Best LLC Services (Rankings & Reviews 2025)

Best for non-US Residents and DOAs

3.5

Visit Website Full Doola Review

7. Harbor Compliance

Best for transparency

3.3

Visit Website Full Harbor Compliance Review

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Pricing

Mid-range

🎁

Free Registered Agent

No, $99/year

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Basic Package Price

$99 + State fee

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Support Quality

Good

💬

Live Chat

No

⏱️

Turnaround Time

Fast

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Mobile App

No

⭐

Ease of Use

Good

Harbor Compliance Pros

• Transparent and straightforward pricing: Harbor Compliance makes its pricing clear, charging a base rate of $99, not including state fees, for LLC formation.
• Efficient and personalized support: It’s been reported that Harbor Compliance offers good quality, personalized customer support through email and phone.
• Comprehensive compliance services: Offers a wide range of compliance services, including annual reports and EIN registration.

Harbor Compliance Cons

• Higher prices than competitors: Harbor Compliance’s services are generally more expensive compared to other LLC formation services.
• No mobile app available: Lacks a mobile application for managing LLC-related tasks.
• Limited refund or cancellation policy: The refund policy is restrictive, offering limited or no refunds once a service has commenced.

Harbor Compliance Review Summary

Harbor Compliance stands out in the market for its clarity in pricing, dedicated customer support, and comprehensive range of compliance services. Its approach to LLC formation emphasizes transparency and tailored support, though it comes at a higher cost compared to other services.

The lack of a mobile app and a limited refund or cancellation policy are notable drawbacks. These factors may influence potential users’ decision-making, especially those prioritizing convenience and financial flexibility.

When comparing Harbor Compliance with alternatives, the choice largely depends on individual business needs and budget constraints. While it offers distinct advantages in transparency and personalized support, considerations around cost and the importance of mobile accessibility could lead users to explore other services.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an LLC Service

When choosing an LLC service, finding the right combination of cost, quality, and features that match your business needs is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

• Budget-Friendly Options: If saving money is your top goal, be aware that you may get fewer features and potentially less helpful customer support. Companies need to make money in some way, so they might try to sell you additional services later on, or the quality of their main service might not be the best.
• Top-Tier Customer Support: If you want excellent assistance, you’ll likely pay more. However, this means you’ll get expert guidance whenever you need it. It can be hard to know what a company’s customer support is truly like, and online reviews can be misleading. We aim to help you figure this out through our guide.
• International Needs: If you live outside the US, look for services that specialize in international business requirements. This will make the process much smoother. Some services might not let you use a non-US phone number or offer payment methods used in your country.
• Quality vs. Cost: Companies often try to convince you that higher prices automatically mean better service and more features. We hope to help you see through this with our comparison page.
• Customer Reviews: Be cautious with customer reviews. Companies can manipulate them to make their scores look better. It’s easy to write fake reviews, especially with the help of AI tools. Competitors might also try to bring down the scores of legitimate LLC services. A good rule of thumb is to pay attention to reviews with average ratings, around 3 out of 5 stars, as these tend to be more realistic.

Choosing the right LLC service means finding the perfect fit for your business. Think about what matters most to you: saving money, getting excellent support, or a mix of both. Remember, a cheap option now might cause problems later if you don’t have the support and features you need to run your business smoothly.

Comparing LLC Formation Service Costs

Our pricing table breaks down the costs of popular LLC services. Compare base package prices, whether a free registered agent is included for the first year, and the ongoing annual cost of a registered agent. Remember, state filing fees are additional and vary depending on your location.

Our Review and Rating Methodology

An LLC service can save you time and hassle when starting your business. We know how confusing this can be, so we’ve become experts in thoroughly evaluating LLC services. Our process involves in-depth testing, substantial research, and gathering feedback from both real customers and legal experts. We want to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide for selecting an LLC service online.

Factors We Thoroughly Examine:

• Cost Analysis: We analyze pricing for every company and package, exposing any hidden fees along the way.
• Cost-Value Comparison: We evaluate whether the price aligns with the value you receive in terms of features and support when forming your LLC.
• Client Support & Service: We investigate customer feedback across multiple platforms like Google, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Reddit. We carefully filter out any suspicious or artificial reviews, focusing on genuine customer experiences. It’s a good rule of thumb to be wary of extreme 1-star or 5-star reviews and pay closer attention to those in the middle.
• Ease of Use: Although we can’t personally form LLCs with every service, we simulate the process, noting positive aspects and potential roadblocks. We pay close attention to transparency and whether companies try to conceal fees or mislead customers.
• Offerings & Features: We compare the range of services offered by each company. We assess if formation services are their core offering, what additional features are included, and the associated costs.
• Mobile App Usability: For convenient access and management, we evaluate the availability of mobile apps. We examine their functionality, ease of use, and overall user ratings.
• User Feedback Analysis We go beyond online reviews and actively seek feedback from real customers. We want to understand their experiences with the LLC formation process, registered agent services, and ongoing business maintenance.
• Legal Expert Rating: We consult legal professionals to ensure the services offered are legitimate and to identify any misleading claims made by companies. For example, many companies charge exorbitant fees for obtaining an EIN, which you can easily get for free directly through the IRS.
• Turnaround Time: We take note of standard processing times and any potentially deceptive “expedited” offers, especially in states where formation might already be exceptionally fast.

Our research is very detailed and often reveals more questions than answers. We make every effort to address these questions thoroughly, making sure our guide offers complete clarity and empowers you to make informed decisions.

What Do LLC Services Typically Offer?

At their core, LLC services help you with the essential steps of forming and maintaining your Limited Liability Company. Here’s a breakdown of the most common features offered:

Foundational Services

• Filing the LLC (Articles of Organization): These companies handle the paperwork required to officially register your LLC with the state.
• Registered Agent Service: An LLC must have a registered agent, a designated person or company that receives official documents and legal notices. Many entrepreneurs choose to hire an LLC service as their registered agent for convenience and privacy, especially if they live outside the US.

Ongoing Compliance

• Annual or Biennial Report Filing: LLCs in most states need to file regular reports to maintain good standing. Services can manage this process for you.
• Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting: LLCs are now required to report their beneficial owners (the real people behind the business) to FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network). LLC services often include this as part of their compliance package.

Additional Resources

• Operating Agreement: While not always mandatory, an Operating Agreement outlines your LLC’s rules and structure. LLC services may provide templates or create one for you to help avoid future disputes.

Optional (and Sometimes Overpriced) Extras

• Domains, Websites, Logo Creation, Business Cards: These add-ons can be convenient, and you might even get discounts. However, you can often find better deals through specialized providers.
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): The IRS provides EINs for free. LLC services often charge hefty fees for this simple service. While an EIN might be necessary for international businesses, US-based entrepreneurs can easily get theirs directly from the IRS.

Be wary of companies that heavily push extras. Focus on the core services that help you establish and maintain your LLC, and seek out the best deals for any additional needs you may have.

LLC Formation Service Feature Comparison

The table below compares essential LLC service features like registered agent services, compliance assistance, operating agreement help, live chat, and mobile app availability. It’s straightforward and provides you a holistic view of which services offer what you need.

Why Use an LLC Service?

Yes, you absolutely can form your LLC yourself! It’s a great way to save money and learn the process inside-out. If you’re up for the challenge, we’ve got your back with our state-specific guides:

However, there are compelling reasons to consider an LLC service:

• Time is Money: Forming an LLC involves paperwork and research. A service frees up your time so you can focus on building your business.
• Peace of Mind: Staying compliant means deadlines and regulations. A good LLC service handles the reminders and keeps you on track.
• Potential for Bundled Services: Some companies offer packages that include tax preparation, legal advice (less common, but available), and other business support. This can save you the hassle of sourcing those services separately.

When to Consider Other Options:

• Complex Situations: If your business operates in a highly regulated industry or involves complex legal structures, an attorney may be the best choice to ensure everything is set up correctly.
• Lack of Confidence: If you don’t feel comfortable dealing with the legal and administrative aspects of forming an LLC, either an attorney or a reliable LLC service can provide the support you need.

Whether you DIY, use a service, or hire an attorney depends on your priorities, comfort level, and the complexity of your business.

What is an LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular business structure that combines the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with the liability protection of a corporation. This means your personal assets are typically shielded from business debts and lawsuits. To learn all the ins and outs of LLCs, check out our comprehensive LLC for Beginners guide.

LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship

Main differences between an LLC and a sole proprietorship include:

• Liability Protection: An LLC protects your personal assets, while a sole proprietor is personally responsible for business debts and liabilities.
• Formalities: LLCs require some paperwork and fees, whereas sole proprietorships begin the moment you start doing business.
• Taxation: LLCs offer flexibility in how they’re taxed, while sole proprietorships report business income on their personal tax returns.

LLC vs. S Corp

Here is where an LLC and an S Corporation are different:

• Taxation: LLCs offer flexible pass-through taxation by default, while S Corps can potentially save on self-employment taxes for owner-employees.
• Ownership Restrictions: S Corps have stricter ownership limits (number of shareholders, types of shareholders). LLCs are more flexible in this regard.
• Complexity: S Corps generally have more administrative requirements than LLCs.

The best choice for your business depends on factors like size, industry, and tax strategy.

Do You Even Need an LLC for Your Business?

While incredibly popular, an LLC isn’t strictly required for all businesses. However, the benefits they offer make them a smart choice for many:

Liability Protection: The main draw of an LLC is shielding your personal assets (house, car, savings) from business debts and lawsuits. This peace of mind allows you to focus on growing your business.

Example: Imagine you own a small catering company. If a customer gets food poisoning and sues your business, an LLC can help protect your personal savings from being seized to pay damages.

LLCs can also offer tax flexibility, more trustworthiness for your business, and easier ownership transfers compared to some other structures.

Piercing the Corporate Veil

An LLC is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic shield. The term “Piercing the Corporate Veil” refers to a legal situation where the court disregards your LLC’s liability protection, potentially making you personally responsible for business debts or legal judgments. This is why it’s critical to operate your LLC responsibly.

Courts might pierce the veil if you mix personal and business finances, fail to follow formalities (like holding meetings and keeping records), or if your LLC is used for fraud.

For example, if you run a food truck and knowingly use spoiled ingredients to save money, causing widespread food poisoning, an LLC might not fully shield you from personal liability in a lawsuit.

Pros and Cons of LLCs

Forming an LLC offers great advantages, but it’s important to be aware of some potential donwnsides as well. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

Pros

• Limited Liability Protection: Perhaps the biggest advantage – your personal assets are usually shielded from business debts and lawsuits.
• Tax Flexibility: LLCs can choose how they want to be taxed (as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), offering potential savings.
• Credibility: An LLC adds a level of professionalism and legitimacy to your business.
• Management Flexibility: LLCs can be managed directly by owners (members) or by appointed managers, allowing for customization.

Cons

• Cost: Forming and maintaining an LLC often involves fees and annual reports.
• Complexity: Compared to a sole proprietorship, there’s slightly more paperwork and administrative work involved with an LLC.
• Potential for “Piercing the Corporate Veil”: If you don’t operate your LLC responsibly (mixing personal/business funds, inadequate record-keeping), you risk losing liability protection.
• State Variations: LLC laws and regulations can differ slightly between states.

Best State to Start an LLC

Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, and New Mexico have a reputation as “magical” states for forming an LLC. However, the truth is less straightforward:

For US Residents

For most businesses, forming an LLC in your home state is the simplest and most cost-effective option. Trying to register in another state often leads to:

• Double Fees: You’ll likely need to register as a “foreign LLC” in your home state anyway, leading to more paperwork and costs.
• Tax and Compliance Headaches: Dealing with multiple state regulations can create extra administrative burdens.

There are exceptions where a different state might make sense:

• Owning Real Estate in Another State: If your primary business involves owning property outside your home state, forming an LLC where the property is located can be advantageous.

For Non-US Residents

If you’re not physically operating your business within a certain US state, the choice is yours. However, if you plan to have employees, an office, or any notable physical presence, you’ll need to register your LLC in the state where you do business – just like US residents.

Frequently Asked Questions