LLC Service Companies

How We Ranked The Best LLC Service Providers

First, we gather general information about the companies and assess their track record. After confirming that each agency holds a reputable status in the industry, we continue with more specific evaluation revolving around the way they do business. Members of our team personally reach each agency to rate their expertise and customer service. We don’t just scratch the surface but get into the tiniest of details to curate an unbiased list of the best rated online LLC formation service companies.

Company’s Track Record

We check if their license is current and how long they’ve been on the market. We don’t eliminate young companies. Some newer players have brought significant innovation in the business service area by embracing technology. Those with decades of existence, however, offer an unrivaled experience. We also contact the State Attorney’s Office and the Better Business Bureau to check if any complaints have been filed against the companies subject of our evaluation.

What clients have to say about these incorporation services? To gain an unbiased understanding of their service quality, we get in touch with past clients. We also process large volumes of customer feedback, sourced from reputable business directories and other online channels. How do they deal with negative feedback? Have they taken any measures to fix unsatisfactory client experiences? Every business can receive a bad review, but only the best companies take the time to address it adequately.

Ease of Use

Self-help LLC formation services should be simple to understand. We're testing companies' filing systems to ensure they are no hidden costs, unnecessary upsells, and packages that don't bring real value.

The ease of use also extends to how well the firms explain their services and other features as well as the ordering process. We check whether their system is user-friendly, allowing clients to purchase whatever services they need quickly. We also expect a well-organized post-purchase dashboard.

Order Processing Time

Every agency has a different turnaround time. Some can make you wait up to 15-20 business days to file your articles of organization with the state. The best online LLC formation service companies, however, provide same-day or next-day processing for an upcharge or no additional cost. While the order processing time isn’t necessarily a reason to eliminate a company from our list, a shorter turnaround gets a hike in our ranking.

Website Security

The online incorporation of company requires sharing sensitive information with your service provider of choice. To ensure that they take your data seriously, we look for the HTTPS in the browser and the padlock sign. We also go a step further and ask each company to confirm they are handling clients’ data on highly secured servers.

Responsiveness & Customer Service Quality

The best LLC service providers offer 24/7 support, while others limit their availability to standard workweek hours. Some firms handle customer support in-house, while others outsource to reputable third-party call center agencies. As a rule of thumb, companies should provide accessibility through multiple channels, such as email, phone support, and webchat.

We evaluate their responsiveness by reaching them through all available channels. Was the response generic or with a personal touch? Were the representatives friendly and speaking plainly, without trying to confuse us with fancy legal terms? Were our questions appropriately addressed? We also note how long it took for each startup incorporation agency to answer our inquiry.

Altogether, we award with higher rank business formation services that offer round-the-clock support through more than one channel and those that take care of clients’ requests and concerns in-house.

Additional Services & Features

Most industry leaders offer more than just online incorporation. Some of them would even include free services for a limited time, to attract and keep clients around for longer. As a new business owner, you’ll most likely need more legal assistance than merely getting your company registered. For this reason, we evaluate services that clients often request when they incorporate their business.

Other Online Services

There are four types of corporations C, S LLC, and nonprofit, and each comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. As a business owner, you need to research what entity will work best for your situation. The best online incorporation service firms have educational materials on their websites to help you make an informed decision. They can also get your company registered, no matter what entity type you choose.

Registered Agent

While you can be your own registered agent as long as you meet the requirements, having all this legal weight on your shoulders could keep you from doing real business. Fortunately, all of the agencies on our list offer registered agent services for relatively affordable yearly fees. Some of them would even become your registered agent for free, for a limited time if you order their business incorporation services.

Top agencies usually have interactive client dashboards where they store all the received legal documents, making them available for clients to view, download, or print at any time.

Operating Agreement

Prominent agencies understand the meaning of this valuable document and usually provide a free LLC operating agreement template that clients can fill out in a matter of minutes. This document helps you outline the most critical rules and plans to guide your LLC through growth and success.

EIN Registration

To keep you outside of legal hassles, the best LLC service companies offer EIN registration for your business. They simplify the application process by navigating you through the whole thing. Finally, they obtain your LLC EIN on your behalf for a small charge.

Foreign Qualification

When expanding your business, keep in mind that you will need to register it in the new state or country where you are planning to operate. Foreign qualification is mandatory, and failing to complete this process correctly might lead to fines, penalties, and other risks. Industry-leading LLC filing service providers always keep an eye on the latest regulations and legislation changes, being able to help you get qualified to transact your business abroad with no issues.

Compliance Management

We greatly value when agencies expand their expertise beyond company formation services as many new business owners struggle to deal with all the legal requirements on their own. Having an authorized partner to keep you in good standing with the state will free up space for you to focus on more critical tasks.

Seller’s Permits

Many states require you to obtain seller’s permits to be able to offer products and services to customers. Most of the best incorporation service companies we featured can provide you with a complete application to get these documents. All you have to do is submit the request to the appropriate government agency.

Business Licenses

Almost every business needs at least one license to operate legally. The best online LLC formation agencies can research the licenses and permits you need for your company to do business in a compliant fashion. Some of them will even provide you with completed application forms you’ll only need to submit to the right place.

Virtual Office

Many small business owners don’t have a traditional office. Some of these companies that offer the best incorporation services allow you to rent a virtual office to enhance the legitimacy and professionalism of your business. Renting a virtual office usually comes with a real street address, your suite, and phone number. On top of that, you’ll get access to helpful secretarial services such as digital scanning and physical mail forwarding.

Trademark Registration & Monitoring

Many of the best LLC filing service companies can help you register a trademark with the international patent offices (EPO, JPO, KIPO, SIPO, and USPTO) to protect your brand. Some will even go a step further and offer a reliable trademark monitoring service, ensuring that no one is violating your intellectual property.

Advisory Services

The most prominent LLC service agencies have in-house professionals or third-party partners that offer legal advice or other consulting services. Usually, these offerings come with a lower price tag compared to hiring top accountants or attorneys. Since small business owners can’t always afford expensive consultants, these services help them make better decisions and operate compliantly.

Pricing

Companies usually organize their LLC services into different packages. Depending on the provider, there are various features included in each package, from basic to premium. While it's understandable to look for the lowest fees, keep in mind that cheap incorporation doesn't always mean a good deal.

We look beyond the price, weighting each feature the package includes against the cost, to recommend companies that provide the biggest value for their offerings.

Tips for Selecting The Best LLC Service Company for Your Business

Just because you can register an LLC by yourself, it doesn’t mean that company incorporation is a simple process. Providers know all the rules and regulations by heart as they deal with dozens, if not hundreds of company formations daily. With so many options, however, how do you know which company to choose? Below we explain all the steps to take to detect the right legal partner for your business.

Define Your Needs

Do you need just an incorporation service, or you expect to receive additional assistance from the provider? You have to carefully evaluate your expectations and look for a company that can fulfill your needs. Make a list of all the legal and other services you would like to outsource. Then use it as a guide to select a package that works best for you.

Consider an Agency that Is Familiar with your Industry

You might need to follow particular regulations and requirements that are unique to your area of operation. When interviewing the best LLC formation service providers, it’s worth asking whether they have assisted someone in your situation in the past. Although not necessary, a company that's familiar with your industry could turn out to be a huge advantage.

Hire a Culture

To get a better idea of who’s behind the company incorporation services, contact potential providers via phone instead of email or webchat. This way, you’ll get more personalized assistance that will help you determine which culture feels right to hire.

Define Your Budget

Don’t look for the cheapest option, but rather, consider all the services you intend to order. With that in mind, set a budget frame and compare the companies against it. The one that falls within the range you’re comfortable with while offering the services you need is likely the best LLC service option for you.