Starting a business in 2026 is easier than ever, but the paperwork still trips up first-time founders. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) separates your personal assets from your business debts, gives you credibility with customers, and keeps your taxes simple with pass-through taxation.
You can file yourself through your state’s Secretary of State site, but most founders use a formation service to avoid mistakes, missed deadlines, and registered-agent headaches. Here are the five services worth your money this year.
1. Bizee (formerly Incfile) — Best free formation
Bizee’s basic package files your Articles of Organization for $0 plus state fees — you only pay the state. It includes a free year of registered-agent service, which alone saves you $100+.
Best for: Budget founders who want the cheapest legit path to an LLC.
Watch for: Upsells at checkout; the free tier is slower than paid tiers.
Check Bizee’s current pricing →
2. ZenBusiness — Best all-in-one value
ZenBusiness bundles formation, registered agent, operating-agreement templates, and compliance alerts in one dashboard. Plans start low and the interface is the cleanest of the bunch.
Best for: Founders who want formation plus ongoing compliance in one place.
Watch for: Renewal pricing is higher than the intro rate.
3. LegalZoom — Best brand recognition
LegalZoom is the biggest name in the space, with attorney support and a huge library of legal templates beyond formation. You pay more, but some founders prefer the household name.
Best for: Founders who may need contracts, trademarks, or legal advice later.
Watch for: Highest prices of the five; support can be slow at peak times.
4. Northwest Registered Agent — Best support
Northwest is famous for human, knowledgeable support and strong privacy practices. Every plan includes a full year of registered-agent service with no upsell games.
Best for: Founders who want real humans on the phone and maximum privacy.
Watch for: No rock-bottom free tier; pricing is straightforward but not the cheapest.
Visit Northwest Registered Agent →
5. Tailor Brands — Best branding bundle
Tailor Brands pairs LLC formation with logo design, a website builder, and business-card tools — handy if you want your brand to look finished on day one.
Best for: Creators and side-hustlers who need branding plus formation.
Watch for: Formation alone costs more than Bizee’s free tier.
How to choose
- Tightest budget: Bizee’s $0 + state fee package is unbeatable.
- Want it handled: ZenBusiness or Northwest keep you compliant year-round.
- Need legal extras: LegalZoom’s attorney network justifies the premium.
- Brand-first launch: Tailor Brands gets you a logo and site alongside the LLC.
Watch: LLC setup step-by-step (2026)
FAQ
How much does it cost to form an LLC in 2026?
State filing fees range from $35 to $500 depending on your state. Formation services add $0–$300 on top, plus optional registered-agent renewals (~$100–$150/year).
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes — every state requires one. It can be you, but a service keeps your home address off public records and handles legal mail reliably.
How long does formation take?
Anywhere from 1 business day to 4 weeks depending on the state and package speed you choose.
Can I form an LLC in a different state than where I live?
You can, but you’ll usually still need to register as a “foreign LLC” where you operate — which means double fees. Most small businesses file in their home state.
