Establishing your first limited liability company can be extremely overwhelming and stressful. Having a professional hand would be the best idea. LegalZoom is one such company that has emerged as a popular online service that operates in all states.
LegalZoom, being one of the oldest companies, offers LLC formation at $0. One should know that an LLC formation here is not absolutely free. One must pay a mandatory state filing fee while having their LLC set up in the state. 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!
On this page
LegalZoom Review: A Quick SummaryWhat Is LegalZoom Service?LegalZoom Pricing and PackagesShould You Buy LegalZoom? Yes or No?F.A.Q.LegalZoom Review: A Quick Summary
The Good
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LLC Formation at $0 (+ state fee)
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Trustworthy and established reputation
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Comprehensive and user-friendly website
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Straightforward LLC formation process
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Access to legal professionals
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Customer support is available through phone or chat
The Bad
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Higher pricing compared to some competitors
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Some additional fees not included in plan prices
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Mixed customer reviews
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Service Quality: 4/5
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Turnaround Time: 4/5
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Pricing: 4.5/5
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Customer Feedback: 4.3/5
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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 frees up time for business owners to focus on other aspects of their company. Some of the essential features of their service include:
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Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
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Operating Agreement customization
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Employer Identification Number (EIN) acquisition assistance
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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 | $299 + 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:
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Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
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Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
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Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
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Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
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Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
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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 better understand 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:
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Basic Package ($0 + state filing fees)
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Articles of Organization preparation and filing
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Name availability search
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Lifetime customer support
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Standard LLC formation
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Pro Package ($249 + state filing fees)
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All features of the Basic Package
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Access to operating agreement templates
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EIN
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Business licenses & permits guide
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Tax & Insurance Guidance
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Financial account authorization letter
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Premium Package ($299 + state filing fees)
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All features of the Pro Package
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Attorney Services (30-day subscription)
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Additional Business Services, such as websites, email, etc.
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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, it also offers 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 | $299 | - 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.
Should You Buy LegalZoom? Yes or No?
When it comes to an LLC formation service, you strictly check a couple of things. One, the packages, and two, the price. LegalZoom, like other competitors, has a free basic plan and other paid plans. For an entrepreneur, if you have a tight budget, you can opt for the $0 plan, where all you have to pay is the mandatory state filing fee. Sounds nice? Well, that's actually not that great, as LegalZoom's basic plan does not include an operating agreement, EIN, or an attorney service.
The one who is more into forming a medium- or large-sized business might benefit from their Premium Plan, which covers every other plan and service under them. Also, the premium plan comes with a vast range of attorney services. Hence, it will be beneficial for a small business to purchase the Pro package, while those who have more budget and need vast legal services can go for the premium package.
Overall Verdict: LegalZoom is a favourable choice for anyone who wants to start an LLC or any business type, especially small and medium-sized businesses. Their vast legal support helps small, medium, and large businesses insideout in conducting business properly.
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:
- 1-day rush filing (add-on)
- Attorney help (legal plan)
- Established reputation
ZenBusiness is an affordable and user-friendly alternative to LegalZoom. Some key features that set this platform apart include:
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Competitive pricing starts at $0 (plus state fees)
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Faster processing times
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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:
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Free basic LLC formation (excluding state fees)
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One year of free registered agent service
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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:
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A network of attorneys for legal advice
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Document review and attorney assistance, if needed
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An option for ongoing legal services through their membership program
Swyft Filings is a 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:
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LLC formation at $0
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Suitable for small businesses
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Great customer service
| Platform | Base Price | Registered Agent Service | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Swyft Filings | $0 | $149/year | 5 to 7 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:
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Personalized attention and service
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A deep understanding of your specific circumstances and state regulations
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A major advantage of LegalZoom is the complementary services it offers alongside LLC formation. These include:
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Registered agent services
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Employer Identification Number (EIN) application
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Business licenses and permits
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Operating agreements
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Intellectual property protection
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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.
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.
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:
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User-friendly interface: LegalZoom's platform is considered simple and straightforward, making forming an LLC easier for people with limited legal knowledge.
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Clear instructions: Customers appreciate the step-by-step instructions guiding them through the process.
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Prompt customer support: Numerous users praise LegalZoom for their prompt and helpful customer service, which helps resolve any issues that may arise while forming an LLC.
However, some users have reported negative experiences with LegalZoom as well. Here are some common complaints:
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Cost: Some customers find LegalZoom's service fees to be higher than those of other alternatives.
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Upselling tactics: Some users have mentioned feeling pressured into purchasing add-ons and additional services that may not be necessary.
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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.
F.A.Q.
How much does LegalZoom's LLC formation service cost in 2026?
LegalZoom offers three LLC formation packages: Economy ($0 + state fees), Standard ($199), and Premium ($299). All packages include basic LLC formation, while higher tiers add features like expedited processing, operating agreement templates, and compliance alerts. Watch for seasonal promotions that can reduce these prices.
How long does it take LegalZoom to form an LLC?
Standard processing typically takes 15-20 business days. With expedited processing (included in Standard and Premium packages), formation can be completed in 7-10 business days. Processing times vary by state and workload.
Can I form a single-member LLC through LegalZoom?
Yes, LegalZoom supports single-member LLC formation. The process is the same as multi-member LLCs, and they provide customized operating agreement templates specifically for single-member LLCs.
Does LegalZoom offer registered agent services?
Yes, LegalZoom provides registered agent services for $299 per year. The first year is included in their Premium package. They offer compliance monitoring, important document scanning, and annual report reminders.
How does LegalZoom compare to other online LLC formation services?
LegalZoom might look more expensive than competitors to some users, but it offers a well-established brand with extensive customer support. Their interface is user-friendly, but you may find better value with other services if cost is your primary concern.
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.