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Start your LLC with confidence

Whether you're ready to form an LLC on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.

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LegalZen was an incredible partner. My business feels so sound that I can't wait to hire more people and have them there with me as I grow.

SG
Shannon Greevy LLC customer

Find the right fit for your business

Three simple plans built around how much support you want—from filing the basics to working alongside an attorney.

Basic

$ 0

+ state filing fees

Only the essentials needed to make your business official.

Form my LLC

Includes

  • ✓ Articles of organization filed with the state
  • ✓ Business name availability check
  • ✓ Tax consult from 1-800Accountant

Premium

$ 299

+ state filing fees

For those who want to operate a business and easily manage cash flow.

Form my LLC

Includes Pro, plus

  • ✓ Bookkeeping tools to manage your books for 6 months‡
  • ✓ Unlimited customizable proposals and invoices‡
  • ✓ Income & expense tracking with auto-categorization‡
  • ✓ Automatic mileage capture for tax savings‡

Why use LegalZen to set up your LLC?

Trusted by millions of small business owners to launch, protect, and grow.

Kickstart in minutes

Start your LLC in 3 easy steps with the industry leader in online business formation.

Set it up right

Our tools offer step-by-step guidance to help you launch and protect your new business.

Get the help you need

Our network of experienced professionals can assist your launch and help you grow.

100%
Accurate

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

3 reasons for creating an LLC

An LLC gives small business owners the legal structure they need to grow with confidence.

Protect your assets

By forming an LLC and keeping personal finances separate, you can shield your personal assets from business liabilities.

Make things easier

It's typically easier to form an LLC than a corporation, with simpler rules for things like record-keeping.

Get tax flexibility

You decide how you're taxed—as an LLC or a corporation—to maximize savings and minimize liability.

LLC vs. corporation: What's the difference?

Both protect your personal assets, but they differ in ownership, management, and taxation.

LLC vs Corporation

LLC

Flexible management structure

LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.

More taxation options

An LLC has flexibility in how it is taxed to help maximize savings.

Minimal record-keeping

An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.

LLC vs Corporation

Corporation

Owned by shareholders

Corporations have shareholders instead of members, and they issue stock.

Look more official

Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.

More appealing to investors

A C corp can go public and issue stock to new investors, making it easier to raise capital.

Learn about corporations →

Start your business in 3 easy steps

A simple, guided process from start to finish—we handle the paperwork while you focus on building.

01

Tell us about your business

Let us know basic details about your business so we can recommend the right setup.

02

Choose the services you need

Take your business to the next level with our suite of formation and compliance services.

03

Sit back while we make it official

Let us take care of the rest while you get back to business and growing your idea.

Get started now

How to start an LLC

A roadmap of the six things you'll handle to get your LLC up and running—we help with all of them.

Choose & reserve a name

Check your LLC name against similar businesses in your area. We include a name check with our formation services.

Pick a registered agent

A registered agent receives your LLC's legal notices during normal business hours. Most states require it.

File articles of organization

Also called a certificate of formation, this official form contains the basic details about your new business.

Determine licenses needed

You'll also need to apply for any specific business licenses or permits required for compliance in your industry.

Craft an operating agreement

This outlines your LLC's rules for everything from business structure to profit distribution.

Get an EIN (federal tax ID)

Most businesses need a federal tax ID to set up a business bank account, file taxes, and start hiring.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions our customers ask most about forming an LLC.

What does LLC mean?

LLC stands for "limited liability company." It refers to the way you can use an LLC to protect your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.

Do I need an LLC to start a business?

It's not necessary to form an LLC in order to start a business. An LLC is only one of several ways to structure a business. Other possibilities include C corporation, S corporation, nonprofit, sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, and limited liability partnership.

LLC vs. Inc.—is an LLC a corporation?

Both LLCs and corporations protect owners' personal assets from business liabilities or debts. But they have some key differences:

  • How they're owned. LLCs have one or more individual members, but corporations have shareholders.
  • How they're maintained. LLCs generally have less formal record-keeping and reporting requirements.
  • How they're taxed. LLC profits usually pass through to members before taxes, while profits for some corporations are taxed at the company level first.
How much does it cost to form an LLC?

It depends. Our LLC plans start at $0 plus filing fees, and you can add more services as your business needs them. State filing fees vary. However, all of these costs are often tax-deductible.

What's the difference between DIY and attorney-assisted packages?

Our do-it-yourself package (Basic) doesn't include access to an attorney. Our attorney-assisted packages (Pro and Premium) include unlimited 30-minute consultations with independent attorneys from our network, with each consultation focused on a new legal topic or issue related to the formation and launch of your LLC.

Find the right state to form an LLC

Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation. Pick yours to learn what's required.

Ready to get your LLC?

Start your LLC with a top choice of millions for online small business formation.

Start my LLC