5 Best LLC Formation Services in Virginia (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
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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Best LLC Formation Service in Virginia

Best Virginia LLC Services for 2024: Ready to launch a business? Starting a Virginia LLC is your first big move.

With so many LLC formation services out there, each claiming to be the top choice, it’s easy to feel lost.

What if you had a clear, easy-to-follow guide pointing you straight to the best options?

That’s where LLCBuddy comes in. Our team has researched and vetted the top LLC services in Virginia just for you. Dive into our list, compare features and prices, and find the perfect fit for your business. Start your Virginia LLC journey with confidence. Check out the best Virginia LLC services from below.

Best LLC Formation Services in Virginia

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

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

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

  1. ZenBusiness – Known for its affordable packages and efficient service, ZenBusiness has become a favorite among new entrepreneurs.
  2. LegalZoom – With years of industry experience, LegalZoom offers comprehensive services and a vast array of legal resources.
  3. Northwest Registered Agent – Praised for its top-notch customer service, Northwest ensures personalized assistance and detailed compliance guidance.
  4. BetterLegal – Speed is BetterLegal’s forte, promising the fastest LLC formation process in the market.
  5. TailorBrands – Beyond LLC services, TailorBrands stands out with its branding solutions, making it a one-stop shop for budding businesses.

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

1. 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 Virginia, though you must pay the state filing fee of $100 to the Virginia 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 Virginia nonprofit
Free LLC formation in VirginiaAdditional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

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

2. LegalZoom

legalzoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Virginia 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 Virginia filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the Virginia 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.

3. 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 Virginia. 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 Virginia are listed below-

  • LLC formation in Virginia 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 VirginiaNot BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all servicesAdditional charges to obtain EIN in Virginia
Purchase only the service you need to form Virginia LLC.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in Virginia

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 Virginia. 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 ($100). If you have already formed your LLC in Virginia 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 Virginia 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.

4. 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 ($100 for online and by mail filing or in person filing in Virginia). 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.

5. TailorBrands

tailore-brands-logo

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Virginia? 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, Virginia 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 $100 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.

How to Form an LLC in Virginia

Virginia, popularly known as The Old Dominion, is a business-friendly state with a population of 8,820,504. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Virginia is $654,573 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Virginia will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Richmond, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

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

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.

Also Read

Why Virginia is One of the Best Places for Business

One of the key reasons why Virginia is so appealing to businesses is its prime location on the East Coast. Positioned along the mid-Atlantic seaboard, Virginia offers easy access to major markets like Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. This makes it an ideal hub for companies looking to reach a large customer base or expand their operations along the densely populated East Coast.

In addition to its advantageous location, Virginia boasts a business-friendly climate that is attractive to companies of all sizes and industries. The state’s low corporate taxes, minimal regulations, and strong support for entrepreneurship make it an inviting place for business owners looking to grow and thrive. Furthermore, Virginia’s commitment to economic development through incentive programs and grants makes it even more appealing for companies looking to invest in the state.

Another reason why Virginia is a top destination for businesses is its highly educated workforce. With a robust network of colleges, universities, and technical schools, Virginia produces a steady stream of skilled workers in industries like technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. This talent pool is a major asset for businesses looking to recruit top-notch employees and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly changing market.

Beyond its well-educated workforce, Virginia also boasts a strong infrastructure that supports business growth and innovation. From modern airports and ports to an extensive network of highways and railroads, the state’s infrastructure is designed to facilitate the movement of goods and people efficiently. This connectivity makes it easy for companies to navigate the state and beyond, allowing for seamless operations and logistical efficiency.

Furthermore, Virginia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship makes it an attractive destination for businesses looking to minimize their carbon footprint and operate in an eco-friendly manner. With a focus on clean energy, conservation, and sustainable practices, Virginia sets itself apart as a forward-thinking state that values both the environment and economic prosperity.

In conclusion, Virginia’s unique combination of strategic location, pro-business policies, highly educated workforce, strong infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability make it one of the best places for businesses to thrive and grow. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish a presence on the East Coast or a multinational corporation seeking to expand your operations, Virginia offers the ideal blend of resources and support to help you succeed. So if you’re looking for a place to call home for your business, look no further than Virginia.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Virginia is a big step. It’s really helpful to have experts on your side. When you use a professional LLC service, you’re making sure everything is done right without any headaches. We’ve given you a list of the top choices in this article. Take your time to look at each one. Check their prices, see what they offer, and think about what’s best for your business.

Remember, picking the right Virginia LLC service can make things smoother and better for your business as it grows. If you want the best for your business, check out ZenBusiness. With their compelling offer of $0 + state fee for LLC formation, combined with an impressive array of 5-star Trustpilot reviews, they’re our number one recommendation. Seize this exceptional opportunity for your business!

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