When comparing LLC service providers in New York, it helps to look at different factors beyond cost in order to find a solution that suits your business priorities. In this guide, we’ll review the leading online LLC services for forming an LLC in New York.

  • BizFilings
  • LegalZoom
  • Northwest Registered Agent
  • ZenBusiness
  • Bizee
  • Inc Authority

Comparing New York LLC service providers

Service provider Starting price (plus 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 $0 + state fees $249/year Yes (within 60 days) Businesses needing online legal services
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
Bizee $0 + state fees Free for 1 year, then $119/year Yes (within 60 days) Entrepreneurs seeking basic formation services
Inc Authority $0 + state fees Free for 1 year, then $199/year Yes (within 60 days) Small startups with minimal compliance needs

BizFilings

For small businesses and entrepreneurs who need help forming their New York LLC or navigating state requirements, BizFilings is an excellent choice. Their online platform allows you to form an LLC with practical, step-by-step guidance. BizFilings can also assist in handling New York’s publication requirement for LLCs.

As part of the global compliance firm Wolters Kluwer, BizFilings brings extensive experience and credibility to the LLC formation process.

Pros:

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Average Trustpilot score of 4.7
  • Strong customer support from live representatives
Cons:
  • No free formation plan
  • Fewer customization options for packages
Start Now With BizFilings
The business formation experts

BizFilings

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

LegalZoom

LegalZoom is a widely recognized provider of business formation, business compliance, intellectual property, and other legal solutions. The company also offers attorney-drafted templates for various legal documents. LegalZoom is a good option for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs seeking document preparation and business filing services in New York.

Pros:

  • Offers legal 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

To learn more about what this service provider has to offer, read our  LegalZoom review 


Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a well-known provider of LLC formation, registered agent, and other business services. The company highlights its commitment to privacy (through its "Privacy by Default" policy) and transparent pricing. It also provides strong customer support where each customer is assigned a dedicated Corporate Guide for personalized assistance.

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

Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review. 


ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a number of compelling selling points, such as an easy-to-use platform, budget-friendly pricing, and compliance tools. Customers have praised the company for its strong customer service, with support provided in the evenings and on weekends. ZenBusiness operates using a services bundle model. There are three tiered packages, with brand-building options such as a website builder, domain name, logo kit, and professional email.

Pros:

  • Affordable starting price
  • User-friendly dashboard
  • Strong customer support

Cons:

  • Registered agent service is not included in the free plan
  • Business templates are included with the Premium plan only
  • Upsells can add up

Want to learn more? Read our ZenBusiness review 


Bizee

Bizee (formerly known as Incfile) is a popular online business formation and compliance service provider. One of their bundled service offerings is free LLC formation, where Bizee waives its own service fee and customers pay only the state filing fees. One year of registered service is included in its basic free package, as well as its standard and premium packages.

Bizee is often chosen by entrepreneurs seeking a lean, budget-friendly way of establishing an LLC in New York.

Pros:

  • Free LLC formation base cost with one year of registered agent service
  • Transparent pricing
  • Good for budget-conscious startups

Cons:

  • Customer support can be inconsistent
  • Upsells during checkout

To learn more, read our Bizee review 


Inc Authority

Inc Authority is a well-known LLC service provider that offers free LLC formation (plus state filing fees). Entrepreneurs looking to create a New York LLC are attracted to the company’s no-cost basic package (plus state filing fees), which also includes one year of registered agent service and either EIN assistance or expedited filing. For customers who need more support with their LLCs, Inc Authority offers comprehensive paid packages and add-on services.

Pros:

  • Free LLC formation base cost with 1 year of registered agent service
  • Good for basic business needs

Cons:

  • Aggressive upselling
  • Limited transparency on pricing for add-ons

Want to learn more? Read our  Inc Authority review.


Facts about forming an LLC in New York

  • LLC name: New York LLC names must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC", or "L.L.C."
  • Formation document: The document used to form an LLC in New York is referred to as "Articles of Organization".
  • Registered agent requirement: While it is optional to list the name and address of a New York registered agent, New York LLCs must include the address for receiving service of process and other legal documents.
  • Publication requirement: New York requires newly formed and registered LLCs to publish a notice in two newspapers assigned by the County Clerk.
  • Annual report: New York LLCs are required to file a report every two years (biennial report).
  • Business licenses:To operate legally in New York, businesses must obtain the appropriate state and local licenses and permits based on their industry, location, and activities, including registration with the Department of State and the Department of Taxation and Finance, and may also require federal licenses for regulated sectors.

Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations) contact information

Address Albany Location:
One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12231-0001

New York City Location:
123 William Street, New York, NY
10038-3804
Telephone 518.473.2492
Email [email protected]
Website https://dos.ny.gov/ 

For more information on starting an LLC in New York, see our New York LLC Formation Guide.

New York LLC frequently asked questions

How much does a New York LLC cost?

Each state charges a fee for establishing a new LLC or registering an existing out-of-state LLC to do business there. The fee for filing Articles of Organization for an LLC in New York is $200, which is higher compared to many other states. In addition, New York has a publication requirement for LLCs, the cost for which can range on average from $500 to over $1,500.

Why create an LLC?

LLCs provide a number of advantages over sole proprietorships, partnerships, or even incorporating. Here's why small business owners frequently choose to form an LLC:

  • Personal asset protection: LLC members are shielded from personal liability for business actions and debts. Creditors generally cannot pursue an owner’s personal assets to satisfy business obligations.
  • Flexible taxation: LLCs typically don't pay entity-level taxes. Business income and losses pass through to the owners' personal tax returns; taxes are paid at the individual level. LLCs can also elect to be taxed as an S corporation or C corporation.
  • Credibility: An LLC provides a more formal business structure than a sole proprietorship or partnership, which can help establish credibility.
  • Easier than incorporating: LLCs face fewer state requirements and ongoing formalities than S corporations or C corporations.

Considerations when starting an LLC in New York

LLC usually costs more to form and maintain than a sole proprietorship or general partnership. There are also ongoing compliance obligations with the state, such as maintaining a registered agent and filing an annual report.

New York has a biennial report requirement. (The report needs to be filed every two years.) While the filing fee for the biennial report is low ($9 filing fee), New York’s initial publication requirement for newly formed or registered LLCs can be expensive.

For more information on LLC pros and cons, read our Guide to forming an LLC.

Conclusion

For small business owners, making the decision to form an LLC is a major step. Since LLC services aren't one-size-fits-all, it's important to identify what your business needs and choose a provider that delivers those essentials. Review what's included in each package, especially "free" options. Some services exclude essentials or add fees later, so understand what you're getting upfront. Choose a provider with a proven track record for accurate, timely filings and clear guidance, and look for companies that guarantee their work against filing errors.

The business formation experts

BizFilings

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

The business formation experts

BizFilings

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

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