5 Best New York LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

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When you decide to start an LLC in New York, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in New York becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in New York. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in New York. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC New York LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in New York, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your New York LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in New York

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in New York
How to Form an LLC in New York
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in New York
FAQs

Best LLC Formation Services in New York

Here is the list of best LLC services available in New York. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in New York at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in New York-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in New York we picked for you.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in New York that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0.

LegalZoom Plans

Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the New York filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose.

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Resident Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in New York with LegalZoom

2. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide.

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer-

Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
Permit & License Search Service – $125
Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($125 for filing online, or by mail in New York). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal.

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in New York with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

Do you want to create a brand for your business in New York? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost.

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, New York name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

Registered Agent Service – $199/year
Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
Annual Compliances – $299/year
Operating Agreement – $29
Expedited Filing – $49
Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $200 (by mail and online) must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons.

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

Form LLC in New York with TailorBrands

4. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in New York, though you must pay the state filing fee of $200 (by mail and online) to the New York Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state.

ZenBusiness Plans

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form New York nonprofit
Free LLC formation in New York	Additional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Resident Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in New York at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in New York. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee.

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in New York. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature.

Form LLC in New York with ZenBusiness

5. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including New York. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly.

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in New York are listed below-

LLC formation in New York at $39 + state filing fee
Registered Agent at $125 yearly
Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
Obtaining EIN at $50
Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Resident Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in New York	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional charges to obtain EIN in New York
Purchase only the service you need to form New York LLC.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Resident Agent service in New York

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in New York. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need.

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($200 (by mail and online)). If you have already formed your LLC in New York and are willing to appoint Resident Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in New York and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

Form LLC in New York with Northwest Registered Agent

How to Form an LLC in New York

New York, popularly known as The Empire State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 20,448,194. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of New York is $2,070,558 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in New York will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Albany, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

To form an LLC in New York, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your New York Resident Agent, filing the New York Articles of Organization, creating New York LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes.

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better.

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in New York

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What are some of the best LLC formation services available in New York?

Some of the best LLC formation services available in New York include LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and IncAuthority.

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in New York?

Yes, you must have a registered agent for your LLC in New York. Any person or entity authorized by you and having a physical address in the state can serve as your registered agent.

What is the cost of forming an LLC in New York?

The filing fee for an LLC in New York State is $200, and additional fees may be incurred depending on the services used.

How long does it take to form an LLC in New York?

In most cases, it takes 7-10 business days to form an LLC in New York, although expedited services are available for a fee.

Can LLCs in New York have multiple owners?

Yes, an LLC in New York can have multiple owners, including both individuals and other businesses.

Can I change the name of my LLC in New York?

Yes, it is possible to change the name of your LLC in New York, although there are some fees associated with doing so.

How do I obtain an EIN for my New York LLC?

You can obtain an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, for your New York LLC automatically through the IRS website.

Is there any state-level or local tax levied on a New York LLC?

Yes, LLCs in New York are subject to a state-level tax on business income, as well as possible taxes at the local level.

Are there any marketing or advertising restrictions on New York LLCs?

No specific marketing or advertising restrictions exist for New York LLCs, as long as all applicable laws and regulations are followed.

Do I need to file my New York LLC’s personal property tax returns separately?

No, you can report and pay your LLC’s personal property tax returns in your annual New York business tax filing.

How many members does New York require for an LLC?

New York does not require a specific minimum or maximum number of members for an LLC.

How do I dissolve a New York LLC?

You must file and submit Certificate of Dissolution for your New York LLC to dissolve it.

Can I change my LLC’s structure after formation in New York?

Yes, it is possible to amend your LLC’s structure after formation by filing the appropriate documents with the state of New York.

How can I safeguard my New York LLC’s personal assets from being utilized to fulfill personal debts?

Structured properly, LLC owners can protect their personal assets from creditors pursuing their business. One way is to form the LLC under a corporate veil.

Is New York’s LLC laws flexible or constraining?

New York’s LLC laws remain an advantage for entrepreneurs as the laws are relatively flexible and certain out-of-box options are allowed.

What do I need to know about forming an LLC in New York on foreign residency?

If you’re not a legal resident of New York or US, you will need a registered agent with a physical address in the state for formation.

Are New York LLC owners liable for their company’s debt?

New York LLC owners typically are not personally liable for their LLC’s debt. With few exceptions, this means that creditors may only seek the LLC’s assets to fulfill outstanding debts.

What is Certificate of Authority?

A Certificate of Authority is called when a non-New York LLC engaged in business for a profit in New York, only then the approval of the Government is required to obtain it to legally operate in the region.

What is a Certificate of Publication?

A Certificate of Publication is required to operate legally and do business in New York owing to Private business Corporations.

How do I order, obtain or validate a New York LLC formation or renewal package online with the best LLC services?

You need to provide personal information online and then choose from various options or packages available such as legal zoom or zen business.

Do I need a business license to operate an LLC in New York?

New York has a wide range of potential state requirements for businesses which they refer to as permits, certificates or licenses. Check the details of your business.

Is an annual report required for my LLC in New York?

Yes, all LLPs are required to file an annual report with the New York Department of State in order to remain in good standing.

Do I need an operating agreement for my LLC in New York?

Although an operating agreement is not required by New York State LLC laws for LLCs, it often helps owners understand their roles and obligations.

Is it easy to get started with an LLC in New York by myself?

Yes it is definitely possible to start an LLC on your own in New York – if you prefer taking care of legal formalities, regulations and the filings, however, it is often better to enlist professionals’ help.

How do I research names for my New York LLC?

While setting up your New York LLC, conduct a name search on the New York Business Portal to ensure your chosen name is available in the state of New York for businesses to use.

Can a foreign business owner own an LLC in New York?

Yes, foreign owners can own and manage an LLC in New York, however, filing to do so would require some additional paperwork and registration requirements.

What role does New York LLCs play in setting up a conducive business environment?

LLCs enable easy and expedient establishment of businesses essential for generating tax revenue, whereas simultaneously providing ventures with a structure to manage potential risk.

What are the benefits of forming an LLC in New York?

By forming an LLC in New York, you can enjoy certain benefits such as legal protection of personal assets, easy formation and management, reduced taxes, and credibility in the eyes of customers.

Does New York have any specific requirements for LLC formation?

Yes, New York requires LLCs to file Articles of Organization, select an appropriate business name not used by other registered businesses, and acquire necessary licenses and permits.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in New York?

The cost of forming an LLC in New York depends on several factors like the size of the company, necessary legal documentation, and fees payable to the New York state government.

Can I form an LLC myself in New York?

Yes, you can form an LLC by yourself in New York, but it is recommended to contact an experienced legal professional for better results.

What are the disadvantages of forming an LLC in New York?

Some possible drawbacks of forming an LLC in New York are high maintenance costs, complex tax and regulatory compliance requirements, and increased scrutiny during legal actions.

Do I need to have a physical address to form an LLC in New York?

Yes, you need a physical address in New York (can be commercial or personal) to form an LLC and receive official documents.

How many members are required to form an LLC in New York?

New York allows forming an LLC with a single individual owner or with multiple partners.

What is the minimum age requirement to form an LLC in New York?

There is no minimum age requirement to form an LLC in New York.

Should I form an LLC in New York if I’m operating a small business or a startup?

Yes, forming an LLC in New York is recommended for small business or startup owners as it simplifies business operations, mitigates legal and tax risks, and fosters partnership opportunities.

Can my LLC operate in multiple states if it is formed in New York?

Yes, your LLC can operate in multiple states if it is registered and authorized to do business in those states.

Is it mandatory to have an Operating agreement in New York LLCs?

While it is not required by law, experts recommend having an operating agreement to formalize corporate regulations, policies, and procedures for an LLC in New York.

Can I use my personal address as my LLC’s mailing address in New York?

Yes, you can use your personal address as your LLC’s mailing address in New York, but it may not be advisable to do so to protect privacy.

Can I change my LLC’s legal name later in New York?

Yes, you can change your LLC legal name later but it requires filing additional documents and following certain legal procedures in New York.

What is required to obtain business licenses and permits for my LLC in New York?

Your LLC may need various types of licenses and permits to operate in New York, based on the nature and objectives of your business. To obtain these, inquire with your state government or consult an attorney.

Can I convert an existing business to an LLC in New York?

Yes, you can convert an existing business to an LLC in New York but it can be a complicated process that requires following certain legal procedures.

Is it possible to dissolve my LLC in New York?

Yes, it is possible to dissolve an LLC in New York, but it requires following certain legal procedures and obtaining any requisite licenses and permits of dissolution.

Will forming an LLC in New York affect my tax status with the IRS?

Forming an LLC in New York may affect your tax status at the federal level. So, make sure to inform the IRS by getting an EIN for your corporation and keep separate accounts for your personal and business finances.

Are there any annual reporting requirements for LLCs in New York?

Yes, LLCs in New York must submit Annual Reports to maintain legal standings and avoid penalties from government offices and regulatory agencies.

Can I form an LLC online in New York?

Yes, You can form an LLC online in New York but accompanied by several legal requirements and documents that need an information kit ready with you.

Can I reserve a name for my LLC formation in New York?

Yes, you can reserve a business name with the secretary of State and prevent other entities from using the name for 60 days by filing the reservation application in New York.

Can a foreign LLC conduct business in New York?

Yes, most foreign LLCs conducting business in New York need to register with the New York Department of State to pursue legal operations in the state.

Can I have multiple LLCs under one legal entity in New York?

Yes, it is possible to register multiple LLCs under one legal entity in New York by filing only one Articles of Organization, but with each one having specific brand identities.

How much personal liability protection does an LLC offer?

An LLC provides full liability protection for financial obligations and legal disputes by separating business-owned assets from personal assets.

Do all members need to live in New York to form an LLC?

No, members of an LLC can reside anywhere in the world while forming an LLC in New York.

Can I register a name under an LLC if it’s already taken under another entity in New York?

No, you must choose a distinct name for LC formation in New York that is currently not reserved or being utilized by another company.

What is the nature of the fully-managed LLC option in New York?

The fully-managed LLC management option in New York allows you to take a hands-off approach, with managers handling all daily operational tasks and financial management of the organization.

Do LLCs in New York offer any tax incentives to businesses?

Yes, LLCs in New York can use special tax incentives, such as access to a competitive tax structure and grants from economic and industrial institutions.

Are there any restrictions on using an LLC business name that implies another organization?

Yes, you can use any unique name for the name of the LLC that may not be producing meaning from the imply another organization to breach into there privacy policy.

Do I need to hold an annual meeting for my LLC in New York before forming?

Annual meeting is not mandatory before LLC formation process but if your Articles of Organization contain different opinions, you can modify them respecting conformity procedures inside the company in New York.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in New York is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in New York. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.