It is a very smart decision to have a formal business structure for your company, instead of operating as a sole proprietor. This gives you personal liability protection from any issues that may come up during the operation of your company. Starting an LLC is a great way to protect your personal assets from any liability that your business may incur.
To get the personal liability protection offered by a corporation, without all of the corporate formalities, you need to start an LLC, or limited liability company. Along with the liability protection an LLC offers, you also get to choose how the profits get taxed. An LLC's profits can be taxed as a pass-through entity, like being a sole proprietor or having a partnership, or they can be taxed like a regular corporation.
Another thing an LLC brings to the table is the fact that, like a corporation, it is a distinct legal entity. Because of this, an LLC can open up bank accounts in its name, as well as take out loans and conduct business in its name. You, as the owner, are not held personally liable for any debts incurred in the name of the LLC.
It becomes very clear why starting an LLC is becoming increasingly popular when you consider it combines the personal liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity of a partnership. Because of the flexibility of an LLC, as well as the reduced paperwork requirements, making the choice to start a LLC is what more smart entrepreneurs are deciding to do.
Using an online service to start an LLC brings many advantages. Not only can you save a considerable amount of money when compared to using a traditional law firm, but you eliminate the possibility of making mistakes that might happen if you were to file the necessary paperwork yourself.
It is easy and affordable to start an LLC online, with plans from just $99, plus the required state fees. You have no reason to not take the hassles out of starting an LLC by using an online service such as LegalZoom.
See the below comparison tables to see what plans are available from the leading online LLC formation services.
Join other smart entrepreneurs and start your LLC online. This is one decision that is easy to make and it can save you money too!
| Basic Start an LLC Packages Include: | ![]() Economy |
![]() Basic |
![]() Economy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | |
| Price (+State Fees) | $99 |
$129 | $99 |
| Preliminary LLC Name Check with State | |||
| Review of Formation Documents | |||
| Preparation & Filing of Formation Documents | |||
| Customized Operating Agreement | $99 | ||
| Sample (Non-Customized) Operating Agreement | N/A | N/A | |
| LLC Kit & Company Seal | $99 | $99 | |
| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | $149/Year | ||
| Expedited Processing (State Fees May Apply) | $60 | $60 | |
| Expedited Shipping | $20 | $18 | |
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Application Preparation | $30 | ||
| Prepare Application & Obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $79 | $70 | $75 |
| Business License Application Package | $99 | $99 | |
| Overall Rating |
| Middle Start an LLC Packages Include: | ![]() Standard |
![]() Standard |
![]() Basic |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | |
| Price (+State Fees) | $249 | $250 | $279 |
| Preliminary LLC Name Check with State | |||
| Review of Formation Documents | |||
| Preparation & Filing of Formation Documents | |||
| Customized Operating Agreement | $99 | ||
| Sample (Non-Customized) Operating Agreement | N/A | N/A | |
| LLC Kit & Company Seal | |||
| 20 Customized Membership Certificates | |||
| Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2008 Download | |||
| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | $149/Year | ||
| Expedited Processing (State Fees May Apply) | $60 | ||
| Expedited Shipping | $20 | ||
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Application Preparation | $30 | ||
| Prepare Application & Obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $79 | $70 | $75 |
| Business License Application Package | $99 | $99 | |
| Overall Rating |
| Top Start an LLC Packages Include: | ![]() Express Gold |
![]() Complete |
![]() Complete |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | |
| Price (+State Fees) | $359 | $350 | $399 |
| Preliminary LLC Name Check with State | |||
| Review of Formation Documents | |||
| Preparation & Filing of Formation Documents | |||
| Customized Operating Agreement | $99 | ||
| Sample (Non-Customized) Operating Agreement | N/A | N/A | |
| LLC Kit & Company Seal | |||
| 20 Customized Membership Certificates | |||
| Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2008 Download | |||
| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | $149/Year | ||
| Expedited Processing (State Fees May Apply) | |||
| Expedited Shipping | |||
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Application Preparation | |||
| Prepare Application & Obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $49 | ||
| Business License Application Package | $99 | $99 | |
| Overall Rating |