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LLCStateGuide
Comparison

Best LLC formation services in 2026

Honest comparison of the four most-used formation services — pricing, registered-agent renewal, privacy, and support. We disclose all affiliate links.

ServiceStarting priceRegistered agentPrivacySupportBest for
Northwest Registered AgentOur pick$39 + state feeFree 1st year, then $125/yrStrong — uses their address on filings where allowedU.S.-based "Corporate Guides" — phone & emailPrivacy-focused founders, solo owners, and anyone who wants real human support.
ZenBusiness$0 + state fee (Starter)$199/yearAvailable as add-onEmail + chat (US)Owners who want a polished online dashboard and a free starter tier.
Bizee (formerly Incfile)$0 + state fee (Silver)Free 1st year, then $119/yrAvailable — paid tierEmail & chatBare-minimum filers who only want the LLC paperwork submitted.
LegalZoom$0 + state fee (Basic)$249/yearAdd-onPhone, paid attorney consultsFounders who also want trademark, contracts, or attorney access in one place.
Skip the paperwork

Have Northwest form your LLC for $39 + state fee

Free registered agent for the first year. Real human support. Privacy-by-default — your home address stays off public filings.

Start with Northwest →Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission.

Why we recommend Northwest

Three reasons. Privacy: Northwest puts their address on your public filings wherever the state allows it — your home address stays off the public record. Renewal price: $125/year for ongoing registered-agent service is the lowest of the major services. Real support: their “Corporate Guides” are U.S.-based and answer the phone, which is rare in this space.

When to skip a formation service entirely

File yourself if all of the following are true: you have a physical address in your state of formation, you don’t mind that address being on the public record, you can set your own calendar reminders for the annual report, and you’re forming in a state with a smooth online portal (most are these days). For Colorado, Missouri, or Ohio you can finish online in under 30 minutes.

What to ignore in formation-service pricing

  • EIN filing fees — getting an EIN from the IRS is free. Don’t pay $99 for it.
  • Operating Agreement templates — every formation service includes one. They’re fine for solo LLCs. Multi-member LLCs should pay an attorney.
  • “Compliance alerts” add-ons — a calendar reminder is free.

Formation service FAQ

Do I need a formation service at all?

No. You can file directly with your Secretary of State for the state filing fee alone. People hire formation services for three reasons: (1) registered-agent privacy, (2) compliance reminders, and (3) to skip the unfamiliar paperwork. If none of those apply, file yourself.

What does "registered agent" mean?

A registered agent (statutory agent in some states) accepts legal papers and state notices on behalf of your LLC. Almost every state requires you to designate one with a physical street address in the state of formation.

Is "free LLC formation" really free?

No. The state filing fee always applies — that's the $50–$500 the state itself charges. "Free" usually means the service waives its own service fee but upsells you registered-agent service, EIN filing, or operating-agreement templates.

Why does Northwest cost more upfront than ZenBusiness?

Northwest doesn't run a $0 tier — they charge $39 base. But their renewal pricing for registered-agent service ($125/yr) is significantly cheaper than ZenBusiness ($199/yr) or LegalZoom ($249/yr) over the long run.

Can a formation service get me approved faster?

No. They submit the same forms to the same state portal you would. Approval speed is set by the state.