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 review
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 provides LLC services to small business owners 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: Some states require newly formed or registered LLCs to publish a formation notice in certain newspapers. LegalZoom does not currently offer this service.
- 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 employs 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.
LegalZoom pros and cons
When it comes to LegalZoom’s LLC offerings, here are some key pros and cons to consider.