to get all submissions filed with the state within 1-2 business days but they prioritize filings based on the filing speed selected. Rush is guaranteed to be completed same day, Expedite is guaranteed within 2-3 days and Standard can take up to 5-7 business days but all could be done within the 1-2 day range depending on filing request volumes.1-2 Business Days
  • in 2020100,000+
  • 2015
  • Ongoing compliance is an issue many don’t think about. ZenBusiness takes care of all of your reporting and stays on top of deadlines so you know your business is always in compliance with the state.Worry-Free Compliance

  • BizFilings

  • $99


    + state fees

  • #5

  • $99
  • Some states like Nevada and Delaware are a little less.$359
  • 6 Months
  • $164/yr
  • 1-2 Business Days
  • 500,000+
  • 1996
  • Get a recommendation on what kind of business entity is best for your business.Incorporation Wizard

Editor’s Pick (Best LLC Service): Incfile

Because of its low price, commitment to customer service, and large number of satisfied customers, we highly recommend Incfile and consider them as the best incorporation service available whether you are forming a new corporation or LLC. See our Incfile Review for an in-depth analysis of our selection for best online business incorporation service.

Compare LLC formation services before you buy

If you are shopping for an online business formation website to help you form a corporation online, there are many variables you should consider before making a final decision. There are many online incorporation websites, each of which offering different services at different prices. We hope that the chart above will help you make an informed decision regarding your new business entity.

Forms required to form an LLC

The reason so many business formation websites can offer to help you incorporate online is because the process is accomplished with forms. Generally speaking there three initial forms needed to incorporate your business: (1) the Articles of Incorporation (aka Certificate of Formation); (2) Bylaws (or Company Agreement for an LLC); and (3) organizational meeting documentation/minutes.

The online business incorporation process is commenced by filing Articles of Incorporation (aka Certificate of Formation) with your state’s Secretary of State. Business formation websites have access to articles of incorporation templates that meet the requirements of each state they service. A simple questionnaire will provide the business formation website with the information they need to complete and file the articles of incorporation. After the Secretary of State approves the proposed name of your business entity, they will confirm your business incorporation. Each state’s Secretary of State has different timeframes in which they will confirm your business incorporation – some states take only 24 hours and others can take up to 40 days).

What happens after the articles of incorporation are filed?

After the Articles of Incorporation are approved by the Secretary of State, the incorporator will be formally notified of such approval. Some online business incorporation companies will conclude their services at this point, however most will offer additional services. As stated above, you will likely need a set of bylaws and documentation of the organizational meeting. In addition, you may want to purchase a glorified binder known as a corporate kit or company book.

Divorce Forms

If you can follow instructions, you can represent yourself in an uncontested divorce. There are many online divorce services that provide divorce forms to those of you that don’t want to pay an attorney to handle your uncontested divorce.
Compare Online Divorce Forms→

Incorporation

Business formation attorneys have historically represented individuals in the business formation process. However, many online business incorporation websites now facilitate business formations without the necessity of hiring an attorney.

The Best LLC Services →

Estate Planning

Online wills and trusts have become a very popular alternative to estate planning attorneys. An online industry has filled the demand for a low cost alternative when it comes to handling your estate and preparing a Last Will and Testament.

Compare Online Wills →

Trademarks

The name of your business is very important and should be protected nationally with a federal trademark. Online trademark companies are a popular way to complete the trademark application process without hiring a lawyer.

Compare Trademark Providers →