Starting a business in the US can feel like a dream come true — until you realize how much legal services can cost. From incorporation to compliance, legal fees can quickly add up, especially for startups and small businesses working with limited budgets.

Many entrepreneurs often find themselves struggling to afford the essential legal help they need. Thus putting their business at risk before it even gets off the ground.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need to spend a fortune on legal services to get your US business up and running. There are affordable, effective options that can save you time, money, and stress.

This article will show you how to navigate the legal side of starting a US business without breaking the bank. We’ll explore practical, budget-friendly approaches to handle legal necessities like business registration, ongoing compliance, and more.

Ready to save money while building your business the right way? With doola, you can take control of your business setup, access affordable legal support, and keep your business compliant — all without draining your budget.

Let’s dive in and show you how it’s done.

Understanding the Legal Costs of Starting a Business in the US

When you’re starting a business in the US, legal services are one of the most considerable upfront costs you’ll face. These services ensure that your business is set up correctly, complies with the law, and is protected from potential risks.

But if you’re working with a traditional law firm, these costs can quickly add up and strain your budget.

Typical Legal Services for Starting a Business in the US

Here are some of the key legal services most new businesses need:

• Business incorporation or LLC formation: This is one of the first steps in setting up your business. It involves choosing your business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.) and filing the necessary paperwork with the state.

• Contracts and agreements: Every business needs well-drafted contracts, from partnership agreements to client and vendor contracts. These documents protect your interests and outline clear terms.

• Trademark registration: Securing your brand is critical. Trademarking your business name, logo, or slogan helps protect your intellectual property and avoid legal issues down the road.

• Compliance services: After the business is set up, staying compliant is a must. This includes filing annual reports, maintaining good standing, and handling business taxes.

Costs of Legal Services at Traditional Law Firms

If you hire a traditional law firm to handle these tasks, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Business formation: Legal fees for forming an LLC or corporation typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity and state fees.

• Contracts: Drafting a simple contract can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. More complex contracts or multiple agreements will increase the costs.

• Trademark registration: Filing a trademark with a lawyer’s help can range from $1,000 to $2,500, which includes government filing fees and attorney costs.

• Ongoing compliance: Depending on your state and the services needed, staying compliant may cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per year.

Having mentioned the above, please note that legal fees can vary widely depending on several factors like complexity, lawyer’s experience, location and law firm size. It’s always recommended to obtain quotes from multiple law firms before making a decision.

These costs can be prohibitive for a small business or startup. Spending thousands of dollars upfront to get your business off the ground can drain your budget before you even start generating revenue.

The Need for Affordable Legal Services

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, finding affordable legal services is critical. You shouldn’t have to choose between following the law and saving money.

That’s why exploring cost-effective options is so important, especially when you’re just starting a business in the US.

Affordable services, like those offered by doola, help bridge this gap.

doola provides an all-in-one solution for business formation, compliance, and more at a fraction of the cost traditional law firms charge. It’s a reliable way to get the legal support you need without overextending your budget.

By opting for such services, you can set your business up for success without financial strain. Plus, it’ll give you more freedom to invest in your company’s growth and operations.

Affordable Legal Services Options for US Business Owners

When you’re starting a business in the US, you have several options that offer affordable legal services, helping you build your business without emptying your wallet.

Here’s a look at some cost-effective alternatives to pricey law firms:

Online Legal Platforms

Platforms like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer have become popular for entrepreneurs who need legal services without the high costs.

These platforms offer a wide range of services, from business formation to contracts, and they’re designed to be user-friendly.

✅ Pros:

• Affordability: These services typically cost a fraction of what a traditional law firm charges.

• Convenience: You can handle everything online, often without needing to speak to a lawyer directly.

• Variety of services: These platforms can help with trademarks, compliance, and other essential legal tasks.

❌ Cons:

• Limited personalization: These platforms may not offer tailored legal advice specific to your situation.

• Hidden fees: Some platforms charge extra for services that may initially seem included in their base price.

Freelance Legal Professionals

Another option is to hire freelance legal professionals. Many qualified lawyers offer their services independently through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

These professionals often charge less than traditional law firms because they have lower overhead.

✅ Pros:

• Custom legal advice: Freelance lawyers can provide personalized advice and services, often at lower rates than large firms.

• Flexibility: You can hire freelancers for one-off tasks, making this option great for entrepreneurs with specific legal needs.

❌ Cons:

• Inconsistent quality: Freelancers vary in skill and expertise, so you’ll need to vet anyone you hire carefully.

• Limited services: Freelancers might not offer the full range of services you need.

DIY Resources

If you’re comfortable handling some legal tasks yourself, there are DIY resources available, like business formation templates or self-filing guides. Websites like Nolo offer downloadable templates for contracts and other legal documents.

✅ Pros:

• Cost-effective: DIY resources are often the cheapest option, with budget-friendly templates.

• Control: You have complete control over the process, allowing you to manage timelines and tasks at your own pace.

❌ Cons:

• Risk of errors: Without legal expertise, you might miss important details or make mistakes that could cause problems later on.

• Limited support: You won’t have a lawyer to turn to if you run into questions or complex legal issues.

doola: A Standout Option for Low-Cost Business Setup

For entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost business setup solution that doesn’t sacrifice quality, doola is a great pick.

doola offers an all-in-one platform for business formation, compliance, and ongoing legal support at a price far lower than most traditional services.

✅ Why doola Stands Out:

• Comprehensive services: From forming an LLC to managing compliance and taxes, doola offers everything you need in one place.

• Affordable pricing: doola’s transparent, budget-friendly pricing makes it easier for startups to get started without breaking the bank.

• User-friendly: The platform is designed for entrepreneurs, especially those new to the US market.

• Ongoing support: Unlike DIY resources, doola provides ongoing guidance to ensure your business stays compliant.

By choosing doola, you can avoid the high costs of law firms while still getting reliable, comprehensive legal services. It’s the perfect balance of affordability and convenience for any business owner.

Key Legal Steps You Can Handle Affordably

Here’s a breakdown of the essential legal tasks you’ll need to handle and how you can do it affordably.

Entity Selection

The first step is choosing the proper legal structure for your business, such as an LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship. Each has different legal and tax implications. For most small businesses, an LLC is the most flexible and affordable option.

doola simplifies this process by guiding you through entity selection, helping you pick the structure that fits your business.

Filing for Incorporation or LLC Formation

Once you’ve chosen your entity, you’ll need to file the necessary paperwork with your state. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $800, depending on the state.

doola makes it easy by handling the filing for you at a lower cost than traditional law firms, offering an all-in-one solution.

Registering Your Business with the State

In addition to forming your business, you’ll need to register it with the appropriate state authorities. This step ensures your business is legally recognized and able to operate.

doola’s platform automatically handles state registrations, saving you time and money.

Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You’ll need it to open a bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.

It’s free to get from the IRS, and doola includes it as part of its business formation package, along with its Operating Agreement and Registered Agent services.

Opening a Business Bank Account

After your business is formed and registered, opening a business bank account is crucial for separating personal and business finances.

Banks like Mercury and Brex offer free or low-cost accounts for startups, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.

Prioritizing for Cost-Efficiency

To keep costs low, prioritize the most essential legal steps first—like entity selection, state registration, and getting an EIN. These are non-negotiable for running your business legally.

doola packages these services together, making the process seamless and cost-effective. By choosing doola, you can manage these critical legal steps for less. This ensures you start your US business on solid ground without overspending on legal fees.

Navigating Compliance and Ongoing Legal Needs on a Budget

Staying compliant with legal regulations is crucial for any business in the US. Failing to meet compliance requirements can lead to fines, penalties, or even the dissolution of your business.

Common compliance tasks include:

• Filing annual reports.

• Paying state fees.

• Filing taxes.

• Keeping your business in good standing with state authorities.

Traditionally, businesses hire legal retainers or in-house counsel to manage these ongoing tasks, which can be costly. But with doola, you can handle compliance without breaking the bank.

doola offers a Total Compliance package that tracks deadlines, files required documents, and ensures your business stays compliant, all at a fraction of the cost.

Here are a few tips to stay compliant without overspending:

• Use online platforms like doola to automate compliance tasks.

• Set reminders for annual filings and state fees.

• Take advantage of affordable tax filing services rather than hiring expensive accountants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for Low-Cost Legal Solutions

❌ Using unreliable sources

Many entrepreneurs turn to free templates or unverified advice online. While this might seem like a quick fix, using outdated or incorrect documents can result in legal complications down the line.

❌ Skipping critical steps

Skipping essential legal tasks, like filing annual reports or registering your business with the state, can result in penalties, fees, or even losing your business’s good standing.

❌ Underestimating compliance

Ignoring ongoing legal requirements like tax filings and state fees can create serious issues, including fines or business suspension.

Remember: Always focus on key tasks like entity formation, compliance, and tax filings. And relible platforms like doola, which offer comprehensive and affordable legal solutions tailored to startups. By using trusted tools, you can balance cost-efficiency with the legal protection your business needs.

doola: The Best Choice for Affordable Legal Services

Building a business in the US doesn’t have to drain your bank account on legal fees. By choosing affordable legal services, you can handle the essential steps — like business formation, compliance, and ongoing legal tasks — without sacrificing quality.

doola offers an all-in-one solution to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses without the high costs. From forming your LLC to staying compliant with state regulations, doola streamlines the process, saving you time and money.

You get expert support at every step, ensuring your business is legally secure, all at a fraction of what traditional law firms charge.

If you’re ready to start a business in the US without the financial burden of expensive legal services, doola is here to help. Get the affordable legal support you need and focus on growing your business with confidence.

Take the first step today and schedule a free consultation with a doola expert.