26 Best LLC Formation Services in 2026
LLC formation services handle the paperwork, state filings, and compliance requirements that come with starting a limited liability company in the United States. This directory covers online self-service platforms, attorney-backed legal services, enterprise registered agent firms, and startup-focused incorporation tools — with pricing verified in March 2026. State filing fees are always separate and vary from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts) regardless of which service you choose.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a Texas-based business formation platform founded in 2015 that has helped form hundreds of thousands of companies across all 50 states. Its Starter plan files your LLC for $0 plus state fees, though the Worry-Free Compliance service bundled with it auto-renews at $199/year after the first year. The Pro plan at $199/year adds rush filing, an operating agreement template, and EIN. A 2025 addition called Velo, an AI business assistant, is now included in all plans. The platform also covers corporations, nonprofits, and DBA filings.
- • Worry-Free Compliance: ZenBusiness monitors annual report deadlines and files them on your behalf, included free for year one on the Starter plan.
- • Velo AI assistant: an AI-powered business tool built into all plan dashboards for guidance on tasks, documents, and compliance questions.
- • Registered agent service: available as a standalone add-on ($199/yr) or bundled in the Premium plan, with mail scanning and document forwarding.
- • EIN filing: included in the Pro and Premium plans; Starter users can add it separately for $99 or obtain one free directly from the IRS.
- • 50-state formation: handles LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, nonprofit, and DBA filings in all US states with state-specific compliance awareness.
ZenBusiness suits first-time founders who want a polished, guided experience and don't mind the auto-renewing compliance subscription model. The $0 Starter plan is a real product, but budget carefully for year two — compliance, registered agent, and EIN add-ons can push the true annual cost above $400. For leaner ongoing costs, Northwest Registered Agent at $39 upfront plus $125/yr registered agent renewal is the more transparent option.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is the most recognizable name in online legal services, having served over 4 million businesses since 2001. Its LLC formation starts at $0 plus state fees on the Basic plan, with Pro at $249 and Premium at $299 — both adding attorney consultations through its network of independent lawyers. Registered agent service is sold separately at $249/yr, the highest rate among major formation providers. Beyond LLC formation, LegalZoom covers trademarks, wills, contracts, and an ongoing Business Attorney Plan at $49/month.
- • Attorney network access: Pro and Premium plans include consultations with independent attorneys on business formation and legal topics — rare among pure formation services.
- • Broad legal service catalog: covers trademarks, copyright, wills, trusts, estate planning, real estate, and employment agreements beyond formation.
- • Mobile app: iOS and Android app lets users check formation status, manage documents, and connect with attorneys on the go.
- • 100% accuracy guarantee: LegalZoom refunds fees for any filing errors attributable to their service.
- • 30-day satisfaction guarantee: refunds available within 30 days on most services, excluding state filing fees already remitted.
LegalZoom makes the most sense for founders who genuinely need ongoing legal services — trademarks, contracts, employment documents — beyond LLC formation. For straightforward LLC filing, you're paying a significant brand premium: the $249/yr registered agent fee alone is twice what Northwest charges. If attorney access is not a priority, ZenBusiness or Northwest deliver equal formation quality at materially lower cost.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business founded in Spokane, Washington in 1998 that now serves roughly 3 million businesses across all 50 states. It charges $39 plus state fees to form an LLC — the lowest flat service fee in the industry — and includes a free year of registered agent service, an operating agreement template, mail scanning, and use of their address on public filings for privacy. After year one, registered agent service renews at $125/yr. Northwest's 'Privacy by Default' policy means they do not sell customer data to third parties, a documented differentiator from several competitors.
- • Privacy by Default: Northwest uses its own address on Articles of Organization wherever legally permitted, keeping the founder's home address off public records.
- • Corporate Guides: dedicated in-house support specialists (not a sales team) available by phone and email who can answer state-specific formation questions.
- • Registered agent in all 50 states: physical offices nationwide with same-day document scanning and upload to the online dashboard.
- • No upsells: one formation package with no hidden tiers, no aggressive add-on prompts during checkout, and no auto-renewing compliance subscriptions.
- • 90-day satisfaction guarantee: full refund available within 90 days — among the strongest refund policies in the industry.
Northwest Registered Agent is the strongest overall pick for most US-based founders. The $39 fee plus free registered agent inclusion beats every '$0' competitor on total first-year cost once you add the agent service they charge separately. If you want privacy, no upsells, and genuine expert support, Northwest is the default choice. Only consider alternatives if you need a $0 base price, branding tools, or attorney-level legal services.
Bizee
Bizee, formerly Incfile, rebranded in December 2023 but operates with the same Houston-based team that has formed over 1 million businesses since 2004. Its Basic plan files your LLC for $0 plus state fees and includes one free year of registered agent service — a combination no other major free-formation service matches. After the first year, registered agent service renews at $119/yr. The Standard plan at $199 adds an EIN and operating agreement; Premium at $299 adds expedited filing, a domain, and business email. Bizee holds a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot from nearly 25,000 reviews.
- • Free registered agent for year one: included in all three plans — the only major $0 formation service that bundles this alongside the free filing.
- • Business tax consultation: a one-time tax planning session is included with all plans, covering structure and tax obligations for new businesses.
- • Lifetime company alerts: compliance deadline reminders are available on Standard and Premium plans (not included in Basic despite some marketing materials implying otherwise).
- • Dashboard tracking: a real-time formation progress tracker and document storage portal included with all accounts at no extra cost.
- • Expedited filing: available as a $170 add-on on Basic and Standard, or included in the Premium plan.
Bizee is the best pick for founders whose primary goal is the lowest possible first-year cost. The combination of $0 formation and free registered agent is unmatched. The trade-offs are slower standard processing, third-party data sharing, and a Basic plan that is more limited than marketed. For founders who value privacy or want faster turnaround, Northwest Registered Agent is worth the $39 service fee.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer was founded in 2008 and has served over 30 million customers, making it one of the largest online legal platforms by volume. It operates on a subscription model: the Rocket Legal+ plan at $19.99/month (billed annually at $239.88/yr) includes one free first LLC formation, a 50% discount on subsequent filings, and access to over 300 legal document templates. Without a membership, LLC formation costs $99.99 plus state fees. The Rocket Legal plan at $39.99/month provides unlimited document access, attorney consultations, and document defense.
- • Rocket Copilot AI: an AI legal assistant included with membership that answers questions, reviews contracts, and catches errors in legal documents.
- • 300+ legal document templates: NDA, operating agreements, employment contracts, and more — accessible and editable directly in the browser.
- • On-call attorney network: Legal and Legal+ members can submit legal questions and receive responses from licensed attorneys in their state.
- • 7-day free trial: new users can try the platform including document creation and eSignature before committing to a paid membership.
- • Registered agent service: available at $124.99/yr for Rocket Legal+ members, or $149.99/yr without membership.
Rocket Lawyer makes economic sense if you will actively use the legal document library and attorney access throughout the year — the subscription cost is justified by those services alone. For straightforward one-time LLC formation, it is one of the more expensive options. Consider it if you expect to regularly create or review contracts, hire employees, or need occasional attorney guidance without paying law firm hourly rates.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands started in 2014 as an AI-powered logo and branding platform before expanding into LLC formation. Its Lite plan files an LLC for $0 plus state fees, while the Essential plan at $199/yr and Elite plan at $249/yr add branding tools including logo creation, a website builder, digital business cards, and a domain. The platform has served millions of users globally and holds a 4.2-star Trustpilot rating, though many reviews are for its original branding products rather than LLC formation specifically. Registered agent service is not included in any plan and costs $199/yr as a separate add-on.
- • AI logo builder: generates custom logo designs based on business name, industry, and style preferences — included in Essential and Elite plans.
- • Website and online store builder: drag-and-drop site creation with e-commerce capability included in the Elite plan at $249/yr.
- • Business compliance alerts: annual report deadline reminders and state compliance notifications included in Essential and Elite plans.
- • Digital business cards: shareable digital card linked to your business profile included in the Elite plan.
- • All-in-one dashboard: formation, compliance, branding, and financial tools managed from one centralized account.
Tailor Brands is the right call if you are building a brand-forward business and want your logo, website, and LLC handled in one subscription — the Elite plan genuinely saves time and money compared to assembling those services separately. For founders who already have branding sorted, it is an expensive way to file an LLC: the same formation plus registered agent costs $448/yr versus $164/yr at Northwest. Choose based on whether you actually need the branding tools.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is a Reno-based business formation company with over 30 years of experience filing LLCs and corporations in all 50 states. Like Bizee, it offers $0 LLC formation plus state fees, but also includes one year of registered agent service at no cost — a meaningful bundle for cost-focused founders. The company differentiates itself through business credit coaching, funding consultation, and tax planning resources that come alongside formation. It holds a high Trustpilot rating driven by strong post-formation support. Paid add-on services include EIN filing, operating agreements, and business plan writing.
- • Free registered agent for year one: included alongside the $0 formation, covering all required legal notices and state correspondence.
- • Business credit and funding consultation: a dedicated Business Credit and Funding Expert reviews your situation and suggests financing options — included at no charge.
- • Tax planning consultation: a tax session with a business advisor is included in the free formation package.
- • 30+ years of experience: one of the longest-running formation services still operating under its original focus, with filings in all 50 states.
- • Business plan writing: a paid add-on service where a dedicated advisor handles research, writing, and financial projections for a formal business plan.
Inc Authority is a legitimate free formation option that competes directly with Bizee on price. The included business credit consultation and tax session add genuine value for first-time business owners who need more than just paperwork filed. The lack of transparent add-on pricing and the upsell-heavy follow-up process are the main drawbacks. If you want to avoid sales pressure, Northwest or Bizee are more straightforward choices.
MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks was founded in 2001 as MyNewCompany and has formed more than 60,000 businesses across all 50 states. It made the Inc5000 fastest-growing private companies list in 2017. Unlike most competitors, its Basic package at $79 plus state fees includes a personalized LLC operating agreement and organizational minutes — documents typically locked behind paid tiers at Bizee or ZenBusiness. Same-day order processing (for orders submitted before 3 PM EST) comes standard on all plans, with no extra charge. Registered agent service is $119/yr.
- • Same-day processing standard: all orders submitted before 3 PM EST are processed the same business day at no extra charge — one of the fastest standard turnaround policies.
- • Operating agreement in base plan: a personalized operating agreement is included with the $79 Basic package, unlike most competitors who charge separately.
- • Banking resolution template: a document required to open business bank accounts is included with all plans.
- • 100% satisfaction guarantee: full refund of MyCompanyWorks' fees is available if you are not satisfied, with no questions asked.
- • Annual report reminders: automated compliance alerts included to help avoid missed state deadlines.
MyCompanyWorks is a solid mid-tier choice if you want same-day processing and a real operating agreement without paying $199 for a Standard plan. The $79 entry cost is worth it compared to adding those documents as paid extras elsewhere. The near-absence of Trustpilot reviews is a transparency concern — verify current service quality through the Shopper Approved reviews on their site before committing.
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings was founded in Houston in 2015 by two serial entrepreneurs and has since assisted over 600,000 businesses across all 50 states. Its Basic plan files your LLC for $0 plus state fees with 10-day standard processing; the Standard plan at $149 adds an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolution with 5-day processing; and the Premium plan at $249 includes a business website, legal document library (250+ templates), and same-day expedited filing. Registered agent service is available at $149/yr as a separate add-on. Swyft holds a strong Trustpilot rating from over 7,600 reviews as of early 2026.
- • ComplianceGuard: an annual compliance monitoring service included in the Premium plan that covers annual report filing, deadline alerts, and one free amendment.
- • 250+ customizable legal documents: included in the Premium plan via the Swyft Legal Suite, covering NDAs, employment agreements, contractor agreements, and more.
- • Two-installment payment option: Swyft allows formation costs to be split across two payments — unique among major formation services.
- • Lifetime customer support: all plans include ongoing phone and email access for the life of the business, not just during formation.
- • Speed tiers: 10-day (Basic), 5-day (Standard), and same-day (Premium) filing options provide clear processing guarantees by plan.
Swyft Filings earns its positive reputation through consistent support quality and clear processing tiers. The Standard plan at $149 is competitively priced when you need an operating agreement and EIN together. For total value, however, Northwest at $39 (with agent included) or Bizee at $0 (with agent included) edge it out once you add the $149/yr registered agent. Swyft's lifetime support commitment is a genuine selling point for founders who expect to have questions post-formation.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance was founded in 2012 by government licensing specialists and has grown to serve over 40,000 organizations in regulated industries. Its Formation package starts at $99 plus state fees and pairs each client with a dedicated compliance specialist rather than a generic support queue. The higher-tier Compliance package adds annual report filing, newspaper publication handling (required in some states), and initial report filing. Harbor Compliance is distinctly positioned for businesses with multi-state footprints or complex licensing requirements — it monitors requirements across 150,000+ government agencies through its proprietary Compliance Core software.
- • Dedicated compliance specialist: each client is assigned a personal specialist who handles formation and answers compliance questions directly — no call centers or chatbots.
- • Compliance Core software: proprietary platform that monitors entity, license, and tax registration status across 150,000+ agencies nationwide.
- • Newspaper publication handling: Harbor Compliance manages the publication requirement for states like New York, Arizona, and Nebraska — a service many competitors skip entirely.
- • BOI reporting: Beneficial Ownership Information reporting service to help businesses comply with FinCEN requirements introduced in 2024.
- • Harbor Compliance Score: a free review tool that assesses your organization's compliance status across entity, licensing, and tax registrations.
Harbor Compliance is the right choice for businesses operating in regulated industries — healthcare, finance, insurance — or those managing entities in multiple states where compliance monitoring has real financial consequences. For a straightforward single-state LLC formation, the $99 starting fee and limited refund policy make competitors like Northwest or Bizee more sensible. The platform's value scales significantly with the complexity of your compliance footprint.
BizFilings
BizFilings was founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 1996 and is now owned by Wolters Kluwer, a publicly listed Dutch information services company. It has completed more than 500,000 business filings. Its Basic package starts at $99 plus state fees and includes three months of registered agent service — a shorter free period than most competitors. Standard and Complete packages add expedited processing, EIN, operating agreements, and additional compliance features, with prices varying by state. BizFilings is part of the Wolters Kluwer compliance ecosystem, making it better suited to businesses that may later need CT Corporation's enterprise compliance tools.
- • State-specific compliance handling: BizFilings manages initial reports, publication requirements, and state-specific post-formation steps that generic services often skip.
- • Incorporation Wizard: a free tool on the BizFilings website that helps founders choose the right entity type based on their business structure and goals.
- • Wolters Kluwer integration: access to CT Corporation's enterprise compliance ecosystem for businesses that grow into multi-state or publicly-traded entities.
- • Accuracy warranty: BizFilings covers all costs to correct any filing errors attributable to their service, for the life of the business.
- • 30+ years of combined Wolters Kluwer compliance expertise: useful for businesses in regulated industries that need institutional-grade filing support.
BizFilings sits in an awkward middle ground — more expensive than consumer formation services but less capable than enterprise-grade compliance platforms like CT Corporation. It makes the most sense for businesses that want state-specific compliance coverage and may eventually need Wolters Kluwer's broader compliance tools. For basic LLC formation, the $99 entry fee and thin review presence make it hard to justify over Northwest or Bizee.
CorpNet
CorpNet is a family-owned California-based business formation service founded in 2009 by attorneys Nellie and Phil Akalp, who have over 25 years of experience and more than half a million formations completed. It offers three formation tiers — Basic at $79, Deluxe at $219, and Complete at $269 — each with three speed options (standard, express, 24-hour) that change the price. A mandatory $29 shipping fee and a 3% convenience fee apply to all packages, making real costs higher than headline prices suggest. Registered agent service is included free for one year with Deluxe and Complete plans.
- • CorpNet B.I.Z. compliance tool: automated deadline reminders for tax filings, annual reports, and other regulatory dates included with all packages.
- • 100% satisfaction guarantee with 60-day refund: one of the strongest refund policies in the formation industry, matching ZenBusiness.
- • Multi-state support: CorpNet handles foreign qualifications, annual reports, and payroll tax registrations for businesses operating across state lines.
- • Attorney-founded expertise: the founding team's legal background informs state-specific compliance guidance that generalist platforms often lack.
- • New York publication service: CorpNet handles newspaper publication for New York LLCs at quoted rates, though pricing varies by county and can exceed $700.
CorpNet's attorney-founded background and strong refund policy give it credibility, but the mandatory shipping and convenience fees make actual costs materially higher than listed prices. The Complete plan is a legitimate option for multi-member LLCs that need an operating agreement, EIN, and registered agent bundled together. For most founders, Bizee's Standard plan delivers the same combination for less total cost.
GovDocFiling
GovDocFiling is a US-based LLC formation and business compliance service that emphasizes educational guidance throughout the formation process. It positions itself as a transparency-first provider, presenting state requirements, fees, and documentation in plain language before checkout. The service handles LLC formation, EIN filing, registered agent service, annual report filing, and DBA registrations across all 50 states. GovDocFiling has drawn positive comparisons in 2026 reviews for its structured, step-by-step approach that reduces confusion for first-time founders. Pricing for base formation is competitive with the broader market.
- • Guided formation wizard: step-by-step walkthrough that explains each legal requirement in plain language before collecting any information.
- • Plain-language compliance education: explains state-specific obligations — annual reports, publication requirements, initial reports — upfront rather than after formation.
- • EIN filing assistance: processes federal Employer Identification Number applications with the IRS on behalf of the business owner.
- • Annual report reminders: automated compliance alerts help new business owners stay in good standing with their state.
- • DBA registration: handles doing-business-as name filings for sole proprietors and LLCs operating under a different trade name.
GovDocFiling suits first-time founders who find the formation process confusing and want the requirements explained before they commit. Its transparency-first approach is a genuine differentiator in a market full of opaque checkout flows. For experienced founders who just need fast, cheap filing, Bizee or Northwest are better bets. Verify current pricing directly on the site before comparing totals.
LegalShield
LegalShield is a legal services subscription company operating since 1972 through a network of law firms across the US and Canada. Its LLC formation product, called Launch by LegalShield, costs $149 plus state fees and is handled by a provider law firm — not a document preparation service. The formation includes a business name search, Articles of Organization filing, operating agreement, EIN, and three months of legal support access. Ongoing legal membership plans start at $49/month (Essentials) and provide unlimited phone consultations, document reviews, and debt collection assistance through a dedicated law firm. LegalShield holds a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from over 4,500 reviews.
- • Attorney-performed formation: the LLC is formed by a licensed attorney at a LegalShield provider law firm — not a document preparation service or clerk.
- • Debt collection assistance: included in membership plans — LegalShield attorneys will draft demand letters and take legal steps to recover money owed to your business.
- • Dedicated law firm: members are assigned to a specific law firm in their area, building a continuing relationship rather than starting fresh with each inquiry.
- • Trial defense coverage: an optional $14.95/mo add-on that covers attorney representation if the business is named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit.
- • Nationwide attorney network: law firm partners in all 50 states and Canada, covering both business and personal legal matters.
LegalShield makes the most sense for business owners who genuinely need ongoing attorney access — especially in service industries where contract disputes, debt collection, and employment questions arise regularly. The $49/month membership is justified if you use it consistently. For one-time LLC formation, the $149 fee is expensive compared to self-service alternatives. Consider it if ongoing legal coverage is the actual need, with formation as a secondary benefit.
BusinessRocket
BusinessRocket was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California, having registered over 50,000 companies across all 50 states. It operates on a one-time fee model — no mandatory recurring subscriptions — and markets its Essentials package as bundling the documents most banks require to open a business account: Articles of Organization, EIN, operating agreement, meeting minutes, and a banking resolution. Packages are available for both US residents and non-US founders. Same-day processing is offered on eligible orders. BusinessRocket claims to price 25% below leading industry competitors on comparable bundled packages.
- • Bank-ready document bundle: the Essentials package assembles all documents most banks require to open a business account in one order.
- • One-time fee structure: no mandatory auto-renewing subscriptions or hidden annual compliance fees built into the base price.
- • Same-day processing: available on completed orders where state filing permits, without the premium surcharges competitors apply.
- • Non-US founder support: packages are designed to accommodate international founders without a US Social Security number.
- • Lifetime compliance tracking: free compliance reminder service accessible regardless of which package is purchased.
BusinessRocket is a credible option for founders who want a no-subscription, one-time-fee model with a bank-ready document bundle. The Essentials plan at $147 is competitively priced for what it delivers. The thinner review base means due diligence is warranted before committing. If the no-subscription model is your priority, it delivers — but Bizee achieves a similar document set at Standard ($199) with a more established reputation and a free registered agent year included.
Incorporate.com
Incorporate.com traces its roots to the Corporation Service Company, founded in 1899 — making it one of the oldest business formation services in operation. It has formed over 750,000 businesses and is part of the CSC (Corporation Service Company) ecosystem. Its Starter package costs $99 plus state fees and includes a name availability check and Articles of Organization. However, registered agent service through CSC is automatically enrolled at checkout at $235/yr — significantly above the industry norm — and must be actively opted out of, which delays formation by up to 6 weeks if declined. The Essentials and Works packages add operating agreements, EIN, and business license research.
- • Corporate Compliance Guarantee: a $75,000 guarantee covering losses from corporate veil piercing — unique in the formation industry and tied to maintaining registered agent service.
- • CSCNavigator compliance dashboard: an online portal tracking filing deadlines, document storage, and compliance to-dos for the business entity.
- • 125+ years of institutional history: formation expertise backed by one of the oldest and most experienced corporate service companies in the US.
- • Business license research: available in the Works package, covering federal, state, and local permit and license requirements for your industry.
- • Multi-entity and enterprise services: integrates with CSC's broader suite of registered agent, entity management, and legal entity tools for large organizations.
Incorporate.com's 125-year history and Corporate Compliance Guarantee carry real weight for founders who want institutional-grade formation with a safety net. The trade-off is high pricing: the $235/yr registered agent fee and limited Starter package make the total first-year cost one of the highest in the consumer market. It is most defensible for businesses that genuinely need the corporate veil guarantee and plan to use the CSC compliance ecosystem long-term.
doola
doola was founded in 2020 and has built a platform specifically designed for non-US founders who need to form, bank, and manage a US business entity from outside the country. Its Starter plan at $297/yr plus state fees includes LLC or C-Corp formation, EIN filing (including for non-SSN holders), an operating agreement, one year of registered agent service, a US business address, and compliance reminders. Higher-tier plans at $1,999/yr and $2,999/yr add annual IRS tax filings, dedicated account managers, and bookkeeping services. doola holds a 4.7-star Trustpilot rating and has served founders from over 100 countries.
- • Non-SSN EIN filing: doola obtains Employer Identification Numbers for non-US founders who lack a Social Security Number — a significant barrier removed for international clients.
- • US business address: a real US mailing address included in all plans for banking applications, vendor agreements, and legal correspondence.
- • Mercury bank account setup: doola guides founders through opening a US business bank account with Mercury as a preferred partner.
- • Doola Pulse: an integrated bookkeeping tool for tracking expenses, revenue, and payouts — included in the Business-in-a-Box tier.
- • DAO LLC formation: doola supports Decentralized Autonomous Organization LLC structures — a niche capability for Web3 and crypto-native founders.
doola is the strongest choice for non-US founders who need a US LLC or C-Corp formed remotely without a Social Security Number. The Starter plan's all-inclusive bundle at $297 removes the most common barriers international founders face. For US-based founders, the same formation costs materially less elsewhere. If you are based outside the US and want a reliable, internationally-oriented partner for the full formation and banking setup, doola is the category leader.
Firstbase
Firstbase is a business formation platform that explicitly targets non-US founders and startups forming US entities in Delaware, Wyoming, or any of 32 additional states. Its base formation package is $399 plus state fees and includes LLC or C-Corp formation, EIN, registered agent for year one, and access to the Firstbase compliance dashboard with automated annual filing reminders. The platform integrates with Mercury for bank account setup — a key feature for non-US founders. A tax filing add-on at $899/yr covers annual IRS filings required for foreign-owned single-member LLCs. Firstbase Loop allows founders to apply for banking, payments, payroll, and accounting services through a single onboarding flow.
- • Multi-state formation: supports LLC and C-Corp formation in Delaware, Wyoming, and 32 additional states — more flexibility than Stripe Atlas (Delaware only) or some doola tiers.
- • Firstbase Loop: a one-click application flow that simultaneously applies for banking, payments, payroll, and accounting services from partner providers.
- • Non-SSN bank account setup: integrates with Mercury to open a US business bank account without requiring an SSN — critical for non-US founders.
- • Automated compliance dashboard: tracks annual report deadlines, registered agent status, and state filing requirements with automated reminders.
- • Tax filing support: the $899/yr add-on covers Form 5472 and pro-forma Form 1120 required for foreign-owned US entities — a significant compliance obligation many founders miss.
Firstbase is a strong choice for international founders who want multi-state flexibility and a clean compliance dashboard from day one. The $399 base price is competitive against Stripe Atlas ($500) when you need Wyoming or non-Delaware formation. For US-based founders, the premium is hard to justify. The tax filing add-on is correctly priced but adds meaningfully to year-two costs — factor this into your total comparison against doola's bundled compliance tiers.
Stripe Atlas
Stripe Atlas is a formation service run by Stripe, the global payments company, and has helped over 100,000 startups from 140+ countries incorporate since its launch. It charges a one-time fee of $500 — inclusive of state filing fees for Delaware — and delivers incorporation in approximately two business days. The package covers Delaware C-Corp or LLC formation, EIN, founder equity issuance, 83(b) election filing, and legal templates co-created with Cooley LLP. Atlas also provides $2,500 in Stripe product credits and over $50,000 in partner discounts through Mercury, Xero, and AWS. Registered agent service is included for year one, then $100/yr.
- • Cooley LLP legal templates: incorporation documents co-created with a top-tier Silicon Valley law firm — a quality of legal drafting typically reserved for funded startups.
- • 83(b) election filing: Atlas files this critical tax election within the IRS 30-day window automatically — a step founders commonly miss with other services.
- • Founder equity issuance: Atlas walks founders through issuing equity and setting vesting schedules at formation, covering a step most formation services omit entirely.
- • Stripe ecosystem access: immediate connection to Stripe Billing, Stripe Capital, Stripe Connect, and full payment processing infrastructure.
- • Startup perks: $2,500 Stripe product credits plus $50,000+ in partner discounts from Mercury, Xero, AWS, and other startup tools.
Stripe Atlas is the right choice for tech startups that want Delaware incorporation bundled with Stripe payments, Cooley LLP documentation, and automatic 83(b) filing — the startup ecosystem integration alone justifies the $500 fee for founders who know they are building a VC-backable company. If you need any state other than Delaware, or want LLC-centric compliance tools rather than startup equity infrastructure, Firstbase or doola are better fits.
Clerky
Clerky was built by startup attorneys and is popular in Y Combinator batch onboarding as an approved incorporation tool. It focuses exclusively on Delaware C-Corp formation — not LLCs — and provides a comprehensive legal document workspace covering formation, hiring, equity issuance, and investor instruments. The Company Lifetime Package at $819 includes formation plus lifetime access to 70+ legal document templates covering offer letters, board consents, SAFEs, option grants, and cap table tools. An a-la-carte option starts at $427 for formation only. All documents are reviewed by Orrick and Wilson Sonsini, two of Silicon Valley's top law firms. Registered agent renews at $125/yr after year one.
- • 70+ post-formation legal templates: offer letters, ISO/NSO option grants, board consents, SAFEs, NDAs, and contractor agreements reviewed by Orrick and Wilson Sonsini.
- • Cap table integration: Clerky's cap table tool syncs with Carta and keeps equity records in a format investors and lawyers expect during due diligence.
- • Hiring workflows: auto-generates employment and contractor documentation including IP assignment agreements — critical for protecting startup intellectual property.
- • YC-approved: Clerky appears in Y Combinator's official batch onboarding documentation as an acceptable formation platform.
- • Foreign-founder friendly: does not require a US SSN to form the entity, making it accessible to non-US co-founders.
Clerky is purpose-built for startups planning to raise venture capital. The Lifetime Package at $819 pays for itself the first time you use a hiring template or SAFE agreement that would otherwise cost $400–$800 in attorney time. If you are building a Delaware C-Corp and expect multiple funding rounds, Clerky's document ecosystem is the most startup-aligned formation option available. For LLC formation, any other state, or founders who just need a company set up quickly without equity infrastructure, choose a different service.
IncNow
IncNow is a Delaware-focused incorporation service operated by Harvard Business Services, which has been forming Delaware entities since 1981. It specializes in Delaware LLC and corporation formation for both US and international clients, offering formation packages starting at $109 plus state fees. Delaware state fees for an LLC are $90, making the total entry cost approximately $199 in year one. IncNow provides a registered agent through Harvard Business Services at $50/yr for Delaware entities — the lowest registered agent rate reviewed in this directory. The platform also handles Wyoming LLC formation and foreign qualification for clients who want to register their Delaware entity in other states.
- • Delaware specialization: 40+ years of Delaware formation expertise through Harvard Business Services, with deep knowledge of Delaware corporate law and the Court of Chancery.
- • $50/yr Delaware registered agent: the lowest registered agent rate found among all services reviewed — roughly half of what most competitors charge.
- • Same-day processing: orders received before 3 PM EST are processed the same business day with no upcharge.
- • International founder support: IncNow accepts foreign national founders without a US SSN and provides guidance on EIN acquisition for international clients.
- • Wyoming formation: IncNow also files Wyoming LLCs for clients who want the state's no-income-tax and strong privacy protections.
IncNow is the best option for founders specifically targeting Delaware or Wyoming formation who want to minimize registered agent costs over time. The $50/yr Delaware agent fee is a meaningful long-term saving versus $119–$249/yr at most competitors. It is not the right choice for founders who need $0 upfront formation or are forming in a state other than Delaware or Wyoming. Check IncNow if you are cost-optimizing a Delaware entity for the long term.
Registered Agents Inc
Registered Agents Inc is a Missoula, Montana-based company that provides registered agent services in all 50 states and Washington DC with a flat annual rate of $200/yr. Founded in 2007, it positions itself as a pure registered agent specialist rather than a full-service formation company, though it does offer LLC formation at $100 plus state fees. The platform provides real-time document notifications via its online portal, free state change-of-agent forms, and mail forwarding. Registered Agents Inc markets itself on transparency and simplicity — no upsells, no tiered service packages, and a consistent flat rate regardless of state.
- • Flat $200/yr rate: consistent pricing across all 50 states and DC with no state-specific surcharges or tiered service levels.
- • Real-time document notifications: instant alerts and digital copies of all legal documents received on behalf of the registered entity.
- • Free change-of-agent forms: if you switch registered agents, Registered Agents Inc provides the state-specific forms needed to make the change at no cost.
- • Multi-state coverage: businesses operating in multiple states can consolidate registered agent service under one account and provider.
- • Privacy address service: Registered Agents Inc's address is used on public filings, keeping the business owner's home or office address off state records.
Registered Agents Inc is a straightforward choice for businesses that already have their formation handled and need a reliable, specialized registered agent across one or multiple states. The flat-rate pricing is transparent, though at $200/yr it is not the cheapest option for single-state coverage — Northwest at $125/yr serves the same function for less. Consider it if you operate in multiple states and want a dedicated registered agent specialist rather than a bundled formation service.
CT Corporation (Wolters Kluwer)
CT Corporation is the registered trademark and brand of Wolters Kluwer's legal and regulatory division, operating since 1892. It is the largest commercial registered agent in the United States, serving Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and government entities. CT Corporation does not publish consumer-facing pricing — all quotes are provided through direct sales consultation. Its services cover registered agent coverage in all US states and 170+ countries, entity management software (CT Advantage), document retrieval, UCC searches, and annual report filing. CT Corporation is the enterprise standard for businesses with complex multi-jurisdictional footprints.
- • 130+ year track record: CT Corporation has been providing corporate services since 1892 — the oldest and most established registered agent firm in the US.
- • 170+ country coverage: global registered agent and compliance services for multinationals operating outside the US, beyond any other service in this directory.
- • CT Advantage platform: enterprise software for entity management, compliance tracking, document storage, and annual report management across large corporate portfolios.
- • UCC and document retrieval: public records search services for UCC filings, lien searches, and certified document retrieval across US jurisdictions.
- • Legal and regulatory expertise: CT Corporation works directly with major law firms and compliance professionals, providing institutional-grade support for complex transactions.
CT Corporation is appropriate for businesses at enterprise scale — publicly traded companies, multi-entity holding structures, law firms managing client entities, or multinationals requiring cross-border compliance. It is not a practical choice for startups or small businesses. If you are a growing company expecting to reach enterprise complexity within two to three years, understanding CT Corporation's offering now is worthwhile for future planning.
CSC Global
CSC (Corporation Service Company) is a privately held business established in 1899 that provides registered agent, entity management, digital brand, and domain security services to more than 10,000 law firms and 90% of the Fortune 500. Its registered agent and compliance services span all US states and over 140 countries. CSC operates Incorporate.com as its consumer-facing brand for small business formation, while CSC Global serves the enterprise segment with custom pricing, dedicated client teams, and its proprietary hCue platform for entity management. All enterprise pricing is available by sales consultation only.
- • hCue entity management: CSC's cloud platform for tracking entity status, filing deadlines, ownership structures, and compliance requirements across global portfolios.
- • Fortune 500 client base: CSC serves 90% of Fortune 500 companies and over 10,000 law firms, establishing institutional credibility at the highest corporate level.
- • 140+ country coverage: international registered agent and compliance services for multinationals operating beyond the US.
- • Digital brand management: domain registration, monitoring, and brand protection services that go beyond what any formation service offers.
- • Dedicated client teams: enterprise clients are assigned dedicated account managers rather than call center support.
CSC Global is the choice for enterprises and law firms that need globally coordinated registered agent and entity management as a professional service relationship. For startups and small businesses, Incorporate.com is the consumer entry point to this ecosystem — though at pricing that is not competitive with Bizee, Northwest, or ZenBusiness for straightforward formation. CSC Global itself is not relevant until a business reaches meaningful multi-entity or multi-jurisdictional complexity.
Paracorp
Paracorp is a Sacramento, California-based registered agent and corporate services firm that has been operating since 1992. It specializes in registered agent services and business formation in all 50 states, with particular depth in California, Nevada, Arizona, and other Western states. Paracorp is known for personalized service from experienced corporate professionals rather than automated self-service workflows. It provides registered agent service, annual report filing, foreign qualification, and business dissolution services. Paracorp's pricing is competitive with mid-market registered agent providers and is disclosed directly through their website and phone consultations.
- • 30+ years of registered agent experience: operating since 1992 with established relationships and expertise across all US state filing offices.
- • Western states specialization: particularly strong depth in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Pacific Northwest jurisdictions.
- • Personalized service model: clients work directly with experienced corporate service professionals rather than automated ticket systems.
- • Annual report management: Paracorp tracks and files required annual or biennial reports on behalf of clients with advance notification.
- • Foreign qualification services: handles multi-state registration for businesses expanding from their home state into additional jurisdictions.
Paracorp is a credible, long-established choice for businesses that want personalized registered agent service from professionals — particularly those in California and the Western US where compliance complexity warrants experienced local knowledge. The pricing is mid-market and not the most transparent online. For founders who want lower costs or a fully self-service dashboard, Northwest Registered Agent or Bizee serve more immediate needs. Paracorp suits established businesses prioritizing service relationship over price optimization.
Direct Incorporation
Direct Incorporation is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based business formation service founded in 2003 that has served over 80,000 customers. It offers LLC and corporation formation in all 50 states with a phone-first service model — customers can call specialists directly to work through formation requirements. Its packages include basic and upgraded tiers covering operating agreements, EIN, and registered agent service. Direct Incorporation is a legitimate operational service; however, its Trustpilot presence is absent and its Yelp average is approximately 1.6 out of 5 from 24 reviews as of February 2026. It is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
- • Phone-first service model: formation specialists available by phone to walk founders through each step — useful for those who prefer human guidance over self-service wizards.
- • 80,000+ customers since 2003: long-running operation with two decades of active formation experience.
- • All 50 states coverage: handles LLC and corporation formation across all US jurisdictions.
- • Email and Facebook Messenger support: multiple contact channels with reported fast response times on phone and messenger.
- • Cancellation refund policy: full refund minus a $40 processing fee is available if an order is canceled after payment.
Direct Incorporation is a functional formation service with a long track record, but the public review signals — no Trustpilot presence and a 1.6-star Yelp average — are concerning enough to warrant serious caution. These scores are the weakest among all services reviewed here. If you prefer a phone-based, human-guided experience, MyCompanyWorks or Northwest Registered Agent offer that with far stronger satisfaction records. Direct Incorporation is not recommended as a primary choice given the available review data.