Best LLC Formation Services for Small Business (2026)

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Updated October 31, 2026. Prices below were checked against each company’s own website on this date. State filing fees are extra with every service.

Forming an LLC is one of the first steps for many small businesses, and you can do it yourself by filing directly with your state. LLC formation services file the paperwork for you, and many add extras like a registered agent, an EIN and an operating agreement. The headline price is often $0, so the real comparison is what each package includes and what renews every year.

Note: This guide compares service prices and features. It isn’t legal or tax advice. For questions about your situation, talk to an attorney or accountant.

Our quick picks

• Best for privacy and a registered agent: Northwest Registered Agent. $39 + state fees, with same-day processing and its address used on your filings.
• Best free filing with an upgrade path: ZenBusiness. $0 + state fees, with Pro at $199 a year for compliance filings and an EIN.
• Best one-time packages: Bizee. $0, $199 or $299 + state fee, as a one-time payment.
• Best for legal support: LegalZoom. Packages with a business advisor, attorney or tax expert for 30 days.

LLC formation services compared

Service	Cheapest package	Upgraded packages	Registered agent	Billing
Northwest	$39 + state fees	—	Listed with the LLC; $125/yr on its own	One-time
ZenBusiness	$0 + state fees	Pro $199, Premium $299 + state fees	Add-on, $199/yr	Pro and Premium renew yearly
Bizee	$0 + state fee	Standard $199, Premium $299 + state fee	Check at checkout	One-time payment
LegalZoom	$0 + state fees	Managed Service $249, Expert Service $299 + state fees	Check at checkout	Support renews monthly after 30 days unless canceled

State filing fees vary by state; Bizee notes they can run from about $10 to $500. Add-ons and renewal terms can change, so confirm the total at checkout.

What to compare before you choose

• Registered agent. Most states require one. Some services include it; others charge yearly. Using a service’s address can also keep your home address off public records.
• EIN and operating agreement. You’ll usually need an EIN for banking and hiring, and an operating agreement sets out how the LLC runs. Some packages include them; others charge extra.
• Renewals. A “$0” package can come with yearly renewals for compliance or registered agent services. Check what renews and when.
• Processing speed. Faster processing is often the main difference between tiers.

Northwest Registered Agent: Best for privacy

Northwest’s LLC service is $39 + state fees, with same-day processing. Its LLC package lists registered agent service, the use of Northwest’s address instead of yours, compliance reminders, local corporate guides and free identity services. On its own, Northwest’s registered agent service is $125 a year (or $100 per state for five or more states), with up to 10 free mail scans a year.

Why we like it: a low, simple price and a strong focus on keeping your personal information off public records. Not ideal if: you want a $0 filing option or an all-in-one bundle with a website, domain and logo.

ZenBusiness: Best free filing with an upgrade path

ZenBusiness Starter is $0 + state fees, with standard 7–10 day processing and an accuracy guarantee. Pro is $199 + state fees and renews at $199 a year, adding 1-day processing, ongoing state-required compliance filings, an EIN and an operating agreement template. Premium is $299 + state fees and renews at $299 a year, adding a domain name with privacy and a business email. Registered agent service is a $199-a-year add-on on every package, and on Starter, an EIN or operating agreement template is $99 each.

Why we like it: you can file for free and add only what you need. Not ideal if: you want a registered agent included, or you’d rather not have yearly renewals.

Bizee: Best one-time packages

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers Basic at $0 + state fee, Standard at $199 + state fee and Premium at $299 + state fee, each billed as a one-time payment. Higher packages add more of the documents and services new owners typically need; check Bizee’s package comparison for exactly what’s included.

Why we like it: straightforward one-time pricing. Not ideal if: you want ongoing compliance handled for you as part of a yearly plan.

LegalZoom: Best for legal support

LegalZoom’s Basic package is $0 + state filing fees and files your Articles of Organization only. Managed Service is $249 + state fees and adds a business advisor for 30 days (then $49 a month unless you cancel), an operating agreement and a business licenses report. Expert Service is $299 + state fees and adds a team with an attorney and tax expert for 30 days (then $99 a month unless you cancel), plus an attorney review of your filing.

Why we like it: access to an attorney and tax expert while you set up. Not ideal if: you only need the filing; watch the monthly renewal after the first 30 days.

Can you form an LLC yourself?

Yes. You can file Articles of Organization directly with your state and pay only the state fee. Formation services save time and add extras like a registered agent and compliance reminders, which is what you’re paying for. If you file yourself, you’ll still need a registered agent (you can usually be your own if you have an address in the state) and an EIN from the IRS.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest way to form an LLC?

Filing directly with your state costs only the state fee. Among services, ZenBusiness, Bizee and LegalZoom start at $0 + state fees, and Northwest is $39 + state fees.

Do I need a registered agent?

Most states require an LLC to have a registered agent with an in-state address. Northwest’s standalone service is $125 a year, and ZenBusiness charges $199 a year as an add-on.

Which LLC service doesn’t renew every year?

Bizee’s packages are one-time payments, and Northwest’s $39 LLC filing is a one-time fee. ZenBusiness Pro and Premium renew yearly, and LegalZoom’s advisor support renews monthly after 30 days unless canceled.

Comparing services? See ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom and Northwest vs ZenBusiness. Once your LLC is set up, compare business bank accounts and accounting software.