LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a business formation and legal services company that handles LLC filings, trademark services, annual report filings, and other related business solutions. Their advertised starting price is low, however many commonly expected features are pay for add-ons and in higher-tier plans, meaning the total cost can rise quickly. LegalZoom also provides attorney-drafted templates for business documents such as contracts, agreements, and policies. Be sure to carefully review what each tier includes (and excludes), along with recurring fees, turnaround times, and level of support.
Pros:
- Offers legal advice and services
- Multiple service tiers available
Cons:
- Expensive registered agent service
- No phone support with the basic plan
- Slower turnaround times for some services
To learn more about what this service provider has to offer, read our LegalZoom LLC review.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent provides registered agent services and business filing support, including LLC formation. Compared with some competitors, its offering place less emphasis on bundled extras and more on core filing and registered agent services. Total cost can depend on the services selected, such as LLC formation, registered agent service, and any optional add-ons.
Pros:
- Simpler service structure
- Positive customer service reviews
Cons:
- No free formation plan
- Only one LLC package
- Fewer add-on services compared to competitors
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent LLC review.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers online LLC formation through tiered packages, with optional extras like a website builder, domain, logo tools, and business email. As with other "$0 + state fees" offerings, the base package can be limited, and the overall price often hinges on which add-ons or higher tiers you select. Some services may renew automatically or be bundled in ways that make side-by-side comparisons more difficult without reviewing the checkout details. It's worth clarifying what's included in your plan versus what carries an extra cost, including registered agent service and any ongoing subscriptions, to help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Pros:
- Affordable starting price
- Positive customer service reviews
- Multiple package tiers
Cons:
- Registered agent service is not included in the free plan
- Business templates are only included with the Premium plan
- Confusing packages and auto-renewing services
Want to learn more? Read our ZenBusiness LLC review.
Bizee
Bizee provides online LLC formation with a low advertised starting price and a menu of add-on services that can be selected during checkout. The core filing itself can be straightforward, but the purchasing flow tends to surface many optional upgrades. Depending on what you choose to add, the final cost and ongoing charges (such as renewals for registered agent service) may vary from the starting price.
Pros:
- Affordable basic package
- Easy for beginners
Cons:
- Customer support can be inconsistent
- Frequent checkout add-ons can make it harder to know the true total cost until you reach the final steps
To learn more, read our Bizee LLC review.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is a business service provider that offers LLC formation marketed as free plus state fees, with the filing processed through an online order flow. As with many "free formation" providers, the base offer can be limited, and the overall cost often depends on which packages or add-on services you choose during checkout. Some extras may be presented as recommended or time-sensitive, and certain services can carry ongoing fees once introductory periods expire. Before making your decision, review what comes with the base filing versus paid upgrades, including registered agent pricing after the first year, and confirm any renewal terms.
Pros:
- Free LLC formation with one year of registered agent service
- Covers basic business needs
Cons:
- Aggressive upselling
- Limited transparency on pricing for add-ons
Want to learn more? Read our Inc Authority LLC review.
Facts about forming an LLC in New Jersey
- LLC name: The name of a New Jersey LLC must include either "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation “LLC” or “L.L.C.” New Jersey permits you to shorten "Limited" to "Ltd." and "Company" to "Co."
- Formation document: The document used to form a New Jersey LLC is called a Certificate of Formation, which is filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES).
- Registered agent requirement: New Jersey requires LLCs to appoint and continually maintain a New Jersey registered agent to receive service of process and other official communication on behalf of the business. The registered agent must have a physical address in New Jersey.
- General business license requirement: New Jersey does not issue a general business license at the state level, but LLCs will need to file a tax/employer registration form (Form NJ-REG) with DORES. In addition, cities and counties often impose their own licensing requirements.
- Annual report requirement: LLCs formed in New Jersey or doing business in the state will need to file an annual report (referred to as an annual registration) with DORES.