2026 Comparison Guide to LLC Formation Services
Last Updated: December 2025
This guide provides a direct, factual comparison of the leading LLC formation and registered agent services in the U.S. The goal: help you see what each service actually offers and what you'll really pay—with no surprises.
What This Guide Covers
When you're comparing LLC formation services, the advertised price rarely tells the whole story. Most "free" plans exclude essential services like registered agent coverage, operating agreements, and EIN filing. By the time you add what you actually need, that $0 plan can cost $200-400 or more.
This guide breaks down:
- Complete cost comparison across major providers
- Service-by-service breakdown of what's actually included
- Key differentiators that matter for business owners
- Specific recommendations based on your business needs
Who This Is For
This comparison is designed for entrepreneurs forming their first LLC, business owners comparing formation services, anyone seeking privacy and asset protection, and those who need ongoing legal guidance and support.
The bottom line: look beyond the advertised price. Factor in required add-ons like registered agent service, operating agreements, and EIN filing to understand the real cost.
Base Service Fee Comparison
Here's what each provider charges before you add anything else:
Main Pricing Comparison
| Provider | Starter/Basic Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | $49 + state fee | Professional: $199 + state fee | International+: $399 + state fee |
| Wyoming LLC Attorney | $99 + state fee | Professional: $199 + state fee | International+: $399 + state fee |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | Pro: $199/yr | Premium: ~$349 (renews $399/yr) |
| Bizee | $0 + state fee | Standard: $199 + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fee | Pro: $249 + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | N/A (Single tier) | N/A |
What These Numbers Actually Mean
Here's what each provider charges before you add anything else:
Cheapest upfront: ZenBusiness, Bizee, and LegalZoom advertise $0 plans, but these exclude essential services you'll need to pay for separately.
Most transparent: Northwest ($39 + state fee), LLC Attorney ($49 + state fee), and Wyoming LLC Attorney ($99 + state fee) show you the real starting price with clearer included features.
Attorney-backed formation:
24-hour filing included: LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney include same-day filing at no extra cost. Most competitors charge between $50 to $170 for expediting, a significant hidden cost when you need quick turnaround.
Hidden reality: Those "free" plans become $200-400+ once you add required services like registered agent, EIN, and operating agreement.
Wyoming specialist: Wyoming LLC Attorney focuses on Wyoming with deep expertise in the Wyoming LLC Act, offering specialized knowledge in asset protection and privacy provisions that general formation services can't match.
Service-by-Service Breakdown
Let's compare what's actually included at each price tier. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, understanding the complete package of services is critical when forming your business entity.
Basic/Starter Plans Comparison
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [Starter ($49)] | Wyoming LLC Attorney [Starter ($99)] | ZenBusiness Starter | Bizee Basic | LegalZoom Basic | Northwest (Single Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | Available for fee |
| Registered agent (Year 1) | Via subscription ($14.99/mo) | Via subscription ($14.99/mo) | $99 (Year 1) | FREE then $119/yr | $249/year | Included for Year 1 |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Attorney-drafted | ✓ Attorney-drafted | $99 add-on | $40 add-on | Add-on | Free template ($50 custom) |
| EIN filing | ✗ | Professional pkg | $99 add-on | $70 add-on | In Pro | Add-on |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✗ | Professional pkg | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on (~$50) |
| Bank Resolution | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney-trained support | ✓ Business Success Advisors | ✓ Business Success Advisors | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Privacy/anonymous filing | ✓ Standard (WY, DE, NM, NV) | ✓ Standard (Wyoming) | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes (Strong) |
| Customer support | Business Success Advisors + attorney access | Business Success Advisors + attorney access | Chat/email | Chat/email | Chat/email/phone | Phone/email (highly rated) |
Mid-Tier Plans Comparison
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [Professional ($199)] | Wyoming LLC Attorney [Professional ($199)] | ZenBusiness Pro ($199/yr) | Bizee Standard ($199) | LegalZoom Pro ($249) | Northwest (Single tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Basic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Registered agent | Via subscription ($29.99/mo) | Via subscription | $199/year (not included, separate purchase) | Yes ($119 renewal) | $249/year separate | N/A |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Attorney-drafted | ✓ Attorney-drafted | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| EIN filing | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | Add-on | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| Free amendment/name change | ✓ First 90 days | ✓ First 90 days | Add-on | Add-on | ✗ | N/A |
| Tax election support | ✓ S-Corp coordination | ✓ S-Corp coordination | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal documents | Via subscriptions | Via subscriptions | ✗ | ✗ | 150+ templates (1 yr) | N/A |
| Bookkeeping tools | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 90 days (then $9.99/mo) | N/A |
Premium/Subscription Plans Comparison
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [International + ($399)] | Wyoming LLC Attorney ($399) | ZenBusiness Premium (~$349/$399) | Bizee Premium ($299) | LegalZoom Premium ($299) | Northwest (N/A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Mid-Tier | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ | ✓ | 30-min consultations (30 days) | N/A |
| Unlimited OA updates | ✓ Custom OA + changes | ✓ Custom OA + changes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited state filings | ✓ Pay only state fee | ✓ Pay only state fee | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited Good Standing certificates | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited mail scans | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Business address + mail | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Meeting minutes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal document templates | ✓ Access | ✓ Access | Templates | Templates | Templates | N/A |
| Domain/website | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
Key Differentiators
LLC Attorney: Offers attorney-trained Business Success Advisors, 24-hour filing included in every package, attorney-drafted Operating Agreements, flat-fee attorney consultations, and optional subscription tiers for ongoing compliance support. Serves all 50 states with multi-state anonymous filing options.
Wyoming LLC Attorney: Provides the same attorney-backed service as LLC Attorney, but specializes in Wyoming formations with deep Wyoming LLC Act expertise. They do assist with business formation in other states as well. Focuses on Wyoming's strongest-in-US privacy laws and asset protection advantages.
24-hour filing included: Both LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney include same-day filing at no extra charge. When you're racing against a real estate closing deadline or investor timeline, this included service saves you $100+ that competitors charge.
Attorney-drafted documents: LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney provide Operating Agreements reviewed and customized by attorneys, not just auto-generated templates. This matters for complex ownership structures or asset protection planning.
Ongoing attorney access: Both LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney offer flat-fee consultations available anytime. Virtual Office+ subscription includes free consultation if sued, providing peace of mind that template-only services can't provide.
Unlimited updates: LLC Attorney's and Wyoming LLC Attorney's Virtual Office+ subscriptions provide unlimited OA updates and state filings (pay state fees only), critical for growing businesses that need flexibility without per-transaction fees.
Registered Agent Cost Comparison
It is important to know that registered agent service is legally required in all states. You must have one to maintain your LLC. Providers advertising "$0" formation charge separately for this mandatory service.
Using a registered agent keeps your home address off public records and ensures you receive legal documents properly, a requirement under state business formation laws.
Ongoing Annual Costs
| Provider | First Year RA Cost | Renewal Cost (Annual) | Included in Base? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Starter) | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Starter) | Via subscription |
| Wyoming LLC Attorney | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Standard) | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Standard) | Via Standard subscription |
| ZenBusiness | $99 (add-on to Starter) | $199/year | Not included Starter or Pro; Premium only |
| Bizee | Free first year | $119/year | Free first year, then paid |
| LegalZoom | $249/year | $249/year | Not included (always paid) |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Free first year (with formation) | $125/year | Free first year |
Cost Reality
LegalZoom has the highest RA costs ($249/yr) and never includes a free first year, even with premium packages. LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney bundle RA with compliance subscriptions that also include annual report filing and mail scanning, services you'll need anyway as your business grows.
Over time, these costs add up significantly. That's why it's important to factor registered agent fees into your total cost calculation from day one.
Key Differentiators: What Actually Separates These Services
1. Filing Speed & Turnaround Time
Different providers have different standard processing times for LLC formation filings. Some providers include expedited filing in their base packages, while others charge additional fees for faster processing.
| Provider | Standard Timeline | Expedited Options |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | 24 business hours | Included (no extra charge) |
| Wyoming LLC Attorney | 24 business hours | Included (no extra charge) |
| ZenBusiness | 7-10 business days | Available for $79+ fee |
| Bizee | 5-10 business days | Available from $50 (dependent on state) |
| LegalZoom | Up to 30 business days (Basic) | $100+ for 1-5 days |
| Northwest | Standard processing | Available for fee |
LLC Attorney: 24-hour filing is included in every package, even the $49 Starter. When competitors charge $79+ for expedited processing, this alone can make LLC Attorney's $49 base price more cost-effective than "free" alternatives. Plus, attorney-trained Business Success Advisors review your filing before submission, reducing the risk of costly errors and rejections that delay your formation even further.
Wyoming LLC Attorney: Also includes 24-hour filing as standard in every package with the same attorney-trained review process.
2. Legal Expertise & Attorney Access
Some formation services provide access to attorneys and legal professionals, while others focus purely on document filing. The level of legal guidance varies significantly across providers.
LLC Attorney:
- Business Success Advisors available for free (attorney-trained support), professionals who understand entity formation law and can guide your decisions
- Flat-fee 30-minute attorney consultations available anytime, no surprise hourly billing
- Operating Agreements drafted by attorneys, not templates, customized for your specific business structure
- Personalized legal guidance for your specific situation, whether you're structuring multi-member ownership or planning for asset protection
- Virtual Office+ includes free attorney consultation if sued, legal support when you need it most
- Attorney-trained advisors guide entity selection, structure, and next steps, helping you avoid costly mistakes before they happen
Wyoming LLC Attorney:
- Business Success Advisors available for free (attorney-trained support), professionals who understand entity formation law and can guide your decisions
- Flat-fee 30-minute attorney consultations available anytime, no surprise hourly billing
- Operating Agreements drafted by attorneys, not templates, customized for your specific business structure
- Personalized legal guidance for your specific situation, whether you're structuring multi-member ownership or planning for asset protection
- Virtual Office+ includes free attorney consultation if sued, legal support when you need it most
- Attorney-trained advisors guide entity selection, structure, and next steps, helping you avoid costly mistakes before they happen
- Wyoming LLC Act specialization, deep understanding of Wyoming-specific statutes and case law
LegalZoom Premium:
- 30-minute attorney consultations for 30 days in Pro subscription plan (new topics)
- Connects to third-party attorneys (not in-house)
- No attorney-client confidentiality with LegalZoom itself
All Other Providers:
- Customer service cannot provide legal advice, just administrative support
- Automated document generation only
- Must hire separate attorney for legal questions (typically $200-400/hour)
3. Privacy & Confidentiality
When forming an LLC, sometimes it is desirable to form it with private filings or anonymity. Some reasons for this include:
- Real estate investors who want to prevent tenants or competitors from finding their other property holdings
- E-commerce sellers avoiding competitor research by keeping business structure confidential
- High-net-worth individuals seeking asset protection through separation of personal identity from business assets
- Businesses in litigious industries reducing exposure to frivolous lawsuits by making ownership harder to discover
- Public figures and content creators maintaining personal privacy while running businesses
Strongest privacy:
Wyoming LLC Attorney:
- Anonymous and private filings standard, leveraging Wyoming's unique statutory protections.
- Wyoming law widely regarded for strong privacy protections in the US
- No public member name disclosure, unlike most states that require public ownership records
- Can structure holding companies for additional privacy layers, expertise that comes from a Wyoming focus
LLC Attorney:
- Anonymous filing standard in Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, Nevada, the four states with strongest privacy laws
- Attorney-trained advisors understand privacy structuring, not just filing forms but strategic planning
- Multi-state expertise for clients needing privacy across jurisdictions
Northwest:
- Strong privacy policy, no data-selling, corporate commitment to client confidentiality
Caution:
- ZenBusiness: Data-sharing reported; marketing partnerships
- Bizee: Data-sharing and upsells reported
- LegalZoom: Large company, unclear data practices
4. Support Quality & Response
The quality of customer support matters when you're navigating complex business formation decisions.
What sets LLC Attorney apart: Business Success Advisors aren't just customer service reps; they're attorney-trained professionals who understand business law. They can guide your entity selection decisions, explain ownership structures, and help you determine when you need full attorney consultation. This level of expertise is unavailable from chat-only support teams at other providers.
What sets Wyoming LLC Attorney apart: Like LLC Attorney, Wyoming LLC Attorney provides Business Success Advisors who are attorney-trained professionals. Additionally, they bring specialized Wyoming LLC Act knowledge that comes with a focus on Wyoming formations.
5. Transparency & Hidden Fees
Most transparent:
- Wyoming LLC Attorney: All-inclusive packages with clear subscription pricing, no surprise charges
- LLC Attorney: Clear base pricing with optional add-on subscriptions you can evaluate upfront
- Northwest: Clear pricing, no upsells, straightforward service model
Hidden fees/upsells:
- LegalZoom: $249/yr RA always costs extra; frequent upsells; Basic plan takes 30 days (forcing expedite fees)
- ZenBusiness: Dashboard upsell prompts after formation, additional services pushed constantly
- Bizee: Many add-on charges, what looks cheap becomes expensive
6. Ongoing Compliance & Updates
Annual compliance requirements vary by state, but every LLC needs ongoing support to maintain good standing. Compliance memberships provide proactive support for annual filings, registered agent services, and other compliance-related needs.
LLC Attorney:
- Standard subscription ($14.99/mo): Registered agent service, annual report filing, 5 free mail scans/year
- Professional subscription ($29.99/mo): Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA updates + legal templates, tools you need as you grow
- Virtual Office+ subscription ($49.99/mo): Professional + custom OA + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings + free attorney consultation if sued, comprehensive protection for established businesses
- Business Success Advisors provide ongoing guidance, not just automated reminders, but actual support
Wyoming LLC Attorney:
- Standard subscription ($14.99/mo): Registered agent service, annual report filing, 5 free mail scans/year
- Professional subscription ($29.99/mo): Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA updates + legal templates, tools you need as you grow
- Virtual Office+ subscription ($49.99/mo): Professional + custom OA + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings + free attorney consultation if sued, comprehensive protection for established businesses
- Business Success Advisors provide ongoing guidance, not just automated reminders, but actual support
LegalZoom: Separate compliance services (extra cost), pay per transaction or service
Others: Automated alerts only, no attorney guidance, you're on your own to figure out requirements
Why this matters: According to the Small Business Administration, failing to maintain compliance can result in administrative dissolution, loss of liability protection, and penalties. Having attorney-trained advisors available gives you confidence you're handling requirements correctly.
7. Specialized Expertise (Wyoming LLC Attorney Only)
For sophisticated strategies beyond basic formation, Wyoming LLC Attorney provides expertise in Wyoming-specific advantages that general formation services, even good ones, simply can't match.
Wyoming focus:
- Wyoming LLC Act specialization , deep understanding of statutes and case law
- Strongest US privacy laws under Wyoming Statute 17-29-210
- Asset protection advantages, Wyoming's charging order protection is among the strongest
- Anonymous LLC structuring, practical experience with privacy-focused formations
- Wyoming Close LLC options, specialized entity types for family businesses
- International client services (FEIN, Apostille, foreign filings), expertise serving non-US residents
- Multiple business entity coordination, structuring holding companies and subsidiaries
When Wyoming expertise matters: If you're forming in Wyoming for privacy, asset protection, or holding company purposes, Wyoming LLC Attorney's state focus means you're getting specialists, not generalists who handle Wyoming as one of 50 states.
Total Cost of Ownership: 3-Year Comparison
Here's what you'll actually pay over three years, including required services. This realistic comparison factors in costs that every LLC needs: formation, registered agent, operating agreement, EIN, and compliance monitoring.
Assumptions: Delaware LLC (or Wyoming for WY LLC Attorney), registered agent, operating agreement, EIN, compliance monitoring
| Provider | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney (Starter + Standard subscription) | $328.88 ($49 + $100 state + $179.88 subscription) | $179.88 | $179.88 | $688.64 |
| Wyoming LLC Attorney (Starter + Standard) | $378.88 ($99 + $100 WY fee + $179.88 subscription) | $179.88 | $179.88 | $738.64 |
| LegalZoom (Basic + required add-ons) | ~$758 ($0 + $249 RA + $100 filing + $249 Pro for OA/EIN + $160 amendment) | $309 ($249 RA + $60 licence tax) | $309 | $1,376 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter + add-ons) | ~$497 ($0 Starter + $100 filing + $99 RA (Yr 1) + $99 OA + $99 EIN + $100 expedite) | ~$179 ($119 RA renewal + $60 licence tax) | ~$179 | ~$855 |
| Bizee (Basic + add-ons) | ~$310 ($0 Basic + $100 filing + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + $40 OA + $70 EIN + $100 expedite) | $179 ($119 RA renewal + $60 licence tax) | $179 | $668 |
| Northwest | ~$289 ($39 formation + $100 filing + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + ~$50 EIN + $100 expedite) | $185 ($125 RA renewal + $60 licence tax) | $185 | $659 |
Note: Excludes state publication requirements (NY: ~$1,000) and optional expedited fees.
Key Insights
"Free" plans aren't cheaper once you add required services; the advertised $0 becomes $300-700+ in year one alone.
LegalZoom is most expensive due to high RA costs ($249/yr), nearly $1,300 more over three years compared to LLC Attorney.
LLC Attorney provides attorney access at competitive pricing,professional guidance without the premium typical of attorney-backed services. You're getting law firm expertise at online service prices.
Wyoming LLC Attorney's subscription includes RA + annual reports + mail scanning, bundled services you'd pay for separately elsewhere.
Over 70,000 businesses formed, proven track record helping entrepreneurs launch successfully across all 50 states.
Recommendations Based on Your Needs
Use Case #1: Fast Formation with Urgency
Why they win:
- 24-hour filing included at no extra charge (competitors charge $79+), save money while moving fast
- No delays from errors; attorney-trained Business Success Advisors review before submission, catching issues that would cause rejections
- Can't wait 5-30 days for competitors' standard processing; when opportunity knocks, you need to be ready
When speed matters:
- Time-sensitive contracts, vendor agreements or client deals requiring business entity
- Investment/funding deadlines, investors won't wait while your formation processes
- Real estate closings, property purchases requiring LLC ownership
- Urgent business opportunities, contracts or licensing opportunities with tight deadlines
Competitor limitations:
Others: 5-14 days standard, pay $50-100+ extra for expedited processing
Real-world example: When you're closing on a rental property in two weeks and need an LLC for financing, LLC Attorney's included 24-hour filing means you're ready on time. Competitors' standard processing would miss your deadline, forcing you to pay expedite fees or worse, lose the property.
Use Case #2: Maximum Privacy & Anonymity
Best choice: Wyoming LLC Attorney (Wyoming only)
Why Wyoming LLC Attorney wins:
- Wyoming = strongest US privacy laws under Wyoming Statute 17-29-210
- Anonymous LLCs standard (no public member disclosure), your ownership stays truly private
- Specialized Wyoming expertise, understanding nuances that multi-state services miss
- Can't trace ownership through public records, unlike most states that publish member names
- Holding company structures for additional privacy layers, sophisticated planning from Wyoming specialists
For other states: LLC Attorney
- Anonymous options in Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, Nevada — the four states with strongest privacy statutes
- Attorney-trained advisors understand privacy structuring, strategic planning, not just form filing
- Multi-state expertise when you need privacy protection across jurisdictions
Alternative: Northwest (strong privacy, no attorney support)
Caution: ZenBusiness, Bizee, LegalZoom (data-sharing concerns reported by users)
Use Case #3: Complex Business Structures
Best choices: Wyoming LLC Attorney (for Wyoming + asset protection) or LLC Attorney (other states)
Why they win:
- Attorney consultation available for complex structuring—get legal advice on multi-member agreements, profit distributions, and governance
- Operating Agreements drafted by attorneys, not templates, customized for your specific ownership structure
- Business Success Advisors help guide entity selection; while they don't provide formal legal advice, they understand when you need attorney consultation
- Tax strategy support (LLC vs. S-Corp election), guidance on entity choice for tax optimization
- Professional package includes tax election change support, file your S-Corp election properly
When needed:
- Multi-member LLC with unequal ownership or profit splits that don't match ownership percentages
- Real estate portfolios (holding + subsidiaries), such as a parent LLC owning multiple property LLCs
- Business + real estate separation—operating company separate from property holdings
- S-Corp election consideration, tax strategy for self-employment tax savings
- High-net-worth planning, sophisticated structures for asset protection and estate planning
Why competitors fail:
- Templates don't address custom situations—auto-generated documents can't handle complex ownership
- No legal advice on structure—customer service can't help with legal strategy
- No tax strategy guidance—opportunities for tax savings can be missed
- You'll hire an attorney anyway ($1,000–2,000+), paying twice for what LLC Attorney includes
Real-world example: If you're setting up a real estate holding company that owns multiple property LLCs, with three members who want different profit distributions than ownership percentages, you need attorney-drafted operating agreements and legal guidance. Template services will give you a standard agreement that doesn't address your structure, forcing you to hire an attorney later to fix it.
Use Case #4: Ongoing Legal Support
Best choices: Wyoming LLC Attorney or LLC Attorney
Why they win:
- LLC Attorney subscriptions:
- Standard ($14.99/mo): Registered agent service + annual report filing + 5 free mail scans—basic compliance covered
- Professional ($29.99/mo): Everything in Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA (Operating Agreement) updates + legal templates—tools you need as you grow
- Virtual Office+ ($49.99/mo): Everything in Professional + custom OA + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings + free attorney consultation if sued—comprehensive legal protection
- Wyoming LLC Attorney subscriptions:
- Standard ($14.99/mo): Registered agent service + annual report filing + 5 free mail scans—basic compliance covered
- Professional ($29.99/mo): Everything in Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA updates + legal templates—tools you need as you grow
- Virtual Office+ ($49.99/mo): Everything in Professional + custom OA + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings + free attorney consultation if sued—comprehensive legal protection
- Business Success Advisors: Attorney-trained support available—not just customer service, but professionals who understand business law. Guide entity selection and structure decisions, help you choose the right formation and state. Help with compliance and ongoing questions—navigate annual requirements confidently.
- Flat-fee attorney consultations: 30-minute sessions available anytime, no retainer required, predictable pricing (no surprise $400/hr bills)
- LegalZoom Premium alternative: 30-day attorney access only, then you're on your own. Third-party attorneys, not integrated with your formation service. No ongoing relationship.
When needed:
- First-time owners—need guidance throughout the formation and growth process
- Multi-state operations—complex compliance across different state requirements
- Regulated industries—additional licensing and compliance requirements
- Want attorney support "on call"—peace of mind knowing you can get legal advice when needed
- Growing businesses—as you expand, you'll need ongoing legal documents and guidance
Competitor limitations:
- Automated alerts only—reminders but no help understanding what to do
- No legal advice—customer service can't answer legal questions
- Check-box compliance—basic reminders without strategic guidance
Why this matters: According to the Small Business Administration, maintaining proper compliance and having access to legal advice helps prevent costly mistakes and legal problems down the road.
Use Case #5: Budget-Conscious Simple Formations
Best choices: Bizee or Northwest for absolute lowest cost; Consider LLC Attorney if budget allows
For absolute lowest:
- Bizee Basic ($0 + state fee): Free RA year 1, good for very simple, single-member LLCs
- Northwest ($39 + state fee): Transparent, excellent support, slightly more but better service
When budget is priority:
- Simple single-member LLC, just you, no complex ownership
- Low liability service business, consulting, freelancing, low-risk operations
- No complex questions, straightforward formation without special requirements
- Comfortable with self-service, can research and handle basics on your own
- No operating agreement needed immediately, willing to add later if needed
Consider LLC Attorney if:
- Budget allows $49 + state fee, only $10-49 more than "budget" options after you add required services
- Want 24-hour filing included (saves $79+ on expediting), included in every package
- Want attorney-drafted Operating Agreement, professional documents from day one
- Value attorney-trained advisor access, Business Success Advisors can prevent costly mistakes
- Want free Business Success Advisor consultations, guidance on entity selection and structure
Reality check:
- "Free" plans cost $200-400+ with required add-ons; that $0 becomes more once you add RA, EIN, OA
- LLC Attorney's $49 Starter includes 24-hour filing + attorney-drafted OA, better value than "free" alternatives
- Hiring attorney later to fix issues: $1,000-2,000+, getting it right from the start saves money
- Business Success Advisors can prevent costly mistakes; even one prevented issue pays for itself
- Caution for budget: LegalZoom (highest RA costs at $249/yr, forcing you to pay expedite fees)
Use Case #6: Non-Local Business (Operating Nationally)
Best choices: LLC Attorney or Wyoming LLC Attorney
Why they win:
- LLC Attorney:
- Serves all 50 states, can help you determine best state for formation based on your business model
- Multi-state compliance support through Business Success Advisors
- Professional and Virtual Office+ subscriptions provide ongoing support as you expand into new states
- Attorney-trained advisors understand interstate commerce considerations
- Wyoming LLC Attorney:
- Wyoming is a popular choice for national businesses due to no state income tax, strong privacy laws, and business-friendly statutes
- Ideal for holding companies managing nationwide operations
- Expertise in structuring multi-state businesses through Wyoming entities
- Virtual Office+ provides unlimited state filings, valuable as you register in multiple states
When needed:
- E-commerce businesses shipping nationwide
- Service businesses with clients across multiple states
- Consulting firms working with national clientele
- Online businesses without specific geographic ties
- Companies planning multi-state expansion
Use Case #7: Opening a Restaurant
Best choices: LLC Attorney or Wyoming LLC Attorney (if Wyoming resident or multi-location)
Why they win:
- Attorney-drafted Operating Agreements handle complex partnership structures common in restaurants (chef/investor/manager partnerships)
- Business Success Advisors understand high-liability industries and proper structure
- Flat-fee attorney consultations available for lease negotiations, liquor license requirements, employment matters
- 24-hour filing critical when facing lease signing deadlines or licensing timelines
When needed:
- Single location restaurant with partners
- Chef/investor partnership structures
- Family-owned restaurant businesses
- Restaurant groups planning multiple locations
- High-liability food service operations
Key considerations for restaurants:
- Operating Agreements should clearly define roles (who manages operations vs. provides capital)
- Liability protection critical in food service industry
- Many restaurants benefit from separate LLCs for real estate vs. operations
- Professional subscription provides ongoing legal document access for employment agreements, vendor contracts
Use Case #8: Opening a Retail Store
Best choices: LLC Attorney or Wyoming LLC Attorney
Why they win:
- Attorney-drafted Operating Agreements handle retail-specific needs (inventory ownership, lease obligations, vendor relationships)
- 24-hour filing included, critical when signing commercial leases with tight deadlines
- Business Success Advisors guide decisions about single-member vs. partnership structures
- Subscription services provide ongoing support for expansion (additional locations, franchise opportunities)
When needed:
- Brick-and-mortar retail locations
- Multi-location retail operations
- Franchise retail businesses
- Online + physical retail hybrid models
- Family retail businesses
Key considerations for retail:
- Lease negotiations often require proof of business entity
- Inventory financing and vendor accounts require proper business structure
- Many retail businesses separate real estate ownership from operations (two LLCs)
- Virtual Office+ valuable for multi-location expansion, unlimited state filings
Real-world example: Opening a boutique retail store with a business partner requires an Operating Agreement that addresses inventory investment, profit splits, management responsibilities, and exit strategies. LLC Attorney's attorney-drafted agreements handle these specifics, while template services provide generic documents that miss retail-specific issues.
Use Case #9: Building a Software Company or Raising Money
Best choices: LLC Attorney or Wyoming LLC Attorney
Why they win:
- LLC Attorney:
- Attorney consultations available for investor agreements and equity structures
- Operating Agreements drafted to accommodate future investment rounds and equity grants
- Business Success Advisors understand startup structures and can guide LLC vs. C-Corp decisions
- Professional package includes S-Corp election support for tax optimization
- All 50 states served, can form in Delaware (investor preference) or your home state
- Wyoming LLC Attorney:
- Wyoming formations increasingly popular for startups due to privacy protections and business-friendly laws
- Expertise in structuring holding companies for intellectual property protection
- Attorney-drafted Operating Agreements accommodate complex equity structures
- Virtual Office+ provides ongoing legal support as company grows
When needed:
- Software/SaaS companies planning to raise venture capital
- Tech startups with multiple co-founders
- Companies planning to issue equity to employees
- Businesses requiring intellectual property protection
- Startups anticipating future investment rounds
Key considerations for startups:
- Investors often require specific ownership structures and documentation
- Operating Agreements must accommodate vesting schedules, equity grants, and future dilution
- Many startups need attorney guidance on LLC vs. C-Corp decision (depends on investor type and exit plans)
- Professional package includes tax election support (S-Corp election common for profitable LLCs)
Special note: Many venture capital investors prefer C-Corps over LLCs. Business Success Advisors can help you understand when LLC structure works (friends/family funding, bootstrapped growth, angel investors) vs. when C-Corp is necessary (institutional VC funding). For clients raising institutional VC, we can guide you to appropriate C-Corp formation resources.
Conclusion
Choosing an LLC formation service isn't about the lowest advertised price. When you factor in required add-ons like registered agent service, operating agreements, and EIN filing, plus ongoing RA costs, the real price differences narrow considerably.
The Traditional Trade-Off
- Law firms: $1,000-2,000+, slow, attorney guidance
- Basic online providers: $0-39, fast, zero legal support
You had to choose between expensive professional guidance or cheap do-it-yourself service.
The Bridge: Attorney-Backed Online Formation
LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney combine the best of both worlds: attorney-backed formation with attorney-trained Business Success Advisors, fast 24-hour filing included at no extra charge, and competitive pricing. You get professional guidance without law firm costs, and online speed without sacrificing quality.
What sets LLC Attorney apart:
- Real attorney involvement: Not just templates; actual attorney-drafted documents and attorney-trained advisors
- Included expedited filing: 24-hour processing standard, saving you $79+ competitors charge
- Business Success Advisors: Attorney-trained professionals who guide your decisions, not just customer service
- Flat-fee attorney consultations: Available anytime, no retainer or hourly billing surprises
- Over 70,000 businesses formed: Proven track record across all 50 states
What sets Wyoming LLC Attorney apart:
- Wyoming-specific expertise: Deep knowledge of Wyoming LLC Act and state statutes
- Strongest US privacy laws: Specializes in leveraging Wyoming's anonymous LLC provisions
- Comprehensive ongoing support: Virtual Office+ includes guaranteed attorney consultation if sued
- Asset protection focus: Expertise in Wyoming's charging order protections and holding company structures
- When Wyoming matters most: Focus provides depth that general formation services can't match for privacy, asset protection, or holding companies
Making Your Decision
- Do you need speed? LLC Attorney's and Wyoming LLC Attorney's included 24-hour filing saves time and money
- Do you value legal guidance? Business Success Advisors and attorney access prevent costly mistakes
- Is your structure complex? Attorney-drafted documents handle multi-member, real estate, and sophisticated structures
- Do you need ongoing support? Subscription services provide continuous compliance and legal document access
- Is Wyoming right for you? Wyoming LLC Attorney provides unmatched expertise in privacy and asset protection
The right choice depends on your specific needs, but for most entrepreneurs, attorney-backed formation at competitive pricing makes LLC Attorney and Wyoming LLC Attorney the smart middle ground between expensive law firms and template-only services.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Free" plans exclude essential services every LLC needs. Add required registered agent ($99-299), EIN ($70-99), and operating agreement ($40-99), and you're at $200-400+ total. LLC Attorney's $49 Starter includes attorney-drafted Operating Agreement, 24-hour expedited filing (competitors charge $79+ for this alone), and access to attorney-trained Business Success Advisors, professional value competitors can't provide. When you do the real math, LLC Attorney costs less while delivering more.
For simple formations, templates may work, but for complex situations (multi-member, real estate, privacy, asset protection), attorney guidance prevents costly mistakes. According to the Small Business Administration, choosing the right structure and drafting proper agreements is critical for long-term success. LLC Attorney provides attorney-trained Business Success Advisors for free consultation and flat-fee attorney sessions when needed. Hiring an attorney later costs $1,000-2,000+ vs. getting it right from the start. One prevented mistake pays for the entire service.
Business Success Advisors are attorney-trained professionals who help with: Entity type selection (LLC vs. corporation) Structure decisions and ownership arrangements, multi-member vs. single-member considerations State-of-formation questions, which state makes sense for your specific needs Compliance guidance, understanding annual requirements Next steps after formation, opening business bank accounts, getting licenses, etc. They can't provide formal legal advice (they're not your attorney), but they guide you through decisions and help you understand when you need attorney consultation. Think of them as knowledgeable guides who know when to call in the attorney.
Registered agent service is required annually as long as your LLC exists: LegalZoom: $249/year (highest), $1,245 over 5 years ZenBusiness: $99 Year 1, $199/year from Year 2 onwards, $895 over 5 years Northwest: $125/year, $625 over 5 years Bizee: $119/year (after free first year), $595 over 5 years LLC Attorney/Wyoming LLC Attorney: $179.88/year (Standard subscription includes RA + annual reports + mail scans), $899.40 over 5 years The difference: LLC Attorney's subscription includes additional services (annual report filing, mail scanning) that others charge extra for. Over 5 years, the value gap widens significantly in LLC Attorney's favor.
Yes, you can change registered agents anytime. If you started with a budget service, you can upgrade to LLC Attorney or Wyoming LLC Attorney subscriptions for ongoing support. Subscriptions (Standard, Professional, Virtual Office+) work with LLCs formed anywhere, even if you used another service originally. Many clients start elsewhere and later switch to LLC Attorney for the attorney access and Business Success Advisor support.
LLC Attorney & Wyoming LLC Attorney: Flat-fee 30-minute sessions available anytime, no retainer required Predictable pricing vs. hourly billing, know costs upfront, typically $200-300 vs. $300-500/hour elsewhere Topics: entity selection, structuring, tax elections, compliance, multi-member arrangements Virtual Office+ includes free consultation if you're sued, legal support when you need it most Compare this to traditional attorneys at $200-500/hour with minimum retainers, or LegalZoom's third-party attorney network that's only available for 30 days.
LLC Attorney & Wyoming LLC Attorney: 24 business hours included (no extra charge), standard service LegalZoom Basic: Up to 30 days (then pay $100+ to expedite) Others: 5-10 days standard (charge $50-170 for expediting) LLC Attorney's 24-hour filing is standard in every package, even the $49 Starter. When you're racing a deadline, this included speed saves you $100+ and prevents opportunity loss. State processing times vary, but these are submission timeframes. Actual state approval depends on state processing speed, which can range from same-day to 2-3 weeks depending on the state.
Four states offer strong privacy protection: Wyoming (strongest privacy, Wyoming LLC Attorney specialty), no public member disclosure under Wyoming Statute 17-29-210 Delaware, privacy provisions for certain formation types New Mexico, no annual reports and privacy protections Nevada, no public member disclosure requirements LLC Attorney provides anonymous filing as standard in these states. Wyoming offers the strongest privacy protections nationwide, which is why Wyoming LLC Attorney specializes in Wyoming formations for privacy-focused clients.
Wyoming LLC Attorney specializes in Wyoming formations with deep Wyoming LLC Act expertise. Best for: Those who know they want Wyoming specifically, not exploring options, but committed to Wyoming Multiple business entities, holding companies with subsidiaries Non-US residents, international clients needing US business entity Privacy-focused entrepreneurs, leveraging Wyoming's anonymous LLC provisions Established businesses, sophisticated structures beyond first-time formation Wyoming offers the strongest US privacy laws and Wyoming LLC Attorney knows how to leverage them. When you're forming in Wyoming for asset protection, privacy, or holding company purposes, their focus provides depth that multi-state services can't match.
LLC Attorney: All 50 states, $49 Starter, broader audience (new businesses, side hustles, first-time entrepreneurs) Wyoming LLC Attorney: Wyoming-only specialist, $99 Starter, targeted to those who specifically need Wyoming's advantages (privacy, multiple entities, established businesses, non-US residents) Both provide the same attorney-backed service model with 24-hour filing and attorney-trained Business Success Advisors. The difference is breadth vs. depth: LLC Attorney serves all states, Wyoming LLC Attorney provides unmatched Wyoming expertise.
Standard ($14.99/mo): Registered agent + annual report filing + 5 free mail scans Professional ($29.99/mo): Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA updates + legal document templates Virtual Office+ ($49.99/mo): Professional + custom Operating Agreement + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings (pay state fees) + free attorney consultation if sued These subscriptions work with any LLC, even if formed elsewhere. Many clients form with budget services then upgrade to LLC Attorney subscriptions for ongoing support.
For real estate LLCs, LLC Attorney or Wyoming LLC Attorney are the best choices because: 24-hour filing included, critical when closing on properties with tight deadlines Attorney-drafted Operating Agreements, real estate LLCs need proper liability protection and ownership documentation Business Success Advisors, guidance on single-property vs. holding company structures Attorney consultations available, real estate involves complex liability and tax considerations Subscription services, ongoing support for adding properties, creating new LLCs, maintaining compliance Real estate investors often need multiple LLCs (one per property or asset protection strategy). Virtual Office+ subscription provides unlimited state filings (pay state fees only), saving thousands as your portfolio grows. If forming specifically in Wyoming for privacy or holding company purposes, Wyoming LLC Attorney provides specialized expertise in Wyoming's asset protection statutes.
References
- Internal Revenue Service. "Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online." IRS.gov.
- Internal Revenue Service. "Limited Liability Company (LLC)." IRS.gov.
- Internal Revenue Service. "S Corporations." IRS.gov.
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Choose a business structure." SBA.gov.
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Register your business." SBA.gov.
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Stay legally compliant." SBA.gov.
- Wyoming Secretary of State. "Business Division." Wyoming.gov.
- Wyoming State Legislature. "Wyoming Statutes, Title 17 - Corporations, Partnerships and Associations, Chapter 29 - Wyoming Limited Liability Company Act."
- Uniform Law Commission. "Business Organizations Acts." UniformLaws.org.
- Trustpilot Reviews. Customer review data for LLC formation services (December 2025). Trustpilot.com.
About LLC Attorney
LLC Attorney has helped launch and support over 70,000 businesses across all 50 states. Founded on the principle that entrepreneurs deserve attorney-backed formation services at affordable prices, LLC Attorney bridges the gap between expensive law firms and template-only online services.
With attorney-trained Business Success Advisors, flat-fee attorney consultations, and comprehensive subscription services, LLC Attorney provides the professional guidance you need to start and grow your business confidently.
Learn more at LLCAttorney.com.
Last updated: December 2025