The 10 Best LLC Services in Wisconsin: Reviewed and Ranked

28/03/2024
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When you start a limited liability company (LLC) in the Badger State, you should consider hiring an LLC formation service that will assist you in your business formation process.

The right LLC service will help you submit your articles of organization to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and make sure your LLC in Wisconsin complies with the law by sending timely reminders to file your annual reports or taxes.

The wrong LLC service will overcharge you for substandard services and delay your business registration process, ultimately stalling your business due to lack of proper paperwork.

I’ve reviewed the 17 major LLC formation services in Wisconsin through a four-stage, five-factor process in order to find out the 10 best. Here are the results of my findings.

* All prices mentioned below do not include the state filing fee

1. Northwest Registered Agent: 9.45/10 (Best Overall LLC Service)

Northwest Registered Agent is my #1 choice for the best LLC service in Wisconsin because of its highly affordable formation package and industry-leading customer support services.

Pros

Northwest’s $39 formation package is among the cheapest in the industry. But don’t be fooled by its low price—this package includes a wide array of services, such as assistance with filing your articles of organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, a business name and address in Wisconsin, a draft operating agreement template, a business tax consultation with its in-house accountants, an online document storage portal, and a free year of registered agent service.

This package also offers a free three-month trial of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service so you can make cheap phone calls using your broadband connection, and compliance alerts that remind you of forthcoming report deadlines (such as filing your annual report).

Northwest also has more comprehensive services that are available for purchase when needed. These include an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a Certificate of Good Standing, and certified copies of your formation documents.

Northwest’s formation package usually goes for $225 but BoostSuite readers can get an 82% discount if they use my dedicated link to Northwest’s sign-up page. This discount lowers the cost to an affordable $39. 

The most pivotal service Northwest provides is its customer support team, referred to in-house as Corporate Guides. They are a highly experienced team of former small business owners, lawyers and accountants with years of experience on how to start and run an LLC in Wisconsin.

The Corporate Guides provide assistance in case you get stuck during your business registration process and they also provide top-notch small business advice that will come in handy when managing your LLC or small business in Wisconsin.

Cons

Northwest’s only problem is that it doesn't include any services that assist your business in gaining an online presence, such as a personalized business website, domain name registration, and email hosting services.

However, this is not a major problem because you can create a website using outfits such as Squarespace and Wix for as little as $15.

Overall

Northwest is the best LLC (limited liability company) formation service in the state of Wisconsin. Its $39 formation package provides all the services you need to establish your LLC in Wisconsin and its Corporate Guides give you industry-leading small business advice that assists you with managing your Wisconsin LLC.

If you need an LLC formation service that provides bang-for-buck services and great customer support, visit Northwest Registered Agent today and get an 82% discount on its formation package.

2. ZenBusiness: 8.25/10 (Best Essentials LLC Service)

The incredible price of ZenBusiness is almost too good to pass up, but as with all things that seem too good to be true, there are some drawbacks. 

Pros

ZenBusiness offers you all the services required to launch your company. For just the cost of the filing fee, ZenBusiness will sort out your business name, make sure all the info you’ve provided on your documents is accurate, and file it all on your behalf. 

Its Pro plan, which includes assistance with your operating agreement and expedited filing (four to six days), costs $199. Its Premium plan includes a business domain name, an email address, and a custom website builder, in addition to rush filing in as little as one to two business days. 

One more benefit is that its support team, located in the United States, is available during extended hours on weekdays, as well as Sundays. 

Cons

Basic LLC services with ZenBusiness costs only $0 (plus filing fee), but more advanced features will cost you. 

No ZenBusiness plan includes free registered agent service. The full price of $199 is charged in the first year. 

Small business advice is also not included with any of ZenBusiness’ plans. The company’s customer service representatives can help you with common problems like updating your billing information or changing your password, but they can’t help you if you need assistance with HR or logistics issues, or if you have questions about taxes. 

Overall

ZenBusiness is a good option if you need basic LLC formation services. It will verify that your company name is available, ensure that all of your information is accurate, and file your documents on your behalf for just $0. 

Despite the fact that ZenBusiness’ registered agent service isn’t cheap, it’s likely worth it for the peace of mind it offers with features like a 100% accuracy guarantee and worry-free compliance. 

If you feel you only need the bare minimum, learn more about ZenBusiness

3. Harbor Compliance: 7.15/10 (Best Premium LLC Service)

Just like Northwest Registered Agent, Harbor Compliance’s most salient feature is its customer support service. However, unlike Northwest, its customer support service is more personalized.

Pros

Included in its formation package, Harbor Compliance will submit your articles of organization on your behalf to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, help you create an operating agreement template, help you obtain an employer identification number, and provide a free year of registered agent service.

But Harbor Compliance’s best feature has to be its personalized customer support. Instead of calling an anonymous customer care hotline or chatting with a bot online, Harbor Compliance connects you with a personal account manager who walks you through your business registration process and will be there to advise you when you encounter challenges during your business journey.

Cons

The major chink in Harbor Compliance’s armor is the cost of its services. Its formation package costs $399 while its premium Compliance Package goes for $799.

This is quite steep especially if you are starting in the business world and you don’t have enough money to spend on a premium LLC formation service.

Overall

Despite the high cost of its services, Harbor Compliance provides reliable services and helps you establish your LLC in Wisconsin without any problems. The personal account manager it offers provides reliable advice, especially useful when you are starting up in the business world.

If you need an LLC formation service in Wisconsin that provides personalized support services and you are willing to pay a premium price for the privilege, visit Harbor Compliance today.

4. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer is an online legal services provider that offers very minimal LLC services as part of its $99 LLC package. It will file your articles of organization and provide your business with an online document storage portal and that’s it. 

This focus on minimal LLC services is due to its continuous focus on other legal services, so if you already use those other services, it might be worth it to stick with them, but otherwise, you’re better off with a more thorough LLC formation provider for your business. 

To learn more about its services, read my full Rocket Lawyer review.

5. Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings has a $49 basic plan that includes assistance with filing your formation paperwork, a free 30-minute consultation with its accounting team, an online document storage portal, and domain name registration that’s valid for one year.

The problem with Swyft Filings is that it doesn't provide a free year of registered agent service; you have to pay $149 for that. This is almost four times the cost of Northwest Registered Agent’s formation package, which includes this service.

Even though it’s a young company (incorporated in 2012), it offers reliable services. To learn more about its services, read my full Swyft Filings review

6. MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks is an LLC service provider in Wisconsin that charges $79 for its basic services, which include assistance with submitting your articles of organization, an online document storage portal, and compliance alerts.

However, its free year of registered agent services is only available in the $279 premium package. When you factor in that Northwest offers this service in its $49 package, it doesn't make sense to purchase MyCompanyWorks’ premium package.

7. Inc Authority

Inc Authority is a ZenBusiness clone that charges $0 for filing your articles of organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions but charges a high amount for its more comprehensive services. 

For instance, its basic package costs $399 and offers services such as a draft operating agreement template, assistance with applying for an EIN, and a company seal. Its free registered agent service is only available in the $799 premium package.

Even if you can’t afford to pay for submitting your formation documents, you are better off trusting ZenBusiness to form an LLC.

8. Incorporate Fast

The best aspect of Incorporate Fast’s services is that it promises to submit your articles of organization to the state the same day you complete them. 

Incorporate Fast offers a $99 basic package that provides assistance with filing your formation paperwork with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, a draft operating agreement template, and a free year of Wisconsin registered agent service. 

It also offers a $199 premium package that assists you with applying for an EIN but does not include services like an online document storage portal or a business tax consultation.

Incorporate Fast is more expensive compared with Northwest but if you are in a rush to get your business in Wisconsin established, it’s the best choice to start an LLC or small business.

9. BizFilings

BizFilings offers a $99 basic package that provides minimal services such as assistance with filing your formation documents with the Department of Financial Institutions, compliance alerts, and a free year of Wisconsin registered (aka resident) agent service. 

It doesn't help you create an operating agreement, nor does it provide an online document storage portal or a business tax consultation.

10. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is a legal services provider in Wisconsin that provides very minimal LLC services as part of its $99 business formation package. It only offers assistance with filing your articles of organization and provides a banking resolution, and that’s all.

Other Wisconsin LLC Services

As part of my review process, I included the following LLC providers, despite their services being less compelling than the previous 10. However, for the sake of being thorough, I’ve included a short mention of their services.

11. Incorporate.com

Incorporate.com provides assistance with your articles of organization and an online document storage portal, all for $99.

12. CorpNet

For $79, CorpNet assists you with filing your formation documents and provides compliance alerts. That’s all it offers.

13. MyCorporation

MyCorporation provides assistance with filing your articles of organization and offers an operating agreement template, but it charges $133 for these services.

14. Direct Incorporation

Direct Incorporation charges $147 for assistance with filing your formation paperwork, drafting your operating agreement, obtaining an EIN, and drawing up a banking resolution. 

15. InCorp

InCorp will only assist you with filing your articles of organization and provide an operating agreement template, all for $117. 

16. Nationwide Incorporations

Nationwide Incorporations charges $200 for filing your articles of organization and helping you draft your initial formation document.

17. SunDoc Filings

SunDoc Filings has three packages in its list of offerings. The first is a $79 basic package that assists you with submitting your articles of organization. Its $99 Key package offers a draft operating agreement and its $279 Premier package gets you an EIN. 

The Best LLC Service Review Summary

After thoroughly investigating the 17 major LLC formation services in Wisconsin. I concluded that Northwest is the best choice for your business or LLC in Wisconsin.

Its $39 formation package includes all the basic services you need to establish your business in Wisconsin, including assistance with filing your initial formation paperwork, assistance with applying for an EIN, a free essential document template, an online document storage portal, a free 90-day VoIP service, and a free year of Wisconsin registered agent service.

Northwest’s team of highly experienced Corporate Guides provides industry-leading small business advice and saves you the hassle of procuring a third party business advisory firm.

If you need an affordable LLC service provider that provides great value for your money and top-class small business advice, visit Northwest Registered Agent.

* Any fees/costs mentioned represent a per state, per year outlay, unless they refer to a one-time filing fee.

Best LLC Service Review Methodology 

This is the method I used to determine the best service for your Wisconsin LLC or small business.

Why You Should Trust Me

You should trust me with your Wisconsin LLC service recommendations because I have more experience in the LLC service industry than just about anybody I know.

It all began when I launched my first LLC. I was not familiar with the registration process so I decided to hire the services of an LLC service provider. However, my experience with this company wasn’t as good as I expected. Its services were quite expensive and underwhelming.

When it came time to launch my second business, I chose Northwest as my LLC service provider due to its affordable basic package that provided all the services I needed to establish my business, including a free year of Wisconsin resident agent service and the top-class business advice that was provided by the Corporate Guides.

During my third business venture, I decided to go for the services of a premium LLC service provider. This time around, I chose the services of Harbor Compliance, which gave me ongoing access to a personal account manager to assist me during my business setup process.

My experience, however, is not limited to just using these three services for my own businesses. I have assisted a lot of people in making the right decision when choosing an LLC service for their businesses. In fact, the main reason I launched BoostSuite was to offer credible business advice to small business owners and since then I have helped over 1,000 people choose the right Wisconsin LLC service provider for their businesses.

How I Selected the Best LLC Service

I used the following four-stage review process to determine the best LLC formation services in Wisconsin.

Stage 1: Reviews

This first stage involved analyzing the online reviews of the major services that can form an LLC in Wisconsin. This meant going through review sites such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau, Facebook, and Google Business, and reading through every comment, whether positive or negative. 

This allowed me to figure out which companies offered genuine services and which ones were scams.

Stage 2: Website Analysis

The second stage involved going through the websites of each and every service for starting an LLC in Wisconsin to try and understand exactly what business services they offered. This review process allowed me to see their pricing strategies and how they positioned themselves in the market.

Stage 3: Speaking With Real Customers

This next stage involved talking to actual customers who’ve used the services on this list to form an LLC in Wisconsin. True, I could have determined this just by reading the plethora of online reviews, but most of the comments on these sites are usually skewed towards negative or positive extremes.

I contacted some of the business owners to whom I had recommended a Wisconsin LLC service and asked them about their experiences with these companies. 

This allowed me to differentiate those companies that sold reliable services from those that were scams.

Stage 4: Speaking With Their Sales Teams

For this last stage, I called the sales and customer support teams of every Wisconsin LLC service provider on this list so that I could determine how good they were at selling their services and how well they handled criticism from their clients.


Rating Factors

I used the following five-factor rating process to rank each Wisconsin LLC service on this list.

Factor 1: Offerings

There are companies that provide free, essential business services, such as assistance with filing your initial formation documents and then proceed to charge you for every additional service that they offer. Then there are others like Northwest that provide a suite of business services in its low-cost Wisconsin LLC package.

This difference in the services offered meant that I had to start my ranking process here.

Factor 2: Price

The cost of services was the next factor I considered in my review process. Some Wisconsin LLC services offer basic packages that start at $399, making them beyond the reach of most people, while others provide very affordable formation packages that cost as little as $39. 

This major difference in the cost of services meant that this was my second ranking factor, especially when combined with the wide disparity in the types of services offered by each Wisconsin LLC service provider.

Factor 3: Ease of Sign-Up

The third factor I used in my ranking process was to gauge how easy and intuitive their sign-up systems were. Some companies provide good services but complicate their sign-up processes. They have old and outdated systems that take so much time and effort—time and effort that you could be dedicating to the running of your business—that the entire process ends up being quite overwhelming.

Then there are service providers whose sign-up systems are so well designed and user-friendly they don’t take up too much of your time. 

I reviewed the sign-up process of each Wisconsin LLC formation service to determine which required the least effort.

Factor 4: Ease of Use

Some of the issues that were present in the sign-up sections also trickled down to other aspects of their websites. There are companies that provide pre-filled data forms that require only your signature to complete. On the other hand, some companies provide blank forms and force you to enter the same information page after page. Forms and documents are crucial to your business staying in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, and the more complicated the process, the higher the likelihood of a mistake.

I assessed every Wisconsin LLC service according to how easy their websites were to navigate.

Factor 5: Customer Service

The last factor I used in my ranking process was the quality of customer support services at each Wisconsin LLC formation provider

Some Wisconsin LLC companies outsource their customer support services to call centers in foreign countries that are staffed with people who don’t understand the business setup process in the US. 

Then there are companies like Northwest Registered Agent, whose team of US-based Corporate Guides not only provides support during your Wisconsin LLC formation process, but are also available to offer reliable LLC business advice throughout your business journey.

In Conclusion

After I had investigated the 17 major Wisconsin LLC service providers through my four-stage, five-factor review process, I concluded that Northwest Registered Agent is the best Wisconsin LLC formation provider.

Its $39 formation package (exclusive only to BoostSuite readers) provides all the services you need including assistance with filing your articles of organization, assistance with drafting your LLC operating agreement, a 90-day trial of VoIP service, and a free year of Wisconsin resident agent service to keep your LLC in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

Northwest’s highly experienced Corporate Guides are available to provide assistance not only when you form an LLC but also whenever you encounter challenges during your LLC business journey.

If you are in the market for an affordable formation service for your Montana LLC that also offers top-notch small business advice, follow my link to Northwest Registered Agent’s website and get an exclusive 82% discount on your LLC formation.


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