Best Places to Cheaply Register an LLC Online [2024]

Starting an LLC can be exciting but stressful at the same time. There's so much to do without proper planning and getting help, some things can slip through the cracks. One area you can outsource help is in registering your LLC. A reliable LLC filing company knows your state's requirements, reducing the risk of your filing being rejected. Let's take a look at the cheapest LLC formation services in 2024

Affordable Platforms to Register Your LLC

We have compared a list of the most affordable online platforms you should consider when registering your LLC.

IncFile: Best Value

IncFile is one of the most affordable LLC filing service providers, offering a variety of services under one roof. From filing documents to tax consultations and providing registered agents, you get all the tools needed to set up your business.

They have three plans, namely, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Silver is free. You only pay the state filing fees. Under this plan, you get to create your LLC, unlimited name searches, and a free registered agent for a year.

The Gold package, which is $299, includes more essential services such as an IRS form and EIN, streamlining the process of filing taxes. However, it lacks the attractive additionals in Platinum, like expedited filing, business email, and domain names. What makes Inclife stand out is that you get free registered agent services for one year.

ZenBusiness: Runner-Up

Although founded later than most LLC filing companies, ZenBusiness has outdone its competitors by providing quality services on low-cost packages. The company offers multiple services to get your business started so that you don't have to hire other providers for other services your business needs.

Some of those services include business formation, EIN registration, business license reports, faster filing speeds, and registered agent services.

They have three packages, namely, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The starter is free, although you will need to pay the state filing fees. Pro and Premium cost $199 and $299 per year, respectively. The more expensive the plan you're on, the more service you get. They also have add-on services like domain names, business email, and business banking.

Northwest Registered Agent: Best for Small Businesses

Northwest Registered Agent is primarily a registered agent service company that provides business formation services as well. It's one of the cheapest LLC service providers offering multiple services to streamline the formation process.

The company offers two plans, which are DIY and paid. In the DIY plan, you create a free account and get access to documents that can help you register your LLC on your own. With the paid plan, which is $100 plus state fees, you get the services they offer done for you. They will complete and file your LLC paperwork, operating agreement, and mail forwarding. You also pay an annual fee of for registered agent service.

They have add-on services you can pay for, such as EIN filing, compliance filing, and corporate supplies. The company prides itself in only working with the necessary third-party services, such as attorneys. Otherwise, they handle all other services for you so that your info isn't sold or shared with other companies.

Rocket Lawyer: Best for Legal Assistance

If you're starting a business where you think you'll have plenty of legal needs as you continue, consider Rocket Lawyer. The company offers various services, including access to legal documents and advice from lawyers. It stands out because of offering legal services.

Rocket Lawyer offers plans in a different way than other companies. For starters, you can decide to be a member and pay a monthly fee of $39.99. As a member, you file your first LLC for free but still need to pay state filing fees. You also get access to legal forms, and they have a forum where you can ask attorneys questions and get answers. If you prefer speaking to an attorney over the phone, you get a 30-minute consultation.

As a non-member, you pay a one-time fee of $99.99, excluding state filing fees. Here you get services like filing your LLC, business name search, and online document storage. You can also purchase services separately, such as a registered agent service, and ask for a lawyer's service.

LegalZoom

Just like Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom is a great option for businesses looking to cover all their bases regarding regulatory obligations. The company offers various services, including a business filing service, EIN, a business license and permit guide, and consultation with tax and legal specialists.

The basic plan, which is free (you have to pay state filing fees), gives you all the essentials you need to start a business. Aside from providing the documents you need to register your LLC, you also get a name check service, a customizable website, and a digital welcome package with a guide on what to do once you have registered your LLC.

The Pro and Premium plans have more services, such as an operating agreement, EIN, and expedited processing. In addition, the company offers over 150 legal documents created by attorneys. You can customize these documents to meet your business needs.

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filing offers multiple services aimed at making the process of registering your LLC faster and easier. In fact, they're so committed to offering a smooth filing process that you get telephone support even under a basic plan.

Other services include compliance alerts, tax identity acquisition, customized company kit, registered agent services, and LLC Operating Agreement.

The basic plan is affordable at $49 plus state fees, and it covers the preparation and filing of articles of organization, business name verification, and registering the business.

You'll find the standard package suitable if you plan to hire employees. It costs $149, and you get services like EIN and a customized operating agreement. Premium is the highest package, which includes services in the basic and standard plans plus a digital LLC kit with your business's seal and ownership ledger. This will cost you $299 plus state fees.

Better Legal

BetterLegal is another great online platform for registering your LLC. It's popular for quick services and transparent pricing. Unlike other companies with packages, here, you pay a flat fee of $299 for a plethora of services such as formation paperwork, operating agreement, EIN, and tax consultation and analysis.

Immediately you make a request; the company files your formation documents on the same day. As soon as the state approves, the company obtains all the necessary documents and sends them to you. That said, registered agent services aren't included in this package. You can pay a monthly fee of $10 or a yearly fee of $90 for this service.

What makes the company stand out is its flat fee pricing, which simplifies registering your LLC. You don't need to worry about different packages and whether they meet your business needs.

Inc Authority

While there are several online platforms that allow you to register your LLC for free, Inc Authority gets bonus points for offering more than free filing. You also get business name checks, tax planning consultations, and free registered agent services for the first year.

Their paid plans are the Starter and the Fast Track. The starter plan comes with services like stock certification, professional tax consultation, and annual compliance notifications. The Fast Track package comes with additional services like access to a banking specialist, expedited filing, and tailored business advice.

The pricing of packages is confusing as you may find some states paying less than others for the same package. You have to contact the company to get specific numbers.

Comparison of the Most Affordable Online Platforms for Registering Your LLC

	ZenBusiness	Northwest Registered Agent	Rocket Lawyer	Incfile	LegalZoom	Swyft Filings	Better Legal	Inc Authority
Pricing(Annual)	$0-$299	$100 plus state fees	$39.99 (monthly) or $239.99 (annual )	$0-$299	$0- $279	$49	$299 (flat fee)	$0 to $799
Free Plan	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Registered Agent Fee	$199	$125 per year	$149.99	$199 (free the first year)	$299 per year	$99(free the first year)	$10 (monthly)$90 (yearly)	$200 (free the first year)
Processing time	1 to 21 days	7 days	1-2 days	1 day + state filing time	7-10 days	Not specific	2 days	24 hours
Legal Services	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No
Money back guarantee	60 days	90 days	30 days	No	60 days	60 days	No	No

Pros and Cons of Forming an LLC

When thinking of forming an LLC, it's good to consider the benefits and drawbacks of this business structure. Let's take a look at them.

How to Choose the Right LLC Service for Your Company

As you have seen, each LLC filing company has different offerings. So, how do you know which one is right for you? The first thing you should check is your budget. You are probably looking for the ceapest way to start an LLC. However, keep in mind that cheaper options come with less support. It means you'll have to spend a lot of time in the formation process.

Also, do you plan to shift to a corporation one day, and can the company help with that? ZenBusiness, Legal Zoom, and Northwest Registered Agent are all good examples of companies that also offer incorporation services and will help when that day comes.

While it's possible to form an LLC by yourself, it's quite tasking. It's beneficial to hire an LLC service provider and focus on other aspects of running your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which website offers the most affordable services for establishing an LLC?

Northwest Registered Agent is the most affordable in terms of establishing an LLC and annual registered agent services. While Swyft Filings is cheaper in terms of starting the company, their agent registration fees are high.

Which type of Limited Liability Company (LLC) is preferable?

The preferable type of Limited Liability Company (LLC) will depend on your needs. For example, if you're a solo entrepreneur, then a single-member LLC is the best alternative. On the other hand, if you're multiple owners, then a multi-member LLC is the right solution.

Are there any business structures that are more advantageous than a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

It depends on the angle you're looking at it from. If you want primary control of your business and to protect your personal property, then an LLC is the advantageous option. On the other hand, corporations have an easier time raising funds because it's easier to transfer shares to investors in exchange for funding.

What types of businesses are most suitable for an LLC structure?

An LLC structure is suitable for a variety of businesses, including:

• Professional services providers like accountants and lawyers
• Family-owned businesses
• Real estate investors
• Online businesses
• Digital marketing agencies

Final Thoughts

When finding an affordable LLC service provider, it's important to look beyond the pricing. There's no point in picking a service provider because they're the cheapest, only to find that you must do most of the task yourself. Consider your budget, customer service, and services provided when selecting an online platform to register your LLC.

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