Starting a business can be daunting, and one of the most critical steps in the process is forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). LegalZoom has emerged as a popular online service that aims to simplify the process for entrepreneurs at $0.
LegalZoom’s reputation is well-known in this field, but it is not evident that it suits your requirements and needs. LLCBuddy team has used LegalZoom’s service to determine whether it is appropriate for your business. Let this LegalZoom review speak for itself so that you have all the necessary information to decide whether their services are the right choice for you.
If you’re not a fan of reading, you can watch this video from us for a quick tour of LegalZoom LLC Services. You can decide whether it is a good choice for your business!
LegalZoom Review: A Quick Summary
The Good👍
- LLC Formation at $0 (+state fee)
- Trustworthy and established reputation
- Comprehensive and user-friendly website
- Straightforward LLC formation process
- Access to legal professionals
- Customer support available through phone or chat
The Bad👎
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Some additional fees not included in plan prices
- Mixed customer reviews
- Service Quality: 4/5
- Turnaround Time: 4/5
- Pricing: 4.5/5
- Customer Feedback: 4.3/5
- User Friendly: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
What Is LegalZoom Service?
LegalZoom is a popular online legal service that provides various tools and resources to assist in forming and managing businesses. With its user-friendly platform, LegalZoom simplifies creating and maintaining a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
One of the key offerings of LegalZoom is its LLC formation service. Streamlining the process, they free up time for business owners to focus on other aspects of their company. Some of the essential features of their service include:
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
- Operating Agreement customization
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) acquisition assistance
- Compliance assistance to help maintain good standing with state regulations
LegalZoom Pricing and Packages
LegalZoom offers three LLC formation packages to cater to their clients’ varied needs: Economy, Standard, and Express Gold. These packages differ in pricing and the features they provide, allowing customers to choose the one that best suits their business needs.
Package Name | Price | Attorney Service |
---|---|---|
Basic | $0 + State Fee | N/A |
Pro | $249 + State Fee | N/A |
Premium | $279 + State Fee | 30-day subscription |
Apart from LLC formation services, LegalZoom also provides a wide array of other legal services including, but not limited to:
- 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.
It’s worth mentioning that business owners who opt for LegalZoom’s LLC service can benefit from the company’s lifetime customer support. This ensures any questions or concerns are always addressed on time, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
LegalZoom has made a name by offering a convenient and easy-to-navigate platform for various legal services. With its clear pricing structure and diverse offerings, they’ve become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking legal assistance in their business ventures.
Breaking Down LegalZoom’s LLC Services
When it comes to forming an LLC, many people turn to LegalZoom for assistance. I’ve broken down their LLC services to understand better what they offer and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Formation Packages
LegalZoom offers three different packages for LLC formation: Economy, Standard, and Express Gold. Each package includes various features and services depending on your budget and requirements. Let’s examine what each package offers:
- Basic Package ($0 + state filing fees)
- Articles of Organization preparation and filing
- Name availability search
- Lifetime customer support
- Standard LLC formation
- Pro Package ($249 + state filing fees)
- All features of the Basic Package
- Access to operating agreement templates
- EIN
- Business licenses & permits guide
- Tax & Insurance Guidance
- Financial account authorization letter
- Premium Package ($279 + state filing fees)
- All features of the Pro Package
- Attorney Services (30 days subscription)
- Additional Business Services, such as websites, email, etc.
Remember that state filing fees are NOT included in the package prices – they vary depending on the state where you’re forming your LLC.
Registered Agent Services
LegalZoom also provides registered agent services at an additional cost. A registered agent is required by law for every LLC and is responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your company. The registered agent service offered by LegalZoom costs $299 per year.
Ongoing Compliance Assistance
Maintaining your LLC requires compliance with state requirements, such as annual reports and business licenses. LegalZoom can help ensure that your LLC remains in good standing by providing compliance assistance. They offer a Compliance Calendar ($69 + state fees) to keep you informed about important deadlines and an Annual Report Filing Service to handle the filing for you.
Operating Agreement
While LegalZoom provides access to operating agreement templates in its formation packages, they also offer an Operating Agreement Preparation and Review Service for an additional fee of $99. This service involves a LegalZoom attorney reviewing your operating agreement to ensure it’s properly drafted and customized to your business needs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages:
Package | Price | Features |
---|---|---|
Basic | $0 | – Standard LLC formation – Name check and business filing – Articles of Organization – Digital Welcome packet |
Pro | $249 | – Everything in the Basic package – Operating Agreement – EIN – Business licenses & permits guide – Financial account authorization letter – Tax & Insurance Guidance |
Premium | $279 | – Everything in the Pro package – Attorney services – Other business services like website, email, etc |
When choosing the right package for your LLC formation, consider your business’s specific needs and compare each package’s offerings. LegalZoom’s packages are designed to cater to a wide range of clients, ensuring you can find the ideal fit for your business.
Alternatives to LegalZoom for LLC Formation
While LegalZoom is a popular option for forming an LLC, I’ve discovered several alternatives that are worth considering. Each of these platforms offers different features and pricing structures, so it’s essential to determine which one best fits your business needs. Here are some top alternatives to LegalZoom for LLC formation:
TailorBrands is one close competitor and an alternative to LegalZoom when it comes to LLC formation. This company is comparatively new and does not provide attorney services. Some key features of this service provider are:
- LLC formation at $0
- Add-on services are comparatively cheaper
- Additional business services like logos, websites, and merchandise are available
ZenBusiness is an affordable and user-friendly alternative to LegalZoom. Some key features that set this platform apart include:
- Competitive pricing starts at $49 (plus state fees)
- Faster processing times
- A worry-free guarantee, which covers any filing errors
Incfile is another option to consider when forming an LLC. The company offers many benefits and features, such as:
- Free basic LLC formation (excluding state fees)
- One year of free registered agent service
- An easy-to-use online dashboard to manage your business documents
Rocket Lawyer For those seeking a more comprehensive legal service, Rocket Lawyer is an excellent choice. This platform provides access to:
- A network of attorneys for legal advice
- Document review and attorney assistance, if needed
- An option for ongoing legal services through their membership program
Platform | Base Price | Registered Agent Service | Processing Time |
---|---|---|---|
TailorBrands | $0 | $199/year | 5 to 8 business days |
ZenBusiness | $0 | $99/year | 3 to 5 business days |
Incfile | $0 | Free for the first year | 1 to 3 weeks |
Rocket Lawyer | $99 | $125/year, with membership | 5 to 10 business days |
It’s also good to know about traditional alternatives, such as hiring a local attorney or CPA. While these options are often more expensive than online services, working one-on-one with a professional has its advantages:
- Personalized attention and service
- A deep understanding of your specific circumstances and state regulations
- A long-term relationship with someone who can grow your business
In summary, each of these alternatives brings unique features, pricing structures, and levels of assistance to the table. To choose the best option for your business, it’s crucial to understand your budget, the level of support you require, and the ongoing responsibilities related to LLC formation. This way, you can make an informed decision that sets your company up for success.
Why Choose LegalZoom for LLC Formation?
When it comes to LLC formation, there are many choices available. LegalZoom has been a go-to option for countless entrepreneurs, and here’s why.
- Ease of use takes the forefront when deciding on LLC formation services. LegalZoom offers a user-friendly website and a streamlined process for starting your business. By following their step-by-step guidance, I can now confidently create my own LLC without getting bogged down by confusing legal jargon.
- Another vital factor for me is LegalZoom’s affordable prices. They offer multiple packages, with their most basic package starting at just $0 (excluding state filing fees). The transparent pricing structure makes choosing the right option for my business needs simple without being hit by unexpected costs.
- While venturing into the world of LLC formation, it was seen that customer support played a significant role in the decision-making process. LegalZoom has an outstanding reputation for its knowledgeable and friendly customer service. They provide email, phone, and chat support, which ensures I can get answers to any questions or concerns quickly.
- A major advantage of using LegalZoom is the complementary services they offer alongside LLC formation. These include:
- Registered agent services
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) application
- Business licenses and permits
- Operating agreements
- Intellectual property protection
Having all these services in one place can save me time and prevent the headache of dealing with multiple platforms.
In summary, choosing LegalZoom for LLC formation gives me peace of mind knowing I can access a comprehensive range of services, ease of use, and long-lasting customer support. No wonder LegalZoom has been the choice for over 3.6 million customers.
Ease of Use and Platform Navigation
In today’s fast-paced world, ease of use and straightforward navigation plays a crucial role in determining the success of any online service. LegalZoom’s LLC service stands out in this regard. I’ve found that the platform is user-friendly, offering a straightforward and intuitive experience for its customers.
Their website design is clean and professional, featuring concise explanations and a logical layout. LegalZoom has included helpful tooltips throughout the LLC formation process, answering questions and addressing common concerns. These tooltips assist in guiding users through each step, ensuring they’re familiar with the terminology and understand the implications of their choices. The platform’s user interface also features a side-by-side comparison of different LLC packages, making determining which best suits your needs easier.
LegalZoom knows the importance of a smooth onboarding process. When starting an LLC, they’ve implemented an effective questionnaire system that collects the necessary information from users. The questions are clear, concise and avoid legal jargon. If you don’t have an answer, LegalZoom provides an option to save your progress and return later. This flexibility is beneficial when you’re juggling multiple tasks in starting a business.
Another notable aspect of the platform’s navigation is its resource center, which provides vital information regarding LLC formation. This comprehensive knowledge base includes:
- Step-by-step guides on starting an LLC, providing added support and direction.
- FAQs that cover common queries about LLC formation, delivering further clarity.
- Legal advice articles encompass business structure, taxes, and regulations, establishing genuine understanding and instilling confidence in the process.
Regarding customer support, LegalZoom offers a range of options for assistance. Users can contact their support team via phone, email, or live chat. The platform also provides access to a network of independent attorneys who can guide you on specific legal matters.
LegalZoom’s LLC service delivers an easily navigable and user-friendly platform. The combination of helpful tooltips, a comprehensive resource center, and accessible customer support transforms potentially convoluted processes into a simple, stress-free experience.
Customer Support and Resources
Regarding customer support and resources, LegalZoom offers clients a range of options. I’ll delve into their assistance channels and additional resources to help you decide about LegalZoom’s LLC service.
One notable aspect of their customer support is their extended service hours. LegalZoom’s support team can assist you during normal business hours, late evenings, and weekends. These extended hours ensure you’ll find the help you need, even if you’re working on your LLC documents after traditional business hours.
LegalZoom offers multiple ways to connect with their support team:
- Phone Support: You can reach LegalZoom’s knowledgeable representatives by calling their dedicated phone line.
- Email Support: Email your questions or concerns to their support team for a timely and comprehensive response.
- Online Chat: An online chat feature lets you instantly communicate with a representative through their website.
- Help Center: LegalZoom’s comprehensive Help Center contains answers to FAQs and detailed guides on various topics related to LLC formation.
In addition to its robust customer support options, LegalZoom provides a wealth of educational resources to help you navigate the LLC formation process. Here are some useful resources you’ll find on their website:
- Articles: A regularly updated library of articles explaining various aspects of LLC formation, legal implications, and more.
- Guides: Step-by-step guides that walk you through the entire LLC formation process.
- Webinars: LegalZoom routinely hosts free webinars on LLC formation and other business topics, featuring input from legal professionals.
- Video Tutorials: Video content that explains particular aspects of the LLC formation process, making it easier to understand complex topics.
LegalZoom understands that the LLC formation process can be daunting, so they provide support every step of the way. With various ways to connect with their customer support team and a wealth of educational resources, you can feel confident in choosing LegalZoom’s LLC service.
Remember, evaluating your specific needs and preferences is important when selecting an LLC service provider. LegalZoom’s customer support and resources are critical in ensuring their customers have a positive experience and successfully navigate the LLC formation process.
Processing Times and State Filing
When setting up an LLC through LegalZoom, it’s essential to consider the processing times and state filing aspects. In this section, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of these factors, which can seriously impact the overall experience of forming an LLC.
To begin with, it’s important to understand that processing times vary greatly depending on the state in which you’re forming your LLC. While some states may provide expedited services, others might have a longer standard processing time.
In terms of state filing fees, LegalZoom doesn’t include these fees in its package pricing. You’ll need to pay these fees separately when forming your LLC. To give you an idea of the range, state filing fees can fall between $40 and $500. Some states may also require additional annual reporting fees or taxes.
It’s worth noting that if you choose LegalZoom’s Express Gold package, they’ll prioritize your filing, ensuring the whole process runs as smoothly and quickly as possible. This includes faster document creation and shipping and expedited state filing (where available).
Here are a few more things to keep in mind with state filing:
- States have different naming requirements and restrictions for LLCs, so check these beforehand to avoid potential delays or issues.
- LegalZoom provides a complimentary name availability check as part of their service, giving you peace of mind when selecting a proper name for your LLC.
- Some states may require additional documentation or permits, depending on the nature and location of your business. Be prepared to handle these requirements if necessary.
In conclusion, the processing times and state filing aspect of forming an LLC should be essential when choosing a service provider like LegalZoom. Their two-tiered approach offers flexibility in terms of both processing speed and cost, and they also provide valuable services like name availability checks. However, state filing fees are separate, so be sure to factor them into your overall cost calculations.
LegalZoom’s User Experiences and Reviews
In this section, I’ll discuss LegalZoom’s user experiences and reviews, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect when using their LLC service. Remember that these are the impressions of other people who have used their services.
LegalZoom has amassed many reviews on various platforms, such as Trustpilot, SiteJabber, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Here are some compiled statistics regarding their ratings:
Platform | Rating | Reviews Count |
---|---|---|
Trustpilot | 4.1/5 | 19,000+ |
SiteJabber | 3.3/5 | 640+ |
BBB | A+ rating | – |
It’s important to note that not all reviews are totally positive. While many users find LegalZoom’s services valuable and easy to use, others have raised concerns and issues that are worth mentioning.
Here’s a summary of what many customers appreciate about LegalZoom:
- User-friendly interface: LegalZoom’s platform is considered simple and straightforward, making forming an LLC easier for people with limited legal knowledge.
- Clear instructions: Customers appreciate the step-by-step instructions guiding them through the process.
- Prompt customer support: Numerous users praise LegalZoom for their prompt and helpful customer service, which helps resolve any issues that may arise during forming an LLC.
However, some users have reported negative experiences with LegalZoom as well. Here are some common complaints:
- Cost: Some customers find LegalZoom’s service fees to be higher than other alternatives.
- Upselling tactics: Some users have mentioned feeling pressured into purchasing add-ons and additional services that may not be necessary.
- Subscription cancellations: Several reviews indicate difficulties when trying to cancel a subscription, leading to unexpected charges.
Furthermore, the varied experiences of LegalZoom’s users demonstrate that individual circumstances can greatly influence their satisfaction with the services provided. For instance, people with prior legal knowledge might find the service less valuable, as they could handle the process independently.
To get the most accurate understanding of LegalZoom’s effectiveness for your LLC needs, it’s important to evaluate both the positive and negative reviews. This will ensure you make the most informed decision as you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using LegalZoom for your LLC formation.
In Conclusion
After thoroughly examining LegalZoom’s LLC service, we’ve reached a clear consensus on what the platform offers. From their pricing structure to the range of services provided, it’s evident that LegalZoom makes setting up an LLC as seamless as possible for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Despite its drawbacks, it can be said that LegalZoom’s LLC service remains a strong choice for entrepreneurs seeking a reliable platform to establish their businesses. The company’s long-standing reputation and efficient services make it an excellent option for those looking to navigate the complex world of LLC formation.