5 Best Pennsylvania LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)


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#1 TOP PICK
 LegalZoom - ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

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Best LLC Formation Service in Pennsylvania

When you decide to start an LLC in Pennsylvania, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in Pennsylvania becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in Pennsylvania, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your Pennsylvania 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 Formation Services in Pennsylvania

Here is the list of best LLC services available in Pennsylvania. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania-

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

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#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • Free LLC formation

  • Access to Legal Support

  • Trustworthy and established reputation

$299 + State Fees

  • Flat pricing for all services

  • Basic business filing services

  • A+ BBB Accredited

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

  1. LegalZoom
  2. BetterLegal
  3. TailorBrands
  4. ZenBusiness
  5. NorthWest Registered Agent

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

incfile-logo

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Pennsylvania 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 LegalZoomWhy You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formationExpensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputationHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround timeLess number of add-on options
Access to legal professionalsSome additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chatMixed 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 Pennsylvania filing fee while filing the Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania 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 Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans. 

2. BetterLegal

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 BetterLegalWhy You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are finalThe basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround timeAdditional charge for EIN
A+ BBB AccreditedThe 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 online and by mail filing in Pennsylvania). 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.

3. TailorBrands

tailore-brands-logo

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Pennsylvania? 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, Pennsylvania 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 TailorBrandsWhy You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formationNot BBB Accredited
Free business bank accountsNo business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formationAdditional 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 $125 (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.

4. ZenBusiness

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 Pennsylvania, though you must pay the state filing fee of $125 (by mail and online) to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state. 

ZenBusiness Plans

  1. Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
  2. Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
  3. Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusinessWhy You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rateDoes not form Pennsylvania nonprofit
Free LLC formation in PennsylvaniaAdditional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in Pennsylvania at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature. 

5. Northwest Registered Agent

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 Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania are listed below-

  • LLC formation in Pennsylvania 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 Registered 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 NorthwestWhy You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in PennsylvaniaNot BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all servicesAdditional charges to obtain EIN in Pennsylvania
Purchase only the service you need to form Pennsylvania LLC.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania. 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 ($125 (by mail and online)). If you have already formed your LLC in Pennsylvania and are willing to appoint Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in Pennsylvania 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. 

How to Form an LLC in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, popularly known as The Keystone State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 13,092,796. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Pennsylvania is $931,717 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Pennsylvania will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Harrisburg, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits. 

To form an LLC in Pennsylvania, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your Pennsylvania Registered Agent, filing the Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization, creating Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

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-

  1. 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.
  2. Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
  3. Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
  4. Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 the benefits of forming an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers strong liability protection, easy registration, and flexible management structure for LLCs.
Who can form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Anyone who is over 18 and meets the state’s requirements can form an LLC in Pennsylvania.
Do I have to be a Pennsylvania resident to form an LLC in the state?
No, you don’t have to be a Pennsylvania resident to form an LLC in the state.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Typically, it takes around two to three weeks to form an LLC in Pennsylvania.
Is it expensive to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
The filing fee for an LLC in Pennsylvania is $125, which is a reasonable cost.
Can I use an online formation service in Pennsylvania to form my LLC?
Yes, there are many online formation services available that can help you form your LLC in Pennsylvania.
Are there any unique features or requirements for forming an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires LLCs to have a registered agent, and the state provides many opportunities for training and networking for LLCs.
Can I form an LLC in Pennsylvania by myself, or do I need a lawyer?
It is possible to form an LLC in Pennsylvania by yourself, but consulting with a lawyer can offer additional legal protections and guidance.
How many people are required to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Only one person is required to form an LLC in Pennsylvania.
Can I change the name of my LLC after I’ve formed it in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Pennsylvania by filing the necessary forms and paying a small fee.
Can an LLC in Pennsylvania be taxed as an S-Corp?
Yes, LLCs in Pennsylvania can be taxed as S-Corps, but this requires additional filings and tax classification.
How do I dissolve my LLC in Pennsylvania?
To dissolve your LLC in Pennsylvania, you need to file Articles of Dissolution with the state.
Can I operate a business as a sole proprietor in Pennsylvania, or do I need to form an LLC?
You can operate a business as a sole proprietor in Pennsylvania, but forming an LLC will offer greater personal liability protection.
What is a registered agent, and do I need one for my Pennsylvania LLC?
A registered agent is an individual or entity that can receive legal documents and notifications on behalf of your LLC. In Pennsylvania, you are required to appoint a registered agent.
Can I change the registered agent for my Pennsylvania LLC?
Yes, you can change the registered agent for your Pennsylvania LLC at any time by filing a Change of Registered Office form.
What happens if I don’t appoint a registered agent for my Pennsylvania LLC?
If you don’t appoint a registered agent for your LLC in Pennsylvania, you may miss important legal notices and documents or worse, lose your business.
What type of liability protection does an LLC in Pennsylvania offer?
An LLC in Pennsylvania can provide strong liability protection, which limits personal liability for debts and judgments related to the business itself.- –
How do I register my LLC for taxes in Pennsylvania?
You need to get an EIN from the IRS to register your LLC for taxes in Pennsylvania.
Will I need to file annual reports for my Pennsylvania LLC?
Yes, Pennsylvania LLCs are required to file an Annual Report with the state each year.
Are there any annual fees for LLCs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania LLCs are required to pay an annual fee of $70 annually.
How long does an LLC in Pennsylvania last?
An LLC in Pennsylvania does not have an expiration date and can operate indefinitely.
Can I register my LLC as a professional entity in Pennsylvania?
Yes, professionals such as doctors or lawyers can register their LLC in Pennsylvania under a “professional LLC.”
What are the benefits of starting a “professional LLC” in the state of Pennsylvania?
Starting a “professional LLC” in Pennsylvania offers Members increased personal liability protection.
How long is the name reservation period for an LLC in Pennsylvania?
The name reservation period for an LLC in Pennsylvania is 120 days.
How do I check if my desired LLC name is available in Pennsylvania?
You can check the Pennsylvania corporations database online to verify that the name is available for use.
Do I need to file an operating agreement for my LLC in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania doesn’t require operating agreements, but it‘s important to have one to e.g. determine each member’s percentage ownership, voting rights, etc.
How much personal liability protection does an LLC provide in Pennsylvania?
Generally, an LLC in Pennsylvania provides strong personal liability protection for the owners involved in the business.
Does starting an LLC in Pennsylvania require specialized knowledge?
No, it doesn’t take a lot of specialized knowledge or prior experience to start an LLC in Pennsylvania.
Can I form an LLC in Pennsylvania without a physical office?
Yes, a physical office isn’t required to form an LLC in Pennsylvania however you are required to have a Delaware Business registered agent or Pennsylvania registered agent.
What are the most popular LLC formation services in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, some popular LLC formation services include LegalZoom, IncFile, MyCompanyWorks, and BizFilings.
How do I form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
To form an LLC in Pennsylvania, you need to file formation documents with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Which state agency do I need to contact to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
You need to file your LLC formation documents with Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau’s Office.
What documents do I need to file to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
You need to file Articles of Organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State to form an LLC in Pennsylvania.
What is the cost to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
The cost to form an LLC in Pennsylvania is $125 filing fee with the PA Department of State.
Do I need to publish my LLC formation in a newspaper in Pennsylvania?
No, there’s no publication requirement to register an LLC in Pennsylvania.
Can I form an LLC in Pennsylvania if I live out of state?
Yes, even if you live outside Pennsylvania, you still can form an LLC there.
What are the annual requirements for owning an LLC in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, LLC owners are required to file an annual report and to pay state taxes on profits earned.
What is the Delaware loophole, and how can I take advantage of it in Pennsylvania?
Delaware does not require owners of Delaware-formed LLCs to pay corporate income, franchise or capital stock taxes for income received outside of Delaware. One way to use the Delaware loophole is to register your LLC in Delaware, and then register with Foreign LLC registration in Pennsylvania, thereby reducing taxes on income earned outside of Pennsylvania.
How can a professional Registered Agent help with my LLC formation in Pennsylvania?
A registered agent can provide you with a Pennsylvania registered office address, accept and forward service of process documents from state/ court, help with DBA/ Fictitious Name registering, Pennsylvania initial reports, Pennsylvania Annual Reports, Pennsylvania extensions requests and Pennsylvania Fee Payment reminders.
How long does a Pennsylvania LLC last?
An LLC formed in Pennsylvania is generally considered perpetual, meaning it can continue to operate indefinitely, or at least until formally dissolved via PA SOS voluntarily or through involuntary process.
What is their expiration/ renewal date, and how can I stay compliant with out-of-state LLC taxes due?
All Pennsylvania LLCs have an annual report due date, Initial and Fees payment deadline, failure of which LLC may go into good standing automatically. Payroll tax and Self-employment, Wage tax, etc., depend businesses wise for their operational structure and requirement, schedule accordingly.
How can I change the name or ownership structure of my PA LLC, and is there any additional approval requirement needed?
Changes can be made via the PA Department of State through filing the Certificate of Amendment form. Obtain additional trade permits/ tax registrations/licenses due to structure changes.
After the name reservation is granted, how long do I need to file my responsible business name form in the PA Department of State?
You must request this no later than 30 days from when your name reservation is granted.
How many managers I can appoint in a multi-manager LLC with the PA Department of State?
You can appoint as many managers as you need.
Can an LLC in Pennsylvania be taxed as an S corporation?
Yes, filing IRS Form 1120S and applying with state required documents.
Do I still need to set up a separate state sales tax ID for sales tax registration DOR after setting up an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you should register for State tax ID if there’s a requirement for concession tax or exemption-based taking into account.
What is the cost to convert an LLP to an LLC in Pennsylvania?
It costs nothing to keep the same EIN number while converting, $125 filing fee.
Must my certificate of organization be notarized in Pennsylvania?
No, not currently. The revised inform on 2021 June 30 suggests confirmed ownings applying hashed key cryptography method and simply filing them in person/ online.
Can I draft and file Pennsylvania LLC Articles of Organization myself?
Yes, but creating the formation document by professional help would be of convenience and compliance hassle-free.
How do I get an EIN number for my Pennsylvania LLC?
Log in to official IRS then option apply using Option I, with PA SOS registration database.
How do I transfer an out-of-state LLC to Pennsylvania?
Since moving requires the requirements of two states, counsel and professional formation agencies authenticate individual to satisfy both’s deeds.
Is there a time zone limit to form LLC in Pennsylvania?
No, This state has according to its office-hour limit of support and document analysis for on-the-spot inquiries. Appointments
Do I need a business license to establish an LLC in Pennsylvania?
There is no state-level general business license requirement in Pennsylvania; However, businesses must have specific permits/ licenses to operate in particular locations.
How vulnerable is attorney-client confidentiality when using an LLC-formation service in Pennsylvania?
Each agency provides their secrecy policy access regarding service. However, one can enjoy the premium assistance with the highest safety preference.
Can online filings of LLC documents protect my privacy with Pennsylvania state record entities?
Document submission is online-friendly here, and digital certification creates error-free and audit reports, locked pages also keep confidential insider data by law.
Do I need insurance to run an LLC in Pennsylvania?
LLCs are intended for a significant amount of lower liability-capped companies, but liability terms and state-specific circumstances may require professional analysis for your business model requirements. Personal injuries, malpractices might lead to bear costs for third parties.

Also Read

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly. 


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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