The headline formation fee is only part of the story — what's bundled (especially the registered agent that renews yearly) matters more. Here's the honest comparison.
Some links on this page are partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — always labeled. For official filings you can use your state's .gov registry directly. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
| Service | Formation · best for |
|---|---|
| Northwest | $39 + state · privacy-first, includes strong RA. Visit Northwest Partner |
| Bizee | $0 + state · lowest entry cost. Visit Bizee Partner |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state · guided, polished UX. Visit ZenBusiness Partner |
| LegalZoom | Higher · attorney access / legal add-ons. Visit LegalZoom Partner |
Formation prices and inclusions change frequently; confirm on each provider's site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best LLC formation service?
Northwest for privacy and included RA quality, Bizee for the lowest entry cost, LegalZoom for legal add-ons. Match it to your priority.
Are $0 formation services really free?
The service fee can be $0, but you always pay the state filing fee, and the registered agent typically renews annually.
Do I need a formation service at all?
No — you can file directly with the state. Services save time and bundle the registered agent and EIN.