best LLC formation services

Best LLC Formation Services (2026): Costs, Features & Trade-offs

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8 months ago · Updated 3 days ago

How we research: We compare the public pricing, plan details and terms published on each provider's website. We have not purchased these services, so scores and rankings are our editorial opinion, not customer ratings. Prices change; confirm the current offer with the provider. Some links on this page are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure.

Registered agent pricing checked October 7, 2026: Bizee official registered agent pricing lists one year included with formation and $149 per year afterwards. Some older partner pages still list $119. The examples below use the current public offer; existing customers should check their own renewal terms. State fees and optional services are separate.

Of the four services compared here, Northwest Registered Agent has the lowest total cost from year 2 (published prices checked 7 Oct 2026) — $39 + state fee, includes a free year of registered agent service, an operating agreement, and address privacy. For founders who want $0 upfront, Bizee offers the $0 formation plan. For a polished platform experience, ZenBusiness leads. For legal access alongside formation, LegalZoom is the only service that includes attorney consultations.

This comparison evaluates the published costs, registered agent terms, included features and limitations of four LLC formation services. We have not formed LLCs with these providers or tested their support. Use it to compare first-year and renewal costs, then confirm the plan and exclusions before ordering. Our step-by-step LLC guide explains the filing process if you prefer to handle it yourself.

Not sure whether an LLC is even the right entity for you? Take our free Business Structure Quiz first — it takes two minutes and tells you whether an LLC, S-Corp, or sole proprietorship fits your situation before you spend anything.

Quick answer: For most founders, Northwest at $39 costs less over time — it beats "$0" competitors once you add the registered agent service they charge separately. See the full math in the Hidden Costs section below.

Before You Choose an LLC Service

Before comparing prices and features, make sure you've answered three foundational questions. Choosing the wrong formation strategy — not the wrong service — is the most common and most costly mistake. Getting these right first means you'll know exactly what to look for in a service and avoid paying for features you don't need.

3 Questions to Answer Before You Pay Anything
1
Do you actually need an LLC? An LLC makes sense for liability protection, tax flexibility, and credibility. However, freelancers with low risk and solo contractors sometimes do fine as sole proprietors. Use our Business Structure Quiz to confirm the right entity before forming anything. Once you're ready, also check whether your intended business name is available — use our free LLC name availability checker before you pay any formation fee.
2
Which state should you form in? In most cases, you should form in the state where you live and operate. Forming in Wyoming or Delaware when you're based in California still requires a foreign LLC registration in California — meaning you pay fees in two states. Our best state to form an LLC guide covers every scenario. Also see our full guide on how to start an LLC for the step-by-step process.
3
What will the full first-year cost be? Service fee + state fee + registered agent + EIN + operating agreement = your real cost. State filing fees alone range from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts). Use our LLC cost calculator to get your state-specific total before choosing a service — it takes 60 seconds.
ℹAre you a non-US founder? If you're forming a US LLC from outside the country, your priorities are different: you need EIN support for non-residents, a US address, and ideally a service that helps with banking setup. In that case, see our full Doola review — it's built specifically for international founders and offers hands-on support that the general-market services don't. Also compare it against our full Doola vs Northwest comparison.
LLC Services — Quick Comparison (2026)
Real first-year cost including registered agent service
Northwest
$39 + state fee
ZenBusiness
$0–$399 + state fee
Bizee
$0–$299 + state fee
LegalZoom
$0–$299 + state fee
Compare Northwest vs ZenBusiness head to head →
"$0 Formation" Is Not Free — Here's the Real Math Several services advertise free LLC formation. However, they charge $199–$249/year for registered agent service starting immediately or after year one. In contrast, Northwest charges $39 upfront but includes 1 year of registered agent service free. As a result, Northwest's true first-year cost is often lower than "$0" competitors. We show the real numbers for every service — including the fees most people miss — in the Hidden Costs section.

Full Comparison Table — 4 LLC Services (2026)

The table below shows the real cost and key features for each LLC formation service. We include registered agent renewal pricing — because that's where most services hide their true long-term cost. Processing speed is also included, since it varies dramatically between providers. Not sure what your total will be in your state? Use our LLC cost calculator to see the exact state-specific number before you choose.

Service Formation Fee RA — Year 1 RA — Year 2+ Processing Good fit for
Northwest $39 + state Free (included) $125/yr 1–3 days Overall value + privacy
ZenBusiness $0–$399 + state $199/yr (add-on) $199/yr 1–10 days Platform + tools
Bizee $0–$299 + state Free (1st year) $149/yr 3–4 weeks Free formation + RA
LegalZoom $0–$299 + state $249/yr (add-on) $249/yr 5–14 days Legal support needs
ℹState fees are separate from all service prices above. Every state charges its own LLC filing fee — Wyoming charges $100, while Massachusetts charges $500. These fees go directly to the state, not to the formation service. Your total cost always depends on where you're forming. See our full LLC cost by state guide for every state's breakdown, or use our LLC startup cost estimator to get a personalized total — including registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and first-year expenses.

Northwest Registered Agent — Lowest Cost From Year 2

Northwest Registered Agent has the lowest total cost from year 2 among the four services compared here, based on published prices. At $39 + state fee — with a free year of registered agent service, an operating agreement, address privacy, and the new Business Identity suite bundled in — it delivers more real value for less money than any competitor. It's the right choice for the vast majority of founders, especially those forming their first LLC and wanting a simple, flat-fee formation.

Want the full breakdown before deciding? See our complete Northwest Registered Agent review — including real user experiences, support quality, and how they compare to the other services in this comparison.

Northwest Pricing (2026)

Northwest Registered Agent — Cost Breakdown
LLC Formation (articles + operating agreement)
Registered Agent — Year 1
Included free
Business Identity (domain, site, email, phone)
Included (new 2026)
Registered Agent — Year 2+
EIN (add-on, optional)
True First-Year Total $39 + state fee
You can get your EIN free directly from the IRS. Northwest charges $50 as an add-on, but US residents can apply for an EIN at no cost through IRS Form SS-4. See our EIN guide for the exact steps — it takes about 10 minutes online.

What Northwest Includes

Northwest Registered Agent — What's Included
✓
Articles of Organization preparation and filingNorthwest prepares and submits your LLC formation documents to the state. Processing takes 1–3 business days before state review begins.
✓
Operating agreement template — included freeBundled at no extra charge. Most competitors charge $99–$159 for this document separately.
✓
1 year registered agent service — freeNorthwest uses their address on your public state filings. Your personal address stays completely off the public record. This also gives you a free virtual address for your LLC at no extra cost. Once approved, you can verify your LLC status on the Secretary of State instantly using our free search tool. For a deeper look at what a registered agent does and what to look for, see our registered agent guide — or compare all standalone providers in our best registered agent rankings if you'd rather keep RA service separate.
✓
Business Identity suite — new in 2026Domain name, business website, email address, and phone number — all included at no extra cost. Competitors charge $50–$150/year for these separately.
✓
Corporate Guides — real human supportEvery customer gets a dedicated Corporate Guide. No chatbots, no sales team — just knowledgeable staff who answer LLC questions directly.
✓
Privacy by DefaultNorthwest does not sell customer data to third-party marketers. You won't receive spam calls or sales emails after signing up — which is not standard practice at most competitors.

Northwest Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Lowest total cost once registered agent service is included (from year 2)$39 upfront vs. $0 competitors (though cheaper overall)
Operating agreement included — competitors charge $99–$159EIN is an add-on ($50) — but the IRS gives it free
Flat published formation feeNo tiered plans — one price for everyone
Privacy by Default — doesn't sell your dataRefunds require a phone call
Business Identity suite included (2026)No attorney consultation service
28 years in business — established and trusted—
Why Northwest Wins on Total Cost ZenBusiness charges $0 for formation — but adds $199/year for registered agent service from day one. Northwest charges $39 upfront and includes RA free for a year. Northwest saves you $160 in year one compared to ZenBusiness Starter. After year one, the Northwest pricing breakdown shows their registered agent renewal at $125/year — still cheaper than ZenBusiness's $199. Northwest costs less every single year. If you prefer to use a dedicated RA provider instead, our best registered agent comparison ranks every standalone option. Note: many founders confuse registered agents with virtual addresses — they're not the same. See our registered agent vs virtual address guide for the full breakdown.

ZenBusiness — Dashboard and Compliance Tools

ZenBusiness is the most popular LLC formation service by review volume, with over 27,000 verified five-star Trustpilot ratings. It's a good fit for founders who want a polished, tech-forward dashboard, compliance alerts, and a guided experience throughout formation. However, the real cost depends heavily on which plan you choose — and whether you add registered agent service. Read the renewal terms carefully before checking out.

Once your LLC is active, staying on top of annual report deadlines is just as important as the formation itself. Use our free LLC annual report tracker to set reminders by state — it works regardless of which service you used. For the full requirement breakdown, see our LLC annual report guide.

ZenBusiness Plans (2026)

PlanPriceProcessingKey Inclusions
Starter $0 + state fee 7–10 business days Articles filing, name search, dashboard, 1yr Worry-Free Compliance*
Pro $199 + state fee 1 business day All Starter + EIN, operating agreement, logo builder, compliance alerts
Premium $399 + state fee 1 business day All Pro + registered agent, business advisor consultation, templates

*Worry-Free Compliance renews at $199/year after the first free year. Registered agent service costs an additional $199/year on Starter and Pro plans — it is not included.

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

ProsCons
4.8/5 Trustpilot — 27,000+ verified reviewsRegistered agent costs $199/yr — not in Starter or Pro
Excellent dashboard and user experienceWorry-Free Compliance auto-renews at $199/yr — easy to miss
7-day customer support by phone, chat, emailEIN and operating agreement are $99 add-ons on Starter
1-day processing on Pro/PremiumOptional add-ons offered during checkout
AI assistant (Velo) for ongoing business helpSome users report surprise renewal charges
Watch the ZenBusiness Auto-Renewals The Starter plan includes Worry-Free Compliance free for the first year — but it auto-renews at $199/year after that. Additionally, registered agent service is not included in Starter or Pro. Many users who sign up for "$0 formation" end up paying $199–$398 in year two without realizing it. Read all renewal terms carefully before checkout. If you're deciding between the two free-formation options, our ZenBusiness vs Bizee comparison breaks down the real year-one and year-two costs side by side.

For a full side-by-side breakdown of pricing, registered agent value, and long-term costs, see our Northwest vs ZenBusiness head-to-head comparison. If your main alternative is ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom, we have a dedicated comparison for that as well.

Bizee (Formerly Incfile) — $0 Formation + Free First-Year RA

Bizee is the only service that combines $0 LLC formation with a free first year of registered agent service on all plans. For founders who want a low upfront cost without sacrificing the registered agent requirement, Bizee has the lowest first-year cost in this comparison. It has formed over 1 million businesses since 2004. The main trade-off is processing speed — published preparation estimates depend on plan and workload; state approval time is separate.

Bizee (formerly Incfile)
$0 Basic plan + state fee. Includes 1 free year of registered agent service, lifetime compliance alerts. Over 1 million businesses formed. Standard processing: 3–4 weeks.
From $0 + state fee
Full Review →

Bizee Plans (2026)

PlanPriceProcessingKey Inclusions
Basic $0 + state fee 3–4 weeks Articles filing, name search, 1yr RA free
Standard $199 + state fee 3–4 weeks (or expedite +$50) All Basic + EIN, operating agreement, compliance alerts
Premium $299 + state fee Expedited included All Standard + domain, business email, phone, contract templates

Bizee Pros and Cons

ProsCons
$0 formation + free RA first year on all plansConfirm current preparation estimate and separate state approval time
1M+ businesses formed — proven track recordOptional add-ons offered during checkout
RA renews at $149/yr after the included first yearEIN and operating agreement not in Basic plan
Check current plan terms for any third-party tax consultationData sharing with partners — expect marketing emails
Lifetime company alerts on Standard/PremiumMixed customer support response times
ℹBizee vs. Northwest: Who's Actually Cheaper? Bizee charges $0 for formation and includes free RA for year one. Northwest charges $39 and also includes free RA for year one — plus an operating agreement (Bizee charges extra for this on Basic). The real cost difference is just $39, and Northwest gives you more for that $39. Using the listed renewal prices, Northwest costs $24 less per year ($125 versus Bizee's current public $149 offer). Both are strong budget options, but Northwest wins on overall included value.

LegalZoom — Attorney Access and Legal Add-Ons

LegalZoom is the most recognized LLC formation brand — but also the most expensive in this comparison. The real value isn't in price or processing speed. It's in legal access: attorney consultations, document review, and an established network of legal professionals. LegalZoom is the right choice for founders in regulated industries, those forming complex multi-member structures, or anyone who genuinely needs attorney guidance alongside their formation filing. For straightforward LLC formation, it costs more than the other services compared here.

LegalZoom
From $0 + state fee. Registered agent costs $249/year — the highest in this comparison. A fit for founders who need attorney consultations and ongoing legal services alongside their LLC formation.
From $0 + state fee — RA $249/yr
Full Review →

If you're a licensed professional — doctor, lawyer, accountant, or architect — your state may require you to form a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company) instead of a standard LLC. Confirm your entity type before choosing any service.

LegalZoom Plans (2026)

PlanPriceProcessingKey Inclusions
Basic $0 + state fee 5–14 days Articles filing, name check — RA and EIN are separate add-ons
Pro $249 + state fee 5–14 days All Basic + operating agreement, EIN, attorney consultation (30 min)
Premium $299 + state fee Expedited (+ fee) All Pro + business document templates, unlimited storage

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Attorney consultations included on Pro/PremiumRegistered agent: $249/year — highest of all 4 services
Most established brand — 4M+ businesses formedMost expensive overall when you add RA and EIN
Legal document review on higher tiersProvider preparation time varies by plan; state approval time is separate
Good for regulated industries needing legal guidanceNot ideal for basic formation without legal complexity
LegalZoom Registered Agent Costs $299/Year LegalZoom's registered agent service is the most expensive in this comparison — $249/year versus $125 at Northwest and $149 at Bizee. If you need ongoing registered agent service (which most LLCs do), LegalZoom's true annual cost is significantly higher than it appears at checkout. LegalZoom only makes sense when you genuinely need attorney access — not for standard LLC formation. See our ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom comparison or the Northwest vs LegalZoom breakdown for a full cost-by-cost analysis of both alternatives.

One case where LegalZoom's legal access adds real value: deciding whether to elect S-Corp tax status after forming your LLC. Before paying for a consultation, review our LLC tax benefits guide and run the numbers with our LLC vs S-Corp tax calculator — it shows your exact savings based on net profit, state, and salary.

Once your LLC is approved, formation is only the beginning. Getting your EIN, opening a business bank account, making your tax election, and setting up compliance tracking all come next. See our post-LLC-formation checklist for every remaining step in the correct order.

Hidden Costs Most People Miss

The service fee you see on the homepage is rarely the number you'll actually pay. Every LLC formation service layers additional costs on top of their advertised price — some disclosed clearly, others buried in checkout. This section shows you every real cost category to check before you choose, so you're not surprised in month two or year two.

Use our LLC startup cost estimator to get the full first-year total for your state and situation — it includes all the cost categories below in one calculation.
Hidden Costs by Category — What to Check Before You Buy
$
Registered Agent Service (Year 1 and Year 2) This is the biggest hidden cost. Services that advertise $0 formation almost always charge $149–$249/year for a registered agent — which is legally required in every state. Always check both year-one and year-two pricing. Northwest includes it free for year one. ZenBusiness charges $199/year from day one on lower plans. See our best registered agent comparison if you want to use a standalone RA service separately.
$
Operating Agreement Some states require it, all LLCs should have one. Northwest includes it free. ZenBusiness Starter and Bizee Basic charge $99 as an add-on. LegalZoom includes it on Pro ($249). Before paying for one, see our operating agreement guide — some services offer free templates.
$
EIN (Employer Identification Number) Every LLC that will have employees, open a bank account, or be taxed as a corporation needs an EIN. Services charge $50–$99 for this as an add-on. However, you can get it free directly from the IRS. See our EIN application guide — it's a 10-minute online process.
$
Auto-Renewing Compliance Subscriptions ZenBusiness Starter bundles Worry-Free Compliance free for year one — then it auto-renews at $199/year. Bizee also offers optional add-ons at checkout. Read renewal terms and set a calendar reminder to review your subscription 30 days before renewal, or use our annual report deadline tracker to stay on top of compliance without paying for a subscription.
$
Annual Report / Franchise Tax Most states require LLCs to file an annual report and pay a fee each year — separate from any service subscription. These range from $0 (New Mexico) to $800/year (California minimum franchise tax). This fee goes to the state, not your formation service. See the full breakdown in our LLC cost guide and track your deadlines with our annual report tracker.
$
Business Bank Account Setup Opening a dedicated business bank account is not optional if you want to maintain LLC liability protection — it's essential. Some services charge for banking referrals or account setup; others (like Mercury or Relay) are free to open. Don't pay your formation service for this referral.

Which LLC Service Is Right for You?

Different founders have different priorities — and the right LLC formation service depends entirely on your specific situation. Instead of declaring one winner for everyone (though Northwest wins for most people), this section covers the most common decision points we see from first-time business owners. Match your situation to the recommendation below.

Your SituationOptionWhy
You want the lowest total cost over several years Northwest Registered Agent review ($39) Lowest cost from year 2, RA included, privacy protection
You want a polished dashboard ZenBusiness full review (Pro $199) Dashboard, compliance alerts, 27K+ Trustpilot reviews (company-reported)
You want $0 upfront including free RA Bizee free plan details (Basic $0) Only service with $0 formation AND free RA on Basic plan
You need attorney consultation LegalZoom service breakdown (Pro $249) Only service with attorney access included in formation plan
You prioritize privacy and no spam Northwest privacy features ($39) Privacy by Default — doesn't sell your data; uses their address on filings
You need fast 1-day processing ZenBusiness 1-day processing or Northwest filing speed Both submit paperwork within 1 business day on their standard offering
You're forming in multiple states Northwest pricing for multiple states ($39/state) Consistent pricing, all-50-states coverage, no confusing tier structures
You're a non-US founder Doola for international founders Built for international founders — EIN for non-residents, US address, banking support

The Bottom Line on Choosing

For most founders — especially first-timers — Northwest Registered Agent is the right choice. The $39 fee is small. In exchange, you get an operating agreement, free registered agent service, and privacy protection. The 2026 Business Identity suite adds domain, website, email, and phone at no extra cost — making it an even stronger value than in previous years. You can review the full Northwest pros and cons in our dedicated review before committing.

If you value a polished dashboard and are comfortable managing renewals carefully, ZenBusiness Pro at $199 is an excellent alternative — particularly for founders who want everything in one guided platform. If your absolute priority is $0 upfront with free registered agent included, Bizee Basic remains a solid choice. All costs and renewal terms for every service are compared in the full table at the top of this guide.

Still deciding? Take our free Business Structure Quiz — answer 5 questions and get a personalized LLC vs. S-Corp vs. sole proprietorship recommendation. Or use our LLC cost calculator to see what your exact total will be in your state before you commit to any service.

When You Should NOT Use an LLC Formation Service

LLC formation services add real value in many situations — but they're not the right answer for everyone. In some cases, using a service adds cost without adding value. Knowing when to skip a service (and file directly with your state) can save you $39–$399 in unnecessary fees. Here are the situations where a formation service is genuinely not necessary.

Skip the Formation Service If…
✗
You're in a simple, low-risk state with a straightforward filing process States like Wyoming, New Mexico, and Montana have simple online filing portals, low fees, and no publication requirements. If you're comfortable filling out a basic form and paying a state fee directly, you may not need a service at all. Our full how to start an LLC guide walks you through the self-filing process step by step.
✗
You only need formation — and you already know how to handle the rest Formation services add the most value when you're new to business and need guidance on operating agreements, EINs, and compliance. If you've formed an LLC before and just need paperwork filed, you're probably paying for features you'll never use. Consider filing directly and using a standalone registered agent service separately — it's often cheaper.
✗
You're in a state with a publication requirement and haven't budgeted for it New York, Arizona, and Nebraska require new LLCs to publish formation notices in local newspapers — a cost that can run $400–$2,000 and is entirely separate from any formation service fee. No service covers this cost. If you're forming in these states, factor in the publication cost before choosing a service. See our LLC cost guide for state-specific totals.
✗
You need complex legal or tax advice alongside formation Even LegalZoom — the most legal-forward service here — provides limited attorney access (typically one 30-minute consultation). If you're forming an LLC to hold real estate, bring in investors, issue membership units with different classes, or navigate a regulated industry, a business attorney is the right resource — not a formation service. Use a formation service after the legal structure is sorted, not as a substitute for that guidance.
ℹWant to self-file? Our step-by-step how to start an LLC guide covers every state's process, fees, and timelines — so you can file directly if that's the right call for your situation. Use our LLC cost calculator to compare the self-file cost vs. using a service in your specific state.

How We Evaluate LLC Formation Services

Our recommendations consider cost, stated filing timelines, available support and renewal terms. Rankings and scores are editorial judgments, not measurements from customer accounts or controlled trials. Provider processing time and state approval time are different. Read the comparison table above as a summary of published offers, and verify the current order terms.

1. True First-Year Cost

We calculate the real cost — not the headline price. Formation fees, registered agent service, operating agreement, and EIN are added together to get an accurate total. Services that advertise "$0 formation" often rank lower in true value once hidden add-ons are factored in. For example, ZenBusiness Starter advertises $0 — but registered agent service costs an additional $199/year from day one. Use our startup cost estimator to calculate your state-specific total.

2. Processing Speed

We distinguish the time a provider advertises for preparing and submitting documents from the time the state takes to approve them. We have not timed actual orders. Before paying for expedited service, ask what deadline is promised, whether it covers submission or state approval, and whether the state charges a separate expedited fee.

3. Customer Support Quality

We compare publicly described contact options and support arrangements. We have not tested response times, staff accuracy or the experience of paying customers, so these are not performance scores. If support matters to your decision, ask the provider how you can contact them, during which hours, and whether help continues after formation.

4. Transparency and Auto-Renewal Practices

Several services auto-renew compliance or agent services without making the terms clear at checkout. We rate transparency highly. Services that clearly disclose renewal pricing and make cancellation straightforward score better. Northwest's $39 formation fee is a one-time charge; its registered agent renews at $125/year after year 1. ZenBusiness Starter auto-renews Worry-Free Compliance at $199/year unless you actively cancel beforehand. Once your LLC is approved, use our Annual Report Deadline Tracker to stay on top of compliance filing dates by state — regardless of which service you used.

Check the terms before ordering Offers and renewals can change. The Bizee registered agent price was checked on October 7, 2026; this does not represent a new verification of every provider, plan or review score on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost and Value

Which LLC formation service has the lowest upfront cost in 2026?
The lowest upfront prices are ZenBusiness Starter and Bizee Basic — both charge $0 plus state fees. However, Bizee includes a free year of registered agent service, while ZenBusiness does not. Bizee is cheaper in year one if you need a registered agent (which every LLC does). Northwest charges $39 but also includes free registered agent service for the first year, plus an operating agreement that ZenBusiness and Bizee charge extra for. As a result, Northwest often costs less overall despite the $39 upfront fee — see our full Northwest review to verify every included item. Use our LLC cost calculator to compare totals in your specific state.
Is it worth paying for an LLC formation service, or can I do it myself?
You can absolutely form an LLC yourself by filing directly with your state's Secretary of State — and this is often the lowest-cost option since you only pay the state fee. However, formation services add real value: they catch errors, prepare your operating agreement, handle registered agent duties, and send compliance reminders. For founders without legal or business formation experience, the time saved is typically worth the service fee. See our how to start an LLC guide for a step-by-step self-filing overview if you want to compare both paths before deciding.
Does it matter which state I form my LLC in?
Yes — and no. If you live and do business in a state, you should generally form your LLC in that state. Forming in Wyoming or Delaware while operating in California, for example, requires registering as a foreign LLC in California anyway — so you pay fees in both states. The supposed "tax advantages" of out-of-state formation rarely apply to small businesses. See our guide on the best state to form an LLC for a complete breakdown by situation.
Which website should I use to form an LLC in 2026?
The right website to form an LLC depends on your priorities. For the lowest total cost over several years, Northwest Registered Agent ($39 + state fee) is the lowest-cost LLC formation website in this comparison — it includes registered agent service free for the first year, an operating agreement, and address privacy. For $0 upfront, Bizee offers the $0 formation plan. For a polished platform, ZenBusiness is a good fit. However, the lowest upfront price is not always the lowest long-term cost once registered agent renewal fees are factored in. Before using any service, check whether your business name is available with our free LLC name availability checker — services can't file if the name is already taken in your state. See the full comparison above for real year-one and year-two costs for each service.

Services and Features

What is a registered agent and do I need one?
A registered agent is a person or company that receives legal documents and state notices on behalf of your LLC. Every state requires an LLC to have one. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state where your LLC is formed. If you live outside your formation state or want privacy, a professional service is often the better option. See our full registered agent guide for requirements by state. If you want to compare standalone RA providers independently of any formation service, our best registered agent comparison ranks the top five options by price, reliability, and state coverage — including Northwest as a standalone RA service.
Is ZenBusiness or Northwest better?
Northwest wins on total value, privacy, and transparency. ZenBusiness wins on platform experience, customer support availability, and review volume. Northwest is cheaper long-term because their registered agent renews at $125/year versus ZenBusiness's $199/year. However, ZenBusiness's Pro plan at $199 bundles EIN, operating agreement, and 1-day processing in one price — which is convenient if you'd otherwise buy those separately. For a complete head-to-head with real numbers, see our Northwest vs ZenBusiness comparison.
Does a formation service file my taxes?
No. LLC formation services handle the legal formation of your business — not ongoing tax filing. Some services offer add-ons or partnerships with accountants. After forming your LLC, you'll still need to get an EIN from the IRS, register with your state's tax department, and file federal and state tax returns each year. A local CPA is the right resource for your specific tax situation. See our post-formation checklist for the full sequence of what to do after your LLC is approved.
What should I do immediately after my LLC is approved?
Once your LLC is approved by the state, you have several important next steps: get your EIN from the IRS (free, takes 10 minutes), open a dedicated business bank account, keep your personal and business finances completely separate, and set up compliance tracking for your state's annual report deadline. Use our free annual report tracker to see your exact due date by state — missing this deadline can result in penalties or LLC dissolution. The full 11-step checklist is in our what to do after forming an LLC guide.

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