Starting an LLC is one of the most common first steps for freelancers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs — it separates personal and business liability, opens business banking options, and adds professional credibility. The five services below handle the state filing process, registered agent requirements, and supporting documents so you can focus on the business itself.
| Company | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | Privacy + value | 4.9/5 |
| ZenBusiness | First-time founders | 4.8/5 |
| Incfile | Budget formation | 4.7/5 |
| LegalZoom | Brand recognition | 4.5/5 |
| Registered Agents Inc. | Multi-state LLCs | 4.6/5 |
Northwest Registered Agent - Best Overall Value
Northwest Registered Agent charges a flatcurrent pricing formation fee (plus your state’s filing fee) and includes one year of registered agent service — normally acurrent pricing add-on at most competitors. The company’s defining feature is privacy: it uses its own address on public state filings wherever legally permitted, keeping your personal address off the public record. The client dashboard is clean and no-frills, but all the essential documents (articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN assistance) are handled without constant upsell prompts. Renewal pricing after year one is transparent and competitive. Customer support is US-based and consistently receives high ratings.
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ZenBusiness - Best for First-Time Founders
ZenBusiness offers a free tier (state fees only) for basic LLC formation, plus paid tiers atcurrent pricing andcurrent pricing that add registered agent service, operating agreements, and worry-free compliance guarantees. The standout feature is the post-formation toolkit: built-in guides for opening a business bank account, getting an EIN, and setting up bookkeeping basics. For a founder doing this for the first time, the guided experience reduces the chance of missing a required step. ZenBusiness also partners with several business banking providers, allowing you to open an account directly from the dashboard. The upsell flow is persistent but easy to decline.
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Incfile - Best Budget Option
Incfile’s free tier covers the formation filing itself at no service charge — you only pay the state filing fee. This makes it genuinely the lowest-cost option for founders who want the paperwork handled without spending on a formation service. Registered agent service is not included in the free tier (first year free, thencurrent pricing), and operating agreement templates require a paid upgrade. The dashboard is functional, and Incfile has processed millions of filings since launching in 2004, so the core process is well-tested. For straightforward single-member LLCs in common states, the free tier covers everything necessary to get legally organized.
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LegalZoom - Best for Brand Recognition and Legal Access
LegalZoom is the most recognized name in online legal services and offers LLC formation alongside access to licensed attorneys for follow-on questions. Formation packages start atcurrent pricing plus state fees. The primary advantage over competitors is the attorney access tier: for an added monthly subscription, founders can ask a lawyer questions about their formation, operating agreement, or ongoing compliance. This is valuable if your LLC involves partnerships, real estate, or situations outside the standard single-member setup. LegalZoom’s upsell flow is aggressive, and per-feature pricing can add up quickly. Compare the all-in cost to Northwest or ZenBusiness before committing.
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Registered Agents Inc. - Best for Multi-State LLCs
Registered Agents Inc. specializes in registered agent service and formation for businesses operating in multiple states. If you need your LLC registered in two or more states simultaneously — common for real estate investors, multi-state contractors, and e-commerce businesses with nexus in several states — this service streamlines the process with a unified dashboard for all state filings. Pricing iscurrent pricing per state for formation plus registered agent service, which is competitive for multi-state setups. The service is more utilitarian than ZenBusiness or Northwest in terms of hand-holding, but the multi-state infrastructure is genuinely superior.
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How to Choose an LLC Formation Company
The state you form in matters more than the formation service you choose. Most small businesses should form in their home state — forming in Delaware or Wyoming as a non-resident adds complexity and annual fees that rarely benefit a solo business or small partnership. Once you know your state, compare the all-in cost: service fee + state filing fee + registered agent year one + year two registered agent renewal. Registered agent service is legally required in every state and must be maintained annually, so the renewal rate is a real ongoing cost. Verify that the service includes an operating agreement template — this internal document, while not filed with the state, protects you in disputes and is required to open a business bank account at most institutions.
For related business setup resources, see our guide to best compact all-in-one color laser printers for your home office and best compact alarm clocks to keep your schedule sharp. Our evaluation methodology is at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best company to help start an LLC in 2026?+
Northwest Registered Agent is the top pick for value and privacy -- the base price is transparent, includes registered agent service for the first year, and the company does not upsell aggressively. ZenBusiness is excellent for first-time founders who want a guided experience with additional business tools like a business bank account opener and operating agreement template.
How much does it cost to form an LLC with a formation service?+
Formation service fees range fromcurrent pricing (Incfile basic tier) tocurrent pricing+ for premium packages. State filing fees are separate and range fromcurrent pricing (Kentucky) tocurrent pricing (Massachusetts). Most reputable services chargecurrent pricing on top of state fees. Registered agent service, which is legally required, typically costscurrent pricing per year after the first free year.