Provider processing: Approximately 2 weeks
Formation service comparison
Compare LLC formation services beyond the headline price.
See what each package actually includes, what renews and which type of owner each service may fit.
Why Bizee?
Straightforward choices and one-time formation-package pricing.
I have used Bizee exclusively for years for my own LLCs and client formations. Basic provides a low-cost path; Standard adds the EIN and core setup documents many owners want; and the first year of registered-agent service is currently included.
- Basic: $0 service fee plus the state fee
- Standard: $199 plus the state fee
- Premium: $299 plus the state fee
- Formation packages are one-time payments
- Registered-agent service currently renews at $149/year if continued
Use Chris's link and receive the Free LLC Starter Kit ($147 value).Form with Bizee + Get the Starter Kit →The operating agreement and Next Steps Guide require eligible link verification. The LLC Startup Checklist is free whether or not you form.
A useful comparison
Separate four kinds of cost.
01State filing feeRequired and paid to the state
02Formation feeWhat the provider charges to prepare and submit the filing
03Optional servicesEIN, documents, speed, compliance or support
04RenewalsRegistered agent, compliance, legal plans or subscriptions
The most useful package comparison
What is actually included in the mid-tier package?
These are the closest comparable paid or core formation offers. Northwest publishes one core offer rather than a three-level package structure.
Service and packageEINOperating agreementS corporation electionRegistered agentCompliance remindersPayment structure
BizeeStandard
$199 + state feeCHRIS'S PICK
✓Included✓Included✓Included if requested and eligible✓First year included; $149/year if continued•Lifetime company-compliance alerts included•One-time$199 + state feeCHRIS'S PICK
LegalZoomPro
$249 + state fee
✓Included✓Included—Not listed as included—Not included; currently $249/year•Legal documents and eSignatures for one year; not annual-report service•One-time package; included trials may renew$249 + state fee
ZenBusinessPro
$199 + state fee
✓Included✓Included template—Not listed as included—Not included; $199/year add-on•Worry-Free Compliance Essential included•Renews at $199/year$199 + state fee
Tailor BrandsEssential
$199 + state fee
—Not listed in standard LLC plan✓Included—Not listed in standard LLC plan—Not listed as included•Annual compliance filing and updates included•Renews annually$199 + state fee
Northwest Registered AgentCore formation offer
$39 + state fee
—$50 add-on for U.S. SSN holder✓Included—Available separately; price not stated on formation page✓First year included; $125/year if continued•Free annual-report reminders included•One-time formation fee$39 + state fee
Provider processing: No expedited provider time listed in Pro summary
Provider processing: 1-business-day provider processing
Provider processing: 1-business-day provider processing
Provider processing: No comparable package speed published
Why Northwest can look less expensive: its $39 core formation offer includes the operating agreement, first-year registered agent and annual-report reminders, but the EIN is a separate add-on and an S-corporation election is not included in the formation offer. Bizee Standard costs more upfront but combines the EIN, operating agreement, eligible S-election filing and lifetime company-compliance alerts in one one-time package.
ServiceStarting pricePaid plansBilling and registered agentMay fit
BizeeCHRIS'S PICK$0 + state feeStandard $199; Premium $299Formation packages are one-time payments. Included for the first year; currently $149/year if continued.Owners who value clear one-time formation pricing and a strong included first year
LegalZoom$0 + state feePro $249; Premium $299Formation package price is upfront; paid plans include a 30-day attorney-plan trial that currently renews at $49/month unless canceled. Separate service; currently advertised at $249/year.Owners who value a widely known brand and access to a broader legal-service ecosystem
ZenBusiness$0 + state feePro $199/year; Premium $399/yearPro and Premium are annual plans. Included in Premium; currently a $199/year add-on for Starter and Pro.Owners who want formation bundled with continuing compliance services
Tailor Brands$0 + state feeEssential $199/year; Elite $249/yearEssential and Elite are annual plans. Not shown as included in the published plan summary; confirm during checkout.Owners who want formation combined with branding and business-launch tools
Northwest Registered Agent$39 + state feeOne published formation offerFormation is $39; registered-agent service renews separately after the included first year. Included for the first year; currently $125/year if continued.Owners who emphasize privacy, registered-agent support and human assistance
Pricing and major inclusions reviewed August 24, 2026 from each provider's official website. Offers, checkout selections and renewal prices can change. “Not listed” means the provider's current standard package summary does not identify the feature as included; confirm the final checkout before purchasing.
Compare two services directly
Which formation service is the better fit?
These focused comparisons explain the meaningful differences without forcing you to scan the full table.
Common questions
Before you choose a formation service
Do I need a formation service?+
No. You may file directly with the state. A service can make preparation and submission easier, but it does not replace individualized legal or tax advice.
Does $0 mean the LLC is free?+
No. It generally means no formation-service fee for the basic package. You still pay the state filing fee and any optional products selected.
Which Bizee package does Chris generally recommend?+
Chris generally prefers Standard for many owners because it includes the EIN, operating agreement and eligible S-corporation election filing in a one-time package. Owners on a tight budget may prefer Basic and complete the remaining work separately.
Affiliate disclosure and educational information. The LLC Guide may receive compensation if you use some links. Chris's preference reflects his experience, but you should choose the provider and services that fit your needs.