Ready to incorporate your startup? Hiring a business formation provider makes the process quick, simple, and hassle-free. But remember, not all platforms are created equal. It’s important to choose one known for exceptional customer support, ongoing compliance services, and other vital features.
We’ve done the research for you and thoroughly reviewed the best online incorporation services based on criteria like cost, features, ease of use, and more. Whether you’re launching a simple online business or a more complex startup, we’ll help you choose the right formation service for your needs.
Our #1 Pick: Northwest
Launch your dream startup for just $29 plus state fees. Northwest handles your business incorporation quickly, with expert support every step of the way.
Unsure if Northwest is right for you? Continue reading our comprehensive review below to learn more and explore your options.
Best Incorporation Services
Northwest  4.8/5 Visit Site | Best for First-Time Founders
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Tailor Brands
4.6/5 Visit Site | Best Business-Building Service
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LegalZoom  4.4/5 Visit Site | Best for Expert Legal Services
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Firstbase 4.4/5 Visit Site | Best for Corporations
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ZenBusiness  4.2/5 Visit Site |
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Gust 4.2/5 Visit Site |
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Clerky  4.1/5 Visit Site |
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Stripe Atlas 4/5 Visit Site |
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Incorporating your startup means establishing your business as a formal legal entity, separate from its founders or owners. Startup incorporation has a number of advantages; your company will gain limited liability, establish credibility and trust, be more attractive to investors, and more.
Note that forming a C corporation is recommended for startups, especially those seeking outside investors, while forming an LLC is recommended for small businesses that do not plan to raise outside investment. You can learn more about which legal structure is right for you by reading our LLC vs. Corporation guide.
Top Incorporation Services of September 2024:
- Northwest Registered Agent
- Tailor Brands
- LegalZoom
- Firstbase
- ZenBusiness
- Gust
- Clerky
- Stripe Atlas
- Honorable Mentions
When deciphering the best incorporation service for your startup, it is important to identify the services offered (e.g., Employer Identification Number (EIN) assistance, registered agent services, etc.) compared to the price.
Each business incorporation service offers its own unique value; however, our overall recommendation for startup incorporation is Northwest Registered Agent. Not only does Northwest make structuring your new business online quick and easy, but it also offers exceptional, knowledgeable customer support, and premium registered agent service for a competitive price.
Whether you choose to start acorporationorlimited liability company(LLC) — Northwest offers a great deal for the tools and services it provides.
Best Online Incorporation Service: Northwest
Northwest Registered Agent is our choice for best incorporation services because of its competitive pricing and knowledgeable customer support. TRUiC readers receive an exclusive 75% discount by clicking the button below.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Pricing: Starts at $29 + state filing fees
Northwest is our top pick for the best online incorporation services on the market. Northwest Registered Agent is known for its knowledgeable and dedicated customer service, which means you are likely to find the support you need during the critical stages of the incorporation process. They even provide their customers with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained U.S.-based support agents.
Overall, Northwest Registered Agent is designed for small business owners on a budget who still want the personalized support and legal protection of forming an official LLC. With Northwest, entrepreneurs can expect a hassle-free experience that simplifies the complexities of initial business formation, making it an ideal choice for those who value both quality service and affordability.
Pros
- Excellent and knowledgeable customer support
- Quick and simple ordering process
- Free registered agent service for a year
- Free phone service for 60 days
Cons
- Northwest Registered Agent doesn’t include as many features as other incorporation services. For instance, they charge extra for some essential features such as an employer identification number (EIN). However, you can simply get one for free using our guide.
Launch Your LLC Hassle-Free With Northwest
Form your LLC quickly and affordably with Northwest’s streamlined service for just $29 plus state fees.
2. Tailor Brands
Pricing: Starts at $0 + state filing fees
Tailor Brands offers LLC formation services as part of their suite of tools for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their LLC formation package is designed to simplify the process of establishing a business with a seamless user experience and robust customer support.
One of the distinguishing features of Tailor Brands’ LLC service is its integration with their branding tools. This allows new business owners to simultaneously form their LLC and develop their brand identity, setting Tailor Brands apart from other LLC formation services.
Pros
- AI-powered design tools available
- Quick formation process
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Some features are higher cost than competitors
- Registered agent services aren’t included in formation packages
Build Your Brand With Tailor Brands
Get more than just formation services with Tailor Brands’ robust suite of branding and marketing tools.
3. LegalZoom
Pricing: Starts at $0 + state fees
LegalZoom is a well-established name in the world of online legal services and startup formation. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of services for startups, ranging from incorporation to patents and copyright registration.
LegalZoom provides access to a network of experienced attorneys that can guide you through complex legal processes. This can be invaluable during the formative stages of your startup when you may need to navigate tricky legal waters.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- A well-known, experienced company
- Legal advice past business formation
Cons
- Higher price than some competitors
- High cost for additional services such as an operating agreement
Launch Your Startup Legally
Benefit from LegalZoom’s trusted incorporation process and personalized legal support for only state filing fees.
4. Firstbase
Pricing: $399 (one-time fee) + potential add-ons
Firstbase is our next pick for the best online incorporation service. Whether you’re seeking outside funding now or in the future, their comprehensive platform will get your startup investor-ready and equipped for growth.
Firstbase’s START™ product streamlines business formation, providing essentials such as an EIN, bylaws, and shareholder agreements. The platform also boasts features tailored specifically for startups; for instance, their Discovery program allows venture capitalists (VCs) to view and contact your business as a potential investment opportunity.
Moreover, Firstbase’s exclusive partner network offers perks worth over $350,000—you get one-click access to essential growth tools for banking, payments, payroll, and more. These integrations and rewards are carefully curated to support business growth, offering cash incentives, credits, and saving precious time through automated processes.
In addition to online incorporation services, Firstbase provides several other valuable products for first time business owners:
- Firstbase Agent™ acts as your registered agent for legal notices and compliance filings, starting at $99/year.
- Firstbase Mailroom™ provides a business address and mail management, with prices from $35/month.
- Firstbase AccountingTM (starting at $99/month) handles bookkeeping with human-managed AI.
Pros
- Transparent pricing with a seven-day money-back guarantee
- Complimentary legal consultation
- Access to over $350,000 in startup rewards
Cons
- Not available in every state, potentially excluding certain desired locations
- Pricier than some other incorporation services out there
Incorporate with Confidence
Incorporate with Firstbase and unlock exclusive partner rewards and deals worth over $350K
Learn more by reading our full Firstbase review.
5. ZenBusiness
Pricing: Starts at $0 + state fees
ZenBusiness is another good option for online incorporation services. With services ranging from corporation to LLC formation, ZenBusiness can help you easily structure your company.
Additionally, ZenBusiness customers who choose to incorporate using its services gain worry-free compliance included in the price. For startups that want extra support, ZenBusiness also offers packages that include EIN and expedited filing services as well as domain names and a business website built into the annual cost.
Pros
- Competitive price
- Positive customer feedback
- Worry-free compliance free first year (Auto-renewal price: $199/yr)
- Free incorporation service (note that you will still need to pay state filing fees)
Cons
- Some helpful features (e.g., registered agent service) not included in any LLC formation or C corporation packages
- Annual subscription model, no pay-per-service option
6. Gust
Pricing: Starts at $300/year + state fees.
One of the main drawbacks of Gust’s incorporation services is its subscription-based model. Despite the C corp process being a one-time event, startups that choose to use Gust’s services are required to sign up for a subscription for additional services such as a private founder community and software after they have formed their corporation.
Pros
- Created for startups specifically
- Business banking included in cost
- Post-incorporation support
Cons
- No unique features
- Subscription-based model
- Only offers Delaware corporation formation
7. Clerky
Pricing: $799 for Company Lifetime Package or $407 for incorporation
Clerky offers business formation services created for startups specifically, making it an ideal choice for startup founders. One of the best things about choosing Clerky for business formation is its pay-per-service model that allows customers to choose the exact services they need without having to pay for services they don’t.
Clerky breaks down the startup formation process into two chapters, the first being actually forming your corporation and the second being the required steps afterward such as drafting corporate bylaws and assigning founder vestment.
Pros
- Created for startups specifically
- Pay-per-service features
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Higher cost than many competitors
- Formation services only available for Delaware C corps
- Required expedited filing
Learn more by reading our fullClerky review.
8. Stripe Atlas
Pricing: Starts at $500 + state fees
Stripe Atlas is a business formation service through Stripe that offers a litany of additional services, including a guaranteed bank account with formation. For international startup founders who may find it difficult to acquire a bank account for their startup, this can be highly beneficial.
Pros
- Guaranteed bank account
- Created for startups specifically
- Great for international founders
Cons
- Higher cost than some competitors
- For corporations, no choice of bank
- Only offers Delaware company formation
Learn more by reading our full Stripe Atlas review.
Honorable Mentions
While not included in the main list above, the following platforms are still worth a brief mention.
Bizee (Formerly Incfile)
Bizee is known for having inexpensive incorporation and LLC formation services that don’t sacrifice features or reliability despite its competitive pricing. In fact, every formation service comes with a free year of registered agent services. But, if you would like additional perks such as a bank account, EIN, or help drafting corporate bylaws, you will need to pay extra.
BizFilings
BizFilings has been open for over 20 years forming various business structures, and remains a respected online incorporation service. They also have lots of valuable, free educational content on their website, including some informative FAQs and state-by-state guides.
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings has built a strong reputation for its fast and straightforward business formation service. Their online platform makes it simple to access a variety of services related to starting a new venture. This includes LLC formation, registered agent service, business name availability check, and compliance services.
LegalShield
With LegalShield’s Launch product, a lawyer will guide you through every step of the complex business formation process. And LegalShield doesn’t disappear after your venture is formed – you’ll receive 3 months of continued legal services on both business and personal matters.
MyCompanyWorks
While MyCompanyWorks may not offer the most affordable incorporation packages, their pricing is still competitive. More significantly, business owners who use MyCompanyWorks highlight the excellent customer service and satisfaction guarantee as key benefits.
Review Methodology
The TRUiC team evaluates the top online incorporation services based on the following criteria:
- Pricing: The company offers essential startup services at an affordable price for entrepreneurs.
- Features: The platform offers vital features such as incorporation filing, registered agent services, annual report service, etc.
- User Reviews: Previous customers rated and reviewed the startup incorporation service positively, and the company is receptive to negative reviews.
- Customer Support: The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive to customers. They provide startup founders with peace of mind throughout the business incorporation process.
- Accessibility and Transparency: The information on the provider’s website is easy for the customer to navigate and understand. The ordering process is straightforward, user-friendly, and void of hidden fees.
Overall, our main goal is to recommend online incorporation services that provide the best value for our users so they can more easily launch and grow successful startups.
FAQs
What is the concept of incorporation?
When you incorporate a startup, you register your new business with your state, and it becomes its own legal entity, or “person.”
You can learn more about startup incorporation by reading our comprehensive guide on how to incorporate a startup, along with its supporting articles.
What is the purpose of incorporation?
One of the main purposes of incorporation is to gain personal liability protection; however, there are many other reasons to incorporate; your startup will establish credibility and trust, be more attractive to investors, and more.
What are business incorporation services?
Online incorporation services take care of the confusing business formation paperwork by completing and submitting documents to the appropriate government agencies. A lot of these services can also provide features such as annual report filing, business license searches, registered agent services, operating agreement templates, etc.
Many professional services will often save you both time and money, provide you with peace of mind, reduce the chance of errors, and offer helpful customer support and tools throughout the complex business formation process.
What is the best incorporation service provider?
Our pick for best incorporation services for small business owners is Northwest Registered Agentbecause of its affordable LLC features, quality registered agent service, and hassle-free business formation process.
Our pick for best incorporation service for fast-growing startupsis Firstbase because it offers startup-specific benefits like access to an exclusive network, growth tools, and more to support entrepreneurs during launch and scaling.
Should I form an LLC or corporation for my startup?
LLC formation vs corporation formation depends on the nature of your startup.
Limited liability companies (LLCs) are simpler structures that are often better for small, owner-managed businesses.
Corporations are more complex business structures that are better suited for startups that want to raise outside funding, grow significantly, etc.
Where is the best place to incorporate a startup?
The best place to incorporate depends on the specific entrepreneurial needs and goals. Delaware, Nevada and Wyoming are common startup incorporation locations due to benefits like liability protections, no state corporate income taxes, flexible corporate laws, and more.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate my startup?
You do not necessarily need a lawyer to incorporate a startup. Many entrepreneurs choose to use a business incorporation service instead.
These platforms can handle all the required paperwork and filings to register your new business structure with the state. They are generally more affordable and faster than hiring a lawyer.
However, a lawyer can provide legal guidance customized to your specific needs. Significant funding rounds, or special regulatory issues may make consulting a lawyer worthwhile.
TRUiC
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