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The best LLC formation & filing services
Want to save time?
Getting an LLC off the ground can be both an exciting and time-consuming adventure. Between looking for investors and applying for business permits, you may start to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, an LLC formation and filing service can come in handy. Though you can file the documents independently, a professional filing company can save you a ton of time and money.
For starters, this service provider will ensure that your firm is formed through the correct procedure. You’re also guaranteed that all the paperwork will be completed with 100% precision.
Besides, it frees you up so you can concentrate your energy on the most important activities that relate to starting a business. Wondering which LLC filing company to use? We’ve got you covered. Below is a comprehensive guide about the best LLC formation and filing services.
Why you should consider LLC formation and filing services
Do you feel like enlisting the help of an LLC filing company will be a waste of time and money? Here are a few reasons to convince you otherwise.
Cuts back risk of making errors
One of the greatest benefits of relying on a business formation service is the expertise they bring to the project.
These companies know exactly how to go about the formation and filing process. This means they’re less likely to make errors. And even if they do, they know what to do to correct those mistakes in time.
If you choose a DIY approach, there’s a higher likelihood of making errors. And something as trivial as a miscalculation can cost your shiny, new business.
Provision of a registered agent service
In most states, it’s mandatory for all LLCs and Corporations to have a registered agent.
Put simply; this is a registered address that acts as the primary point of contact between your firm and the government. For instance, this is the medium through which you’ll receive legal notices and other important correspondence.
Easy access to crucial paperwork
If you have any experience starting a business, then you know just how tiring it can be to do all the paperwork.
Even if you have a state-of-the-art filing system, you’re still likely to miss or delay submitting a document. If you hire a professional filing company, you’ll never have to worry about this as it will handle all the paperwork that needs to be done.
Gives you peace of mind
As we mentioned earlier, there are a ton of things you’ll need to do to ensure that your LLC is up and running smoothly. Thus, the last thing you want is to encounter a situation that sets you back.
By enlisting the help of a filing company, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the logistical operations are taken care of. This way, you’ll have the freedom to concentrate on the bigger picture and handle more demanding functions.
Time-saving
Another key benefit of working with an LLC formation and filing company is that it frees up your time.
All those minor tasks involved in setting up such a business can quickly add up, forcing you to spend a huge chunk of your time.
With this service provider, you won’t end up spending an entire day hunching over piles of documents. Rather, you can spend your time coming up with new ideas, networking and planning.
How do LLC formation & filing services work?
LLC formation companies work in a fairly straightforward manner.
Oftentimes, you can submit all the details about your business and get your LLC filed without even making a phone call.
The first thing you’ll need to do is set up an account with the provider you’ve chosen. Next, you’ll be asked to fill in some basic information about yourself and your brand new firm. Afterwards, you’ll be presented with several upgrade options and recommendations, although these aren’t mandatory.
For instance, some service providers offer to get you an EIN. But you can save money and get this yourself through the IRS site.
Once you’re done filling all the details, you’ll be asked to make a payment, and that’s pretty much it. Most reputable service providers are able to complete the LLC filing process within 10 days or less.
When your paperwork is ready, you’ll have the option of downloading it online. Or, you can provide a physical address where your articles of organization and other forms will be sent.
At this point, the LLC filing company will have accomplished what it set out to do. But most service providers continue offering an array of other services, which are sure to come in handy.
Remember, setting up your business is just half the battle. The other half is finding an efficient and profitable way to run it. If you anticipate needing bonus services, be sure to ask about this before hiring the service provider.
Best overall & best for small businesses
ZenBusiness Online LLC Formation & Filing Service
Over the years, ZenBusiness has cemented its position as the best overall LLC business formation service. It is also the most suitable one for small businesses, thanks to the low and affordable pricing of their formation plans, and their commitment to uplifting small businesses through loans and grants.
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Without a doubt, ZenBusiness is one of the best providers to choose when looking for an LLC filing firm. They have one of the lowest-cost introductory plans, and it includes LLC filing and compliance support.
ZenBusiness offers three different tiers to accommodate different business and budgetary needs. The Starter package goes for a measly $49, their Pro for $199 and their Premium for $299.
With each plan, you’re guaranteed of getting preparation and filing of the formation paperwork, and business name search. You also get a free accounting and tax evaluation of your firm as well registered agent services and an LLC agreement.
The one thing you might not fancy about ZenBusiness is that you’re required to subscribe annually. And while their plans are relatively affordable, their add-on services can quickly add up.
Best free service
Inc Authority Online LLC Formation & Filing Service
Its free package is a significant draw for startups. Besides the name search and formation filing service, a business can file an S-corp election if it wants to categorize its LLC as an S corporation for tax reasons.
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For owners of startups, Inc. Authority offers an irresistible free offer for all your LLC formation and filing needs.
Contrary to other providers, this one offers a package that’s completely free. And the best part is, it includes the most essential services you need to get your LLC up and running.
It includes business name search and registration along with complete preparation and filing of documents. And for those who decide to switch to an S-type corporation, you’ll be given a tax election form.
The icing on the cake is the fact that you’ll have access to a registered filing agent for one whole year at no extra cost!
The only disadvantage with Inc. Authority is that their premium packages come with hefty price tags. Their starter paid plan starts at a steep price of $399, which can exceed most people’s budgets.
Best premium option
Northwest Registered Agent Online LLC Formation Service
I loved Northwest Registered Agent’s prompt customer service. Customer representatives responded quickly whether I launched a complaint via email, the live chat platform, or call.
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If you’re looking for an LLC filing service provider that offers premium features, then Northwest Registered Agent is the ultimate choice.
This company also offers a unique set of features that’s particularly suited for small business owners working remotely or those interested in protecting their personal privacy. You’ll also be impressed to learn that the firm includes a registered agent service in their starter package.
One thing you’re sure to love is that their registered agent service offers you a public address to use. This way, you don’t have to give up information relating to your personal address or phone number.
Their outstanding customer service is another feature that this filing company is famed for. This stems from the fact that the firm handles all customer services in-house. This allows them to tailor them; hence, improve each customer’s experience.
What to look for in a good LLC formation & filing service
If you’ve been hunting for an LLC formation company, there are a couple of points you should keep in mind. These include:
Expertise
One of the most important things you should look for is the level of experience the firm has.
For the best outcome, you’ll want to work with a trustworthy firm that has a decent record of successfully registering LLCs.
But with every filing company claiming to be the best in the industry, it can be difficult to identify a reputable one. So the easiest way to approach this is to read online reviews and comments from clients who’ve already used the company’s services. If they were satisfied with the quality of service offered, then there’s a good chance you’ll have a positive experience too.
Turnaround time
Filing for an LLC can take anywhere from 24 hours to more than one month, based on the service provider you pick.
If you want to get your business up and running soon, then consider a filing company that has a faster turnaround. That said, there’s a good chance that you’ll spend more on this. So if you’re looking to save a few bucks, you may want to exercise a bit of patience.
Type of service
It’s very rare to find a provider that only offers LLC formation and filing services.
Oftentimes, these firms offer supplementary services like annual report filing, trademark registration, amendments, business licenses, office supplies, advisory plans and most importantly, legal services.
While you probably won’t have these services in mind when looking for a filing service, it’s good to note down these bonus services. Even if you’re able to set up your company successfully, you may require these extra services down the road.
Cost
Starting an LLC requires a ton of financial resources. So one of the things you’ll want to take into account is your budget. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, then look for a firm that’s within your budget.
Tax consulting
If you’re new to the world of creating businesses, then you probably don’t have any clue when it comes to tax issues. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to hire a company that also offers tax advice.
FAQ
How much do LLC formation and filing services cost?
The cost will vary based on the specific state laws that the provider has to comply with. Most online services charge anything from $0 to $300. If you prefer to work with a traditional attorney and get a customized one-on-one service, then you may end up spending quite a lot.
Are LLC filing services mandatory to form a business?
No, you don’t need to use an LLC filing company. However, we highly recommend it.
Enlisting the help of this service provider comes with multiple perks, such as minimizing the risk of making errors, handling all the paperwork, saving you time, money and giving you peace of mind.
What do LLC formation and filing services do?
These companies offer a wide range of services, the main one being filing the LLC on your behalf. For one, they take care of all your legalities, saving you from having to do the legwork of research and finding a legal representative.
They also keep you updated on important deadlines and filings. Lastly, they act as a mediator between your company and the state. This means that you don’t have to contact the state directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Final verdict
Setting up a limited liability company is no small feat. There’s a ton of work you need to do to get your business going. Thankfully, you can delegate some of these tasks and focus your efforts on more crucial tasks like networking and planning.
One such task that you can outsource entails filing your LLC. For a small fee (or for free), you can enlist the help of a professional LLC formation and filing company that will do the legwork of research and paperwork for you. From handling the legal aspects of creating an LLC to tax consultation, this service provider will save you time and money.
