This review will cover all you need to know about Active Filings.
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- Pricing for Active Filings LLC formation services
- Time frame for formation
- Active Filings’ reliability and customer reviews, as well as their support offerings, are all evidenced by Active Filings.
We’ll also explain the various other services Active Filings offers relevant to formation.
Summary of Findings:
- In business for 20 years
- A free filing plan is available
- The basic plans have good pricing
- The international plans are very pricey
- Resources for Spanish-speaking customers
Visit Active Filings:
https://www.activefilings.com/
Here is a brief summary of our findings. You’ll find our full review further down. It details our findings and explains everything about Active Filings.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Great basic formation price
Good turnaround times
For Spanish speakers, the website is translated and available in the Spanish language[/i2pros][i2cons]The “Finisher” and “Sprinter” packages don’t add much value[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Are Active Filings right for you?
Active Filing is a standout with its great value Starter formation package. Only a handful of formation companies offer LLC formations or incorporations for free. A few companies offer packages that include registered agent and Operating Agreement drafting.
Active Filings offers premium packages at high prices, just like many competitors. Many add-on services are not recommended for filers.
The English-version Active Filings website is also confusing. It is more difficult to navigate than other websites and takes time to find out what services they offer and their prices. The Spanish version of Active Filings’ website is a little clear.
You can visit ActiveFilings.com to see for yourself. Or, you can read more about the factors we used to rate Active Filings.
Formation + Website” just below the chart.
| Service | Basic Formation | Full Formation |
|---|---|---|
| Active Filings | $0 | $250 |
| Incfile | $0 | $149 |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 | $39 |
| ZenBusiness | $49 | $199 |
| LegalZoom | $79 | $329 + $299 Reg.Agent |
Basic Formation:
Review of Active Filings
Active Filings review: Active Filings LLC Formation Company is based in Dania Beach (Florida). Active Filings has been in business since 2001 but is still a small player in this industry. According to the company website, they have only four employees.
Roberto Neuberger, an Argentinian immigrant, founded Active Filings. He found the business formation process confusing and cumbersome after he moved to the U.S.A in 2000. A partner in entrepreneurship helped him create a business that would help others.
Given their Spanish roots, it may not surprise that Active Filings offers many additional resources for Spanish-speaking people. Their website is available in Spanish. They claim to be the only US Incorporation Service with dedicated Spanish-speaking staff.
Active Filings offers many services that can be used to start and run a business. Its core services include:
- A service for LLC formation and incorporation
- Registered agent service is provided annually
- Compliance services include the submission of annual reports
- International filers can get services such as apostille certificates
Domestic Packages for Active Filings
We will now go over Active Filings’ service offerings in greater detail.
Active Filings’ Starter Package: $0 + State fees
Although it is Active Filings’ most basic package, the Starter contains the core services for LLC formation: Articles of Organization, Incorporation, Registered agent service, and an Operating Agreement.
We recommend the Active Filings Starter package because of its many add-ons and for a great price.
Here’s what’s included:
Articles or Incorporation of Organization: These are the founding documents for your LLC/corporate. These documents are required to be filed with the Secretary of State in your state to officially establish your business. Articles of Organization typically only require basic information, such as the name of your business, its location, and the names of any owners or members.
Operating Agreement: This document is essential and outlines how your business will operate, its members, and how profits are distributed. Although it is not required by law in most states, we recommend you draft an Operating Agreement and keep it handy.
Registered agent service Registered agents are points of contact for official correspondence. Registered agents are required for all LLCs and corporations. Although you can technically be your registered agent, there are good reasons to use an outside agent.
Annual Report Compliance: Most states require that businesses file an annual report. These reports are usually simple but often overlooked. If you wish, Active Filings can remind you of deadlines and file your annual reports for you.
Access basic legal template templates. Although there are many other sites where you can find free templates online, it is still an excellent add-on.
The Sprinter Package for Active Filings: $100 + State Fees
Although reasonably priced, the Active Filings Sprinter package does not offer many valuable services.
The Sprinter includes all the Starter Package features plus
Physical address: Active Filings use your office address on your formation documents. This will help you protect your privacy and keep you from getting spam mail often sent to new companies.
Privacy protection: The address of the registered agent provider will be used to replace the addresses of officers, members, or owners on operating agreements and formation documents.
EIN Filing – Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) are required for all businesses. EINs are required to open a bank account for employees and hire staff. However, an EIN can be obtained for free and within minutes on the IRS website.
Expedited filing: The state will receive your form the next business day after you file it. You will also be eligible for expedited return services. This means that once your documents have been approved by the state you will receive them from Active Filings as soon as possible.
$250 + State fees for Active Filings’ Finisher Pack
Active Filings’ Finisher Package is $150 more expensive than its Sprinter Package, but it only includes a book or corporate seal. These items are not necessary, however. These are nice touches but not legally required by any LLC or corporation.
The Finisher Package includes all the Sprinter packages plus
Corporate seal & book: A book and seal that is customized for your corporation or LLC.
Active Filings International Packages
Active Filings offers a few packages that are geared towards international filers. These services are for people who want to create an LLC , or corporation in the U.S.A but are not based there.
Only three states can be chosen for Active Filings: Wyoming, Florida and Delaware. Due to Delaware’s tax code and corporate laws, most non-U.S.-based entrepreneurs choose Delaware.
Active Filings’ International Silver Package: $999 + State Fees
Active Filings’ Silver plan offers many core services that are included in the domestic packages, including LLC formation or incorporation and Registered Agent service. EIN filing is also available.
It also contains:
US Mail Forwarding You will receive a physical U.S. address. You’ll be able to access the online folder by scanning any mail sent there.
Active Filings’ Silver plan includes all of the necessary services. The price is a bit high at just over one thousand dollars (without any state fees). Other firms can also serve international customers at a lower cost.
$1499 + State fees for Active Filings’ International Platinum Package
Active Filings’ International Gold Package includes a few additional add-ons that international filers may find useful. These add-ons, as with the silver package are not worth the high price.
We do not recommend Active Filings International Gold.
The Gold Package includes everything in the Silver package plus
Apostille: Apostille certification authenticates official documents that were produced in one country and is recognized by other governments. Certain documents must be apostille-certified by foreign governments in order to prove that your U.S. business operation is legal.
Certificate Of Incumbency: This certificate lists information about the owner(s), member(s), officers, and sometimes company shareholders. This document is required if you’re based in another country and want to open a bank account for your business.
Speedy Service: Just like the Sprinter or Finisher packages, you can file your documents the same day they are filed. Your documents will be sent to the appropriate authorities the same day. They will be returned quicker by the state authorities.
Cancellation policy
Active Filings cancellation and refund policies can be difficult to find, as is the case with many other companies. Although the website boasts a “100% satisfaction guaranteed” ribbon on several pages, it is not clear how this translates into any actual policy.
