When evaluating options to find the best LLC service provider for your business, examining the pros and cons of well-known companies like LegalZoom can guide your decision.

LegalZoom LLC formation services overview

To officially form an LLC, you must file Articles of Organization with your state. But filing these documents is only the first step to legal compliance, most states also require:

  • Appointing a registered agent at the time of formation.
  • Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
  • Registering with the state’s department of revenue.
  • Meeting state-specific requirements, such as publication notices.

LegalZoom helps small business owners navigate these steps through a set of tiered packages:

  • Basic ($0 + state filing fees): Includes business name availability check and filing of Articles of Organization.
  • Pro ($249 + state filing fees): Adds EIN registration, operating agreement, and access to legal documents for one year.
  • Premium ($299 + state filing fees): Includes everything in the Pro package plus bookkeeping and income and expense tracking tools.

Other important details about LegalZoom’s LLC formation services:

  • Processing times: 5–14 business days (not including state processing times). Expedited service is available for $99. Times are based on the submission of complete information.
  • Registered agent services: Not included in any formation package; available separately for $249/year.
  • Publication service: Not available, even in states where it’s required for newly formed or registered LLCs to publish a formation notice in certain newspapers.
  • Additional services: Beyond LLC formation, LegalZoom offers DBA registration, business licenses, trademark and copyright registration, wills, and other legal documents.

LegalZoom LLC formation process

Before we dive into the details of LegalZoom’s formation service, it's helpful to understand the basic requirements for forming an LLC, so you can 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 forming an LLC

LegalZoom’s formation process is a step-by-step online process:

  • Choose a package: Basic, Pro, or Premium.
  • Provide business details: Name, state of formation, industry type, and other essentials. During this stage, you’ll be offered additional upsell services such as annual report filings, operating agreements, or EIN services.
  • Submit payment and address details.
  • Provide additional information if required by your state: Ownership details, management structure, and registered agent information.
  • Provide shipping address and payment information.

Once these steps are completed, LegalZoom will take additional steps to file your formation documents with the state. These include validating your name with a business entity data source; they may also request more information about your business’s ownership, management structure, and registered agent. You’ll also be offered additional services, like trademark research.

LegalZoom will then prepare and file your Articles of Organization.

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, LLCs are required to appoint and maintain a registered agent, and LegalZoom does not include this in its standard LLC formation packages. Instead, registered agent service is available only 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.

LegalZoom pros and cons

Category Pros Cons
Ease of use User-friendly interface with guided workflows that simplify LLC formation. The formation process can be complex with multiple options and steps.
Service offering Broad legal and business services, including access to legal advice. Registered agent not included in LLC services (only available as a $249/year add on.
Customer support Access to human representatives (phone, email, live chat). Some users report needing multiple calls to resolve issues
Reputation Strong brand presence, widely recognized, and highly trusted on Trustpilot. Users report aggressive upselling, which leads to unexpected costs. Users seek more transparent pricing.
Pricing Less expensive than hiring an attorney, it offers a money-back guarantee on many services. Premium packages and add-ons make LegalZoom more costly, especially when selecting premium packages.

How does LegalZoom compare to other LLC service providers?

LegalZoom vz. BizFilings

Feature LegalZoom BizFilings
Starting price $0 + state filing fees $99 + state filing fees.
Registered agent $249/year (not included in packages). Free for three months, then renewal fee.
Publication requirement service Not available. Not available.
Legal services Yes. Documents, trademarks, contracts, wills, IP. Not included in business formation and compliance services.
Compliance tools Basic compliance add-ons available. Strong compliance focus, tools for multi-state operations.
Upsells Frequent upsells during checkout. To add a registered agent costs $249/year. Minimal upsells, clearer pricing. $220/year package includes three free months of registered agent service.
LLC publication Not included. Yes, offers a publication service for states that have LLC publication requirements.
Customer support Phone, email, chat 7 days a week. Phone/email, reputation for specialized guidance.

BizFilings specializes in business formation and ongoing compliance, providing in-depth expertise in these areas and tools to help you stay compliant with state regulations.

For businesses with complex filing needs, especially if you are operating in multiple states, BizFilings may be the better option.

The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

LegalZoom vs. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent specializes in business formation and compliance, with a focus on providing LLC formation and registered agent services. They have earned a strong reputation for their personalized customer service and commitment to privacy protection.

Feature LegalZoom Northwest Registered Agent
Core focus Broad business and legal services (LLC formation + legal contracts, wills, IP, tax, attorney access). Specializes in LLC formation and registered agent services, strong emphasis on compliance and privacy.
LLC formation pricing Three tiers: Basic (Free + state fees), Pro ($249 + state fees), Premium ($299 + state fees). Flat $39 + state fees, includes one year of registered agent service.
Legal services Yes No
Operating agreement/EIN Available with mid-tier package. Available with mid-tier package.
Registered agent service Not included in any package; must be purchased separately for $249/year. Included free for 1 year; renews at $125/year.
Transparency Reports of upselling and unexpected subscription charges; pricing can be less clear at checkout. Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or aggressive upselling.

Northwest Registered Agent is ideal for entrepreneurs who value privacy and prefer transparent pricing without hidden fees.

LegalZoom is well-suited for entrepreneurs who require a comprehensive range of business and legal services and prefer to have everything in one place. It’s a good option for anyone looking for ongoing legal support without having to hire a full-time lawyer.

LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness

Founded in 2015, ZenBusiness is an online provider of business registration and other services.

Feature LegalZoom ZenBusiness
LLC formation pricing Three tiers: Basic (Free + state fees), Pro ($249 + state fees), Premium ($299 + state fees). 3 tiers: Starter (Free + state fees), Pro ($199), Premium ($299). Mid-tier pricing is more affordable than LegalZoom.
Operating agreement/EIN Available with mid-tier package. Available with mid-tier package.
Extra perks (pro tier) 30-day attorney consultations, 1 year of customizable legal documents, 1 year of eSignatures. Faster internal processing: “front of the line” filing priority.
Registered agent service Not included in any package; must be purchased separately for $249/year. Not included. Offered as an add-on.

LegalZoom is a good fit for entrepreneurs who want access to legal advice and legal documents as part of business setup. ZenBusiness is designed for small businesses seeking basic formation packages, a user-friendly platform, and expedited processing times.

LegalZoom LLC formation services FAQs

Is LegalZoom legitimate for LLC formation?

LegalZoom is a credible and well-known company that has been offering legal documents and services to millions of individuals and small businesses for over two decades. Customers find it to be an effective alternative to hiring an attorney or pursuing a fully DIY approach to LLC formation.

It's important to note that while LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools, it does not function as a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except through its subsidiary law firm, LZ Legal Services, LLC, where permitted.

What are the reasons for using an LLC service?

LLC service providers present a budget-friendly option compared to hiring costly attorneys, ensuring that your business formation documents are filled out correctly and adhere to state regulations. Utilizing many of these services can help you save time and money, give you confidence in the process, lower the likelihood of mistakes, and provide useful customer support and resources during the intricate process of business formation.

Find the best LLC service for your business

Choosing the right LLC formation service depends on your priorities – whether it’s cost, speed, legal support, or ongoing compliance. Each provider has strengths and trade-offs, so it’s worth comparing your options carefully before making a decision.

For a deeper dive into the top providers, check out our guide to finding the best LLC service for your business. 

The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

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