May 2022 – Page 3 – Management Library

May 17, 2022March 15, 2023

7 Best Free VoIP Phone Services – 2023

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) makes it possible for any business to develop an efficient and cost-effective communications network. Free VoIP providers are a great place for new companies to lay a solid foundation. Read on to hear about our favorite free VoIP phone services currently on the market.

Looking for a premium service? check out Vonage!

Best Free VoIP Phone Services

TextNow – Best Overall
2ndLine – Best for Android Users
Google Voice – Best for Sole Proprietorships
WhatsApp – Best for Customized Conversation
Zoom – Best for Video Chatting
Dialpad Talk – Best for Analytics and AI
OpenPhone – Best for Toll-Free Numbers

TextNow

Unlimited

Free with activation kit

Free phone number included

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$9.99 per month to remove ads

2ndLine

Unlimited

Free phone number included

Android only

Information not provided on the website

Google Voice

Unlimited

Free phone number included

Android, iOS, Windows

$10 to $30 per month

Unlimited

No number included

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

No paid plans

Zoom

Metered or unlimited calling

Included in phone plan

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$120 to $240 for phone plans

DialPad Talk

Unlimited

Included in phone plan or can import a number

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$15 to $25 per month

OpenPhone

Unlimited

Included in phone plan or can import a number

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$10 to $20 per month

TextNow: Best Overall

Paid plan pricing: $9.99 per month to remove ads

4.7

★★★★★

Visit

TextNow is one of the few apps that provides a legitimately free VoIP phone service with network coverage. You can call or text through WiFi or pick up a SIM card through a $0.99 activation kit. A free service means ads, and additional features like data or voicemail also cost extra. TextNow uses a slower version of T-Mobile’s network, so you may not have the best call quality.

Why we chose it: TextNow offers free coverage over WiFi or wireless network no matter where you’re located in the United States.

Can use current phone number or obtain a new one
Unlimited calls and texts
Usable through WiFi or cellular service

Littered with ads
Additional charges for some features
Call quality isn’t the best

Pricing: TextNow’s base service is entirely free, and the company recoups its costs through ads that pop up while using the app. If you find the ads too cumbersome, you can pay $9.99 to remove them entirely. While best suited for mobile use, you can also download the app for Mac or PC.

You can use WiFi for calls from the get-go, but TextNow does tap into T-Mobile’s wireless service almost anywhere in the country. You’ll need to spend $0.99 to pick up an activation kit with a SIM card for your unlocked phone. Once you have the SIM card, calling and texting are free.

Should you desire to supplement your service with data, TextNow has you covered there as well. Data plans start at $8.99 for 1GB and top out at $27.99 for 5GB. Any data plan above the 1GB mark removes ads and lets you roam for free in Canada or Mexico.

2ndLine: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Android Users

Paid Plan Pricing: Information not provided on the website

4.4

★★★★★

Visit

2ndLine offers a free secondary phone line that taps into your current wireless service to provide coverage. It uses the same data and WiFi as your existing plan to give a new local number that you can use as you see fit. You can make unlimited calls and texts anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, but you’ll have to use it often enough to avoid having your account canceled. When issues occur, you can only contact customer service through email where they are often slow to respond.

Why we chose it: 2ndLine is a supplemental service to your current plan. It adds a free local phone number with unlimited calling, texting, and voicemail for Android devices.

Unlimited calls and texts to U.S. and Canada
Free voicemail service
Free local number

Android only
Must use the app frequently to avoid termination
Limited customer service connections

Pricing: 2ndLine itself is entirely free to use but does rely on an existing wireless or WiFi plan to function. The app will link you up with another local number that you can claim alongside the one you already use. Even if you don’t have a wireless plan, you can make use of a WiFi connection to accomplish the same goal. Since it draws from your existing WiFi or wireless network, you have some control over the quality.

To cover the cost of doing business, 2ndLine places ads at strategic locations on the screen. They’re not terribly intrusive, but you’ll know they are there. There’s talk of premium features on 2ndLine’s site to remove ads and unlock other tools, but there’s no mention of costs or what these additional features may be.

Google Voice: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Sole Proprietorships

Paid Plan Pricing: $10 to $30 per month

4.5

★★★★★

Visit

Google Voice is an old favorite that links your Google contacts with a single local phone line that you can use. You can’t pick up a toll-free or vanity number for your business, but you can still reach out to anyone within the United States or Canada. If you miss a call, Google’s voicemail will transcribe it for you while filtering out spam. You’ll need to stay active to keep your number, and the service doesn’t work in most parts of the world.

Why we chose it: For a single line, Google Voice features free calling and texting from a local number without consequence. Read our ultimate Google Voice review to learn more.

Unlimited calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada
Free voicemail transcription
Good at blocking spam calls

Must stay active to keep phone number
No toll-free or vanity numbers
Limited to only a few countries

Pricing: As long as you only need a single line for personal use or a business, Google may be the answer for you. You won’t need to worry about any costs for a single local number, and you can call out to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Google includes voicemail in its plan so you won’t miss an important message.

As your enterprise grows, you can switch to one of Google Voice’s three business phone plans. For $10 per month, you can make use of up to 10 phone lines domestically. Through the software, you can integrate your Google Calendar or Google Meet to maximize efficiency.

Spending $20 each month unlocks an unlimited number of users and some additional features like an auto attendant and desk phone support. Jumping to Google Voice’s top-level tier at $30 monthly allows calling to some international locations and adds in advanced reporting.

WhatsApp: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Customized Conversation

Paid Plan Pricing: No paid plans

4.4

★★★★★

Visit

WhatsApp brings traditional wireless plans to the next level, adding VoIP and encryption to protect your data. While both sides of the conversation need WhatsApp to communicate, it is one of the most popular services of its kind. WhatsApp also has a business app you can use to build product catalogs or automate responses. You’ll have to use an existing number to set up your account, and WhatsApp doesn’t generate numbers of its own.

Why we chose it: WhatsApp piggybacks off a current phone service to supply unlimited calling, texting, and video chat to the billions of other WhatsApp users out there.

Business app with API tools
Unlimited calls, texts, and video chat
Robust security with encryption

Users must have the app to communicate
No phone number included
Requires an existing phone number to use

Pricing: Whether for business or personal use, there are no fees for using WhatsApp in any capacity. You’ll have unlimited use of WhatsApp’s entire feature set without ads, including unlimited calls, texting, and video. Even API tools are free to take advantage of, but you’ll need to have the know-how to use them.

WhatsApp does require an existing phone number to set up. You’ll have to deal with any fees surrounding this wireless plan to put WhatsApp to use.

Zoom: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Video Chatting

Paid Plan Pricing: $120 to $240 for phone plans

4.2

★★★★★

Visit

Zoom has one of the most widely used video chatting platforms available, allowing up to 100 users to chat for free, albeit only for 40 minutes at a time. However, Zoom digs deep with a VoIP phone service and chatting that can bring all your communications together under one roof. Expanding into these features can be a bit pricey, especially when some users complain of poor connections at times.

Why we chose it: Zoom adds VoIP phone service and SMS chatting to its stellar video chatting capabilities to maximize business productivity.

Free 40-minute video meetings for up to 100 people
Private and group chat during meetings
Phone plans include a number and texting

Phone plans can be expensive
Free video chats limited to 40 minutes
Some customers complain of lag and slowdowns

Pricing: For all its features, it seems to have an equal number of paid plans to consider. There are a few options to consider in the VoIP phone department alone. Whatever plan you choose, Zoom makes it easy to jump from voice to video chat without skipping a beat.

If you don’t think you’ll be making a ton of calls, consider a pay-as-you-go metered plan. Starting at $120, it contains a phone number and texting capability. You’ll pay for each call you make, with rates to a U.S. phone number at just over 3 cents per minute. You won’t incur any costs for calls coming in, though.

The metered plan has an abundance of extra features to take advantage of as well. These include call recording, voicemail with transcription, and integrations with other apps.

You can use a regional unmetered calling plan to reach anyone in the United States or Canada for a flat $180 per month. Otherwise, this tier shares its feature set with the unmetered plan.

Going one step further, Zoom’s Pro plan for $240 per month introduces a direct dial number and unlimited calling in the 40 countries Zoom currently serves. For whatever reason, Pro doesn’t feature any texting capabilities.

Zoom can add toll-free numbers or additional local numbers to any of these pre-existing plans. Each extra number starts at $60 and goes up from there.

DialPad Talk: Best VoIP Phone Service for Analytics & AI

Paid Plan Pricing: $15 to $25 per month

4.0

★★★★★

Visit

DialPad Talk’s phone service isn’t free, but its 14-day trial is the next best thing. You can break down everything the platform has to offer and decide whether or not to sign up without spending a dime. Real-time data helps keep you in tune with your company’s happenings and uncover missed opportunities. Dialpad is currently limited to the U.S. or Canada, and you’ll have to pay extra for additional phone lines.

Why we chose it: Dialpad Talk introduces budget-friendly VoIP phone plans alongside carefully crafted reports and analytics to ensure you’re on the pulse of your business.

Unlimited calling and texting
14-day free trial
Real-time analytics and reporting

Phone service is not free
Additional phone lines cost extra
Service limited to the U.S. or Canada

Pricing: DialPad Talk’s VoIP phone service isn’t free, but does include that 14-day trial to check things out. Both plans contain unlimited video meetings for up to 10 people at a time. Read the best VoIP apps to view more options.

The Standard tier comes in at $15 per user each month, featuring unlimited calls and texting to any of your clients or contacts. Through artificial intelligence, you can make use of a sales dialer and learn from your calls. Within your analytics dashboard, you can see call volume over time, missed calls, and hot times to reach potential customers.

At a $25 monthly rate, Pro users receive local number support in over 70 countries. You’re also privy to international texting and integrations with the top business management apps out there.

OpenPhone: Best VoIP Phone Service for Toll-Free Numbers

Paid Plan Pricing: $10 to $20 per month

4.2

★★★★★

Visit

OpenPhone provides all the functionality required of a phone service while allowing users to take advantage of toll-free numbers at no additional cost. Phone plans aren’t free, but each comes with unlimited calling, texting, and a 7-day trial to put it through its paces. OpenPhone doesn’t have all the integration options that other services offer, and dealing with customer service can be a slow process.

Why we chose it: OpenPhone stands out from the competition by including toll-free numbers as a free option for its voice VoIP service.

Plans include local or toll-free number
Free 7-day trial
Unlimited calling and texting

Phone plans are not free
Customer service email support only
Limited integrations

Pricing: OpenPhone has two paid plans to choose from with a few discernable differences in feature set. It’s possible to try out both of these with the 7-day trial. You’ll benefit from unlimited calls and texts to customers and clients no matter which way you go.

At $10 per month, the Standard plan includes that juicy toll-free number that typically costs $60 with other providers. Additionally, it offers voicemail, call recording, and an auto-attendant to help direct calls where they need to go.

The Premium Plan adds in call transfers, group calling, and basic reporting features. Making the upgrade to this tier will set you back $20 each month.

OpenPhone makes it simple to add new phone numbers into the mix as well. Each additional line costs just $5 per month, whether local or toll-free.

Methodology for the Best Free VoIP Phone Services

We looked at several unique factors when identifying the best free VoIP phone services currently on the market. Below are the most important features we considered when making our decisions.

Unlimited Calls and Texts

Since this free VoIP phone service is likely your primary source of communication with potential customers, you want to make sure there aren’t any limitations on doing so. Scoring a plan with unlimited calling is the best way of ensuring you don’t miss any conversations that could bring revenue your way. Similarly, with the popularity of texting, clients love having this as an option as well.

Phone Numbers

If you don’t already have a business phone number, you’ll want to choose a service that can create one for you. Most platforms can offer up a free local number you can use separate from any personal accounts you may have.

While better than nothing, local numbers don’t give off a professional vibe, and there may be a client out there somewhere who still has to pay for long-distance calling. For an upcharge (unless you’re working with OpenPhone), you can invest in a toll-free number for your business to reach more clients and appear more legitimate.

Should you have a business number you’re already using, some VoIP providers will let you import it into your new account. This is especially important if you have an established business and customers know where to reach you.

Free Features

Free doesn’t usually get you much, but some free VoIP providers will throw in extra features to sweeten the pot. Top examples include voicemail, unlimited calling to Canada, or video chat capabilities.

Device Compatibility

Whether your team members prefer to use Android, iOS, PC, or Mac, you’ll want to make sure you don’t run into any compatibility issues. Most platforms have apps that function across all mobile and computer-based devices, but some don’t.

Paid Plan Pricing

Chances are you’ll be upgrading your plan at some point as your business begins to grow. When picking out a VoIP service, plan ahead so you’re not stuck with limited features or a paywall you can’t overcome. If you do need to jump ship and switch to a new provider, make sure you can carry your phone number with you to avoid confusion with staff and clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Free VoIP Phone Services

Free VoIP phone services can be confusing to wrap your head around. Below are answers to some of the top questions pertaining to the space.

Is Google Voice a VoIP?

Yes, Google Voice is a VoIP provider for both personal and business use. Its personal plan is free to use, while business plans start at $10 per month.

Is TextNow Free to Use?

Yes, TextNow is a completely free-to-use VoIP service that also functions as a wireless network. Users can make unlimited calls and send unlimited texts just like any other network.

What Towers Does TextNow Use?

TextNow taps into T-Mobile’s tower system for its own wireless service. T-Mobile may scale back TextNow users’ data speeds during peak service times to accommodate its own users.

Is RingCentral Good?

RingCentral is a top VoIP provider, although it does not carry any free plans. It is well worth considering if you’re ready to move away from the few free VoIP options available.

Does Zoom Own RingCentral?

Zoom does not own RingCentral, but the two entered into a partnership back in 2013. RingCentral resells Zoom’s video chat service through its platform with the tagline “powered by Zoom.”

Bottom Line on the Best Free VoIP Phone Services

Free VoIP phone services are few and far between but offer an excellent introduction to the world of internet communication. These platforms offer fledgling businesses a means to start a framework that can grow with time.

TextNow wins out as the best free VoIP phone service for its ability to use cellular networks in addition to WiFi to stay connected. Users also receive a free business phone number but have to navigate around ads during conversation.

May 17, 2022November 23, 2022

Inc Authority Review: Best Free LLC Service

Inc Authority makes it possible for you to set up a limited liability company (LLC) for free. It simplifies the business registration process through its extensive LLC formation services, excellent customer support, and affordability. In this Inc Authority review, we cover its pros, cons, pricing, and features. Find out if the Inc Authority LLC service is a smart choice for your business.

Our Verdict

Inc Authority

Visit

Inc Authority makes it easy for you to register your LLC, thanks to its all-purpose LLC services, accessible customer service, and cost-effectiveness. The free plan is an ideal match for business owners on a budget, while the paid package is a good fit for entrepreneurs with complex LLC requirements. While both the free and paid plans come with a lot of useful features, just be aware that you need to pay extra for additional marketplace services.

Wide range of LLC formation services
Exceptional customer support
Robust free version

Many upselling offers
No BBB accreditation yet
Paid plan pricing not transparent

Inc Authority at a Glance

Inc Authority is an online LLC service that assists entrepreneurs in the formation of LLCs. The mission of the company is to make business ownership an achievable goal for all. Since it was founded in 1989, Inc Authority has helped establish over 250,000 entities in the U.S. Although it focuses on LLC formation, it also offers other startup services, such as business planning, financial funding, and website design.

Inc Authority shines among LLC services because its free plan makes LLC setup assistance accessible for everyone. On top of this, it also stands out for its excellent customer support. Its notable features include business name search, preparation plus filing services, registered agent service, and tax planning consultation. You’ll also get documentation, business credit plus funding analysis, Employer Identification Number (EIN), compliance notifications, website plus email, and customer support.

Who Inc Authority Is Best For

Screenshot of Inc Authority homepage — *Source: Inc Authority*

Inc Authority is best for business owners who want to save time and money as they set up their own LLC. On one hand, the free plan is suitable for startup innovators with limited resources who only need simple LLC services. On the other hand, the paid package is appropriate for entrepreneurs who can afford to pay for comprehensive LLC services.

Pricing

Inc Authority offers two types of plans for business founders who want to establish an LLC. Compare the pricing and features of the two available packages to discover which Inc Authority LLC service is right for you.

Price

Free services (plus state fees)

Contact Inc Authority to get a quote

Business Name Search

Business name check

Business name availability verification

Filing Services

Basic preparation & filing of documents

Custom state filed articles

Registered Agent Service

Yes

Tax Planning Consultation

State & federal tax planning consultation

State & federal tax planning plus professional consultation

Documentation

Digital storage & delivery of startup legal documents

Record book & ownership certificates

Business Credit & Funding Analysis

Yes

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Yes

Compliance Notifications

None

Annual notifications

Website & Email

None

Website domain & business email addresses

Customer Support

Standard email & phone support

Unlimited phone & online support

To summarize, Inc Authority gives you the option to choose between a free plan and a paid package:

Free LLC (free plus state fees): It provides basic LLC services for beginners at no cost. Keep in mind that, while the setup services are free, you still need to pay for the mandatory state fees.
Starter Business Bundle (quote based): It comes with advanced LLC services and additional features for power users. Reach out to Inc Authority to request a pricing quote.

You can select the Inc Authority plan that suits your business needs and budget. Take note that you need to connect with Inc Authority to learn the pricing of the paid package since the information is not available on the official website.

Inc Authority Features

Inc Authority includes a variety of practical features that simplify the LLC registration procedure for entrepreneurs like you. In this Inc Authority review, let’s delve into the details of business name search, preparation plus filing services, registered agent service, tax planning consultation, documentation, business credit plus funding analysis, Employer Identification Number (EIN), compliance notifications, website plus email, and customer support.

Business Name Search

As a business owner, you must ensure that the name you have chosen for your LLC is unique to your business. The free plan of Inc Authority gives you the chance to check your preferred business name within your state. Plus, the paid package goes an extra step by verifying that this name is still available for use.

Filing Services

You need to complete a lot of paperwork as part of the LLC registration process. Inc Authority helps you set up your LLC for free by preparing your entity formation documents and submitting the requirements to the state. In addition to this, you have the option of requesting the LLC service to file your Form 2553 Election by a Small Business Corporation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you subscribe to the paid plan, Inc Authority can assist you in preparing custom state filed articles as well, which is crucial because an LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization.

Screenshot of Inc Authority filing page — *Source: Inc Authority*

Registered Agent Service

As an LLC owner, you must hire a registered agent, especially if you don’t have a physical business address located in the state where you registered the LLC. A registered agent is a person or entity who is authorized to accept legal documents and government correspondence on your behalf. Inc Authority can serve as your registered agent to lessen your chances of missing legal mail. The free plan comes with free agent services for one year, while the paid package includes the services of a registered agent.

Tax Planning Consultation

Inc Authority provides you with tax planning assistance, which is an integral part of financial management, so you can maximize the profits of your LLC. Both plans cover state and federal tax guidance to help you save a bigger portion of your business income. The paid package includes tax consultation for up to one hour with a tax professional. Experts from Inc Authority can answer your questions on tax deadlines, inventory, and deductions.

Documentation

Inc Authority aids you in maintaining the legal records of your LLC. The free plan includes the creation of digital copies of your startup legal documents, such as articles of incorporation or organization. A digital copy will be directly sent to you, while another copy will be stored in the client portal in case you need to access it online.

The paid plan levels up your documentation capacity even further. Inc Authority helps you keep a business record book, which contains legal documents that you need to open a business bank account and perform business transactions. Plus, it stores stock certificates to prove that you own the LLC. The business record book enables you to file, save, organize, and locate important company documents in a fast, efficient way.

Business Credit & Funding Analysis

Inc Authority offers business credit and funding analysis services, whether you go for the free plan or the paid package. Experts can review and evaluate your business credit and financing needs. Afterwards, they can recommend potential solutions for your LLC to improve your credit score and financial standing. Business credit services are vital to your business because it allows you to tap into more financial resources you can use to grow your LLC.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If you sign up for the paid bundle, Inc Authority will help you get your own Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The EIN, which is also called Federal Tax Identification Number, can be used to identify your business. It is a requirement for entrepreneurs like you who plan to hire employees and sell products or services. Keep in mind that the EIN service is not available with the free version of Inc Authority.

Compliance Notifications

Inc Authority ensures that your LLC is properly following the business regulations set by federal, state, and local agencies. If you subscribe to the paid package, you will receive annual compliance notifications from Inc Authority. Take note that this feature is not included in the free plan.

Website & Email

Inc Authority will provide you with a website domain for your LLC if you sign up for the paid package. Plus, you will get five email addresses for your business team. Having your own official website and company email allows you to boost brand awareness, generate new leads, and promote your products and services. Just be aware that website and email hosting are not available with the free version of Inc Authority.

Customer Support

Inc Authority offers two levels of customer support. If you choose the free version, you can take advantage of INC CARE Support. The support team can answer your questions about the LLC service through email or phone. Live U.S. based support is available daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time (PT).

In case you select the paid package, you can benefit from Inc Success Advisor advanced customer care, which comes with unlimited phone and online support. You can inquire about different areas of your business, including taxes, accounting, IRS audits, state or local business licenses, payroll or business funding, lawsuit defenses, banking, and credit cards. Thanks to the excellent customer support of Inc Authority, you will have unlimited access to expert guidance as you operate your business.

Alternatives to Inc Authority

Inc Authority is a viable option for you if you need an LLC service with a free version and if you require outstanding customer service. In case you have other priorities, check out other alternatives which you can consider:

IncFile: Good for Flexibility

Visit

IncFile assists business owners with the LLC registration process. This Texas-based LLC service, which was established in 2004, might be suitable for you if you need versatility. IncFile offers three plans with different price points, in contrast to Inc Authority which only has two available plans. Nevertheless, the free version of Inc Authority includes more services than the free version of IncFile.

Flexible plans & pricing
Easy to use

Requires slightly more work than other LLC services
Lacks advanced features compared to similar LLC services

Pricing:

Silver: Free + State fee
Gold: $149 + State fee
Platinum: $299 + State fee

Northwest Registered Agent: Good for Security

Visit

Northwest Registered Agent is a registered agent service that offers LLC formation services. It could be ideal for you if you value security, thanks to its Privacy by Default feature. It protects your company information by reducing exposure and access to your data. Northwest Registered Agent offers tighter security compared to Inc Authority and other LLC services. Still, the free plan of Inc Authority which includes LLC services is superior to the free version of Northwest, which only walks you through a DIY process.

Strong security protection
Registered agent service is included

Free version lacks LLC formation services
Less features compared to other LLC services

Pricing:

Do It Yourself: Free
VIP Service: Monthly fee. Amount based on state.
Pay in Full: $225 up front fee

Rocket Lawyer: Good for Legal Services

Visit

Rocket Lawyer is an online legal service that provides LLC formation assistance. It may be appropriate for you if you need legal professionals to handle your LLC filing and complete your paperwork. Unlike Inc Authority, Rocket Lawyer gives you access to legal information and affordable representation. However, it doesn’t offer a free plan for non-members in the same way that Inc Authority does.

Access to legal expertise
Membership includes free incorporation filing

No free plan for non-members
Costly add-on services

Pricing:

Incorporation Filing for Non-members: $99.99 + state fees
Premium Membership: $39.99 / month.
- New members: Free incorporation filing
- Members: 25% off on incorporation filing fee + state fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Inc Authority LLC Service

Inc Authority is an affordable LLC service that is worth considering if you need aid in registering your company. Learn the answers to basic questions about Inc Authority and LLCs to find out if this online incorporation service and business structure is right for you.

What Is Inc Authority?

Inc Authority is an online LLC service that helps business owners to set up an LLC. Established more than three decades ago, it offers a full range of LLC formation services through its free plan and paid package.

It includes many useful features, such as business name check and verification, preparation and filing assistance, registered agent service, tax planning, documentation storage, business credit and funding analysis, Employer Identification Number (EIN), annual compliance notifications, website domain plus email addresses, and customer service.

What Is an LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a for-profit business organization that protects the assets of business owners. This business structure minimizes the chances that owners will be held responsible for the debts and liabilities of the company. An LLC may be owned by one or more persons, corporations, and other entities. Every state in the U.S. has its own regulations on LLCs.

What Are the Benefits of Using Inc Authority To Start an LLC?

There are major advantages to using Inc Authority to register your LLC. First, you have the option of choosing a free plan or paid bundle depending on your current budget and needs. Next, it includes a lot of LLC formation services. Finally, you can count on its accessible customer support if you need business advice or technical support.

Do I Need To Open a Bank Account For My LLC?

Yes. We recommend that you open a new bank account after you register your LLC so you can keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. The best small business bank accounts for LLCs make it simpler for you to manage your company assets and expenses. An LLC bank account also makes it easier for you to conduct financial transactions for your business.

Bottom Line on Inc Authority Review

Inc Authority enables you to start your LLC for free. It is a great match for you if you need a handy LLC service with multiple LLC formation tools, solid customer support, and budget-friendly pricing. Now that you have read our Inc Authority review, you can easily decide whether Inc Authority LLC service is a good choice for you or not.

May 16, 2022February 22, 2023

10 Best States for Starting a Business – Where to Launch Your Startup

U.S. map showing the worst and best states for starting a business

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 47 million people quit their jobs in 2021. Then, roughly 5.4 million new business applications were filed, a 53% increase from 2019. If you’re thinking about joining this entrepreneurial club, several crucial decisions lie ahead. Below are the best states for starting your business.

The Best States for Starting a Small Business in 2023

Different states use different attributes and statistics to sell themselves as the most business-friendly state. However, we used a wide-ranging and all-inclusive set of factors to level the playing field. We’ve considered several federal and state government reports, independent studies, and responses from real business owners from all over the US to evaluate the best states to launch a startup.

The 10 best states for starting a business in 2023:

Texas – Best Overall
Utah – Best for Business Financing
Montana – Best for Business-friendly Policies
Georgia – Best for Cost of Labor
Florida – Best State for Starting a Business for Tax Purposes
California – Best for Innovation
Oklahoma – Best for Cost of Doing Business
Idaho – Best for Real Estate
North Carolina – Best for Starting an LLC
Delaware – Best for Privacy Protection

1. Texas – Best Overall State to Start a Business

The Lone Star State ranks as the best state for starting a business for its business-friendly performance on all fronts. Texas has seen tremendous economic growth in recent years. An increasing number of new entrepreneurs are emerging in the state every month with an average of 400+ Texans opening a business every day.

It boasts one of the most favorable business climates in the country with no personal or corporate state income taxes. This makes it one of the best states for starting a business for tax purposes. Since Texas is the second-largest state by population, it has no shortage of labor. A large number of cities and universities also guarantee a young and skilled workforce.

Texas has one of the highest business survival rates in the US, a low risk of natural disasters, and a well-developed infrastructure to facilitate business growth. When it comes to drawbacks, starting a business in Texas has only one. The cost of running a business here is higher than in some other states.

2. Utah – Best State to Start a Business for Business Financing

Utah is the second-best state to register your business with a fast-growing working population and a well-developed economy. The Beehive State has a healthy supply of labor, a supportive regulatory environment, and easily accessible business financing. This is why it enjoys the second-highest growth in the number of small businesses. It was also ranked the No.1 state for entrepreneurs in 2020.

Utah is the best state to get money to start your business with plenty of venture capital available. When it comes to fiscal matters, the state is known for its small-business-friendly tax environment. Its individual and corporate income tax rates sit at 4.95% which is relatively lower than most other states.

Just like Texas, Utah isn’t the most affordable when it comes to the cost of labor and the overall cost of doing business. Still, it has excellent consumer spending and its five-year business survival rate of almost 50% speaks for itself.

3. Montana – Best State to Start a Business for Business-Friendly Policies

Also known as the Treasure State, Montana welcomes small businesses with startup-friendly policies, zero state sales tax, and a very good five-year business survival rate of 53.4%. It enjoys a fast-growing economy, reasonable labor costs, and safety from climate disasters.

The 6.75% corporate income tax rate isn’t the best, but it’s not too bad either. Montana doesn’t enjoy as much consumer spending as Texas or Utah, but spending is on the rise. Despite all that, the Big Sky Country’s relaxed regulatory environment and inexpensive property make it the third-best state for starting a business.

4. Georgia – Best State to Start a Business for Cost of Labor

Well-developed infrastructure, a strong economy, and a skilled workforce are the strongest selling points for Georgia, the Empire State of the South. The state government strives to help businesses grow and finance small businesses with ease.

It has one of the highest levels of venture capital available which makes it a great place to go if your startup needs financing. Georgia has easier payroll laws with one of the lowest state minimum hourly wage rates. The Peach state’s individual and corporate income tax rates sit at 5.75% and have a low cost of living, making it a great place to start a business.

5. Florida – Best State for Starting a Business for Tax Purposes

Home to four of the most small business-friendly cities in the country, Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Florida is fast becoming an SMB heaven. It has no state income tax for individuals and only a reasonable 5.5% corporate income tax rate. Not just that, low rates on some other types of state taxes make it the best state for starting a business for tax purposes.

The rate of new entrepreneurs has steadily risen in recent years, but it’s hard to achieve sustainable growth in Florida. The Sunshine State’s five-year has a 49.5% business survival rate which means more than half of new SMBs will not make it here.

Plus, it has a higher risk of natural disasters. Despite the drawbacks, Florida is still a pretty good option with low labor costs and easy access to capital.

6. California – Best State to Start a Business for Innovation

Home to Silicon Valley, California is at the forefront of technological innovation. Apart from 53 Fortune 500 companies being based in the state, California is great for small businesses too with the second-highest number of new businesses formed.

The Golden State leads in innovation and availability of capital and has a highly skilled workforce. But starting a business in California has its downsides. The cost of doing business here is one of the highest in the country. The corporate tax rate is also very high at 8.84%.

7. Oklahoma – Best State to Start a Business for Cost of Doing Business

Oklahoma has the third-highest business survival rate in the US. Almost 82% of all new businesses survive the first year and almost 50% survive five years. With the lowest cost of doing business in the country, Oklahoma is an excellent option if you want to start a business with limited resources.

The Sooner State has plenty of venture capital available and a relatively longer average workweek which makes it one of the hardest working states in the US. Its weaknesses like a less skilled workforce and lower consumer spending bring it down to no.7 on our list of best states for starting a business.

8. Idaho – Best State to Start a Business for Real Estate

Also crowned as the best state for real estate, Idaho has one of the strongest state economies and most business-friendly policies in the country. It’s a great place to start if your business infrastructure needs a safe physical environment. With a very low risk of natural disasters, the Gem State has vast untapped potential that can act as a booster for your new business.

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states and offers a healthy supply of skilled labor, good infrastructure, and the regulatory environment isn’t too strict. When it comes to taxes, both personal and corporate income tax rates are 6.93%. The cost of doing business is also a bit higher, placing Idaho toward the lower end of our list.

9. North Carolina – Best State for Starting an LLC

One of the best states to buy investment property, North Carolina has a robust economy, a strong workforce, and plenty of venture capital. Compared to other states on this list, North Carolina may seem an uninteresting choice. But several factors combine to make it a very practical state to start a business.

Apart from low business costs, plenty of labor, and relaxed compliance requirements, NC’s strongest selling point is the ease of starting an LLC in the state. At 2.5%, the state’s corporate income tax rate is one of the lowest in the country. The individual income tax rate, however, is not as low sitting at 5.25%.

10. Delaware – Best State to Start a Business for Privacy Protection

Technically, Delaware isn’t the most small-business-friendly state. However, many new entrepreneurs prefer registering their business here for a range of reasons. First, the state of Delaware doesn’t require LLCs to provide member names and addresses in their public filings.

Filing an LLC here makes sure your information stays private. This is also why many businesses prefer getting a Delaware-based registered agent service.

The First State also offers asset protection from lawsuits. It doesn’t have any sales tax, however, the corporate and individual income tax rates are pretty high at 8.7% and 6.6%, respectively. Apart from a strong state economy, Delaware doesn’t have much to offer. It still can be your top choice if you prioritize privacy and asset protection.

5 Worst States for Starting a Business

While we’re at it, we might as well discuss the worst states for starting a business in 2023, and why. We used the same set of factors to evaluate the worst states for doing business as we did for the best ones.

46. New York – High Costs of Living

New York has one of the highest costs of living not just in the US, but in the world. The state is also known for its high taxes with an individual income tax rate of 8.82% and a corporate rate of 6.5%.

Of course, the high costs of living also translate into the high costs of doing business in the Empire State. Starting a business in New York will cost you dearly, but there’s a silver lining because with high risk comes high reward.

47. Vermont – Aging Workforce

Vermont has very high tax rates with corporate and individual tax rates at 8.5% and 8.75%, respectively. Plus, finding financing in this state is like finding a needle in a haystack. Vermont suffers from a labor problem as the state has an increasingly aging workforce.

All in all, launching a startup in Vermont is a long shot. But you still have a chance at success as almost half of all new businesses survive five years in this state.

48. New Jersey – Worst State for Tax Purposes

With numerous higher education institutions based in New Jersey, its workforce has great potential. However, the tax rates in this state are even higher than in its neighboring state of NY. It has an individual tax rate of 10.75% and corporate at 9%. The cost of doing business is very high too as the highly skilled workforce demands high compensation to afford a living in the Garden State.

49. Hawaii – High Cost of Doing Business

Hawaii is beautiful, but it’s not a great place to start a business. The Aloha State has seen the highest one-year business failure rate with 25.4% of businesses not making it past 12 months. Coming across skilled labor is difficult as the remote island state lacks educational facilities.

Though the cost of labor is reasonable, acquiring raw materials and other costs associated with running a business touch the sky. Tax rates are also unreasonably higher than most other states. We would only recommend running a business here if it’s in the tourism industry or something that your area absolutely needs.

50. Rhode Island – Worst Overall

Rhode Island is the worst state to start a business. It has the oldest infrastructure in the country, expensive real estate, high labor wages, and a poor economy. The cost of living, and proportionately the cost of doing business is also very high in the Ocean State.

Less than half of all new businesses survive the first five years in Rhode Island. As the smallest state with a population of just over a million, the supply of labor is diminishing. It also faces diminishing consumer spending, making it a bad choice for starting a new business.

How We Ranked the Best & Worst States for Starting a Business

Ranking states on their suitability for starting a new business involves several factors varying in weightage. Before we get to them, it’s important to mention that different entrepreneurs have different preferences. While you might prioritize a low cost of labor, another business owner would prefer privacy protection or cheap real estate.

The ultimate decision on where to establish your business depends on what you find important. That said, here’s the list of factors we looked at while evaluating the best and worst states for starting a small business.

Tax rates: The taxes you pay directly impact the profitability of your business. Higher individual and income tax rates make it difficult to reinvest and grow your business.
Business survival rate: Statistics speak for themselves. This simple percentage gives a rough estimate of how likely a new business is to succeed in a state.
Workforce: A young and skilled workforce is crucial to the business environment in a state. A growing workforce also results in lower costs of labor.
Regulatory environment: Each state’s policies determine how it welcomes new businesses to open their doors. While some states go easy on small businesses, some make it unnecessarily difficult to set up shop.
Cost of doing business: Business costs are the single most important factor when it comes to business profitability. A business that can’t cover its expenses is likely to fail soon after launching.
Risk of natural disasters: Last but not least, you always want to consider how safe your investment is in the face of unexpected events. Climate change has put the United States at a higher risk of natural disasters, and some states are more disaster-prone than others.

Bottom Line on the Best States for Starting a Business

We rank Texas, Utah, and Montana as the top three best states for starting a business. Rhode Island is on the other extreme end of the spectrum as the worst state to launch your startup.

We considered several factors while preparing this guide. We studied federal and state government reports, independent studies, and responses from real business owners to acquire information. However, your ultimate decision on where to start your business depends on what you find the most important factor.

May 16, 2022November 23, 2022

9 of the Best Registered Agent Services in 2023

Appointing a registered agent is one of the first steps in forming an LLC, incorporation, or non-profit organization. Although you can be your own registered agent, using a professional service is a much better choice. But how do you choose one?

We’ve compiled some of the best registered agent services along with their features, pros, cons, and pricing in this detailed buyer’s guide. This way, you can compare all the best service providers in one place and make your decision with ease.

Best Registered Agent Services – Expert Picks

Northwest Registered Agent – Best Overall
ZenBusiness – Best for Cost Value
IncFile – Free LLC Formation and Registered Agent Service
Harbor Compliance – Best for Multiple Years Package
MyCompanyWorks – Best for Best for Positive Customer Reviews
Inc Authority – Free Registered Agent Service for a Year
LegalZoom – Best for Brand Popularity
Rocket Lawyer – Best for Data Security
Swyft Filings – Best for Fast Turn-around

Northwest Registered Agent

$125/year

24 years+

ZenBusiness

$99/year

7 years+

+50/year

IncFile

$119/year

18 years+

Harbor Compliance

$99/year

10 years+

MyCompanyWorks

$99/year

21 years+

LegalZoom

$299/year

23 years+

+$69/year (Compliance Calendar)

Rocket Lawyer

$149/year

14 years+

Swyft Filings

$149/year

14 years+

*Pricing indicates the starting price per state for standard registered agent services

Northwest Registered Agent: Best Overall

Pricing: Plans starting at $125/year

4.7

★★★★★

Visit

Northwest Registered Agent, at its core, is a registered agent service and has been providing its services in the market ever since 1998. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for providing industry-leading customer service for all 52 jurisdictions in the US.

Northwest is known for its slogan “We’re just not annoying.” Its robust customer service, same-day mail scanning, quick turnaround times, transparent pricing, and service standards are in accordance with what they market. When you purchase Northwest’s registered agent service, you also get annual compliance filing at no extra cost.

This registered agent service provider scans all documents locally on the day of delivery so you can have an electronic copy of them as soon as possible. Unlike other services, it also scans and forwards you regular mail not just service of process and government correspondence documents. You can also get quality business formation services in addition to other add-ons like mail forwarding and virtual office services.

Northwest places special emphasis on its customers’ privacy. It promises to never sell your data and will use its own registered offices’ address wherever possible. This way, it helps reduce exposure to your personal information as much as possible. You can read our complete Northwest Registered Agent review to find out more about it.

Why we chose it: Northwest provides you with a premium registered agent service at a very reasonable price. Plus, it trumps its competitors when it comes to customer service. To learn more about the services and pricing, read the Northwest Registered Agent review.

Highly-rated customer service
Experienced vendor
Mail forwarding and virtual officer service available

Slightly expensive

Pricing:

Northwest Registered Agent service costs $125 per state per year. This includes annual compliance filing and phone service at no additional cost. If you want the service for more than five states, the cost then drops down to $100 per state per year. Prices for additional relevant services are

Mail forwarding: $40/month
US virtual office service: $49/month

ZenBusiness: Best Registered Agent Service for the Value

Pricing: Plans starting at $99/year

4.5

★★★★★

Visit

ZenBusiness is one of the best LLC services that offers a high-quality registered agent service for one of the lowest prices on the market. This makes it a very attractive option. ZenBusiness’ registered agent service is an excellent choice for small business owners who are looking for a mix of services to get their business up and running.

Founded in 2015, ZenBusiness is one of the newcomers to this arena but it’s by no means lacking in experience or reliability. This service offers an attractive package if you need LLC formation too. If you form your LLC with ZenBusiness, you get the registered agent service free for the first year, but the recurring fee is $119 annually after the first year.

It has an online document management system and sends you regular compliance alerts to make sure you’re up-to-date with all legal requirements. It also scans and uploads important legal documents to get them to you straight away and mails you physical copies if required.

Apart from basic registered agent services like receiving and scanning documents, you can also get annual report filing from ZenBusiness for a total cost of $149 per year. Experts at ZenBusiness are well aware of all the specific requirements for creating annual reports for all states. This makes the annual report filing feature particularly useful for business owners who are not experienced in compliance filing.

Why we chose it: ZenBusiness offers a top-of-the-line registered agent service for some of the lowest rates in the market. That along with its predominantly positive customer reviews make it a reliable option. To learn more about the services and pricing, read the ZenBusiness review.

Inexpensive option
Transparent pricing
Free registered agent service with LLC formation

No free plan
Worry-Free Guarantee not included with the regular registered agent service
Annual compliance costs extra

Pricing:

Registered agent – $99 per year
Registered Agent with Annual Compliance – $149 per year

IncFile: Free LLC Formation and Registered Agent Service

Pricing: Plans starting at $119/year

4.2

★★★★★

Visit

IncFile has been around since 2004 and has helped thousands of businesses with its formation and registered agent services. We recommend IncFile for business owners on a very tight budget as you can get free business formation if you’re willing to put in some extra work.

Plus, Incfile also offers a complete and easy-to-use registered agent service for all states free for the first year. You’re looking at a virtually free business registration, all you have to pay is the state fees.

With IncFile’s registered agent service, you get a convenient online dashboard that you can use to track and access important documents. Plus, it also sends you email and SMS notifications to keep you informed.

Customer service is an important factor when evaluating a registered agent service, and IncFile performs reasonably well in this regard. It offers both phone and email support and has relatively quick response times.

Why we chose it: IncFile’s free business formation and registered agent service for the first year make it a top choice for any business owner who’s on a tight budget. Its registered agent service, albeit lacking in features, offers good basic functionality. To learn more about the services and pricing, read the IncFile review.

Free business formation for one year
User-friendly
Good customer service

Registered agent service lacks additional features
No annual compliance filing
Refund and cancellation policies not easily accessible

Pricing: The registered agent service is free for the first year if you opt for a business formation package with IncFile. If you only need a registered agent service, it’ll cost you $119 per year.

Harbor Compliance: Best for Multiple Years Package

Pricing: Plans starting at $99/year

4.1

★★★★★

Visit

As the name suggests, Harbor Compliance helps businesses with compliance requirements and government licensing. Apart from an impressive registered agent service, it also helps companies with entity management, tax registration, and nonprofit formation. If you’re looking to get a service for two years or more, Harbor Compliance gives you 5-10% off on the total service fee.

The registered agent service packs a punch for a very affordable annual fee. Harbor Compliance has a transparent pricing structure and clearly defines all the services you’d get for the money you pay.

You get advanced features like same-day electronic delivery, pre-filled state forms, customizable notifications, and annual report notices with Harbor Compliance’s registered agent service. Plus, this service is powered by their advanced compliance software which brings all the information you need under one client dashboard. Note that Harbor Compliance can’t help you with business formation except 501(C) nonprofit registration such as 501c3 nonprofits.

Why we chose it: Harbor Compliance offers one of the best registered agent services that’s prompt and can handle complexity for an affordable price tag. Plus, if you need the service for multiple years, you can also get a further reduction in the price.

Same-day electronic delivery
Annual compliance filing notices
Affordable pricing

No LLC formation service
Other services are expensive
Lack of industry experience

Pricing: Annual fees starting from $99 per year per state. No additional charges are involved. You only have to pay once per year for ongoing access to its local office and online compliance software. If you buy the service for more than two years at once, you can get a 5-10% discount.

MyCompanyWorks: Best for Positive Customer Feedback

Pricing: Plans starting at $99/year

4.0

★★★★★

Visit

MyCompanyWorks is an established company that has helped thousands of businesses get registered. It offers a range of services from business formation to business management assistance including business licenses, virtual office, and name change services.

MyCompanyWorks offers one of the most affordable registered agent services which is topped off with responsive customer service. This service provider enjoys a good reputation among its customers as a vast majority of its customer reviews share positive feedback.

This registered agent service helps you ensure statutory compliance with ease. In case you want to move your business to another service provider, you can do so with no forms to fill or fees to pay. You can also easily update your forwarding address online. Note that MyCompanyWork’s business formation services are not the best so it’s good as long as you use it only as a registered agent service.

Why we chose it: MyCompanyWorks offers a quality registered agent service at a very affordable price. It’s straightforward with the pricing structure and is a great choice if you need registered agent services only. Read our in-depth review on MyCompanyWorks to learn more about this registered agent service.

Excellent customer service
Positive customer feedback
Affordable price

Registered agent service only available with top-tier business formation package
Lacks additional features
Below par business formation services

Pricing: Registered agent service costs $99 per year. But this only includes electronic document delivery. But you will have to pay extra to get mail delivered to you in person.

Delivery via 1st Class Mail: $9
FedEx Air Delivery: $35
USPS International Shipping: $89

Inc Authority: Best Free Registered Agent Service for a Year

Pricing: Plans starting at $0

3.5

★★★★★

Visit

Based in Reno, Nevada, Inc Authority is one of the oldest players in the online legal space. It has been offering its services since 1989 and has helped thousands of businesses over the years. Hence, it has plenty of experience in business formation and registered agent services.

The most remarkable aspect of Inc Authority’s registered agent service is its price. You can get it completely free of cost for one full year, and you don’t have to purchase a business formation plan for that. But even if you do, know that Inc Authority also offers its LLC service for free.

You will however have to pay $179 per year for its registered agent service after the first year. This makes it one of the more expensive service providers and it doesn’t offer as many features for this price tag. For instance, you only get your government and legal documents delivered to you, and some updates on important documents.

Why we chose it: Inc Authority is an experienced legal service provider and its free plans make it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs who don’t want to spend much on business registration. Read our review on Inc Authority to find out if it’s the right choice for you.

Free registered agent services for one year
Simple-to-use checkout process
Responsive and supportive customer service

Very limited features
Pricing is not transparent
Expensive registered agent service after one year

Pricing: Free for the first year. But after the first year, billing resumes at $179 per year for the registered agent service.

LegalZoom: Best Registered Agent Service for Brand Popularity

Pricing: Plans starting at $299/year

3.0

★★★★★

Visit

LegalZoom is one of the most popular names in the online legal space and has more than 23 years of industry experience under its belt. It’s a reliable registered agent service just because of the brand which is known to provide a wide range of legal services to thousands of happy clients.

Its ridiculously high price is the only reason why we’ve ranked LegalZoom sixth. If it was priced anywhere under the $150 mark, it would’ve been right up there with the likes of Northwest Registered Agent and IncFile. LegalZoom offers quality registered agent services and brings you features like unlimited cloud storage for business documents and $1M in identity theft protection.

If you’re an entrepreneur willing to spend an extra buck to work with a highly credible and well-known legal brand, LegalZoom may work for you. But we won’t recommend it because you can easily find the same kind of service for a much better price. Plus, LegalZoom doesn’t offer a free registered agent service for one year with a business formation plan. Read our LegalZoom review to learn more about it.

Why we chose it: Although LegalZoom’s registered agent services cost way more than others in this buyers’ guide, they still are part of the race for their credibility and brand popularity. Plus, you can also get a plethora of other legal services from this vendor. To learn more about the services and pricing, read the LegalZoom review.

Well-established service with 2 million+ businesses helped
Offers a wide range of legal services
Robust customer service

More expensive than alternatives
Compliance Calendar costs extra
Excessive upsells

Pricing: LegalZoom’s RA service costs $299 annually, making it one of the most expensive options available. Not only that, essential features like the Compliance Calendar that help you stay up-to-date with all upcoming filing deadlines cost extra. You have to pay $69 for the compliance calendar. This takes the total cost of a registered agent plus annual compliance filing above the $370 mark.

Rocket Lawyer: Best for Data Security

Pricing: Plans starting at $149.99/year

3.0

★★★★★

Visit

Established in 2008, Rocket Lawyer is a high-quality legal services provider that has helped millions of customers since it got into business. With a fairly large customer base, Rocket Lawyer enjoys vastly positive customer feedback which makes it a credible service provider in the industry.

Rocket Lawyer prioritizes security and employs advanced measures to help keep confidential documents safe. Their website is covered by Norton Web Security at all times which keeps it safe from malware and other vulnerabilities to prevent your information falling into the wrong hands. It also encrypts all data transmissions as an extra security layer.

It offers a quality registered agent service along with a range of legal services including contract preparation, business formation, and review and consultations with experienced attorneys. When it comes to the registered agent service alone, you can expect it to offer all the basic RA features including a client portal, cloud storage, and email notifications for important documents received.

But Rocket Lawyer lacks features like same-day electronic delivery, annual compliance filing, and phone notifications. Nevertheless, it still enjoys a good standing among its customers. Albeit its registered agent service alone costs more than it should, Rocket Lawyer’s main selling point is its ongoing premium package where you get legal document and attorney services plus 25% off on the registered agent service.

Why we chose it: If you’re looking for ongoing legal help, Rocket Lawyer is an excellent choice for you. Plus, you can avail of its quality registered agent service with a 25% discount if you go with the premium plan. Most importantly, we chose Rocket Lawyer because of its emphasis on security and advanced measures to keep your documents safe. Read the Rocket Lawyer review to learn more about the services and pricing.

Offer a full suite of legal services
Massive customer base
Money-back guarantee available

Expensive option
Doesn’t have same-day delivery

Pricing: The standalone registered agent service costs $149.99 per year. The premium legal services plan costs $39.99 per month. If you subscribe to that, you get 25% off on the registered agent service, bringing it down to $112 per year.

Swyft Filings: Best Registered Agent Services for Fast Turnaround

Pricing: Plans start at $149/year

2.5

★★★★★

Visit

Swyft Filings is relatively new to the online legal space, but they have a considerable customer volume. This is mainly because of their highly affordable services that are topped off with quick turnaround times. But we can’t say the same about its registered agent service.

Swyft Filings offers an average registered agent service that’s overpriced for the limited features it includes. Still, it’s a part of this list because of the overall good standing of the service provider. Swyft Filings is known for the fastest turnaround times in the industry, but we are yet to see if their registered agent service aligns with their reputation.

This service includes basic features such as an online dashboard for you to view official documents as soon as they’re uploaded, compliance assurance reminders, and privacy protection.

Why we chose it: Swyft Filings is a quickly-growing service provider with fast and responsive customer service. It’s got strong customer reviews and offers cheap business formation services.

Quick turnaround times
Positive customer reviews
Offers online dashboard

Expensive registered agent service
Limited features

Pricing: Plans starting at $149 per year. This includes electronic delivery and 1st class shipping.

Methodology for the Best Registered Agent Service

We understand that choosing the right registered agent service for new business owners isn’t the most straightforward choice. Most new entrepreneurs aren’t aware of what a registered agent is, what it does, and what factors to consider when appointing one for their business. In this section, we’ll briefly discuss the factors we considered while creating this buyers’ guide.

Pricing: Your budget is the first and foremost thing to consider when choosing a registered agent service. We understand a registered agent service is usually an unexpected expense for business owners, and most are vary about purchasing the service for a whole year upfront. This is why we gave pricing more weightage than any other factor.
Industry experience: Reliability is a defining factor when it comes to choosing a resident agent. The more experienced a vendor is, the more trustable they are with your business’ official documents.
Same-day electronic delivery: This is an important feature as you’d want to get a digital copy of every document as quickly as possible so you can take the required actions straight away. Services that don’t offer same-day electronic delivery of documents deprive their customers of an important decision-making window.
Customer service: Getting a registered agent service seems simple, but you will always have questions. Services with responsive and helpful customer support perform better than those that don’t.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Registered Agent Services

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions people ask about the best registered agent services.

What are the advantages of registered agent services?

With a registered agent service handling your official documents for you, you can save a lot of time. You can protect your privacy as your contact details will not be publicly listed. It also gives you greater flexibility as you don’t have to be available at your registered office during all business hours.

What services does a registered agent provide?

A registered agent receives and manages all official mail for your business including tax, legal, and compliance notices. The agent delivers these documents to you digitally and through physical mail. It also helps you with filing annual compliance reports.

How much does it cost to hire a registered agent?

The cost of hiring a registered agent depends on what service provider you choose. The price ranges from $99 per year all the way to $299 per year. The average cost of hiring a registered agent is $125 per year.

Bottom Line on the Best Registered Agent Services

You’ll find numerous registered agent services out there and quite frankly, it’s very easy for new business owners to commit to the wrong deal. Always be well informed about all the top service providers and the deals they offer, especially when it comes to long-term commitments like getting a registered agent.

Northwest Registered Agent is our top pick for their reasonable pricing, long-standing industry experience, and unmatched customer service. It also provides business formation services and annual compliance filing.

May 13, 2022November 23, 2022

What Is the Difference Between an LLC and a Corporation?

Group of businesspeople standing in front of an office building

When starting a new business, choosing an entity type is one of the most important decisions you must make. Many entrepreneurs are torn between a limited liability company (LLC) vs corporation. While these entities are similar in many ways, they have profound differences that should inform what you choose.

What Is a Limited Liability Company?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity that protects its owners from personal liability. It is a hybrid business structure that blends the features of a partnership and corporation.

The owners enjoy limited liability just like corporation owners and receive taxable dividends just like in a partnership. Some of the most notable limited liability companies include Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and PepsiCo inc.

No restriction in the number of owners and owners enjoy limited liability
Pass-through taxation and flexibility in taxation
Easy to operate plus flexible management options

Compared to other forms of business ownership such as a partnership or sole proprietorship, it’s costlier to form and maintain an LLC
Obtaining ownership interest might not be easy

What Is a Corporation?

A corporation is a business entity formed by one or more people with a shared goal. The most common types of corporations include S corporations, B corporations, C corporations, non-profit corporations, and closed corporations.

Generally, corporations are legal entities distinct and separate from their owners. The entity can borrow money, enter contracts, hire employees, pay taxes, and even own assets with zero attachment to the stakeholders. The majority of large businesses, such as Toyota Motors and CocaCola Co., are corporations.

Stakeholders are not liable for corporate debts and legal obligations
Buying, selling, or transfer of ownership is straightforward
Easier access to capital through stock trading
Established power structure–Shareholders, chief executive officers, and directors have well-established responsibilities
S corporations are not subject to double taxation

Complex application process
Excessive bureaucracy, and rigid formalities
C-corps are subject to double taxation
It can be costly to form, run, and maintain a corporation

LLC vs. Corporation: The Differences

LLCs and corporations are alike in many ways. At the same time, they have major differences, especially in terms of formation, governance, ownership, and taxation. This comparison chart summarizes the key differences which we will discuss in detail.

Limited liability

Yes

Flexible Management Style

Yes

Eligibility Restrictions

Yes

Limitless Shareholders

Yes

Capital Structure Restrictions

Yes

Single Taxation

Yes

Double taxation

Yes

Entity can go Public

Yes

Annual Reports

Not Required

Yes

Annual Shareholder Meeting

Not Required

Yes

Can Raise Funds From Investors

Yes

Directors are Public Record

Yes

Formation

There are strict formal requirements that must be fulfilled when forming both LLCs and corporations. Both entities must fulfill state maintenance and reporting requirements to ensure limited liability protection. However, corporations have more annual obligations. For example, they must hold annual shareholder meetings.

Moreover, corporations must file annual reports to keep the secretary of state updated about any changes or actions enacted through votes by the board of directors. LLCs don’t have strict record-keeping requirements, and some states, such as Ohio, don’t make it mandatory for such entities to file yearly reports with the secretary of state.

Ownership

To own a corporation, you have to buy a share or a percentage of the business stock. Shareholders are entitled to dividends and are not actively required to take part in running the business. Also, they can sell and buy shares as they wish.

On the other hand, LLCs are owned by members who set the rules pertaining to the requirements for membership and transfer of ownership interest. Depending on the set operating agreement, all members could receive equal profits and losses regardless of their financial contribution to the business. Again, all members own the business and participate in its everyday operations.

Transfer of Ownership

With corporations, ownership is wholly based on the shares owned. If a shareholder wants a stake in the company, they simply need to sell or transfer their stock to a willing buyer.

LLCs do not enjoy the same freedom. A member must draft a sales agreement with a new buyer and might have to record the sale with the state’s Business Registrations Agency. While there are no significant restrictions, a transfer process can be laborious and time-consuming.

Governance and Management Structure

All members in an LLC own the business and participate in its everyday operations. There’s no power hierarchy, and members can play specific management roles or appoint others to run the business. Generally, LLCs are member-managed, and the management structure is less formal.

On the other hand, corporations have a rigid governance structure with the board of directors at the top of the power hierarchy. Shareholders are at the bottom of the power chain. While they have a right to vote for the board of directors and officers, they do not make any business decisions unless they are pre-approved.

Tax Implications

LLCs and corporations are poles apart regarding their tax obligations. LLCs are usually taxed as pass-through entities unless the members choose to have them treated as C corporations. Pass-through entities or S corporations allow owners to pay personal income tax once they receive profits without subjecting them to corporate tax.

C corporations are not immune to double taxation. This means that the business pays taxes as an entity, and owners pay personal income tax after receiving income.

LLC vs. Corporation: What Are the Similarities?

Both of these entities provide personal assets protection for owners and require registration through a state-accredited business filing agency. Also, both entities enjoy perpetual existence even if a shareholder or owner passes on or resigns.

Perpetual Existence

LLCs with two or more members and corporate entities are not at threat of extinction if a member or stakeholder can no longer hold their position. As long as the business owners do not file Articles of Dissolution or set a dissolution date in the formation documents, the entity will continue to run indefinitely.

Business Registration

As expected, you must file formation paperwork with a state-accredited filing agency. It is also mandatory to obtain licenses and permits before kickstarting business operations. Read about the steps involved in registering a business here.

Limited Liability Protection

Both LLCs and Corporations provide asset protection for owners. This means that they are not personally liable for liabilities and debts incurred by the business. However, in some cases, limited liability protection may not prevail, for instance, when an owner personally guarantees a debt or commits a crime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for LLC vs Corporation

Are you still torn between forming an LLC and Corporation? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. Hopefully, they will shed more light on the topic and help you make an informed decision.

Which One Is Right for Me between an LLC, S Corp, and C Corp?

LLCs and corporations have unique sets of pros and cons. Generally speaking, LLCs are the best choice for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a more straightforward business formation process. They have lighter state and federal regulations, fewer rules to follow, and relatively simple tax processes.

S corporations have substantially more regulations and legal requirements than LLCs. They are an ideal option for most types of businesses that want to enjoy the unique perks of a corporation, like the ability to trade stocks publicly and still avoid double taxation.

If your goal is to form a larger business, it is best to start a C Corporation. This option is subject to double taxation, and there are much more legalities, compliance, and regulations to follow. The primary benefit is that C Corporations are more attractive to investors than S corporations and even LLCs.

Why Do I Need a Registered Agent When Forming an LLC or Corporation?

Legally, you must enlist a registered agent during the business formation process. The agent serves as a link between your company and the state. It will ensure you receive all legal correspondences and government notices on time.

Must I Seek Legal Help When Forming an LLC or Corporation?

No. It is perfectly okay to handle all the paperwork in person and only pay the state filing fees. However, it is easier, faster, and affordable to work with online business formation companies like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness. They will provide the much-needed guidance to reduce the risk of blunders. Companies like Incfile even offer the option to file your LLC for free.

Bottom Line on LLC vs Corporation

So, what should you go for between an LLC and a corporation? The right answer will depend on the financial, operational, and legal implications you are ready to bear. Think of the business entity as the foundation of your venture that will set the rules you must follow. Because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it is perfectly rational to consult a business lawyer before making your final choice.

May 12, 2022November 23, 2022

The 7 Best Business Registration Services for 2023

Young professional trying to register a business with registration services

Registering your own business doesn’t have to be daunting. Business registration services exist to streamline the process from start to finish while keeping everything compliant down the road. The best business registration services can file business formation documents for you, provide registered agents, and prepare your annual reports.

Best Business Registration Services

ZenBusiness – Best Overall
Inc Authority – Best Free Service
MyCompanyWorks – Best for Staying Organized
IncFile – Best for Startup Services
Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Transparency
LegalZoom – Best for Legal Services
Rocket Lawyer – Best for Document Creation

ZenBusiness

From $49 plus state fees

Can file for an LLC or Corporation

Prepare annual reports with expert help and automated technology

Solid customer support team

From $99 per year

Inc Authority

$0 plus state fees

Can file for an LLC or Corporation

Annual report planning to help file correctly

Expert customer service, limited hours

Included free for the first year

MyCompanyWorks

From $59 plus state fees

Can file for an LLC, Corporation, or a DBA

Report filing services available

Unlimited phone/email support during business hours

$99 per year or included in higher tier plans

IncFile

From $0 plus state fees

Form an LLC, Corporation, or nonprofit

Facilitate annual report filing

Limited to weekdays during normal business hours

Included free for the first year

Northwest Registered Agent

Free to 100 plus state fees

Form an LLC, Corporation, or nonprofit

Annual report reminders, document storage

Knowledgeable and easy to access customer service team

$125 per year

LegalZoom

From $79 plus state fees

Can file for an LLC, Corporation, Nonprofit, or a DBA

Create an annual report from a few simple questions

Customer support team can’t always keep up with demand

$299 per year

Rocket Lawyer

$39.99 per month or $99.99 flat rate

Form an LLC, Corporation, or nonprofit

Generate and maintain corporate records

Available during business hours, on-call lawyers for legal questions

$112.50 to $149.99

ZenBusiness: Best Overall

Price: From $49 plus state fees

4.7

★★★★★

Visit

ZenBusiness tops our list as the best registration service thanks to fast business filing options and a low cost for incorporation. Its customer service is on hand at any point during the process to help with questions, although this team isn’t able to give any legal advice.

Starting a business can feel like a breeze next to maintaining one, so ZenBusiness has tools to make management as easy as possible. The company can help with tax documents or serve as a registered agent so you don’t have to. Be aware that these services come with an additional cost.

Why we chose it: It’s hard to beat a $49 price point (before state fees) when starting up a business of your own. ZenBusiness can also have you up and running quickly with short turnaround times for filing. To learn more about its services and pricing, read our complete review on ZenBusiness.

Fast filing
Helps with tax documents
Offers a registered agent service

No legal advice
Pricing is not transparent
Add-ons can increase the cost

Pricing: Starting at just $49 before any state fees, forming an LLC with ZenBusiness shouldn’t break any new company’s budget. Should you want to tap into other features that ZenBusiness offers, you will have to shell out a bit more cash. For instance, its registered agent service will set you back $99 for one year of coverage.

Inc Authority: Best Free Business Registration Service

Price: $0 plus state fees

4.6

★★★★★

Visit

Inc Authority boasts over 30 years of experience as a company registration service and shares this knowledge with business owners for absolutely nothing out of pocket. You’ll receive all the tools you need to incorporate and keep your business going with annual reporting and a registered agent service. Inc Authority has a good customer support team, but they are only available during regular business hours.

Why we chose it: You get a lot for nothing by forming a business through Inc Authority. After creation, Inc Authority hopes to continue working with you down the road as your company changes and grows. Read the Inc Authority review to learn more.

Free LLC or corporation filing
One year of registered agent service included
Over 30 years of experience

Lots of upsells
Limited customer service hours
No refunds available on sales

Pricing: Inc Authority allows you to create an LLC or corporation for exactly $0 out of pocket. The company waives all its service charges and labor costs to get your business up and running for the lowest amount possible. As a business owner, you’re only responsible for applicable fees from your state.

Better yet, this free filing includes a business name check, tax planning, and a year of registered agent service. Inc Authority hopes to build trust early on with this free service and doesn’t wait long to start upselling you on additional features. If you do make a purchase through Inc Authority, all sales are final.

MyCompanyWorks: Best Business Registration Service for Staying Organized

Price: From $59 plus state fees

4.4

★★★★★

Visit

Although a bit pricier than some of the other business registration services out there, MyCompanyWorks contains personalized tools that will help you keep every aspect of your business organized. From organizational minutes to a tax consultation, MyCompanyWorks understands that the real challenge comes after starting up your business.

Why we chose it: MyCompanyWorks’ organizational tools can help you start and maintain a good business model from the moment you incorporate. Read our review on MyCompanyWorks to find out if it’s the right choice for you.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Exclusive startup wizard
Several personalization options

Registered agent only available in higher-priced packages
Limited customer service hours
More expensive than similar options

Pricing: MyCompanyWorks features three tiers of service for starting up with a corporation or an LLC. The Basic plan starts at $59 and gives access to a majority of the tools MyCompanyWorks has to offer. While this includes business formation, Basic also helps you personalize and organize your new venture through a unique startup wizard.

Upgrading to the Entrepreneur plan for $199 unlocks forms and tax guides to keep all aspects of your business running smoothly. MyCompanyWorks will also act as a registered agent for a year and cover the cost of your federal tax ID.

The Complete package includes a managed annual report service and compliance checks so you don’t miss important deadlines for $279. Beyond these three tiers, you can use MyCompanyWorks to build a website for an additional fee. No matter what you choose, you can make use of the 100% satisfaction guarantee within the first 90 days of service to get a full refund.

IncFile: Best Business Registration Service for Startup Services

Price: From $0 plus state fees

4.4

★★★★★

Visit

IncFile’s Gold plan may not be free, but it contains several startup services new businesses need to succeed. Including a registered agent service, tax ID number, and banking services, you can use IncFile to take care of all your immediate needs. This can save time and money by shopping around for each of these services independently.

Why we chose it: IncFile is packed with essential features like banking and tax ID creation to simplify the business formation process for one reasonable price. To learn more about these features and their pricing, check out our IncFile review.

Free business formation
Registered agent service included for the first year
Full suite of startup services

Can be challenging to reach customer service
Registered agent $119 after the first year
Potential for upsells

Pricing: IncFile’s Silver service is a bit on the simple side, but it is free before paying fees to the state. You can run unlimited name services in advance of filing your documents. This tier includes an entire year of registered agent service that defaults to $119 at the beginning of year two.

You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck with the Gold plan containing the features that really make IncFile stand out. For $149, you get the perks of the Silver plan alongside a federal tax ID number, business banking account, tax consultation, and even the election form for an S-corporation if you’re going that route.

The Platinum tier at $299 expedites the business filing time and provides a domain name and business email you can use to look more professional. These features are great, but you need to decide how much of an upsell you can afford when just starting out.

Northwest Registered Agent: Best Business Registration Service for Transparency

Price: Free to $100 (plus state fees)

4.3

★★★★★

Visit

Northwest Registered Agent’s claim to fame as a company registration service comes from its belief in transparency and treating customers like actual human beings. The service doesn’t hide its pricing information and stands upon excellent and accessible customer service to get things right the first time. It also makes a point of keeping your private information safe. While this is enough for some, Northwest does lack some features that other companies include in their plans.

Why we chose it: Northwest Registered Agent prides itself on transparency with its pricing and customer service. It believes in treating clients like the people they are by keeping customer support lines open and keeping money out of the forefront of conversation. Read the Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more about its services.

Can pay up front or monthly
Protects your private information
Free do it yourself plan

On the expensive side
Do it yourself plan requires you to do all the work
Lacks some features

Pricing: Northwest Registered Agent’s pricing changes depending on whether you’re planning to pay up front or monthly over the course of a year. Neither option is cheap, as paying up front will cost you $100 for just the filing service fee. You’re still responsible for state fees on top of that. Using Northwest as your registered agent will set you back an additional $125 per year.

Monthly rates vary from state to state but hover in the $45 to $60 per month price range. This monthly cost includes service fees, state fees, a federal tax ID, and registered agent service. Upon sign-up, you are committing to pay for at least an entire year.

It is possible to have Northwest Registered Agent walk you through the incorporation process with a free account. The downside is that you have to do the work yourself every step of the way.

LegalZoom: Best Business Registration Service for Legal Services

Price: From $79 plus state fees

4.1

★★★★★

Visit

LegalZoom does business registration for any entity out there, from LLCs to nonprofits, and filing “doing business as” paperwork for your sole proprietorship. Prices for each service are rather expensive, and you may have some difficulty reaching a customer service agent to start the process.

Why we chose it: Far beyond company registration services, LegalZoom offers everything from property deed transfers to living wills. Those needing a large variety of features will likely find everything they need with LegalZoom. Check out the LegalZoom review to learn more about these features.

60-day satisfaction guarantee
Wide range of legal services
Can file any type of business

Expensive
May experience delays with customer service
Registered agent not included

Pricing: LegalZoom doesn’t have a fancy pricing strategy, preferring an a la carte method for feature selection. LLC incorporation starts at $79 before state filing fees, whereas a corporation is nearly double that at $149.

Additional tools such as annual reporting and operating agreements cost extra, with a year’s worth of registered agent service at a whopping $299. If you give LegalZoom a try for its breadth of features, you’ll have 60 days to cancel for a complete refund.

Rocket Lawyer: Best Business Registration Service for Document Creation

Price: $39.99 per month or $99.99 flat rate

4.2

★★★★★

Visit

Rocket Lawyer does an okay job of business registration, with an initial incorporation included in the cost of membership. The service really stands out with document creation, where you can generate and sign all the legal files you’ll ever need. Beyond that, you can ask any of Rocket Lawyer’s on-call attorneys about your legal conundrums and receive quick responses.

Why we chose it: Rocket Lawyer helps set your business apart with document creation and the ability to sign online. Add that to registration services and legal counsel, and you have a force to be reckoned with. Read the Rocket Lawyer review to learn more.

LLC formation included in a new membership
Complimentary legal questions
7-day free trial

Non-member pricing per item is expensive
Membership is pricier than most
Doesn’t specialize in business formation

Pricing: Rocket Lawyer offers two approaches to its services in the form of membership or non-membership. Members pay a flat $39.99 per month and receive access to document services, legal counsel, and free business filing at initial sign-up. Subscribers can use Rocket Lawyer as a registered agent for $112.50, 25% off the non-member price.

Non-members have to pay for each service they use, and not one of them is reasonably priced. Business incorporation costs $99.99, and a registered agent will set you back another $149.99. Creating a single legal document runs $39.99, and legal consults start at $59.99.

Rocket Lawyer does give users the option to try its services for free. When you sign up with a credit card, your first seven days of membership are on the house. If you don’t like what you see, you’ll need to cancel before getting billed for your first month of service.

Methodology for the Best Business Registration Services

Several factors went into our decision process for selecting the best business registration services out there. After careful analysis, we considered the following criteria to be the most important when making our selections.

Business Formation

There are multiple business types available for small businesses in the United States, and a business registration service should be able to help you with any one of them. While LLCs are the most common form new businesses take, some business owners prefer a corporation or nonprofit (like a 501c3 nonprofit) instead. Let’s not forget partnerships or sole proprietorships who may want to file a “doing business as” document to their venture a new identity.

As your business evolves down the road, you may need to make changes to your entity’s structure. Having a business registration service that can help you with this is a huge plus as well.

Registered Agent Service

All LLCs require a registered agent service during the formation process. Although it is possible to be your own registered agent, it’s advisable to use a third party to receive legal documents on your behalf.

The best company registration services double as registered agents but typically charge a yearly fee for doing so. Some will throw in this service for free for the first year, which can be a real blessing for a new business.

Turnaround Time

Getting your business up and running is a priority, and waiting to cut through the red tape can be stress-inducing. Some companies can take your information and file it all on the same day, reducing the wait time to the state’s filing process. It may even be possible to use these services to expedite state filing to minimize the time it takes to get going.

Customer Support

Registering a business has become much easier since the introduction of the internet, but that doesn’t mean the process isn’t without its challenges. It’s essential to have a dedicated customer support team on hand to help out in the event something doesn’t go as it should. Furthermore, having a team on hand outside of normal business hours can help diffuse costly issues that would otherwise have to wait until the next business day.

When it comes to business formation, assistance often extends past a traditional help desk to situations where you need legal counsel. It’s helpful to know that the platform you’re working with has the expertise to provide answers to these tough questions as well.

Price

Company registration services can look like great deals at first glance but have a bunch of add-ons that really rack up the price. However, some platforms will at least get your business registered for free and possibly throw in a registered agent service as well if needed.

Keep in mind that forming a business is just the first step of the process. Many of these services showcase tools to file annual reports or create documents as needed for additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Business Registration Services

Business registration services aren’t always black and white. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about forming a business.

Where is the Cheapest Place to Get an LLC?

You have to register your LLC in a state whether you have a physical location or not. Every state charges for the registration process, but fees are not all the same. At present, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Arizona are among the cheapest to start up your LLC. If you’re looking to start an LLC, here are some of the best LLC formation services.

What is Better, an LLC or a Sole Proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship may appeal to business owners who don’t want to pay the fees associated with starting up an LLC. This may work for small ventures with minimal profit and risk, but an LLC protects your assets in the event of a lawsuit.

What Should I Name My LLC?

Within reason, this choice is entirely up to you. Some states restrict certain words that may give your business the appearance of a government or educational organization. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to end it with the words “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited”, or “LLC”.

Should I Get an EIN for My LLC?

An EIN, or employer identification number, differentiates your business from others for tax purposes. Although not always required, you will need an EIN for certain tax forms and if you’re going to be paying employees.

Bottom Line on the Best Business Registration Services

Using a business registration service takes the guesswork out of setting up a new venture by filing the necessary documentation for you. If that wasn’t enough, many manage the legal side of your business so you can focus on more important things. There are usually initial costs, but these platforms frequently pay for themselves in no time. When forming a new business, don’t hesitate to look to a registration service for the tools to succeed.

May 11, 2022January 17, 2023

What Is Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)?

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is a metric you can track to discover who are your best and most valuable consumers. It measures how much a customer is likely to spend over a “lifespan.” Learn how to calculate your small business’s CLV, and ways you can improve unsatisfactory values.

What is Customer Lifetime Value?

Customer Lifetime Value reflects the amount of profit a company earns from a particular consumer over their lifespan. This metric studies the average amount a consumer buys, how often they make purchases, and the duration in years a customer shops at your company. The info helps quantify an individual’s happiness with your products and your business’s ability to bring people back for more.

Why Does CLV Matter?

CLV helps you to determine whether you need to invest more capital in retaining customers or bringing in new ones. Statistically, you have a much better chance of making a sale to an existing customer than a new one.

Generally speaking, it’s much harder to bring a new client on board than retain repeat customers. It often requires a big hook to lure a first-time shopper to your site. Customers have a lot of choice, so you need to spend time making your site or store unique. Then use marketing tools to make your products or services the most appealing.

The amount you spend to land a new customer is called customer acquisition cost (CAC). By comparing this value to a consumer’s CLV, you can see at a glance if you’re spending more to obtain new individuals than you are ultimately making off them in the long run.

Because of the costs required to bring in new consumers, most of your profits are going to come from repeat shoppers. Knowing each one’s CLV affords insight into strategies that can further drive growth.

Through CLV, you may notice customers favoring a particular type of product year after year. You can use these highly sought-after products to entice both new and existing shoppers. Similarly, you may notice clients sign up for your service for a year but are not making a point to renew.

Contributing Factors to CLV

Customer loyalty is a huge driving factor for bringing individuals back to your business, thus increasing CLV. If you don’t give shoppers a reason to come back to your site, what’s stopping them from purchasing somewhere else next time?

You can look at your company’s churn rate to determine whether or not you have a problem keeping people around. Every few months, it’s wise to look at how many customers you’re retaining and how that value compares to the number from last quarter.

It’s nearly impossible to keep 100% of your clients from year to year, but you should be seeing an overall increase in customers and not the opposite. Those who stop shopping at your business after a short time will have very low CLV scores.

From a product or service standpoint, it’s up to you to provide the best you can. Items that can’t stand the test of time or don’t perform as intended will not make customers want to buy from you again.

How CLV Works in the Real World

Tracking CLV across your client base at strategic intervals can help you better understand how your business is doing. For instance, crunching the numbers before and after a pivotal marketing campaign will reveal success if there’s an uptick in sales. No change or CLV loss quickly tells you that the campaign was a bust.

Looking at the overall CLV value, you can also see which types of customers are spending the most. You want to pay more attention to your most profitable clients to boost sales further. You can then hone your advertising campaigns to target the those who are spending the most on your site.

You can also use CLV to identify points of frustration that consumers may face while shopping. Having a difficult to navigate site or a weak return process can show up as reduced sales numbers or frequency.

How to Calculate Customer Lifetime Value

The calculation for customer lifetime value isn’t an overly difficult one, but you will have to brush off your math skills. The equation to calculate CLV is as follows:

CLV = Customer Lifespan * Customer Value

Customer lifespan is simple enough to discover. This number represents in years the entire length of time a customer has been shopping with your business.

Customer value is the product of two important aspects of an individual’s shopping behavior. To calculate this number, you must multiply the average purchase amount of a consumer by the number of times the customer shops in a given year.

Customer Value = Average Purchase Frequency * Average Purchase Value

An Example CLV Calculation

To demonstrate CLV in action, consider a local hair salon. A customer who makes a point of getting a cut and a color once a month for $80 is going to have a higher CLV than a mother who brings a child in once every two months to shorten things up a bit.

We can calculate the CLV for each of these customers over the course of five years. Our cut and color customer looks as follows:

Customer Value = 12 appointments per year * $80 = $960

CLV = $960 * 5 years = $4,800

Our child who gets a $10 haircut will have a significantly different value. Let’s check out the numbers:

Customer Value = 6 appointments per year * $10 = $60

CLV = $60 * 5 years = $300

While both clients are important, the regular cut and color has a much higher CLV. Incentivizing this client and other similar customers will earn you a lot more profit in the long run.

Ways to Improve CLV

To have a profitable business, you need your customer lifetime value to be higher than your customer acquisition cost. The higher the difference between the two, the more money your company will make. If these values aren’t where you want them to be, don’t fret – there are ways to improve CLV among your client base. Here are some of the best ways to give CLV a boost.

Invest in the Customer Experience

Whether you offer goods or services, your customers are the lifeblood of your business. Giving your customers the best experience you can will likely keep them coming back for more. Work out the kinks in your website, removing dead links and delays in the process that may turn a customer off. Make sure checkout is as simple as can be. Time is money, and customers will likely remember these details.

Ensure Your Onboarding Process Is Seamless

Whatever brings a customer to their first purchase on your site, it’s up to you to give them a reason to return. Sharing details about your brand on your web page or through a follow-up email adds a personal touch that other businesses may not do. If clients can relate to what your company stands for or a struggle you’ve overcome, they may feel more connected.

Start a Loyalty Program

What better way to keep customers coming back than through a loyalty system? By offering discounts for repeat purchases, you’re giving a tangible reason to return and shop more. Eateries may give away a 10th item for free. An e-commerce business might provide a discount through a coupon code for someone who shops regularly.

Make Returns Easy

It may seem counterintuitive, but allowing customers to return things with minimal hassle is as sure a way as any to bring them back. Shoppers will remember the painless process, making them more likely to come back down the road.

Upsell

Companies like McDonald’s and Amazon do a great job of this, presenting other products that would be perfect with the item you’re about to purchase. You can do the same, offering a slightly more expensive substitute or suggesting things that work well with what they’re buying.

Provide Omnichannel Support

No one likes endless hold times when trying to reach customer support, and having a poor response system can turn customers off in a hurry. Providing a direct line or short wait time should keep consumers coming back for more even if they experience an issue.

In this digital age, clients enjoy reaching out through other means besides the telephone. You can use a chatbot on your site to interact with people or encourage them to send a text message. If your business has social media accounts, you can even handle customer issues from there.

Remember the Power of Social Media

In addition to customer support, it’s possible to use social media to promote sales and stand out against the competition. With over half the world using various forms of social media, it seems foolish not to take advantage of this space.

Reach Out to Unhappy Customers

Unhappy customers are going to stop buying your brand and may report unfavorable experiences online for the world to see. Navigating these murky waters and attempting to rebuild a damaged relationship can go a long way. In a best-case scenario, you can win back a lost customer who will feel even more loyal because of the extra effort you made.

Tools to Help With CLV

You don’t have to look far to find tools that can help calculate CLV and improve a customer’s score. Hubspot has a free CLV calculator you can use to track this important value and several others.

Alongside tools for calculating CLV, many customer relationship management (CRM) services include features to improve the retention rate of your clients. With these tools, it’s possible to manage contacts, track interactions with customers, improve customer support, and much more. Some CRM platforms even offer free plans to get you started without spending a penny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Customer Lifetime Value

Understanding customer lifetime value can be challenging. This FAQ section answers some of the most common questions surrounding the topic.

What is a Good Customer Lifetime Value?

You always want to see a customer lifetime value that’s higher than the amount you spent to bring a new consumer into the fold. You’re in good shape if you see a CLV that’s at least three times higher than customer acquisition cost.

Why is Churn Important?

Churn is an important metric that tracks the loss of consumers over time. Customers no longer shopping at your business means less revenue, which can spell disaster for any size company.

Are CRM Systems Worth It?

Yes, CRM systems offer a slew of tools that help your business retain customers through marketing campaigns and client tracking. Furthermore, these services can give your shoppers an easy way to contact you and work through issues they may be experiencing.

Bottom Line on Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Having a firm grasp on customer lifetime value for your clients helps paint a very accurate picture of how your business is performing. This one number reveals your best customers and the products or services that keep them coming back for more. It also gives an idea of how much you can afford to spend when attempting to bring on new clients. Without CLV, you’re likely missing a lot of information about profitability and customer turnover that can lead to issues in the future.

May 10, 2022February 21, 2023

SiteGround Review: Is It the Right Option for Your Website?

SiteGround is a popular web host that caters to the needs of both simple and resource-intensive websites. It offers a wide range of services and plans with growth in mind. SiteGround provides a 99.9% uptime guarantee, security features, and reliable customer support. This SiteGround review will help you decide if it’s right for you.

Our Verdict

SiteGround

Visit

SiteGround is a Linux-based web host that offers multiple hosting options. Apart from WordPress hosting, the company also provides dedicated and cloud hosting. Users enjoy beginner-friendly-to-advanced features that ensure they don’t go through the inconvenience of changing web hosts once their websites grow.

Also, the company has numerous helpful in-house tools like WP Migrator, SuperCacher, and SG Optimizer to make it easier to run and build a website. There is also an impressive range of software solutions designed to improve your site’s performance, minimize traffic surges and tighten security.

Screenshot of SiteGround website screenshot — *Source: SiteGround*

Attractive introductory prices with all plans
User-friendly interface and above-average load time
Plenty of freebies, including convenient one-click to install free features
Reliable uptime and 99.99% uptime guarantee
Limited accounts in shared hosting plans
Free daily backups included in all plans and free SSL certificate
Pretty secure with free Cloudflare, AI-bot prevention tool
Responsive customer service plus a no questions asked 30-day money-back guarantee

No advertising credits
No Windows server options
Comparatively low storage
No VPS plans
Price increases upon service renewal

SiteGround at a Glance

SiteGround is a web hosting platform founded in 2004. It is headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, and boasts data centers and servers in the United States, Singapore, and Europe. Users enjoy fast load time, a 99.99% uptime guarantee, and tons of features ideal for both simple and resource-intensive sites.

Moreover, the platform uses unique Site Tools instead of the traditional cPanel for enhanced ease of use. It also provides resources to help users develop and run their sites. The 24/7 technical support team is helpful and pretty responsive, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck.

Who Is SiteGround Best For?

If you prefer big box web hosts, SiteGround is probably not the ideal company to choose. It is best for entrepreneurs looking for a personalized connection with their web host. SiteGround offers hosting solutions developed in-house. The service is generally ideal for budding web developers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs who want to host their websites on WordPress.

Pricing & Features

Price-wise, SiteGround may not suit those with tight budgets. The pricing ranges from the medium-to-higher end of the spectrum. And the lower-tier plans lack advanced features.

On the bright side, beginners can take advantage of convenient features like the Weebly website builder with just one click. You’ll also get fast and easy integrations with WordPress and helpful apps like Joomla.

As your site grows, you could consider the top-tier plans with advanced features like phpMyAdmin, SFTP, SSH, and WP-CLI. SiteGround offers four primary web hosting services. They include:

Standard shared web hosting
WooCommerce hosting
Cloud hosting
WordPress hosting

The pricing tiers remain the same across different SiteGround services, except for cloud hosting. This uniformity makes it easy for users to compare a range of offerings and choose a package that suits their needs instead of focusing on a plan that saves them money.

The available plans include:

StartUp: Ideal for smaller websites
GrowBig: Best for mid-sized businesses with more than one website
GoGeek: Shared hosting plan ideal for ecommerce stores and tech geeks who want more control over their sites

Screenshot of SiteGround pricing plans — *Source: SiteGround*

Price Per Month

$2.99

$4.99

$7.99

Number of Sites

Unlimited

Free WordPress Installation, Migrator and Autoupdates

Visitors Per Month

Up to 10,000

Up to 100,000

Up to 400,000

Support

Priority Support

Storage

10GB

20GB

40GB

Bandwidth

Unlimited

Free SSL Certificate

Daily Backup

Managed WordPress

Free Domain Name

Inodes

200,000

400,000

600,000

30-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Standard Shared Web Hosting

The standard shared hosting service is ideal for online store startups, bloggers, and small business websites. Websites share the server’s resources where they are hosted, meaning you may experience more downtime if you have high website traffic.

With this option, you’ll have access to a range of website solutions that allow you to build and launch your website with Weebly or WordPress. You can use an existing domain name or purchase one from SiteGround. Also, the company offers assistance with website migration from another host.

WordPress Hosting

The WordPress hosting service is similar to standard shared web hosting. The main difference is that it boasts SiteGround’s in-house WordPress optimization for enhanced site performance. It is worth mentioning that WordPress even recommends this service.

One of the significant perks of SiteGround’s WordPress hosting is that it comes with features that automate WordPress installation. You’ll also have access to a Starter kit once you log into your new site. The kit has everything you need to set up your site in just a few minutes. Again, users can use the free SiteGround Migrator plugin to move their existing websites from another web host.

Screenshot of SiteGround WordPress Hosting page — *Source: SiteGround*

WooCommerce Hosting

The WooCommerce hosting service is uniquely optimized to ensure improved site performance if you have an online store. You’ll have access to WooCommerce pre-installed, which allows you to set up your store in minutes and begin uploading your merchandise.

Even with the WooCommerce hosting StartUp plan, SiteGround provides a reliable range of security features, including a custom Web Application Firewall (WAF). The two top-tier plans also provide a staging tool, which allows you to evaluate any changes or updates to your website before going live.

Screenshot of SiteGround WooCommerce Hosting page — *Source: SiteGround*

Cloud Hosting

If you run a large or resource-intensive website, the Cloud Hosting service is an ideal option for you. It is a step up from the typical shared hosting where SiteGround uses cloud architecture to give each user of a specific server a predetermined share of dedicated resources. This also means you will have a free dedicated IP for enhanced website security.

The Cloud Hosting Service has a unique pricing tier because of the broader range of features users enjoy. For instance, you’ll have access to an auto-scaling feature that helps to prevent unexpected downtime or traffic surges. The Cloud Hosting service also has a 14-day, no questions asked money-back guarantee.

Price Per Month

$100

$200

$300

$400

CPU Cores

Memory

8GB

12GB

16GB

20GB

STB Data Transfer

Included

SSD Space

40GB

80GB

120GB

160GB

Advanced Priority Support

Yes

SiteGround Alternatives

SiteGround maintains commendable performance with its cloud hosting service. Shared hosting performance is also pretty decent, especially on the top-tier plans. Also, the company improves its products continually and offers top-notch customer support.

You may want to consider other web hosting alternatives if you find the service plans too expensive for your budget. Web hosts like Bluehost are cheaper, yet they offer similar or perhaps better services and you can also consider free web hosting providers.

It would also be ideal to check out other options if you prefer a cPanel dashboard or don’t want to switch to a Linux-based platform. Here are some alternatives you could consider:

DreamHost

Visit

DreamHost is an independently owned hosting company established in 1996. It uses open-source technology to offer a suitable array of packages ideal for all types of websites. The company even has a competitively priced, WordPress-focused service.

Some of DreamHost’s features that genuinely stand out include unlimited visitors with all plans, automatic daily backups, and automatic WordPress updates. You could go for the month-to-month pricing arrangement or commit to a service and enjoy massive savings regardless of your chosen plan.

DreamHost Pricing

DreamHost has two shared plans. The starter plan costs $6.99 monthly or $2.59 per month if you commit to the service for three years.

If you have more than one website, you could opt for the Unlimited Plan, which allows you to set up an unlimited number of websites. This option will cost you $11.99 per month or $4.95 monthly under a three-year commitment.

DreamHost also offers VPS Hosting for $10 to $80 monthly, depending on your plan. The Cloud Hosting service costs between $4.50 and $48 per month, while the Dedicated Hosting service goes for $149 or $279 per month for the Standard and Enhanced plans.

Who is DreamHost Best For?

DreamHost has a stronger focus on the individual needs of different users. It can accommodate the needs of both small and large websites and still provide good performance speed and reliable uptime.

Generally, the web host is best for beginners and tech-savvy bloggers, site developers, and entrepreneurs who want personalized support running their sites.

How Does DreamHost Compare to SiteGround?

DreamHost and SiteGround offer almost similar site speed and load performance.

However, you are likely to save a decent amount of money by hosting on DreamHost, especially if you have a heavyweight website layout, theme, or design.

SiteGround’s higher pricing is still justifiable because of the numerous extra features like WordPress optimization plugin, Site Staging Tools, and in-house WordPress caching. Read our full DreamHost review for an in-depth look.

100% uptime guarantee and good basic plan features
Top-tier plans offer a wide range of advanced features
Unlimited bandwidth and data storage
Free WordPress website builder and a 97-day money-back guarantee
No massive difference between month-to-month and yearly pricing

Too many upsells
No traditional cPanel

GreenGeeks

Visit

GreenGeeks is one of the few web hosts that guarantee 99.99% uptime and 100% customer satisfaction. The company is the brainchild of Trey Gardner, who founded it in 2008 after working for eight different web hosting companies.

Some of the most impressive perks of choosing GreenGeek include a solid uptime performance, above-average load speeds, and reliable customer support.

GreenGeek Pricing

GreenGeek offers a range of services that come with tier-based plans. The Shared Hosting service has three tiers — Ecosite Lite, Ecosite Pro, and Ecosite Premium, which cost $9.95, $14.95, and $24.95, respectively, on regular monthly rates.

You can save a substantial amount by making a 12-month, 24-month, or 36-month commitment. For instance, the Ecosite Lite plan that goes for $ 9.95 on regular monthly rates will only cost you $2.95 per month under a three-year commitment.

GreenGeek also offers VPS Hosting for $39.95 to $109.95 per month, depending on the plan you choose. The pricing for WordPress Hosting services is similar to the Shared Hosting plans while managed wooCommerce hosting costs between $2.95 and $10.95 per month.

Who Is GreenGeek Best For?

GreenGeek is your best bet if you are serious about saving the planet and want reliable web hosting services at affordable rates. The company stands out for upholding a no-waste mindset. It is a 300% green platform that generates three times more renewable energy through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation for every amperage it pulls from the grid.

How Does GreenGeek Compare to SiteGround?

GreenGeeks and SiteGround score high in terms of their uptime guarantees and site loading speed. They also provide solid customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

However, GreenGeeks offers more economical solutions if you want to create multiple websites.

Some of the enticing bonus features offered by GreenGeek include a free domain name and free search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing tools.

Additionally, you get unlimited web space and data transfer. On the other hand, SiteGround is your best bet if you need a reliable managed web hosting solution for WordPress.

Environmentally friendly web-hosting option
Reliable and secure server infrastructure
Built-in website builder plus automatic data backups
Latest technology for faster server load times
Free domain name and site migration
100% customer satisfaction plus 30-day money-back guarantee

No refunds for account setups and domains
Somewhat confusing price points based on the commitment terms you choose

Flywheel

Visit

Flywheel is an excellent alternative to SiteGround if you are looking for a reliable managed WordPress host. Like SiteGround, the company offers reliable performance and a decent range of premium features at competitive prices.

Some of the top performance features include Google Cloud hosting infrastructure, In-built server-level caching, and Nginx server for enhanced scalability.

Flywheel also provides security features like Free SSL certificates, free malware removal, and WAF for solid protection from threats and DDoS attacks. Users also commend the well-designed custom dashboard that allows one-click feature installs.

Flywheel Pricing

Flywheel has a pretty straightforward pricing structure free of promo rules and higher renewal rates. Users can pay month-by-month for their plans or commit for one year to get two months free.

Apart from the tier-based plan, users can go for add-ons to personalize the service and ensure it matches their needs. Flywheel also offers an agency-focused plan ideal for web developers.

The four-tier plan includes the Tiny, Starter, Freelance, and Agency packages that go for $15, $30, $115, and $290.

If you are a web developer, you can opt for the uniquely priced Freelance package for $135 per month. Freewheel also offers a package for agencies at $330 per month.

Who is Flywheel Best For?

If you want a premium managed WordPress host, Flywheel is your best bet. It offers premium services and delivers a good blend of ease of use, performance, and features. This sweetens the deal and is quite convenient, especially for web developers working as freelancers or agencies.

How Does Flywheel Compare to SiteGround?

Both Flywheel and SiteGround are popular web hosts known for their quality hosting products. However, Flywheel is your best option if you want premium performance and support from your web host and are willing to pay a premium fee.

On the other hand, SiteGround is a better or more economical option if you want to host multiple sites. You need to set your goals straight before choosing between the two companies.

Reliable overall performance and SSL certificates included with each plan
Well-designed custom dashboard with plenty of features
Dependable customer support, including 24/7 live chat support
Superb deals for web developers (both freelancers and agencies)
Automatic WordPress updates and automatic daily backups plus an option to do manual backups

Compared to SiteGround, the plans are more expensive
Limited Freebies
No email hosting service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SiteGround Review

If you are still unsure whether SiteGround is the ideal web host for you, check out these questions commonly asked by prospective users.

Is SiteGround an Ideal Host For My WordPress Website?

Yes. The company offers the WordPress hosting service, which is uniquely optimized to enhance WordPress website performance and speed. Moreover, the service is recommended by WordPress thanks to features such as Free WordPress Installation, WordPress Migrator Plug-in, and WordPress Staging.

Also, SiteGround offers a range of WordPress collaboration tools designed to ease the work of businesses with multiple employees. For instance, you can craft the roles of different users and assign access rights.

It is also possible to register clients to allow them access to your site tools with the GoGeek WordPress Hosting plan. You can even transfer your site to a website designer or developer within SiteGround. The WordPress collaboration tools are a feature not offered by most web hosting companies.

Does SiteGround Have a Refund Policy?

Yes. All shared plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Cloud Hosting service plans have a 14-day money-back guarantee, making you eligible for a refund within two weeks. Even though SiteGround upholds a generally no-questions-asked refund policy, you cannot receive reimbursement after domain name registration.

Is SiteGround’s Platform User-Friendly?

Yes. It’s common for those accustomed to using the traditional cPanel to worry about SiteGround’s in-house control panel.

The custom dashboard is innovatively designed to ensure ease of use for both beginners and advanced users. It’s also pretty intuitive, ascertaining a minimal risk of getting stuck even if you are not a tech geek.

Final Thoughts on SiteGround Review

SiteGround offers multiple tier-based service plans making it easy for anyone with a website to find a suitable package. Their uptime guarantee with each plan further sweetens the deal, assuring bloggers, small businesses, and large ecommerce stores of no significant downtime. Also, users enjoy good site speed and a range of complementary security features.

So, is this web host right for you? From our SiteGround review, we hope you can confidently draw your conclusion. You only need to remember that the web host is a Linux-based platform with no free domains. Also, it has slightly higher service renewal rates.

May 10, 2022November 23, 2022

15 Best States For Real Estate (and 5 Worst States)

Whether you want to purchase a home for your family or invest in a commercial or residential property that will appreciate, you must know the best states for real estate. Each state has different growth rates, property prices, and property taxes. Here is a comprehensive list of the best states for real estate in 2023.

1. Idaho

Idaho is nestled into the northwestern part of the United States and is known for its immaculate natural landscapes and protected wilderness. The total real estate appreciation rate for the last two years is 47.64%. Over the past decade, Idaho has seen a real estate appreciation rate of 162.85%.

This wildly high appreciation rate is driven by increased demand for real estate in Idaho. With the cost of living 2% lower than the national average and a low mortgage rate of 2.9%, more people are looking at Idaho as a place to move their family or invest in real estate.

Growth has been incredibly phenomenal in these states:

Harrison
Cataldo
Marsing
Athol
Island Park

Here is a comprehensive list of Idaho real estate statistics:

Median home value: $408,004
Average market rent: $1,447 per month
Occupied housing: 88.1%
Number of homes and apartments: 649,299
Job growth: 3.25%
Population growth: 2.9%

2. Arizona

Arizona sits in the southwestern region of the United States and borders California on its west. Arizona’s total real estate appreciation has been 40.29% over the past two years and 27.99% over the past 12 months. As such, Arizona has realized some of the highest real estate appreciation rates in the United States.

Although the cost of living in Arizona is similar to the national average, Arizona features a low mortgage rate. This is why Arizona is one of the most lucrative markets for real estate investors. Furthermore, Arizona experienced the third-fastest recovery in the nation of jobs lost from the pandemic. Forecasters expect over 700,000 new jobs to be added before 2030.

The job growth is an excellent indicator of a growing real estate market because the new workers will need a place to live. The state of Arizona also has exceedingly landlord-friendly jobs. A few cities in Arizona doing better than the state’s average include Chandler, Oro Valley, Gilbert, Tucson, and Flagstaff.

Here is a list of relevant Arizona real estate statistics:

Median home value: $365,573
Average market rent: $1,919 per month
Occupied housing: 86.9%
Number of homes and apartments: 2,643,430
Job growth: 3.1%
Population growth: 1.5%

3. Maine

Maine, which sits on the northeastern corner of the United States, has also seen high real estate growth rates. Over the past two years, Maine’s real estate appreciation rate was 30.98%, and 20.59% over the past 12 months. Although Maine has a lower median income level than the national average, it has a lower cost of living and a low mortgage rate of 2.9%.

Many people from New England and elsewhere around the country choose to retire in Maine. Furthermore, real estate investors see Maine as a great opportunity to buy lower-priced property in a great market with the ability to charge above-average rent rates. As a result, Aroostook and Washington counties have seen the highest growth recently.

Let’s look at Maine’s real estate statistics:

Median home value: $279,001
Average market rent: $1,393 per month
Occupied housing: 76.3%
Number of homes and apartments: 569,551
Job growth: 2.0%
Population growth: 1.1%

4. Utah

Similar to Idaho, Utah is a state known for its wildlife and natural parks. The total real estate appreciation rate over the last two years in Utah was 39.25%. Over the past decade, real estate has appreciated 134.63%.

Utah’s above-average median income leads this high growth. As an above-average earning income state with low mortgage rates, Utah is bound to be an attractive destination for real estate investors and new homeowners. The highest growth Utah cities include Park City, Vineyard, Montezuma Creek, Salt Lake City, and South Salt Lake.

Relevant Utah real estate statistics include:

Median home value: $479,111
Average market rent: $1,838 per month
Occupied housing: 90.4%
Number of homes and apartments: 1,003,345
Job growth: 3.6%
Population growth: 1.3%

5. Montana

Montana is a landlocked state in the Northern part of the United States that shares 14 border crossings with Canada. Montana’s real estate appreciation rate has risen 34.68% over the past two years and 89.63% over the past decade.

This state features a low cost of living and low mortgage rates compared to the national average. Although the median household income of $72,100 is lower than the national average, Montana is exceptionally affordable to live in, which makes it attractive for new homeowners and real estate investors.

Many people are leaving California and moving North to Montana because of the booming real estate market, affordable housing prices, and lower tax rates. There are also few regulations on landlords in Montana and no statewide rent control. The top highest appreciating Montana cities since 2000 are Jordan, Sidney, Fairview, and Scobey.

A few key Montana real estate statistics include

Median home value: $372,863
Average market rent: $1,268 per month
Occupied housing: 84.7%
Number of homes and apartments: 436,048
Job growth: 3.4%
Population growth: 1.7%

6. Washington

Washington is located in the northwestern corner of the United States and has seen a massive real estate boom over the past two decades. The real estate appreciation rate over the last two years is 21.03%. Additionally, the real estate appreciation rate has been 223.40% over the past two decades.

Washington residents have access to more affordable healthcare and utility rates. However, the overall cost of living in Washington is higher than the national average. Nevertheless, the cost of living is mitigated by a higher median income of $91,600. Along with low mortgage rates, Washington is one of the best states for real estate.

Furthermore, Washington is one of the eight states with no state income tax. Although the pandemic heavily impacted Washington, the employment outlook is looking much better.

Median home value: $524,077
Average market rent: $2,009 per month
Occupied housing: 92.2%
Number of homes and apartments:2,905,822
Job growth: 3.5%
Population growth: 1.27%

7. New Hampshire

Located in the New England region of the United States, New Hampshire is one of the best states for real estate. New Hampshire has seen a 28.82% real estate appreciation rate in the past two years and 51.59% real estate growth in the past five years.

The cost of living in New Hampshire is slightly higher than the national average, but so is the median household income at $98,000 compared to the national average of $79,000. In addition, new Hampshire residents enjoy no state sales, income, or capital gains tax. These features have led to record-high prices for single-family homes as more people work from home.

Median home value: $382,761
Average market rent: $1,862 per month
Occupied housing: 84.4%
Number of homes and apartments: 539,116
Job growth: 2.6%
Population growth: 0.1%

8. Tennessee

Tennessee is another great state for real estate as people are migrating to its best cities. Nashville and the four surrounding cities expect to see a 50% increase in population before 2024. Over the long-term, 500,00 people are expected to move to the region by 2040.

This inbound migration causes a spike in Tenneessee’s housing market. As a result, the real estate appreciation rate over the past two years was 31.38%, and 22.47% over the past 12 months.

Although the median income of Tennessee is lower than the national average, an average house in Tennessee costs about $162,500 less than the national average.

With low mortgage rates as well, Tennessee is one of the best states for real estate.

Median home value: $245,290
Average market rent: $1,393 per month
Occupied housing: 88.1%
Number of homes and apartments: 2,639,455
Job growth: 1.8%
Population growth: 1.21%

9. Rhode Island

Best states for real estate: Rhode Island

Rhode Island sits in the southeastern region of the United States and faces a booming real estate market from out-of-state investors and people looking to buy multi-family dwellings.

The real estate appreciation rate over the past two years was 27.82% in Rhode Island. Furthermore, the real estate market has grown 49.40% over the past five years. Rhode Island has a higher than average median income rate of $88,000 to account for the higher cost of living in the State. Rhode Island’s mortgage rate also sits low at 2.9%

Median home value: $279,001
Average market rent: $1,393 per month
Occupied housing: 76.3%
Number of homes and apartments: 569,551
Job growth: 2.0%
Population growth: 1.1%

10. Oregon

Known for its natural beauty and attractions, Oregon is situated under Washington in the northwestern corner of the United States. The real estate appreciation rate over the past two years was 28.26%, and 116.57% over the past ten years.

Oregon’s evolving tech industry, nicknamed the Silicon Forest, has brought numerous growth benefits to the state. As such, higher-income individuals are migrating to Oregon and purchasing above-average priced homes. As a result, Oregon’s median income is slightly higher than the national average at $81,200.

Median home value: $473,064
Average market rent: $1,763 per month
Occupied housing: 91.8%
Number of homes and apartments: 569,551
Job growth: 1.6%
Population growth: 0.89%

11. Ohio

Ohio is one of the best states for real estate because its median home value is significantly lower than the national average. Although the median income value is also lower, Ohio residents get access to a low cost of living and low mortgage rates.

The real estate appreciation rate in Ohio was 23.57% over the past two years and 44.66% over the past five years. These conditions create an ideal environment for those looking to purchase residential or commercial properties in the United States.

Median home value: $199,717
Average market rent: $1,132 per month
Occupied housing: 90.4%
Number of homes and apartments: 4,717,226
Job growth: 0.6%
Population growth: 1.5%

12. Indiana

Located in the heart of the United States, Indiana is another beautiful state for real estate. Over the past two years, Indiana’s real estate appreciation rate was 25.14%, and 47.28% over the last five years.

Furthermore, Indiana’s median home value is lower than the national average. For this reason, you can find an affordable property and see impressive gains as Indiana’s real estate market continues to grow. The best Indiana cities for real estate include Indianapolis, Topeka, Shoals, and Montgomery.

Median home value: $198,288
Average market rent: $1,144 per month
Occupied housing: 80.6%
Number of homes and apartments: 2,602,770
Job growth: 2.9%
Population growth: 0.61%

13. Connecticut

For more wealthier individuals, Connecticut is one of the best states for real estate. The median income in Connecticut is above $100,000, which is much higher than the national average. Since the cost of living in Connecticut is only slightly higher than the United States average, Connecticut is an excellent place to look for real estate.

Connecticut’s real estate appreciation rate was 23.68% over the past two years and 16.10% over the past 12 months.

Median home value: $349,539
Average market rent: $1,815 per month
Occupied housing: 90.1%
Number of homes and apartments: 1,385,437
Job growth: 3.3%
Population growth: 0.5%

14. South Dakota

Located in the northern region of the United States, South Dakota is a landlocked state with plenty of real estate opportunities. South Dakota’s real estate appreciation rate was 25.34% over the past two years and 18.55% over the last 12 months.

With a low cost of living, median home value, and mortgage rates, South Dakota’s real estate market is a hidden gem in the United States.

Median home value: $236,975
Average market rent: $1,079 per month
Occupied housing: 87.7%
Number of homes and apartments: 347,878
Job growth: 1.02%
Population growth: 1.17%

15. Florida

Florida has a population of 22 million and is the eighth most densely populated state in the country. It is also one of the United States’ most popular retirement and vacation destinations. However, buying a property in Florida is still affordable.

The cost of living in Florida is 2% cheaper than the national average but the typical home price is $6,000 more expensive than the national average. Florida has seen sky-high real estate appreciation rates with 33.64% growth in the last two years and 24.47% growth in the past 12 months.

Florida’s relaxed pandemic restrictions caused an influx of new homeowners and real estate investors as the rest of the country was locked down.

Median home value: $331,461
Average market rent: $1,972 per month
Occupied housing: 82.9%
Number of homes and apartments: 7,931,313
Job growth: 5.6%
Population growth: 1.0%

Worst 5 States for Real Estate

As a real estate investor, it’s also essential to understand which states are the worst for real estate. Although the overall housing market in the United States is doing well, and we’re optimistic for the future, there are a few states to avoid. The worst states have high taxes, low employment growth, and low population growth.

1. New York

New York has strict rent-control policies for investors in certain cities and doesn’t have investor-friendly laws. Furthermore, the median home value in New York is $1,276,314. This is exponentially higher than the average median home value in the United States.

The sales tax rate for New York is 8.9% which is higher than the national average of 7.3%. As such, New York residents deal with a higher cost of living than other parts of the country.

Median home value: $557,428
Average market rent: $2,255 per month
Occupied housing: 88.7%
Number of homes and apartments: 7,417,224
Job growth: 1.01%
Population growth: 0.43%

2. New Jersey

New Jersey is also a suboptimal state to purchase real estate in. The most significant factor hurting the New Jersey real estate market is the state’s property taxes of 2.38%. New Jersey also has an above-average median home value and a lower-than-average real estate appreciation rate.

The real estate appreciation rate was 22.80% over the past two years and only 43.73% over the past five years.

Median home value: $435,725
Average market rent: $2,289 per month
Occupied housing: 90.2%
Number of homes and apartments: 3,272,054
Job growth: 1.01%
Population growth: 0.52%

3. California

Although California boasts the largest population in the United States, it’s also one of the worst states for real estate. This is because of California’s high property prices and mortgage rates. With such high home prices in California, renting is often cheaper than outright buying a home.

California also isn’t seeing an increase in new jobs. Unfortunately, this lack of economic growth, paired with outrageously high tax rates and strict landlord regulations, means California isn’t the best state for real estate.

Median home value: $699,876
Average market rent: $2,651 per month
Occupied housing: 92.2%
Number of homes and apartments: 13,103,114
Job growth: 1.2%
Population growth: 0.31%

4. Illinois

Illinois was hit hardest by the 2018 market crash and was one of the states that took the longest to recover. Chicago is the biggest city in Chicago and has one of the highest homicide rates in the entire country. This high level of crime brings risk to investors and ultimately lowers property value.

The real estate appreciation rate over the past two years was only 15.67%, and 11.29% over the last 12 months.

Median home value: $279,001
Average market rent: $1,517 per month
Occupied housing: 90.9%
Number of homes and apartments: 4,884,061
Job growth: 4.66%
Population growth: -0.17%

5. Michigan

Michigan is another one of the worst states for real estate. This state was heavily impacted when motor companies moved out of Detroit. As a result, the entire Michigan economy felt the effects of the move. Michigan doesn’t have the brightest outlook for a diversity of jobs.

Median home value: $217,059
Average market rent: $1,262 per month
Occupied housing: 86.3%
Number of homes and apartments: 3,980,408
Job growth: 1.0%
Population growth: 1.31%

How We Ranked the Best & Worst States for Real Estate

For this list of the best 15 states for real estate, we used real estate appreciation rates as our key metric. We sourced the data about real estate appreciation rates, median home value, occupied housing, and the number of homes and apartments from NeighborhoodScout.

Furthermore, we found the cost of living data from BestPlaces and mortgage rates from USBank. We used real estate appreciation rates as our primary metric because historical appreciation in market values is a good indicator of what’s to come in the future. Furthermore, growth in property prices signals employment gains and population growth.

High population growth and employment gains indicate a healthy economy and a high influx of migrators starting new jobs. As a result, markets that have seen growth in the past are likely to trend higher.

Bottom Line on the Best States for Real Estate

The best states for real estate offer a great quality of life for residential homeowners and an excellent return on investment if you choose to sell in the future. There are many booming real estate markets across the United States, so you should be able to find one that fits your exact needs.

May 10, 2022November 23, 2022

Best 5 ADP Payroll Alternatives – 2023

Running payroll might look simple, but it’s considered one of an organization’s most complex administrative functions. Using the right payroll software can streamline the whole accounting process. ADP is a popular payroll solution, but there may be an ADP payroll alternative that better suits your company.

ADP has a strong history of providing solutions for human resource challenges by offering HR and payroll software and services for decades. The company has been on the market for over 70 years, and it’s one of the most popular options for payroll services for small organizations. However, the market isn’t the same, and other companies are here to prove they can do as great a job as ADP.

Best ADP Alternatives

Gusto – Best Overall Alternative to ADP
Paychex Flex: Best for mid-to-large businesses
Quickbooks: Best for self-employed
OnPay: Best for usability
Rippling: Best for customization

Gusto

Starts at $39 per month, plus $6 per month per person + free trial for small business

Excellent user experience

Included in all plan tiers, calculated and paid automatically; no multiple state filing fees

Good. No mobile app but the website is responsive

Excellent. It includes many features and employee benefits

Great. It integrates with any third-party software

Paychex Flex

Starts at $39 per month, plus $5 per employee, per month

Easy to use, solid UI but inferior to most competitors

Great. The only payroll software allows users to custom fields and stay ahead of extra payments

Good, however, it has some interface issues

HR and benefits admin features are excellent. Benefits managements portal available

Integrations are limited and it can be cumbersome

Quickbooks

Starts at $45 per month plus $4 per employee per month and up + free trial for 30 days

User-friendly and intuitive interface

Included in all plan tiers, calculated and paid automatically

Good. Mobile app missing some desktop features

Limited HR features for numerous employees

Limited integrations without QuickBooks Online

OnPay

Starts at $36 per month plus $4 per month per person + free month trial

Easy set-up and good UX but not as intuitive as others

Includes all tax filings & risk-free payroll compliance

Good. No mobile app but the website is responsive

Excellent. Includes employee self-onboarding and automated employee management

Limited if compared to competitors

Rippling

Starts at $35 per month, plus $5 per employee, per month

Excellent. Intuitive interface

Tax filing & payment automated

Excellent. App available for Android and iOS and lets you run payroll from your mobile device

Dedicated HR & IT services and functionalities

Great. Integrates IT, HR, finance and other third-party software

Gusto: Best Overall Alternative to ADP

Pricing: Starts at $39 per month, plus $6 per month per person + free trial for small businesses.

4.8

★★★★★

Visit

Gusto is the best overall alternative to ADP, particularly for small businesses. Gusto offers excellent UX, easy payroll processing, and benefits for numerous employees. It’s quick to set up and run, and it’s mobile-friendly.

It seems that Gusto understood the problems business owners were having when running their payrolls, such as inaccurate payments, staying in the loop with payroll laws, hiring, and data management reports, and decided to solve all of them. Gusto’s all-in-one HR platform solves those issues with tools you need to hire, pay, and manage your team at your fingertips – automated time tools, management onboarding, employees’ performance tools, compliance checklists, law, and regulation alerts.

Gusto’s integrated, easy-to-use system that offers an intuitive navigation system and interface, pleasant design, and plenty of support options. The company has worked over the years to improve the system, adding new features to some areas such as hiring and onboarding, payroll run, and employee paycheck management.

If you run a small company and this is your first time dealing with payroll management systems, Gusto is a good choice due to its smart all-in-one platform that grants small companies everything they need to run and manage their business – from hiring to onboarding to payroll.

When you compare Gusto vs ADP, you’ll see Gusto offers the best bang for the buck with guided payroll set-up, additional HR features included (even in the lowest tier plan), and automatically generated 1099s for contractors at no extra cost.

Why we chose it: Gusto is an all-in-one HR platform that offers outstanding customer support and various features for different business needs. You’ll get auto payroll tools, direct deposits, tax filings, onboarding management, and unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost.

No extra cost for running multiple payrolls
Excellent customer service
Quick and easy setup

No international payroll
No household employee expenses
No mobile payroll app

Pricing: Gusto offers four different plans: Core, Complete, Concierge, and Select

Gusto Core: Starts at $39 per month, plus $6 per employee, per month. What’s included:

Full-service payroll including W-2s and 1099s with digital copies for employees and contractors
Unlimited payrolls without extra costs
Accounting and time-tracking integrations
Employee health and financial benefits as well as onboarding and hiring tools
Integrations for accounting, time tracking, and more

Gusto Complete: Starts at $39 per month, plus $12 per employee, per month. What’s included:

All Gusto Core features
PTO management
Next-day direct deposit
Project tracking and workforce cost reports
Team management tools
Performance reviews and employee survey

Gusto Concierge: Starts at $149 per month, plus $12 per employee, per month. What’s included:

All Gusto Complete features
HR resource center
Compliance alerts
Certified HR pros
Dedicated support team

Gusto Select: No monthly based price (contact sales rep for pricing). What’s included:

All Gusto Concierge features
Full-service payroll migration
Health insurance broker integration
Direct access to a dedicated customer success manager
Waived fees and exclusive pricing

Paychex Flex: Best for Mid-to-Large Businesses

Pricing: Starts at $39 per month, plus $5 per employee, per month

4.0

★★★★★

Visit

Paychex Flex has been on the payroll market for decades, similar to ADP. Paychex Flex is the best fit for mid-to-large companies or fast-growing businesses, because it’s robust, scalable, and it has a high level of customization – though they also provide services to small-size firms.

The dashboard is easy to use and navigate, with a customizable interface, and pretty clean. Paychex Flex offers a variety of price points, plans, and additional services such as HR consulting to guide pressing and timely HR issues, compliance services, customizable reports, and e-learning services to employees. Employees can have access to their pay stubs and tax documentation on the software’s dashboard.

The downside of Paychex Flex is that pricing isn’t really transparent, so you might get surprised with extra fees if you run a biweekly payroll schedule, or when you issue W-2 forms and 1099 filing.

Why we chose it: The well-established company offers a number of helpful features and customizable services essential for growing businesses while combining digital and human-based services. Read the Paychex flex review if this software sounds like the best fit for your business.

A mix of automated and human-powered solutions
High level of customization and extra features
Established in 1971 – Market experience

Charge per payroll period
Pricing isn’t really clear
Lowest-tier plan limits features

Pricing: Paychex Flex offers three plans: Essential, Select, and Pro.

Paychex Flex Essential: Starts at $39 per month, plus $5 per employee, per month. What’s included:

Payroll taxes are calculated, paid, and filed
Free integration with employee’s compensation insurance
Payment can be done via check, deposit, or prepaid paycard
Employees have access to the payroll dashboard
Import timesheet data from Paychex Flex Time
Mostly recommended for companies with 1-9 employees

Paychex Flex Select: Custom Pricing. What’s included:

All features from Essential plan
Payroll specialist
Submit payroll on the go – mobile app for both employer and employees
Offers a range of standard reports, including new hire reporting and general ledger report
Employee training, and financial wellness program

Paychex Flex Pro: Custom Pricing. What’s included:

All Select features
Automatic deduction and emit garnishment wages
Creation of customized reports and data visualization
Paycheck integration and HR services, and employee handbook

Quickbooks: Best ADP Alternative for Self-Employed

Pricing: Starts at $45 per month plus $4 per employee per month and up.

4.0

★★★★★

Visit

Intuit Quickbooks offers a plan tailored to independent contractors, freelancers, and sole proprietors. It combines accounting and payroll to simplify your finances. However, it also works perfectly well as a stand-alone tool.

When it comes to features, Quickbooks is quite similar to most payroll software – it also offers payroll tax calculation, time-tracking, and expert support. Quickbooks often runs promotions, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on its prices. If you want to give Quickbooks a try, it offers a 30-day free trial.

Besides the native integration with Quickbooks’ accounting system, another highlight worth mentioning about Quickbooks’ payroll system is the tax penalty protection. This means if you get fined by the IRS for any reason, Quickbooks will cover the cost of your penalty until a certain amount; besides, the Tax Resolution team will help you make sure mistakes won’t happen again. The user experience is smooth as most of the data and tools you need are found in the dashboard.

Why we chose it: For smaller businesses or self-employed people, Quickbooks offers an intuitive interface, accuracy guarantee in the Elite plan, and next-day direct deposit in the lowest-tier plan.

Supports projects, payroll, and many add-ons and integrations
Special service tailored to freelancers and self-employed people
Tax penalty protection and Tax Resolution team support

More expensive when compared to others
Some features are available only on higher-tier plans
Limited integration

Pricing: Quickbooks offers three plans: Core, Premium and Elite.

Quickbooks Core: Pricing starts at $45 per month plus $4 per employee monthly. What’s included:

Full-service payroll including automated taxes and forms
Automatic payroll
Option to offer 401(k) plans and employee health benefits
Next-day direct deposit
Unlimited 1099 e-filing

Quickbooks Premium. $75 per month plus $8 per employee per month. What’s included:

Same-day direct deposit
HR customer support
Workers’ compensation administration
Tax penalty protection and Tax Resolution team support
Mobile time tracking

Quickbooks Elite. $125 per month plus $10 per employee per month. What’s included:

Pay out-of-state employees with no extra cost
QuickBooks Payroll provides an expert to set up the software for you
Personal HR advisor
Call back support
Tax penalty protection up to $25,000 per year

OnPay: Best Alternative to ADP for Usability

Pricing: $36 per month plus $4 per person per month

4.6

★★★★★

Visit

Two main advantages to choosing OnPay are running unlimited payroll without paying any extra fee, not even for corrections or cancelations, and its flat-rate pricing of $36 per month plus $4 per person monthly. That means no hidden costs for extra features.

OnPay has integration with other platforms too – you can sync up with other software like time tracking, 401(k), and retirement software you might already be using to run your business. The downside is that OnPay doesn’t offer an auto-payroll option, which means you’ll have to do it manually every payday. This could become time-consuming if you have a large team for which you need to run payroll.

Why we chose it: OnPay makes running payroll an easy task – from an effortless setup to a fully automated payroll process, including taxes. It is also one of the most affordable payroll software on the list. Read our review on OnPay for more details on its pricing and features.

Affordable
Run unlimited payrolls with no extra fee
Transparent pricing

No auto-payroll option
Limited integration
Mobile version missing some functions

Pricing: OnPay offers flat pricing of $36 monthly plus $4 per person per month. What’s included:

Unlimited monthly pay runs
All tax filings and payments
W-2 and 1099 workers
Pay by direct deposit, debit card, or check
Multiple pay rates and schedules
Garnishments
Unemployment insurance withholding
Report designer with custom reporting
Accounting and time tracking integrations
Multi-state payroll
Available in all 50 states

Rippling: Best ADP Payroll Alternative for Customization

Pricing: Starts at $35 per month, plus $5 per employee, per month

4.8

★★★★★

Visit

Advertised as a tool to magically simplify IT and HR, Rippling is considered one of the best alternatives to ADP due to its affordability, good setup tools, in-depth reports, and customization. Despite being relatively affordable for small businesses, the software can be quite complex and overwhelming for first-time users. So, it’s recommended for those already used to running their payroll using a platform but wish to get an upgrade.

If you’re an advanced user and are looking to migrate to a more robust system, Rippling lets you import your employee’s data from your current payroll website – no competitor from this list offers this feature. Also, Rippling’s dashboard is so intuitive and simplified that it looks like an app menu from a mobile device.

Rippling is an excellent unified platform for companies of any size but is not a good choice for micro-sized businesses. This software comes with several admin benefits – Rippling easily integrates HR, finance, and IT, all in one place; but it also lets you integrate any third-party software you might be using. It generates various in-depth reports and is effortlessly customizable with an intuitive interface.

Why we chose it: Affordable for small businesses offering midrange payroll features – Rippling is a robust payroll software with an exceptional dashboard, detailed set-up, and unified analytics.

Superior user interface
Pay international employees and contractors without hustle
Smooth transition from another payroll provider

It can be pretty complex for small businesses
Mixed reviews about customer support

Pricing: Rippling pricing works differently from its competitors. It generally starts at $35 per month plus $8 per employee per month for payroll services, but each module costs extra.

Core Rippling Unity platform: $10 per employee monthly ($8 per employee if billed annually).
Full-service payroll: $8 per employee/ month
Employee benefits: $6 per employee/ month
Flex HSA/FSA and commuter benefits: $6 per employee/ month
HR help desk: $100/ month
App management: $8 per employee/ month
Device management: $8 per employee/ month

Methodology for the Best ADP Payroll Alternatives

We know how overwhelming payroll can be, especially for small business owners who are new to it. It takes a lot of time, effort, specific knowledge, and accounting skills to do it right. But with the right tool, running payroll doesn’t have to be a chore.

Choosing the right payroll system can make or break success. Therefore, we’ve used the following criteria to choose the best options for you – we considered pricing, ease of use, and features of these alternatives to ADP. We gave more weight to those that offer affordable plans but room for growth.

Pricing: We’ve evaluated the cost of the main payroll platform for small businesses and what is the best bang for the buck for small companies.
Ease of use: We’ve analyzed how user-friendly, intuitive, and automated software can be, granting your business bandwidth to handle payroll.
Management and features: Employee management can be daunting, particularly for remote workers and independent contractors. Having the right features and management tools working in your favor can save you time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ADP Alternatives

We’ve listed some of the most common questions about payroll and about ADP payroll alternatives here.

What is an alternative to ADP?

It depends on many factors, such as your company size, budget, and needs. However, we found that the three best payroll software available on the market are Gusto, Rippling, and OnPay.

What’s the cheapest payroll software?

OnPay is the most affordable as it uses a flat-fee pricing structure. It costs $36 per month plus $4 per person per month and you get all features, regardless of the number of employees you have on your payroll.

Who’s ADP’s biggest competitor?

We evaluated and analyzed the main ADP competitors and we came down with the top three main competitors: Gusto, Rippling, and OnPay.

What does ADP payroll cost?

RUN Powered by ADP pricing starts at $59 per month plus $4 per employee for the Essential plan recommended for startups and established companies that just need basic payroll done right. Read the ADP payroll review to learn more about its pricing structure.

Bottom Line on ADP Alternatives

When comparing ADP with all the alternatives listed here, there are several factors to consider. Most payroll systems reviewed here offer similar options and are functional; before you choose which one is the best fit for your business, it’s important to consider your business needs. Gusto tops our list of the best alternatives to ADP, as it offers exceptional features, such as easy setup, excellent customer interface, unlimited payroll, and numerous innovative tools.

Best Free VoIP Phone Services

TextNow: Best Overall

2ndLine: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Android Users

Google Voice: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Sole Proprietorships

WhatsApp: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Customized Conversation

Zoom: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Video Chatting

DialPad Talk: Best VoIP Phone Service for Analytics & AI

OpenPhone: Best VoIP Phone Service for Toll-Free Numbers

Methodology for the Best Free VoIP Phone Services

Unlimited Calls and Texts

Phone Numbers

Free Features

Device Compatibility

Paid Plan Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Free VoIP Phone Services

Bottom Line on the Best Free VoIP Phone Services

Our Verdict

Inc Authority at a Glance

Who Inc Authority Is Best For

Pricing

Features

Free LLC

Starter Business Bundle

Inc Authority Features

Business Name Search

Filing Services

Registered Agent Service

Tax Planning Consultation

Documentation

Business Credit & Funding Analysis

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Compliance Notifications

Website & Email

Customer Support

Alternatives to Inc Authority

IncFile: Good for Flexibility

Northwest Registered Agent: Good for Security

Rocket Lawyer: Good for Legal Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Inc Authority LLC Service

Bottom Line on Inc Authority Review

The Best States for Starting a Small Business in 2023

1. Texas – Best Overall State to Start a Business

2. Utah – Best State to Start a Business for Business Financing

3. Montana – Best State to Start a Business for Business-Friendly Policies

4. Georgia – Best State to Start a Business for Cost of Labor

5. Florida – Best State for Starting a Business for Tax Purposes

6. California – Best State to Start a Business for Innovation

7. Oklahoma – Best State to Start a Business for Cost of Doing Business

8. Idaho – Best State to Start a Business for Real Estate

9. North Carolina – Best State for Starting an LLC

10. Delaware – Best State to Start a Business for Privacy Protection

5 Worst States for Starting a Business

46. New York – High Costs of Living

47. Vermont – Aging Workforce

48. New Jersey – Worst State for Tax Purposes

49. Hawaii – High Cost of Doing Business

50. Rhode Island – Worst Overall

How We Ranked the Best & Worst States for Starting a Business

Bottom Line on the Best States for Starting a Business

Best Registered Agent Services – Expert Picks

Northwest Registered Agent: Best Overall

ZenBusiness: Best Registered Agent Service for the Value

IncFile: Free LLC Formation and Registered Agent Service

Harbor Compliance: Best for Multiple Years Package

MyCompanyWorks: Best for Positive Customer Feedback

Inc Authority: Best Free Registered Agent Service for a Year

LegalZoom: Best Registered Agent Service for Brand Popularity

Rocket Lawyer: Best for Data Security

Swyft Filings: Best Registered Agent Services for Fast Turnaround

Methodology for the Best Registered Agent Service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Registered Agent Services

Bottom Line on the Best Registered Agent Services

What Is a Limited Liability Company?

What Is a Corporation?

LLC vs. Corporation: The Differences

Limited liability

Flexible Management Style

Eligibility Restrictions

Limitless Shareholders

Capital Structure Restrictions