Appointing an LLC formation service to start an LLC in California can save you time and money.
Professional LLC formation services understand California’s unique LLC formation requirements and procedures, minimizing the risk of your file application being rejected.
The best LLC formation services offer add-ons like appointing a registered agent in California, tax compliance, EIN application, business licensing, and annual reporting to the state.
Some even offer a free basic LLC formation service in California.
But no 2 formation services are the same; let’s see which one suits your new business.
Disclaimer: the rates and offerings below are subjected to changes made by the service providers.
Best California LLC service of 2024:
California LLC owners pay tax like sole proprietors but gain the liability protection of a corporation, making it the perfect business structure for most small to medium businesses.
But like all business entities, the LLC structure has advantages and disadvantages you should know about.
Pros of an LLC:
Cons of an LLC:
Those are the LLC’s pros and cons. Now, look at California’s 5 best LLC formation services at the moment:
Tailor Brands offers a free California LLC formation service with unlimited business name searches. (You need a business name before you can register your LLC.)
We also offer add-ons most LLCs need to operate in California, such as business licensing, EIN application, business insurance, a registered agent service, and annual reporting.
After registering your LLC, our range of branding and marketing tools can help you create a beautiful brand in minutes.
That`s why our slogan is “Everything your business needs in one place!”
Tailor Brand Pros | Tailor Brand Cons |
• 8,089 reviews (rated at 4.5/5) on Trustpilot | • The basic plan includes a few extra services |
• Free business bank account included | • EIN costs extra |
• AI-powered branding and marketing tools | • No mobile app option |
• Excellent customer support |
We offer a free LLC formation service; you only pay the California $70 state filing fee.
Our add-on LLC formation services include:
Our branding and marketing services include:
California LLC formation: $0 + state fees | EIN: $99 | Operating agreement: $29 |
Registered agent: $199/year | Annual compliances: $299/year | Expedited filing: $49 |
Tailor Brand’s free LLC formation service and branding packages suit budding entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one platform to start, run, and market their LLCs.
A free package is an excellent option if you only need help registering your new California business.
Next on our list is another provider offering a free LLC formation service.
LegalZoom has helped form over 2 million business entities since it opened for business in 2001.
It offers a free LLC formation service (+ state fee), but some add-ons, like its registered agent service, are expensive.
LegalZoom is also one of the few LLC formation services offering a 60-day money-back 100% satisfaction guarantee.
LegalZoom Pros | LegalZoom Cons |
• 4,026 reviews (rated at 4.3/5) on Trustpilot | • Mixed customer reviews |
• Access to legal professionals | • Some additional fees not included in plan prices |
• Quick turnaround time | • Expensive add-ons |
• 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee | • The mobile app isn’t well-rated |
LegalZoom offers 3 LLC formation services:
Add-on services include:
California LLC formation: $0 to $299 + state fees | EIN: $159 | Operating Agreement: $99, included in Pro and Premium plans |
Registered Agent: $249/year | Annual Compliances: In pro plan | Expedited Filing: $99 |
LegalZoom’s free LLC formation plan suits entrepreneurs on a budget, and its in-house legal professionals offer excellent advice on subjects like business insurance and California tax obligations.
However, their paid plans are a little expensive, and if you don’t use one, the add-ons soon add up!
Rocket Lawyer’s primary focus is on providing legal services, like tax preparation, how to create legal documents, and lawyer advice, which makes it a comprehensive resource for starting an LLC.
It offers 2 LLC formation services, but you must pay a monthly subscription to use them. Rocket Lawyer sweetens the deal by adding helpful business tools to the packages.
Like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer offers a 100% satisfaction 30-day money-back guarantee.
Rocket Lawyer pros | Rocket Lawyer cons |
• 8,177 reviews (rated at 4.7/5) on Trustpilot | • No free package |
• 7-day Free trial | • Expensive registered agent service |
• Discounts with monthly subscriptions | • Limited refund policy |
• Mobile app | • Membership plans are expensive |
Rocket Lawyer offers 2 LLC formation plans:
Their add-on services include:
California LLC formation: $99 to $299 + state fees | EIN: $59.99 | Operating Agreement: $125 |
Registered Agent: $149/year | Annual Compliances: First year free/then $199 | Expedited Filing: $79 |
Rocket Lawyer’s online legal help platform offers helpful business services, including LLC formation, legal attorney advice, and access to legal documents.
While Rocket Lawyer’s business services are similar to those of other providers on our list, you must become a member and pay a monthly fee to use them.
Swift Filings provides many business startup services, including its free LLC formation plan, business name search, tax identity acquisition, IRS document explanation service, compliance alerts, and other tools to help you start and run your new business.
Swift Filings suits entrepreneurs who want quick and affordable LLC formation services and small business owners who need ongoing legal services.
Swyft Filings pros | Swyft Filings cons |
• 6,786 reviews (rated at 4.7/5) on Trustpilot | • Pricey add-ons |
• Same-day filing service with the Premium plan | • Outsources some of its services |
• Accepts installment payments | • Users report issues with the cancellation |
• Lifelong customer support | • No tax advice or filing services |
Swyft Filings has 3 pricing plans:
Add-on services include:
California LLC formation: $0 + state fees | EIN: $79 | Operating Agreement: $35 |
Registered Agent: $149/year | Annual Compliances: $99/year | Expedited Filing: $50-$100 |
Swyft Filing’s basic LLC formation plan offers a simple and affordable option for registering your LLC in California.
The same-day filing option (available only in the premium plan) suits entrepreneurs who want to start their businesses immediately.
ZenBusiness specializes in business formation services and offers a free plan and high-quality customer service.
Besides its LLC formation services, it offers numerous legal services and a 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Zen Business pros | Zen Business cons |
• 15,880 reviews (rated at 4.8/5) on Trustpilot | • Confusing packages and auto-renewing services. |
• Annual compliance and registered agent services | • No free year registered agent service |
• 100% accuracy guarantee | • No tax or legal services |
• Mobile app option | • No trademark filing service |
ZenBusiness offers 3 LLC formation services:
Amongst their add-on services you can find:
California LLC formation: $0 to $299 + state fees | EIN: $99 | Operating Agreement: $99 |
Registered Agent: $199/year | Annual Compliances: First year free/then $199 | Expedited Filing: $79 |
ZenBusiness has helped over 500,000 aspiring entrepreneurs start an LLC.
Their free LLC formation plan, vast reviews, and a 60-day money-back guarantee, along with their extra services, including website creation, banking, and tax compliance, enable you to control your business from a single platform.
You can form a California LLC by filing Form LLC-12 with the California Secretary of State.
You just need to provide the correct business information, choose an appropriate business name, and designate a registered agent.
However, an LLC formation service can do everything for you, saving you time, money, and a lot of paperwork and allowing you to focus on your new California business.
Starting a business can sometimes feel lonely, especially starting a single-member LLC.
But you don’t have to do it all alone!
LLC formation services can help you from filing your Articles of Organization and complying with California tax regulations to branding and marketing your new business.
And as many offer a free service, you might as well use it!
This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness.
Terry is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building businesses across multiple industries – construction, real estate, e-commerce, hotelier, and now digital media. When not working, Terry likes to kick back and relax with family, explore Taoism’s mysteries, or savor the taste of fine Italian red wine.
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