Best LLC Formation Services (2026): 10 Providers Compared

Forming a US limited liability company isn't hard in itself, but the paperwork, the registered agent rules and the annual filings that follow can eat into time you'd rather spend on customers. That's why so many founders hand the job to an LLC formation service.

This page compares ten providers in no particular order, listed alphabetically. I've included smaller specialists alongside the household names, and every description comes from each provider's own website. It's a comparison of services, not legal or tax advice, so please check with an attorney or accountant about your own situation. If you're still deciding on structure, my guide to an LLC versus a sole proprietorship is a sensible first read.

LLC formation services side by side

In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site lists a free starting package. State filing requirements still apply whichever service you use, and packages change often, so check each provider's current terms before you order.

Tool	Type of provider	Good for	Free plan
Bizee	Formation and filings service	Simple filings plus later amendments and annual reports	Yes
doola	Formation for global founders	Forming a US company from outside the US	No
Firstbase	Formation and company admin	International founders setting up an LLC or C-Corp	No
Harbor Compliance	Licensing and compliance specialist	Licences, registrations and ongoing compliance tracking	No
Inc Authority	Formation service	A basic filing with a tax ID and starter extras	Yes
LegalZoom	Formation and legal services	Formation with optional documents and attorney access	Yes
MyCompanyWorks	Formation service	Guided setup with filing reminders that keep coming	No
Northwest Registered Agent	Registered agent and formation	Keeping your home address off public filings	No
Stripe Atlas	Startup incorporation tool	Delaware startups planning to raise investment	No
ZenBusiness	Formation and compliance service	Formation with compliance reminders and alerts	Yes

Ten LLC formation providers, A to Z

Bizee

Best for: Founders who want a straightforward filing now and the option to hand over annual reports and amendments later.

doola

Best for: Non-US founders who want company formation, a tax ID, a registered agent and back-office help in one place.

Firstbase

Best for: Founders in any country who want formation and ongoing company admin handled from one dashboard.

Harbor Compliance

Best for: Businesses that expect to deal with licences and registrations in several states and want them tracked in software.

Inc Authority

Best for: First-time founders who want the filing, a tax ID application and a year of registered agent cover bundled together.

LegalZoom

Best for: Owners who like the idea of adding legal documents, attorney access and tax help to the same account later on.

MyCompanyWorks

Best for: Owners who'd like a step-by-step startup wizard, quick processing and ongoing reminders about annual filings.

Northwest Registered Agent

Best for: Founders who care about privacy and want a business address, mail forwarding and registered agent service from the start.

Stripe Atlas

Best for: Tech founders who want a Delaware company, founder equity paperwork and a direct route into payments and banking.

ZenBusiness

Best for: Small business owners who want the filing done and alerts about annual report deadlines so nothing slips.

What an LLC formation service handles for you

At its simplest, a formation service files your articles of organisation with the state. Most do a good deal more, and that's where the real differences lie. Before you choose, look at which of these jobs are included and which you'd need to arrange yourself:

• A business name availability check before anything is filed.
• Registered agent service, so there's a named address to receive official mail in your state of formation.
• An operating agreement template that sets out who owns what and how decisions are made.
• Help applying for an EIN, the tax ID most banks and payment providers will ask for.
• Reminders or filings for annual reports, so the company stays in good standing.
• Mail forwarding and a business address that keeps your home address off public records.
• Support for founders who don't live in the US and don't have a Social Security number.

Questions to ask an LLC formation provider before you order

• Which state will you form in, and does the provider work in that state?
• Is registered agent service included, and for how long?
• Will it file for your EIN, or just point you to the IRS form?
• Does it send reminders for annual reports, or file them for you?
• Can it help if you're a non-US founder without a US address or phone number?
• Who do you speak to if something goes wrong, and how do you reach them?
• What happens to your documents and mail if you leave the service?

Matching an LLC formation provider to your kind of business

• Solo founders forming one simple company often only need the filing, a registered agent and an EIN.
• Founders abroad should favour providers that say plainly they work with non-US residents and can help with banking.
• Startups planning to raise investment are usually steered towards a Delaware C-Corp rather than an LLC, so ask an attorney first.
• Businesses that need licences in several states will get more from a compliance specialist than from a basic filing service.

If you're forming from outside the country, my walkthrough on setting up a US LLC as a non-US resident covers the steps in more detail.

LLC formation mistakes that cause trouble later

• Picking a name without checking trademarks as well as state records. My guide on how to trademark a business name explains why the two checks differ.
• Skipping the operating agreement because your state doesn't demand one.
• Using your home address as the registered address and then finding it on public records.
• Forgetting the annual report and letting the company fall out of good standing.
• Choosing a tax treatment without talking to an accountant first.

Tax treatment is a big one. An LLC can be taxed in different ways, and my comparison of an S corp and an LLC shows the questions worth taking to your accountant.

Do you make an LLC formation or company setup service? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A last LLC formation checklist before you file

Write down the state you'll form in, the name you want and who the members are. Then shortlist two providers that cover the jobs you can't do yourself, read their current terms, and keep copies of every document they file for you. If anything about ownership, tax or liability feels unclear, that's the moment to book time with an attorney or accountant rather than guessing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a formation service to create an LLC?

No. You can file directly with your state's business filing office. A formation service saves time and can add extras such as registered agent cover, EIN help and annual report reminders.

What is a registered agent?

It's a person or company with an address in your state who receives official legal and government mail for your LLC. Many formation services offer it as part of their packages.

Can a non-US resident form a US LLC?

Yes, many founders abroad do. Some providers say plainly that they work with non-US residents and help with the tax ID and banking steps, so check that before you order.

Will a formation service give me legal or tax advice?

Most say clearly that they don't. They file and track documents for you, so speak to an attorney or accountant about structure, tax treatment and liability.

What happens after my LLC is formed?

You'll usually apply for an EIN, sign an operating agreement, open a business bank account and diary your annual report. Some providers remind you about each step.