
Key Takeaways:
- LegalZoom alternatives offer more affordable pricing, better features, and improved customer support
- Top alternatives include ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Bizee (formerly Incfile)
- Consider your budget, required services, and ongoing compliance needs when selecting an LLC formation service
- Avoid common mistakes like choosing the wrong entity type or failing to maintain proper records
Why Look for LegalZoom Alternatives?
While LegalZoom is a popular choice for forming an LLC, you may want to consider some alternatives for several reasons. LegalZoom can be more expensive compared to other services, and you might find better features, pricing, or customer support elsewhere. Exploring your options allows you to find a service that best fits your specific business needs.
Top 10 Alternatives for 2025
Here are the top 10 LegalZoom alternatives to consider in 2025:
- ZenBusiness – Best overall value, affordable pricing
- Pros:
- Affordable pricing starting at $0 + state fees
- Comprehensive services including registered agent and compliance support
- User-friendly platform with excellent customer support
- Free accounting and tax assessment
- Cons:
- Registered agent service not included in the basic package
- Some upsells during the ordering process
- Pricing can be confusing due to auto-renewal at higher rates
- Pros:
- Northwest Registered Agent – Best customer support
- Pros:
- Exceptional customer support with dedicated account representatives
- Strong focus on privacy protection
- Includes registered agent service for the first year
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Limited additional services beyond formation and registered agent
- No free formation option
- Pros:
- Bizee (formerly Incfile) – Free basic LLC formation
- Pros:
- Free LLC formation package (just pay state fees)
- Includes one year of registered agent service
- User-friendly website and ordering process
- Lifetime company alerts for compliance deadlines
- Cons:
- Upsells throughout the ordering process
- Customer support can be slow to respond
- Some users report difficulties canceling services
- Pros:
- Tailor Brands – Best for branding and marketing services
- Pros:
- Comprehensive branding services including logo design and website builder
- All-in-one platform for formation and marketing needs
- AI-powered design tools for quick brand creation
- Affordable pricing for the range of services offered
- Cons:
- Limited customization options for some design elements
- Formation services not as comprehensive as specialized providers
- Some users report difficulties with cancellations and refunds
- Pros:
- Swyft Filings – Fast turnaround times
- Pros:
- Extremely fast processing times, often same-day
- Competitive pricing for basic formation services
- Good customer support with positive reviews
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Cons:
- Registered agent service not included in formation packages
- Numerous upsells during the checkout process
- Some services provided by third-party partners
- Pros:
- MyCompanyWorks – Good for extra LLC services
- Pros:
- Comprehensive formation packages with many included features
- Same-day processing on all orders
- Helpful “Startup Wizard” tool for post-formation tasks
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Registered agent service only included in top-tier package
- Limited customer support hours
- Pros:
- Rocket Lawyer – Access to legal services and attorneys
- Pros:
- Access to legal documents and attorney consultations
- Subscription model offers good value for ongoing legal needs
- User-friendly document creation tools
- Strong customer support
- Cons:
- More expensive than many competitors for basic formation services
- Subscription model may not be cost-effective for one-time users
- Some users report difficulties canceling subscriptions
- Pros:
- BetterLegal – Straightforward pricing, fast filing
- Pros:
- Simple, flat-rate pricing with no upsells
- Very fast turnaround times, often within 2 business days
- Includes many valuable features in their package
- User-friendly website and ordering process
- Cons:
- Higher base price than many competitors
- No registered agent service included in formation package
- Limited customer support options
- Pros:
- Inc Authority – Free LLC formation with add-ons
- Pros:
- Free basic LLC formation service
- Includes one year of registered agent service
- Offers business funding and credit services
- Good customer support with positive reviews
- Cons:
- Aggressive upselling of additional services
- Higher prices for add-on services compared to competitors
- Some users report difficulties canceling services
- Pros:
- Harbor Compliance – Good for compliance support
- Pros:
- Excellent ongoing compliance support and software
- Comprehensive services for complex business needs
- Dedicated account representatives for personalized support
- Strong focus on industry-specific compliance requirements
- Cons:
- Significantly higher pricing than most competitors
- Not ideal for simple, straightforward formations
- Limited refund policy
- Pros:
By carefully considering the pros and cons of each LegalZoom alternative, you can make an informed decision about which service best fits your LLC formation and ongoing compliance needs.
Features of the Best LegalZoom Alternatives
When comparing LegalZoom alternatives, look for services that offer:
- Affordable pricing options, including free basic packages
- Fast processing and turnaround times
- Comprehensive formation services (EIN, operating agreement, etc.)
- Ongoing compliance support and reminders
- Access to legal forms and documents
- User-friendly online dashboards
- Quality customer support
- Additional services like registered agent, website building, etc.
How to Select the Right LLC Formation Service for Your Needs
To choose the best LegalZoom alternative for your business, follow these steps:
- Determine your budget and required services
- Compare pricing, features, and customer reviews
- Consider turnaround times and state-specific expertise
- Evaluate ongoing compliance support and additional services
- Assess customer service quality and availability
- Look for money-back guarantees or satisfaction policies
Remember, the right LLC formation service for you will depend on your unique business requirements and priorities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Forming an LLC
As you navigate the process of forming your LLC, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Choosing the wrong business entity type
- Forming in the wrong state (e.g. Delaware if not necessary)
- Not creating an operating agreement
- Mixing personal and business finances
- Failing to obtain necessary licenses and permits
- Not maintaining proper records and corporate formalities
- Electing the wrong tax classification too early
By steering clear of these mistakes, you can set your LLC up for success from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What documents are needed to form an LLC?
- Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, EIN (optional)
- How much does it cost to form an LLC?
- Varies by state, typically $50-$500 plus service fees
- Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
- No, but a formation service or lawyer can help navigate the process
- What ongoing requirements are there for LLCs?
- Annual reports, taxes, license renewals, maintaining records
- Can I form an LLC in a different state than where I live?
- Yes, but it may require additional paperwork and fees
- What’s the difference between an LLC and corporation?
- LLCs offer flexibility and simplicity, while corporations have more formal structures and requirements
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are many excellent LegalZoom alternatives to consider when forming your LLC. By exploring your options and choosing a service that fits your specific needs, you can save money, access better features, and receive the support you need to start and grow your business.
Remember to compare pricing, features, and customer reviews before making a decision, and don’t forget about the ongoing compliance requirements after your LLC is formed. With the right formation service by your side, you’ll be well on your way to entrepreneurial success.