Coming up with a business idea is only the first step. Turning that idea into a real, compliant company can get confusing fast—especially with state-by-state rules, paperwork, and deadlines. The best business formation services simplify all of that with guided filings, compliance reminders, and optional add-ons like registered agent service, EIN registration, and operating agreements.
Our research team spent four weeks analyzing and comparing today’s leading providers. From 13 contenders, we selected 10 standouts that cover different budgets and needs—from fast, no-frills LLC filings to comprehensive legal and compliance help for growing companies.
The Top 10 Best Business Formation Services
- LegalZoom — Best overall
- ZenBusiness — Best for business planning and branding
- Bizee — Best for LLC filing
- Northwest Registered Agent — Best for protecting your privacy
- Rocket Lawyer — Best for ongoing legal support
- Inc Authority — Best for managing your business after filing
- MyCompanyWorks — Best for quick business processing
- LegalNature — Best for doing it yourself
- Harbor Compliance — Best for all-around compliance
- BizFilings — Best for entrepreneurs and startups
How to Choose the Right Business Formation Service (Step-by-Step)
Use this quick framework to match your needs to the right provider and avoid surprise costs. You’ll make a better choice if you look beyond promo pricing and focus on accuracy, total cost of ownership, and how much ongoing compliance help you actually want.
- Pick your entity first. Decide between LLC, corporation (C/S), or nonprofit. Confirm your state’s unique rules (publication, franchise taxes, name restrictions) so your provider supports them.
- Decide your support level. DIY with document templates, guided online filing, or hands-on help with attorney access. The more complex your setup (multi-member, investors, multi-state), the more guidance you’ll want.
- Audit core inclusions. Look for registered agent options, EIN handling, operating agreement/bylaws, and compliance alerts. If they’re not in the base plan, note the add-on prices.
- Check turnaround reality. “Same-day” usually means the provider submits quickly; your state still controls approval. If you’re on a deadline, confirm state expedite options and fees.
- Evaluate privacy. If you don’t want your home address or phone public, choose a provider that defaults to its info on filings and offers virtual address or mail scanning.
- Compare true annual costs. Some services start cheap, then renew registered agent or compliance tools at higher rates. Put renewal pricing, not promos, into your budget.
- Review support hours and channels. Phone, chat, and email availability—especially if you’ll be filing after work or across time zones—can save days of back-and-forth.
- Plan for post-formation. Licenses, annual reports, BOI/Beneficial Ownership updates, and tax setup matter just as much as day-one filing. Make sure the provider covers the whole lifecycle.
Total Cost Checklist (No Surprises)
Tally these line items before you buy. Your “cheap” filing can double after renewals if you skip this step.
- State filing fee (varies widely by state)
- Base package price (intro offer vs. regular price)
- Registered agent (year one vs. renewal)
- EIN (free via IRS; paid if you want the provider to handle it)
- Operating agreement/bylaws and corporate kit
- Annual report/statement of information filing service
- Publication fees (only in certain states)
- Expedite fees (state + provider, if applicable)
- Mail forwarding/virtual address or privacy add-ons
Red Flags to Watch For
- Required add-ons you can’t remove just to reach checkout
- “Free” plans that auto-enroll you into high-cost renewals
- Hard-to-find cancellation terms or phone-only cancellations
- Data-sharing language that sells your info to third parties
- Vague turnaround claims without state-specific timelines
Quick Picks by Scenario
- Lean solo LLC: Start with a low-cost or $0 + state fee option, add EIN yourself, and upgrade later for compliance alerts.
- Privacy-first founder: Choose a registered agent specialist with virtual address and strict data policies.
- Heavily regulated or multi-state: Pick a compliance-focused provider with licensing tools and hands-on specialists.
- DIY power user: Go template-first with optional filing help and a robust document library.
- “Done-for-me” preference: Use a full-service platform that bundles filings, attorney access, tax help, and ongoing reminders.
Once you’ve mapped your needs with this checklist, scroll the reviews below and choose the provider whose strengths line up with your priorities—then lock in pricing that reflects both day-one filing and year-two renewals.
The Best Business Formation Services Reviews
We focused on what actually matters as you launch: state filing accuracy, speed, ongoing compliance, and total cost (including add-ons you’ll realistically need). Use the detailed reviews below to match a provider to your situation.
If you’re unsure where to start, look for three must-haves: a clear step-by-step filing flow, reliable registered agent options, and post-formation tools (like compliance alerts and document templates) that save you time long after your business is formed.
LegalZoom – Best Overall
LegalZoom is the most complete start-to-scale option for entrepreneurs who want a smooth, compliant launch and ongoing support from one trusted platform. With 20+ years in business and millions of formations, it covers LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and partnerships in every state—plus the legal and tax help you’ll likely need once you’re up and running.
The guided online flow is beginner-friendly, and the ecosystem goes far beyond filing: registered agent service, annual report filings, operating agreements, trademarks, business licenses, and tax services through LZ Tax are all available in one place. That makes LegalZoom a strong pick if you value continuity from formation through growth.
You can also bundle attorney help, tax guidance, or expedited processing. Whether you’re a first-time founder or formalizing a second venture, LegalZoom keeps the paperwork clean and the compliance calendar on track.
Why LegalZoom Ranks #1
Flexibility and depth. Start with basic filing for $0 plus state fees, or choose a package with EIN registration, rush service, and access to attorneys for personalized guidance. Pricing is transparent: LLC filings start at $0 + state fees, corporation filings start at $149 + state fees, and you can add ongoing services as you grow.
It’s also built for longevity: compliance alerts, document templates, and an integrated dashboard reduce the admin load so you can focus on customers and cash flow.
Best for: Founders who want a reputable, one-stop shop for filing now and staying compliant later.
If you’re looking for the most trusted, full-service platform to start and scale your business, LegalZoom is our top recommendation for 2025.
ZenBusiness – Best for Business Planning and Branding
Filing your company is step one. ZenBusiness helps with the next steps too—planning, branding, and getting online. Alongside a guided formation flow, you’ll find market research and grant tools, startup cost calculators, and options for a domain, website, and business email.
While many of these extras are paid add-ons, the convenience of having everything in one ecosystem is hard to beat—especially if you’re a first-time founder building the basics from scratch.
ZenBusiness also runs a strong registered agent service and scored high on our list of the best registered agent services, making it a versatile pick for launching and staying compliant.
What Makes ZenBusiness Great
ZenBusiness is designed to remove guesswork. You get document templates, domain privacy, a beginner-friendly website builder, and optional bookkeeping and tax filing help—including Money Pro for tracking invoices, payments, and expenses.
ZenBusiness pricing starts at $0 plus state fees. Pro ($199) and Premium ($349) add faster filing and guided operating agreements; Premium also bundles a website, domain registration, and email—ideal if you want filing + brand basics in one purchase.
Bizee – Best for LLC Filing
If you want the most affordable path to launch, Bizee (powered by Incfile) offers a free LLC filing—just pay your state fees. The step-by-step website keeps the process simple for beginners while still supporting more advanced needs.
Customization is solid, and select packages include a free EIN, a tax consultation, and an operating agreement. Every plan comes with a free registered agent for your first year, which removes a common early expense.
Bizee also handles incorporations (C-Corp, S-Corp) and nonprofits at the entry level, making it a compelling choice if you’re comparing entity types and want to keep costs low while you decide.
What Makes Bizee Great
It’s hard to beat “$0 + state fees” for a compliant filing, especially with responsive phone and email support (weekdays). For many single-member LLCs, the free tier covers the essentials; growing teams can step up to paid plans for extras and faster service.
Bizee is free to start. Upgrades include Gold ($199) and Platinum ($299) + state fees. Gold adds a tax consultation, lifetime company alerts, and banking; many straightforward LLCs can start on Silver and upgrade later if needed.
Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Protecting Your Privacy
Northwest Registered Agent is privacy-first. As a registered agent specialist, it keeps your personal details off public filings wherever possible and uses its contact information as the default on communications.
Premium mail forwarding runs $20/month (physical forwarding) or you can opt for digital scanning. Its “Privacy by Default” stance also means it doesn’t sell your data—reassuring if you’re wary of marketing lists and spam.
What Makes Northwest Registered Agent Great
Need even more separation between your home and business? The virtual office service is $29/month and includes a virtual address, electronic mail scanning, and phone services. You can also add a VoIP number starting at $9/month to keep your personal number private.
Northwest Registered Agent charges $100 + state fees for LLC/corporation/nonprofit filings, and its registered agent service is $125/year (required with filings here). If you only need a basic, low-cost filing without an RA, one of the $0-plus-state-fee options above could be a better fit.
Rocket Lawyer – Best for Ongoing Legal Support
Rocket Lawyer blends formation with real legal support. Attorneys are available by email, phone, or chat, typically responding within a business day to answer questions, review documents, or guide you through thorny issues as you operate.
There’s also a large self-serve library of state-specific resources and legal documents, but the real value is quick access to human experts when something isn’t clear. That’s why we consider Rocket Lawyer one of the best online legal service options for small businesses.
Non-members can purchase documents à la carte, but members unlock free consultations, discounted on-call attorney rates, and one free incorporation filing with 25% off future filings. The main limitation: no weekend support hours (weekday availability 6 a.m.–6 p.m. PT).
What Makes Rocket Lawyer Great
Templates are legally reviewed and easy to customize with the document builder, helping you keep contracts, IP, employment policies, and other essentials compliant as you grow.
Monthly membership costs just $39.99, with an option to save by paying annually. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if it’s not a fit.
Inc Authority – Best for Managing Your Business After Filing
Inc Authority offers a $0 LLC filing (pay only state fees) and packs in solid post-launch perks for your first year, including free registered agent service (normally $99/year), business funding guidance, credit analysis, and digital document storage.
As your needs expand, you can add website and domain services, business planning, and other operational tools. It’s a good way to launch cheaply and layer on support over time.
What Makes Inc Authority Great
Unlike some “free” services that push heavy upsells at checkout, Inc Authority’s $0 LLC tier is legitimately useful for lean startups. If you want more hands-on help, premium bundles add compliance notifications, record books, operating agreements, and domain + email—though you’ll need to contact sales for exact pricing.
The easiest way to start is to file your free LLC and upgrade later if you need broader support.
MyCompanyWorks – Best for Quick Business Processing
MyCompanyWorks promises same-day processing on business days if you file before 3 p.m. EST; otherwise, it’s processed the next business day. Your state’s timing ultimately determines completion, but the quick hand-off here often trims days off the total.
MyCompanyWorks handles LLCs and corporations (nonprofits should pick another provider). The account setup is straightforward, and an interactive wizard keeps the filing flow simple.
What Makes MyCompanyWorks Great
Beyond speed, the platform is easy to navigate. MyCompanyForms—a library of frequently needed business forms—starts at $35 for lifetime access (or free with the Premium plan). You can also add company name changes, website setup, and virtual office services as needed.
Basic filing starts at $59 + state fees. Entrepreneur ($179) adds MyCompanyForms, registered agent service, and an EIN. A 90-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee applies. The Complete package (from $259) includes MyCompanyWorks Premium—a full compliance bundle that normally runs $99 by itself.
LegalNature – Best for Doing It Yourself
If you already know which documents you need and prefer a DIY route, LegalNature is a strong fit. Its legally reviewed templates cover formation, HR compliance, contracts, and more—so you can fill, download, and file on your schedule.
LegalNature doesn’t provide legal advice, but you can add services like EIN registration, a registered agent, and filing assistance. When you choose filing through LegalNature, a specialist still reviews your forms for readiness.
What Makes LegalNature Great
The subscription unlocks unlimited document access—a big win if you regularly need forms and updates. As needs arise, you can tack on Compliance Guard ($125/year) to track annual filings and meeting minutes, or request help with tasks like articles of dissolution or certificates of good standing.
Join for $39/month or $119/year, with a free 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Business formation through LegalNature starts at $49 + state fees.
Harbor Compliance – Best for All-Around Compliance
For multi-state operations or regulated industries, Harbor Compliance pairs intuitive software with hands-on specialists. Its database tracks changing state and federal rules, forms, and deadlines so you don’t have to, and the team can handle filings for you when needed.
The result is a single source of truth for licenses, registrations, annual reports, and entity records—ideal when non-compliance risks are high or internal bandwidth is limited.
What Makes Harbor Compliance Great
ComplianceAdviser can bundle audits, annual reports, registered agent service, and more into a custom plan. Even à la carte pricing is competitive (registered agent from $89/year in many states), and you can start with formation and add compliance tooling as you scale.
Business formation starts at $99 + state fees. Compliance software isn’t bundled with basic formations; request a customized quote to combine tools and services. You can also start with a free compliance health check to identify gaps.
BizFilings – Best for Entrepreneurs and Startups
Entrepreneurs and startups appreciate how BizFilings (by Wolters Kluwer) holds your hand through the early steps. A startup wizard and checklists walk you through trademarks, licenses, and compliance, while the small-business toolkit helps you choose an entity and meet ongoing obligations.
When you’re ready, you can expand into business plan creation and sales tax registrations, or lean on the BizComply tool to store documents, track meetings, and stay ahead of deadlines with alerts.
What Makes BizFilings Great
It’s a comprehensive setup for small teams without in-house legal or HR. Support is available by phone, email, and live chat, and formations include three months of registered agent service for free.
Business formations with BizFilings start at $99 + state fees and include a lifetime guarantee against filing defects. It’s a balanced option if you want practical guidance without overpaying for bells and whistles.