2026 New York LLC Formation Services Comparison
Last Updated: January 2026
Interested in starting a business in New York State? This guide covers everything you need to know about New York LLC formation services, including the state's unique mandatory publication requirement.
This guide covers:
- New York's specific requirements, including a unique mandatory publication requirement
- When national providers make sense versus local New York registered agents
- Direct comparisons of LLC Attorney, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent
- Which option fits your business based on your budget and growth plans
Whether you're starting a real estate investment company, launching an e-commerce store, or setting up a consulting practice, you'll know exactly what you're getting into with a New York LLC.
Understanding New York's Mandatory Publication Requirement
New York makes you do something that almost no other state requires. You have to publish notice of your new LLC in newspapers, and it's going to cost you over $1,000 on top of everything else.
What Is the Publication Requirement?
Within 120 days of filing your LLC, you must publish a notice for six consecutive weeks in two newspapers. Not just any newspapers, they have to be approved by the county clerk where your LLC office is located. One paper must publish daily, the other weekly.
After you finish publishing, you file a Certificate of Publication with the New York Department of State. According to state law, if you don't do this, your LLC gets suspended. That means you lose your liability protection, which defeats the whole point of having an LLC.
While this is a legal requirement, there is no known precedent of a business facing penalties or having its corporate veil pierced due to failure to publish. This requirement is mandated by law but not actively enforced. Business owners should be aware of this requirement and make an informed decision based on their own risk tolerance. While we cannot advise clients to skip this legal obligation, we do believe it's important to understand the practical enforcement landscape when weighing the costs and benefits of compliance.
National vs Local Business Formation Providers
National Providers
Companies like LLC Attorney, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent operate nationwide. They're your best bet if you're planning to grow beyond New York, need extra support services, or think you might register in other states down the road.
National providers bundle in services beyond registered agent services; for instance, compliance calendars, annual report filing, tax election changes, document storage, and expert support. If you expand to multiple states, you can manage everything from one dashboard with one provider. You're working with established companies that have dedicated support teams. Most importantly, they grow with you. Register in five states? Same provider, same login, everything in one place.
Pricing runs from $125 to $249 per year. Northwest charges $125/year. LegalZoom is at the higher end with $249/year. LLC Attorney structures things differently by bundling registered agent service into their compliance plans starting at $14.99/month. That Standard plan includes annual report filing, mail scanning, and access to attorney-trained Business Success Advisors.
Local NY Providers
Local providers like New York Registered Agent Co. focus exclusively on in-state services. They primarily serve New York-only businesses seeking standalone registered agent services. While local providers are typically lower cost at $29 to $35 annually for registered agent services alone, they offer limited support beyond basic compliance services and cannot assist with multi-state operations.
Making Your Decision
Choose a local provider if:
- Your business is New York-only and will never expand to other states
- Cost is the primary factor and you want the lowest annual fee
- You don't need bundled services, just basic registered agent functionality
Choose a national provider if:
- You want bundled services like annual report filing, mail forwarding, and document storage managed in one place
- You need scalability: one provider relationship and one dashboard for multiple or evolving businesses
- You prefer established support infrastructure with dedicated account representative
- You value having legal or professional guidance available (business success advisors or access to attorneys)
- You anticipate business growth beyond New York, adding additional businesses, or may want to evolve your business into more complex business entity (such as transitioning from an LLC to a corporation)
Consider LLC Attorney specifically if you want attorney-backed services with room to grow. View LLC Attorney pricing.
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 |
| 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
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) and LLC Attorney ($49 + state fee) show you the real starting price with clearer included features.
Attorney-backed formation: LLC Attorney provides attorney-trained Business Success Advisors who can guide you through decisions. LegalZoom offers attorney connections through their premium plans.
24-hour filing included: LLC Attorney includes 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.
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)] | ZenBusiness Starter | Bizee Basic | LegalZoom Basic | Northwest (Single Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | Available for fee |
| Registered agent (Year 1) | Via subscription ($14.99/mo) | $99 (Year 1) | FREE then $119/yr | $249/year | Included for Year 1 |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Attorney-drafted | $99 add-on | $40 add-on | Add-on | Free template ($50 custom) |
| EIN filing | ✗ | $99 add-on | $70 add-on | In Pro | Add-on |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✗ | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on (~$50) |
| Bank Resolution | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney-trained support | ✓ Business Success Advisors | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Privacy/anonymous filing | ✓ Standard (WY, DE, NM, NV) | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes (Strong) |
| Customer support | 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)] | 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) | $199/year (not included, separate purchase) | Yes ($119 renewal) | $249/year separate | N/A |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Attorney-drafted | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| EIN filing | ✓ Included | Add-on | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| Free amendment/name change | ✓ First 90 days | Add-on | Add-on | ✗ | N/A |
| Tax election support | ✓ S-Corp coordination | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal documents | 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)] | ZenBusiness Premium (~$349/$399) | Bizee Premium ($299) | LegalZoom Premium ($299) | Northwest (N/A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Mid-Tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Free attorney consultation if sued | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | 30-min consultations (30 days) | N/A |
| Unlimited OA updates | ✓ Custom OA + changes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited state filings | ✓ Pay only state fee | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited Good Standing certificates | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited mail scans | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Business address + mail | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Meeting minutes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal document templates | ✓ 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.
- 24-hour filing included: LLC Attorney includes 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 provides 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: LLC Attorney offers 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 Virtual Office+ subscription provides 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 |
| 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 bundles 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.
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: NY LLC, 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 + $200 state + $179.88 subscription) | $179.88 | $179.88 | $688.64 |
| LegalZoom (Basic + required add-ons) | ~$758 ($0 + $249 RA + $200 filing + $249 Pro for OA/EIN + $160 amendment) | $309 ($249 RA + $60 licence tax) | $309 | $1,376 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter + add-ons) | ~$497 ($0 Starter + $200 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 + $200 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 + $200 filing + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + ~$50 EIN + $100 expedite) | $185 ($125 RA renewal + $60 licence tax) | $185 | $659 |
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.
- Over 70,000 businesses formed, proven track record helping entrepreneurs launch successfully across all 50 states.
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 combines 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
Making Your Decision
Consider:
- Do you need speed? 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
The right choice depends on your specific needs, but for most entrepreneurs, attorney-backed formation at competitive pricing makes 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: $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.
- 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.
References
- Internal Revenue Service. "Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online." IRS.gov. Available at: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
- Internal Revenue Service. "Limited Liability Company (LLC)." IRS.gov. Available at: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc
- Internal Revenue Service. "S Corporations." IRS.gov. Available at: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Choose a business structure." SBA.gov. Available at: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Register your business." SBA.gov. Available at: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Stay legally compliant." SBA.gov. Available at: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/stay-legally-compliant
- Uniform Law Commission. "Business Organizations Acts." UniformLaws.org. Available at: https://www.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.
Hear Directly From Our Other Business Owners Who Use LLC Attorney
Disclaimer: This comparison guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prices and features are accurate as of December 2025 but may change. Always verify current pricing and features on provider websites before making a purchase decision. State filing fees vary by state and are not included in the prices shown unless otherwise noted. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Last updated: December 2025