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Compare LLC formation services
Bizee, Northwest, ZenBusiness and LegalZoom side by side: what each plan costs, what renews, what the registered agent costs after year one, and when filing yourself is cheaper. Prices come from each company’s own website.
We earn a commission if you buy through our links to Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent. We have no affiliate relationship with ZenBusiness or LegalZoom, and it doesn’t change the numbers.
LLC formation service prices compared
Prices as of October 2026, from each company's own website. Every price is plus your state's filing fee, and prices change, so confirm at checkout.
| Service | Cheapest package | Other packages | Registered agent | Refunds | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bizeeformerly Incfile | Basic: $0 | Standard $199, Premium $299 (one-time) | Free for the first year, then $149/year | Generally only until Bizee sends payment to the state (Bizee says typically within 24 hours) | Official site |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 | One package | First year included (per Northwest), then $125/year ($100/year per state for 5+ states) | No published refund window found for formation orders: ask before ordering | Official site |
| ZenBusiness | Starter: $0 (one-time) | Pro $199/year, Premium $299/year (both renew yearly) | Not in any package: $199/year add-on | 60-day money-back guarantee, minus state and third-party fees | Official site |
| LegalZoom | Basic: $0 | Managed Service $249, Expert Service $299 (each includes 30 days of advisor or attorney access, then $49 or $99 a month unless you cancel) | Sold separately: $249/year | Within 60 days of purchase, if your documents haven't been sent to the state yet | Official site |
| File it yourselfstate website | $0 service fee | None | Be your own agent for $0 if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours | Not applicable | Our guide |
A registered agent receives legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You need one, but it can be you. An EIN (your LLC's federal tax ID) is free from the IRS with any of these options.
What five years costs in Texas
Each company's cheapest package, the $300 Texas filing fee, and the company as your registered agent for five years. State annual report fees aren't included (in Texas, most small LLCs owe no fee for the yearly franchise tax report; see annual report fees by state).
Run your own state's numbers in our LLC cost calculator.
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Questions about LLC services
Which LLC service is cheapest?
In our Texas example, filing yourself is cheapest at $300, because you pay only the state fee and act as your own registered agent. Among the services, Bizee is cheapest in year one ($300 with its free first year of registered agent service), and Northwest is cheapest over five years ($839) because its agent renews for less.
Are the $0 plans really free?
They have no formation service fee, but you still pay the state’s filing fee. What you pay after that depends mostly on the registered agent: Bizee includes the first year, while ZenBusiness and LegalZoom sell it separately at $199 and $249 a year.
Do I need a formation service at all?
No. You can file directly on your state’s website, get your EIN free from the IRS and be your own registered agent. Our step-by-step guide shows how. A service saves time and can keep your address off the public record.
Do you earn money from these companies?
We earn a commission if you buy through our links to Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent. We have no affiliate relationship with ZenBusiness or LegalZoom. The prices above come from each company’s own website either way.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.