Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Georgia offers a blend of asset protection, and simplicity, making it an attractive option for many entrepreneurs and business owners.
Choosing a good LLC formation service can simplify the process, ensuring that your business complies with Georgia’s rules and requirements.
In this article, I review and compare the top LLC formation companies in Georgia, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they can assist in making the LLC setup process seamless and efficient.
With the help of a reliable LLC formation service, you can focus on growing your business while leaving the paperwork to the experts.
They offer free Georgia LLC filing and registered agent services for the first year. A “free LLC” may be good for some, but Bizee needs to make money somehow.
This can be done by upselling needed features at a lofty price.
If privacy is important to you, Northwest emphasizes customer privacy more than any other LLC service I know.
Bizee may not have as many bonus features as its competitors. Still, they offer all the essentials for an additional fee: filing an EIN and registering a DBA, filing annual reports, and others.
LLC Formation plans: $0, $199, $299
Registered agent service: First Year Free, then $119/year
Customer Support: Bizee recently increased its customer service team, which improved its response times. This is a significant improvement in their previous performance.
LLC Service: Everything is straightforward when ordering a package through Bizee. There are not a lot of pricey and confusing add-ons.
Customer Reviews: Mostly positive. Bizee has over 5,000. reviews on Trustpilot. More than 98% of 21,000+ Shopper Approved reviews are positive.
Bizee Pros and Cons
Pros
Register agent for free business formation
I like their prices and a 20-year history of experience
Excellent customer feedback
Cons
I don’t like that they are known for many upsells. It starts cheap but can add up.
#3 ZenBusiness(Best New LLC Service)
Based:Â Austin, Texas
Experience: 6 years
‘Worry-free guarantee’Â
Thanks to competitive technology and a dedication to affordability, ZenBusiness has one of the most affordable LLC services available.
Formations start at $0 plus the state fee. ZenBusiness provides Georgia registered agent services at an additional cost of $199/yr.
You can choose the Pro package ($199 annually) for a flat annual fee to get business formation, and an operating agreement template.
LLC Formation plan: Starting from $0
Registered agent service $199 annually
Customer Support: ZenBusiness provides good customer service due to its smaller customer base and individual attention.
LLC services: ZenBusiness provides useful tools to track annual reports. However, the ordering process can be confusing.
ZenBusiness Pros and Cons
Pros
The ‘worry-free guarantee’ compliance feature
Great customer feedback and reviews on Trustpilot
Customer service 6 days a week
Cons
Mark Cuban is a spokesperson
ZenBusiness might outsource their registered agent service
Registered agent service is a $199 add-on with LLC formations
Only 6 years in business. Several competitors have more experience.
#4 LegalZoom(Best for Ongoing Legal Services)
Based: Glendale, California
Experience: 20+ years
LegalZoom is a great way to get involved with a well-known brand.
LegalZoom was founded in 2001 and has grown to offer hundreds of services. LegalZoom is more expensive than the other Georgia LLC services listed in this guide.
LegalZoom is not the only option if you need a complete legal service. Rocket Lawyer is another option for LLC services and online legal services.
LegalZoom gets pricey after the add-ons.
LLC Formation plans: Starting at $0 plus state fee
Registered agent service $299/year.
Customer Support: LegalZoom is a large company, so its customer service may not be as personal as the other listed companies.
Easy of use: Many customers have complained that LegalZoom’s ordering process is confusing and lengthy. Numerous upsells are offered before you can choose your package.
User Reviews: Mixed. Most negative reviews are due to a misunderstanding of the ongoing fees and package offerings. Reviews have been improving though.
LegalZoom Pros and Cons
Pros
Millions of customers served
Support is available 7 days a week
100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
Customer reviews are often negative but improving recently
LegalZoom is a premium brand, and they charge a little more than others
Georgia Business Tips
Forming an LLC in Georgia involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Georgia.
Conducting a thorough Georgia LLC name search is crucial to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, drafting a Georgia LLC operating agreement is essential as it outlines the internal management structure and operational guidelines for your LLC.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider any required business licenses in Georgia specific to your industry and location. Understanding the associated costs to form an LLC in Georgia is crucial, as it includes filing fees and potentially additional expenses based on the services you require.
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 Georgia
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 Georgia
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 Georgia business attorneys on AVVO’s website to find the most qualified LLC formation lawyers.
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 Georgia Secretary of State.
They have maintained mostly positive reviews online. You will need to buy their premium package for $279 if you want a Georgia registered agent.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority, like Bizee, 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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.
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Best LLC Service Review Process
This is how I found the best LLC service in Georgia.
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 Georgia?
My research approach included these four steps to select the best Georgia LLC formation service.
Step 1: Reviews
I began by analyzing the reviews of online customers for the top 19 LLC services in Georgia.
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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia. 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 Georgia 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.
My investigative analysis resulted in my picking Northwest Registered Agent as the best LLC service for Georgia.
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Brian WilsonWriter and Editor
Brian Wilson is the content manager and founder of LLC Radar.
Brian grew up in North Texas, just outside of Dallas, and has a bachelor's degree in business from Southern Methodist University. Since graduating from SMU, Brian has gained over 10 years of experience in business writing for several online publications.
Brian resides in Plano, Texas and he can be reached by email: Â Â info@llcradar.comPhone:Â 972-776-4050
Great job, Brian! Your article on the different online LLC formation services in Georgia was a true eye-opener. Your eloquent comparison of Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Incfile showcased your astute research and attention to detail.
The manner in which you dissected the services, considering factors such as pricing, customer support, and features, was truly informative.
Your positive tone throughout the article created a sense of optimism and confidence, making it an enjoyable read. Thanks for shedding light on this topic and empowering entrepreneurs to make the right choice for their Georgia-based businesses
Great ideas, as well as your article. I chose Northwest. I had a pleasant experience with Northwest Registered Agent. The LLC creation process was smooth, without any issues or delays. Northwest was very knowledgeable and readily ready to assist me with all my questions. They were precise, clear, and precise in their answers. I didn’t have the need to constantly to ask questions, as I do with other internet services. The directions were simple to follow, although I’d never had the opportunity to use it before.
Great article, Brian! I completely agree with your recommendation of using a registered agent service for LLCs or corporations in Georgia. It’s crucial to have a reliable and trustworthy partner like Northwest Registered Agent to handle important legal documents and ensure compliance with state regulations.
I’ve personally used their services, and they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and efficiency. In comparison, while Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom offer similar services, I believe Northwest Registered Agent stands out due to their personalized approach and exceptional customer support. Keep up the good work, Brian!
Brian, your article on comparing the various online LLC formation services in Georgia was an enlightening read! I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of your analysis and the meticulousness with which you explored the features and offerings of Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Incfile.
Your ability to provide nuanced insights while maintaining a positive tone is commendable. Your article has certainly helped me gain a better understanding of the options available and will undoubtedly assist aspiring entrepreneurs in making informed decisions. Keep up the great work!
Information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to offer legal advice specific to your business needs. If you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney. Rankings and reviews are the personal opinions of the authors and/or editors. For questions, while starting a business, we recommend consulting with an attorney or accountant.
Great job, Brian! Your article on the different online LLC formation services in Georgia was a true eye-opener. Your eloquent comparison of Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Incfile showcased your astute research and attention to detail.
The manner in which you dissected the services, considering factors such as pricing, customer support, and features, was truly informative.
Your positive tone throughout the article created a sense of optimism and confidence, making it an enjoyable read. Thanks for shedding light on this topic and empowering entrepreneurs to make the right choice for their Georgia-based businesses
Thanks!
Great ideas, as well as your article. I chose Northwest. I had a pleasant experience with Northwest Registered Agent. The LLC creation process was smooth, without any issues or delays. Northwest was very knowledgeable and readily ready to assist me with all my questions. They were precise, clear, and precise in their answers. I didn’t have the need to constantly to ask questions, as I do with other internet services. The directions were simple to follow, although I’d never had the opportunity to use it before.
Great article, Brian! I completely agree with your recommendation of using a registered agent service for LLCs or corporations in Georgia. It’s crucial to have a reliable and trustworthy partner like Northwest Registered Agent to handle important legal documents and ensure compliance with state regulations.
I’ve personally used their services, and they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and efficiency. In comparison, while Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom offer similar services, I believe Northwest Registered Agent stands out due to their personalized approach and exceptional customer support. Keep up the good work, Brian!
Thanks!
Brian, your article on comparing the various online LLC formation services in Georgia was an enlightening read! I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of your analysis and the meticulousness with which you explored the features and offerings of Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Incfile.
Your ability to provide nuanced insights while maintaining a positive tone is commendable. Your article has certainly helped me gain a better understanding of the options available and will undoubtedly assist aspiring entrepreneurs in making informed decisions. Keep up the great work!
Thanks!