Setting Up an LLC Online with BizFilings
Set Up LLC Online from $97 plus State Fees
Review Summary: As a pioneer in Internet-based business formation services, BizFilings offers a competitive solution for setting up an LLC online. BizFilings is a great alternative to the other companies when it comes time to set up an LLC.
Free six months of registered agent service. Guaranteed filing accuracy. Web chat and toll-free customer service phone assistance available.
The operating agreement, and other LLC setup forms, are not customized to your organization.
BizFilings is an online business formation service pioneer, starting their operation in 1996. Since this time, they have helped over 500,000 entrepreneurs with their business formation needs.
BizFilings' website assists you in setting up a LLC (limited liability company) so that your operation has a formal structure to operate under. They do not offer legal services that are not directly related to business entity formation. The focus of this review will be their set up LLC online services.
Setting Up an LLC Online Packages and Fees
BizFilings offers three packages to assist in setting up an LLC - Basic, Standard, and Complete. The packages range in price from $97 to $347.
On top of BizFilings' setting up LLC fee, you have to pay the state filing fee. Depending on the state you choose to set up a limited liability company in, these fees range from $25 to $625, with most states in the $50-$200 range.
These fees are paid to BizFilings and you clearly see what your state's filing fees will be on the pricing quote screen. Note that these state fees are fairly comparable to LegalZoom's for most states, and generally lower than The Company Corporation's.
Please see the setup LLC online package comparison table below to see what comes with each of the three available packages.
How Long Does the Process Take?
With the Standard and Complete setting up a limited liability company packages, state and internal BizFilings expediting is included. This means that it will normally take 7-10 business days to receive your formation documentation if you opt for anything but the least expensive package. However, their least expensive option doesn't include expedited processing, so normal processing time with this choice is 4-6 weeks.
BizFilings is committed to quality customer service, and they are very accessible if you need help throughout the LLC set up process. You can reach BizFilings via a toll-free customer service number, or via live chat directly on their website (during normal business hours).
Set Up LLC Online Package Contents
An operating agreement, as well as other limited liability company specific forms, are included in all three of BizFilings' set up a LLC online packages, but they are not customized to your business. They are sample forms, but you will need to tailor them to your particular company. Each one of LegalZoom's starting an LLC online packages includes a fully customized operating agreement, and is the only web-based business formation service reviewed at Business Service Reviews to offer this standard.
BizFilings offers an optional business license compliance package, which tells you what commercial licenses you are required to have, as well as giving you the correct forms and providing you instructions on how to fill out and submit them. Please note that you will have to actually fill out the forms and submit them, along with any necessary fees, to the proper government agency.
You have the option to purchase Palo Alto Software's Business Plan Pro at a reduced price. This is the best selling business plan software that helps entrepreneurs create a comprehensive plan to provide guidance for their new endeavor. Retailing for $99, BizFilings offers this software for $75.
Online Business Formation Wizard
On their website, BizFilings also offers an Incorporation Wizard that assists you in determining what business entity might be the best suited for your particular situation. While it is no substitution for legal counsel, the 6 page series of questions will definitely give you an idea of which formal structure might be best for your situation.
Whether creating an LLC, or forming another entity for your company is the right decision, it is one to be made after consulting with the proper professional. Considering that the formal entity you choose to operate under is something that is not easily changed, it is wise to be certain you are making the right move before you make a decision. Setting up an LLC (Wikipedia definition) is a great choice for most small businesses, but you need to be sure it is the best choice for your particular situation.
Setting Up a LLC with BizFilings - Final Thoughts
BizFilings offers a very good alternative to other online LLC setup services. With its Basic LLC package starting at $97, it is the least expensive basic package of the three we have reviewed.
When compared to LegalZoom and The Company Corporation, BizFilings finds itself to be a comparably priced alternative to setting up an LLC online. One item that makes LegalZoom stand out from BizFilings is the fully customized operating agreement, which means, with this being completed for your company, you have one less thing to complete yourself when it comes time to set up an LLC. And we feel that any little bit helps when it comes to creating your dream company.
BizFilings Set Up LLC Online Package Comparison
| Basic | Standard | Complete | |
| Price (+State Fee) | $97 | $237 | $347 |
| Preliminary Name Check with State |  | | |
| Preparation & Filing of Formation Documents | | | |
| Unlimited Customer Support While Forming an LLC | | | |
| 24/7 Access to Online Order Status Center | | | |
| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | | | |
| LLC Kit & Company Seal | $99 | | |
| Sample Operating Agreement & Other Customizable LLC Forms | $35 | | |
| Expedited Processing Service (State Fees May Apply) | $60 | | |
| Overnight Shipping | $20 | | |
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service | $70 | $70 | |
| Compliance DVD | $35 | $35 | |
| Certified Copy of State Documents (State Fees May Apply - Not Available in all States) | $35 | $35 | |
| Palo Alto's Business Plan Pro | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Published Notification of Formation | $120 | $120 | $120 |
| Business License Application Package | $99 | $99 | $99 |
| 500 Four-Color Business Cards | $30 | $30 | $30 |