It can be overwhelming to actually go through the legalities and paperwork, especially if this is your first LLC.

Because of this, I have done extensive research on what you need in order to establish an LLC in Colorado.

Top LLC Services for Starting an LLC in Colorado

• Northwest Registered Agent
• Incfile
• ZenBusiness
• LegalZoom
• Rocket Lawyer

Colorado Requirements

The easiest part of the process is choosing a name to represent your LLC. It can be even fun. Instead of dealing with paperwork and complicated language, you can let your creativity flow by coming up with a name to represent your business.

This will allow you to visualize your future business and help you create your brand identity.

Before you go any further in the naming process there are some basic legal requirements.

Colorado law requires that LLCs include some indication in their formal names that they are LLCs. You have some options, but you can still customize. The state permits “LLC, L.L.C. ltd.., limited liability company, or limited” as options.

You must also choose a name that is not easily confused with any government agency. It is illegal to use a name that includes “FBI” in any manner. In the same vein certain words, such as doctor or lawyer, will require additional legal documentation.

The list of all these words can be found here. The government wants to ensure that customers don’t go to businesses that falsely advertise such important qualifications.

For inspiration, take a look at your favorite businesses and stores to get ideas. Next, take note of brands that appeal to you and start brainstorming. In no time, you’ll be able to make a few choices for your business name.

How to Start an LLC in Colorado

The most challenging part about starting an LLC in Colorado is the amount of paperwork and legal documentation that you will need to complete the process.

This involves many steps and many forms of paperwork. Apply for your name and get your EIN. Then, submit your Articles of Organization. These are just the basics. You will need to be familiar with taxes once your LLC has been established.

This is overwhelming. There’s so much information. It doesn’t take long to grasp it all or be able to learn it all in one go. It is best to start small and work your way up.

Begin with the simplest tasks like registering for an EIN and applying for an LLC name. Once those tasks are completed, you can move on to more complex tasks. The rest of the steps will be much easier once you have completed the first one.

Step 1: Select a name

It may not seem obvious but a business can’t be a business without a name. You will need a name that complies with the legal requirements to be able to apply for an EIN and open a bank account to advertise.

Brainstorm Names

You can use a whiteboard to help you decide the name of your company. It’s not easy to do, but it is possible.

Writing as many words about your business as possible is a great way to get started. Let’s suppose you are looking to open a coffee shop. You might use the words roaster, coffee, cup, java, and caffeine to describe your business.

Once you have the words flowing, think of a few ideas for your name. Keep it simple, short, and easy to remember. You can also search online for business name generators if you are still having difficulty. You can find many free resources online that could help you get inspired if you are stuck.

Name availability

After you have chosen a few names you like, be sure to verify if they are still available. Colorado has strict requirements that each business must have a unique name to avoid confusion.

To check if yours is still available, go to the Business Database search website of the Colorado Secretary-of-State and type in the names that you are interested in.

You can change the order of words if your business names are already taken. If you want to open a coffee shop called Kate’s Coffee Roasters then consider changing it to Coffee Roasting By Kate.

Check to see if your domain name is available. Although it is not legally required, I highly recommend it. A website is essential in this digital age.

This is a great way to build trust with your customers, establish credibility and allow them to buy products. You can check if the name that you are looking for is available on GoDaddy’s Domain Name Search.

You might also consider checking if your business name appears on different social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. It is important to maintain brand continuity. Therefore, it would be a good idea to use the same name for each platform.

You can submit a Statement of Revision if you aren’t sure if you want to commit to a particular name for at least 120 days. This does however require $25 in filing fees.

Apply for an EIN

While it won’t be part of your actual business name, an EIN will still be vital to your company’s identity. Your LLC is like a baby. First, give your LLC a name. Next, ensure it has a social safety number and a birth record. This is what an EIN does.

Your EIN serves as proof that your business exists. EIN is required to open a bank account, apply in the government for a license, file tax returns, and apply for traditional loans. This should be the first thing you do when you start your LLC.

Step 2: Select a registered agent

Every LLC in Colorado must have a registered agent. You’ll want to start the process of looking for one as soon as you can.

Learn the requirements for a registered agent

A registered agent’s main responsibility is to accept legal mail on behalf of your business. Your registered agent is the primary point of contact between you and the Colorado Secretary-of-State office.

In the event of Service of Process (SOP), it is important that your registered agent be available during normal business hours. SOP covers all legal documents such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and complaints. There could be legal problems if your registered agent is unavailable.

Take a look at your options

There are many options available to you when choosing your registered agent due to legal requirements.

You have the option to become your own registered agent. This is a good option, but it comes with some risks.

If you receive an SOP, but you aren’t there, it would be possible for a court case. The same applies if your registered agent was a family member, friend, or employee.

You can also hire a Colorado-based registered agency company to handle this for you if you don’t wish to worry. The company will be able to collect any SOPs at all times. The only problem with this option is its cost. A registered agent company may cost between $50-500 per year.

Step 3: Fill out your Articles of Organization

The law also requires that you file an Articles of Organization with the Colorado Secretary of State. You can find the exact guidelines online. We will only review some of the most important sections.

Publicize your addresses

Addresses are one of the most important pieces you’ll need to include in your document. You will need to clarify which addresses are appropriate for different situations. You will first need to determine your primary office address.

This will be your main address. This information will be available online so it is important to remember that your home address will also be visible.

You will then need to publish your shipping address. This can be the same address as your principal office. Your Registered Agent’s address must be in Colorado. You will also need their mailing address. Each person involved in filing Articles of Organization must also list their address.

Register Agent Consent

For your Articles of Organization, your Registered Agent will need to provide some information. As I have mentioned, your Registered Agent will need to provide you with a mailing address and a business address. Colorado must be the business address.

They must also consent to take on the responsibility of your business in accordance with the Articles of Organization.

Management

This document also contains a description of your LLC’s management structure. Two options are available in the Colorado Secretary of State outline of Articles of Organization for applicants.

You can choose to have your LLC run by managers who are specially chosen. This means that only a few members of your LLC will participate in the daily management tasks. They will make daily decisions for the company.

Another option is to set up a member-managed LLC. This type would give each member of the company managerial duties. The decision-making process would be open to all members.

It also states that “Where there’s a dispute the vote of the majority generally rules while extraordinary actions require unanimous approval.” Take some time to think about the structure of your business.

Step 4: Create your Operating Agreement

Although Colorado doesn’t require an operating agreement at the moment, there are many advantages to having one. This document will outline the legal rules and regulations of a company’s financial operations.

Form your agreement

Before you begin the writing process, think about what information you should include in your agreement. The following information is included in most operating agreements.

• Each member of the company’s staff will be identified and their address.
• Your business’s purpose
• How each employee will be evaluated and what their roles are
• How ownership is distributed
• How profit is distributed
• How will members of the company be added or removed?
• How would you approach the dissolution or transfer of your company?

These questions can be copied to a blank document and filled out before you begin the process of creating your first draft.

The Operating Agreement should be written

When it comes to creating an operating agreement, there are many options. There is no need to format the operating agreement, provided it is legible.

Don’t forget to make sure that all members of your LLC have read and signed the document. Everybody should be able to understand the business’s processes and standards from the very beginning.

Step 5: Learn about the annual LLC requirements

Although all legal requirements for registering your business are covered, it is important to consider what the future holds for your LLC.

Annual Report

Colorado LLCs must file a report each year. This report will include any updates regarding your business address and mailing address, registered agent’s addresses, and any filing individual’s addresses.

This is essential to make sure that anyone who needs to contact you can find your information easily.

You can file your annual report anytime during the three-month period. If you start your business in January, you must file your taxes between January 15 and April 1.

You can also submit it here for $10

Yearly taxes

To maintain your legality, credibility, and financial stability, it is important to pay your taxes on time. There are three types of taxes that you might need to file.

The business income tax is the first. The Colorado business income tax applies to 100% of your income if you operate your business in Colorado. If your business is located in multiple states, you will need to divide your taxes accordingly.

A second type of tax will be required if you have employees in your LLC. These taxes are known as withholding taxes. This basically means that you will take a portion of the paychecks of your employees and send it to the government.

The last item is the sales tax. You will most likely have customers from Colorado buying your products. You will need to collect sales tax and send the money to Colorado every month, quarter, and year.

There are other types of taxes that are less popular, like fuel and excise taxes and severance taxes. The Colorado tax website has more information.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in Colorado in 5 Steps first appeared on Business808.</p>

35% small businesses in the US are represented by LLCs. They offer many of the same benefits as corporations, such as protecting personal assets and avoiding all the paperwork.

With a little assistance, starting an LLC in California is easy and quick.

Top LLC Services for Starting an LLC in California

• Northwest Registered Agent
• Incfile
• ZenBusiness
• LegalZoom
• Rocket Lawyer

7 Steps to Start an LLC In California

You can make your LLC more profitable than you ever imagined. Just follow these steps.

Although it sounds complex, setting up an LLC is not difficult. It consists of filling out forms that contain basic information such as your business name, address and what your business does.

Because of their owner-friendly policies, such as pass-through taxation or liability protection, LLCs can be the fastest route to success for small businesses.

When you start your business, liability protection allows you to protect your personal assets such as your home and car. Pass-through taxation allows members of your LLC, instead of paying corporate income taxes, to avoid the burden of paying corporation taxes.

Although the articles of organization sound complicated and formal, they are quick and simple to fill out in California. It is easy to get an IRS EIN. It is easy to get one online.

California’s Requirements to Starting an LLC

You can quickly find out about the negative aspects of operating a California business. Even the worst news can be avoided by creating an LLC.

California’s requirements for naming an LLC can make it difficult. These rules are designed to protect your customers. These rules are useful for any state that licenses your LLC.

California does not allow certain types of LLCs, such as the series LLC. This is because you are a foreign entity. If you have a business plan that is clear, you can confirm that California LLC structures will allow you to implement it.

The annual franchise taxes that California LLCs pay are another downside. No matter how small your business is, they cost at least $800 annually.

Although the LLC operating agreement is not an easy task, it is common for all LLCs. This document can provide protection for your business and you in a state like California that is known for its lawsuits.

California’s state and local licenses can be more complicated than in other states. Keeping an LLC in Cali requires that you pay attention to changes in legislation. Highlighting changes in the last few years are California Revised Uniform Liability Act, and California Consumer Privacy Act.

Small business owners can find it difficult to comply with these regulations.

Northwest Registered Agent LLC services can help you create and maintain your LLC. This allows you to focus on your business and saves you time.

Step 1: Select a business name

Although choosing a name for your company sounds easy and fun, it is a crucial decision. California has strict naming guidelines, so this step can take a lot of time. Before you choose your business name, you will need to look for duplicates in several places.

Brainstorm ideas for name concepts

Write down a list of names that you like as you consider your ideal business name. You should not jump on the first name that you like. It may be already used by another company or website. Avoid the hassle of negotiating your chosen business name.

Add the LLC

If your business name doesn’t include one of these, add it to it.

• Limited liability company
• LLC
• L.C.C.
• Limited
• LTD
• Company
• Co

It is possible to wonder what the business name will do to your brand when you create your LLC. You can file a DBA (doing business under) to create a business name for your LLC. Your DBA (or fictitious business name) must be submitted in the county you are operating your business.

Reduce confusion

California’s LLC names can’t contain words that could confuse customers with federal agencies or states. Avoid names such as The FBI: Fun Business Institute, or The San Diego Treasury.

You may need to prove that someone licensed in an industry, such as a bank, university, or attorney, is part of your team for certain terms.

Avoid words and phrases that suggest your business offers insurance, or terms that indicate you are an LLC.

These regulations ensure that businesses don’t mislead the public.

Ask your friends and coworkers to help you decide on a name for your business. This will help you to give people a clear idea of what your business does.

Look for state duplicates

After you have selected a few good business names, perform a search for California to find your favorites. Your LLC application may be rejected if the name you choose is too similar to an existing business.

You can search the internet

Hot commodities are web domains. Even if you aren’t planning to create a website immediately, check to see if the domain is available.

Changes and reservations of your name

You can reserve a name up to 60 days in advance if you are still trying to figure things out and want to keep it for future reference. You can simply file a reservation request.

You can also change the name of your business at a later date.

Step 2: Sign up for Northwest Registered Agent LLC Formation Services

California has more unique rules and regulations that other states than California. They also have more frequent changes than you might think. You must pay attention to deadlines for annual reporting, taxes, and fees when maintaining your LLC. When you start an LLC, it is important to adhere to their guidelines.

Northwest Registered Agent can help you with the complicated aspects of registering your LLC. They can help you keep your LLC status.

Northwest’s pricing starts from $39 plus any state fees, which includes preparing and filing LLC paperwork, the first year of registered agent service is included (after 1st year, it is $125/yr) annual reports service, a template operating agreement, and a 100% accuracy guarantee.

Agent of Service of Process

California law requires that businesses have an agent registered, known as an Agent of Service of Process.

The individual or company entity must be a California resident or corporation. They must be available to conduct company business during business hours on all days of the year. The agent of service receives tax forms and lawsuit notices.

A calendar is also kept by your agent to ensure compliance and that your California LLC receives all required reports. Your agent will also keep an archive of legal documents. This allows your company to be compliant with changing requirements.

ZenBusiness provides a free registered agent service for your first year of LLC. This service is essential for small businesses with limited staff and tight budgets.

They will handle LLC compliance so that you don’t need to worry about filing annual returns and other deadlines. You can also rely on their expert guidance to help you navigate any challenges your business may face.

Management: Make a decision

It is a crucial decision to decide whether your members or outside managers will manage your LLC. This guide can help you make an important decision about whether your members or outside managers will manage your LLC.

You will need to make this decision before you file your articles of organization. Choose between a member-managed and manager-managed LLC.

Step 3: Fill out your Articles of Organization

ZenBusiness will help you file your articles for organization.

Be sure to carefully proofread all forms before you submit them. Check that you and your partner are on the same page regarding the details.

It costs $70 to file your forms online, in person, and by mail. If you submit forms in person, there is an additional $15 drop-off fee.

The average processing time for the articles of the organization after they are submitted is five days. The state can also process your filing for an additional $750.

Each amendment to an organization’s original articles costs $30. You will need to fill out another form.

Step 4: Create your LLC Operating Agreement

The operating contract is a California LLC requirement. Operating agreements outline the expectations and rules that LLC members have agreed to follow. Although not all states require it, it is strongly recommended.

This document is legally binding, and it will protect your company from any internal disputes that may arise.

Although you don’t need to file an operating agreement in writing, it’s a good idea to keep any amendments or written agreements with your LLC business records.

Use an operating agreement template

An operating agreement template is included with your ZenBusiness plan. This template can simplify a complicated process.

It can be difficult to reach an agreement on decisions about the distribution of profit and loss, ownership division, and membership structure. This template can help you make logical decisions.

The operating agreement also includes voting rights, the addition or removal of LLC members, and even dissolution procedures.

We don’t like to think about the end of a project when it is just beginning. However, a plan to dissolve your LLC can help all members see the future options for your startup.

Operating agreements will help the courts keep your California LLC status. This agreement is necessary in the event that your team commits an act that could cause your California LLC to be dissolved.

Step 5: Submit the Initial Statement of Information

The initial statement of information must be filed within 90 days after forming your California LLC. You will need to pay an additional $20 non-refundable fee. This can be done online, in person, or by mail.

This statement must be filed every two years after the initial filing. The report will contain basic information about your company. This report includes updated contact information and addresses, as well as confirmation of the main activities.

ZenBusiness will scan and archive your legal mail if you keep following them. This ensures that all your critical communications are in one place. This makes it easy to locate your LLC records, making it easier to maintain your LLC status.

Step 6: Compliance with California Tax, Federal Tax, and Other Regulatory Requirements

You may need additional business licenses depending on the location and function of your California LLC.

If you are opening a clothing shop LLC in Berkeley, California you may also need:

• The city issues a business tax certificate
• Alameda County DBA Statement
• CalGold certification to ensure safety and health standards

You may need a license if you are operating in more than one California municipality. You can start by visiting the CalGold webpage.

To ensure everything is covered, you may want to consider hiring legal services. Incfile offers the best online legal services for startups. They can assist your team with the legal requirements of your local California community.

California employee and sales taxes

California LLCs may also need registration with the California Tax Authority. California taxes are complex. California employer taxes alone include:

• Employer withholding tax
• Tax on training for employment
• Unemployment insurance tax and Disability insurance

Franchise taxes in California

Paying your annual franchise tax is another thing to do on the California LLC tax checklist.

California’s fees are more expensive than those in other states. The annual fee is $800, regardless of how much your business earns. Additional fees will apply to LLCs with more than 250,000 members.

This franchise tax may not apply to some LLCs. To ensure compliance, it’s a good idea for your business to consult a tax professional.

Step 7: Get your EIN

An EIN is an employer identification code that the Internal Revenue Service assigns. This ID number is required to file your California state and federal taxes, manage them, and open a bank account for your LLC. The IRS has an easy online form to request your EIN.

If you intend to hire employees, an EIN is required. This ID is unique for your LLC. You will need to request a new EIN, even if you already have one for your company before you file for an LLC.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in California: 7 Step Process first appeared on Business808.</p>

The research team spent four months analyzing and comparing services for business formation to determine the best options for various use cases. We narrowed down the selection to 13 services that can help you navigate the legalities involved in business formation.

These are the Top 13 Best Business Formation Services

I chose 13 services for business formation that meet different needs. Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall because it offers a wide range of tools, privacy, and simplicity to help you plan, stay compliant, and grow your company. Start your business with Northwest RA today for as low as $39 + state fee.

• Northwest Registered Agent – The best way to protect your privacy
• IncFile – The best for LLC filing
• ZenBusiness – Great for branding and business planning
• IncFile – The best for LLC filing
• Harbor Compliance – The best for compliance all around
• Rocket Attorney – The best for legal support
• LegalNature – The best way to do it yourself
• LegalZoom – The best premium service
• BizFilings – The best for entrepreneurs and startups
• Inc Authority – The best way to manage your business after you file
• MyCompanyWorks – Great for business processing quickly
• Swyft Filings – Great for personal business assistance
• Incorporate.com – Long history, but short on reviews

How to Evaluate the Best Business Formation Services

We understand how crucial it is to properly form your business from the beginning. To ensure that our final choices were suitable for all business owners, we used a rigorous selection process. Find out how we came up with the final 13 solutions. You can skip to the reviews.

What Qualifies the Best Business Formation Services?

Our research began with 13 services for business formation: BizFilings, Harbor Compliance, Inc Authority, IncFile, Incorporate.com, Legal Zoom, LegalNature, MyCompanyWorks, MyCorporation, Northwest Registered Agent, Rocket Lawyer, Swyft Filings, ZenBusiness.

We then compared each company to the most important elements business owners consider when choosing a business formation provider. We then eliminated two brands, which is 15% of all the companies that were researched.

• Help with compliance: It is crucial that you comply with all laws and regulations in your state. Services that include compliance measures are designed to take the guesswork out.
• Help when you need it: While most business formation services are fairly straightforward, you can have the peace of mind that you will receive excellent support if you need it.
• Simple and intuitive: This service aims to make it easier for business owners to form a company. Business owners may find it helpful to use setup wizards and quizzes that answer the right questions.
• Form your business quickly: The most reliable services usually process your business filings quickly so you can get started as soon as possible. You may be charged additional fees if you need to speed up the process.
• A good value for money: It is important to consider the affordability of a business formation service. You should consider additional fees and upcharges, such as state filing fees, that might not be included in your original plan.
• Registration agent services: Only certain business formations will require a registered agent. To help you reduce costs, some business formation services offer registered agent services free of charge for a year or more.

We were left with 13 final business formation services after narrowing down the list. We have provided reviews of each company so you can see how they might fit in your new business.

How We Narrowed the List of Qualified Business Formation Services

To narrow down our choices, we analyzed 1,152 reviews left by real customers about the business formation services that we looked into to narrow down the selections. We focused on the recurring themes of pricing, ease of use, support, trust, confidence, and customer satisfaction.

We eliminated these two companies based on our review analysis and the key criteria we identified. These companies were not eligible for our initial list. We removed them from the final listing for the following reasons.

Incorporate.com: Although it has been around for a while, there are few customer reviews making it difficult to evaluate the company’s authenticity. Although its package offerings may not be as transparent as those of other companies, it is more expensive than others on our list.

MyCorporation: While MyCorporation has many of the same benefits and features as other preferred solutions, it does not necessarily offer enough value to justify its higher price.

Find the right business formation service for your scenario

Based on our research, and our knowledge of the business formation process we believe these are the top reasons business owners need a form service. To help you find possible solutions, we have selected the two best services for each scenario.

• Are you starting your first business?
• Want to start your own business?
• We value your privacy
• Form a company ASAP
• Access to legal assistance
• Need help to keep your business compliant

Need help when you’re just starting your business?

Best Option: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest RA is easy to use and makes it simple for new business owners to set up their businesses. Northwest guides you to the correct forms and Northwest files all the paperwork.

Its overall helpfulness is enhanced by its responsive and helpful customer service.

Another great option: Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings offers a dedicated account manager for every customer who signs up. This person will help them to set up their business and file documents. For quick communication, you’ll have access to their direct number.

Are you a new owner of a business? Consider the benefits of a good LLC service:

• Customer service: How responsive is the company’s customer service team? For any business owner who uses formation services, high-end customer support is essential. However, it’s particularly important for newcomers to the process.
• Easiness: Services that offer in-depth guides, resources, and guided walkthroughs make it easy to start a business.
• Resources: You can find articles, knowledge bases, toolkits, and other resources in your business formation plan that will help you to form and run a business.

Do you want free but basic business filing?

Best Choice: Incfile

IncFile makes it easy to start a business. IncFile offers free LLC filings. You will only need to pay the state filing fee.

IncFile offers free registered agent services for one year.

Another great option: Inc Authority

IncFile is very similar to Inc Authority. Inc Authority is free for LLC formations. Business owners only need to pay the state’s filing fees. Your first year is free of charge and includes a registered agent service. The additional add-ons can be pricey at Inc Authority.

If your goal is to launch a business at a reasonable price, maybe for you.

• Pricing: Look at the pricing of a company in relation to its value, such as additional tools or services that will help you keep your business compliant. Are there any additional fees for features that you require?
• Before choosing the free option, you may want to ask the LLC service if they intend to sell you data. Why would they give a “free” service?

Do you value your privacy?

Best Choice: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent’s primary focus is on registered agent services and their motto is ‘Privacy by Default’. Northwest clearly states on its website that they do not sell client data to 3rd parties. Northwest Registered Agent scans and stores documents for legal mail. They also forward business mail.

The company charges only $125 per year per state, with a discounted price for five or more.

Another great option: Incfile

When you sign up for IncFile, you get one year of registered agent services. This is a great opportunity to learn about the benefits of working as a registered agent. You will pay $139 each year after the first year.

Protect your business and personal information by paying close attention to:

• Registered agent services: Registered agents receive important documents and handle tax and legal forms on your behalf, protecting your privacy. This feature is included in your business formation service so you don’t need to search elsewhere.

Do you want to start a business immediately?

Best Choice: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent provides same-day filings for no additional fee, unlike other companies who typically take at least a few business days to process your formation. While some states take longer to process your form, Northwest Registered Agent guarantees a fast filing.

Another great option: MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks will process your business filing if you submit it before 3:00 EST. The company will then send it to the appropriate state agency. Your filing will still take place the next business day if you do not submit it before 3 pm EST on a business.

Start your business right the first time.

• Filing time: Some companies charge an additional fee for same-day business filings. Some companies may not offer same day filings, which can lead to unexpected waiting times.

Access to legal help is essential

Best Choice: Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer offers legal advice throughout its services. Rocket Lawyer allows business owners to not only create their business, but also subscribe to legal services to continue to receive legal consultations and answers.

Rocket Lawyer allows you to create contracts for your business. Document Defense can help you enforce your terms.

Another great option: LegalZoom

LegalZoom may be an option if your business needs legal advice beyond the filing of your business. It offers Business Advisory Plans that include 30-minute consultations, annual business assessments, and legal document review.

If your business needs extra support after filing, look for:

• Access to a legal team. Does your company have licensed lawyers who can quickly and efficiently answer all of your questions?
• Templates and legal forms: You can create self-serve legal forms to help you compile contracts and forms that your company uses in its day-to-day business operations.

Help is needed to keep your business compliant

Best Choice: Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance is committed to compliance in business. It offers a ComplianceAdviser package that you can customize for your business. This package includes annual reports, audits, registered agents, helpful updates, and timely notifications.

Compliance software from the company keeps track of where you are located and compares them with state regulations. This helps you to monitor compliance.

Another great option: LegalNature

LegalNature’s Compliance Guard program can help you keep your company compliant with taxes, filings, meeting minutes, and other requirements. The plan costs only $125/year and is one of the best ways to make sure you are complying with all regulations.

If your company must adhere to multiple compliances, be sure to pay attention to

• Thoroughness: There is a lot to be aware of. Make sure that the business formation company you choose has all the necessary compliance.
• Communication: After filing, the best business formation services will continue to support your business by providing guidance, reminders, and updates throughout the year.

Business Formation Services Reviews

Our research into business formation services allowed us to identify the features that business owners expect and need. These must-haves helped us find the right companies that would meet those needs.

The following reviews provide detailed information about our final choices, including what they offer and what business needs they meet.

Northwest Registered Agent: Best for Protecting Privacy

Northwest Register Agent offers several privacy protection features for companies that focus on registered agent services. It protects your business’s information and only shares it when necessary. All communications must include the contact information of your registered agent.

A premium mail forwarding service is also available for $20 per month. If you choose to have your mail sent to a different address than your business, this service will send your mail. You can also opt for a digital service, which scans all of your mail and gives you digital copies.

Northwest Registered Agent can provide some security for business owners worried about their data being sold to a third party. Northwest Registered Agent’s goal of protecting your privacy by default includes not selling data by default.

What makes Northwest registered agents great?

You don’t want your physical address to be disclosed to your business contacts. The Virtual Office Service by Northwest Registered Agent is available. You can get a digital address, electronic mail scanning and phone services for $20 per month. This will keep your personal information secure.

A VoIP phone number can be added to business plans for as low as $9 per month. This allows them to keep their personal information secure and keeps their numbers private.

Northwest Registered Agent costs $39 plus the state filing fees for LLC, corporation, and nonprofit filings, this includes its registered agent in your plan. $39 is the discounted price that our readers get through our links.

IncFile Best for ‘Free” LLC Filing

When you’re looking to start a business, it’s hard to beat a free service. Incfile is a free LLC filing service. To get a new business, you will only need to pay the state filing fees.

IncFile makes it easy to create LLCs, which are generally the easiest business types. However, IncFile’s guided setup and stripped-down website ensure that there are no snags. The step-by-step process makes it easy to form other types of businesses.

Select LLC owners will be eligible for a free EIN and consultation regarding their business taxes. They also receive an operating agreement with their filing. All packages include a one-year free registered agent service.

What makes IncFile great?

IncFile is equally effective for LLCs, nonprofits, corporations, and corporations. We appreciate the ease and affordability of IncFile for LLCs who want to create their business and receive consistent support.

Free filing members receive unlimited telephone and email support. The support team is responsive and helpful, even though there are no weekend hours. If you require immediate assistance, call the support team at +1 888 67 00.

Incfile is completely free. However, you can choose from a Gold plan at $199 or a Platinum plan at $299. Plus state filing fees. If LLC owners want to get more help from IncFile, Gold is a great choice. It includes a tax consultation, lifetime company notifications, and a bank account. Many LLCs with simple structures can probably get by with the Silver plan.

ZenBusiness is the best for business planning and branding

The beginning of your business is not just about forming a company. Planning and marketing are crucial to a company’s success. ZenBusiness will help you achieve all of these goals.

ZenBusiness offers a guided set-up to help you form your business. You can also access tools such as market research, grant searches, and startup cost calculators. Next, you can start to get your business out there with a domain, website builder, email and other tools.

These tools can be expensive and may add to your business filing fees. This is something you should consider when signing up. Even if you don’t require branding, planning, or marketing tools at the moment, this could provide some security and peace of mind that they will be available if needed.

What makes ZenBusiness great?

ZenBusiness is focused on simplifying the process of starting a business. This is why ZenBusiness doesn’t expect you do it all by yourself. ZenBusiness offers a full suite of tools that you can use, including domain name privacy and website builders, as your business requires them.

The company also offers tax preparation and filing services as well as accounting and bookkeeping services. Money Pro is a tool that tracks invoices, payments, and expenses.

ZenBusiness pricing begins at $0 plus the state’s filing fee. Pro and Premium (both $299 and $199, respectively) offer faster filing speeds and guided operating arrangements. Premium is the best choice for business owners who want a complete solution that includes a website, domain registration, and an email address.

Rocket Lawyer is Best for Ongoing Legal Support

Rocket Lawyer is a service that helps you to set up your business. Partnering with real lawyers, the company can answer your questions, review legal documents and provide consultations to assist you in all aspects of running your business.

Non-members have access to most of the legal resources on the site for different prices. Paying members receive free consultations and discounts on on-call lawyer services. They also get one free incorporation file plus a 25% discount for future filings.

Rocket Lawyer’s weekend customer service hours are a potential problem. Rocket Lawyer’s support team is available from 6 am to 6 pm PT during the week, but it can be difficult to reach someone on weekends for businesses that work outside of normal hours.

Rocket Lawyers: What makes them great?

Rocket Lawyer’s business documents are reviewed by legal teams. They comply with legal regulations. The document builder allows you to easily customize each document, making sure that all business documents follow the same guidelines.

Rocket Lawyer’s lawyers are here to assist you in filing your business and operating. They can help you understand employment law, manage intellectual property, navigate contracts, and divide and manage it. Monthly membership does not limit your legal questions.

Business owners can access real legal advice from real lawyers with a monthly membership starting at $39.99/month. You can return your membership within 30 days if you are not satisfied with it.

To learn more about their business services, read our Rocket Lawyer review.

LegalNature: Best for Doing it Yourself

LegalNature is a good choice if you already know the legal forms that your business must use, and don’t need any guidance from a company. You can choose from a variety of DIY forms that have been legally reviewed and then fill them out to start your business.

LegalNature won’t provide any legal assistance, but you will have all the forms necessary for business formation, compliance with HR regulations, and management at your disposal. A specialist will still review your forms if you choose to file with LegalNature.

A support team is available to help you with general questions. You can customize your plans with add-ons like EIN registration or registered agent service to give you the best mix of DIY and help.

What makes LegalNature great?

Business owners who are familiar with compliance and business operations will find it helpful to be able to grab legal forms whenever they need them. LegalNature’s subscription service is simple and allows unlimited access to all legal documents.

LegalNature is available to assist you with any additional services such as filing articles of dissolution and obtaining a certificate of good standing. LegalNature’s Compliance guard, a $125 per year service, is a popular option that helps you comply with annual compliance requirements such as meeting minutes and SOS filings.

LegalNature offers ongoing documentation starting at $39 per month and $139 per annum. You can also receive a 7-day free trial to see if the service is right for you. If it does not meet your expectations, there’s a 30-day guarantee. Business formation alone costs $49 plus state filing fees.

LegalZoom is Best for Trademarking Your Company

LegalZoom is a well-known name for legal documentation and other services. However, it has many benefits for business owners. LegalZoom offers a range of tools that can be used by businesses that need to trademark their products and services.

LegalZoom can help your business protect its unique ideas, identity, and reputation from the beginning to the end. You can also apply for a utility or provisional patent, or register a copyright.

These services are not available at no additional cost. You can instead use LegalZoom to start your business and then add the trademarking services later, as needed.

What makes LegalZoom great?

LegalZoom will conduct thorough research on your trademark before you can register it. This extra protection will keep you from getting into legal trouble. LegalZoom will file all documents necessary to start the trademark process.

LegalZoom does more than trademarking. It offers a wide range of tools that business owners can use throughout the life of their business, including customizable legal forms, registered agent services, and more. LZ Tax can even file your taxes and provide tax guidance.

LegalZoom costs $79 plus the state filing fees to form a business. However, different pricing tiers may offer additional bonuses and expedited filing. The cost of registering a trademark is $599, plus the federal filing fees and coverage in case your original trademark is denied.

BizFilings Best for Entrepreneurs and Start-ups

Startups and entrepreneurs without complex business formation requirements may be able to benefit from the additional help offers.

BizFilings allows you to use a checklist and startup wizard to make sure you have taken all the steps necessary for compliance and legal formation. These tools will guide you through trademarking, compliance and licensing requirements.

BizFilings offers a toolkit online for small business owners that provides resources to help them choose the best business structure and comply with legal requirements. Startups and entrepreneurs may also need additional services such as a business plan creator or sales tax registration.

What makes BizFilings great?

BizFilings offers a comprehensive service for business formation, particularly for small business owners without a team. BizFilings offers a wide range of services at an affordable price, including payroll taxes registration and enrollment in payroll services.

BizComply is also an online compliance tool that stores digital versions of documents, tracks meetings and sends alerts to keep you current on any compliance measures that your business needs.

The website offers self-help options to help you start and manage your company. However, the customer support team is available by phone, email and live chat to assist with more complex issues.

Start business formations using BizFilings starting at $99 plus any state filing fees. Also, you get three months of free registered agent service. All plans include a guarantee that your business will be protected against any filing problems throughout its life.

Harbor Compliance Best for All-Around Compliance

For companies with complicated compliance requirements, outsourcing compliance tasks to a service such as Harbor Compliance may be a good option. This company offers easy-to-use compliance software that will help you keep your business documents organized. If you don’t want to use the software yourself, trained professionals are available who can offer manual assistance.

Harbor Compliance maintains a complex database of federal and state guidelines that helps businesses comply with its software. The database tracks important dates, updates, and regulations so you don’t have to waste time searching for the right forms.

Harbor Compliance offers compliance-focused services in addition to its business formation services. This gives you much more value throughout the business’s lifecycle. These extras can be more important than simple formations like LLCs.

What makes Harbor Compliance great?

Harbor Compliance’s ComplianceAdviser is another unique feature that helps businesses meet their strict compliance requirements. This package can include compliance audits and annual reports, registered agent service, and many other features that are customized to your business needs.

You can still add services to your plan even if you don’t have the ComplianceAdviser package. A registered agent service costs $89 per annum, depending on the state. This is less than the $100+ that many other services for business formation charge.

Prices for business formation services start at $99, plus any state filing fees. These packages do not include Harbor Compliance’s suite of compliance tools. Harbor Compliance will provide a quote to help you create a custom package.

Inc Authority Best for Managing Your Company After Filing

Inc Authority is a free service that allows you to form your business. Inc Authority provides its registered agent services at no charge for the first year, which is $99 normally.

With your $0 LLC filing, you can get business financing, credit analysis, and digital document storage free of charge.

After you have formed your company and taken advantage of the company’s free services, think about whether you could use the paid tools Inc Authority offers for business management. You can register domains and get web hosting for your site, or even business planning services.

What makes Inc Authority great?

Although it can be tempting to file a business free of charge, not all companies offer truly free services. Inc Authority offers free services for LLCs and many LLC owners may find that their service is sufficient.

Inc Authority offers premium bundles that can be used by companies that need more extensive operations and management services. These bundles include annual compliance notifications and deluxe records books, operating agreements, and a website domain with up five email addresses.

But beware! Inc Authority is required to determine bundle pricing. The site does not transparently list prices. You can also get started with a free LLC and then upgrade later as your business grows.

MyCompanyWorks is the best for quick business processing

MyCompanyWorks guarantees same-day business filing processing for all business-day submissions submitted by 3:00 EST. If your filing is not received by the deadline, it will be processed on the next business day.

This is good news for business owners who want faster processing than others without having to pay high rush fees. While completing your file will ultimately depend on the filing time in your state, MyCompanyWorks can help to cut down the wait time with its fast turnaround.

MyCompanyWorks does not handle LLC or corporation filings. Nonprofits will need to work with another company that provides nonprofit filing services.

What makes MyCompanyWorks great?

MyCompanyWorks is a top-rated company because of its speed in filing. We also like the ease of its website navigation and setting up an account. The interactive wizard guides you through the filing process so that you don’t feel lost.

MyCompanyForms is the company’s complete suite of forms that you will need to run your business efficiently. It costs only $35 per year or $5 for a Premium plan. If you have any questions, company name changes, website setups and virtual office services can be accessed.

Basic filing starts from $59 plus any state fees. A $199 Entrepreneur plan includes access to MyCompanyForms and registered agent services. If you are not satisfied with your service, the company offers a 90-day guarantee that will give 100% of your money back.

Swyft Filings – Best For Personalized Business Assistance

The Swyft Filings customer support team is the best.

Swyft Filings assigns each customer a Business Specialist, unlike other companies that have general phone numbers and email addresses for customer support. Your specialist will send you their phone number and email address so that you can contact them directly.

For quick and efficient assistance, call the support number or chat with a specialist if you are unable to get in touch.

What makes Swyft Filings great?

It is a great bonus to have dedicated support for filings. Swyft Filings has many other services to offer, such as annual reports, ComplianceGuard company alerts, and amendments.

For $149 per quarter, business owners can add registered agent services. Although the price is higher than other plans, it includes access to online documents 24/7, quick uploads, and an online account that allows you to view all of the services for your business.

Start-ups cost $49 and include state filing fees. All plans include a free one-hour consultation regarding business filings and access to your Business Specialist whenever you need it during Swyft Filings hours.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post 13 Best Business Formation Services (February 2025) first appeared on Business808.</p>

This guide will help you navigate setting up an LLC in Hawaii. Continue reading to find out how to get started.

Establishing an LLC in Hawaii

It will make it easier to establish your LLC. Although there are not many steps to establishing an LLC in Hawaii, it is important that you do everything correctly so your company doesn’t get delayed.

Check Name Availability

Before you decide on a name, check it with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. A unique business name will ensure that no other companies have similar names, which can cause confusion for consumers. It takes only a few seconds to check if your name has been taken.

Enter the name you want to use to register your company. The system will search for all business names in the state. If there are any, a list of matches will be displayed. Make sure your name is not in conflict with any other companies.

You can reserve a name for up to 120 calendar days in Hawaii if you wish to do so. To reserve your entity name, you will need to open a Hawaii Business Express Account. This account costs $10.

Find a registered agent

A registered agent can be any person authorized to accept legal or official documents on behalf of the company. The registered agent in Hawaii can be any person within the organization, or even you. To accept documents, the registered agent must have a physical address in the locality. A post office box is not sufficient.

A local registered agent is required if you are not a resident of Hawaii. One can be hired to represent you. The cost of professional registered agents is usually $50-300 annually. You should ensure that the registered agent you choose is trustworthy and will send the documents as required.

Register Your Web Domain

You will also need to search for the domain name to confirm that it is available. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to establish your site only to find out that another company has registered your name.

You can find popular domain search engines at sites like HostGator or GoDaddy. These websites will let you search for a domain name free of charge. If you find the name you’re looking for, and it’s not already owned by another company, you can buy the domain. Domains can be purchased for 99c to $49.99.

Premium names can be expensive and may cost thousands of dollars. Find the right domain name for your business and reserve it.

Register Your Hawaii LLC

You will need to fill out Form LLC-1 (Articles for Limited Liability Company) in order to register an LLC in Hawaii. This document contains:

• Company name
• Mailing address
• Name and address of the registered agent
• Names of business organizers
• The length of the business’s existence
• Managers’ names and addresses
• Member liability

Registering your LLC in Hawaii through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division will cost $50. There is an additional $1 State Archives fee. Online filing is the fastest method to complete the paperwork. Online orders can be processed in one to three working days with a $25 expedited processing fee. If you do not need your order expedited, it will take 3 to 5 business days for it to process.

You can also mail the forms or file them in person.

You can send documents to:

P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810

They can also be delivered in person to:

335 Merchant St., Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813

It takes seven to fourteen business days for mail-in LLC forms to be processed. Delivering documents in person can take up to five days.

After You Form Your Hawaii LLC

After you have completed the filings, you will need to start filling out the necessary documentation and forms. These are the next steps to set up an LLC.

Make an Operating Agreement

Operating agreements are a document that describes how you plan to manage the LLC. Although it is not required by the state, it is vital because it includes voting rights, manager and member responsibilities, rules for managing the LLC, and details of how ownership can transfer. Either use a template or make one from scratch. This document should be kept in your company’s record binder.

Register for an Employer Identification number

An EIN (tax identification number) is a nine-digit tax identification number (TIN) that can be called a Federal Employer Identification Number or Federal Tax Identification Number. It will enable you to open a bank or file taxes under the LLC name. An EIN can be obtained for free. Apply for an EIN online at the IRS Website with the information from your organization’s articles.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for any LLC that has more than one member. If an LLC has more than one member, or if it chooses to be taxed like a corporation or Scorp, it will need one.

A single-member LLC with no employees has the option to use the owner’s Social Security Number instead. All other LLCs need an EIN.

Keep a copy of your EIN once you have it.

Obtain Hawaii Tax ID Numbers

To operate your business in Hawaii, you will also need a Hawaii tax ID. You can obtain the tax ID number by completing Form BB-1, State of Hawaii Basic Business Application. This application can be downloaded online at Hawaii.gov.

This is a consolidated tax registration application. This allows you to obtain the necessary state tax, employer licenses, and permits, as well as the Hawaii general excise tax (GET) license. It can also be used for determining your withholding tax account as well as your unemployment insurance (UI), tax account.

Domestic Hawaii LLC Annual Report

Each year, you will need to submit a Hawaii Domestic LLC annual report. You can complete this report online with a $15 filing fee. These annual reports must be filed in the quarter with the anniversary date. Failure to file the annual report within the quarter that contains the anniversary date can lead to a $10 penalty per year and eventually the dissolution or liquidation of the business.

Correction of Filing Mistakes

You can amend any document filed with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. To amend a document that was filed with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, you will need to download form X-3 and complete it. You can also attach any new information. There is a $25 charge. The completed form can be emailed, mailed or dropped off at the above addresses.

Your Hawaii LLC can be dissolved

You can file a href=”https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg/files/2015/11/llc-11.pdf”>Form LLC-11 (Articles of Termination) if your company is not operating in Hawaii. Fill out Form LLC-11. You can do this online by visiting the business search section, and then searching for your company name. Next, open the record and search for the Articles of Termination in the appropriate tab. Fill out the form and send it in. Your request may take up to 14 business days to be processed.

Is Hawaii allowed to have a single-member LLC?

Hawaii allows a single-member LLC form to be filed in the state. If you plan to have employees or file taxes as a corporation, S corp, or partnership, make sure to get an EIN.

What is the average time it takes to create an LLC in Hawaii

The processing time for an LLC application can take up to 14 business days. Online filings make it easy to file your LLC application in three to five days. The process can be expedited further for new business owners by paying $25 to have it processed within one to three days.

What is the Hawaii tax treatment of LLCs?

In Hawaii, most LLCs are pass-through entities. The LLC transfers the tax to its members. You have the option of electing to be taxed either as an S corporation or a corporation when you file your taxes.

What tax flexibility can an LLC offer?

LLCs can be taxed in a variety of ways: as sole proprietorships or partnerships, C-corps (C-corps), or Scorps (Scorps). This option allows LLC members to reduce their tax burden.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in Hawaii first appeared on Business808.</p>

For small businesses with just one or two employees, the LLC (limited liability company), the business structure is popular and simple to use.

LLCs aren’t subject to a lot of complex rules, which is great news for small businesses.

A lot of times, the LLC filing process can be handled by the Arizona business owner without the need to hire professionals.

Starting an LLC in Arizona

The Arizona Corporation Commission oversees the management of LLCs in Arizona. It offers assistance to people who are interested in starting businesses.

The ACC makes it easy to file an LLC in Arizona. Some work can be done online, while others may need to be completed on paper.

Filing fees are low

Arizona’s filing fees for an LLC are lower than average when compared with other states. This is a great advantage for small businesses that need to keep track of every expense.

Arizona doesn’t require an LLC to file an annual report or apply for a state license. These items can be costly in some states.

Hire an LLC service to help with filing

Arizona has many business entities that can assist new business owners in completing the necessary forms to start an LLC. These entities can be hired. These are many of the same entities business owners can hire as statutory agents (registered agents). We’ll talk more about this later.

For the full services of this entity, businesses may be charged anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several hundred dollars annually.

The Best LLC Services in Arizona

• Northwest Registered Agent
• Incfile
• ZenBusiness
• LegalZoom
• Rocket Lawyer

Simple Business Structure

New business owners in Arizona will love the simplicity of an LLC structure over other options such as corporations when starting a business.

LLCs are not required to comply with Arizona’s rules regarding ownership structure or regular filing of reports. The state doesn’t have any ongoing obligations once the Articles of Organization are filed by the business. This gives the business owner more time for the company.

Simple Taxation Requirements

An LLC’s taxation requirements are much simpler than those of a corporation. LLCs don’t pay taxes. This is in contrast to a corporation that must pay income taxes.

The LLC’s profits flow directly to its owners. This money is then reported by the owners on their personal income tax statements. This is much easier than trying to navigate the complex business tax laws at both the state and federal levels of Arizona.

How to Start an LLC in Arizona: The Important Parts

The LLC structure may not work for some businesses. Arizona’s laws regarding LLC formation can make it difficult for some businesses.

Printing forms

While it is possible to create an LLC in Arizona online, there are some forms that can only be printed. This can slow down the entire process. It can be frustrating that some forms must be printed and mailed while others can be electronically filed by the state.

Locating a Statutory Agent

Arizona’s statutory agent, also known as the registered agent in many other states, must sign and submit a form that indicates that the entity or person agrees to act as an agent. This extra form is not required in many other states and doesn’t require a separate signature.

Employer Benefits Taxable

Your LLC must provide benefits to employees if it hires staff. The employees must include the value of the benefits in their income tax calculation. This is different from a corporation where most employee benefits aren’t taxable.

This can cause confusion for employees. This can also hinder an LLC’s ability to hire employees since potential employees might not want to pay taxes on their benefits.

Step 1: Decide the type of LLC

Two types of LLCs are officially recognized in Arizona. The right option for your business will depend on your specific needs.

Both types of LLCs have the primary benefit that they allow business owners to separate their personal and legal affairs from those of the business. The settlement does not include the personal assets of the LLC owners if the LLC defaults on a loan or becomes the subject of litigation.

These two types of LLCs are simply different in how they support business models.

LLC

A majority of Arizona residents will choose a general LLC structure to establish a limited liability company. An LLC can be used for nearly any type of business and almost every kind of market.

PLLC

A PLLC stands for Professional LLC. Arizona licensees may prefer to form their businesses as PLLCs, instead of LLCs. Doctors, dentists, and lawyers are some of the professions that might choose a PLLC structure.

A PLLC has the advantage that if one owner is sued for malpractice or personal injury related to their work, all other owners are not liable.

Every member of an LLC’s ownership group must have the appropriate professional license to file for a PLLC. To operate a business in Arizona as a PLLC, some people will need to be authorized by their Arizona professional boards.

Those who file as a PLLC don’t need to complete any additional forms for Arizona Corporation Commission. To qualify as a professional limited liability company, however, they will need additional information on the Articles of Organization form.

Step 2: Choose a name for your LLC

It takes some time to choose the perfect name for your Arizona small business. It must adhere to the ACC’s rules and guidelines for naming LLCs. It is not possible for business owners to assume that they can choose any name they like.

Picking a Unique Name

Arizona requires that each LLC registered in the state has a unique name. These names are assigned on a first come, first served basis. You may think you have the perfect business name, but if another person files it with ACC a day earlier than you, then you will be out of luck.

The state might reject your LLC filing if you choose a name owned by another company. Most likely, you will not be able to get a refund for your filing fee.

Business owners who want to create a new LLC can search for existing business names. The ACC Business Name Database lists all currently registered business names in the state.

This database is free to search for new business owners. They can search for business names that exactly match the search terms. They can also search for names that include a search term. This resource can be used to ensure that your LLC’s name remains unique.

Use the Correct Naming Convention

Arizona requires that new LLCs include the word “LLC” (or “Limited Liability Company”) somewhere in their name. Some minor variations of the initial phrase or acronym are allowed in Arizona, such as “L.L.C.” and “Limited Liability Co.”

PLLCs must include in their names the phrase “Professional LLC” and the acronym “PLLC”.

The ACC will deny any application if the name is not in compliance with this rule.

Reserve a Name

Potential business owners can reserve a name through the ACC for up to 120 calendar days before they file the forms necessary to form an LLC or PLLC.

If the business owner has an idea for a name, but isn’t yet ready to file an LLC application, this feature may be useful. While the business owner prepares the necessary work, including securing a domain name that matches the business name, the name can be reserved.

You can complete the process to reserve a name online by filling in a form for $45 or using postal mail for $10. You can reserve the name online immediately.

The reserved business name becomes available to another person after 120 days if the owner decides to stop using it. The reservation fee will not be refunded to the person who booked it.

Step 3: Choose a Statutory Agent

Arizona LLCs and PLLCs must have a statutory representative. This individual or entity acts as the legal representative of the LLC for legal documents. You may be familiar with the process of starting an LLC in another state.

Arizona’s public records will include the name and contact information of the statutory agent. This gives people and government officials who have to send legal forms to the LLC a clear point to contact. The person could receive:

• Notification of a lawsuit
• Forms and documents relating to taxes
• Documents legal
• Correspondence of the government concerning legal matters

To officially accept the role of agent for the LLC, prospective agents must sign the Statutory Agency Acceptance form. This form is submitted by the LLC along with the Articles of Organization (which we’ll discuss later).

There are a few options available to LLCs when it comes to choosing a statutory agent.

Selecting an Individual

Only one person can act as the statutory agent of an LLC. The statutory agent must be a resident of Arizona and have an address.

If they wish, the business owner can act as their own statutory representative. An owner can also choose to have another employee serve as their agent.

The agent must be present at the address listed during normal business hours. It is better to choose another person or entity as the statutory agent if the business owner is not available at all or only part-time.

Selecting an entity

An LLC can choose to hire an entity that will act as its statutory agent in Arizona. This entity is likely to be a business that acts as an agent for several companies.

The LLC owner does not have to list their address in order to be the public contact person for the LLC. Instead, the entity will list their physical address. The physical address for the statutory agents does not need to be the same address as the business.

An entity that serves as the statutory agent for an LLC could cost between $50 and $200 per year to be hired by the LLC.

Step 4: Fill out the Articles of Organization

Arizona requires LLCs that they file Articles of Organization in order to create an LLC. These forms can be filed by business owners for $50

A cover page from the ACC must be included with the filing. This document explains whether or not the business owner wants to expedite the processing of the Articles of Organization. It also contains contact information as well as payment information. The cost of expedited processing of the Articles of Organization is $35-$400

Type of entity

The first step for business owners is to clarify whether they will file the form as an LLC, PLLC, or both.

The business owner of a PLLC must describe the professional services that the company will offer.

Name of the business

After finding a business name that is available (as described in Step 2) the LLC will request the name of the ACC via the Articles of Organization form. It is important to list the name exactly how the business owner would like it to appear with the state.

Information about Statutory Agents

The Articles of Organization contain a section in which the LLC will list contact information for the statutory agents. This section differs from the Statutory Agent acceptance form (as discussed below in Step 3). This acceptance form must be submitted by the LLC along with the Articles of Organization.

Types of management

A manager-operated structure is one option for an LLC in Arizona.

The LLC owners will employ someone to manage their business in a manager-operated arrangement. The LLC is managed by its members. This means that the LLC owners also have to manage their day-to-day operations.

The business owner must determine which type of management they want and attach a separate document with additional information. This form is also known as the Manager Attachment Form L040 for manager-managed or L041 for member-managed.

Step 5: Final Tasks

After the Articles of Organization are accepted by the ACC, the LLC owner will need to complete a few more steps in order to close the process.

Complete the Publication Requirement

The Notice of LLC Formation must be published in a local newspaper in certain Arizona counties for at least three weeks. The newspaper must be located in the same county where the LLC’s primary residence is.

The notice must include the name, address, and contact information of the statutory agent.

The ACC keeps a list if there is a publication requirement in Arizona. It also maintains a list if approved newspapers available in those counties. It typically costs between $60-200 to publish.

This must be completed within 60 days after the approval of the ACC. Failure to finish it on time could lead to the dissolution or bankruptcy of the LLC.

Make an Operating Agreement

Arizona doesn’t require LLCs to file operating agreements with the ACC. The business might want this document. It outlines the business’s plans and the relationships among its owners.

An operating agreement covers important topics such as voting rules, responsibilities, profit distribution, and the power and duties of owners. It also describes how to buy out or bring in a new member.

The operating agreement is a contract once all members have signed it. Although it is not required by Arizona for LLCs, it is strongly recommended. It protects the LLC’s status and protects your business against being subject to the state’s rules regarding LLCs.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in Arizona: 5 Step Process first appeared on Business808.</p>

Florida is a great state to set up an LLC. Florida LLCs are exempt from state income taxes and don’t have any restrictions on membership or management.

Although the process of creating an LLC in Florida can be time-consuming, it is actually much easier than you might think.

Once you have mastered how to register your company, choose a registered agent and file the articles of organization. You can also create an operating agreement and get an EIN. Your LLC will be up in no time.

This guide will show you how to start an LLC in Florida.

Top LLC Services for Starting a Florida LLC

• Northwest Registered Agent
• Incfile
• ZenBusiness
• LegalZoom
• Rocket Lawyer

How to Start an LLC in Florida

Many people are surprised to learn that choosing a name is the most difficult part of setting up a Florida LLC. It doesn’t take much time, money, or even travel to choose a name for your Florida LLC. You can do everything online, from the comfort of your home.

Once you have chosen a few names that best reflect your business’s purpose, you can search the Florida Division of Corporation’s database for LLC names. This database lists all state-registered LLC names, giving you a variety of options for your LLC.

A free website can be used to create a name for your Florida LLC. There are many name generators online today.

Name your LLC must not include abbreviations or words that could cause confusion with government agencies, such as the FBI or Treasury.

You may also need to submit additional paperwork or a licensed professional to allow you to use certain words such as Bank, University, and Attorney.

While choosing a name for your Florida LLC name is the easiest part of the process, it can be more difficult to register the name. After you have chosen a name that you like and verified its availability, you will need to register your Florida LLC. This can be time-consuming.

You will need to file the necessary documents with Florida’s Business Division, which is usually the Secretary Of State, in order to properly form an LLC. You risk sending misinformation to the state by filling out the online form. This could negatively impact your business and result in you receiving a rejection letter.

Registering forms can be complicated and mistakes are inevitable for beginners. There are many LLC services available today to make it easier for you to register your LLC.

Step 1: Choose a Name For Your Florida LLC

First, choose a name for your LLC. A business can’t exist without one. It is much easier to have a name already in mind. If you don’t have a name in mind, we will walk you through the steps to choose the right LLC name.

This is a crucial step because it will reflect your business’s ultimate goal. So choose wisely.

You can quickly do that through the Florida Department of State’s business entity search engine.

Make a list of possible names

You can choose from a variety of names, so it’s easier to pick a name than to have one in mind. Make a list of every name that is compatible with your business’s purpose. These are some tips to help you create your list.

• Be descriptive
• Keep it simple
• Avoid your name
• Strive for simple spelling

Your Florida LLC must be named with the phrase “limited liability corporation” or one of its abbreviations, LLC or L.L.C. This phrase is what differentiates your business from an S and C Corporation, Nonprofits, and Sole Proprietorships–which all have different protection and structure.

You can use a free business name generator if you are having trouble coming up with a name for your business.

Incfile provides this service with high-powered AI. You can search for a name that you like and find it immediately.

Verify Domain Availability

This step is optional but I recommend that you check if your business name can be used as a website domain. The best way to ensure your website matches your LLC name is to have one. If you search first for a domain name and it is available, it is likely that it will also be available to use as a business name.

To check domain availability and claim one via Incfile you will need to purchase the Platinum Package valued at $424.

• Package Fee: $299
• State fee: $125

The best thing about this package? It allows you to organize all forms and an operating agreement while also giving you access to business contract templates, expedited filing, and a domain with a business email.

Although you can search for domain names free of charge on many hosting sites, remember that domains will still need to be paid for. The next step is to search for a Florida domain name.

Check Name Availability

You want to ensure that no one else has registered the name you desire for your LLC, just like when searching for a domain.

The Incfile Business Name Search tool allows you to check the availability of your chosen business name. The tool is free but you will need to provide additional information such as your name, email address, and entity type. This can make it time-consuming for some.

You can also visit the Florida Division of Corporation’s database for business names. You can also visit the Florida Division of Corporations business name search database. This database is free but takes a lot longer. It’s only Florida-specific so you just need to enter your desired business name.

It is important to verify that the desired LLC name is available. The state may deny you documentation if your company is filed with an already-in-use name.

Protect your name with a trademark

A trademark can protect your LLC name and ensure that it is protected by federal law. Trademarks ensure that there is legal precedent for anyone who uses your name or similar.

A trademark should only be purchased if your goal is to expand your business nationwide. There are fees involved.

Business trademarks are typically priced between $225 and $400, which includes attorney fees and a 10-year renewal charge.

Step 2: Select a registered agent

To secure your LLC, you will need a registered agent. A registered agent is an individual or business that can send and receive legal documents on behalf of your company. Each LLC should have a registered agent because it acts as a permanent physical presence here in Florida.

First hover over File with Your State, then click Get a Registered Agent. This will allow you to enter your contact information and company information so Incfile can locate the right registered agent for you. The Business Dashboard will open, where you can see the name and address of your agent.

Renew your agent

It is important to renew your registered agent every year. Northwest Registered Agent offers registered agent service for free for the first year with their $39 LLC formation plan, but you’ll need to pay $125 for each subsequent year.

Step 3: Submit the Florida LLC Articles of Organization

Articles of organization, which are formal documents that allow you to create an LLC and make it legal, are what you need. You can’t open a business without them. These documents can be filed online, by mail or through an LLC service.

• Florida LLC Forms
• Foreign LLC Forms

Review and organize your LLC information

You should organize and review your business information before you file your documents. The articles of organization for a Florida LLC require the following information.

• Your LLC’s name and principal address
• Name and address of the registered agent (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable)
• Signature of a registered agent
• Each LLC member’s street address and name
• Name and street address for the LLC manager
• The date of filing or the effective date of the LLC
• Signature of the person who completed the form

To file articles of organization, there is a $125 fee. It takes approximately four weeks. It takes approximately five business days to file your Incfile expedited filing.

Florida’s compliance requirements require that the articles of the organization be reviewed each year and filed on the 1st of May for $139.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required for an LLC, according to Florida law. An operating agreement is something I highly recommend you and your LLC members drafting. Operating agreements are essential for your day-to-day operations, ownership structure, as well as member roles. It is a vital, living document that operates your company.

Information to organize your agreement

Similar to your articles of organization you will need to organize all information before you draft and file these legal documents. The following information should be included in an operating agreement:

• The purpose of an LLC includes services and products
• Names and addresses of managers and members
• The LLC is enriched by the contributions of each member
• Each member has a share of the business and voting rights.
• The process for admitting new members
• How to elect a manager
• The LLC’s meeting and voting schedules
• Procedures and terms for dissolution

Incfile allows you to create an agreement

Incfile makes it easy to create an operating agreement. This service can be purchased through the Gold or Platinum packages.

Incfile’s legal professionals will review your information and create an operating agreement that is error-free and meets the needs of your LLC members. Incfile can help you save time and money, especially if you are an entrepreneur with a limited budget.

All members must sign the agreement

You must ensure that all members have reviewed and signed the LLC operating agreement after you have created it. Signing ensures that everyone is on the exact same page. This will prevent any future disputes or injustices.

Step 5: Get an EIN

The last step in the process is to apply for an Employer Identification Number. An EIN is a nine-digit unique number that you can use to identify your company and keep track tax reporting. EINs can be applied for through Incfile or the IRS website.

These are the quick steps for both platforms.

Request an EIN from the IRS

It is easy and cost-free to request an EIN online from the IRS. The IRS will redirect you to this webpage after you have clicked Apply Online Now on the IRS website.

As your legal structure, choose Limited Liability Company. Inadvertently choosing another business structure will result in different rules and questions. The IRS will then ask about your location and members. This page should look something like this:

The next step is to add the right number of members to your LLC. Make sure Florida is selected as the location. Next, you will need to answer a series of questions about why you want an EIN. Most likely, it is because you are starting your own business.

The authentication process will ask who is the responsible party for the LLC, as well as a few questions about the responsible person.

These steps make it easy to complete the IRS form. However, it is important that you get all of this information right the first time. If the IRS form is too complicated or long, you can request an EIN through Incfile.

FAQs About Forming an LLC in Florida

What is the average time it takes to register a Florida LLC.

The processing time for filing an LLC in Florida may vary depending on whether you have missing forms. Complete applications typically take between two and fifteen days. The Division of Corporations website has current processing times. This shows how long it takes to get your articles approved. For faster processing, you can mail your application to Tallahassee’s division office. However, Florida does not offer any expedited services.

Can I open an LLC in Florida free of charge?

No. No. You can’t start an LLC in Florida without paying a fee. To get started, you will need to pay the $100 filing fees and $25 registration agent fee. This is not something you need to do through a third party. You can save money by filing directly with Division of Corporations.

How can I dissolve an LLC in Florida?

There is a process to establish an LLC in Florida. But there’s another way to end it. You can send your Articles of Dissolution online. You can also mail the printed documents with your payment information.

How can I add a Florida LLC member?

Follow the procedures in your operating agreement to add a Florida member to your LLC. Florida statutes require that all members vote in the new member if they don’t have one. A meeting of all members should be held to vote on the amendments to the operating agreement. The members can vote in the new member and amend the operating agreement to reflect that. You can notify the state by submitting an amended annual report. You can amend your articles of association if you have not filed an annual report in the past.

How can I change the name of my Florida LLC?

First, check that your LLC’s name is not already registered with the Division of Corporations before you change it. If it is, vote for members, to change the name. Once approved, you can file articles of the amendment at the Division of Corporations. This can be done for $25. After the name change is approved, you can use it for business purposes.

How can I add a DBA in Florida to my LLC?

Although a DBA is not necessary to form an LLC, it can be filed if the LLC uses a new name for business purposes. You can file the form by using your LLC’s owner ID at the Division Of Corporations. A DBA is required in Florida. It costs $50. Multiple DBAs can be filed for your business.

How do I renew my Florida LLC?

You will need to file an annual report each year with the Florida Division of Corporations. The annual report is $138.75 and includes updates to the current address, registered agent, and member information. To renew your business with the state, there is no franchise tax fee.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in Florida: 5 Step Process first appeared on Business808.</p>

A limited liability company (LLC), is a very popular business structure. It is an excellent way for you to protect your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit against your company. An LLC formation service will allow you to concentrate on the growth and management of your Wisconsin business.

Many online LLC services will help you start your business. We reviewed the top Wisconsin business formation services.

The 19 Best LLC Formation Services in Wisconsin

Our list of the 19 best LLC services. Based on their simple guidance and affordable pricing, Northwest Registered Agent and IncFile were our top recommendations for LLC formations.  LLC formation starts at $225  just $39 (+ state fee) with Northwest Registered Agent.

My First 5 Picks,

• Northwest Registered Agent – Editor’s Choice, Best for Privacy
• Incfile – Best “Free” LLC filing
• ZenBusiness – “Free” LLC
• Tailor Brands – Best for Building a Brand
• Harbor Compliance – Best Compliance Software

How to Evaluate the Best LLC Services

Three things are essential when choosing the Wisconsin LLC service that will help you start your business.

1. What type of business do you run?
2. Your company’s needs
3. Additional services that you might need for your LLC in Wisconsin

We used a specific methodology to eliminate any companies not fitting our criteria. 

How We Qualified an LLC Service for Consideration

We evaluated several top services.

We considered BizFilings, Harbor Compliance, Inc Authority, IncFile, Incorporate.com, LegalNature, LegalZoom, MyCompanyWorks, MyCorporation, Northwest Registered Agent, Rocket Lawyer, Swyft Filings, ZenBusiness, Incorporate Fast, Active Filings, Direct Incorporation, InCorp, National Incorporators, and Sundoc Filings.

We’ve been through many LLCs and other business formations so we understand what makes an amazing LLC service. We analyzed each company using this knowledge, as well as what other business owners require in an LLC service.

• Add-on Services: Although they aren’t required, they can add significant value to a service. Having add-ons through your service can make it easier for LLC-related features to be kept on the same platform.
• Compliance: To ensure compliance with state requirements, you need to find a company that offers compliant-focused services.
• Customer Support: It is a great advantage to be able to reach an LLC service whenever you need it. Companies that offer multiple support options, such as email, phone, and live chat, are worth considering.
• Easy of use: Guided sets, knowledge bases, and free online resources make it easy to navigate the LLC formation process and other related steps. Interactive tools are available for some services to make it as easy as possible.
• Forming an LLC shouldn’t take weeks: While some services provide same-day filing or next-day business filing, others charge additionally to speed up the process.
• Pricing: We dropped companies that had a lot to offer, but charged higher fees and prices than their competitors. It should be affordable and as helpful as possible for LLC filings.
• Registered agent services: You can file documents for your business and keep your personal data confidential. Some companies offer members registered agent services for a year.

We compared each company with this set of criteria and found that all 19 services had the required qualities to be included on the list.

#1. Northwest Registered Agent – Editor’s Choice Best LLC Service

Northwest Registered Agent was chosen by us as the best Wisconsin LLC service for small businesses. Northwest provides the necessary LLC services to facilitate online business formation. The cost of their incorporation service includes LLC filing, premium registered agents services, customer privacy protection, and access to business documents online.

Visit Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest is well-known for its excellent customer service. They provide their clients with Corporate guides, who are US-based support agents. Each customer has a Corporate Guide assigned to them, so you can speak to the same person if you have any concerns.

Northwest Pros

• Customer reviews that are positive
• Online ordering is easy and user-friendly
• There are no hidden charges or “free trials,” which can lead to higher prices later.
• US-based professional customer service representatives

Northwest Cons

• For important LLC formation features like an EIN, you will need to pay additional fees. 

Northwest Pricing and Features

Northwest Registered Agent offers one plan for formation. The following features are available for $39 plus any state fees

• Filing service for forming an LLC
• One-year free registered agent service
• Address for business
• Mail forwarding
• “Privacy by default”
• Customer Service “Corporate guide”

#2 Incfile

Like ZenBusiness and Northwest, Incfile provides excellent value in its basic pricing plan for Wisconsin business formation services. Incfile has been rated as the best service for helping you obtain business licenses.

Visit Incfile

Incfile Pros

• All packages include a free year of registered agent service, which costs only $119 per year. This is a much lower price than other top-rated registered agent services.
• Order tracking in real-time and customer service at the highest quality
• A user-friendly online dashboard to help you keep track of important deadlines and reminds you about compliance for your LLC in Wisconsin

Incfile Cons

• Upsells

• Services are limited. You may have to pay extra for certain features such as an EIN and operating agreement.

Incfile Pricing and Features

With the exception of Wisconsin’s state fee, the Silver package comes with:

• Wisconsin LLC Formation: Set up your Wisconsin business to be self-sufficient.
• Free one-year registration agent service: Incfile will pay the registered agent fees for your first year in business.
• Receive Compliance Alerts for Your Company: Be notified when it’s time to submit your annual report.

Incfile Gold Package ($199 plus Wisconsin state fee).

• Operating Agreement: Incfile will manage your operating agreement.
• Bank resolution: Incfile will create your banking resolution authorizing someone else to open a bank account and sign for the business.
• Register an EIN: Get a nine-digit EIN in order to open a bank account. This will allow you to hire employees and keep your personal transactions private.

The Platinum package ($299 + Wisconsin state fees) offers even more:

• Free domain name and website for your business
• Templates for business contracts
• Bank account for business
• Priority expedited filing

Incfile’s Wisconsin LLC services are the best for small businesses due to its premium services. Incfile’s basic LLC formation package includes important features that are great for startups with a limited budget.

#3 ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness comes next on our top-rated list of LLC services. The annual cost of setting up an LLC is $0 (plus the Wisconsin State Fee). ZenBusiness is headquartered in Austin Wisconsin. ZenBusiness simplifies the process so you can focus on your business.

Visit ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness Pros

• Straightforward Wisconsin LLC formation kits
• Support from a reliable customer
• ZenBusiness reviews have positive customer feedback
• Excellent registered agent services for your LLC Wisconsin

ZenBusiness Cons

• ZenBusiness can assist you in getting an EIN. However, you will need to pay $99 for the ZenBusiness basic plan.
• The registered agent service is available at an additional cost.

ZenBusiness Pricing and Features

These three packages include the following services for business formation and more for forming an Wisconsin limited-liability company.

• Prepare and file the Wisconsin Secretary of State’s Articles of Organization
• Searches for unlimited business names
• Consultation on accounting free of charge
• You can track important documents for business formation through an online dashboard
• Worry-Free Compliance Guarantee (Included in the First Year): Receive annual filing alerts to help ensure compliance.

Upgrade to ZenBusiness Pro and you’ll get additional Wisconsin LLC formation features like:

• LLC Operating Agreement Template: An operating agreement defines the terms and conditions of Wisconsin LLC formation. We found that very few formation companies included an operating agreement template as part of their basic packages.

ZenBusiness’ Premium package ($299 + Wisconsin state fee) includes even more add-on features:

• Domain privacy, email address, and business domain name: Get your business online to increase credibility and reach more customers.
• Rush filing: This feature speeds up the formation process, which is beneficial for entrepreneurs who need faster and more complete services in Wisconsin.

#4 Tailor Brands

Another favorite LLC service is Tailor Brands. This automated platform assists with LLC formation, branding, and building business websites. Its goal is to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses by offering a single-stop shop.

Visit Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands’ premium Elite Plan ($199 + state fees), is what sets them apart. The Elite plan is a great choice for Wisconsin businesses that want to establish an online presence. These include digital business cards, logo creation, and graphic design tools for social networks.

Tailor Brands Pros

• You can create an LLC in Wisconsin in less than 10 minutes. Then, you can build your website and start your social media marketing strategy.
• High-quality, personal service to ensure you get the right tools for each step of your business journey
• You will receive the best customer service to answer any questions you might have.

Tailor Brands Cons

• This is not the best option for businesses with limited budgets who only require basic Wisconsin LLC formation services.
• You will need to pay an additional fee for services such as registered agent service

Tailor Brands Prices and Features

Although Tailor Brands offers three packages for LLC formation, we will be highlighting their all-inclusive Elite package. The Elite Plan offers a lot of value for the price. It is designed for entrepreneurs who want to succeed online.

Elite Plan Features:

• Formation of LLC
• Compliance annually
• Processing expedited
• Operating Agreement
• One year free domain
• Logo maker
• Website Builder

#5 Harbor Compliance  – Best Compliance Software

Compliance is in its name and Harbor Compliance lives up to its mission to provide businesses with useful tools to manage their legal obligations.

Visit Harbor Compliance

Technically, Harbor Compliance can be described as an online tool that allows you to manage many of your compliance requirements. The software allows you to review, file, and renew documents. You can also receive communications from your registered agent.

Harbor Compliance specialists are available to help you review documents and alert you if something is amiss.

Harbor Compliance is a better choice if you are looking for a complete solution that includes additional services such as trademarking or business domain registration. This company is worth looking into if you are serious about compliance and have already filed your LLCs.

What makes Harbor Compliance great?

Harbor Compliance’s Entity Manager software tool is a standout offering. This tool and formation package includes registration agent services, compliance audits, and DBA renewals. It also has other essential features that ensure compliance year-round.

Harbor Compliance’s software allows business owners to search for state requirements using its license management tool. You can then track each license’s renewal status right from your dashboard.

The cost of forming an LLC is $99 plus the state filing fees. However, there are other options available for expedited filing. Depending on the state, registered agent services start at $89 per year.

14 Other LLC Services to Consider

• Swyft Filings
• MyCompanyWorks
• Inc Authority 
• Incorporate Fast
• Bizfilings
• RocketLawyer
• LegalZoom
• Incorporate.com
• CorpNet
• MyCorporation
• Direct Incorporation
• InCorp
• National Incorporators
• Sundoc Filings

6. Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings provide a lot of value with their $49 Basic Package.

They will help you complete your Articles of Organization, file them for you, provide a 30-minute free tax consultation with one of the in-house accountants, allow you to track your filing progress online, and even register your business domain name.

They are not higher up on the list because unlike Northwest they do not offer a free year for their registered agent service.

The only problem with SwyftT Filings is if you require a full year’s registered agent service, you will need to pay $149. They are three times more costly than Northwest.

7. MyCompanyWorks

My Company Works looks a lot like Swyft Filings.

The Basic Package includes everything needed to create an LLC. However, they charge $79. You will need to pay more if you wish to add a registered agent service. MyCompanyWorks will charge you $279 to upgrade to their Premium Package.

8. Inc Authority

Inc Authority is probably the most deceptive pricing strategy on this list.

You are lured in by the promise of a free business set-up, but as you can see with Incfile, it is often more costly in the long term.

They will file your initial Certificate Of Formation for $0 plus a state fee. However, if you need anything more (like an Operating Agreement or EIN) their next cheapest package costs $399. You can also upgrade to the $799 premium package if you need a year of registered agent service.

IncFile is the best option if you only need your Certificate of Formation to be filed for free. Northwest will still be the best choice if you need anything beyond this.

9. Incorporate Fast

Incorporate Fast stands out from the rest by living up to its name. When you sign up for the $99 package (plus any state fees), they promise to file your paperwork within 24 hours. This promise is exclusive to them.

This is a solid service when you consider the fact that the Basic Package includes help with your Operating Agreement, some sample documents, and one year of their registered agent services.

They’re almost twice the price of Northwest, and they don’t offer free tax consultations or online document storage. 

10. Bizfilings

BizFilings can file your formation documents and offer a year of free registered agent service. They do not offer online document storage, a business tax assessment, or an Operating Agreement template.

11. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer is an addition to the list. This is because LLC formation, which isn’t a service they offer, isn’t one of their main offerings. It’s actually a complement to the main service Rocket Lawyer provides–online legal services.

Rocket Lawyer can assist you with your initial filings and provide an online document storage platform. It costs $99 plus state fees. Rocket Lawyer’s business formation service is not the most affordable or the best supported.

Rocket Lawyer offers great online legal services. Their LLC service is not that great.

12. LegalZoom

Overpriced in my opinion. LegalZoom has a similarity to Rocket Lawyer. They are primarily an online legal services company, but also offers formation services. They will file your Articles of Organization and provide a bank resolution for $99, after which you are on your own. They do not provide any free registered agent services.

You might use them already for your online legal services so you could consider using them to create an LLC. When adding a registered agent $299, an LLC operating agreement template $159, and other features, the price can go way up.

You are paying a premium for the LegalZoom brand.

13. Incorporate.com

Incorporate.com offers limited LLC formation packages, just like Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom. But it’s not a side service. This is their main role, and they do it as well as they can. It’s not that inspiring.

14. CorpNet

Corpnet charges $79 to provide business formation services. However, they only file your initial documents and provide compliance alerts regarding your annual reports and tax payments. However, they do not provide registered agent services for the first 60 days.

IncFile is a better option if you only need a small selection. Northwest offers more options.

15. MyCorporation

MyCorporation costs $133 plus state fees to prepare your Operating Agreement and to process your Articles of Organization. Additional costs will apply if you require more extensive features such as those offered by Northwest.

16. Direct Incorporation

Direct Incorporation continues the trend of charging too much for very little. They offer their Wisconsin LLC service at $147 plus state fees. Although they do offer an EIN and a bank resolution, it is still not market leader.

17. InCorp

InCorp assists with the filing of your Wisconsin LLC formation paperwork and also assists with your Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement. All for $117

18. National Incorporations

Nationwide Incorporations costs $200 for the same services that you can get from InCorp.

19. SunDoc Filings

SunDoc Filings will submit your formation paperwork at $79, and you can get a few extras if the $99 or $279 packages are purchased. No matter which option you choose, you still get far less value than Northwest.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post 19 Best LLC Services in Wisconsin (February 2025) first appeared on Business808.</p>

The 19 best LLC services. Northwest Registered Agent $39 + state fee and Bizee $0 + state fee are the top recommendations for the year. They both simplify the process of setting up an LLC and make it affordable.

Northwest Registered Agent: Excels in experience, customer service, and privacy. Visit our Northwest Registered Agent review for more info.

Bizee: Excels in experience, and customer service and offers a free LLC formation, just pay the state fee. Visit our Bizee review for more info.

ZenBusiness: Offers basic LLC filing for $0. + state fee and “worry-free guarantee” for compliance. Visit our ZenBusiness review for more info.

Anyone can become a business owner quickly by using an online LLC formation service. They will also be able to get professional representation from a registered agent.

Using an LLC service to form a new business entity is a great way for business owners to have less to worry about.

Our mission at Business808 is to provide top-quality service and product reviews for our readers. That’s why our research team spent four weeks analyzing over 700 reviews over the past 3 years, numerous data points, and many features of 19 LLC formation services.

We researched to find the final 19 best LLC services we reviewed for this guide. We provide all the information you need about each service, as well as scenario matches and important points to keep in mind when selecting the best LLC service.

The Best 19 LLC Services

Our list of the 19 best LLC services. Based on their simple guidance and affordable pricing, Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee were our top recommendations for LLC formations.  LLC formation starts at $225 just $39 with Northwest + state fee.

• Northwest Registered Agent — #1 Best for privacy
• Bizee — 1,000,000 businesses formed, 20 years of experience
• ZenBusiness — The best for entrepreneurs and startups
• Tailor Brands – Get your brand tailored
• Rocket Lawyer — The best for affordable legal support
• LegalNature — For ongoing access to business documents
• LegalZoom — Most comprehensive LLC service
• BizFilings — The best for scaling
• Harbor Compliance — Best for ensuring compliance
• Inc Authority — The best for free LLC filings and bonuses
• MyCorporation – 20 Years of experience
• MyCompanyWorks — Fastest way to process your request
• Swyft Filing — Ideal for dedicated LLC support
• Incorporate Fast
• Active Filings
• Direct Incorporation
• InCorp
• National Incorporators
• Sundoc Filings

How to Evaluate the Best LLC Services

We used a specific methodology to eliminate any companies not fitting our criteria. You can read the review to find out more about each LLC service.

What Qualify LLC Services to Consideration

We evaluated several top services in the first round of evaluation.

We considered BizFilings, Harbor Compliance, Inc Authority, Bizee, Incorporate.com, LegalNature, LegalZoom, MyCompanyWorks, MyCorporation, Northwest Registered Agent, Rocket Lawyer, Swyft Filings, ZenBusiness, Incorporate Fast, Active Filings, Direct Incorporation, InCorp, National Incorporators, and Sundoc Filings.

We’ve been through many LLCs and other business formations so we understand what makes an amazing LLC service. We analyzed each company using this knowledge, as well as what other business owners require in an LLC service.

• Add-on Services: Although they aren’t required, they can add significant value to a service. Having add-ons through your service can make it easier for LLC-related features to be kept on the same platform.
• Compliance: To ensure compliance with state requirements, you need to find a company that offers compliant-focused services.
• Customer Support: It is a great advantage to be able to reach an LLC service whenever you need it. Companies that offer multiple support options, such as email, phone, and live chat, are worth considering.
• Easy of use: Guided sets, knowledge bases, and free online resources make it easy to navigate the LLC formation process and other related steps. Interactive tools are available for some services to make it as easy as possible.
• Forming an LLC shouldn’t take weeks: While some services provide same-day filing or next-day business filing, others charge additionally to speed up the process.
• Pricing: We dropped companies that had a lot to offer, but charged higher fees and prices than their competitors. It should be affordable and as helpful as possible for LLC filings.
• Registered agent services: You can file documents for your business and keep your personal data confidential. Some companies offer members registered agent services for a year.

We compared each company with this set of criteria and found that all 17 services had the required qualities to be included on the list.

How we Chose the List of Qualified LLC Service Providers

Our research team found two companies with similar features to the others but not the same value, in order to provide only the best and most specific options. These are the companies we did not recommend but that were qualified.

Incorporate.com – Incorporate.com is a very popular choice with many options. Its fees are more expensive than similar companies, which reduces its value.

MyCorporation – Similar to other top competitors, MyCorporation charges unnecessarily high fees without offering stand-out features.

Find the right LLC service solution for your scenario

Most LLC owners fall under one of these categories. We’ve identified the best two LLC services to help you narrow down your choices and guide your research.

• You’re a new entrepreneur
• Make changes to your LLC
• A registered agent is required.
• Register your LLC quickly
• Legal help
• Need help to keep your LLC compliant

You’re a new entrepreneur

Best Option: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest RA may offer the most straightforward setup for LLC owners. The wizard guides new business owners through all of the necessary documentation and steps to create an LLC.

This company also offers top-notch customer support. You can get your questions answered quickly by phone, email, or live chat. Agents are even available on weekends.

Another great option: Bizee

Bizee provides free LLC filings and a one-year registration agent service, making it extremely affordable for entrepreneurs. New business owners will find it extremely useful due to its easy navigation and guided setup.

Need to Build Out Your Brand?

Consider Tailor Brands 

Another favorite LLC service is Tailor Brands. This automated platform assists with LLC formation, branding, and building business websites. Its goal is to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses by offering a single-stop shop.

Tailor Brands’ premium Elite Plan ($199 + state fees), is what sets them apart. The Elite plan is a great choice for Arkansas businesses that want to establish an online presence. These include digital business cards, logo creation, and graphic design tools for social networks.

Tailor Brands Pros

• You can create an LLC in Arkansas in less than 10 minutes. Then, you can build your website and start your social media marketing strategy.
• High-quality, personal service to ensure you get the right tools for each step of your business journey
• You will receive the best customer service to answer any questions you might have.

Tailor Brands Cons

• This is not the best option for businesses with limited budgets who only require basic Arkansas LLC formation services.
• You will need to pay an additional fee for services such as registered agent service

Tailor Brands Prices and Features

Although Tailor Brands offers three packages for LLC formation, we will be highlighting their all-inclusive Elite package. The Elite Plan offers a lot of value for the price. It is designed for entrepreneurs who want to succeed online.

Elite Plan Features:

• Formation of LLC
• Compliance annually
• Processing expedited
• Operating Agreement
• One year free domain
• Logo maker
• Website Builder

If you are new to the business world, consider

• Easy to use: A slimmed-down dashboard, guided walk-throughs and responsive customer service can make LLC formation easier for entrepreneurs.
• Customer support: Are you able to reach a company for assistance before, during, and after filing?
• Resources: Many companies offer self-help resources, some of which are completely free.
• Pricing is important for entrepreneurs, particularly those who are bootstrapping. To cut costs, look for free registration agents and filing services.

Changes to your LLC are necessary

Best Option: Northwest

Northwest can assist you with any amendments or changes to your LLC filing. It will be with you for the entire life of your company so that you can access any document updates, convert to other types of business or dissolve a business.

Another great option but pricey: LegalZoom

LegalZoom supports many types of business filings and changes, including the application for business licenses or filing annual reports. Visit our reviews on LegalZoom, LegalZoom vs ZenBusiness, and LegalZoom vs Bizee for more information.

If you want add-ons like tax preparation and business licenses, consider,

• Add-on services are available from some of the top companies. These include tax preparation services and business license applications. Compliance checks are also available.

When a registered agent is required

Best Choice: Northwest Registered Agent

The main service offered by Northwest Registered Agent is registered agent services. It is a great option for businesses that operate in multiple states as the cost of the service drops with each state you file.

Another great option: Bizee

Bizee’s registered agent service for the first year of your LLC filing is free. It’s free for business owners to try it out during the first year of their LLC filings.

Your state may require your business to have an agent registered. 

• Registered agent services: Registered agents are essential for all LLCs. Even if you don’t require one for your company, it might be beneficial to have one to protect your privacy and manage documents. Some states allow you to be your own registered agent, but most professionals advise against this. It’s only $125 per year with Northwest RA.

Form your LLC as soon as possible

Best Choice: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent will automatically file your business documents the same day you file. There are no additional fees. An online account will allow you to view and track your filing progress.

Another great option: MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks will file your LLC before 3 p.m. EST to receive same-day business filing. You can still file your LLC within the same day if you miss the deadline, but you will not be charged an additional fee.

• Filing time: Each state has its own filing time. However, the time required to process LLC filings can vary by state. The time taken for processing LLC applications will depend on how your LLC service is used. You can reduce the waiting time by using next-day or same-day filing services.

When legal help is essential

Best Choice: Rocket Lawyer

Business owners can get legal assistance to ensure compliance and meet all state requirements. Rocket Lawyer’s legal team is available to you on an as-needed basis, or more frequently with a subscription.

You can also find legal forms and templates on the company’s website.

Premium option: LegalZoom (Pricey)

LegalZoom’s Business Advisory Plan allows LLC owners to access legal consultations as well as a library full of legal forms. The annual subscription costs $459

If you need additional help from an experienced attorney, consider

• Access to a Legal Team: Get advice and questions answered by a team who understands the intricacies of business formation.
• Templates and legal forms: Legal forms and templates can be trusted to contain all the information you need.

Need help to ensure your LLC is compliant?

Best Choice: LegalNature

Compliance isn’t LegalNature’s main service. However, the company’s Compliance Guard option remains one of the best. Compliance Guard offers everything you need to keep you company in compliance, including meeting minutes and annual filings.

It’s an affordable way to ensure compliance for as low as $125 per year

Another great option: Harbor Compliance

ComplianceAdviser is Harbor Compliance’s software. It’s a set of tools that can be tailored to meet your business’s specific compliance requirements. Although this service is more expensive than other options, it may be the best option for LLCs that have more complex compliance requirements.

Prioritize to avoid potential legal problems when you form or operate your business.

• Compliance: Most LLC services that focus on compliance offer legal forms and risk management services to help you meet the requirements of your state.

LLC Service Reviews

We chose the 11 final LLC services that best suit the most common business scenarios and offer the features business owners are looking for in a service.

However, there is no single solution that will work for all businesses. We did extensive research on each company to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Below are our reviews and the best situations we have worked with.

Northwest Registered Agent Best for Privacy

Northwest offers a combination of LLC formation and one year of registered agent services at a very affordable $39

• Northwest does not offer upsells. This makes it very easy to form an LLC. Northwest is not like LegalZoom, which will attempt to sell you add-ons after add-on.
• Northwest offers excellent customer service. To resolve any issues, call the number and get your question answered promptly by a friendly and knowledgeable person.

Many companies consider privacy and offer you choices about how they handle your personal data. Northwest Registered Agent makes privacy protection a standard part of everything it does for you business.

The company automatically protects your information once you sign up. This means that your business address is not included in communications. It also keeps your data safe and secures it rather than selling it. The company is your registered agent and will protect your privacy.

Northwest Registered Agent is a registered agent company that specializes in domain registration. This means it can’t offer other services like business banking or business banking.

What makes Northwest registered agents great?

Northwest Registered Agent offers registered agent services in all 50 states. Services per state are more affordable if you have multiple states.

Instead of scanning only legal communications, the company scans all documents you receive. Compliance alerts will be sent to you to inform you of any important legal requirements while protecting your privacy.

Northwest Registered Agent offers a business number that can be used to quickly reach customers. The number can be used for business communications only. You can keep your personal number confidential.

Northwest Registered agent costs $100 plus the state filing fees for LLC formation. However, its registered agent services are $125 more per year. If you do not require this service, you should look elsewhere.

ZenBusiness is the best for entrepreneurs and startups

Startup businesses and entrepreneurs want to be able to quickly form their LLCs. ZenBusiness is the easiest way to set up an LLC. It takes just minutes.

It starts with an interactive chatbot, which asks you important questions to help you find the correct documentation for your state. You will be guided through each step with no guesswork.

ZenBusiness Academy is a great resource for solo or new business owners. It offers tons of free online resources. This suite of tools is essentially training for small businesses to understand the nuances of tax, accounting, creating business plans, and other details.

What makes ZenBusiness great?

ZenBusiness is simple beyond the initial setup. It offers an easy-to use platform to manage your account, find documentation, and access learning tools.

Your company can be your registered agent to store and manage important documents related to your business. This service will help you to stay compliant, keep track of legal notices and find out about any legal issues you might need to address.

You may need additional support if you are new to the entrepreneurial world. ZenBusiness has a reputation for providing prompt and reliable customer service that can assist customers with all kinds of business questions and needs. The company’s flexible hours include support on Sundays.

ZenBusiness begins at $0 plus any state filing fees. This keeps things affordable for startups and entrepreneurs. You can scale up as you need with many add-on options.

Bizee is the easiest way to set up an LLC

Bizee is a popular choice. They have helped more than 500,000 companies to form since 2004. You can also find a wide range of useful features that will suit your needs as an entrepreneur.

Keep in Mind: Even though their free formation LLC service is a great deal, you’re going to deal with more upsells and potentially higher overall prices as a result.

• Even considering that its base LLC formation package is free of charge, Bizee includes several good features such as a full year of registered agent service and lifetime company alerts for filing deadlines.
• They have more than 32,000 online customer reviews, and most of them are positive.
• Bizee has fairly good customer service with helpful support reps. They offer phone, email, and chat support.

Bizee is a great option for those who have a tight budget but need an affordable LLC service.

Bizee is the best option for you if you are looking for an easy-to-use LLC setup. Bizee makes it easy for business owners to set up an LLC in just a few minutes.

You can even get it free of charge if you select the Silver package. This includes everything you need, such as unlimited business name searches, prepared legal documents, and prepared legal forms. Only the filing fees for your state are required.

The free plan is not sufficient for LLCs that require additional services such as registered agent services, an EIN or operating agreements. Bizee offers the possibility to upgrade to other plans that offer similar setups.

What makes Bizee great?

Bizee’s setup can be viewed as intuitive and self-explanatory. However, for any questions, customer support is available via phone during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

Bizee offers several additional services that can be added to maintain its ease of use throughout the lifecycle of your business. Bizee allows you to purchase domain names and business emails, as well as add accounting and bookkeeping services that will help you manage your finances throughout the year.

Bizee’s paid pricing starts at $199 and includes free registered agent service for one year, plus additional documents you might need to run your LLC. Solopreneurs may be able to get by with the free plan.

Rocket Lawyer Best Affordable Legal Support

Rocket Lawyer offers LLC formation services that have an overarching theme: quality legal support. This allows you to only be an arm’s reach of credentialed attorneys when your business requires it.

Rocket Lawyer offers basic legal support without the additional cost of extra fees. Rocket Lawyer’s monthly subscription fee includes access to legal documents, legal questions and 30-minute consultations on each new legal matter.

Rocket Lawyer’s customer service hours are only available on weekdays. This means that you might not be able to access the legal assistance you need after those hours.

Rocket Lawyers: What makes them great?

Rocket Lawyer also offers a Document Defense Service, which protects your business from any issues that may arise with documents or contracts made through your company. To have a lawyer review the matter and provide assistance in enforcement, you can request a review.

It is easy to use the service, regardless of whether you are creating a new document or setting up an LLC. You will be guided through the process and asked all the questions you need to personalize your document. To protect you, each document has been subject to a thorough legal review.

Rocket Lawyer’s monthly membership costs $39.99. This includes on-call legal services and discounts for incorporation filing. To try it out, you can get a free 7-day trial.

LegalNature is the best for ongoing access to business documents

LegalNature offers LLC formation services that include all the paperwork, filing, and EIN attainment. This will allow you to get started as soon as possible. All you need is a guide to set up your LLC with only a few questions.

Once you have formed your LLC, LegalNature offers a variety of business documents that you can customize yourself. You can use the wizard to create operating agreements, business plans, amendments, purchases, and other agreements whenever you need them.

LegalNature emphasizes speed and simplicity so that every legal document can be completed in minutes.

What makes LegalNature great?

After you have created your LLC and signed documents with LegalNature you can access all of the information you’ve created through your online business portal. You can access all documents, create new forms and organize everything using this easy-to-use dashboard from any computer or mobile device.

LegalNature is a DIY-friendly platform that allows you to store and manage legal correspondence for your company. LegalNature will send you an email each time it receives a document. This allows for quick review.

LegalNature offers formation pricing starting at $49, plus any state filing fees. To create business documents, a subscription costs $119 per annum or $39 per month. Try LegalNature for 7 days before you commit.

Is LegalNature the right option for your LLC? 

LegalZoom – Most Comprehensive Premium LLC Service

LegalZoom provides a wide range of services to business owners long after they have filed their LLC. These services include everything from managing a successful brand to operating a business.

LegalZoom will help you set up a simple LLC with guidance. Select packages include experienced attorneys who can assist you in ensuring that everything goes exactly the way you want it to.

After you have set up your account, you can access LegalZoom’s extensive business services like contract writing, trademarking, provisional patenting and contract writing. LegalZoom offers registered agent services, tax assistance, and a virtual mailbox.

LegalZoom may be on the more expensive side depending on what services you require. The company charges per-service rather than offering packages. To get a quote tailored to your needs, you might want to contact customer service.

What makes LegalZoom great?

LegalZoom’s pick-and-choose-what-you-need model could be an excellent option for scaling LLCs. It’s possible to add services and remove what you don’t need, rather than paying for a package that might include services you don’t use.

The Total Compliance service, for example, files annual reports on behalf of your company and notifies you when important dates are due to ensure compliance. The Compliance Calendar is affordable and has important filing dates preloaded so you don’t get penalized.

LegalZoom offers free LLC filing. This includes your state’s filing fee. The Pro plan offers some compliance benefits, such as business consultations and the creation of operating agreements for $249 plus state filing fee.

BizFilings Best for Scalability

An LLC is a good way to start a business. It is a good idea to start with a company such as BIZFilings. This company offers many services that you can add on as your business grows.

BizFilings begins with a simple set-up process that includes a business name look, quality and compliance checks and done-for you filing. You can select additional services to help scale your business like payroll tax management or registered agent services when you choose your package.

BizFilings allows business owners to set up an LLC. They can also access the BizComply tool. This tool sends alerts and forms to ensure that your business is compliant as it grows.

What makes BizFilings great?

BizFilings provides three months of free registration to its registered agent services. This service will help you manage your documents and comply with all compliance requirements. If you choose to incorporate, you can still use this service for handling tasks.

LLC owners have the option to add operating agreements, amendment filings and business license research services to their LLC formation package. ADP also offers payroll services to help manage employee payments in a growing company.

Package pricing starts from $99, plus any state filing fees. Add-ons range between $20-$199. Sign up to get BizComply for three months free.

Harbor Compliance Best Compliance Software

Compliance is in its name and Harbor Compliance lives up to its mission to provide businesses with useful tools to manage their legal obligations.

Technically, Harbor Compliance can be described as an online tool that allows you to manage many of your compliance requirements. The software allows you to review, file, and renew documents. You can also receive communications from your registered agent.

Harbor Compliance specialists are available to help you review documents and alert you if something is amiss.

Harbor Compliance is a better choice if you are looking for a complete solution that includes additional services such as trademarking or business domain registration. This company is worth looking into if you are serious about compliance and have already filed your LLCs.

What makes Harbor Compliance great?

Harbor Compliance’s Entity Manager software tool is a standout offering. This tool and formation package includes registration agent services, compliance audits, and DBA renewals. It also has other essential features that ensure compliance year round.

Harbor Compliance’s software allows business owners to search for state requirements using its license management tool. You can then track each license’s renewal status right from your dashboard.

The cost of forming an LLC is $99 plus the state filing fees. However, there are other options available for expedited filing. Depending on the state, registered agent services start at $89 per annum.

Inc Authority Best for Free LLC Filings and Bonuses

While there are some services that allow you to form an LLC free of charge, Inc Authority offers more than a free filing. A business owner also gets a business name consultation and funding consultation. These extras combine affordability and value.

It’s a free service that you don’t have to pay for, but you will still get the high-quality filing you deserve. Inc Authority offers a similar service to other services, but with premium access to expert help if needed.

You get a free tax consultation and registered agent services for the first year. Digital document storage and management are also included in your free filing.

What makes Inc Authority great?

Inc Authority offers exceptional value through its free services. However, it also offers many affordable options for businesses that can create custom plans as their needs change.

A premium service bundle includes annual compliance notifications, business names searches, and a domain. This allows you to obtain multiple services at one price. A la carte services can be added to your free plan for $99, such as a legal document package or an operating agreement.

After your first year free, registered agent services of the company are only $99 per annum. This gives you ample time to try it out and make sure it is right for you. Premium packages start at $399, plus any state filing fees.

MyCompanyWorks is the best for speedy processing

MyCompanyWorks can process any submitted business filings on the same day, provided they are in the system and have been paid for by 3 p.m. EST. This unique feature is only available to LLC services. Many of these companies process filings in a matter of days. However, they do not offer same-day service for a small (and often expensive) fee.

Even if you don’t file your paperwork by the deadline of 3 PM, next-day filing is still possible, provided it’s a regular working day. This service is free of charge.

It’s easy to set up the company.

What makes MyCompanyWorks great?

MyCompanyWorks makes filing simple for single or multi-state filers. Its interactive wizard keeps track of your progress so that you always know what you have to do. To keep up with any reminders or additional documentation, you’ll receive email notifications.

You can view the status of your order online once you have filed. You can track it 24/7, from processing to acceptance.

MyCompanyWorks offers three pricing options, starting at $59 and including state filing fees. The Entrepreneur package is $199 plus the state filing fees. This includes registered agent services, lifetime access to the company’s suite of legal forms and unlimited access to the company’s business and legal forms.

Swyft Filings – Best Dedicated LLC Support

Although forming an LLC is relatively simple, you might need assistance. It is always a good idea that you have support available when you need it. Swyft Filings offers this for its customers.

Each person who uses Swyft Filings for their LLC formation gets a dedicated Business Specialist. Your specialist will provide their email address and phone number, so you can reach them at any time during normal working hours. When you have any questions regarding your company filings, your specialist is your best resource.

You can also hire a registered agent to help you manage your company’s correspondence and paperwork.

What makes Swyft Filings great?

After filing for your LLC, your business specialist will be available to answer any questions you may have. They’ll also review your filing personally to look for common errors and make corrections before forwarding it to the state.

You can contact customer service quickly by phone or live chat, Monday to Friday, even if you are unable to reach your specialist.

You can also get additional support through automated features. ComplianceGuard helps you keep track of renewals and important dates, and the online documents feature organizes and stores your documents for you.

Swyft Filings plans start at $49, plus any state filing fees. Every plan comes with a business name verification and complianceGuard alerts. To help you get started, an easy payment plan can be arranged.

#12 Incorporate Fast

Incorporate Fast provides LLC formation services for a low $99 This includes assistance in filing documents and assistance with filing them. They can file your documents the same day. They will file and process your documents within 24 hours after receipt. Upgrade to the $199 package and get an EIN

#13 Active Filings

Active Filings, another LLC Formation service is based in Dania Beach. Active Filings is a new company that has been around since 2001, but it remains a relatively small player in the industry. According to their website, only four employees work for them.

#14 Direct Incorporation

Direct Incorporation provides the same services as MyCorporation but also includes a banking resolution and an Employer Identification Number. These services are $174. You will need the next package for $297 if you want an LLC operating agreement. You can also get a logo design, trademarks, and a website for your business.

#15 InCorp

InCorp costs $99. Plus state fees for filing your Articles of Organization. The cost of registered agent services is $129 per annum.

#16 National Incorporations

Nationwide Incorporation provides basic filing services at $200. For $475 you can get an LLC operating agreement. Talk to an attorney. Pricey!

#17 SunDoc Filings

SunDoc Files offers a $79 base package to file your Articles of Organization. An EIN costs $70 and an operating agreement for LLCs costs $69

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post 19 Best LLC Services 2025 first appeared on Business808.</p>

You only need to do a little research in order to find out how to form an LLC in Arkansas.

This guide will walk you through the steps of starting your business, like an Arkansas business name search, and finding a registered agent.  We also provide answers to common questions about Arkansas LLCs.

Best LLC Services to Start an LLC in Arkansas

• Northwest Registered Agent
• Incfile
• ZenBusiness
• LegalZoom
• Rocket Lawyer

6 Steps to Get an LLC In Arkansas

It is easy to create an Arkansas LLC by simply filing a few documents with the Arkansas Secretary of State. Online forms are available for nearly any action, even amending previous filings.

1. Select a name for your Arkansas LLC

Name your business before you start to build it. Before you begin designing your logo, ensure that your name isn’t already taken. This will allow your LLC to attach your unique name to it. To verify your name is not already taken, you can run an Arkansas LLC search. If the requested name isn’t in the Arkansas Secretary Of State’s approved list, the Arkansas Secretary can refuse to reserve it.

• Contains the words “Limited Liability Company,” or “Limited Company”, or “LLC” and “LC”, with or without punctuation
• Contains the words “Professional Limited Liability Company,” or “Professional Limited Company,” if the company offers professional services.
• It doesn’t include words that could cause confusion for your business when you deal with a government agency
• It’s not too similar to an Arkansas business name

It is important to distinguish your name when you are trying to establish an LLC. Arkansas has a policy that allows you to use a name similar to an existing company name. The following tips can help you distinguish your name and increase your chances of being accepted:

• If businesses are located in towns other than 100 miles from each other, you can specify the geographic location.
• Services offered by specific companies (e.g. Lola’s Bakery vs. Lola’s Tax Services).
• Adding keywords

These types of businesses need special approval from the state licensing authorities. This information should be included in the application to the Secretary of State.

• This name can be used to refer to “bank”, “trust” or another similar word.
• This name can be used to refer to “engineer”, “engineering”, or another similar word.
• an LLC that practices medicine and dentistry
• an LLC that acts as an insurance company
• This name also includes “razorback(s),” or “Arkansas Razorback(s),”

After you have chosen a name, the Secretary of State will allow you to reserve it. The name will be held until you have completed forming your LLC.

Tip: Your LLC can be registered under a formal name or you can do business under a different name if desired. After forming your LLC, you will need to submit an “Application For a Fictitious name for LLC” online to the Secretary of State. This fictitious name can also be called a “DBA”, which stands for “doing business as”.

2. Arkansas Registered Agents

A registered agent is an entity that is located in Arkansas and receives official correspondence for the business. After your LLC has been formed, you can easily change your registered agent on the website of the Secretary of State.

Are you looking for the best way to obtain an LLC in Arkansas at the lowest price? This service is provided by registered agent companies for as low $49 per annum. Although you have the option of being your own registered agent but many business owners prefer to not do so due to the legal requirement that the registered agent must be available at all hours of business at the address. This can make it difficult for you to work remotely, take days off, or find a replacement in case of illness.

Tip: Legal filings can be delivered to this address, so you might not want to serve your own agent. If you are serving as your own agent and have clients in your office you might be served with a lawsuit or other documents that you don’t want anyone to see.

3. Request a Federal Employer ID Number (EIN).

You will need a federal tax ID number from the IRS before you can officially form your LLC. This is also known as an EIN (employer identification number) or federal tax identification numbers. You can request one free of charge from the IRS website. This number is required to register for Arkansas’s franchise system, even if you do not plan to hire employees.

Tip: LLCs are not required to request EINs in many states if they are single-member LLCs that don’t have employees or meet other requirements. Arkansas does not require LLCs to request EINs. You will need one in order to form any type or LLC.

4. Register your Certificate of Organization

Arkansas will need the following information to fill out its certificate of organization:

• Name of your LLC
• Your principal business address will be included in the public business record.
• Name and address for your registered agent
• Name and title for at least one member
• Federal EIN

Two ways to file the certificate of organization are available. You can file the certificate of organization online at the Secretary of State’s website. This requires filling out a form and choosing an effective date.

You can also print the PDF form and send a $50 check/money order to the Arkansas Secretary of State at the address below: Secretary of the State
1401 West Capitol Suite 250
Little Rock AR 72201

Tip: It is difficult to do it right the first time. After your LLC is established, you can amend your certificate of organization online for $22.50 or by mail for $25.

5. Make an Operating Agreement

Arkansas doesn’t require that an operating agreement be filed. However, it is a good idea to have one at the beginning of your business in order to decide how you want it to run. Operating agreements are basically a contract between members of an LLC. It is recommended that you consult an attorney when creating one.

LLC formation companies can assist with the creation of operating agreements. They also help you to determine how to register an LLC in Arkansas. Usually, operating agreements include information about the following:

• Name of the LLC
• Membership
• Management structure (the default structure in which all members make management decisions together, also known as “member-managed”; you can designate specific managers — known as “manager-managed”)
• Members and managers have responsibilities
• Voting rights
• Distribution
• Meetings
• Buyout and buy-sell policies
• Succession
• Dissolution
• Modifications to the Operating Agreement

Tip: Effective September 2021, the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, (ULCA) was passed to allow LLCs to file in Arkansas. It declared that operating agreements are not mandatory. The ULLCA states that operating agreements are not required to be written down. They can however be made by the members of the LLC. To avoid any confusion about how your LLC should function, you can create an operating agreement in writing and have all members sign it.

6. Fulfill your ongoing obligations

The first step in establishing an LLC in Arkansas is to figure out how it works. You will need to continue operating your business, including tax obligations.

Pay Federal, Local, and State Taxes

Federal income tax will be charged on the earnings of your Arkansas LLC. This tax can be paid as either a disregarded entity or as a corporation if you choose to pay that way. An Arkansas Corporate Franchise Tax of $150 will be required. This tax must be filed by May 1, each year. Local taxes could apply depending on where your business is located.

Keep Your Licenses Current

Professional licenses such as accounting or medical certifications may be required. These must be renewed regularly. Some licenses are required to open a restaurant or retail shop.

Tip: The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center provides consulting services for residents looking to start small businesses in the state. Before you create your LLC, you should have a formal business plan. This will help you navigate the licensure process as well as let you know what to do after it is operational.

Reference Links

https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/corps/search_all.php

https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/BCS_Name_Availability_Guidelines.7__.28__.21__.final__%281%29_.pdf

https://www.ark.org/sos/corpfilings/index.php

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in Arkansas first appeared on Business808.</p>

It is characterized by predictable and business-friendly laws, as well as an easy and affordable process for forming LLCs.

However, Delaware has some specific requirements before you can start an LLC.

There are many things to do, including registering with the division, paying all required fees, and meeting all naming information requirements.

Top LLC Services to Start a Delaware LLC

• Northwest Registered Agent
• Incfile
• ZenBusiness
• LegalZoom
• Rocket Lawyer

Five Steps to Launch a Delaware LLC

• Step 1: Finalize Your Delaware LLC’s Name
• Step 2: Nominate an agent registered in Delaware
• Step 3: Get your Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation
• Step 4: Create Your Delaware LLC Operating Agreement
• Step 5: Follow Federal, State, And Local Regulations

There are many good things about starting an LLC in Delaware

Delaware is different from other states in that owner information is kept private.

You don’t need to reveal any information about yourself or the owners. You can’t give out any information about yourself or your financial situation to anyone.

Another benefit is the simplicity of LLC formation.

The only thing you need to do is file a Certificate of Formation with the Division of Corporation. Many LLC services, such as IncFile, offer a variety of services to LLCs in the state. This will reduce your stress. This will be discussed in greater detail later.

Delaware allows owners to create a series LLC. This allows a single LLC with multiple divisions (known collectively as series), each with its own assets and members.

The assets of any series that is sued will be protected.

Unlike most other states, you won’t be required to pay any state income or intangible tax.

The Bad Parts of Starting an LLC in Delaware

The registration process may be more complicated if your principal place of business is in a state other than Delaware.

In order to register as a foreign company in your home state, you will need to pay multiple filing fees and submit annual reports. A Certificate of Good Standing (also costing a small amount) may be required from Delaware.

Multiple-state reporting and registration require a registered agent in Delaware as well as your home state.

Many LLCs offer registered agent services in the United States. However, it is important to select the right one. You’ll end up with multiple agents from different states.

Even though it is convenient, Delaware’s oral LLC operating agreements can be problematic. Talks between LLC members may be misinterpreted and the parties involved could lie.

This is why it’s important to have an operating agreement written, even if it’s not required by law.

Step 1: Finalize Your Delaware LLC’s Name

The first step in your LLC formation process is choosing a name.

The choice of a Delaware business name is more than branding. You must also meet certain legal requirements. Another requirement is to check availability to make sure no other businesses have filed for it with the Division of Corporations.

Follow these Naming Guidelines

Delaware law, like other states, requires that LLC owners choose a unique name. There are also other things to remember:

• The LLC name must be distinct from all other Delaware LLCs, corporations, or partnerships
• LLC names must contain the phrase “limited liability corporation” or one of its abbreviations, such as L.L.C. or L.L.C.
• The name of an LLC cannot contain words that could cause confusion between your company and a government agency (Treasury or FBI, State Department, etc.).
• If the LLC name contains restricted words (Bank or Attorney, University, etc.), you will need to fill out additional paperwork.

Check Name Availability

If you use a Delaware name that is already in use, you’ll be subject to a penalty. You should search for the name you are looking for on Delaware Entity Search at the Department of State’s site. You can use the name if it is available. You will need to create a new name if someone already has the name.

Verify URL Availability

Perhaps you have thought about setting up a website to promote your business. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already thought about launching a website for your business.

Even if you don’t intend to build a website for your business right away, I recommend purchasing the URL to stop other businesses from buying it.

Registering to be a DBA (Optional).

Your LLC can be operated under a different name than your company’s legal name.

You will need to register a DBA (or “doing business under” in Delaware. You must complete the Registration Of Trade, Business & Fictitious name Certificate form and submit it to each county Superior Court in which you do business.

This form requires notarization and will require you to pay $25 in filing fees.

Step 2: Nominate a registered agent in Delaware

If you are looking to create an LLC in Delaware, it is mandatory that you nominate a Delaware registered representative.

A registered agent is an individual/business entity that receives important federal and state correspondence, tax forms, and notices of lawsuits on your behalf. They are the point of contact for your business with the state.

This person or entity must also be a Delaware resident or have a Delaware street address.

Although you can choose to be your company’s registered agent, it is easier to hire an LLC that provides reliable services. This is my top choice.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent holds the #1 spot on our list of top-rated LLC formation services.

It has a large library of materials to assist budding entrepreneurs in deciding what type of business they should start. The software then helps them with paperwork and filing procedures. All this for as low as $39.

You get registered agent services free of charge for your first year.

Step 3: Get your Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation

Next, you will need to file your Certificate of Form (also known in other states as the Articles of Organization) online with the Delaware Division of Corporations. You also have to pay a filing fee.

Don’t worry too much because you have already engaged an LLC service to handle your documentation. It’s an important step. I’ll go over it in detail.

Get a Delaware Business License

Delaware has very strict requirements regarding business licenses. The Delaware Department of Revenue must issue a state license for the business.

Create a “One Stop” account to obtain a business license. You will also need to pay a filing fee. The fees will vary depending on what type of business you have and can range from $50 to $450.

Once you have completed the online process, you will receive a temporary license valid for 60 days. Generally, permanent licenses are sent within 10 working days.

Additional licenses may be required by some Delaware counties and cities. Contact local government agencies to find out the additional licenses required to run your LLC in Delaware.

The Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation

The Certificate of Formation can be filed online or by mail.

When filing, you will need to provide the name of your business and information about your registered agent. The application must also be approved by the Delaware Secretary Of State.

Delaware law only requires that you file a Certificate Of Formation once. If you change the name of your business or the registered agent of your company, you will need to file a Certificate of Amendment.

Keep your Certificate of Formation safe

Once you receive your paperwork after approval, keep your Certificate of Formation and any other important documents safe. Although it may seem obvious, you will be amazed at how many LLC owners lose important documents. Do not be like them.

Step 4: Create Your Delaware LLC Operating Agreement

After receiving approval from the Division of Corporations, your Delaware LLC is now legal. Congratulations!

There are however a few steps that must be completed before the final approval can be given. Delaware LLC owners must adopt an operating agreement.

An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the business ownership and operating procedures for a particular LLC. It is a legal document that ensures all business owners are on the exact same page. This reduces the likelihood of future disputes and misunderstandings.

Although the law does not specify when the agreement must be entered into, it is common to do so shortly after you file your Certificate of Formation. Although you can make a verbal agreement with the other party, it is better to have a written operating agreement.

The Operating Agreement should be drafted

An operating agreement is a detailed document. It should describe your business structure and outline the individual responsibilities of each member.

Your operating agreement should contain the following minimum:

• The purpose of setting up an LLC.
• Names and addresses for each LLC member as well as the manager, if applicable
• The LLP is enriched by each member’s contributions.
• Each member has a share of the profits or losses, as well as an ownership interest and voting rights.
• Acceptance of new members
• If the LLC is managed by a manager, there are procedures for choosing a manager
• Meeting schedule and voting procedures
• Dissolution

Each member of an LLC should read and sign the operating contract. The document doesn’t need to be filed with the state. Instead, you can file it along with key business records.

Step 5: Follow Federal, State, And Local Regulations

To create an LLC in Delaware, you must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. These regulations can vary depending on where you live and what your business is, but here are the main ones to remember:

Apply for an EIN

EIN is an acronym for Employer Identification Number. This nine-digit number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to businesses for tax purposes. It is your company’s Social Security number.

While it is not required for all LLCs you will need an EIN if your company has multiple owners or plans to hire employees. You will also need an EIN to open a bank account for your business.

Take control of your tax obligations

Delaware does not have a sales tax. However, LLCs operating in Delaware must comply with other tax requirements. If you have employees, you will need to pay both federal and state taxes.

All Delaware LLCs are required to pay $300 in annual taxes and gross receipts taxes, depending on the type of business. Each member of an LLC must also pay state income tax on personal tax returns unless the LLC is elected to be taxed like a corporation.

Respect your Employer’s Obligations

Employers must meet certain requirements when hiring employees. These include reporting new hires, paying unemployment and payroll taxes, and purchasing worker’s compensation insurance.

All Delaware employers must register with the Division of Workers’ Comp after hiring their first employee. This applies regardless of whether they are full-time employees or part-time.

Andy Brooks

Business808, a renowned consulting organization that aids startups in scaling and growing, is led by Andy Brooks as Editor-in-Chief.

Andy has over 12 years of consulting experience and is a pro at creating and managing profitable businesses. He has experience working with several LLCs and Registered Agent services and has a degree in business management. Andy enjoys providing useful information for Business808.

In addition to writing for Business808, Andy is a well-known author and speaker, and an active contributor to several online business publications, imparting his knowledge on how to grow an LLC.

<p>The post How to Start an LLC in Delaware first appeared on Business808.</p>