19 Best LLC Services in Utah (October 2023)

Although LLC formation services can be a great help, not all LLC formation services will be the same.

Some are better due to price differences, extras (or exclusions), and overall quality. You don’t have the time to sort through all of them.

We’ve done all the legwork for you and compared top LLC formation services. We have included important factors, such as cost and ongoing fees.

The Best LLC Service in Utah

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 client policy of ‘Privacy by Default’.

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.

Utah 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 Utah

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 Utah

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 Utah business attorneys on AVVO’s website to find the most qualified LLC formation lawyers.

From Avvo’s list of “best reviewed” business attorneys in Utah, these are my top five picks.

• Kristopher Greenwood
• Ryan Jensen
• Joseph Ballstaedt
• Barry Scholl
• Brooke Ashton

Tier 2 – Other Utah 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 Utah Secretary of State.

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

Inc Authority

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 Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah LLC?

A Utah 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 Utah

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 Utah 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

Utah 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 Utah

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 Utah business. Some important information will be required, such as your contact information, business address, signatures of your LLC members, and other details. Utah 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. Utah 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

Utah 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 Utah 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.

Utah’ annual report is a companion to the annual franchise tax. You will file your Utah 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

My Research for Choosing the Best Utah LLC Services

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

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 Utah?

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

Step 1: Reviews

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

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 Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah. 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 Utah 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.

Conclusion: Utah Best LLC Formation Services

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

FAQs

What are the key elements to consider when searching for the best LLC formation services in Utah, and how do these services address the specific needs and regulations for establishing a Limited Liability Company in the state?

When considering a business startup in Utah, selecting the appropriate business structure is paramount. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular choice because it provides a flexible entity type, simplifying business registration and corporate governance. When you’re ready to incorporate, finding a top-rated LLC service can greatly streamline the process, ensuring that you meet all state requirements for legal compliance.

One of the first things you should evaluate are customer reviews. Reviews can provide real-world insights into professional services, including turnaround time and how well the service performs in terms of compliance with both federal and state laws. Different pricing plans should also be considered to meet the unique needs of your small business.

The best LLC formation services will offer comprehensive LLC packages, often customizable to your specific needs. These typically include company filings of your Articles of Organization, assignment of a registered agent, and guidance in obtaining necessary business licenses. They will also assist with drafting an operating agreement, which although not mandatory in Utah, is highly recommended for internal management and legal protection.

Acquiring a Business Tax ID (EIN) or Employer Identification Number is another essential step that the formation service should guide you through, ensuring compliance with federal taxation rules. They should also help you in opening a business bank account, a necessity for financial management and legal separation of business and personal finances.

Navigating the choice between sole proprietorship vs LLC can be tricky. Opt for services that offer business consulting, with the support of knowledgeable business advisors, who can guide you through the pros and cons and assist in long-term business planning.

Additional services may include help with annual reports, provision of a company seal, and a breakdown of all filing fees associated with setting up an LLC in Utah. The formation package should clearly outline these offerings.

Choosing an online formation service offering a one-stop solution can simplify the entire process, from initial document filing to ongoing compliance, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

In summary, the best LLC formation services in Utah will offer a comprehensive suite of offerings that simplify the entire process, from legal services to business consulting, ensuring that your LLC is set up for success from the very beginning.

What attributes should Utah-based entrepreneurs prioritize when choosing an LLC formation service, especially in terms of cost-efficiency, expedited processing, and customer assistance?

If you’re planning on starting an LLC in Utah, there are various LLC formation services to consider, such as LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Incfile, ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and MyCompanyWorks. Each of these services has its unique selling points in pricing, turnaround time, and customer support, making the selection process tailored to your specific needs and priorities.

When evaluating pricing, Incfile is usually the front runner for budget-conscious entrepreneurs due to its competitive rates and free first-year registered agent services. ZenBusiness is another affordable option that particularly shines in terms of ease of use, offering a user-friendly platform to guide you through the LLC formation process. On the other hand, while LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer come at a higher price point, they offer comprehensive bundles, including banking services and accounting software integrations, which can be invaluable for business scalability.

If you are in a hurry to get your business up and running, turnaround time can be a decisive factor. MyCompanyWorks is reputed for its speedy service, particularly in the filing of Articles of Organization. In terms of customer support, Northwest Registered Agent takes the lead with its tailored, human support for a range of services including EIN obtainment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and annual report filings with Utah’s Secretary of State.

All the mentioned services will assist you in drafting a robust Operating Agreement, a fundamental document for any LLC. Furthermore, their guidelines often align with the Small Business Administration (SBA) recommendations, providing you with an extra layer of compliance assurance. To make an informed decision, look at various reviews and ratings. Consider BBB Ratings, peruse customer reviews, and read industry publications to get a fuller picture of what each service offers in practice.

If your Utah LLC requires specific business licenses, these formation services often offer guidance or additional services to help you navigate the requirements. To further facilitate your research, their company websites typically feature a wealth of useful information, including FAQs, how-to articles, and customer testimonials.

In summary, when forming an LLC in Utah, it’s essential to balance factors such as pricing, turnaround time, and customer support. Whether you are leaning towards LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Incfile, ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, or MyCompanyWorks, taking the time to compare their offerings, consulting reviews and ratings, and considering additional features like banking services or accounting software will undoubtedly guide you towards the best fit for your Utah-based LLC.