Top 5 LLC Formation Services (2026)
The five LLC services worth considering this year, with what each costs in year one and after, and who each one suits. Prices come from each provider’s website and were last checked in October 2026.
Our Top 5 at a Glance
Picked on price, what’s included and renewal costs. We may earn a commission from some of these providers; see our affiliate disclosure.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best for privacy and support
$39 + state fee, including a year of registered agent service (then $125/yr). Northwest’s address goes on your public filings instead of yours.
Visit Northwest →2. Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Lowest year-one cost
$0 + state fee with a free first year of registered agent service (then $149/yr). Standard ($199) adds EIN and operating agreement.
Visit Bizee →3. ZenBusiness
Best for hands-off compliance
$0 Starter; Pro ($199/yr) adds EIN, operating agreement, 1-day processing and annual report filing. Registered agent $199/yr.
Visit ZenBusiness →4. LegalZoom
Best for legal support
$0 Basic, $249 Pro with EIN, operating agreement and 30 days of attorney guidance. Registered agent $249/yr.
Visit LegalZoom →5. Swyft Filings
Fast paid packages
$0 Basic (7–10 business days); Standard (list $199) within 3 business days; Premium (list $299) is fastest. Registered agent sold separately.
Visit Swyft Filings →Year-One and Ongoing Costs
For a basic LLC, before state fees.
| Provider | Cheapest package | Registered agent, year 1 | Year-1 total | Agent, year 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest | $39 | ✓ Included | $39 | $125/yr |
| Bizee | $0 | ✓ Included | $0 | $149/yr |
| ZenBusiness | $0 | $199 | $199 | $199/yr |
| LegalZoom | $0 | $249 | $249 | $249/yr |
| Swyft Filings | $0 | Sold separately | Varies | Varies |
Prices checked October 2026. Promotions change often; confirm at checkout. You can get an EIN for free from the IRS.
How to Pick
Start with the registered agent
Every LLC needs one, and it’s the cost you keep paying. A $0 package with a $199–$249/yr agent costs more over three years than a $39 package with the agent included.
Then decide what you want handled
If you want annual reports filed for you, look at ZenBusiness Pro. If you want legal advice, LegalZoom Pro. If you want privacy and a human team, Northwest.
See All Providers Side by Side
Including startup options like Stripe Atlas and Firstbase.
Prices checked October 2026