19 Best LLC Services in California (October 2023)

The Best LLC Service in California

These are the top LLC formation services that stood out in terms of service, features, response time, price, registered agent service in California user reviews and customer support. 

We recommend Northwest Registered Agent.

Northwest is Best-In-Class: Some other LLC services maybe cheaper but those other LLC services may also sell your private data.

Northwest is a professional firm with top-quality customer support and a policy of ‘Privacy by Default’ for their clients.

More and more entrepreneurs are turning to LLC services for creating business entities. The number is in the millions. Incfile alone has helped create over 600,000 businesses.

It can be difficult to start a business. There is a lot to do, so many people become overwhelmed by the legal processes: filing taxes, obtaining business licenses and permits, and filling out the forms.

California has requirements to ensure compliance, such as hiring a registered agent or filing annual reports.

LLC services handle most of the work for you. They simply need to know a little bit about you and your company, and they will start your business for you.

This is legal and allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your business. Many LLC services also offer registered agent services to help you maintain compliance.

Now let me point out a few more names in the online LLC formation space. I’m not recommending any of these other services. I’m just mentioning them for your consideration.

I have a personal story to tell

In 2008 I started a business and hired an attorney to do the LLC formation paperwork. I thought it would be complicated.

I paid $600 plus a $50 state fee to the lawyer in his office. The lawyer got on his computer, entered my name, and some basic information, and then printed out several pieces of paper and said “sign here and here”.

The whole process took about 10 minutes for $600. That same lawyer today probably charges $900 for these 10 minutes of work.

After that, I have only worked with online services.

LLC Formation Lawyers in California

If your business is particularly complex, or if you don’t mind spending $100s of dollars more and want the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced business attorney to form your business entity, you could hire a lawyer instead of a formation service.

Business Attorneys in California

As I just mentioned, hiring an attorney is more expensive than using an online LLC service, but you will obtain a level of competence and experience that can only be provided by an attorney.

I evaluated a long list of California business attorneys on AVVO’s website to find the most qualified LLC formation lawyers.

California LLC formation lawyers from AVVO

• Addison Kerr Adams
• Ryan Cadry
• Mahyard Ghassemian
• Mark Drobny
• Zaher Fallahi
• Gahram Kang
• Flomy Diza
• Hassan Sadeghi

Tier 2 – Other California LLC Services

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings was launched in 2012 and are one of the latest services for LLC formation.

Prices start at $0 + state fee. If you need an EIN and LLC operating agreement, the price is $199 + state fee. Swyft Filings charges $199/year for registered agent services.

MyCompanyWorks

MyCompanyWorks has a basic LLC service package that costs $79 and includes assistance with Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement assistance, an online portal to store legal documents, compliance alerts, and assistance with registering with the California Secretary of State.

They have maintained mostly positive reviews online. You will need to buy their premium package for $279 if you want a California registered agent.

Inc Authority

Inc Authority, like Incfile, allows you to file your company formation paperwork free of charge, but each offer comes at an additional cost.

Ask the “free LLC” if they plan to sell your private information. I believe the “Free LLC” is a gimmick just to get you in the door. Yes, their filing service is “free” plus the state fee.

You will need to buy their $399 basic package if you require assistance drafting an Operating Agreement or accessing an EIN.

You will also need to buy their premium $799 package if you want to receive express processing.

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands is a bit different than the others on my list.

Like their name says, they build brands. Tailor Brands promotes itself as a comprehensive business formation service that provides a complete list of services to entrepreneurs, including compliance and LLC formation, logo design, and branding features.

Tailor Brands offers three formation plans.

Incorporate.com

Incorporate.com offers a $99 base package that includes very few services, similar to Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom. They offer an online account and assistance in filing your Articles of Organization, and that’s nothing else.

CorpNet

CorpNet has been in business for over 20 years. They will file the initial LLC documents and provide compliance alerts to maintain good standing with the Secretary of State. All for $79.

MyCorporation

MyCorporation is owned and operated by the check printing company Deluxe Corp. Their LLC formation services are like many others on our list.

They charge $133 to prepare your Operating Agreement and process your Articles of Organization. Each additional, comprehensive service comes at an additional cost.

Incorporate Fast

Incorporate Fast offers California LLC formation services at a low $99 price. This includes assistance with filing documents, assistance with filing them, and an Operating Agreement template.

They offer “same-day” filings. They will process and file your documents within 24 hours of receipt.

If you can upgrade to their $199 package, you get an EIN.

BizFilings

BizFilings, another California LLC service provider, charges $99 for the basic package. This includes assistance in filing your limited liability company formation documents and a year of their registered agent services.

Like each of the LLC services, they have additional features for additional fees.

Rocket Lawyer

Similar to LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services. They also offer LLC services such as registering an agent, filing your formation documents, and an online document storage portal.

If you like having access to ongoing legal assistance for a fee, Rocket Lawyer might be a good fit for you.

Active Filings

Active Filings is another LLC formation service, they are 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.

Direct Incorporation

Direct Incorporation offers the same LLC services that MyCorporation but includes a banking resolution as well as an Employer Identification number. They charge $174 for these services.

If you need an LLC operating agreement, you need to get the next package at $297. They also offer logo design, trademarks, a business website, and email.

InCorp

InCorp costs $99. plus state fees to file your Articles of Organization. Registered agent services are $129 per year.

National Incorporations

Nationwide Incorporators offers basic LLC filing services for $200, and for $475, you get an LLC operating agreement. You get to talk to an attorney.  Pricey!

SunDoc Filings

SunDoc Filings has a $79 base package for filing your Articles of Organization. $70 for an EIN and $69 for an LLC operating agreement.

What is a California LLC?

A California LLC, short for limited liability company, is an entity type that combines the flexibility of a sole proprietorship with the financial protection of personal assets.

That’s not a bad thing. Let’s find out what this means.

You would operate as a sole proprietorship if you started selling handcrafted apparel out of your home. Sole proprietorships are legal entities.

This means that everything the business owns, from fabrics to sewing machines, is owned solely by the proprietor. The proprietor pays all taxes.

If the business is sued or taken to court by a third party, the owner may lose all of his or her personal property to pay the damages.

Business entities, such as LLCs, have personal asset protection. This is because the business itself is considered an independent legal entity.

The business can have assets, open a bank account, and be sued. If the business goes under, members of the company cannot lose their assets.

LLCs aren’t subject to a lot of complex requirements, unlike corporations. This makes it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs who want to keep their filings simple and still protect their assets.

Pros and cons of starting a limited liability company in California

An LLC is one of the most common types of entity in America. However, it’s not the right type of entity for everyone.

Only you know your business best and can choose the entity type most appropriate for you. Your vision is clear for the future and your products.

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of LLCs to decide if an LLC is right for your needs.

Pros

• It is easier to create and manage than a corporation
• Protection of personal assets
• A flexible tax structure can be paid as a partnership (or a corporation)
• Exclusive use of a business name within a state is prohibited

Cons

• No authority can issue stock. Therefore, capital-raising opportunities are limited.
• Some states have higher annual fees and taxes than sole proprietorships or partnerships.
• Some entrepreneurs may not be comfortable with the extra paperwork.

How to set up a California LLC on your own

You don’t need to use an LLC formation service such as LegalZoom or ZenBusiness. While these services can be very helpful, you can save money by doing it yourself.

1. Choose a company name

California LLCs need a memorable name that can give potential clients an idea of the products or services available. Names should be unique for both legal and business reasons.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent in California

As we have mentioned, every LLC requires an agent to accept service of process on its behalf. You can be your own registered agent in most states as long as there is a physical address.

However, we recommend that you appoint another person (an online service) as your agent.

3. File the Articles for Organization

Once completed and filed, this document officially forms your California business. Some important information will be required, such as your contact information, business address, signatures of your LLC members, and other details. California charges a $45 filing fee.

It’s easy to set up an LLC. However, it is the maintenance requirements that can be a little more difficult.

4. Register and pay taxes

You will need an IRS Employer Identification Number if you have employees. There are also state-specific taxes. California has graduated income taxes. Individual rates are between 5% to 6.9%, and corporate rates are between 1% to 6.5%. The Franchise Tax is the largest tax burden. Other taxes, such as sales taxes (6.5%) or miscellaneous taxes, will need to be included.

5. Get permits and licenses

California does not have a general business license, but many cities and counties do require one. You might also need to apply in order for an industry license.

6. Create a California LLC Operating Agreement

Even single-member LLCs need to create a master document that outlines how the business will function in the future.

7. Get your annual report.

California’ annual report is a companion to the annual franchise tax. You will file your California annual report with the Department of Finance and Administration and not with the Secretary of State. A minimum tax is $150 per year.

8. Get business insurance

All businesses with employees need to have workers’ compensation insurance. A general business liability policy may be an option.

9. Open a bank account for your business

Register for a bank account in your business name to write checks and make business purchases

Our Selection Methodology for Choosing the Best California LLC Services

This is how I found the best LLC service in California.

I formed an LLC a few years ago and did a lot of research before doing so. Because I have spent so much time on this subject, I believe I am very capable of finding and recommending the best LLC formation services. I also recommend using a registered agent service rather than being your own.

How did I research and choose the best LLC service in California?

My research approach included these four steps to select the best California LLC formation service.

Step 1: Reviews

I began by analyzing the reviews of online customers for the top 19 LLC services in California.

I spent many nights scrolling through the customer feedback on Trustpilot and Google Business Profiles (among other review websites) to discover which LLC services were new, which seemed questionable, and which were legitimate.

Step 2: Website Analysis

Once I had a good idea of who I could trust, I could go to their websites and see exactly what they offered.

To find out who offered what products or business services, I looked through pricing pages and looked at detailed breakdowns.

Step 3: Talking with real customers

Online customer reviews are only one way to learn. To truly understand the experience of using a service, it is important to talk to the people who use it.

I sought out the opinions of customers who I had recommended to me over the years in order to get a clear understanding of California LLC services. I wanted to know how easy the system was, how helpful and polite their support staff is, and how fast they process applications.

This direct feedback from customers helped me to see which promises were fakes and which were legitimate.

Step 4: Talking with their Sales Team

The last step was to talk to their sales team to find out how difficult they were with upsells.

I asked several questions that a first-timer would. Then I waited to see how many times I was encouraged to get additional services.

My Testing and Rating Criteria for California LLC Services

While I was completing my investigative analysis, I was constantly evaluating these LLC formation services on the basis of these four aspects.

1: Features and Services

There are many steps involved in starting an LLC. If you have read at least half of the above, you will know this. Fill out and file your Articles of Organization. You will need an EIN to open bank accounts. Choose a premium registered agent in  to get an address in California. And a lot more.

To ensure you get as many completed projects as possible when you invest your money, I first assessed each LLC formation company on the business and product services they offer.

2: Pricing

I checked if they charge extra for a lot of pricey add-ons that are not mentioned at first. I liked the very clear services and upfront with everything. The best value LLC formation services rose to the top.

3: Ease of use

It’s a good idea to sign up for a business formation service that offers a variety of products at a reasonable price without any trouble navigating their system.

I created an account with each California LLC formation service and attempted to register my fictional LLC. This was to ensure that all the systems were easy to use and simple to navigate.

4: Customer service

I was not satisfied with my customer service experiences after the recent corporate trend to outsource customer support to unaffiliated phone centers. These representatives know little about the service they are supporting and the laws and regulations that it is subject to.

I did my best to test their customer service teams to determine the quality of their business formation services. I sent them polite questions, called them to inquire about obvious information, and jumped onto their online chat portals. I also complained about inappropriate things. I wanted to know how they dealt with my comments and requests and how fast it took for them to reply.

FAQs

What features and considerations should entrepreneurs be aware of when selecting the best LLC formation services in California, particularly concerning compliance with state regulations for establishing a Limited Liability Company?

Choosing the right LLC formation service in California involves navigating a myriad of options and state-specific guidelines. To successfully incorporate a Limited Liability Company, the service you select should offer comprehensive professional services tailored to California’s unique state requirements.

First off, look for customer reviews of the top-rated LLC service to assess how effectively they handle the legal services and compliance aspects of business registration. Evaluate the pricing plans to ensure they align with your small business needs. Many services offer various LLC packages, allowing you to select options that best suit your budget and requirements.

The service should assist you in company filings, including the critical Articles of Organization, which lay the groundwork for your business structure. In California, you’ll also need a registered agent for your state filings, another feature that a high-quality LLC service should offer.

Make sure the service helps you obtain the necessary business licenses, a crucial step towards legal compliance. Additionally, they should guide you in drafting an Operating Agreement, an essential document for corporate governance within your entity type.

While comparing sole proprietorship vs LLC, you may need business consulting services to help you make an informed decision. Look for a package that provides access to business advisors for business planning, which can be valuable for any business startup.

For federal taxation, you will need a Business Tax ID (EIN) or Employer Identification Number. A proficient service will help you obtain this number, simplifying the process of opening a business bank account down the line.

Speed also matters. The turnaround time for all these processes should be reasonable, and a good service will offer online formation for faster execution. Ideally, you want a one-stop solution for everything from document filing to annual reports.

Don’t forget to inquire about filing fees, which can vary depending on the formation package you choose. Additional features like a company seal could also be part of the package and can offer a touch of professionalism to your business documents.

In conclusion, selecting the right LLC formation service in California involves a holistic approach that takes into account everything from state-specific requirements to business consulting. Make sure to choose a service that caters to all aspects of setting up and running an LLC in California.

What factors should be considered when using an online service for LLC formation in California?

Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) online can be a convenient and efficient process, but it’s crucial to pick a Professional Service that excels in Business Formation and Legal Representation. First and foremost, the service should ensure complete Compliance with State Laws in California, from Document Filing to Incorporation processes. They should assist you with your Annual Report, Tax ID, and ensure a straightforward route for obtaining Business Licenses. The service should be recognized by the Secretary of State and provide a Certificate of Good Standing to confirm their legitimacy.

Affordability and Reliability should be key factors in your decision-making process. Scan through Customer Reviews, Ratings, and Client Testimonials to gauge the service quality and reliability. An Online Dashboard is also vital, offering Fast Processing and 24/7 Service for all your document needs.

The importance of Confidentiality and Local Expertise can’t be overstated. The service should offer Business Name Search, EIN Registration, and assistance with drafting your Operating Agreement. Compliance Alerts are an invaluable feature, keeping you up to date on important deadlines and requirements.

Special features like Legal Mail Forwarding, Virtual Office options, and Document Retrieval add a layer of convenience. It’s essential to have a Registered Office and Business Address where all your Service of Process will be received securely. Excellent Customer Support and transparent Filing Fees are also non-negotiable elements.

Furthermore, depending on your Entity Type, the service should conduct comprehensive Due Diligence to ensure you meet all Statutory Requirements. Start-up Assistance might be particularly beneficial for those new to the business landscape. Also, check if they provide Business Continuity features, Dissolution services, Renewal Reminders, and options for Foreign Qualification if you plan to expand your business out of state.

The availability of Legal Forms, Business Consultation, and Secure Storage facilities may serve as additional perks. And lastly, the option for a Change of Agent should be available in case you need to switch services for any reason.

Considering these numerous factors will help you select the most suitable online LLC formation service for your California-based business.

Conclusion: California LLC Formation Services

My investigative analysis resulted in my picking Northwest Registered Agent as the best LLC service for California.