LLC starts at $0 + state fees
LLC starts at $0 + state fees
Doesn't offer the option to form a nonprofit
Starting a limited liability company used to mean a lawyer, a stack of forms and a bill that ran into four figures. It no longer does. An online formation service files your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, appoints your registered agent and keeps your paperwork in order - most of them for $0 plus the state fee.
We reviewed the best LLC filing services to help you start your business worry-free: avoid high lawyer fees, protect your personal assets and stay fully compliant. Below is what each service actually costs, what it includes, and who it suits.
Our top picks for August 2026
9.9
LLC starts at $0 + state fees
LLC benefits
An LLC offers business owners the simplicity of a general partnership in terms of formalities and taxes, yet with the personal protection and shield against company debts and liabilities of a corporation. Without it, you could be held personally responsible for mistakes your business makes.
Another major benefit of forming an LLC is flexibility. You choose whether to be managed as a partnership (member-managed LLC) or as a corporation (manager-managed LLC) with all the formalities, such as a board of directors and annual meetings. You can also convert your LLC into a corporation later if the business takes that direction.
- Personal asset protection: your house, car and personal savings sit behind a legal wall separating you from company debts.
- Pass-through taxation: profits are reported on your personal return, so there is no corporate-level tax by default.
- Credibility: an "LLC" after your business name reassures customers, suppliers and lenders.
- Low maintenance: far fewer annual formalities than a corporation.
Why use an online formation service to register an LLC?
The best LLC services offer a fast and cost-effective route to forming a business. These filing services and industry experts provide everything you need to start and run your company - preparation and filing of LLCs and corporations, business licenses, legal documents, compliance and registered agent services - all in one place, for an affordable price.
Do you need help starting an LLC? With online LLC filing services, registering your business is a quick, straightforward and smooth process. Forming your LLC is no longer complicated, lengthy or expensive when you leave the work to industry professionals. The top services also offer very knowledgeable chat support.
Professional LLC filing services can also expedite your registration. If starting fast matters, the ZenBusiness Pro package costs $199 + state fees and brings the filing down to 1-day processing, with an EIN, an operating agreement template and Worry-Free Compliance included. On the free Starter package the same speed is a $79 rush add-on; standard processing there takes 7-10 business days.
Most Recommended LLC Services 2026
How to start an LLC in 3 simple steps
Starting your LLC is fast and easy when you use a trusted professional formation service. Once you have chosen a filing service, complete these three steps:
- Fill in your company name and address.
- Designate a registered agent.
- Pay for the filing service - plus any add-ons such as an Operating Agreement or expedited filing - together with your state fees.
That is it. The service runs a name availability check, prepares your Articles of Organization, files them with the Secretary of State and delivers the approved documents to your online dashboard.
Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you will need to register a foreign LLC in that second state.
Foreign LLCs usually cost more and may require you to appoint a registered agent in more than one state. If you file your LLC in a state that is not your home state, you will still need to register a foreign LLC in your home state in order to operate there.
Additional LLC & business services
Do I need to appoint a registered agent?
Yes - in most states, appointing a registered agent is mandatory. We highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer professional registered agent services.
BOIR for business
U.S. businesses no longer file the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR). It applied from 2024, but FinCEN permanently exempted companies formed in the United States on August 14, 2026. Only foreign entities registered to do business in a U.S. state still report, and they do not report beneficial owners who are U.S. persons. See what a BOIR report is for the detail.
Business license
Many businesses require licenses or permits. The requirements depend on the type of business as well as the state in which you incorporate. Professional business formation services can help you obtain a business license in all 50 states.
Same day LLC filing
Rush LLC filing is available in the paid packages of most top business formation services, or as an upgrade to the free LLC package. ZenBusiness files in one business day on its Pro ($199 + state fees) and Premium ($399 + state fees) packages, or for a $79 rush add-on on the free Starter package. Tailor Brands gives the same 1-day processing on Essential ($199/yr) and Elite ($249/yr), and Swyft Filings on Premium. Note that these are the provider's own processing times - the state agency then adds its own turnaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LLC?
A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity that was first accepted as an authorised legal entity in the late 1970s in Wyoming. Since then it has been recognised in every state and has become one of the most popular business structures for small and medium businesses - primarily because of its personal liability protection, simplicity and flexibility.
In which state should I register my LLC?
While you can file in any state you wish, bear in mind the extra fees and paperwork required when you file an LLC outside the state where you do business. In most cases you should register your LLC in your home state.
What are the LLC filing requirements?
Filing for an LLC varies by state, but generally you will need to choose a unique business name and appoint a registered agent - someone who handles legal documents for your business. The best LLC filing services guide you through each step and make sure your paperwork meets all state-specific requirements.
What are the LLC tax implications?
Taxes are paid where money is made. It does not matter whether you file your LLC in Delaware or Texas: if you do business in your home state, then taxes and state fees will be paid in your home state.
How much does it cost to start an LLC?
The service fee starts at $0 with four of the five providers on this chart - you only pay the state filing fee, which runs from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts. Northwest is the exception at $39 + state fee, and it includes the first year of registered agent service. Paid tiers run $169 to $399 a year and add expedited filing, an operating agreement, compliance monitoring and, at the top end, a registered agent.
How long does LLC formation take?
Standard processing runs from a few business days to about three weeks, depending on the state and the provider: ZenBusiness takes 7-10 business days on its free Starter package and Tailor Brands about 14 on Lite. Paid tiers bring that down to one business day with ZenBusiness, Tailor Brands and Swyft Filings, and Northwest files the same day it receives your order. The state agency's own review time comes on top of all of these.