LegalZoom has long been the go-to choice for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking online legal services.
But, with the legal services and business formation industry evolving, it may be time to look at the latest LegalZoom alternatives that can get you the best value for your investment.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the top 7 LegalZoom alternatives for 2024. These companies offer a range of legal services and solutions, including LLC formation services and incorporation services, each with their own unique strengths and advantages.
Whether you’re seeking assistance with LLC formation services, document preparation, or tax consultation, these alternatives are worth considering for their affordability, convenience, and reliability.
So let’s dive in and explore the top 7 LegalZoom alternatives that you need to know about in 2024.
But first…
About LegalZoom
Image via LegalZoom
The best way to evaluate LegalZoom alternatives is to take a close look at what LegalZoom offers. You can then compare the features and pricing to determine the best business formation service for your business.
Let’s take a closer look at what LegalZoom offers before we explore the alternatives.
What We Love About LegalZoom
Here are some of the strong points of LegalZoom.
Affordable Legal Services
LegalZoom aims to provide affordable and accessible legal services to businesses and individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford or access the services of legal professionals. This makes it an attractive option for small businesses on a tight budget.
It offers a unique ‘Business Advisory Plan’ at a flat fee of $39.09 per month that includes a range of excellent legal advice and services, such as:
- 30-minute attorney consultations
- Unlimited downloads of legal forms
- Legal document reviews
- Annual business evaluation
LegalZoom offers a flexible pricing plan for this service with plans available for 6 months or 12 months as the need may be.
While this is an add-on service, business owners can also get attorney consultations in the premium subscription plan to resolve any legal doubts and concerns.
A Wide Range of Services
LegalZoom has a free plan in addition to two paid plans that offer a wide range of valuable business services such as:
- Registered agent services
- EIN
- Name check service
- Operating agreements
- Digital welcome packet
- Customizable website powered by Wix
- Business license guide
- Attorney consultation
- Insurance and tax consultation
- Copyright registration
- Amendment filing
- Free legal forms
- Doing Business As (DBA) filing
Personalized Business Advice
LegalZoom also offers business and tax advisory services that are designed to help individuals and businesses better understand their insurance and tax obligations.These services help them make informed decisions about their finances.
LZ Tax™ is a dedicated tax advisory service rendered by tax professionals who help businesses prepare and file annual state and federal taxes in addition to optimizing tax savings.
Image via LegalZoom
The tax experts also offer unlimited tax advice and ongoing support to set you up for financial planning success.
What We Don’t Like About LegalZoom
LegalZoom probably has one of the most expensive registered agent services, priced at $299 per year.
Many LegalZoom alternatives offer free registered agent service for the first year, in addition to offering affordable yearly renewals at $99 to $199. This can be a significant factor for small business owners looking to save money on ongoing expenses.
Services such as foreign qualification and annual reports are also expensive add-ons compared to what other LLC formation companies offer.
Image via LegalZoom
This brings our focus to the best LegalZoom alternatives in 2024.
LegalZoom Alternatives and Competitors
Now that we’ve examined LegalZoom’s offerings, let’s explore 8 LegalZoom alternatives that might better suit your business needs. Each of these incorporation services has its own strengths, and some offer features like free LLC formation or discounted registered agent service.
1. Inc Authority
Image via Inc Authority
Inc Authority is undoubtedly one of the most popular LegalZoom alternatives based on its positive reviews, free LLC formation service, and other useful services.
Their free LLC package has one of the most robust offerings of any LegalZoom alternative. This makes it particularly attractive if you’re looking to form an LLC without breaking the bank.
Excellent customer support is another strong point of Inc Authority, with most customers rating them highly for fast and efficient support.
Inc Authority’s formation package includes many useful features, such as a free tax consultation and business credit analysis, something that very few LegalZoom alternatives offer. This can be particularly helpful for other business owners who are just starting out.
Features
- Free business name search
- Free tax consultation
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Expedited filing
- Document preparation and filing
- Operating agreement
- Digital document storage and client portal
- S-Election form
- Business credit analysis
- Funding solutions
- EIN
- Live customer support
- Annual compliance notifications
- Corporate/legal forms
- Initial meeting minutes
- Private banking specialist
Other Services Offered
- Deluxe record book
- Website design and marketing
- Business plan and advice
- Trademark services
- Revocable living trust
Where Inc Authority Excels
Inc Authority has over three decades of experience in the field and has earned an impressive 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot.
Image via Trustpilot
Apart from its excellent customer service, the company offers one of the best LLC formation packages and additional services such as free credit analysis, tax consultation, and funding solutions.
Inc Authority’s knowledgeable legal professionals work with clients to make the business formation process easy and hassle-free.
Where Inc Authority is Lacking
Inc Authority does not reveal the pricing for its paid plans or for the add-on services, such as website design, unlike other LLC service providers.
Some customers complain about the upselling of services that they may not need.
Price
While there are three types of plans, including a free LLC formation plan, you will need to contact sales to know the pricing for the paid plans.
- Free: $0 (+ state fee)
- Starter Business Bundle (pricing is available on demand)
- Fasttrack Business Bundle (pricing is available on demand)
Image via Inc Authority
Start Your Business for Free
2. Bizee
Image via Bizee
Bizeе specializes in assisting individuals who want to form a limited liability company, corporation, or a non-profit.
Why is it one of the best LegalZoom alternatives?
As one of the oldest business formation companies, Bizee has earned over 18,000 reviews from clients and has a rating of 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.
Image via Trustpilot
It is also one of the few LegalZoom alternatives to offer a free registered agent service for the first year.
Here are the other features that make it one of the most trusted LegalZoom alternatives.
Features
- Preparation and filing service
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- EIN
- Unlimited business name searches
- Corporate bylaws
- Operating agreement
- Online client dashboard
- Banking resolution
- Tax consultation
- Business checking account
- S-Corp election
- Contract templates
- Doing Business As filing
- Business name change
- Foreign qualification
Other Services Offered
- Trademark services
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Finances and accounting
Where Bizee Excels
Bizee is one of the suitable LegalZoom alternatives for small business owners who want to get started with a free LLC formation service.
In addition to a free plan that offers basic LLC formation packages and a free registered agent for the first year, Bizee offers transparent pricing with a clear listing of the included services in its paid Gold and Platinum plans.
Bizee’s LLC formation packages also include a lot more features as compared to other LegalZoom alternatives like ZenBusiness. This means you do not need to purchase certain services at an extra cost, potentially helping you save money.
Where Bizee is Lacking
Bizee’s refund policy is not quickly accessible. Plus, you can only get a refund if the company has not yet submitted the legal documents to the respective state.
Some users also complain that customer support is not as responsive as expected of the best LegalZoom alternatives.
Some users also report that customer support is not as responsive as expected of the best LegalZoom alternative. This is an important consideration, especially if you anticipate needing ongoing assistance with your LLC paperwork or have questions about additional services.
This post gives you more information on Bizee and Bizee (formerly Incfile) alternatives.
Price
The pricing plans are as follows:
- Basic: $0 (+ state fees)
- Standard: $199/year (+ state fees)
- Premium: $299/year (+ state fees)
Image via Bizee
Start Your Business with Incfile
3. ZenBusiness
Image via ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the popular LegalZoom alternatives known for its quick turnaround time and responsive email and phone support.
Since its inception in 2015, ZenBusiness has helped over 300,000 businesses register their LLCs or Corporation.
As one of the most trusted LLC formation services, ZenBusiness offers useful features such as worry-free compliance and a website builder designed to make the business formation process seamless.
ZenBusiness offers a range of additional services beyond basic LLC formations, making it a versatile choice for small businesses. Their pricing structure includes a basic plan as well as more comprehensive premium packages.
Let’s see if ZenBusiness has what it takes to be called a good LegalZoom alternative.
Features
- LLC and Corporation formation
- Expedited filing
- Expense tracking
- Registered agent service
- EIN application
- Document templates
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Annual report
- Operating agreement
- Worry-Free Compliance
- Business license report
Other Services Offered
- Business email address
- Custom business website and domain
- Amendment filing
- New York publication
Where ZenBusiness Excels
As expected of top LegalZoom alternatives, ZenBusiness offers good customer support and an expedited LLC filing service to help you form your business in one to two days.
There are also a lot of add-ons at affordable price points, such as ZenBusiness Money and ZenBusiness Banking, that give you expense tracking, banking, invoicing, and tax tools to help you manage and save money.
In addition to a 60-day refund policy, ZenBusiness clients can also benefit from the exclusive Bank of America bonus of between $100 and $500 when they open a business bank account.
Where ZenBusiness is Lacking
A lot of services are add-ons, which means you will end up paying extra for services such as registered agent, EINs, annual reports, and worry-free compliance.
The free plan offers nothing much other than document preparation and filing.
Price
Here are the pricing details:
- Starter: $0 plus (+ state filing fees)
- Pro: $199 per year (+ state filing fees)
- Premium: $349 per year (+ state filing fees)
Image via ZenBusiness
Start Your Business for Free
4. Filenow
Image via Filenow
Next up on our list of LegalZoom alternatives is Filenow.
This LLC service helps you pick the right business entity, file various documents, and register your company.
According to the website, Filenow has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5, with most customers appreciating the quick and easy process of business formation.
Filenow’s formation services include a user-friendly interface that simplifies the business formation process. This can be particularly helpful for first-time entrepreneurs who may be unfamiliar with LLC paperwork.
Let’s see how it compares with other LegalZoom alternatives.
Features
- Free registered agent services for the first year
- Filenow Wizard helps pick the right business entity
- Business name verification
- Document preparation and filing
- Operating agreement
- Tax consultation
- Expedited 24-hour filing
- Doing Business As filing
- 24/7 live chat support
- EIN/Tax ID
- Business licenses report
Other Services Offered
- Foreign qualification
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Business banking account
- Contract templates
Where Filenow Excels
Filenow is one of the most affordable LegalZoom alternatives.
Plus, the pricing is transparent and there are no hidden costs. You can also get your money back if your application gets rejected due to errors in the business documents prepared by the company.
Filenow’s transparent pricing means there are no hidden costs, which can be reassuring for those on a tight budget. Also, the company’s money-back guarantee if your application gets rejected due to errors in the business documents it prepared shows its commitment to accuracy and customer satisfaction.
In addition, it offers order status tracking, something that very few LegalZoom alternatives offer. Their customer service is also known to be responsive.
Where Filnow is Lacking
Filenow does not offer a free plan unlike other LegalZoom alternatives.
Compared to other business formation services such as Inc Authority that have been around for decades, Filenow is a relatively a new entrant with less experience in the field.
Price
Filenow has simple pricing tiers that are the same for both LLC and Corporation formation.
- Starter: $49 (+ state filing fees)
- Premium: $199 (+ state filing fees)
Image via Filenow
5. Swyft Filings
Image via Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings, since its inception in 2015, has helped 300,000 businesses form or incorporate.
You can expect most of the services and features you would expect to see from the best LegalZoom alternative from Swyft Filings.
The company has received many positive customer reviews on Trustpilot and a rating of 4.8/5. This suggests it provides some of the best customer service among LegalZoom alternatives.
Image via Trustpilot
Swyft Filings offers a variety of formation services and additional services that can help you throughout your business journey. Their basic package includes essential LLC formation services, while their premium packages offer more comprehensive support.
Here are the features that make Swyft Filings one of the most reliable LegalZoom alternatives:
Features
- LLC, Corporation, and Non-Profit formation
- Registered agent service
- S-Corp election form
- Tax ID/EIN
- Corporate bylaws
- Operating agreement
- Annual reports
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Digital corporate kit
- Seller’s permit or sales tax ID
- Business licenses
Other Services Offered
- Trademark registration
- Change of registered agent
- Business dissolution and name change
- Foreign qualification
- 501(c)(3) application
Where Swyft Filings Excels
Swyft Filings is known for its responsive customer support and ability to fast-track LLC formations.
In addition to a wide range of services, this tool offers plenty of useful resources on various aspects of forming and running a business.
It also conducts extensive research and offers insightful industry reports.
Where Swyft Filings is Lacking
While Swyft Filings offers competitive LLC formation services, it falls short in a few areas. Unlike some LegalZoom alternatives, they don’t provide a free registered agent service in their basic package, which can increase overall costs for new businesses.
Price
- Basic: $0 + state filing fee
- Standard: $199 + state filing fee
- Premium: $299 + state filing fee
Image via Swyft Filings
6. BetterLegal
Image via BetterLegal
One of the first things that you’re likely to notice when you visit BetterLegal’s website is the straightforward pricing for LLC and Corporation formation.
It promises to be a one-stop-shop for new businesses with “no confusing options.”
BetterLegal aims to provide a complete package for your business formation needs. While it doesn’t offer a free LLC option, its all-inclusive pricing structure means you won’t face unexpected costs for additional services.
Take a look at the services BetterLegal offers to learn if it is one of the best LegalZoom alternatives for your business.
Features
- Expedited filing for LLC and corporation formation
- EIN/Tax ID
- Corporate bylaws/operating agreement
- Banking resolution
- Basic business documents
- Free business checking account
- Free website
- Free tax consultation and insurance evaluation
- Registered agent service
- Compliance service
- Permits and license research
Other Services Offered
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Business banking
- Payroll and HR
- Business amendments
Where BetterLegal Excels
What we like about BetterLegal is the clear listing of services that are included in the plan and the services that are available as freebies and as add-ons.
Another aspect that makes it one of the best LegalZoom alternatives is the quick turnaround time of 2 business days for business formation.
Where BetterLegal is Lacking
Unlike other LegalZoom alternatives, BetterLegal does not offer a free LLC option or free registered agent services.
Services such as business license research, compliance, and amendments also come at an extra cost. This may make it a less attractive option for those on a very slim budget or looking for the most affordable way to form an LLC.
Price
BetterLegal offers just one pricing plan:
- LLC/Corporation formation: $299 + state filing fee
Image via BetterLegal
7. Rocket Lawyer
Image via Rocket Lawyer
Founded in 2008, Rocket Lawyer currently serves over 25 million customers. It offers a unique subscription model, providing unlimited legal document creation and attorney consultations. Their LLC formation service includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 7-day free trial.
Rocket Lawyer’s network of on-call attorneys in all 50 states sets it apart from many LegalZoom alternatives, offering personalized legal advice alongside document services.
Features
- LLC formation services
- Registered agent service
- Legal document creation and review
- Attorney consultations
- Online legal Q&A forum
- Incorporation services
- Business compliance calendar
- Free business formation documents for premium members
- Electronic signature tool
- Secure cloud storage for documents
Other Services Offered
- Patent filing
- Trademark registration
- Real estate legal services
- Employment and labor law services
- Debt and bankruptcy services
Where Rocket Lawyer Excels
Rocket Lawyer stands out among LegalZoom alternatives for its subscription model, which can provide significant value for businesses needing ongoing legal support.
Their legal service subscription includes unlimited document creation and attorney consultations, which can help small businesses save money on legal fees in the long run.
Where Rocket Lawyer is Lacking
While Rocket Lawyer offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, their LLC formation services are not as specialized as some other LegalZoom alternatives that focus primarily on business formation.
Additionally, their subscription model, while potentially cost-effective for some, may not be the best choice for those who only need a one-time formation package.
Price
- Non-member prices (Rocket Legal): Vary by service. For instance:
- Business (LLC) formation starts at $99.99 (plus state fees)
- Registered agent service: $249.99/year
- Premium membership (Rocket Legal+): $39.99/month (includes many services at no additional cost and others at half price)
Image via Rocket Lawyer
FAQ
Q1. ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom: Which is a better choice?
A. It depends on your individual business needs and goals.
Choose ZenBusiness if you want tools for tax preparation, banking, and invoicing. LegalZoom is a great choice if you want ongoing legal services from experienced attorneys, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
Q2. How credible is LegalZoom?
A. LegalZoom is a trusted company that provides businesses with excellent legal services in addition to LLC formation services.
It has been in operation for many years and has helped millions of small business owners. However, it’s worth comparing LegalZoom with other LegalZoom alternatives to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Q3. What is the point of LegalZoom?
A. LegalZoom provides quick and easy access to legal documents, such as LLC formation and other business filings, and offers advice from experienced attorneys who can provide customized guidance for your specific needs.
Q4. Is LegalZoom a subscription service?
A. Yes. LegalZoom offers subscription-based legal services with a free plan as well as two paid plans.
In addition to transparent pricing, the service provider also offers expert legal advice, tax consultation services, and more. This subscription model allows you to access ongoing legal support, which can be beneficial as your business grows and faces new challenges.
Q5. BetterLegal vs. LegalZoom: Which service should I choose?
A. Choosing between these two online legal services depends on your individual needs.
In addition to business formation services, BetterLegal offers freebies in its all-inclusive plan, such as a free website, tax analysis, payroll, and business checking account, making it attractive to new business owners.
LegalZoom is known for their affordable legal services, which you can avail of by subscribing to one of their premium plans or by adding them to your free plan.
Best LegalZoom Alternatives: Conclusion
As you can see, there are many alternatives to LegalZoom that can help you with your business formation needs.
Whether you need assistance with filing documents, tax preparation, marketing, or managing your finances, each of these LegalZoom alternatives offers something different and has its own benefits.
The best way to choose a good LegalZoom alternative is by researching what they all have to offer and then selecting one that suits your specific budget and business needs.
