Cheapest LLC Formation Services: Top 12 Providers Ranked for 2025

Looking for the cheapest LLC formation services in 2025? This guide compares headline prices vs. true first-year value, so you don’t overpay on essentials like registered agent service and operating agreements. Our testing highlights when “$0 + state fees” is actually more expensive than a low flat fee with bundled perks. Below are the top providers and the smartest ways to keep your LLC costs rock-bottom without cutting corners.

Cheapest LLC Formation Services: Top Picks for 2025

Finding the cheapest LLC formation service is essential for entrepreneurs looking to save money without sacrificing quality. Understanding the cost to start an LLC is crucial when selecting an LLC provider. Moreover, if you need an LLC to start a business, it is a critical step in launching your entrepreneurial journey. This guide helps you choose the best LLC services, offering value-packed options to streamline the process and meet your business goals effectively.

1. Northwest Registered Agent $39: 9.13/10 (Best Cheap LLC Formation Service)

Northwest Registered Agent is my top pick for the best business formation service since it provides one of the most economical LLC formation packages alongside industry-leading customer service.

Pros

Northwest’s formation package includes everything you need to form an LLC, including filing your initial formation documents — called articles of organization (sometimes certificate of formation or certificate of organization) — with the Secretary of State. 

It also helps with your operating agreement, provides a business address with free digital mail forwarding, and gives you guidance from its Corporate Guides.

This package includes compliance notices to remind you to file your annual reports and a free year of registered agent service; you can optionally add VoIP phone service for $9/month.

Northwest also offers add-ons such as certified copies of your formation paperwork, help obtaining an EIN, and a Certificate of Good Standing. These carry small extra fees, which is fair since not every business needs them in the basic LLC formation.

What you’ll love most about Northwest is its exceptional customer service. Their US-based Corporate Guides include former business owners, lawyers, and accountants who know LLC formation and ongoing compliance cold.

Northwest don’t just help you form your LLC, they’ll provide actionable business advice and point you toward the fastest, cheapest ways to stay in compliance.

Cons

The one issue I found with Northwest's services is that it does not give online tools to help your business entity build an online presence, such as a customized business website, email or direct messaging service, or domain name registration service.

However, you can obtain these services for a nominal cost from a variety of websites, like Wix and Squarespace, so this shouldn't be a huge issue.

Overall

Northwest Registered Agent is the best LLC formation service for value because the inexpensive package covers key essentials and their Corporate Guides are there when you hit business roadblocks.

If you want top-tier customer support and transparent pricing, Northwest offers LLC formation for $39 + state fees, including one year of registered agent service.

2. ZenBusiness $0: 8.25/10 (Best Free LLC Service)

ZenBusiness has a starting price of $0 + state fees for LLC formation, which is tough to beat for basics.

Pros 

The $0 Starter plan covers the essentials: name availability check, clean prep of your paperwork, and filing your articles of organization for you.

Upgrading to the Pro Plan ($199) adds expedited filing (state-dependent) and guidance to set up your operating agreement, which determines how your company runs.

The Premium Plan ($299) layers in priority rush filing, a business domain & email, and a website-building tool to get online fast.

Cons

The $0 tier is perfect for straightforward filings, but if you want faster service and documents, costs rise with Pro and Premium (LLC formation, expedited filing, website tools).

No ZenBusiness plan includes a free year of registered agent service; the RA add-on runs $199/year (often $99 for the first year when switching).

Support is responsive for account needs, but don’t expect deep help on complex tax or HR issues, those aren’t part of typical LLC formation scope.

Overall

If you want a company that provides simple formation essentials — like accurate filing of your articles of organization — ZenBusiness’s $0 + state fees offering is a strong fit.

3. Harbor Compliance $99: 7.13/10 (Best for Complimentary Services)

In addition to affordable LLC formation, Harbor Compliance delivers a broad suite of compliance services tailored for regulated industries.

Pros

A major advantage is personalized compliance support. Clients get guided help throughout formation and beyond, which reduces the risk of penalties from missing state requirements.

Harbor’s online portal provides real-time status, access to documents, and integrations with Secretary of State systems to monitor your LLC approval.

They also assist with obtaining an EIN, drafting operating agreements, and managing annual reports, streamlining ongoing obligations. For state-specific lookups, check your Secretary of State’s database or the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) resources.

Cons

While they excel at compliance, the $99 LLC formation starting price is higher than some $0 providers, but reflects the depth of managed compliance.

They focus on compliance and formation rather than a large library of customizable legal documents or direct legal consultations; businesses needing extensive legal documents may want separate counsel.

Overall

Harbor Compliance is a smart pick when you value hands-on compliance management with your LLC formation. The dedicated guidance and portal tools provide peace of mind — especially in highly regulated fields — even if the upfront cost isn’t the cheapest.

4. Inc Authority $0

Inc Authority is an impossibly cheap LLC formation service, filing your articles of organization for $0 + state fees and including a free year of registered agent service in the $0 package.

The challenge appears as soon as you need add-ons: the next bundle jumps to $399, so if you need extras (e.g., operating agreement, EIN), a provider like Northwest Registered Agent may deliver better total value.

5. Bizee (formerly Incfile) $0

Bizee (formerly Incfile) starts LLC formation at $0 + state fees and includes one free year of registered agent service. You’ll get the essentials — articles of organization filing, name check, and compliance alerts — via an easy online dashboard.

Limitations to note: after year one, registered agent service renews at about $119/year, and advanced features (like faster filing and extra templates) live in the $199 and $299 tiers. If you want more bundled guidance out of the gate, Northwest Registered Agent still offers strong value at $39 with excellent support.

6. Swyft Filings $0

Swyft Filings now starts at $0 + state fees for basic LLC formation and includes a secure online portal with 24/7 document access, but it doesn’t include a free year of registered agent service.

If you don’t need registered agent service and want a bare-bones articles of organization filing, Swyft is an okay option — though Northwest Registered Agent still packs in more value for $39 (e.g., registered agent service + guidance).

7. Incorporate Fast $99

Incorporate Fast charges $99 + state fees to handle your LLC formation, and it includes a free year of registered agent service plus a custom operating agreement in every package.

It’s solid for speed and essentials, but it provides fewer overall perks than Northwest Registered Agent at $39, so value-seekers may still lean Northwest.

8. LegalZoom $99

LegalZoom, a well-known brand for business and legal tools, now starts LLC formation at $0 + state fees. Here’s what you get—and what’s missing:

What’s included:

• Filing of your articles of organization for basic LLC formation
• Business name check to confirm availability
• Online account dashboard for docs & status tracking

What’s missing:

• A free year of registered agent service (RA is an add-on billed separately)
• An operating agreement in the basic plan
• Built-in compliance reminders (annual report alerts/tools require extras)

Verdict:
While LegalZoom’s national reputation is appealing, the $0 basic plan lacks bundled essentials (like registered agent service) that competitors such as Northwest Registered Agent include for $39 — often making Northwest the better first-year value.

9. MyCompanyWorks $79

MyCompanyWorks offers solid value in its basic package (typically $79 + state fees). You’ll get essentials like a name availability check, help with paperwork, filing with the Secretary of State, and ongoing compliance alerts.

However, it doesn’t include a free year of registered agent service in the basic tier; many reviewers note you typically need the $279 “Complete” (or higher) package to get RA bundled. If you stay on lower tiers, registered agent service is an extra annual fee.

10. BizFilings $99

BizFilings provides the core services to form an LLC starting at $99 + state fees, including preparing and filing your articles of organization and basic support — making it a straightforward choice for simple setups.

That said, compared with Northwest Registered Agent, BizFilings offers fewer bundled perks (e.g., only 3 months of registered agent service included vs. a full year at some competitors), so overall value for money can be weaker.

11. IncParadise $89

IncParadise focuses on Nevada and charges an $89 service fee (plus state fees) for LLC formation, including a name availability check, preparing state-approved documents, and filing your articles of organization.

The offering is intentionally basic and Nevada-centric; if you need multi-state tools or ongoing compliance support, a broader national provider may deliver more value.

12. Incorporate.com $99

At $99 + state fees, Incorporate.com's Starter package is a bare-bones LLC formation service (they’ll file your formation documents and provide an online dashboard).

It doesn’t include registered agent service or an operating agreement in the base price (the OA is commonly a paid add-on), so at this tier it trails fuller-featured competitors on overall value.

How to Form an LLC for Cheap: A Step-by-Step Guide

Forming an LLC doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. This guide simplifies the process of forming an LLC, outlining key steps to get started. By following these actionable tips, you can efficiently launch your business while keeping costs in check.

1. Choose the Best LLC Service for Your Needs: start by researching and selecting an LLC provider that aligns with your budget and business goals. Whether you want bare-bones savings or added support, options like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, or Inc Authority can handle LLC formation efficiently.
2. File Your LLC Paperwork: submit the Articles of Organization to your state’s business registration system to officially form your LLC. Filing fees vary by state, so review the costs in your location. Many services guide you through the process of forming an LLC, ensuring every detail is handled correctly.
3. Draft an Operating Agreement: create a document that defines your LLC's structure, roles, and operational rules. Although not required in all states, an operating agreement is crucial for maintaining clarity and avoiding conflicts among members. Remember, even if you why start an LLC without a business, it’s an effective way to secure liability protection and organization for your venture.
4. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC: an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for tax purposes, opening a business bank account, and hiring employees. You can apply for an EIN directly through the IRS for free, or have an LLC service handle it as part of their package.
5. Open a Business Bank Account: keep your finances organized by opening a dedicated bank account for your LLC. This step ensures a clear separation between personal and business expenses, a critical factor for maintaining compliance and protecting your limited liability. For a detailed breakdown, check out how much does it cost to start an LLC to understand the overall investment required.
6. Stay Compliant with State Requirements: use reminders and compliance tools to track deadlines for annual reports, business licenses, and other filings. Many LLC services offer features like alerts to keep your business in good standing without hassle.

By choosing the right provider and following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to form an LLC while keeping costs low. For entrepreneurs operating in Texas, consider exploring best LLC service Texas for localized support and insights. Select a reliable LLC service to guide you through the process and focus on building your business confidently. For detailed instructions on how to create an LLC, follow our comprehensive guide to streamline the process step‑by‑step.

Best Cheap LLC Service Review Methodology 

Here’s how I determined that Northwest Registered Agent is the best option among the most affordable LLC formation services on the market, balancing price, value, and support.

Why You Should Trust Me

When it comes to LLC formation services, I’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. My deep dive into this industry began out of necessity: starting my first business—a health website—left me wading through confusing LLC filing processes with little guidance. Hiring a professional LLC service seemed like the best route, but finding the best LLC service was a journey full of trial and error.

At first, I faced countless services making bold claims but offering little differentiation. Frustrated, I built a comprehensive spreadsheet, spent hours on customer calls, and burned through a month’s worth of research just to find a provider that fit my budget and needs. That experience drove me to streamline this process, not only for myself (I’ve since started two more businesses, including BoostSuite) but for the thousands of entrepreneurs I’ve since advised.

Through these experiences, I’ve honed a thorough, step-by-step process for evaluating LLC services. My recommendations are built on a foundation of personal experience and insights gained from helping others navigate the complexities of LLC formation.

How I Selected the Best Cheap LLC service

Finding the best LLC formation service requires more than scanning price tags. Here’s the four-stage process I used to identify the top affordable providers:

Stage 1: Analyzing Reviews

I explored online reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Business. Some providers, like Northwest Registered Agent, have thousands of reviews that reveal trends. Focusing on recent feedback helped me flag issues such as slow filing times, hidden fees, or weak customer support.

Stage 2: Diving Into Websites

After narrowing the field, I audited each provider’s site. Some services, like LegalZoom, bundle legal-document help (e.g., operating agreement assistance), while others focus primarily on LLC filing. I compared turnaround speed, included benefits (like compliance alerts), and overall usability to pinpoint the best value under $100.

Stage 3: Speaking with Real Customers

Reviews are helpful but incomplete. I spoke directly with current and past customers about sign-up ease, support responsiveness, and the actual steps to form an LLC. Real-world stories clarified which services delivered on promises and which fell short.

Stage 4: Challenging Sales Teams

I contacted sales teams from shortlisted providers and pressed them on common issues—like delayed state filings, unclear add-on pricing, or missed document deadlines. Their responses revealed each company’s transparency, adaptability, and commitment to supporting growing businesses.

By following this process, I built recommendations grounded in each provider’s offerings, reliability, and customer experience. Whether you’re forming an LLC in New York, managing multiple entities, or seeking the cheapest LLC filing, this analysis helps you decide without the hassle.

Rating Factors: How I Evaluated the Best Cheap LLC Services

Through my four-stage review process, I focused on five critical factors to evaluate LLC formation services and ensure you’re equipped with the right insights to make your choice.

Factor 1: Range of Services

Does the provider offer everything needed to start an LLC?
Some stick to paperwork filing, while others also draft articles of organization, assist with compliance, or include registered agent service to protect your privacy. (For general guidance, see the SBA resources on starting a business).

Factor 2: Value for Money

“Cheap” isn’t just the sticker price. Some $0 services add fees for essentials (like an operating agreement or registered agent service), while mid-priced options deliver better first-year value with more included features. I weighed total cost against what you actually get.

Factor 3: Simplicity of Signup

A clean, intuitive sign-up flow saves time and frustration. I checked whether LLC formation steps were straightforward, with clear state fee disclosures and no unnecessary detours that slow you down.

Factor 4: Platform Usability

Many providers require a portal for document downloads, compliance tracking, and status updates. I prioritized platforms with intuitive dashboards, fast access to filed documents, and clear next steps.

Factor 5: Customer Support

Even great platforms need human help sometimes. I favored providers with knowledgeable, U.S.-based customer support—like the Corporate Guides at Northwest Registered Agent—who can advise on LLC formation steps and ongoing compliance needs.

Best Cheap LLC Formation Services: Results Summary

After running 60+ LLC formation services through my four-stage, five-factor analysis, here are the best and cheapest LLC formation services on the market. For instance, understanding LLC attorney cost can help you plan your overall budget.

Best Cheap LLC Formation Service: Northwest Registered Agent – $39 (9.13/10)

Northwest Registered Agent stands out as the best-value LLC formation service for entrepreneurs who want exceptional customer support at an affordable price.

• Key Features: Northwest’s package includes filing your articles of organization, a business address with free limited digital mail forwarding, and compliance reminders.
• Unmatched Support: Their US-based Corporate Guides (former accountants, attorneys, and business owners) provide personalized guidance for formation and ongoing compliance.
• Why Choose Northwest? While some competitors tempt with “$0” plans, Northwest bundles more core services for $39 + state fees and renews registered agent service at a transparent $125/year—a strong first-year and ongoing value.

At only $39, Northwest offers a rare balance of affordability, expertise, and ongoing support — ideal for a confident start.

Best Free Option: ZenBusiness – $0 (7.45/10)

If upfront cost is your priority, ZenBusiness provides a $0 starter for basic LLC formation.

• Key Features: For $0 + state fees, ZenBusiness files your articles of organization and performs a name availability check.
• What’s Missing? No free year of registered agent service; RA is an add-on that starts around $199/year (vs. Northwest’s $125/year). Support is solid for basics but lighter for complex questions.

Verdict: Choose ZenBusiness to minimize upfront costs. If you want more bundled value and deeper guidance, Northwest Registered Agent is often the better long-term investment.

Best for Compliance: Harbor Compliance – $99 (7.13/10)

For businesses that prioritize compliance, Harbor Compliance couples formation with robust tools and personalized guidance.

• Key Features: Clients get a dedicated compliance specialist to help meet state requirements (licenses, annual reports, EIN setup), plus a portal to manage documents, deadlines, and filings.
• Compliance Advantage: Excellent for staying in good standing with proactive annual report management and licensing support.
• Limitations: At $99 + state fees, the focus is compliance; it doesn’t bundle extensive legal documents or attorney access by default.

Verdict: Harbor Compliance is ideal for regulated industries or multi-state operations. Additionally, if you plan to expand your business into other regions, consider exploring Michigan registered agent to secure regional compliance support.

Why These Services Stand Out

These top LLC services cater to different business needs:

• Northwest Registered Agent delivers unbeatable value with expert customer support at a low price.
• ZenBusiness is perfect when you need a simple, budget-friendly setup.
• Harbor Compliance excels in compliance and ongoing management for highly regulated businesses.

Whether you prioritize affordability, compliance, or personalized guidance, there’s a service here to suit your goals. For continuous legal support and guidance, consider exploring best online legal services to access expert advice on demand. Choose the provider that aligns with your vision and start building your business today.

Cheap LLC Formation FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Starting an LLC on a budget can raise several questions. In this section, we provide clear and concise answers to help you understand everything about cheap LLC formation and how to make the best choice for your business needs.