Who said forming an LLC in Delaware had to be complicated or overpriced? Harvard Business Services proves that speed and clarity don’t have to cost more. Backed by 4.98 out of 5 stars and trusted for its mail forwarding and support, this service skips the fluff and delivers straight answers.
Harvard Business Services has helped over 300,000 entrepreneurs form Delaware LLCs since 1981. With lifetime customer support and a $50 registered agent service, it’s one of the fastest, most affordable formation options in the United States.
From the basic package to the green package, every step of the formation process is designed to save time. Operating agreement, availability check, clear timelines—it’s all included. Most requests are handled in 1–2 business days, without the delays and upsells common elsewhere. Harvard Business Services LLC isn’t chasing trends—it’s quietly becoming the go-to for those who want to form an LLC without wasting time. While others focus on branding, this team focuses on delivery—and that’s often the difference between launching a new business… or watching the opportunity pass.
What is Harvard Business Services and what does it offer?
Since 1981, Harvard Business Services Inc has formed over 300,000 businesses, making it one of the most established incorporation services specializing in Delaware entities. Their decades of experience provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking reliable formation assistance and ongoing compliance support.
Overview of Harvard Business Services Inc.
Founded in 1981 by Richard Bell, Harvard Business Services has grown from a small operation to one of the most respected Delaware business formation companies. Their longevity demonstrates their commitment to quality service and reliability in a competitive industry. They've built their reputation on specialized knowledge of Delaware business law. Recent insights from Small Business Delaware highlight the state’s growing appeal among savvy entrepreneurs.
Despite having no connection to Harvard University, their focus on Delaware corporations and LLCs has made them a go-to service for entrepreneurs throughout the United States who want to take advantage of Delaware's business-friendly legal environment. Their expertise in Delaware business formation has attracted clients from startups to established enterprises.nty on your entity’s final status and outstanding obligations.
| Criteria | Our Assessment | Score |
|---|---|---|
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Delaware Specialization
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Harvard Business Services excels in Delaware LLC formation with unmatched expertise. Their exclusive focus is both their greatest strength and main limitation, as they don't offer services for other states. |
4.2
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Pricing & Value
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Rates are competitive for a specialized Delaware service, with packages starting at $89 plus state fees. Good value overall but lacks some premium options that competitors offer. |
3.8
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Customer Service
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Customer reviews are remarkably positive (4.98/5 on BBB, 4.6/5 on Google) with consistent feedback about responsiveness and expertise. Some customers note variable response times during busy periods. |
4.3
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User Interface & Technology
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The website and online tools are functional but lack the modern feel of competitors like ZenBusiness. User experience is adequate but not exceptional, with an interface that could benefit from an update. |
2.5
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Range of Complementary Services
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The offering is solid for basic services but limited in terms of extras and complementary legal services. Customers seeking an all-in-one solution might find the offering insufficient compared to more versatile competitors. |
2.2
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Key services provided (LLC formation, registered agent, compliance)
Harvard Business Services offers comprehensive business formation solutions with a special focus on Delaware entities. Rely on a dedicated Resident Agent Delaware to maintain seamless legal communication and compliance.
Their core services address the critical needs of new and established businesses seeking Delaware incorporation benefits.
- Formation services: Complete LLC and corporation formation with filing of all required documents
- Registered agent service: Required legal representation for all Delaware entities
- Mail forwarding: Secure handling of legal documents and official correspondence
- Business formation compliance: Ongoing assistance with annual requirements and filings
- Availability check: Name search to ensure your desired business name is available
These services help streamline the often complex process of establishing a Delaware LLC or corporation, saving entrepreneurs valuable time while ensuring all legal requirements are properly met. Enhance your start-up process with our Delaware LLC Formation Service that expertly handles every filing requirement.
Harvard Business Services: our expert insight into 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate Harvard Business Services LLC will continue strengthening their digital platform while maintaining their exceptional customer service standards. Their specialized Delaware knowledge remains their primary competitive advantage, particularly as business formation becomes increasingly commoditized. Their commitment to providing personalized support sets them apart from larger, less specialized competitors. According to Better Business Bureau ratings, their consistent A+ rating reflects their strong track record of customer satisfaction.
Pros and cons of Harvard Business Services (with customer insights)
Is Harvard Business Services the right choice for your Delaware business formation needs? Many entrepreneurs face this important decision when establishing their legal structure. Based on extensive customer reviews and expert analysis, we've compiled a balanced assessment of their strengths and limitations to help you make an informed choice based on your specific business requirements and priorities.
Key advantages of using Harvard Business Services
Harvard Business Services review data consistently highlights their specialized Delaware expertise and exceptional customer care as standout features. Their dedicated focus on Delaware business formation allows them to offer nuanced guidance that generalist services often lack.
- Lifetime customer support: No additional fees for ongoing assistance, unlike many competitors who charge annually
- Exceptional turnaround time: Most filings completed within 1-2 business days, significantly faster than industry averages
- Specialized Delaware knowledge: 40+ years focused exclusively on business in Delaware
Their competitive pricing combined with premium service quality creates compelling value, especially for entrepreneurs who anticipate needing ongoing support with their Delaware entity. Understand the Perpetual Duration Meaning to see how long-term support can add lasting value to your business.
More Than Fast—Fully Supported
ZenBusiness offers quick LLC formation with modern tools, clear pricing, and ongoing compliance help.
Notable disadvantages to consider
The most significant limitation is their Delaware-only specialization. If you're forming an LLC in another state, you'll need to look elsewhere, as Harvard Business Services has no capacity to file directly in other states. This geographic restriction means entrepreneurs needing multi-state formations must juggle different service providers, potentially creating coordination challenges.
Some customer feedback indicates room for improvement in their online platform. While functional, their website lacks some modern features that competitors offer, such as interactive formation wizards or comprehensive progress tracking. According to Trustpilot reviews, some customers have mentioned wishing for a more intuitive digital experience, though most emphasize that the excellent personal service compensates for any technology limitations.
Who should use Harvard Business Services?
Your business structure and specific needs should guide your choice of formation service. Consider these profiles to determine if Harvard Business Services aligns with your requirements.ce after the first year, while with ZenBusiness, annual fees vary by plan level – starting at $119 for basic ongoing services.
| Ideal For | Consider Alternatives If |
|---|---|
| First-time entrepreneurs who value personalized guidance and want to avoid mistakes in the formation process | Tech-savvy business owners who prioritize a sleek, fully-automated digital experience with minimal human interaction |
| International entrepreneurs forming a US entity who benefit from their experience with non-US clients | Businesses needing immediate formation in states other than Delaware, as service Harvard Business provides is Delaware-specific |
| Businesses prioritizing Delaware's corporate benefits who appreciate specialized expertise | Budget-conscious startups looking for the absolute lowest price rather than value-based service |
| Companies needing reliable, ongoing registered agent services with exceptional document handling | Businesses requiring bundled legal services beyond formation and compliance, such as contract review or legal consultation |
The right choice ultimately depends on your specific business goals, budget considerations, and preference for either specialized expertise or broader service offerings. For a comprehensive HR and administrative solution, explore PEO Companies in Delaware that streamline your back-office operations.
How much does Harvard Business Services cost?
Investing in quality business formation services is like purchasing insurance for your entrepreneurial journey—a small upfront cost that can prevent costly problems later. Understanding the complete pricing structure of Harvard Business Services Inc helps you evaluate not just the initial formation costs but the long-term value of their ongoing services and support. Learn How to Set Up a Delaware LLC through our detailed guide, ensuring every step of your incorporation is clearly understood.
Breakdown of LLC formation packages and pricing
Harvard Business Services provides three clearly-defined formation packages designed to meet different business needs and budgets. Each tier includes their core formation services with additional features at higher levels.
- Green package: $179 + state fees – Basic formation with registered agent service for the first year
- Standard package: $229 + state fees – Includes everything in Green plus EIN application and customized LLC documents
- Basic package: $329 + state fees – Most comprehensive option including expedited filing and complete compliance kit
All packages include their highly-rated registered agent service for the first year, lifetime customer support, and standard formation documents. The value proposition increases at higher tiers for businesses needing comprehensive setup assistance. As the Delaware Secretary of State explains, proper formation documentation is critical for maintaining your company's legal protections.
Additional fees and optional services
When forming your Delaware entity, you'll encounter mandatory state fee payments beyond the service package costs. The Delaware formation fee is $90 for LLCs, while the annual franchise tax for LLCs is a flat $300—relatively straightforward compared to some states' variable tax structures based on income or capitalization.
Optional services include expedited processing for faster turnaround time, Federal Tax ID (EIN) acquisition, foreign qualifications for operating in additional states, and customized operating agreement templates. Enhance your legal security with Managed Document Review Services to ensure all critical documents are thoroughly vetted.
These add-ons range from $50-$200 depending on complexity and can be purchased individually as needed rather than being bundled into higher-tier packages. For clarity on efficiency, explore How Long Does It Take to Get LLC Approved to set realistic expectations for your formation process.
How does Harvard Business Services' pricing compare to competitors?
When compared to major competitors, Harvard Business Services offers competitive value, particularly for ongoing services. Their base formation price ($179) is higher than ZenBusiness ($49) but includes first-year registered agent service. Northwest charges similarly ($225), while LegalZoom's comparable package runs $249. The most significant differentiation is their lifetime support policy—unlike competitors who charge annual support fees, their one-time payment provides continuous assistance. This creates substantial long-term savings for businesses maintaining their Delaware entity for multiple years. Also, consider Bizee LLC as an alternative that offers a distinctive approach to comprehensive formation support.
Privacy-Focused Service Without the Noise
Northwest delivers expert-level support and real privacy protection—not just fast turnaround.
How Harvard Business Services compares to competitors
The business formation services landscape has evolved dramatically since the 1990s, shifting from primarily attorney-led incorporations to specialized online services. In this competitive environment, Delaware Inc (the informal name for Harvard Business Services) has maintained its position as a Delaware specialist while larger competitors have expanded nationwide. Understanding these distinctions helps entrepreneurs select the service best aligned with their specific needs. For an impartial industry perspective, check out our Incorporate.com Review which outlines key competitive differences.ad privacy protection will largely determine which service represents the optimal value for your particular entrepreneurial journey.
Harvard Business Services vs. ZenBusiness
While ZenBusiness offers nationwide coverage with modern technology and lower entry pricing, Harvard Business Services Review data shows they excel through Delaware specialization and personalized customer care. ZenBusiness provides a broader service range including website building and broader business services, appealing to tech-focused entrepreneurs seeking all-in-one solutions.
The price difference is significant—ZenBusiness starts at $49 plus state fees compared to Harvard's $179—but Harvard includes registered agent service in their base package and offers substantially faster filing times. Their focus on Delaware expertise rather than breadth makes them better suited for entrepreneurs specifically seeking Delaware's corporate advantages rather than general business formation.
Harvard Business Services vs. Northwest Registered Agent
Both companies share a commitment to privacy and personalized service, though Northwest covers all 50 states while Harvard Business Services LLC specializes exclusively in Delaware. Northwest's Corporate Guides provide consistent personal support similar to Harvard's approach, creating a comparable customer experience focused on expertise rather than volume.
The registered agent services from both companies are premium offerings compared to budget providers, with Northwest charging $125 annually while Harvard offers the first year included and $50 annually thereafter. This price difference becomes significant for businesses maintained over several years, potentially saving hundreds in registered agent fees through Harvard Business Services. Discover the benefits of the Cheapest Registered Agent Service that balances affordability with top-notch support.
Harvard Business Services vs. LegalZoom
LegalZoom operates as a broad legal services marketplace with business formation being just one offering among many, while Harvard Business Services has maintained its exclusive focus on Delaware formations since 1981.
- Pricing: Harvard ($179) vs. LegalZoom ($249) for comparable packages including registered agent
- Customer service: Harvard offers dedicated support team vs. LegalZoom's larger, general support structure
- Filing speed: Harvard typically processes within 1-2 business days vs. LegalZoom's longer standard processing
- Service range: LegalZoom offers broader legal services vs. Harvard's specialized Delaware expertise
- Experience: Harvard's 40+ years of Delaware specialization vs. LegalZoom's wider but less specialized approach
These fundamental differences make Harvard Business Services better suited for businesses specifically seeking Delaware incorporation benefits with specialized support, while LegalZoom appeals to those wanting access to a broader legal services ecosystem.
Harvard Business Services vs. IncNow
As two Delaware specialists, these companies have more similarities than differences, creating an interesting comparison for entrepreneurs specifically seeking Delaware incorporation. IncNow offers a slightly lower entry price ($99 + state fees) compared to Harvard's $179 base package, though Harvard includes more features at this tier. Both emphasize exceptional Delaware expertise and customer care, with numerous positive reviews highlighting their knowledge and responsiveness. Both maintain A+ BBB ratings and similar turnaround time expectations. The deciding factors tend to be subtle differences in customer experience, with Harvard often cited for more personalized support while IncNow receives praise for their streamlined online process. In contrast, Swyft Filings is frequently praised for its streamlined process and rapid turnaround times.
FAQ – Harvard Business Services reviews and key insights
Is choosing the right business formation service worth the research time? Absolutely—the decision affects your company's legal foundation and ongoing compliance. This FAQ addresses the most common questions entrepreneurs ask when considering Harvard Business Services, based on actual search patterns and customer inquiries.
Yes, Harvard Business Services is a legitimate business formation company with over 40 years of operation and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Founded in 1981, they've helped form over 300,000 Delaware entities and maintain excellent customer service ratings across multiple review platforms. Their physical office in Lewes, Delaware, and their status as a registered agent approved by the Internal Revenue Service further confirms their legitimacy. Their longevity in the industry speaks to their reliability and compliance with all legal requirements.
For Delaware-specific entities, Harvard Business Services Inc frequently outperforms competitors in specialized knowledge and value. Their $50 annual registered agent fee is significantly lower than most national providers (typically $99-125 annually). Their Delaware registered agent service includes premium features like document scanning and compliance notifications at a price point comparable to budget providers. Their specialized focus creates advantages for Delaware entities, though businesses needing representation in multiple states might benefit from a nationwide provider offering unified multi-state service.
Harvard Business Services offers a satisfaction guarantee with specific refund conditions. If you request a refund before they submit your formation documents to Delaware, they provide a full refund minus a $30 processing fee. Once documents are filed with the State of Delaware, refunds are unavailable for the state filing fees, though service fees may still be eligible. Their refund policy is clearly disclosed on their website and in their terms of service, providing transparent expectations.
No, Harvard Business Services exclusively handles Delaware business formations and cannot directly form your LLC in other states. While they specialize in Delaware entities for entrepreneurs from all states and countries, they don't file formation documents with other state agencies. For businesses seeking formation in states other than Delaware, alternative services like ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, or LegalZoom offer nationwide coverage. This Delaware-only focus reflects their specialization strategy.
Harvard Business Services has operated continuously since 1981 when founder Richard Bell established the company to help entrepreneurs navigate the Delaware incorporation process. This 40+ year history makes them one of the longest-operating online business formation services, predating most competitors by a decade or more. Their extensive date of experience with Delaware business formations contributes to their specialized expertise in this niche.
The distinctive elements that separate Harvard Business Services from competitors focus on their specialized approach and value structure.
- Delaware-exclusive focus, unlike nationwide providers, creating deeper expertise with Delaware LLC and corporation formations
- Lower long-term costs with $50 annual registered agent fees compared to industry averages of $99-125
- Lifetime support with one business day response guarantee, eliminating ongoing support fees
These distinctions make them particularly valuable for businesses specifically seeking Delaware incorporation benefits and planning to maintain their entity for multiple years. Review the Delaware LLC Processing Time to understand how quickly your application can be finalized.
Serious Compliance for Growing Businesses
Harbor Compliance provides hands-on formation and long-term compliance support tailored to your needs.
