When evaluating options to find the best incorporation service provider for your business, examining the pros and cons of well-known companies like LegalZoom can guide your decision.
LegalZoom incorporation services overview
If you’re looking to set up your business as a C corp or S corp, you must first file Articles of Incorporation with your state (sometimes called a Certificate of Incorporation, depending on where you’re located). But forming a corporation involves more than just paperwork, there are several other requirements you’ll need to address to stay compliant. Some of these requirements include -
- Appointing a registered agent at the time of incorporation.
- Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
- Registering with the state’s department of revenue.
- Meeting state-specific requirements, such as initial filing requirements.
- Preparing corporate bylaws
- Holding the first board meeting
- Filing Form 2553 with the IRS (S corporations only)
LegalZoom helps small business owners navigate some of these steps through a set of tiered packages:
- Economy ($149 + state filing fees): Includes business name availability check and filing of Articles of Incorporation.
- Standard ($329 + state filing fees): Adds small business and insurance guidance.
- Express Gold ($349 + state filing fees): Includes everything in the Standard package plus a 30-day subscription to attorney consultations and document review and additional business services.
Other important details about LegalZoom’s incorporation services:
- Processing times: 10–14 business days (not including state processing times) for the Economy package. Standard and Express Gold provide faster LegalZoom processing times. Times are based on the submission of complete information.
- Registered agent services: Not included in any incorporation package; available separately for $249/year.
- EIN: Not included in incorporation packages; available bundled with bylaws and resolutions for $178 or bundled with bylaws, resolutions, and forms and electronic signature for $307.
- S corp election: S corp election service is available for $60.
- Additional services: Beyond incorporation, LegalZoom offers DBA registration, business licenses, trademark and copyright registration, wills, and other legal documents.
LegalZoom incorporation process
Before we dive into the details of LegalZoom’s business incorporation service, it's helpful to understand the basic requirements for incorporating, so you provide the necessary information during the questionnaire.
Understanding these requirements will also help you evaluate the additional services offered during the process and decide which ones you need. Check out this resource to learn more: Guide to starting a corporation.
LegalZoom’s incorporation process is a step-by-step online process:
- Choose a package: Economy, Standard, Express Gold.
- Provide business details: Name, state of incorporation, industry type, and other essentials. During this stage, you’ll be offered additional upsell services such as for bylaws, EIN obtainment, and other services.
- Submit payment and address details.
- Provide shipping address and payment information.
Once these steps are completed, LegalZoom will take additional steps when preparing your Articles of Incorporation for filing with the state, including validating your name against the state’s business entity database. They may also request more information required by the state, which could include details about shares, initial directors, and your registered agent.
How is LegalZoom’s customer support?
LegalZoom provides online business formation and legal services at a lower cost than hiring a traditional attorney. Its platform uses guided questionnaires and workflows to simplify completing legal forms, making it accessible even to those without legal expertise.
However, corporations are required to appoint and maintain a registered agent, and LegalZoom does not include this in its standard incorporation packages. Instead, registered agent service is available as a paid add-on.
Customer feedback also highlights concerns about upselling during the purchase process and unexpected subscription charges, with many preferring more transparent, all-inclusive pricing.