12 Top Cheapest LLC Formation Services

BY HOWTOSTARTANLLC TEAM

Starting an LLC does not have to be expensive.

Many entrepreneurs think they need to spend hundreds of dollars just to register a business, but that is not always true. Several LLC formation services now offer low-cost or even $0 service-fee formation plans, where you only pay the required state filing fee.

That said, “cheap” does not always mean “best.”

Some services look affordable at first but become expensive once you add an EIN, operating agreement, registered agent service, compliance tools, or faster filing. Others charge a small upfront fee but include more practical features from the beginning.

So the goal is not only to find the lowest advertised price.

The goal is to find the cheapest LLC formation service that still gives you the features you actually need.

In this guide, we will compare the cheapest LLC formation services, including pricing, key features, pros, cons, and which service is best for different types of business owners.

Cheapest LLC Formation Services: Quick Comparison

RankLLC ServiceStarting PriceBest For
1Bizee$0 + state feesBest first-year value
2ZenBusiness$0 + state feesBest cheap modern platform
3LegalZoom$0 + state feesBest cheap legal brand
4Inc Authority$0 + state feesBest free basic filing
5Tailor Brands$0 + state feesBest cheap LLC plus branding
6Swyft Filings$0 + state feesBest cheap filing with speed upgrades
7Northwest Registered Agent$39 + state feesBest low-cost privacy option
8LegalNatureAround $49 + state feesBest low-cost legal documents
9MyCompanyWorksAround $59 to $79 + state feesBest cheap support package
10CorpNet$79 + state feesBest traditional low-cost filing
11BizFilings$99 + state feesBest established filing provider
12Rocket Lawyer$0 + state fees for membersBest cheap legal subscription option

1. Bizee

What Is Bizee?

Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is one of the cheapest LLC formation services available today.

Its Basic plan costs $0 plus state fees, which means you do not pay a service fee for basic LLC formation. Even better, Bizee includes one year of registered agent service in the Basic package.

That makes Bizee one of the best values for entrepreneurs who want to form an LLC on a tight budget.

Many $0 plans only include simple filing. Bizee gives you filing and registered agent coverage for the first year, which makes it especially useful for new founders, freelancers, ecommerce sellers, consultants, and online business owners.

The Basic plan is good if you only need simple LLC formation. However, if you need EIN filing, operating agreement, and banking resolution, the Standard plan is more practical.

Pricing

PackagePriceKey Features
Basic$0 + state feeLLC formation, 1 year registered agent
Standard$199 + state feeEIN, operating agreement, banking resolution
Premium$299 + state feeExpedited filing, domain name, business contract templates

Key Features

• Free LLC formation
• Registered agent included for the first year
• EIN filing in Standard and Premium
• Operating agreement in Standard and Premium
• Banking resolution in Standard
• Expedited filing in Premium
• Domain name in Premium
• Business contract templates in Premium

Pros

• $0 service fee for Basic plan
• Registered agent included for one year
• Excellent first-year value
• Good for budget-conscious founders
• Standard plan includes useful business essentials
• Simple online filing process

Cons

• Basic plan does not include EIN
• Operating agreement requires Standard or Premium
• Add-ons can increase total cost
• Compliance tools are basic
• Support feedback can be mixed

Best For

Bizee is best for entrepreneurs who want the cheapest LLC formation service with registered agent service included for the first year.

2. ZenBusiness

What Is ZenBusiness?

ZenBusiness is another strong choice for cheap LLC formation.

Its Starter plan costs $0 plus state fees and includes basic LLC filing, business name search, standard processing, and basic compliance tools.

That makes it a good option for beginners who want a modern platform without paying a service fee upfront.

ZenBusiness is especially appealing because the dashboard is clean and easy to use. If you are forming an LLC for the first time, the process feels less confusing than many older filing platforms.

The Starter plan is cheap, but it is limited. The Pro plan is better if you need 1-day processing, operating agreement, EIN registration, and a logo builder.

So ZenBusiness works best if you want a low-cost start with the option to upgrade into a more complete package later.

Pricing

PlanPriceBest For
Starter$0 + state feesBasic LLC formation
ProAround $199 + state feesFaster setup + essentials
PremiumAround $399 + state feesFull support + extras

Key Features

• $0 Starter plan
• LLC filing
• Business name search
• Standard processing in Starter
• Basic compliance tools
• 1-day processing in Pro
• Operating agreement in Pro and Premium
• EIN registration in Pro and Premium
• Logo builder in Pro
• Business dashboard

Pros

• $0 Starter plan available
• Clean and beginner-friendly dashboard
• Basic compliance tools included
• Good upgrade path
• Pro plan includes EIN and operating agreement
• Strong option for first-time founders

Cons

• Starter plan is limited
• Registered agent is not included in Starter
• EIN costs extra unless you upgrade
• Operating agreement not included in Starter
• Add-ons can increase total cost

Best For

ZenBusiness is best for entrepreneurs who want cheap LLC formation with a modern platform and useful upgrade options.

3. LegalZoom

What Is LegalZoom?

LegalZoom is one of the cheapest LLC formation services at the entry level because its Basic plan starts at $0 plus state fees.

The Basic plan includes LLC filing, name availability check, and standard processing.

For simple LLC formation, that may be enough. If you are comfortable handling your own EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent service separately, LegalZoom Basic can be a low-cost option.

However, LegalZoom becomes more expensive when you add services.

The Pro plan includes operating agreement, EIN registration, and faster processing. The Premium plan adds attorney consultations and legal support.

LegalZoom is not always the cheapest once you choose add-ons, but it is a good option if you want a familiar legal brand with a free basic LLC filing plan.

Pricing

PlanPriceBest For
Basic$0 + state feesSimple LLC setup
ProAround $249 + state feesFaster setup + essential features
PremiumAround $299 + state feesLegal support + consultations

Key Features

• $0 Basic LLC plan
• LLC filing
• Name availability check
• Standard processing
• Operating agreement in Pro and Premium
• EIN registration in Pro and Premium
• Faster processing in Pro and Premium
• Attorney consultations in Premium
• Trademark and legal document services

Pros

• $0 Basic plan available
• Very well-known legal services brand
• Good for simple filing
• Attorney support available in Premium
• Legal documents and trademark services available
• Easy guided setup

Cons

• Basic plan is limited
• Registered agent costs extra
• Add-ons can become expensive
• Checkout can feel upsell-heavy
• Not the best value if you need many extras

Best For

LegalZoom is best for entrepreneurs who want cheap basic LLC formation from a well-known legal services company.

4. Inc Authority

What Is Inc Authority?

Inc Authority is another popular free LLC formation service.

Its Free LLC Package costs $0 plus state fees and includes formation documents, business name check, and basic support.

That makes it attractive if you want a simple LLC filing service without paying a service fee.

However, Inc Authority’s free plan is limited. Important items like operating agreement, EIN filing, record book, business license report, and business credit support are included in paid bundles.

Those paid bundles are much more expensive than many competitors.

So Inc Authority is cheap if you stick with the free plan. It becomes less budget-friendly if you start adding premium packages.

Pricing

PlanPriceDetails
Free LLC Package$0 + state feesFormation documents, name check, basic support

Optional Paid Bundles

PackagePriceFeatures
Starter Bundle$399 + state feesOperating agreement, EIN filing, record book
Executive Bundle$499 + state feesBusiness license report, credit setup
Tycoon Bundle$799 + state feesExpress processing, business credit coaching

Key Features

• Free LLC formation
• Business name check
• Basic support
• Formation documents
• Operating agreement in paid bundles
• EIN filing in paid bundles
• Business license report in Executive
• Business credit coaching in Tycoon

Pros

• $0 service fee available
• Business name check included
• Basic support included
• Good for simple LLC filing
• Useful for budget-conscious beginners
• Business credit tools available in higher bundles

Cons

• Free plan does not include EIN
• Operating agreement requires paid bundle
• Paid bundles are expensive
• Upsells can increase total cost
• Better mid-tier value may be available elsewhere

Best For

Inc Authority is best for entrepreneurs who want free basic LLC filing and can avoid expensive upgrades.

5. Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands offers a cheap entry point for LLC formation through its Lite plan, which starts at $0 plus state fees.

That makes it attractive for entrepreneurs who want to start an LLC without paying a service fee upfront.

Tailor Brands is different from many LLC services because it also focuses heavily on branding. It offers logo creation, website tools, domain options, digital business assets, and brand identity tools.

That can be useful for creators, ecommerce sellers, coaches, freelancers, consultants, and online business owners who need more than formation.

However, the Lite plan is limited. If you need operating agreement, compliance tools, EIN filing, registered agent service, website builder, or full branding tools, your cost can increase.

Tailor Brands is cheap at the start, but it is best for people who also value branding support.

Pricing

PlanPriceBest For
Lite$0 + state feesBasic LLC setup
EssentialAround $199/year + state feesBusiness + compliance
EliteAround $249/year + state feesFull branding + LLC

Additional Costs

ServiceEstimated Cost
EIN FilingAround $99
Registered AgentAround $199/year
Branding UpgradesMay require subscription upgrades

Key Features

• $0 Lite plan
• LLC formation
• Operating agreement in higher plans
• Compliance tools in higher plans
• Logo maker
• Website builder in Elite
• Domain name in Elite
• Digital business tools
• Brand identity tools

Pros

• $0 Lite plan available
• Good for business branding
• Logo and website tools available
• Useful for online businesses
• Helpful all-in-one startup platform
• Good for brand-first founders

Cons

• Lite plan is limited
• EIN filing costs extra
• Registered agent costs extra
• Subscription pricing can feel unclear
• Not ideal for formation-only users

Best For

Tailor Brands is best for entrepreneurs who want cheap LLC formation plus branding tools and website support.

6. Swyft Filings

What Is Swyft Filings?

Swyft Filings offers a cheap entry-level LLC formation plan.

Its Basic plan starts at $0 plus state fees and includes LLC filing, name check, and standard processing.

This is useful if you want simple filing and do not need extras included from the start.

The Standard plan adds EIN registration, operating agreement, and faster processing. The Premium plan adds same-day processing, compliance tools, and document access.

Swyft Filings can be a good option if you want a simple guided filing process and may upgrade for speed.

However, the Basic plan is limited, and add-ons can increase your final price.

Pricing

PlanPriceBest For
Basic$0 + state feesSimple LLC setup
StandardAround $199 + state feesFaster processing + essentials
PremiumAround $299 + state feesSpeed + full features

Key Features

• $0 Basic plan
• LLC filing
• Business name check
• Standard processing
• EIN registration in Standard and Premium
• Operating agreement in Standard and Premium
• Faster processing in Standard
• Same-day processing in Premium
• Compliance tools in Premium

Pros

• $0 Basic plan available
• Simple guided setup
• Standard plan includes EIN and operating agreement
• Faster processing options available
• Premium includes same-day processing
• Good for speed-focused users

Cons

• Basic plan is limited
• Registered agent can be expensive
• Add-ons can increase final price
• Compliance tools are not as strong as some competitors
• Not the best free value compared with Bizee

Best For

Swyft Filings is best for entrepreneurs who want cheap basic LLC filing with faster paid upgrade options.

7. Northwest Registered Agent

What Is Northwest Registered Agent?

Northwest Registered Agent is not a free LLC formation service, but it is one of the best low-cost options.

Its formation price is $39 plus state fees, and that small service fee includes more value than many free plans.

Northwest includes registered agent service for the first year, operating agreement, business address use, privacy protection, compliance alerts, and document scanning.

For many business owners, this is worth paying for.

If you are running your business from home, the business address and privacy support can matter more than saving a few dollars upfront.

Northwest is especially strong for freelancers, consultants, online business owners, ecommerce sellers, home-based businesses, and non US residents who need registered agent support.

Pricing

ServicePrice
LLC Formation$39 + state fees
Registered AgentFree for first year
Renewal$125/year
EIN RegistrationAround $50 extra

Key Features

• Low-cost LLC formation
• Registered agent included for the first year
• Operating agreement included
• Business address use
• Privacy protection
• Compliance alerts
• Document scanning
• Customer support

Pros

• Strong privacy protection
• Registered agent included for the first year
• Operating agreement included
• Business address included
• Transparent pricing
• Fewer upsells than many competitors
• Excellent value for the price

Cons

• Not free
• EIN costs extra
• Fewer branding tools than Tailor Brands
• Interface is simple and practical

Best For

Northwest Registered Agent is best for entrepreneurs who want cheap LLC formation with strong privacy and registered agent value.

8. LegalNature

LegalNature

LegalNature is mainly known as a legal document platform, but it also offers low-cost LLC formation.

Its LLC formation service typically starts around $49 plus state fees, depending on package and add-ons.

That makes it cheaper than many traditional formation providers.

LegalNature is useful if you need legal forms, contracts, templates, agreements, or business documents after formation.

It is not the strongest pure LLC formation service compared with Bizee, ZenBusiness, or Northwest, but it can make sense for people who want formation plus document access.

Pricing

ServicePrice
LLC FormationAround $49 + state fees
Standard Document Plan$38.95/month
Professional Document Plan$58.95/month
EIN FilingAvailable depending on package/add-on

Key Features

• Low-cost LLC formation
• Legal document templates
• Business contracts
• Document creation tools
• Legal forms library
• Subscription document access
• Business document support
• EIN support may be available

Pros

• Low-cost formation option
• Good for legal document users
• Useful business templates
• Helpful for contracts and forms
• Good if you need documents after formation

Cons

• Not always a true free formation service
• Subscription may not suit one-time users
• EIN support depends on package or add-on
• Registered agent is not the main focus
• Not as strong as Bizee or ZenBusiness for formation value

Best For

LegalNature is best for entrepreneurs who want low-cost LLC formation with legal document templates and business forms.

9. MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks is not free, but it is still one of the cheapest LLC formation services if you care about included support.

Its Basic plan usually starts around $59 to $79 plus state fees.

That is more than the $0 services, but the Basic plan includes LLC filing, business name search, operating agreement, same-day processing, and unlimited support.

Many free plans do not include an operating agreement. Many also do not include same-day processing or unlimited support.

So MyCompanyWorks can be a better deal for entrepreneurs who want a low-cost package with useful features already included.

Pricing

PlanPriceBest For
BasicAround $59 to $79 + state feesSimple LLC setup
EntrepreneurAround $179 to $199 + state feesGrowing businesses
CompleteAround $259 to $279 + state feesFull-service setup

Key Features

• LLC filing
• Business name search
• Operating agreement included
• Same-day processing
• Unlimited support
• EIN registration in Entrepreneur and Complete
• Registered agent service in higher plans
• Lifetime access to forms
• Compliance tools in Complete

Pros

• Affordable entry-level pricing
• Operating agreement included in Basic
• Same-day processing available
• Unlimited support included
• Good balance of price and features
• Stronger included value than many free plans

Cons

• Not free
• EIN not included in Basic
• Registered agent requires higher plan
• Some competitors offer $0 formation
• Not a full legal services platform

Best For

MyCompanyWorks is best for entrepreneurs who want cheap LLC formation with support, operating agreement, and same-day processing included.

10. CorpNet

CorpNet is a traditional business formation service with reasonable entry-level pricing.

Its Basic plan starts at $79 plus state fees and includes name search and document filing.

The Deluxe plan adds operating agreement and compliance alerts, while the Complete plan adds expedited filing and a corporate kit.

CorpNet is not as cheap as Bizee, ZenBusiness, or LegalZoom at the entry level, but it may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional business filing provider.

It is a decent option if you want basic filing support and are willing to pay a modest service fee.

Pricing

PlanPriceKey Features
Basic$79 + state feesName search, document filing
Deluxe$199 + state feesOperating agreement, compliance alerts
Complete$249 + state feesExpedited filing, corporate kit

Key Features

• LLC formation
• Business name search
• Document filing
• Operating agreement in Deluxe and Complete
• Compliance alerts in Deluxe and Complete
• Expedited filing in Complete
• Corporate kit in Complete

Pros

• Reasonable entry-level pricing
• Simple formation packages
• Compliance alerts available
• Operating agreement available in higher plans
• Good for traditional filing support

Cons

• Basic plan costs more than $0 competitors
• Operating agreement not included in Basic
• EIN may cost extra
• Not as modern as newer platforms
• Less compelling for strict budget users

Best For

CorpNet is best for entrepreneurs who want a traditional LLC formation provider with reasonable pricing and compliance options.

11. BizFilings

BizFilings

BizFilings is an established business formation provider, but it is not the cheapest option compared with newer $0 formation services.

Its Basic plan starts at $99 plus state fees and includes name check and document filing.

The Standard plan adds an operating agreement template and compliance alerts. The Complete plan adds expedited filing, corporate kit, and priority support.

BizFilings is more expensive than many modern competitors, especially for entry-level filing. However, it may still appeal to users who want a long-standing formation provider and do not mind paying more for traditional service.

Pricing

PlanPriceKey Features
Basic$99 + state feesName check, document filing
Standard$229 + state feesOperating agreement template, compliance alerts
Complete$359 + state feesExpedited filing, corporate kit, priority support

Key Features

• LLC formation
• Business name check
• Document filing
• Operating agreement template in Standard and Complete
• Compliance alerts in Standard and Complete
• Expedited filing in Complete
• Corporate kit in Complete
• Priority support in Complete

Pros

• Established formation provider
• Simple package structure
• Compliance alerts available
• Corporate kit available in Complete
• Good for users who prefer traditional services

Cons

• More expensive than many competitors
• Basic plan is limited
• Operating agreement not included in Basic
• Not the best value for budget-focused founders
• Premium package is costly

Best For

BizFilings is best for entrepreneurs who want an established filing provider and are comfortable paying more than newer low-cost services.

12. Rocket Lawyer

What Is Rocket Lawyer?

Rocket Lawyer can be cheap if you already need legal documents and plan to use its membership.

It is not a traditional free LLC formation service. It is a legal subscription platform that offers LLC formation as part of its member benefits.

With a membership, your first LLC formation may be $0 plus state fees.

The membership also includes access to legal documents, attorney questions, digital signing, and discounts on additional legal services.

If you only need one LLC filing, Rocket Lawyer may not be the cheapest option because the membership can become unnecessary.

But if you need contracts, NDAs, service agreements, leases, or attorney questions, the subscription can offer good value.

Pricing

PlanPrice
Monthly PlanAround $39.99/month
Annual PlanAround $239/year
Free Trial7 days

How Pricing Works

With membership:

• First LLC formation may be $0 + state fees
• Access to legal documents
• Ability to ask legal questions
• Discounts on additional services

Without membership:

• LLC formation around $99 + state fees
• Limited access to legal tools
• Additional services cost extra

Key Features

• LLC formation available
• First formation may be free for members
• Legal document library
• Attorney questions
• Legal consultations
• Digital signing
• Document storage
• Business contracts

Pros

• LLC formation may be free for members
• Strong legal document library
• Good for contracts and agreements
• Attorney questions available
• Digital signing tools included
• Useful if you need legal support often

Cons

• Subscription may not suit one-time users
• EIN filing costs extra
• Registered agent service can be expensive
• Not the best pure LLC formation service
• Membership can become costly if unused

Best For

Rocket Lawyer is best for entrepreneurs who want low-cost LLC formation through membership and also need legal documents regularly.

How to Choose the Cheapest LLC Formation Service?

The cheapest LLC service is not always the one with the lowest advertised price.

You need to compare what is included and what you may need later.

Choose Bizee If You Want the Best Cheap Package

Bizee is the best cheap LLC formation service for most users because its Basic plan costs $0 plus state fees and includes one year of registered agent service.

Choose ZenBusiness If You Want a Cheap Modern Platform

ZenBusiness is a great option if you want a $0 Starter plan with a clean dashboard, name search, basic compliance tools, and useful upgrade options.

Choose LegalZoom If You Want a Cheap Legal Brand

LegalZoom is useful if you want $0 basic LLC filing from a well-known legal services company.

It is best if you may need legal documents or attorney support later.

Choose Inc Authority If You Want Free Basic Filing

Inc Authority is good if you want free LLC formation with name check and basic support.

Just avoid unnecessary premium bundles if your goal is saving money.

Choose Tailor Brands If You Need Cheap Formation Plus Branding

Tailor Brands is best if you want basic LLC formation and may also need a logo, website, domain, or brand tools.

Choose Swyft Filings If You Want Cheap Filing With Speed Options

Swyft Filings is useful if you want a $0 Basic plan and may upgrade later for faster processing, EIN, and operating agreement.

Choose Northwest Registered Agent If Privacy Matters More Than Free Filing

Northwest is not free, but its $39 package includes registered agent service, operating agreement, business address use, privacy protection, and document scanning.

That can be a better deal than many free plans.

Choose LegalNature If You Need Legal Forms Too

LegalNature is useful if you want low-cost LLC formation plus access to legal forms and business templates.

Choose MyCompanyWorks If You Want More Included Support

MyCompanyWorks is not free, but it includes operating agreement, same-day processing, and unlimited support in its Basic plan.

That makes it a good low-cost support option.

Choose CorpNet If You Want Traditional Filing Help

CorpNet is good if you prefer a traditional business filing company and do not mind paying a modest service fee.

Choose BizFilings If You Want an Established Provider

BizFilings is not the cheapest, but it may work for users who prefer a long-standing formation provider with simple packages.

Choose Rocket Lawyer If You Need Legal Documents Regularly

Rocket Lawyer can be a good value if you need legal documents, contracts, and attorney questions along with LLC formation.

What Does Cheap LLC Formation Really Mean?

Cheap LLC formation usually means the service fee is low or free.

But you still need to pay your state filing fee.

Depending on your business, you may also need:

• EIN filing
• Operating agreement
• Registered agent service
• Compliance tools
• Annual report filing
• Business license research
• Faster filing
• Legal documents
• Business banking documents

A $0 LLC plan can be a good deal if you only need simple filing.

But if you need several add-ons, a paid package may actually be better value.

Final Verdict: Cheapest LLC Formation Services

The cheapest LLC formation service depends on what you need included.

If you want the best cheap LLC formation package overall, Bizee is the strongest choice because it offers $0 formation and one year of registered agent service.

If you want a clean modern platform, ZenBusiness is a great option with its $0 Starter plan.

If you want a familiar legal brand, LegalZoom offers $0 basic LLC filing.

If you want free basic formation, Inc Authority is worth considering, but its paid bundles can become expensive.

If you are willing to pay a small fee for better privacy and included registered agent value, Northwest Registered Agent may be better than many free services.

For most budget-conscious business owners, the top three choices are:

  1. Bizee for best overall cheap value
  2. ZenBusiness for best cheap modern platform
  3. Northwest Registered Agent for best low-cost privacy package

If your goal is to spend the least while getting registered agent service included, choose Bizee.

If you want a smooth platform and basic compliance tools, choose ZenBusiness.

If you want privacy, registered agent service, and strong included value, choose Northwest Registered Agent.