The Complete Checklist for Choosing an LLC Formation Company

Starting your own business is an exhilarating journey filled with possibilities, but before you dive into the entrepreneurial waters, there’s a crucial step is choosing the right LLC formation company. 

But with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to navigate through the noise and find a service that truly meets your needs. 

Fear not! doola’s will equip you with everything you need to form an LLC that aligns perfectly with your vision. 

From essential services like Article of Organization to Registered Agent and EIN registration, we take care of everything for you.

But first, we have brought you a complete checklist to guide you through this pivotal decision-making process and lay down a solid foundation for your business. 

Let’s get started!

Benefits of Using an LLC Formation Company

Forming an LLC can be overwhelming and time-consuming for new business owners. That’s where LLC formation companies come in.

These companies specialize in helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs by offering a range of services.

The primary advantage of using an LLC formation company is saving time — time that can be better spent focusing on other aspects of your business launch or growth strategy. 

With their expertise and experience, these companies can also ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of any errors or penalties. 

They take care of all the paperwork and legal requirements, simplifying the process for new business owners who may not be familiar with the LLC formation process.

They do this by offering a wide range of formation and administration services that make forming your business quick, easy, and hassle-free.

Here are some of the standard services LLC formation companies provide and how they can benefit new business owners.

Filing the Articles of Organization

One of the first steps in forming an LLC is filing the Articles of Organization with the appropriate state authorities. 

This document includes essential information about your business, such as its name, address, purpose, and members or owners. 

An LLC formation company will handle this process on your behalf, ensuring that all necessary information is included correctly to avoid any delays or rejections from the state.

Providing Registered Agent Services

Most states require LLCs to have a designated registered agent who can accept legal documents on behalf of the company. 

This could be challenging for small business owners who may not have a physical address in the state where they are forming their LLCs. 

A professional LLC formation company can act as your registered agent or offer Registered Agent Services for a nominal fee and ensure that all legal notifications are received promptly.

Acquiring EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a social security number for businesses. It is essential for opening bank accounts, hiring employees, paying taxes, and more. 

A few LLC formation companies, like doola, offer EIN acquisition services along with their packages, so you do not have to apply for one separately.

What to Consider When Choosing an LLC Formation Company

There are many factors to consider when choosing an LLC formation company. Taking the time to find the right company can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. 

So you must do thorough research and compare options before making your final decision. To help you out, we have listed down crucial considerations you should keep in mind.

1. Pricing and Transparency

One of the first things you should look for is a transparent pricing structure. Compare the prices of different formation companies and check if their prices align with the value of services offered.

Make sure that the fees for services provided by the company are transparent and that there are no hidden charges or additional fees. 

2. Customer Support and Accessibility

Good customer support is crucial since you never know what challenges might occur during this process. 

Look for a company that offers multiple communication channels, such as phone, email, or live chat, to ensure easy accessibility in case you have any questions or concerns.

3. Service Inclusions and Customization

Be aware of what services are included in your package. Some companies may only provide basic services, while others offer more comprehensive packages that include additional features such as Operating Agreement preparation or EIN acquisition assistance.

4. Processing Times and Expedited Options

The processing time to form an LLC can vary from state to state, but it’s essential to choose a company that has reasonable turnaround times within your state’s guidelines. 

While some companies charge extra for expedited registration if you need your LLC formed quickly, doola ensures swift approval of your LLC at no additional cost.

5. Registered Agent Services

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your business and ensuring they are safely forwarded to you. 

Most states require businesses to have a registered agent within their jurisdiction, which means you can appoint individuals who reside in the same state as your registered agents.

Many formation companies offer this service for an extra fee, while doola offers free Registered Agent Services included in the Starter plan to ensure seamless formation of your LLC.

6. Compliance Support and Additional Services

Maintaining compliance with state requirements is essential for keeping your business in good standing with the government. 

Choose a formation company that provides ongoing compliance support and other useful services like bookkeeping or tax preparation assistance.

7. LLC Formation for Non-US Residents

If you are a foreign resident looking to form an LLC in the United States, it’s important to choose a company that has experience handling such cases. 

Look for a formation company that has experience working with non-US residents and offers services tailored to their needs.

Make sure they offer services that will enable you to form an LLC as a non-resident, such as obtaining an EIN or opening a US-based bank account.

Top-Rated LLC Formation Companies and What Sets Them Apart

When it comes to forming your LLC, there are numerous companies to choose from. However, not all of them are created equal. 

Some may offer lower prices, while others provide extra features and services. So, we have compiled a list of the top-rated LLC formation companies in the market. 

These companies stand out for their exceptional services, reliability, and transparent pricing structures.

1. doola

At the top of our list is doola – a top-rated LLC formation company that stands out from the rest. 

We understand that forming an LLC can be confusing for first-time entrepreneurs, which is why we ensure the most honest, reliable, and transparent LLC formation services.

What sets us apart from other competitors is our commitment to providing personalized support to each client throughout the process and guiding them every step of the way. 

Our dedicated customer support team is readily available to answer any questions or concerns throughout the entire process. 

We will guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the most suitable state for LLC formation to correctly completing all the paperwork.

So, you can rest assured that your formation process complies with all state regulations and requirements.

But that’s not all – we go above and beyond to ensure that you have everything needed to start, run, and grow your business. 

Whether you need an availability check for your preferred LLC name, prepare an Article of Organization, draft an Operating Agreement, or apply for an EIN, we take care of all.

2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is a one-stop-shop for LLC formation, providing quick and easy solutions for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

The platform is designed to guide users through the process step-by-step, making it easy for anyone to navigate and understand.

Apart from LLC formations, Legalzoom also provides other legal services, such as trademark registration or copyright application, at an additional cost. 

This means that entrepreneurs can handle all their legal needs in one place without having to find multiple service providers.

3. Bizee

Bizee is a top-rated LLC formation company that has gained a reputation for providing excellent services in helping individuals and businesses from their LLCs. 

Their easy and streamlined process for forming an LLC is designed to guide their clients through every step of the way. 

So, you can expect to have your LLC formed quickly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle. Plus, their additional services make them a one-stop shop for all your LLC formation needs.

These include registered agent services, EIN application assistance, and operating agreement drafting, among others. 

Checklist — Questions to Ask Before Choosing an LLC Formation Company

To ensure you choose a reliable and efficient LLC formation company, you must thoroughly research and ask some key questions to ask before finalizing your decision.

Taking the time to ask these questions and do thorough research can help you make a well-informed decision when choosing an LLC formation company. 

With proper due diligence, you can select a reliable LLC formation company that will set your business up for success.

1. Do they offer a satisfaction guarantee or refund policy?

A reputable LLC formation company should stand by its services and offer a satisfaction guarantee or refund policy if you are not satisfied with the results. 

This shows that the company is confident in its ability to deliver quality services and puts your mind at ease, knowing you can get your money back if needed.

2. Is there a clear breakdown of services included at each price tier?

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what services will be provided at each price point before committing to an LLC formation company. 

Some companies may advertise low prices but then charge additional fees for necessary services such as registered agent service, EIN filing, or state fees. 

Make sure to review all pricing tiers offered by the company and verify that there are no hidden costs.

3. Do they provide a registered agent service? Is it included in the package?

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your LLC and plays an integral role in maintaining compliance with state regulations. 

Many LLC formation companies offer this service as part of their package; however, it’s essential to confirm whether it’s included or if there will be an additional fee.

4. Are there additional fees for expedited processing or EIN filing?

If you need your LLC formed quickly or require an Employer Identification Number (EIN), inquire about any additional fees. 

Some companies may charge extra for expedited processing or add-on services while others include it in their package.

5. What do verified customer reviews say about their service reliability?

One of the best ways to assess the reliability and reputation of an LLC formation company is by researching verified customer reviews. 

These reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other business owners who have used their services. 

Pay attention to comments about their service reliability, turnaround time, and overall satisfaction with the company.

Realize Your US Dream by Forming Your LLC With doola’s Formation Services

Forming an LLC in the United States can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are not familiar with the legal and administrative requirements. 

However, with doola’s formation services, realizing your US dream of starting your business entity has never been easier.

By choosing doola as your formation service provider, you can rest assured that all legal formalities are taken care of correctly, minimizing your liability risks.

Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.

With the help of our formation and tax experts, we will ensure that your LLC is structured to maximize tax benefits while complying with all local laws and regulations.

Our streamlined process quickly and efficiently handles all documentation and filings required by state authorities so that you can focus on building your business instead.

Book a free consultation to understand why doola is the right choice for all your LLC formation needs.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to file an LLC yourself or use a formation service?

Filing an LLC yourself can save money upfront since you are only responsible for government filing fees. 

However, if mistakes are made during the filing process or ongoing maintenance requirements are not consistently met, penalties or legal fees could be higher. 

Do I need a registered agent service? Should it come from the LLC formation company?

A registered agent is required for all businesses formed as an LLC. doola provides registered agent services included in their formation package fees at no additional cost, while others may charge separately or even require annual renewal fees.

How long does it take for a formation company to process an LLC?

While doola offers expedited LLC formation services at an additional cost, the average processing time can range from a few days to several weeks.

What is the difference between a basic and premium LLC formation package?

The key differences between basic and premium packages typically include the level of customer support provided, the number of features offered, and added benefits such as registered agent services. W

When considering which package is best for your business needs, evaluate what you need now and in the future so you don’t end up with unnecessary or hidden fees down the line.