Once you decide to form an LLC or incorporate your business, you will have to register your new business and file certain documents with your state government. You will also need a business attorney or online LLC service to prepare certain documents such as bylaws (for a corporation) or a company/operating agreement (for an LLC). LLC formation attorneys have historically represented individuals and business entities in the business formation process. However, many online LLC formation websites now facilitate business formations without the necessity of hiring an attorney. LLC formation websites such as IncFile and LegalZoom have streamlined the process of incorporating online. See the best online LLC services below.

Many people are opting to hire one of the best LLC services (see below) to handle the incorporation paperwork. If you are joining the many online incorporators, take a look at our online LLC reviews before you buy. The chart below analyzes the best LLC services online:

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.

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.

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).

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.