Five simple ways to file your LLC online – cost and feature comparison

Filing an LLC online

If you are a small business owner looking to expand your service into a full-fledged company, an LLC is the way to go. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a form of enterprise that combines both partnership and corporate structures and is commonly used by independent real estate brokers, retailers and service providers. Easy to set up, LLCs allow business owners to have a flexible management and ownership structure while being able to protect personal assets behind the corporate veil.

The process of creating an LLC can be done through many means. While some business owners tend to go through the expertise of an LLC start-up attorney which is ideal, the costs of legal advice can be prohibitive to some, anywhere from $200 to $450 an hour. In the age of the Internet, more and more business owners look to structure their LLC through an online service. Online LLC filing services offer many perks to small business owners looking to expand, and although there are many options for web filing, we are highlighting five up-and-coming services that can help you take the next step from sole proprietor to LLC member.

BizFilings.com

BizFilings, an online incorporation provider based in Madison, Wisconsin, has incorporated over 500,000 entrepreneurs since its inception in 1997. They offer multiple options for its incorporation services, with a five-step process that strives to give you a unique and bureaucratically-sound company. Buyers can start off with a basic package for $97 plus tate fees which includes business name availability verification, document filing, phone and email support, six months of agent service, and BizComply, an online compliance tool. For $237 and $347, more goods and services are included that ease the process of incorporation.

Verdict: While one of the more expensive options, BizFilings has over a dozen years of experience, half a million success stories and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

EZOnlineFiling.com

EZOnlineFiling promises a staff of experienced professionals that aim to give the easiest online LLC filing process on the web. From first glance, on the website are two notable features. One, a graphic box with a giant “$39”, and two, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, committing to matching or beating any competitor’s price. EZOnlineFiling has extremely low prices considering the services rendered, charging $39+ state fees for preliminary LLC name research, a custom Articles of Organization, filing the documents with the Secretary of State, unlimited phone and email support, and free business tax consultation. The Standard and Premium packages will run you $169 and $329 respectively, but look for inclusions such as EIN application filing and custom LLC member certificates.

Verdict: A value service that doesn’t appear to skimp on quality, EZOnlineFiling is banking on low prices and guarantees. PRWeb.com names EZOnlineFiling “the fastest growing online incorporation service”, a sign that EZOnlineFiling is known for getting the job done well.

AAAFiling.com

AAAFiling is a rapidly growing Internet-based legal document filing company that has been helping small business owners, entrepreneurs, musicians, and film/movie producers since 2006. While many online incorporation services offer multiple package deals, AAAFiling offers one standard deal of $48+ State fees, including preparation and submittal of the Articles of Organization, reviewing the documents, 24-hour order processing, and unlimited phone and email support. For additional costs, users can add expedited filing, Federal Employer Identification numbers, or an LLC kit with binders, certificates, documents, waivers, and more.

Verdict: Swift and simple, AAAFiling supplies an affordable service that allows customers to add individual supplements to their purchase as seen fit. Clients like Erick Hoffman created Cascadia Equity Holdings LLC and Steve Quan created OverstockPB.com, a paintball gear supplier through the company.

IncorporateFast.com

IncorporateFast, celebrating its eleventh year of existence, provides both solid information of the benefits of incorporation, and an affordable service to help your business become an entity of its own. A five-minute questionnaire and $49 plus State fees is all it takes for your documentation to be professionally prepared and sent off to the state for filing. Your money will get you preliminary clearance of your LLC’s name, preparation of your documents, filing, and unlimited toll-free and email support throughout the process. Like many other services, IncorporateFast offers more premium packages, with the first $173 step getting you Federal Tax ID assistance, a deluxe company kit, and a CD with essential forms. The most expensive $265 package will get you professional registered agent service.

Verdict: Relatively more affordable than most services, IncorporateFast will take care of the entire filing process and make certain you are satisfied with your result. With a 4/5 star rating on LegalSpring.com, their reliability is proven.

LegalZoom.com

LegalZoom is one of the best known eLawyering services in the world, and their good reputation extends well into the field of LLC filing. $99 plus State fees will get you the Economy Package- preliminary clearance of your LLC’s name, filing of the Articles of Organization, a custom Operating Agreement, and LegalZoom’s trademark “Peace of Mind review.” The Standard Package will run you $289 plus State fees, but includes Federal Tax ID assistance, a deluxe company kit with custom embossing seal, 20 membership certificates with transfer ledger, and a boost in online presence with the PRWeb.com visibility package. For a higher $359+State fees, you can get the Express Gold Package, which will give you priority rush service on ALL filings, a 30 day trial of Business Advantage Pro Attorney assistance, over 100 important business forms, and a fully functional Peachtree accounting software.

Verdict: LegalZoom is easily the most costly option listed, but it’s also the most recognized and historically successful eLawyering service in recent history. The cost is dwarfed by their reputation for outstanding customer service and speed in which your documentation will be filed. If you can afford the extra cash, LegalZoom is a reputable option.

Making your choice

There are many routes you can take when making the leap from small business to Limited Liability Company, but all will lead you to a golden opportunity for your business to expand and thrive under the corporate veil. Whether it’s low price, fast results, or a record of merit and satisfaction, you will be able to find the service that is tailored to your personal needs. These companies will help you, but first you need to take the leap and plan to create something special and ride the entrepreneurial spirit all the way to the bank!