Quick Pick
Our verdict
Northwest wins for most founders: a flat $29 TRUiC-exclusive price (versus the standard rate you'd pay going direct), free first-year registered agent, privacy by default, plus a free business website, domain, email, and phone. Choose ZenBusiness for the fastest filing and bundled compliance.
LLC formation services can be useful when you want filing help, registered agent coverage, and compliance reminders in one checkout instead of piecing those tasks together yourself. The right pick depends less on the advertised formation price and more on the total cost after registered agent renewal, EIN or operating agreement add-ons, and any subscription trials — which is exactly what the comparison below accounts for.
The prices on this page reflect deals TRUiC has negotiated directly with these providers. They unlock when you use the links here, so you get a better rate than going to the providers cold — and the resulting commission is what keeps our research free.
How should you structure your business?
Most new small businesses choose an LLC because it separates personal and business liabilities while staying simpler than a corporation. You can still file directly with your state, but a formation service can reduce paperwork friction and bundle the next steps many founders need after approval — a registered agent, an EIN, and an operating agreement.
At A Glance
Compare LLC formation services
Tap a provider name or button to go straight to the deal. Or read the full reviews ↓
| Service | Starting price | Registered agent | Get started |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Registered Agent | $29 + state fee | Free year 1 | View deal |
| #2 ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | Included in Premium; $99 first yr (50% off) then $199/yr otherwise | View deal |
| #3 LegalZoom | $0 + state fee | $299/yr | View deal |
| #4 Tailor Brands | $0 + state fee (Lite) | $199/yr | View deal |
| #5 Inc Authority | $0 + state fee | Free year 1 | View deal |
| #6 Bizee (formerly Incfile) | $0 + state fee | Free year 1, then $119/yr | View deal |
| #7 Swyft Filings | $0 + state fee | $199/yr (not in Basic) | View deal |
| #8 Rocket Lawyer | $99.99 + state fee | $149.99/yr ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+) | View deal |
Northwest Registered Agent
TRUiC's top pick: a flat $29 formation fee (a TRUiC-exclusive price unlocked through our link) with a free year of registered agent, privacy by default, and a free business website, domain, email, and phone.
- Starting price
- $29 + state fee
- Registered agent
- Free year 1
Key features
- Privacy by Default®
- Free business website, domain, email, phone
- Corporate Guide® US-based support
- Operating agreement included
- No hidden fees or upsells
Pros
- Lowest exclusive price with RA + identity bundle
- Excellent US-based support
- No upsell funnel at checkout
Cons
- EIN is a $50 add-on
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | $29 | + state fee; 1 yr registered agent included (TRUiC link price) |
| EIN add-on | $50 | optional |
ZenBusiness
Fast 1-day processing, a 100% accuracy guarantee, and bundled compliance — with a free formation tier and a $100 TRUiC discount on Premium via our link.
- Starting price
- $0 + state fee
- Registered agent
- Included in Premium; $99 first yr (50% off) then $199/yr otherwise
Key features
- 1-day processing
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- Worry-Free Compliance
- Polished dashboard + mobile app
Pros
- Fast filing
- Strong compliance tooling
- $100 TRUiC discount on Premium
Cons
- Costs add up if bought à la carte
- RA only included on Premium
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $0 | + state fee; Worry-Free Compliance free yr 1 |
| Pro | $199 | 1-day processing, operating agreement, EIN |
| Premium | $399 | → $299 with code REALLY100; RA + advisor + website + EIN |
LegalZoom
The most recognized brand, with attorney access and the widest legal-services menu — plus a 20% TRUiC discount on higher tiers.
- Starting price
- $0 + state fee
- Registered agent
- $299/yr
Key features
- Attorney consultations
- Widest legal-services catalog
- Over 4M businesses formed
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Pros
- Attorney access
- Comprehensive add-ons
- Established, trusted brand
Cons
- Pricier than filing-focused competitors
- RA is $299/yr
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | + state fee |
| Pro | $249 | operating agreement + EIN |
| Premium | $299 | attorney advisory access |
Tailor Brands
Forms your LLC and builds your brand in one platform — logo maker, website, domain, and compliance — best on the Elite plan.
- Starting price
- $0 + state fee (Lite)
- Registered agent
- $199/yr
Key features
- LLC formation + branding bundle
- Logo maker + website builder
- Domain + digital business card
- Up and running in ~10 minutes
Pros
- True one-stop brand + business launch
- Very easy to use
- Strong branding tools
Cons
- Best value only on the top-tier Elite plan
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $0 | + state fee; basic filing |
| Essential | $130 | annual compliance, operating agreement |
| Elite | $162 | 5 logos, website, domain, business card, design tools |
Inc Authority
Genuinely free LLC formation (state fees only) that bundles a free EIN and a year of registered agent — features most rivals charge for.
- Starting price
- $0 + state fee
- Registered agent
- Free year 1
Key features
- Free formation + free EIN
- 1 yr registered agent included
- 24-hour processing
- Tax planning consultation
Pros
- Free formation with EIN + RA included
- 30+ years in business
- Helpful support
Cons
- Operating agreement + compliance tools cost extra
- Upsell-heavy checkout
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | + state fee; EIN + 1 yr RA included |
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Free formation with a year of registered agent included and good budget tooling. Note: not currently a TRUiC partner, so there's no exclusive deal here.
- Starting price
- $0 + state fee
- Registered agent
- Free year 1, then $119/yr
Key features
- Free formation + 1 yr RA
- Cheapest RA renewal ($119/yr)
- Order tracking + dashboard
Pros
- Cheap entry with RA included
- Low RA renewal
- Good Gold/Platinum tools
Cons
- Upsells at checkout
- Pay extra for OA + EIN
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | $0 | + state fee; 1 yr RA, lifetime compliance alerts |
| Gold | $149 | operating agreement, EIN, banking resolution |
| Platinum | $249 | free website + domain, contract templates, expedited filing |
Swyft Filings
Transparent pricing and quick processing, though registered agent isn't included in the base plan.
- Starting price
- $0 + state fee
- Registered agent
- $199/yr (not in Basic)
Key features
- Quick turnaround
- Transparent pricing
- Online dashboard
Pros
- Fast processing
- Clear pricing
Cons
- RA not included in Basic
- Outclassed on value by top picks
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | + state fee; filing + name check |
| Standard | $199 | EIN, corporate bylaws, banking resolution |
| Premium | $299 | faster filing, free website, ComplianceGuard |
Rocket Lawyer
Best if you want ongoing legal help via membership rather than a one-off filing. Note: not currently a TRUiC partner, so there's no exclusive deal here.
- Starting price
- $99.99 + state fee
- Registered agent
- $149.99/yr ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+)
Key features
- Large legal-forms library
- Attorney consultations
- Membership discounts
Pros
- Strong for ongoing legal needs
- Good support
Cons
- Pricey for simple formation
- Best value requires membership
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Formation (no membership) | $99.99 | + state fee; OA + filing |
| Rocket Legal | $39.99/mo | unlimited docs, attorney consults |
| Rocket Legal+ | $19.99/mo | billed annually; discounts on RA, tax, trademark |
Methodology
How we chose these services
TRUiC actually forms LLCs with each service, then scores them on pricing, included features (filing, registered agent, operating agreement, EIN), real user reviews, customer support, and checkout transparency. The prices shown reflect deals TRUiC has negotiated for its readers — they unlock automatically when you use the links on this page. We re-verify pricing against each provider quarterly.
- Editorial source
- TRUiC Business Ideas editorial team
- Last verified
- June 10, 2026
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does an LLC formation service do?
It prepares and files your LLC's articles of organization with the state and usually bundles registered agent service, an EIN, and an operating agreement, saving you time and reducing filing errors.
What is the best LLC service?
Northwest Registered Agent is TRUiC's top pick. For $29 plus state fees (a TRUiC-exclusive price) you get a year of registered agent service plus a free business address, website, domain, email, and phone.
What's the cheapest LLC formation service?
Inc Authority and several others offer $0 formation (you still pay the state fee). Inc Authority also includes a free EIN and a year of registered agent. Northwest's $29 plan is the best value once you factor in the included business identity bundle.
Can I form an LLC for free on my own?
Yes — you can file directly with your state and get an EIN free from the IRS. A service saves time and bundles registered agent and compliance, which is why many founders use one.
How much does it cost to start an LLC?
State filing fees run roughly $50–$500, plus about $100/year to maintain. A formation service adds roughly $40–$350 depending on the add-ons you choose.