8 Best Business Registration Services for 2024

Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

Welcome to the thrilling world of entrepreneurship, where ideas turn into reality and dreams take off! As a bold, visionary entrepreneur, you’re probably itching to launch your next big idea. But before you can skyrocket into the business world, there’s one critical step you can’t skip—registering your business with the right service provider.

Navigating the maze of business registration can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve explored the industry inside and out to bring you the top choices in business registration services. So strap in, and get ready to discover the best options to launch your startup to success and beyond!

Register Your Business with ZenBusiness

8 Best Business Registration Services

• ZenBusiness – Best Registration Service Overall
• Swyft Filing – Best for Quick Turnaround Time
• Tailor Brands – Best for Branding Solutions
• Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Registered Agent Service
• Bizee – Best for Affordability
• Inc Authority – Best for Startups
• MyCompanyWorks – Best for Extra LLC Services
• LegalZoom – Best for Legal Assistance

In our quest to bring you top-notch business registration services, we’ve meticulously crafted comprehensive ranking criteria to ensure that only the best of the best make the cut. Our evaluation process is built on four key pillars: simplicity, affordability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We delve into the user experience, examining the ease of navigating each service’s platform and the clarity of the registration process. 

Next, we scrutinize the pricing structures to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck without compromising quality. Thirdly, we gauge the efficiency of these services, evaluating their processing times, accuracy, and any value-added features they offer. Lastly, but most importantly, we analyze customer reviews, testimonials, and industry ratings to ensure the services have a proven track record of satisfied clients. By combining these crucial aspects, we’ve curated an elite list of business registration services that meet the highest standards of excellence.

ZenBusiness – Best Business Registration Service Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

ZenBusiness tops our list as the best business registration service thanks to fast business filing options and a low cost for incorporation. Its customer service is on hand at any point during the process to help with questions, although this team isn’t able to give any legal advice.

Starting a business can feel like a breeze next to maintaining one, so ZenBusiness has tools to make management as easy as possible. The company can help with tax documents or serve as a registered agent so you don’t have to. Be aware that these services come with an additional cost. ZenBusiness can also have you up and running quickly with short turnaround times for filing.

Read our ZenBusiness review for an in-depth look at it.

Register Your Business with ZenBusiness

Pros:

• Add-on registered agent service available
• Worry-free annual compliance included
• Multiple subscription tiers mean only paying for what you need

Cons:

• Add-on features are costly compared to other LLC service companies

Pricing & Plans

• Starter Plan: The Starter Plan is priced at $0 per year plus state filing fees and includes basic LLC formation services such as name availability search, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, and registered agent services for the first year.
• Pro Plan: The Pro Plan is priced at $199 per year and includes all the features of the Starter Plan, plus additional services such as an Operating Agreement, EIN registration, and banking resolution.
• Premium Plan: The Premium Plan is priced at $299 per year and includes all the features of the Pro Plan, plus expedited filing, compliance monitoring, and a worry-free guarantee.

Swyft Filing – Best Business Registration Service for Quick Turnaround Time

Star Rating: 4.6/5

For some entrepreneurs, time is definitely of the essence, so if you need to set up your business in a hurry, Swyft Filings is our top choice. True to its name, Swyft Filings has some of the fastest turnaround times — 7 to 10 business days — when compared to other business formation services.

Swyft Filings is another simple service provider that allows you to customize your package, so you only pay for the services you need. They offer the most common features such as operating agreement templates, registered agent services, EIN applications, and business name availability searches at lower prices across the board. Among its free offerings are a one-hour tax consultation, a trial period for compliance alerts, and a website domain through Squarespace.

Read the full Swyft Filings review here.

Pros:

• Among the lowest base prices on the market
• Option to pay in installments
• Fast turnaround times for filing

Cons:

• Registered agent service and EIN application not included in the base price
• Fees for additional services add up quickly
• The basic package doesn’t cover all formation paperwork

Pricing & Plans

• Basic plan: $49 plus state fees and includes the preparation and filing of the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization, name availability check, and a registered agent service for one year.
• Standard plan: $149 plus state fees and includes all the features of the Basic plan along with an EIN/Tax ID filing, operating agreement or bylaws, and a banking resolution.
• Premium plan: $299 plus state fees and includes all the features of the Standard plan along with a business website and domain, business email and business phone number, and a business license report.

Tailor Brands – Best Business Registration Service for Branding Solutions

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Tailor Brands is an online business registration service that offers a user-friendly platform for entrepreneurs to register their businesses quickly and easily. Their service provides a simple step-by-step process, guiding users through the legal requirements and necessary paperwork to establish their business as a separate legal entity. 

With Tailor Brands, users can obtain a tax ID number, register for any necessary licenses and permits, and access various other resources to ensure their business is set up for success. They also offer ongoing support and guidance to help businesses stay compliant and navigate any legal issues that may arise. Overall, Tailor Brands provides a convenient and reliable solution for entrepreneurs looking to register their businesses efficiently and effectively.

Pros:

• A one-stop shop that includes everything you need to establish your business online
• Extremely easy to use — you can get started with just a few clicks in as little as 10 minutes
• Gives you tools focused on branding and building an online presence
• More customization than some other services, including graphic design and logo-making tools

Cons:

• Getting the most out of Tailor Brands requires purchasing the top-tier plan, meaning it might not be the right choice for those seeking the cheapest options

Pricing & Plans

• Basic: $9.99/month or $3.99/month if you pay for the year upfront
• Standard: $19.99/month or $5.99/month if you pay for the year upfront
• Premium: $49.99/month or $12.99/ month if you pay for the year upfront

Northwest Registered Agent – Best Business Registration Service for Transparency

Star Rating: 4/5

Northwest Registered Agent’s claim to fame as a company registration service comes from its belief in transparency and treating customers like actual human beings. The service doesn’t hide its pricing information and stands upon excellent and accessible customer service to get things right the first time. It also makes a point of keeping your private information safe. While this is enough for some, Northwest does lack some features that other companies include in their plans.

Northwest Registered Agent prides itself on transparency with its pricing and customer service. It believes in treating clients like the people they are by keeping customer support lines open and keeping money out of the forefront of the conversation.

Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.

Pros:

• Free DIY option
• Option to skip initial state fee by paying monthly
• Same business day filing
• Prompt and personal customer support

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer legal services
• Few customers review
• Less well-known than competitors

Pricing & Plans

Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services at an affordable starting price of $225 per year. This package includes essential features such as preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization, name availability check, and registered agent service for one year. 

Additionally, Northwest Registered Agent provides online access to all business documents, free mail forwarding of legal and tax documents, and compliance alerts and reminders. With a range of comprehensive features and add-ons available for an additional fee, Northwest Registered Agent provides a flexible and customizable solution to help businesses establish their LLCs with ease.

Bizee (Previously Incfile) – Best Business Registration Service for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.8/5

Bizee Gold plan may not be free, but it contains several startup services new businesses need to succeed. Including a registered agent service, tax ID number, and banking services, you can use bizee to take care of all your immediate needs. This can save time and money by shopping around for each of these services independently.

Pros:

• Free first year for formation service and registered agent service
• Fast turnaround times, including same-day filing, available at higher package tiers
• Lower prices across the board than competitors
• Unlimited LLC name searches

Cons:

• EIN application not included in the package
• Less guidance during the formation process than competitors
• Limited customer support availability
• Lower website usability than competitors

Pricing & Plans

• Silver Package: $0 + State Fees (Only pay state fees)
• Gold Package: $199 + State Fees
• Platinum Package: $299 + State Fees

Inc Authority – Best Business Registration Service for Startups

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Inc Authority boasts over 30 years of experience as a company registration service and shares this knowledge with business owners for absolutely nothing out of pocket. You’ll receive all the tools you need to incorporate and keep your business going with annual reporting and a registered agent service. 

Inc Authority has a good customer support team, but they are only available during regular business hours. You get a lot for nothing by forming a business through Inc Authority. After creation, Inc Authority hopes to continue working with you down the road as your company changes and grows.

Read our complete review of Inc Authority.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing for LLC formation packages
• Variety of packages to fit the needs of different businesses, including basic and premium packages with additional features
• Additional services offered, such as business credit and website design
• Lifetime customer support for all packages
• Strong customer reviews and ratings

Cons:

• Limited customization options for certain packages
• Limited registered agent services offered
• Some packages may not include certain features that other LLC formation services offer, such as legal advice or tax consultations

Pricing & Plans

• Starter Package: Free + State Fees (Only pay state fees)
• Starter Business Bundle: $399 + State Fees
• Business LLC Executive Bundle: $499 + State Fees
• Tycoon LLC Business Bundle: $799 + State Fees

MyCompanyWorks – Best Business Registration Service for Staying Organized

Star Rating: 3/5

Although a bit pricier than some of the other business registration services out there, MyCompanyWorks contains personalized tools that will help you keep every aspect of your business organized. From organizational minutes to a tax consultation, MyCompanyWorks understands that the real challenge comes after starting up your business. MyCompanyWorks’ organizational tools can help you start and maintain a good business model from the moment you incorporate it.

Read the full MyCompanyWorks review here.

Pros:

• Experienced and trusted company with over 20 years in business
• Wide range of packages to fit the needs of different businesses
• An easy-to-use platform for quick and efficient LLC formation
• A satisfaction guarantee for all packages
• Professional Customer support team available to answer questions and provide support

Cons:

• Pricing may be higher compared to other LLC formation services
• Some packages may not include certain features that other LLC formation services offer, such as legal advice or tax consultations
• Limited customization options for certain packages

Pricing & Plans

• Basic Package: $59 + State Fees
• Entrepreneur Package: $199 + State Fees
• Complete Package: $279 + State Fees

LegalZoom – Best Business Registration Service for Legal Assistance

Star Rating: 2.8/5

LegalZoom does business registration for any entity out there, from LLCs to nonprofits, and filing “doing business as” paperwork for your sole proprietorship. Prices for each service are rather expensive, and you may have some difficulty reaching a customer service agent to start the process.

Far beyond company registration services, LegalZoom offers everything from property deed transfers to living wills. Those needing a large variety of features will likely find everything they need with LegalZoom.

Read our LegalZoom review for an in-depth look at this service.

Pros:

• A well-known, well-established company that has helped more than 2 million entrepreneurs start businesses
• Lawyers of various specialties available across all 50 states
• 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• LLC formation packages are more expensive than competitors
• Registered agent services are more expensive than competitors
• Customer support could be improved (based on our team’s experience and other user reviews)

Pricing & Plans

• Economy Package: $79 + State Fees
• Standard Package: $329 + State Fees
• Express Gold Package: $349 + State Fees

Ranking Methodology for the Best Business Registration Services

When it comes to selecting the best business registration services, it’s crucial to have a well-defined set of ranking criteria that encompasses various aspects of the services. In our endeavor to bring you the cream of the crop, we have devised a comprehensive evaluation framework based on the following key factors:

• Simplicity and User Experience: The ease of use and navigation of each service’s platform plays a significant role in our ranking process. We analyze the intuitiveness of their interfaces, the clarity of instructions, and the availability of helpful resources such as guides, FAQs, and tutorials. The registration process should be straightforward, with minimal confusion and time spent on redundant tasks.

• Affordability and Pricing Structure: As a budding entrepreneur, you want to maximize value without breaking the bank. We scrutinize the pricing plans of each service, taking into account any hidden fees, additional costs, and the transparency of their pricing structure. We compare their offerings to the market average to determine the most cost-effective options without compromising on quality.

• Efficiency and Turnaround Time: Time is of the essence in the business world, and our ranking criteria place a strong emphasis on the efficiency of these services. We evaluate their processing times for business registrations, document preparation, and state approval. Furthermore, we assess the accuracy and thoroughness of their work to ensure a seamless registration experience.

• Customer Satisfaction and Reputation: The most vital factor in our ranking criteria is the satisfaction of the clients who have used these services. We comb through customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge the overall sentiment toward each service provider. We also consider the service’s reputation within the industry, including its ratings from credible organizations, awards, and certifications.

• Value-added Features and Services: In addition to the core business registration process, we explore any extra features and services offered by these providers. We assess the quality and usefulness of their additional offerings, such as registered agent services, compliance assistance, tax filing support, and trademark registration, among others.

• Customer Support and Responsiveness: A reliable and accessible customer support team can make all the difference in your registration experience. We evaluate the quality of each service’s customer support by considering their availability through various channels, responsiveness, and depth of their knowledge in addressing client concerns.

By meticulously examining these factors, we have curated a well-rounded list of business registration services that deliver the perfect blend of simplicity, affordability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Our comprehensive ranking criteria ensure that you can confidently choose a service that meets your unique needs and propels your business toward success.

Register Your Business with ZenBusiness

Best Business Registration Services – Buyer’s Guide

What is a Business Registration Service?

A business registration service is a company that assists entrepreneurs and business owners in legally establishing their businesses by guiding them through the process of registering their companies with the appropriate government authorities. These services streamline the process of setting up a business by handling necessary paperwork, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and offering additional support services such as obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), registering for state taxes, and providing registered agent services.

Business registration services cater to various types of business structures, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and corporations. They help simplify the process by offering step-by-step guidance, and in many cases, an online platform to manage and track the progress of the registration.

Register Your Business with ZenBusiness

Why do I need a Business Registration Service?

There are several reasons why you may need a business registration service:

• Legal Requirements: Depending on the type of business you’re starting and the location where you’re operating, there may be legal requirements for registering your business with the government. Failure to register your business can result in fines, penalties, and legal issues.

• Protection of Personal Assets: Registering your business as a separate legal entity can help protect your personal assets in case of any legal issues or debts incurred by the business. This means that your personal savings, property, and other assets will not be at risk if your business faces financial difficulties.

• Building Credibility: Registering your business can help build credibility with potential customers, suppliers, and partners. It shows that you’re serious about your business and have taken the necessary steps to establish it as a legitimate entity.

• Tax Purposes: Registering your business allows you to obtain a tax ID number, which is necessary for filing taxes and opening a business bank account. This also helps ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of taxes and avoid any legal issues related to taxes.

• Access to Funding: Registering your business can help you access funding from banks, investors, and other sources. Many funding sources require businesses to be registered as a condition for providing funding.

A business registration service can help you navigate the complex process of registering your business and ensure that you’re complying with all legal requirements. They can also provide advice on the best legal structure for your business and help you obtain any necessary licenses and permits.

Register Your Business with ZenBusiness

What Happens if I Don’t Have a Business Registration Service?

If you don’t have a business registration agent or service, you’ll need to handle the registration process yourself. Depending on your location and the type of business you’re starting, this can be a complex and time-consuming process that may involve filling out various forms, obtaining licenses and permits, and meeting specific legal requirements.

If you don’t register your business properly or fail to comply with legal requirements, you may face fines, penalties, and legal issues, and may not be able to access certain benefits and opportunities available to registered businesses. Additionally, if you don’t register your business as a separate legal entity, your personal assets may be at risk if your business faces financial difficulties or legal issues.

By working with a business registration agent or service, you can ensure that your business is registered properly and that you’re complying with all legal requirements. They can also provide guidance and advice on the best legal structure for your business, and help you obtain any necessary licenses and permits. Overall, working with a business registration agent or service can save you time and ensure that your business is set up for success.

Best Business Registration Services – Frequently Asked Questions 

Business registration services aren’t always black and white. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about forming a business.

What is Better, an LLC or a Sole Proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship may appeal to business owners who don’t want to pay the fees associated with starting up an LLC. This may work for small ventures with minimal profit and risk, but an LLC protects your assets in the event of a lawsuit.

What Should I Name My LLC?

Within reason, this choice is entirely up to you. Some states restrict certain words that may give your business the appearance of a government or educational organization. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to end it with the words “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited”, or “LLC”.

Should I Get an EIN for My LLC?

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, differentiates your business from others for tax purposes. Although not always required, you will need an EIN for certain tax forms and if you’re going to be paying employees.

Bottom Line on Best Business Registration Services

A business registration service simplifies the process of starting a new venture by handling all the essential paperwork for you. On top of that, many services take care of the legal details, freeing you up to focus on the bigger picture.

While there are upfront costs, these services often pay for themselves quickly. If you’re launching a new business, consider using a registration service to give yourself the best chance for success.

Register Your Business with ZenBusiness