Swyft Filings Review: Pros, Cons & Pricing

What Is Swyft Filings?

I’ve been researching several LLC formation services here at LLC Geek, and Swyft Filings consistently came up as a popular option. Founded in 2015 by Travis Crabtree, they offer a variety of LLC formation packages in addition to other business-related services. Their primary focus seems to be on simplifying the LLC formation process for entrepreneurs.

Packages and Pricing

Here’s a detailed table including all the packages and everything they contain:

ComplianceGuard™

Swyft Filings offers a service called ComplianceGuard™, designed to assist businesses with meeting state compliance requirements. For an annual fee of $149, it handles tasks like annual report filings to help businesses avoid penalties and keep their LLC in good standing. While there are other ways to manage compliance, this service might appeal to business owners who value the convenience of outsourcing these tasks.

Ease of Use & Transparency

I found that forming an LLC with Swyft Filings is straightforward but involves nuances. The website’s pricing structure can be confusing, as it doesn’t immediately show the total cost including additional services.

Users might not realize the added costs of services like the $199 registered agent and the ComplianceGuard trial, which costs $149/year after 14 days. This could lead to unexpected expenses.

Moreover, the EIN service is offered at $70, despite being available for free from the IRS. The site also implies a 2-week turnaround for Wyoming LLCs, which is longer than necessary, especially when expedited options are available for an extra fee.

Despite these issues, Swyft Filings accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and PayPal, adding convenience to the process.

Registered Agent Service

Swyft Filings offers a registered agent service, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent in some states, as part of its LLC formation packages. This service is crucial for ensuring that your business remains in compliance with state laws by having a reliable point of contact for legal documents and government correspondence.

Registered Agent Review

Swyft Filings’ registered agent service is designed to provide businesses with the necessary legal representation in the state of formation. It’s a key component for any LLC, ensuring that all legal documents, including lawsuit notices and state filings, are handled professionally and promptly.

Registered Agent Price

The registered agent service with Swyft Filings costs $199 per year. This fee is consistent across their Basic, Standard, and Premium packages. They do not offer a free year of registered agent services with any of their packages, and their price is not the cheapest in the market. Northwest Registered Agent is one of the companies who offer this for free in the first year with their basic package.

Registered Agent Service Cancellation

To cancel the registered agent service with Swyft Filings, you would typically contact their customer support directly through their provided contact channels. It’s important to ensure you have another registered agent service in place to maintain compliance with state requirements.

Competitive Pricing Analysis: Swyft Filings vs. Others

I’ve compiled a detailed comparison table of Swyft Filings, ZenBusiness, Bizee, and Northwest Registered Agent, focusing on key aspects such as the cheapest price to form an LLC, whether a free Registered Agent service is included in the first year, and the cost to renew the Registered Agent service.

This table provides a clear comparison of pricing and services, highlighting differences in the cost-effectiveness and value of each service. While Swyft Filings and ZenBusiness offer competitive entry prices, Bizee stands out by offering a free Registered Agent service for the first year with a lower renewal cost. Northwest Registered Agent, although slightly more expensive upfront, includes a free Registered Agent service in the first year with a moderate renewal rate, emphasizing its overall value proposition.

Customer Support

Swyft Filings is often praised for providing good customer support, according to my testing and reviews from other users. They offer a live chat feature manned by human agents. The support team is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST.

Swyft Filings Phone Number and Email Address

For more direct inquiries, customers can contact Swyft Filings via email at [email protected] or call them at +1-877-777-0450.

Turnaround Time

Swyft Filings’ turnaround times vary by package. The Basic package offers a 10-day filing period with standard shipping. The Standard package reduces this to a 5-day express filing with expedited shipping. Their Premium package provides the quickest option: same-day filing and expedited shipping.

Turnaround times can differ depending on the state. Expedited services are available but come at an additional cost, potentially making Swyft Filings’ process longer and more expensive compared to some competitors.

Customer Feedback Analysis

Customer feedback on Swyft Filings is mixed across platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and Reddit. Many users commend the ease of use and customer support. They appreciate the quick service and efficient problem resolution.

However, I’ve noticed many concerns about upselling and transparency. Some customers were surprised by additional costs, such as the default addition of the registered agent service. Despite these issues, positive experiences with customer service, including the handling of unwanted charges, are frequently mentioned.

Operating Agreement

Swyft Filings includes a custom Operating Agreement as part of its Standard and Premium packages. The Standard Package, priced at $199 plus state fees, and the Premium Package, at $299 plus state fees, both offer this essential document. The Operating Agreement outlines the LLC’s ownership structure, operating procedures, and member roles, providing a clear framework for the business’s internal governance.

Swyft Filings Mobile App

Swyft Filings does not have a mobile app for either iPhone or Android devices. While some LLC formation services offer apps to manage the formation process or access documents, Swyft Filings relies on its website, which is responsive to mobile, to provide these services to its users. If you’re looking for app-based services, see Zenbusiness, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer.

The Expert Verdict

Swyft Filings is good for entrepreneurs looking for a quick and straightforward path to LLC formation, especially those who value ease of use and support. Their offerings are particularly suited to small business owners who need basic LLC formation services without extended legal services.

However, Swyft Filings may not be the best fit for those seeking the most cost-effective solution for registered agent services, given the annual renewal cost. Additionally, businesses that prioritize transparency and dislike upselling may find the added services and the way they are presented less appealing.

In essence, Swyft Filings might be a good option for entrepreneurs who prioritize speed and support over cost and who are looking for a service that simplifies the LLC formation process. It’s less suited for those on a tight budget or those who prefer to manage their LLC compliance tasks independently without additional paid support. See my top picks for the best LLC services to find other services that might match your requirements better.

Swyft Filings Alternatives

When considering LLC formation services, it’s crucial to compare various providers to find the best fit for your needs. Swyft Filings, ZenBusiness, Bizee, and Northwest Registered Agent each offer unique features, pricing, and customer support levels. Here’s how Swyft Filings stacks up against these alternatives.

Swyft Filings vs. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is recognized for its user-friendly platform and excellent customer support, contrasting with Swyft Filings’ straightforward but less transparent approach. While both offer basic LLC formation for just the state fee, ZenBusiness provides a more comprehensive Worry-Free Compliance service in its packages.

Swyft Filings vs. Bizee

Bizee (formerly known as Incfile), offers a competitive package with a free Registered Agent service for the first year, making it an attractive option for startups looking to minimize upfront costs. Its renewal rate for the Registered Agent service is also lower than Swyft Filings, providing long-term savings.

Swyft Filings vs. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent shines with its personalized customer service and privacy-focused approach. While its initial cost is higher than Swyft Filings, the inclusive free year of Registered Agent service and the emphasis on privacy and customer support make it a strong contender for businesses prioritizing these aspects.

Each service has its strengths, making the choice dependent on your specific needs, whether it’s cost, support quality, or additional services.

Frequently Asked Questions