Category: Business Organization (including LLCs)

IncFile makes it easy for you to form a new LLC or convert your existing business into one, thanks to its budget-friendly pricing, ease of use, and LLC registration features. In this IncFile review, we will explore the pros, cons, pricing, and features of the IncFile LLC service. Continue reading to find out whether it’s a good choice for you. 

Our Verdict

IncFile

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IncFile is the best affordable LLC service for entrepreneurs like you because it combines economical plans, a simple UI, and LLC formation services.

• Offers free plan & cost-effective paid plans
• Easy to use
• Convenient preparation & filing tools for LLC registration

• Lacks advanced features of expensive LLC services
• Involves slightly more work compared to other LLC solutions
• Unlimited customer support not available for free version

IncFile at a Glance

IncFile is an LLC service that helps business owners register LLCs in the U.S. It streamlines the LLC registration process so you can save time and money. After all, this solution makes it possible for you to reduce your paperwork and skip hiring a lawyer. On top of this, it also assists you in managing your bookkeeping, taxes, and banking, which you will need to operate and maintain your LLC once it is formed. 

IncFile stands out among LLC services because of its cheap pricing, which ranges from free to $299 (plus state fee). At the same time, it doesn’t skimp on functionality in spite of its cost-effective price. Its handy features include a minimalist UI, LLC registration service, name search, custom dashboard, finance management, company alerts, registered agent service, and customer support.

Founded in 2004, IncFile is currently based in Houston, Texas. At present, it has already guided over 500,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs to start and expand their business ventures. Find out if this LLC service is right for you with the help of this IncFile review. Check out the pricing and features below.

Who IncFile Is Best For

IncFile is ideal for business owners on a budget who are planning to start a new LLC or convert an existing business into an LLC. Even if your resources are limited, it lets you experience the advantages of a high-quality LLC service without breaking the bank. That’s why we recommend it as the best affordable LLC solution among the top-rated LLC services.

Pricing

Compare the price and features of the three IncFile plans to choose the one that works best for your business.

IncFile

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Price

Free + State fee

$149 + State fee

$299 + State fee

User Interface

Minimalist UI

Minimalist UI

Minimalist UI

LLC Registration Assistance

Preparing & filing articles

• Preparing & filing articles
• EIN Business Tax Number
• IRS Form 2553
• Operating Agreement

• Preparing & filing articles
• EIN Business Tax Number
• IRS Form 2553
• Operating Agreement
• Expedited filing

Name Search

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Custom Dashboard

None

Online dashboard access

Online dashboard access

Finance Management

None

• Banking resolution
• Business banking account
• Business tax consultation

• Banking resolution
• Business banking account
• Business tax consultation
• Business contract templates

Company Alerts

None

Lifetime

Lifetime

Registered Agent Service

Free for 1 year

Free for 1 year

Free for 1 year

Customer Support

None

Unlimited phone & email support

Unlimited phone & email support

To summarize, here is a quick overview of the three plans offered by IncFile:

• Silver (Free + State fee): It is suitable for business owners who need basic LLC registration assistance.
• Gold ($149 + State fee): It is appropriate for entrepreneurs who require intermediate LLC registration assistance, plus finance management and customer support.
• Platinum ($299 + State fee): It is ideal for business owners who need advanced LLC registration assistance and expediting filing, as well as finance management and customer support.

IncFile has an edge over other LLC services in terms of pricing. Unlike most of its competitors, it has a free version for entrepreneurs with limited spending power. Even the paid plans are not as expensive compared to similar plans from other providers.

IncFile Features

Pricing is an important factor when you’re choosing an LLC service, but it’s not the only aspect you should consider. You should also check out the functions of IncFile to learn if it meets your requirements as a business owner. Let’s discuss the key features of the IncFile LCC service, including the minimalist UI, LLC registration service, name search, custom dashboard, finance management, company alerts, registered agent service, and customer support.

User Interface

IncFile has a clean, simple user interface (UI) that is easy to use and navigate. You can start using it right away even if it’s your first time trying an LLC service. It shows information in a clear, visual way through boxes and lists in the dashboard. As a result, you can quickly find the options that you are looking for.

LLC Registration Service

IncFile makes it possible for you to register your LLC in just a few steps. First, it will prompt you to input basic information so you can get started. Next, IncFile will assist you in the preparation of articles of incorporation and filing with the governing state agency. Finally, it displays the filed article information and related documents in your dashboard.

The free Silver plan covers basic preparation and filing services. In addition to this, the Gold and Platinum paid plans also include assistance with documents like EIN Business Tax Number, IRS Form 2553, and Operating Agreement. Since the Platinum plan is the most premium package out of the three options, it involves expedited filing as well.

To be realistic, IncFile does involve a little more work compared to its high-end competitors which have more advanced features. Still, IncFile helps you save time and money by simplifying the LCC registration process, which can be a long, complex procedure when done manually.

Name Search

All the IncFile plans allow you to search for business names in collaboration with your state. The Name Availability Search tool lets you confirm if the company name you plan to use for your LLC is unique to your business and has not yet been taken by another organization.

Custom Dashboard

If you choose a paid plan, IncFile will provide you with a custom dashboard that lets you keep track of your activities. You can access all your filed articles, documents, and extra services through the dashboard. Aside from this, it displays your current order status, order history, and company information in a visually friendly way by grouping data into boxes and lists.

Finance Management

While it is mainly an LLC service, IncFile goes the extra mile by offering finance management features too. For instance, the Gold plan includes tools related to banking resolution, tax consultation, and business bank accounts. On top of this, the Platinum package grants you access to over 150 business contract templates. You can also check out the best small business bank accounts for LLCs.

Company Alerts

Both paid plans of IncFile come with lifetime company alerts. It will send you email messages to remind you about upcoming compliance deadlines. These automatic notifications will prompt you to complete all your state filing requirements on time.

Registered Agent Service

IncFile offers free registered agent service for one year for all plans. A registered agent is a person or business who receives vital information, documents, and correspondence on your behalf from the federal government, state government, and agencies. The agent forwards the data to your LLC so you can reply or respond accordingly. All business entities in the U.S., including your LLC, are required to have a registered agent.

Customer Support

IncFile provides unlimited phone and email support. You can call the support team from Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST if you need technical assistance. You may also fill out the Client Support Request form in case you have questions about IncFile. Take note that unlimited customer support is only available for paid plans, not for the free version.

Alternatives to IncFile

IncFile is a solid LLC service given its economical price. However, it is possible that you have other pressing priorities aside from pricing when it comes to selecting an LLC service. That’s why we have listed down other IncFile alternatives that you may consider.

Rocket Lawyer

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Rocket Lawyer is a legal service provider that offers LLC registration services. On the business formation side, it checks the availability of your preferred entity name, files your paperwork requirements, and follows up with your state on your behalf. On the legal side, it gives you the chance to consult with on-call attorneys. It also grants you access to a legal document library.

Rocket Lawyer is suitable for you in case you need online legal services while you form your own LLC. Unlike IncFile which is dedicated to LLC services, it concentrates on providing legal assistance without the need for costly lawyer’s fees. Read the complete Rocket Lawyer review to know more.

• Affordable monthly fee
• Access to ongoing legal support through membership
• Discounted legal counsel with membership

• Addons for non-members can be expensive
• Free trial converts automatically
• Not specialized in business formation

Pricing:

• Legal Documents: $39.99
• Attorney Services:
  • $9.99 per document
  • $49.99 per question
  • $59.99 per consultation
• For Business:
  • Incorporation Filing: $99.99
  • Registered Agent Service: $149.99

Inc Authority

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Inc Authority is an online LLC setup service that focuses on business entity formation. It gives you access to a wide range of business startup services. For instance, its services include preparation plus filing, business name check, digital storage plus delivery, S-Election Form preparation, tax planning consultation, and registered agent service.

Inc Authority is ideal for entrepreneurs who need round-the-clock email and phone support for their business. While its features are fairly similar to IncFile, Inc Authority has stronger customer service because of its 24/7 US-based online support. Read the Inc Authority review if this service interests you.

• Free LLC filing
• Highly rated customer support
• Free registered agent service for one year

• Lots of upsells
• EIN filing costs extra
• No refunds

Pricing:

• Free LLC + State fees

Hashtag Legal

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Hashtag Legal is an LLC provider that offers customizable LLC formation services. These solutions include corporation formation, business restructuring, addition of shareholders or members, and strategy development. It also gives you the opportunity to ask for professional advice from legal experts.

Hashtag Legal is appropriate for you if you wish to tailor the LLC setup process and operating agreement according to the needs of your business. It’s more flexible compared to IncFile since you can personalize some of its services. Read our review on Hashtag Legal to find out if it’s the right choice for you.

• Customizable plan
• Receive legal advice with to LLC filing
• High-quality customer support

• Pricing isn’t transparent
• Small boutique firm
• Limited to New York and New Jersey

Pricing:

• Contact Hashtag Legal for quote

LegalZoom

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LegalZoom is a business formation service that provides LLC startup services. It completes and files your paperwork after you input your preferred name plus basic data. If you need legal solutions, it connects you with an independent network of lawyers. It ensures customer compliance so you can fulfill all the legal requirements of your business.

LegalZoom is ideal for owners of online businesses because of its expertise in setting up LLCs in the technology industry. Unlike IncFile which is a general LLC service, LegalZoom is designed especially for technology businesses. Read the complete LegalZoom review to learn more.

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

• More expensive than alternatives
• Slow turnaround time
• Excessive upsells

Pricing:

• Economy: $79 + State filing fees
• Standard: $329 + State filing fees
• Express Gold: $349 + State filing fees

Bottom Line on IncFile Review

IncFile makes it simple for you to start an LLC so you can limit your potential liability as a business owner. We recommend it for you in case you are looking for a cost-effective LLC service with good functionality. After all, IncFile LLC service shines because of its affordable price, intuitive UI, and LLC registration tools. We hope this IncFile review has helped you figure out if IncFile is the right affordable LLC service for your business.

As the name suggests, Northwest Registered Agent at its core is a registered agent service, but in this review of Northwest Registered Agent you’ll see it offers a lot more. If you want to start an LLC, having a registered agent is a must to handle government, tax, and legal matters on your behalf. You can also get LLC formation, business operation, and brand protection legal services.

Our Verdict

Northwest Registered Agent

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Northwest Registered Agent is the second-largest registered agent service in the US. It offers quality LLC formation services and is a great choice for small businesses that prioritize privacy. If you want to keep your address off public records, this LLC service is for you. 

Northwest Registered Agent focuses on giving you the best customer service. It guarantees same-day LLC filings, privacy protection, and professional service based on years of experience. Note that Northwest offers its LLC formation and registered agent services as one package, so it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for both in one deal.

• Offers privacy protection
• Quality customer service
• Transparent pricing

• Limited features
• Pay extra for EIN service
• More expensive than alternatives

Northwest Registered Agent at a Glance

Northwest Registered Agent is a well-established, family-owned business that’s been offering its services for more than 20 years. Unlike other online legal services, Northwest services are handled in-house by their Corporate Guides. These are business experts that guide you through starting and running your business. Northwest’s Corporate Guides are probably the reason behind its excellent customer service.

Whether you reach out to them via phone or email, you’re guaranteed to receive a quick response from a Corporate Guide who understands your needs. Northwest Registered Agent carries its “We’re Just Not Annoying” motto to set itself apart from the competition. 

To set itself apart from other LLC services, it promises to give you the most pleasant customer experience with clear and effective communication. This includes same-day email responses, no phone trees, and getting a return call within two hours of leaving a voicemail. 

Apart from its LLC formation and registered agent service, Northwest also offers virtual office and mail forwarding services, annual business compliance filing, operating agreements, and legal forms. Its range of services isn’t as wide as other online legal services, but its emphasis on customer service and transparency makes it an attractive option.  

Who Northwest Registered Agent is Best For

Northwest Registered Agent is best for you if you own a small business, are privacy-conscious, and don’t want your address to appear on public records. Northwest values your privacy and promises not to sell your data and minimizes exposure to your personal data at no extra cost. 

That said, it’s also a good choice for you if you’re looking for both LLC formation and a registered agent service in one package. If you’re looking for peace of mind, Northwest’s top-of-the-line customer service and professionalism guarantee you a smooth LLC process.

Pricing 

Northwest Registered Agent has a transparent, easy-to-understand pricing structure. Although it’s one of the more expensive LLC services, you don’t have to keep an eye out for hidden fees. Northwest informs you of the complete cost for the service you require plus government fees so you can evaluate your expenses accurately. 

Northwest doesn’t have tiered pricing plans like other online legal services. Rather it offers each of its services for either a one-time fee or includes them in a VIP package that you pay for monthly. These two packages cost:

• $225 + state filing fees for LLC formation and registered agent service for one year
• $30-80/monthly for VIP service – based on your state

The table below summarizes Northwest Registered Agent’s pricing structure for the different services it offers.

Up-front payment

Monthly VIP service

LLC filing

$100+state filing fee

Registered agent service

$125/year

Federal Tax ID (EIN)

$50/year

Annual business compliance filings

$100/year

Operating agreement and other documents

Mail Forwarding Service

$40/month

$40/month

US Virtual Office Service

$49/month

$49/month

If you need only LLC formation and registered agent service and are willing to pay $225 plus state filing fees upfront, the one-time payment option suits you better. However, if you want a wider range of services and want to start off with a lower monthly fee, the Monthly VIP service is a great option for you.

Note: The cost of the monthly VIP service varies from state to state. 

Northwest Registered Agent Features

Northwest Registered Agent’s quality customer service seems like their strongest selling point. But upon a closer look, we’ve discovered a range of other features that make it a top contender among other LLC service providers. Let’s take a look at its strongest features and other services it offers to see whether it can meet your needs when it comes to starting a business and running it.  

Privacy by Default®

Northwest Registered Agent follows a Privacy by Default® practice to minimize exposure to your personal data as much as it can. There are very few service providers on the market that emphasize customer privacy as much as Northwest. This makes it the go-to LLC service for you if privacy is your number one priority.

Northwest protects your privacy by

• Limiting personal information on public documents
• Limiting private data stored by state agencies
• Never selling data
• Protecting your data from loss or theft
• Limiting the use of third-parties
• Testing for and tracking vulnerabilities
• Limiting data requests

The best part about Northwest Registered Agent’s robust privacy policy is that you don’t have to opt into it. It protects all your information by default. 

Same-day Filing

If you want to create an LLC as quickly as possible, Northwest Registered Agent is your best shot. It commits to filing your request on the same business day as you place your order. Same-day filing is a part of Northwest’s objective to get you what you want as fast as possible. 

Please note that while Northwest Registered Agent files your documents on the same day, you might still need to wait for state authorities’ approval. This can take anywhere from 7 to 21 business days depending on your state. 

Federal Tax ID (EIN)

Your company’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) is more or less like its Social Security number. It’s not a must at the time of starting a business, but if you’re going to hire employees or pay excise taxes, you need an EIN. You may also need it to open a business bank account or if your state law mandates it.

Northwest Registered Agent will help you get your EIN Number from the IRS for $50 if you’re a US resident. If not, and you don’t have a Social Security Number, you can still get an EIN but for $200. 

Annual Business Compliance Filing

Northwest is one of the best LLC formation services around for annual business compliance filing or auto-filing. Annual compliance filing is all about filing an annual report about your company and paying a fee along with it.

This filing service won’t cost you anything initially, but you will later have to pay $100/year for filing the report plus associated state fees. You can easily keep track of compliance reports using your Northwest Registered Agent user dashboard. 

Premium Mail Forwarding & Virtual Office Services

Do you need your mail forwarded to another address? Northwest’s forwards your mail to your selected address either digitally or physically. The service is available in California, Delaware, Illinois, Idaho, Florida, Texas, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming for now. 

Digital mail tends to arrive on the same day, while physical mail can take up to five business days to arrive. The mail forwarding service will cost you $40 per month.

Northwest Registered Agent also offers virtual offices in Wyoming, Idaho, Florida, Delaware, Texas, Washington, and Montana. You may avail of this service if you’re interested in getting a physical address for your company, a unique suite number, and a real office lease. Northwest also gives you same-day digital mail forwarding, weekly physical mail forwarding, and a virtual phone line with the local area code you choose.

Top-of-the-line Customer Service

Northwest Registered Agent is best known for its high-quality customer support. Their in-house business experts, AKA Corporate Guides, have all the answers you need. When you call the support team, you’re not redirected to the right department. There’s no phone tree, which means the person who picks up your call has all the information to guide you and answer your questions. 

Being a family-owned business, Northwest emphasizes the importance of human touch. This is why it commits to: 

• Never sending a ‘no-reply’ email to its customers
• Getting back to customers within two hours of them leaving a voicemail
• All emails replied to on the same business day

Here are a few examples of NW Registered Agent’s customer reviews to give you first-hand evidence of its proficient customer service.

Alternatives to Northwest Registered Agent

If you feel NW Registered Agent’s services are too expensive for you, or you’re looking for something different in terms of features or service, you can always opt for alternatives. Here are some of the best LLC services you can go for alternatively.

LegalZoom

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Just like Northwest, LegalZoom is right up there with the most expensive LLC services available. It can be argued that LegalZoom is slightly cheaper than Northwest with its LLC formation service at $79 plus state filing fees, but it may end up costing you more with registered agent service combined. 

Nonetheless, LegalZoom is as experienced as NWRA with more than 20 years in the online legal space under its belt. This is especially a great alternative if you need ongoing legal help with a range of business matters instead of a one-time service. You can get cost-effective business formation legal solutions and professional legal advice from experienced lawyers in the long term with the Business Advisory plan. Read the LegalZoom review to know more about this service.

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

• More expensive than alternatives
• Slow turnaround time
• Excessive upsells

Pricing

• Economy – $79+state filing fees
• Standard – $329+state filing fees
• Express Gold – $349+state filing fees

ZenBusiness

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ZenBusiness is one of the best LLC service providers for affordability, ease of use, and legal expertise. It also provides you assistance from preparing to filing your LLC formation requests all the way through. Apart from that, ZenBusiness gives you an annual report filing with every service package. 

Unlike other online legal services, ZenBusiness is a Public Benefit Corporation. When it comes to affordability, it offers cheaper plans than Northwest Registered Agent with plans starting at $49 plus state filing fees. To learn more about its services and pricing, read our complete review on ZenBusiness.

• Affordable and customizable LLC operating agreement
• Personalized dashboard for storing and managing important details
• Offers registered agent service

• Does not offer a free plan
• Recurring fee for registered agent service in the basic plan
• Limited Website Templates

Pricing 

• Starter plan – $39 + state filing fees
• Pro plan – $149 + state filing fees
• Premium plan – $249 + state filing fees

IncFile

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If you’re looking for a free LLC filing option, be sure to check out IncFile! It’s one of the most affordable LLC formation services on the market. With its free LLC formation package, you only have to pay state filing fees to register your company. 

In addition to the free plan, it offers three LLC formation packages: silver, gold, and platinum. The price depends on your state and the addons you want along with the base service. The best part? You get a free registered agent service for a year with all packages. Read the IncFile review if this service sounds right for your business.

• Free LLC formation service
• Free registered agent service included 
• Helpful online dashboard

• Limited customer service
• Expedited filing for premium tier only
• Limited support options

Pricing

• Silver – $0 + state filing fees
• Gold – $149 + state filing fees
• Platinum – $299 + state filing fees

Bottom Line on Northwest Registered Agent Review

We’ve analyzed and reviewed a range of LLC services and we can conclude that Northwest Registered Agent deserves a top rank among the best LLC services. We’ve singled out its phenomenal customer support as its most powerful selling point, but it’s not the only plus point.

Northwest has over 20 years of experience and amazing customer feedback, making it a reliable option for anyone who wants to start an LLC. With a transparent and easy-to-understand pricing structure, NWRA is indeed an attractive choice, especially for those looking for LLC formation and registered agent services in one package.

LegalZoom is a big name in the online legal services sector. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or looking for personal legal services, LegalZoom offers a one-stop solution for all. 

While the online legal service covers intellectual property, personal, and family matters, we will emphasize its business-related services in this review. Continue reading to learn more about LegalZoom’s LLC (Limited Liability Company) formation services, its pros and cons, and the best LegalZoom alternatives out there.

Our Verdict

LegalZoom

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LegalZoom is a great option for you if you run a small business and want to form an LLC but don’t have your own business lawyer. This business formation service makes it easy and affordable to file an LLC with LegalZoom with plans starting at $79 (plus filing fees). It’s one of the oldest online legal establishments with many other offerings including operating agreement drafting, registered agent services and business license searches.

While LegalZoom is not your cheapest choice for a one-off service, it’s better suited for businesses with long-term legal needs. It offers cost-effective business formation legal solutions and professional legal advice from experienced lawyers if you need a long service package.

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

• More expensive than alternatives
• Slow turnaround time
• Excessive upsells

LegalZoom at a Glance 

Headquartered in Glendale, California, LegalZoom is a well-known name in the online legal technology industry. With well over 1000 employees, the company has been in the business since 2001 and has helped over 2 million businesses with their legal needs over the years. 

LegalZoom is not technically a law firm. It partners with experienced legal professionals from around the United States to provide its users with personal and business legal expertise. Apart from business formation, operation, and brand protection services, LegalZoom can also help you with personal wills and trusts, and family and property-related matters. 

When it comes to pricing, LegalZoom’s services will cost you a tad bit higher than its alternatives. Just like other LLC formation services, LegalZoom has three-tier pricing plans.  Economy, Standard, and Express Gold. Here’s what its LLC packages look like:

LegalZoom’s 60-day satisfaction period is what sets it apart from some of the best LLC services. All online legal service providers offer some guarantee of satisfaction, but you will rarely find one offering a two-month guarantee. You can ask for a 100% refund on services in case you’re unsatisfied with the services you were promised. 

Who LegalZoom is Best For

LegalZoom is best for you if you’re a small business with frequent legal needs. If you can’t afford to have an in-house lawyer or hire a lawyer every time you need legal services, you should consider LegalZoom. While it’s not the cheapest available service for one-time services, LegalZoom’s long service packages are cost-effective with a flat monthly fee. 

LegalZoom Pricing 

LegalZoom charges more than other online legal services. As mentioned above, it follows a 3-tier pricing plan. The chart below summarizes the tiered pricing structure for LLC formation services only.

LegalZoom

Economy

Standard

Express Gold

Price

$79+state filing fees

$329+state filing fees

$349+state filing fees

Name search and business entity filing

Digital tracker

Lifetime customer support

Registered agent

$299/yr

$299/yr

$299/yr

Obtain EIN

$79/yr

$79/yr

$79/yr

Operating Agreement

$99/yr

$99/yr

$99/yr

Express shipping

Website building

LegalZoom’s Standard or Express Gold plans don’t offer a lot of extra features, so what does it charge the extra money for? The main difference is the turnaround time. The economy plan has a usual turnaround time of 30 days, which is a lot of waiting for someone who needs to start their LLC process quickly. The Standard and Express Gold plans have a processing time of 15 and 10 business days respectively. 

LegalZoom Features

LegalZoom has a bunch of features up its sleeve that make it such a popular choice despite its high-priced packages. Below we’ll discuss some of its most useful features and their availability in the Economy, Standard, and Express Gold packages. 

Prepaid Business Advisory Plan

The prepaid business advisory plan is a brilliant option if you need ongoing legal help for your business matters. This annual or semi-annual plan gives you expert legal help throughout your membership tenure. You can get help on anything from contracts and agreements to trademarks and trusts starting at a low monthly fee of $39.09.

LegalZoom’s business advisory plan gives you 30-minute attorney consultations on new legal matters, reviews for legal documents up to 10 pages, and an annual business evaluation (if you get the annual plan). Apart from that, you also get unlimited downloads from the legal form library and exclusive discounts on other LegalZoom packages. 

Business Operation Services

LegalZoom is a one-stop solution for your company’s legal needs. So apart from LLC formation, incorporation, and other business registration services, it also offers operational legal services. LegalZoom provides services including registered agent services, annual reports, minutes manager, compliance calendar, operating agreement, tax help, contracts and agreements, and permits.

Intellectual Property Protection

You can also get intellectual property protection services like copyright, trademarks, and patent registration with LegalZoom. The company claims to be the No. 1 online intellectual property protection company on the market. In addition to registration, LegalZoom offers trademark search and trademark monitoring services too. 

Lifetime Customer Support

LegalZoom prides itself on its robust customer support. It has a proven track record of positive customer experiences with its 7-days-a-week customer service. This is what sets it apart from its competitors. Most LegalZoom competitors don’t focus a lot on customer service and have relatively smaller teams dedicated to answering customers’ questions.

Lifetime customer support means you can reach out to LegalZoom agents and get your queries answered whenever you want. The company has a US-based customer service team that’s available 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT on weekdays and 7 am. to 4 p.m. PT on weekends. 

Ease of Use

LegalZoom is an easy-to-use online legal platform. The LLC formation process won’t take you more than 20 minutes and you can complete your order in one sitting easily. In case you can’t complete your order, you don’t have to worry about losing all your submitted answers and documents. LegalZoom will email you a link with all your saved answers so you can get back to it whenever you want. 

Well-Experienced Vendor

LegalZoom has been offering its services in the online legal industry for more than two decades now. The vendor has amassed plenty of users over the years and this has helped them develop their service to cater to the needs of all types of businesses. 

LegalZoom offers efficient online templates for LLC formation or any other legal matter that can get the job done for you reliably. You can count on LegalZoom for your company’s legal needs as they’ve got a proven track record of delivering positive results for their clients. 

Satisfaction Guarantee

LegalZoom’s 60-day satisfaction guarantee makes it quite an attractive option. It offers to refund 100% of its service fee if you are not satisfied with the results even two months after you purchase a package. This adds to customers’ peace of mind and reassures them that they will receive value for their money. 

Note that LegalZoom won’t refund any money paid to government authorities and other third parties. It also won’t refund the money paid directly to third parties, such as the attorneys affiliated with LegalZoom’s legal plans. Although the 60-day satisfaction guarantee is a plus, availing of this money-back guarantee isn’t easy. Customers have reported that the cancellation or refund option is hard to locate on the LegalZoom site. 

Alternatives to LegalZoom

LegalZoom is a quality vendor but its price tags may not fit into everyone’s budget. Here are some of the best alternative LLC services, what they offer, and how they compare to LegalZoom.

ZenBusiness

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ZenBusiness is a top LLC service provider for its affordability, ease of use, and industry-leading legal expertise. It assists you all the way through from preparing to filing business registration requests. It also gives you annual report filing with all its packages. The ZenBusiness Public Benefit Corporation status makes it a unique vendor in the online legal marketplace. 

ZenBusiness offers cheaper plans than LegalZoom with the starter plan starting at $49 plus state filing fees. It’s not as well-known as LegalZoom but its turnaround time and ease of use are much better. To learn more about its services and pricing, read our complete review on ZenBusiness.

• Affordable and customizable LLC operating agreement
• Personalized dashboard for storing and managing important details
• Offers registered agent service

• Does not offer a free plan
• Recurring fee for registered agent service in the basic plan
• Limited Website Templates

Pricing 

• Starter plan – $39 + state filing fees
• Pro plan – $149 + state filing fees
• Premium plan – $249 + state filing fees

IncFile

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IncFile is the most affordable LLC formation service on the market. You’d be surprised to know that they offer a completely free LLC formation package where you need only to pay state filing fees to register your business as a Limited Liability Company. 

A free package obviously means you’re required to put in more work from your end, but it still is an attractive option for those who have time on their hands and are looking for a free LCC service. If you opt for IncFile, you also get a registered agent service completely free for the first year, and at a reasonable rate of $119/year moving forward. Read the IncFile review to know more about its features and pricing.

• Free LLC formation service
• Free registered agent service included 
• Helpful online dashboard

• Limited customer service
• Expedited filing for premium tier only
• Limited support options

Pricing

• Silver – $0 + state filing fees
• Gold – $149 + state filing fees
• Platinum – $299 + state filing fees

Rocket Lawyer

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Rocket Lawyer offers business registration services to help you start your business, along with services to meet your legal needs while running it. This legal service is known for providing affordable online legal services with a range of package options. 

Rocket Lawyer’s pricing plans are a bit different than LegalZoom. It has separate plans for premium members who pay a monthly fee of $39.99 and non-members who don’t pay a monthly fee and only purchase one-time services. Rocket Lawyer’s new premium members get free incorporation filing and 25% off moving forward. 

The premium plan also includes access to a vast library of legal documents, 30-minute consultations for new legal matters, and unlimited legal questions from on-call lawyers. If you’re a non-member, the one-time LLC filing package will cost you $99.99 plus state filing fees. Read our Rocket Lawyer review to know more about this company.

• Affordable monthly fee
• Access to ongoing legal support through membership
• Discounted legal counsel with membership

• Addons for non-members can be expensive
• Free trial converts automatically
• Not specialized in business formation

Pricing

• Premium membership – $39.99/month
• Non-member LLC formation – $99.99 + state filing fees
• Registered Agent Service – $149.99 (25% off for premium members)

Bottom Line on LegalZoom Review

LegalZoom is one of the most experienced and well-known vendors in the online legal space. It offers a wide range of legal services from business registration and operation to IP protection. Its LLC formation plan, although slightly pricier than the competition, offers great value and customer satisfaction. 

Furthermore, its business advisory plan is great for small businesses in need of ongoing legal assistance but can’t afford an in-house lawyer. All in all, LegalZoom is a reliable service provider that can get the job done for you with its vast experience and resources in the industry. If you think it’s too costly for you, you always have cheaper alternatives like ZenBusiness or IncFile.

Hashtag Legal offers a modern approach to forming a business while providing a clear path through legal hurdles along the way. The law firm takes a personal approach to growing your company, offering services tailored toward your specific needs. This Hashtag Legal review reveals what the company brings to the table to help your business succeed.

Our Verdict

Hashtag Legal

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Hashtag Legal works exclusively with small businesses in need of legal support. More specifically, fledgling or established small businesses located in either New York or New Jersey. Areas of legal aid include entity formation, registered agent service, trademarking, and more.

• Custom plans based on your needs
• The (un)business podcast
• Strong customer support

• Pricing is not transparent
• Small boutique firm
• Limited to New York and New Jersey

Hashtag Legal at a Glance

The Hashtag Legal LLC service focuses on small businesses wanting to overcome the industry’s legal pitfalls. The company meets these entrepreneurships where they are and works with them on an individual level. In doing so, Hashtag Legal helps get you exactly where you want to go.

There’s not one drop of pricing information anywhere on the website, so you’re forced to call them to work out those details. On the bright side, Hashtag Legal customizes all its cases, so static pricing doesn’t make sense anyway.

For such an unusual business model, the staff at Hashtag Legal can only practice in New York and New Jersey. Being a small firm, it may not be able to get to cases as quickly. However, the staff is good about handling communication and being upfront with this information.

Who Hashtag Legal is Best For

If you’re a small business located in either New York or New Jersey, it’s worth giving Hashtag Legal a call. Hashtag Legal understands the ins and outs of the legal system and wants to help you navigate the nuances of staying on the level. It views aid not as an obligation but as a partnership and will work with you until your legal intelligence is where you want it to be.

Pricing

Pricing information does not exist due to the custom nature of Hashtag Legal’s approach to advice. The firm treats each consultation as a potential partnership and looks for ways to bring a small business into a safe legal area. Therefore, each contract is unique, and pricing is never the same.

Hashtag Legal Features

Hashtag Legal has an abundance of features to help businesses start on the right foot and continue to succeed. Below are the main features it offers and how you can use them to grow and protect your enterprise.

Entity Formation and Advice

The Hashtag Legal LLC service has the information you need If you’re looking to establish your business as a limited liability company (LLC). The legal team will walk you through finding an appropriate name that sets your venture apart. From there, they will work with you to file the articles you need to make the formation official.

After setting up your LLC, Hashtag Legal is available to help understand tax requirements and file the necessary annual reports. Depending on how you set up your partnership with Hashtag Legal, they will continue to ensure you don’t miss any step along the way.

When the time comes, the law firm can help you create a corporation, once again taking you through the process from start to finish. Furthermore, Hashtag Legal can set up partnership agreements, add members, or develop shareholder strategy.

Registered Agent Service

You’re required to have a registered agent when you form an LLC. This registered agent is someone who receives legal documentation on behalf of the company in the event of a lawsuit. Hashtag Legal provides this service for a fee.

It’s worth noting that a registered agent must have a physical street address within the state you registered your business. Hashtag Legal has a physical address in both New York and New Jersey and is a reasonable choice if they are also the ones helping form your LLC.

Trademark and Copyright

Should your business have a unique concept or product that you want to protect, look no further than Hashtag Legal. The staff can help you file applications for trademarks or copyrights and help you distinguish which application you need.

Assistance extends to strategies that protect your trademarks and copyrights from those looking to steal your ideas. If push comes to shove, Hashtag Legal will file cease and desists to keep your intellectual property safe.

Contract Drafting and Review

Hashtag Legal’s expertise goes well beyond simply setting up an LLC. As an established business, Hashtag Legal can work with you on contract drafting with vendors, independent contractors, or employees themselves.

The law firm can help review and negotiate contracts on your behalf, so you don’t get the raw end of any deal. At times, the legal team will work with you to renegotiate and improve existing contracts, so your business gets the biggest bang for its buck.

Legal Strategy and Outside General Counsel

Hashtag Legal’s legal strategy extends to risk management and having programs in place to mitigate loss from theft, damage, or lawsuit. Should the need arise, you’ll have a lawyer always on call to answer questions and provide counsel as needed.

The (un)Business Podcast

Just this year, Hashtag Legal started producing its own podcast series. The podcast is completely free to listen to and offers a lawyer’s unfiltered take on common business issues. The first season revolves around dealing with conflict in an office setting.

Alternatives to Hashtag Legal

Hashtag Legal isn’t for everyone, especially if your business is located somewhere other than New York or New Jersey. Consider some of the best LLC formation services as viable alternatives to Hashtag Legal’s service.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is all about getting your business up and running in a fast and budget-friendly way. For as little as $49 and 10 minutes, you can be the owner of your very own LLC. You can use ZenBusiness to connect with a registered agent no matter what state you’re located in. The downside is that it doesn’t have the personal touch that Hashtag Legal does.

The company is great for those who understand the LLC formation process and need to get the job done. It does not walk you through the process but instead relies on you to know each step along the way.

ZenBusiness does have expert support only a phone call away, but you’ll still need to know which questions to ask. To learn more about its services and pricing, read our complete review on ZenBusiness.

Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a “one plan fits all” membership for $39.99 per month, giving access to most of its many features. The monthly rate includes document creation, attorney services, and even formation services for an LLC or corporation. If you are a member, Rocket Lawyer discounts its registered agent service by 25%.

New businesses can take advantage of one flat rate for creating all the documents you’ll need and legal advice without having to pay any extra. Rocket Lawyer does offer an a la carte service if you need help in one specific area, but these prices tend to be quite high.

Rocket Lawyer will work with you every step of the way, but ultimately it’s up to you to know which documents you need to create and which legal questions to ask. Having an LLC formation service included is a huge bonus, even if Hashtag Legal provides a more personal approach. Read our Rocket Lawyer review to learn more.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is more than just a registered agent service, providing the information entrepreneurs need to get a fledgling business off the ground. In addition to custom business advice, Northwest Registered Agent offers tools to start up an LLC in no time flat.

You can either pay an up-front rate of $225 (plus state fees) for filing and registered agent, or you can pursue a monthly VIP service ($40 to $80 depending on your state) containing ongoing help after your business is up and running. The VIP service also covers you when annual filings are due at the beginning of year two.

Northwest Registered Agent prides itself on being transparent with its information while protecting yours. The company takes a personal approach to each case and strives to be approachable no matter what method of communication you use. Read our Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.

MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks showcases tools to both start and manage a company for years to come. The Basic plan for forming an LLC starts at $59 (not including state fees), with registered agent service an additional $99 per year. Higher-priced plans include a registered agent and other bonus features your company can benefit from.

You can supplement your new business with a domain or website from MyCompanyWorks if you don’t want to pay for these features on their own. There’s also a step-by-step startup wizard and will file the necessary paperwork on your behalf.

MyCompanyWorks also helps you manage your company by filing annual reports for you. These services start at $59 and ensure you don’t overlook any paperwork that needs to go out. Read our review on MyCompanyWorks to find out if it’s the right choice for you.

Bottom Line on Hashtag Legal Review

Hashtag Legal carefully walks entrepreneurs through the LLC creation process, ensuring you don’t leave any stone unturned during the process. The firm doubles as a registered agent and can handle any legal woes you may encounter down the road. Beyond company formation, Hashtag Legal offers several other tools to keep your business on top of its game.

Anyone looking to start an LLC or corporation in New York or New Jersey shouldn’t hesitate to give Hashtag Legal a call. They will work with you to develop a custom plan (and price) to get your business where you want it to be. This personal touch sets Hashtag Legal apart from the many cookie-cutter formation services that feel robotic.

Anyone looking to build a startup for the first time need look no further than Rocket Lawyer for the tools to do so. Within a fixed monthly fee are incorporation tools, document creation software, and avenues to seek legal advice at any step of the way. This Rocket Lawyer review puts these features to the test.

Our Verdict

Rocket Lawyer

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Rocket Lawyer offers a monthly membership service that contains the bulk of its features for one flat rate. Although specializing in generating legal documents, Rocket Lawyer also provides incorporation filing and the ability to ask a real lawyer about legal problems anytime you need to.

If you don’t need all the services Rocket Lawyer has, you can pick and choose features from an a la carte menu. Most of these services cost more than the price of a month’s membership all on their own. Still, anyone in need of legal aid during or after LLC formation can find the answers right here.

• 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

Rocket Lawyer at a Glance

Rocket Lawyer takes an unusual membership approach to each of the services it provides. For $40 per month, you’ll gain access to document creation, legal advice, consultations, and even business incorporation. You can use most features to your heart’s content while a member, although Rocket Lawyer’s registered agent service and attorney hire are add-ons.

If you’re planning to make use of most or all of these legal services, Rocket Lawyer can save a significant amount of time and money. Having these features under one roof is convenient, while most cost more than the price of membership all on their own.

On the flip side, failing to get the most from what Rocket Lawyer has to offer can end up costing you money in the long run. The platform also offers an a la carte plan, but it’s unlikely you’ll find any deals here worth writing home about. If you’re on the fence about giving Rocket Lawyer a try, it does come with a 7-day free trial.

Who Rocket Lawyer is Best For

Rocket Lawyer is best for anyone with a multitude of legal queries looking to pay a fixed rate each month to have their questions addressed. The app is also ideally suited for an entrepreneur starting an LLC, as incorporation is covered for any first-time member. Since most startups these days are online, Rocket Lawyer’s document creation and signing make the process of getting paperwork in place as simple as can be.

Pricing

You can use Rocket Lawyer whether you choose to be a member or not. Members pay a flat $39.99 per month and gain access to several tools right out of the gate. Some features do cost a premium, but Rocket Lawyer typically offers them at a discount to subscribers.

Non-members take an a la carte approach and can build a platform to suit their needs. However, even a single legal document costs $39.99 to create, with prices only increasing from there.

Features

Premium Member

Non-Member

Price

$39.99 per month

Pay per item

Create Legal Documents

$39.99 per question

Legal Questions

$49.99 per question

30 Minute Consult on Any New Legal Matter

$59.99 per consultation

Discounts on Hiring a Rocket Attorney

Up to 40% off

None

Incorporation Filing (excluding state fees)

$99.99

Registered Agent Service

$112.50

$149.99

As you can see, a membership includes a few hundred dollars worth of services for just $39.99 per month. Non-member pricing starts high and only gets higher as you pursue additional features.

Rocket Lawyer Features

Rocket Lawyer packs a lot into its membership package. Let’s break down these features and what makes each a vital part of Rocket Lawyer’s membership plan.

Incorporation Filing

The Rocket Lawyer LLC service simplifies the incorporation process by first asking a few questions about what you want your new business to be. From there, it will confirm your venture’s name, file all paperwork, and complete the formation process with the state.

New members can file for LLC formation with nothing more than the cost of a Rocket Lawyer membership and applicable state fees. Most companies charge $59 or more for this service alone. However, you’ll only receive a 25% discount for any future incorporations. Non-members can still file, but face a hefty $99 fee for doing so.

Along the way, Rocket Lawyer has a team of specialists on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. The customer support team is no stranger to the process and has led thousands of companies to the other side. Should you keep your membership after incorporation, Rocket Lawyer will continue to provide legal information, help file yearly reports, and keep your business compliant.

Registered Agent Service

You can’t form an LLC without identifying a registered agent, and Rocket Lawyer comes to the rescue here also. Non-members can use this service for $149 per year, and Rocket Lawyer will receive and facilitate all legal correspondence on your behalf. Members receive a 25% discount and get the same service for just under $112 yearly.

Create Legal Documents

Whether business or personal, Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create any legal document you need. Popular documents include non-disclosures, LLC operating agreements, and contracts for vendors to review and sign.

Rocket Lawyer’s RocketSign app provides a means to sign these documents for free in a matter of moments. Signatures in this matter are just as legally binding as pen and paper. You can save these documents indefinitely for future reference and choose who can view them.

Legal Questions

Rocket Lawyer has several attorneys on call to answer your pressing legal questions on demand. After you’ve typed out your question, you can narrow down help to specialists in your state that are familiar with the area of your specific need. You’ll receive a response in short order detailing your answer and how to approach the particular issue.

Posing legal inquiries is free for Rocket Lawyer members, and there’s no limit to the number of questions you can ask. This service extends to any contract disputes you may encounter with documents created in Rocket Lawyer. An attorney will review the conflict and go to bat for you to resolve the issue.

30 Minute Consult on Any New Legal Matter

As a member, you’re also entitled to a 30-minute consultation with an attorney whenever a new legal matter arises. After you’ve submitted a new legal concern to Rocket Lawyer, the company will assign a lawyer to assist you. You’ll have 30 minutes (usually via phone) to converse and receive expert advice on the matter.

Even after the initial consultation, you can still follow up on the matter with questions through the legal questions form on the website. It is the company’s discretion to decide if you’ve already broached a legal issue or not.

Discounts on Hiring a Rocket Attorney

Lawyers don’t come cheap, but Rocket Lawyer offers a substantial discount when you hire one of their on-call attorneys. These attorneys are located all over the country and have a license to practice in their particular state. Most lawyers specialize in a certain field to give them a competitive advantage in a case.

This service isn’t available if you’re not a Rocket Attorney member. Members will see rates slashed up to 40% from the usual retainer’s fee.

Alternatives to Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has several good features, but it’s not going to work for everyone. Here are some alternative LLC services that may offer what you need.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness specializes in business planning and turning a concept into something more than just a dream. The company makes it simple to file your business with the state by securing a name and submitting documents in record time. Prices for this service start at just $49 before applying state fees.

Such a product works well for those who already know what they need and desire to get things up and running quickly. While LLC filing is arguably cheaper than Rocket Lawyer, ZenBusiness lacks document creation and legal advice. To learn more about its services and pricing, read our complete review on ZenBusiness.

IncFile

IncFile offers LLC filing and registered agent service for free during your first year of use. You’re only required to pay fees pertinent to the state you’re filing in. The price point may seem tempting, but you won’t have access to any other legal assistance. Still, it’s nice for companies starting without two cents to rub together.

The app has two other plans starting at $149 and $299 that introduce other features into the mix. These features include a tax number, banking resolution, a dashboard, and unlimited phone and email support. IncFile lacks legal counsel at even its highest tier of service that Rocket Lawyer includes in its membership. Read the IncFile review to learn more about its services and pricing.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent lets you pursue your business filing from one of three directions. It is possible to start a free account where the company gives you the tools to start and run your business for free. It won’t make a filing for you or work as your registered agent.

You can also pay in full up front for LLC filing and a registered agent starting from $225 exclusive of state fees. Here, Northwest Registered Agent will walk you through the process and handle documentation for you.

Finally, you can pick up the VIP package ranging between $40 and $80 per month that includes the above features alongside continuing legal aid while your membership is active. The VIP service is surprisingly similar to what Rocket Lawyer offers but doesn’t allow for document formation. Read the Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more about its services and pricing.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom tackles a slew of legal issues from living wills to business startups and everything in between. On the business side, this very comprehensive platform has the tools you need to register and run your business without falling into legal pitfalls along the way.

These features come at a premium. LegalZoom’s LLC formation starts at $79 before any state filing fees, and the company will act as a registered agent for $299 per year. LegalZoom will refund its fees within 60 days if you’re unhappy with your service.

The service works well for businesses with many legal needs, including contracts, copyright and trademark registration, and whatever else comes your way. Each feature adds to the overall cost, making LegalZoom potentially off-limits for small businesses on a budget. Read the LegalZoom review to learn more.

Bottom Line on Rocket Lawyer Review

Rocket Lawyer boasts an impressive feature set that you can get your hands on for $39.99 per month. With a membership including company formation, document creation, and all the legal advice you can throw the book at, this price point seems well worth your while.

Non-member pricing is quite expensive, and anyone not taking advantage of Rocket Lawyer’s whole gamut of features each month may find themselves wondering where that monthly fee is going. Still, with even a few legal queries each month, Rocket Lawyer should pay for itself and then some.