Business & Side Income · Topic page
Best LLC Formation Services
Every company here was researched from its own pricing pages and terms. No paid rankings.
We check it out so you don’t have to.
How we researched this page: we read each company’s own pricing pages and terms, independent tests, and customer reviews. We did not use these products ourselves. Prices change often, so each one shows the date we checked it.
The short version
For the lowest upfront cost, ZenBusiness, Bizee, LegalZoom or Tailor Brands all have a $0 plan plus your state’s fee; watch the add-ons and renewals. For privacy and straight pricing, Northwest. For non-US founders, doola. Every service passes through the state filing fee, which you’d also pay doing it yourself.
Quick comparison
| Company | Best for | Starting price | Trial / refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | Low cost plus ongoing compliance help | $0 + state fee, checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Privacy, no upsells | $39 + state fee, checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
| LegalZoom | Big name, legal help add-ons | $0 + state fee, checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
| Bizee | $0 formation with a free year of registered agent | $0 + state fee, checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
| Tailor Brands | Formation plus logo and website tools | $0 + state fee, checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
| Registered Agents Inc | Simple formation, privacy | $100 + state fee, checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
| doola | Non-US founders forming a US company | $297/yr (Starter), checked October 25, 2026 | See the official site |
ZenBusiness
Who it fits: First-time owners who want a cheap start and reminders or help with yearly filings.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): $0 plus state fees for basic formation. The Worry-Free Compliance add-on is $199/yr.
Honest downsides: The $0 plan pushes you toward paid add-ons. Read what renews automatically.
Visit ZenBusiness’s official site
Compare: Read our full ZenBusiness review · ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom · Northwest vs ZenBusiness
Northwest Registered Agent
Who it fits: Owners who want privacy (Northwest’s address on public filings) and clear pricing.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): $39 plus state fees, with a year of registered agent service included.
Honest downsides: Fewer bundled extras than ZenBusiness or LegalZoom, and a plainer website.
Visit Northwest Registered Agent’s official site
Compare: Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review · Northwest vs ZenBusiness
LegalZoom
Who it fits: People who want a well-known brand and the option of attorney help.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): $0, $249 or $299 plus state fees. The attorney advice add-on renews automatically at $49 or $99 a month.
Honest downsides: The monthly add-ons are easy to miss at checkout and add up.
Visit LegalZoom’s official site
Compare: Read our full LegalZoom review · ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom
Bizee
Who it fits: Owners who want $0 formation and a free first year of registered agent service.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): $0, $199 or $299 plus state fees. Registered agent free for the first year.
Honest downsides: Registered agent renews at a cost after year one. Many upsells during checkout.
Tailor Brands
Who it fits: New owners who also want a logo, website and branding tools from the same company.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): $0, $199 or $249 plus state fees. Registered agent $199/yr. EIN filing $99.
Honest downsides: The EIN fee is for something you can get free from the IRS. Registered agent costs more than Northwest’s bundled year.
Visit Tailor Brands’s official site
Compare: Read our full Tailor Brands review
Registered Agents Inc
Who it fits: People who want a straightforward formation with privacy.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): $100 plus state fees.
Honest downsides: Fewer guides and extras than the big names.
Visit Registered Agents Inc’s official site
doola
Who it fits: Founders outside the US who need a US company, EIN, bank account help and bookkeeping.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): Starter $297/yr, rising to $2,999/yr for full-service plans.
Honest downsides: Expensive if you live in the US and only need a basic LLC.
Also worth knowing
- Doing it yourself through your state’s website costs only the state fee.
- The IRS issues EINs (employer identification numbers) for free.
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