For individuals recovering from financial hardship, the preservation of assets is paramount. When transitioning from a sole proprietorship to a formal entity, the **LLC (Limited Liability Company)** serves as a primary legal structure to separate personal savings from business liabilities.
This analysis categorizes the primary formation services available in 2026. Rather than ranking them subjectively, we break down their utility based on **initial filing costs**, **ongoing compliance fees**, and **privacy features** (such as Registered Agent inclusion) to help you match a service to your specific budget and privacy requirements.
Service Comparison Matrix
| Service | Primary Focus | Starting Price* | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | Compliance Automation | $0 + State Fees | 2-3 Weeks (Expedited avail) |
| Bizee (Incfile) | Zero Entry Cost | $0 + State Fees | Next Business Day |
| Northwest | Privacy Protection | $39 + State Fees | Same Business Day |
| LegalZoom | Brand Recognition | $0 + State Fees | 30 Days (Standard) |
| Tailor Brands | Design Integration | $49 + State Fees | 14 Days |
*State fees are mandatory government fees that vary by location (e.g., $50 in CO, $800 in CA).
Detailed Platform Analysis
1. ZenBusiness
Focus: ComplianceZenBusiness positions itself as a "compliance-first" platform. Its primary differentiator is the "Worry-Free Compliance" dashboard, which tracks state filing deadlines and annual report requirements. This appeals to business owners who prioritize automated alerts over the lowest possible long-term cost.
Key Specifications
- ▪ $0 Filing fee for the base package.
- ▪ Integrated expense tracking tools.
- ▪ Chat support available 7 days a week.
Trade-offs
- ▪ Registered Agent service is a paid add-on ($199/yr).
- ▪ Subscription renewal rates may increase after year 1.
Pricing Model
Subscription (Tiered)
2. Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Focus: Zero Entry CostBizee operates on a volume model, offering the base filing service for free. Its most significant feature for budget-conscious founders is the inclusion of 1 Year of Registered Agent Service at no cost. This provides immediate savings compared to competitors who charge for this essential service upfront.
Key Specifications
- ▪ Free Registered Agent for 12 months.
- ▪ Next business day processing included.
- ▪ Lifetime company alerts dashboard.
Trade-offs
- ▪ Customer support channels are primarily email-based.
- ▪ Checkout process includes multiple third-party offers.
Pricing Model
Freemium (Ad-Supported)
3. Northwest Registered Agent
Focus: Privacy ProtectionNorthwest distinguishes itself through a "Privacy by Default" policy. Unlike other services that may list the business owner's home address on public state filings, Northwest uses its own corporate address for all client filings. This feature is particularly relevant for individuals seeking to minimize their public data footprint.
Key Specifications
- ▪ Uses Northwest's address on public forms.
- ▪ Explicit "No Data Selling" policy.
- ▪ US-based "Corporate Guide" support model.
Trade-offs
- ▪ Higher initial filing fee ($39) compared to free options.
- ▪ Interface is utilitarian rather than dashboard-heavy.
Pricing Model
Fee-For-Service
4. LegalZoom
Focus: Brand RecognitionAs a long-standing incumbent in the legal tech space, LegalZoom offers high brand familiarity. It recently updated its pricing structure to include a $0 filing option to compete with newer entrants. It remains a viable option for users who value established brand longevity over speed or specialized privacy features.
Pricing Model
$0 Entry (Upsell Driven)
5. Tailor Brands
Focus: Design IntegrationTailor Brands combines legal formation with automated design tools. It targets freelancers requiring immediate visual branding (logos, website templates, digital business cards) alongside their LLC. While the formation service is standard, the integrated design suite is the primary value proposition.
Pricing Model
Starts at $49 + Fees
Decision Framework: Assessing Costs
The Hidden Variable: Registered Agent Fees
Every LLC is legally required to designate a Registered Agent to receive government correspondence. This choice impacts long-term costs.
- Included Bizee and Northwest include this service for the first year (valued at ~$100-$150), reducing the year-one total cost.
- Add-on ZenBusiness and LegalZoom typically treat this as a paid add-on or inclusion only in higher-tier packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start an LLC if I have a bankruptcy on record? ▼
Yes. Personal bankruptcy does not legally prohibit the formation of an LLC. However, it may impact the business's ability to secure lines of credit or loans in the early stages.
Do I need an EIN? ▼
Yes. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) functions as the tax ID for the business. It is required to open business bank accounts and separate business finances from personal funds.
Should I act as my own Registered Agent? ▼
While legal, it is often discouraged for privacy reasons. The address of the Registered Agent is published in state records. Using a third-party service ensures your home address remains private and prevents process servers from arriving at your residence.
Summary: Matching Service to Needs
For Zero Upfront Cost: Bizee provides the lowest barrier to entry with its inclusion of the Registered Agent service.
For Privacy: Northwest Registered Agent offers the strongest default privacy protections for personal data.
For Compliance: ZenBusiness offers a more robust dashboard for tracking ongoing state requirements.