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Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding what to expect from your online incorporation service is key. The right provider ensures your C corp or S corp is set up correctly, handling state filings and compliance so you can focus on growing your business.
Comparison of incorporatrion service providers
| Service provider | Starting price (Excl. state fees) | Registered agent price | Money-back guarantee | Best for |
| BizFilings | $99 + state fees | Free for 3 months, then $220/year | Yes (within 60 days) | Entrepreneurs and small businesses needing expert guidance |
| LegalZoom | $149 + state fees | $249/year | Yes (within 60 days) | Businesses needing online legal services |
| Rocket Lawyer |
$0 + state fees. Two membership options: Rocket Legal+ is $239.88, billed annually or Rocket Legal membership, billed at $39.99 a month, unless cancelled w/in 7 days |
$124.99/year (with Rocket Legal+ membership) $249.99/year (without Rocket Legal+ membership) |
Yes (within 30 days) | Businesses requiring ongoing access to legal advice |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees | Free for 1 year, then $125/year | Yes (within 90 days) | Privacy-focused businesses |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees | $199/year | Yes (within 60 days) | Budget-conscious startups |
| Inc Authority | $0 + state fees | Free for 1 year, then $199/year | Yes (within 60 days) | Small startups with minimal compliance needs |
BizFilings
izFilings is a strong choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to form a C corporation or S corporation while navigating state-specific requirements.
Their straightforward online or phone ordering process makes incorporation simple, with guidance that clearly explains your options. BizFilings can also handle S corp elections (IRS Form 2553) for an additional fee and manage any extra state requirements, such as initial reports or publication mandates.
Backed by the global compliance firm Wolters Kluwer, BizFilings combines experience and reliability, making them a dependable partner for incorporating your business.
Pros:
- Clear upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Average Trustpilot score of 4.7
- Strong customer support from real people
- Make a complex process fast and easy
Cons:
- No free formation plan
- Fewer customization options for packages
LegalZoom
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom offers a comprehensive suite of business formation services, along with additional compliance and intellectual property support. They also provide free templates for various legal forms and agreements, and guide users through a step-by-step process to form a corporation.
In addition, LegalZoom can secure S corp status on your behalf for an additional fee. This makes them a good option for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs seeking accessible legal assistance.
Pros:
- Offers legal advice and services beyond business formation
- Well-known and trusted brand
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive registered agent service
- No phone support with the basic plan
- Slower turnaround times for some services
Rocket Lawyer
Founded in 2008, Rocket Lawyer provides services to help users form new businesses, create legal documents, and get legal advice. Their monthly subscription model provides businesses with ongoing access to attorneys and unlimited legal documents, making it ideal for small companies that frequently require legal support. However, for simpler operations, the subscription may not be cost-effective.
Pros:
- Members can access hundreds of business document templates
- Responsive and helpful customer service
- You can pay for ongoing legal advice on various matters.
Cons:
- Many services require a monthly membership fee
- Additional add-ons can increase overall costs quickly
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent provides registered agent services and helps businesses with incorporating. They are known for focusing on privacy, clear pricing, and great customer support. For an extra fee, Northwest can also handle your S corp election filing.
Pros:
- Strong focus on privacy and data protection
- Excellent customer service
- Flat pricing with fewer upsells
Cons:
- No free formation plan
- Fewer add-on services compared to competitors
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an online provider that specializes in business registration and a variety of additional services. They offer an easy-to-use platform with budget-friendly pricing and compliance tools. Their services include tiered packages and options for building your brand, such as a website builder, domain name registration, logo design kits, and professional email services. While ZenBusiness can assist with S corp elections for LLCs, they don’t provide support for standard corporations.
Pros:
- Affordable starting price
- User-friendly dashboard
- Strong customer support
Cons:
- Registered agent service is not included in the free plan
- Upsells can add up
- Does not currently support an S corp election for a C corp
Inc Authority
Inc Authority offers free incorporation services, along with the option to file your S corp election for an additional fee. Their business model is designed to attract new entrepreneurs with an appealing basic package at no cost while also offering more extensive paid bundles and additional services.
Pros:
- Free incorporation base cost with one year of registered agent service
- Good for basic business needs
Cons:
- Aggressive upselling
- Limited transparency on pricing for add-ons
How to choose an incorporation service provider
Business formation services aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each provider offers different features and pricing, so take the time to identify what your business truly needs and choose a company that delivers those essentials without breaking your budget.
Pay close attention to what’s included in each incorporation package – especially those labeled “free” – to avoid missing key services or encountering hidden fees.
Finally, work with a provider that has a proven track record of accurate, on-time filings and clear guidance through your options. Extra reassurance comes from companies that back their work with guarantees against filing errors.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a C corp and an S corp?
When you form a corporation with your state, you're not specifically creating a "C corp" or an "S corp." You're establishing a corporation.
By default, corporations are taxed as C corporations according to IRS rules. An S corporation is a regular corporation that chooses a different tax treatment by filing Form 2553 and meeting certain requirements. This means that the structure of a C corp and an S corp is the same. The only difference is how they are taxed.
For more information, see S corporation vs C corporation: Key differences and benefits.
Should a small business form as a C corp or S corp?
C corps are usually the best choice for startups that want to grow quickly and attract outside investment. However, they face double taxation and must adhere to strict corporate regulations.
S corps combine the advantages of being a corporation with some tax benefits similar to a partnership. Still, their limits on shareholders and types of stock can restrict flexibility and fundraising options.
For more information, see Understanding C corp, S corp, LLC business structures, and DBA.
When should I incorporate?
You can run a business without being incorporated, but there are advantages to forming a corporation or LLC. These advantages include protection from personal liability and possible tax benefits.
For these reasons, small businesses are encouraged to incorporate early on. This helps them reduce their liability risk and enjoy the benefits of being incorporated.
For more information, see When to incorporate or form an LLC.
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Choose an option to see detailed information on the requirements for incorporating or forming an LLC in each state.
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