Forming a limited liability company is not difficult because there is one perfect website for everyone. It is difficult because several reasonable routes solve different parts of the problem. You can file directly with your state, use a low-cost formation platform, choose a broader legal membership, or pay for a guided filing service that keeps the process moving.
This guide explains what each route does well, where the costs can appear, and which option makes sense when speed and simplicity matter most. It is general educational information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Disclosure: Ameredian may earn a commission from links added to this article. That does not change how the services are evaluated.
First, know what you are paying for
An LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization—sometimes called a Certificate of Formation—with the appropriate state office and paying the state’s filing fee. That government fee is unavoidable whether you file yourself or use a formation company.
A filing service charges for convenience around that state process. Depending on the provider and package, that may include a guided questionnaire, document preparation, name checks, submission, status updates, registered-agent service, an operating-agreement template, an EIN application, or ongoing compliance reminders. The cheapest advertised plan is not always the cheapest final cart, so separate the state fee, formation-service fee, add-ons, and recurring renewals before deciding.
The DIY route: file with your Secretary of State
Direct filing is the baseline every paid service should be compared against. If your ownership is simple, you know which state you should form in, and you are comfortable reading government instructions, filing through the official Secretary of State website can be the least expensive option. You pay the state fee and avoid a separate preparation charge.
The tradeoff is that you are responsible for choosing the correct form, checking name availability, appointing a registered agent, tracking the submission, and handling the steps that follow approval. State portals also vary widely in clarity. DIY makes sense for confident filers who value minimum cost more than guidance.
State Filings: the focused option for a faster start
State Filings is built around a narrower promise: choose your state, complete the application, pay the applicable state and service fees, and receive the completed registration after the state process finishes. It provides private document-preparation and filing assistance rather than legal advice.
That focus is its main advantage. LegalZoom offers a wide ecosystem, Bizee leads with a low service fee, and Rocket Lawyer makes sense for continuing legal-document needs. State Filings is the clearest fit when you want a guided path, fewer product decisions, and an emphasis on getting the formation information prepared and moving toward the state.
No filing company controls how quickly a Secretary of State processes an application, and state turnaround times vary. But if your priority is to get started quickly without navigating a large legal-services catalog, State Filings is the option we would start with.
LegalZoom: a familiar name with a broad service menu
LegalZoom is the most recognizable name in this comparison, and that familiarity is a real strength for first-time founders. Its Basic LLC formation plan starts at a $0 service fee plus the required state filing fee. Paid plans add features around formation and post-formation support, while attorney-assisted options offer consultations through LegalZoom’s network.
LegalZoom is a sensible fit when you want an established platform with many business services in one place or expect to add attorney guidance. The caution is breadth: optional products and renewals can make the checkout more complicated than the headline price suggests. Review the final cart and recurring terms rather than choosing on brand recognition alone.
Bizee: strong value for a budget-first formation
Bizee, formerly Incfile, has built its reputation around a $0 formation-service option: you still pay your state’s mandatory fee, but Bizee handles the core preparation and filing without a separate basic service charge. Its formation flow also points users through decisions such as naming the company and selecting a registered agent.
That makes Bizee attractive when price is the deciding factor and you are comfortable sorting essential steps from optional upgrades. As with any low-entry-price service, check which extras are included in the package you select, what renews annually, and whether you can complete items such as an EIN directly through the IRS at no charge.
Rocket Lawyer: useful when formation is only the beginning
Rocket Lawyer approaches the decision as an ongoing membership rather than a single filing transaction. Its current offering includes a first business registration with membership, excluding government and third-party fees, along with access to business documents, filing services, and attorney support subject to plan limits.
Rocket Lawyer is strongest for someone who expects to need contracts, document tools, consultations, or additional business support after the LLC is approved. If all you need is one straightforward formation, however, evaluate the membership cost and renewal terms against a one-time filing service.
LLC filing options compared
| Option | Best fit | Main strength | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Filings | Founders prioritizing a guided, focused process | Simple path from state selection to submitted formation | State processing time and final service fees |
| LegalZoom | Founders wanting a familiar, broad platform | Large menu of formation and support services | Add-ons and recurring terms |
| Bizee | Budget-focused founders | $0 basic formation-service option plus state fees | Package inclusions and renewals |
| Rocket Lawyer | Businesses needing ongoing documents or support | Membership connects formation with later legal tools | Whether continued membership is worth it |
| Direct state filing | Confident DIY filers | Lowest potential cost | You handle every requirement and deadline |
Which service should you choose?
- Choose State Filings if you want to move through a focused, guided filing process with less friction.
- Choose LegalZoom if you value a well-known platform and may want a broader menu of business or attorney-supported services.
- Choose Bizee if a $0 basic formation-service fee is the priority and you will carefully review add-ons.
- Choose Rocket Lawyer if you expect to use legal documents and support after formation.
- File directly with the state if minimizing cost matters most and you are comfortable managing the paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Can I form an LLC for free?
You cannot avoid the state filing fee unless your state offers a specific waiver. When a company advertises “$0 LLC formation,” it generally means a $0 service fee for basic preparation and filing; the government fee and optional services still cost extra.
Is an online filing service required?
No. You can file directly through your state’s official website. A private service is useful when you want a guided questionnaire, document preparation, submission help, and a clearer status path.
Does faster preparation guarantee faster approval?
No. A service can reduce delays in collecting and preparing your information, but only the state controls its review time. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional government fee.
Do I need to pay someone to get an EIN?
The IRS issues EINs directly without a filing fee. A formation company may charge for the convenience of handling the application. Eligible applicants can instead request one through the official IRS process.
Is State Filings a law firm or government agency?
No. State Filings describes itself as a private document-preparation and filing-assistance service. It is not a law firm, accounting firm, Secretary of State, or government agency, and it does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional when your formation involves legal or tax questions.