5 Best Virginia LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

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

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

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

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	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 Virginia 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 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 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 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.

Form LLC in Virginia 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 ($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.

Form LLC in Virginia with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

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 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 $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.

Form LLC in Virginia 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 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

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 Virginia nonprofit
Free LLC formation in Virginia	Additional 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.

Form LLC in Virginia 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 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 Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in Virginia	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional 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.

Form LLC in Virginia with Northwest Registered Agent

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-

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 is the best LLC formation service in Virginia?

The best LLC formation service in Virginia varies based on the specific needs of each customer.

What types of businesses can benefit from LLC formation services in Virginia?

LLC formation services in Virginia are ideal for any type of business, whether it’s a small or large one.

Are there any specific laws or regulations for LLCs in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia state laws and regulations govern LLCs.

Can I form my LLC on my own or do I need a formation service in Virginia?

You can technically form an LLC on your own without assistance from a formation service.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Virginia?

It typically takes around 1-2 weeks to form an LLC in Virginia after all paperwork has been completed.

Will I get a registered agent with an LLC formation service in Virginia?

Yes, many LLC formation services in Virginia offer registered agent services.

What are some good LLC formation services in Virginia?

Some good LLC formation services in Virginia include ZenBusiness, Incfile, and Northwest Registered Agent.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Virginia?

The cost of forming an LLC in Virginia varies, but expect to pay around $100-$150 in state filing fees.

Can I change my LLC name after formation in Virginia?

Yes, it is possible to change an LLC name after formation in Virginia.

How many members are required to form an LLC in Virginia?

At least one member is required to form an LLC in Virginia.

What are the ongoing expenses associated with having an LLC in Virginia?

Ongoing expenses associated with having an LLC in Virginia can include state fees and filing taxes.

What steps should I take before deciding on an LLC formation service in Virginia?

Research the service, their reputation, and any reviews from previous customers.

Is it possible to change the insured name of your LLC if you want to?

Yes, it is possible to change the name of your LLC in Virginia.

Does the state of Virginia require an operating agreement for LLCs?

No, but it is recommended that you have an operating agreement.

Can I start an LLC in Virginia as a non-resident or foreigner?

Yes, it is possible to start an LLC in Virginia as a non-resident or foreigner.

What sets the top LLC formation services apart from the rest in Virginia?

Top LLC formation services in Virginia have excellent customer service, affordable prices, and offer formation services tailored to each customer’s individual needs.

How can I get help during the LLC formation process in Virginia?

Most LLC formation services in Virginia offer customer support to assist with any issues during the formation process.

What is the Annual Report in Virginia and is an LLC required to file it?

The Annual Report in Virginia is a document which verifies company information that is filed with the state. Yes, an LLC in Virginia is required to file an Annual Report.

Do I need a specific business license to open an LLC Virginia?

This depends on the kind of business you are operating – some businesses in Virginia require specific business licenses even besides filing for LLC.

What are the options for an LLC in Virginia to be taxed?

LLCs in Virginia can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an S-corporation or a C-corporation.

Is it cheaper to form an LLC or incorporate in Virginia?

The cost of forming an LLC and incorporation is the same in Virginia. The difference lies in their filings and legal structure.

How can I dissolve my LLC in Virginia?

To dissolve your LLC in Virginia, you would need to submit the specified legal form to the state of Virginia.

Does having an LLC in Virginia provide any asset protection?

Yes, a properly created and sustained LLC may provide a layer of protection for assets or belongings outside the LLC so far as the business is concerned.

Can I form an LLC in Virginia with a name that’s already taken?

No, the state of Virginia will reject the application if a company name is already taken.

How can I check if the LLC name I want to use has already been taken in Virginia?

You can visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission business name check tool to check the LLC name availability in Virginia.

What are the formalities for managing an LLC in Virginia?

The law is relatively loose in ensuring formalities are observed in LLCs in Virginia, however you should have an operating agreement, register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and maintain sufficient records.

What is a Single-Member LLC in Virginia?

A Single-member LLC in Virginia is simply an LLC that has only one owner.

Does the name of an LLC in Virginia have to end with ‘LLC’?

No. Virginia LLCs have certain requirements, though the suffix isn’t one of them.

How much do LLC formation services in Virginia cost?

LLC formation services in Virginia vary in cost. Most local companies cost less than $300, with some as low as $50 to $100.

What is an LLC formation service in Virginia?

An LLC formation service in Virginia is a company that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create a new LLC in Virginia.

Why is it necessary to have an LLC formation service in Virginia?

Having an LLC formation service in Virginia makes the process of starting a business easier.

How does an LLC formation service in Virginia help entrepreneurs?

An LLC formation service in Virginia helps entrepreneurs through every step of the process of forming an LLC, including submitting paperwork to the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Virginia with the help of an LLC formation service?

It can cost between $50 and $200 to form an LLC in Virginia with the help of an LLC formation service.

Can people form an LLC on their own?

Yes, people can form an LLC on their own by filing paperwork with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

What is a Virginia resident agent?

A Virginia resident agent is a designated person or company that receives legal and tax documents on behalf of an LLC.

Do Virginia businesses need to have a resident agent?

Yes, Virginia businesses are required to have a resident agent for legal and tax purposes.

How does an LLC formation service help with the designation of a resident agent?

An LLC formation service can help business owners choose a resident agent and file the necessary paperwork with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Do people need to be Virginia residents to start an LLC in Virginia?

No, people do not need to be Virginia residents to start an LLC in Virginia.

Can an LLC formation service in Virginia help people who aren’t residents of Virginia?

Yes, an LLC formation service in Virginia can help people who aren’t residents of Virginia to start an LLC in the state.

How do I know if an LLC in Virginia is right for my business?

Your business structure should be determined based on the complexity of the business, the likelihood of lawsuits, and the amount of revenue expected.

What are some advantages of forming an LLC in Virginia?

Some advantages of forming an LLC in Virginia include limited liability, tax benefits, and flexibility.

What are some potential downsides to forming an LLC in Virginia?

Some potential downsides include start-up costs, legal formalities, and potential tax disadvantages.

How many people are required to form an LLC in Virginia?

There is no minimum number of people required to form an LLC in Virginia.

What is the maximum number of members that an LLC in Virginia can have?

There is no maximum number of members for an LLC in Virginia.

Can an LLC be owned by another LLC or corporation in Virginia?

Yes, an LLC in Virginia can be owned by another LLC or corporation.

What is the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and what is its role in LLC formation?

The Virginia State Corporation Commission is the state agency that regulates and oversees the formation of businesses, including LLCs, in Virginia.

What is the process for getting the Virginia State Corporation Commission to approve an LLC formation?

Submitting required documentation and paying a filing fee are required for getting the Virginia State Corporation Commission to approve an LLC formation.

What is the difference between Virginia LLC laws and laws in other states?

Virginia LLC laws may differ from laws in other states in terms of filing fees, annual taxes, and regulations.

How do I choose a name for my LLC in Virginia?

Your name should accurately reflect the business and comply with certain naming rules established by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

What are the requirements for an LLC in Virginia?

If allowed by the laws of Virginia, a Virginia LLC’s effective date does not need to exceed 90 days after filing.

Can an LLC in Virginia be dissolved after it has been formed?

Yes, a Virginia LLC can be dissolved by filing specific paperwork with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Can a Virginia LLC be moved to another state after it has been formed?

Yes, a Virginia LLC can be moved to another state by filing specific paperwork with the new state’s regulatory agency.

Can Virginia LLCs hire employees?

Yes, a Virginia LLC can hire employees to help with the growth of the business.

Does Virginia offer any special tax benefits to LLCs?

Virginia offers several tax benefits to LLCs, including low tax rates and tax credits.

Will my Virginia LLC need to renew its registration every year?

Yes, Virginia LLCs are required to renew their registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission on a yearly basis.

Conclusion

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