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“LegalZoom was an incredible partner. My business feels so sound that I can’t wait to hire more people… and have LegalZoom there with me as I grow.”

Shannon Greevy

LLC customer

Find the level of support that’s right for you

Basic
$0+ state filing fees

Only articles of organization filed with the state.

Form my LLC

Includes:

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    Company name check service

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    State filing (Articles of Organization)

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    Tax consult from 1-800Accountant

MOST POPULAR
Managed Service
$249+ state filing fees

A dedicated business advisor to ensure you launch your business successfully, plus a full business starter kit.

Form my LLC

Includes Basic package, plus:

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    Operating agreement

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    EIN (federal tax ID)

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    Dedicated business advisors for setup, compliance, and ongoing support—30 day subscription included†

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    LLC formation review by a business advisor

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    Business licenses & permits report and ongoing support

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    Access to 150+ customizable legal documents and unlimited eSignatures

FULL TEAM INCLUDED
Expert Service
$999+ state filing fees

A full team of professionals including a tax expert, attorney and your business advisor to bring you peace of mind and fast, credentialed answers.

Form my LLC

Includes Managed Service package, plus:

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    Your full team: a business advisor, attorney & accountant—30 day subscription included‡

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    Professional review of LLC filing by a licensed attorney

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    Talk to your attorney or tax expert anytime you want

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    Annual tax filings prepped and filed for you

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    Comprehensive bookkeeping

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    Unlimited proposals & invoicing

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    Income & expense tracking

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.

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Start your LLC with the industry leader in online business formation

Start my LLC

Ready to get your LLC?

Start my LLC

3 reasons for creating an LLC

Protect your assets
By forming an LLC and keeping your personal finances separate, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities.
Make things easier
It's typically easier to form an LLC than a corporation, and there are simpler rules for things like record-keeping.
Get tax flexibility
You get to decide how you're taxed—as an LLC or a corporation—to maximize your ability to save money and minimize tax liability.

LLC vs. corporation:

What's the difference?

There are several important differences between an LLC and a corporation:
LLC VS CORPORATION
LLC
shop
person
Flexible management structure
LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.
scales
More taxation options
An LLC has flexibility in how it is taxed to help maximize savings.
pencil

Minimal record-keeping

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

LLC VS CORPORATION
Corporation
office
graph

Owned by shareholders

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

award

Look more official

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

charting up

More appealing to investors

A C corp, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.

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, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.

What you should know about
starting an LLC

To form an LLC, you'll need to file articles of organization with the state. Each state has its own rules, but our experience across all states helps us keep things moving when we file on your behalf.

Here are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to get your LLC up and running.

How to start an LLC

Choose & reserve a name
It's wise to check your LLC name against similar businesses in your area. We include a business name check with our formation services and can reserve a preferred business name for you.
Pick a registered agent
Also called a statutory agent or resident agent, a registered agent receives your LLC's legal notices and legal documents during normal business hours. Most states require it, and we can do it for you.
File articles of organization
Also called a certificate of formation, this official form contains all the basic details about your new business. When we file this for you, it's typically sent to your Secretary of State.
Determine licenses needed
You'll also need to apply for any specific business licenses or permits that may be required for compliance, although it's wise to wait until your LLC's formation documents are approved.
Craft operating agreement
This outlines your LLC's rules for everything from business structure to profit distribution. Our templates make it easy for LLC owners to define their rights and limit disagreements.
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. It helps protect your identity by keeping your personal and business finances separate.

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Start my LLC

Frequently asked questions

What does LLC mean?

LLC stands for "limited liability company." It refers to the ways in which you can use an LLC to protect your personal assets.

Do I need an LLC to start a business?

It’s not necessary to form an LLC in order to start a business. Also, 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, including:

  • 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.
LLC vs. S corp—what’s the difference?

An LLC is a type of business entity while an S corporation is a corporation with a special federal tax election. Either an LLC or a C corporation that meets certain requirements can apply to be treated as an S corporation for tax purposes. An S corp is similar to an LLC in that it can help its owners avoid double taxation.

Can an LLC be a nonprofit?

Yes, but it’s not all that common. Certain requirements must be met, and it can be a little confusing to understand all of the legalities. It’s always wise to seek advice from a legal professional and/or tax advisor to determine whether to take your business in this direction.

Can an S corporation own an LLC?

Yes. Generally speaking, an S corp can be a member of an LLC.

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. LLC filing fees also vary by state. However, all of these costs are often tax-deductible.

What's the difference between do-it-yourself and attorney-assisted LLC packages

Our do-it-yourself package (Basic) doesn’t include access to an attorney—but our attorney-assisted packages (Pro, Premium) includes 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.

Ready to get your LLC?

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

Ready to get your LLC?

Start my LLC

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† Managed Service package includes 30 days of Business Advisor Plan. After 30 days, your card will automatically be charged $49. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $49). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. For more details, please see our Subscription Terms.
‡ Expert Service package includes 30 days of Expert Service Plan. After 30 days, your card will automatically be charged $99. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $99). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. Up to 10 pages included for document reviews. The plan attorneys will review documents longer than 10 pages on a flat-rate schedule, at the attorney’s discretion. Attorney services are fulfilled through Business Advantage Pro. Tax services will be fulfilled by 1-800 Accountant. For more details, please see our Legal Plan Contract Terms and Subscription Terms.
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