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.