Skip to content

LLC formation service review

LegalZoom

LLC formation from $0 plus state fees; the EIN ($79) and an operating agreement ($99) are add-ons on the Basic package or come with the $249 and $299 packages. No package includes the registered agent, which costs $249 a year.

By LegalZoomParent company: LegalZoom.com, Inc.

RTC SCORE

5.9

#10 of 15 with enough data

What we like

  • Basic package at $0 plus state fees, with the EIN and operating agreement sold apart at published prices.
  • Phone support every day of the week.
  • The Expert Service package adds a licensed attorney's review of the filing.

What to watch

  • No package includes the registered agent, at $249 a year, the highest yearly price we found from the first year.
  • The $249 and $299 packages start a monthly plan of $49 or $99 after 30 days unless you cancel.
  • No refund once any part of the order is submitted to the state.

How the score breaks down

RTC Score5.9out of 10

Methodology v1.0.0

Data completeness100%

We could verify 100% of the scoring data

Strongest points
3-year cost of the standard basket, Refund window on the vendor's fees, Files in all 50 states
Weakest point
3-year cost of the standard basket

Score by criterion

  • 3-year cost of the standard basketWeight 30%StrongestWeakest4.8 out of 10

    $925 over 36 months

  • Refund window on the vendor's feesWeight 12%Strongest10.0 out of 10
  • Registered agent renewalWeight 10%2.6 out of 10
  • EIN obtained for youWeight 10%6.0 out of 10
  • Operating agreementWeight 10%6.0 out of 10
  • First year of registered agentWeight 10%0.0 out of 10
  • Files in all 50 statesWeight 10%Strongest10.0 out of 10
  • Phone supportWeight 8%10.0 out of 10

All the data, with sources

Each value links to its source. "Not published" means the vendor doesn't disclose it; "Unconfirmed" means we looked and couldn't confirm it. Data points we have for fewer than four vendors are left out until we can compare them.

Pricing
Data pointValue
Cheapest formation package$0 one-timeSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)Basic package: the articles only.
How the package is soldOne-time feeSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)The packages are one-time; the $249 and $299 packages bundle a monthly plan that starts after 30 days.
Other chargesUnconfirmedSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)The LLC page doesn't publish expedited filing, shipping or other charges; they show only in checkout, which we didn't open.
What the package includes
Data pointValue
EIN obtained for youIncluded in a higher packageSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)In the Managed Service and Expert Service packages; on its own it costs $79.
EIN add-on$79 one-timeSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Operating agreementIncluded in a higher packageSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)In the Managed Service and Expert Service packages.
Operating agreement add-on$99 one-timeSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)$199 with rush processing.
Files in all 50 statesYesSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Registered agent
Data pointValue
First year of registered agentPaid from the startSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)None of the three LLC packages lists the registered agent; it's sold apart by the year.
Registered agent per year$249/yrSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)That purchase price is for first-time registered agent customers, and the renewal rate can change.
Registered agent renews on its ownYesSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Renewals and add-ons
Data pointValue
Package renews every yearN/ASource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)The formation packages are one-time; the monthly plans bundled with the higher packages renew each month.
Free trials that turn paidManaged Service includes 30 days of the Business Advisor plan, then $49 a month; Expert Service includes 30 days of its plan, then $99 a month. Both renew every month until you cancel.Source: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Refunds and cancellation
Data pointValue
Refund window on the vendor's fees60 daysSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)Only until the filing goes to the state.
Refund and cancellation terms60 days, but only until the order is submitted to the state; a package is not refundable once any part of it is filed. Subscriptions: 30 days. To stop the registered agent you must send written proof of the new agent by the next billing date.Source: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Support
Data pointValue
Phone supportYesSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Support hoursMonday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific; weekends, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific.Source: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)
Language
Data pointValue
Human support in SpanishNoSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)We found no statement of support in Spanish on its site.
Website in Spanish for the USNoSource: LegalZoom (opens in a new tab)Its Spanish address (/es) returns an error.

More about LegalZoom

How we score