Starting a business involves a number of crucial steps, and one of the first hurdles you’ll encounter is setting up your business structure. The process of forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) has traditionally been filled with paperwork, legal jargon, and plenty of red tape. However, with services like LegalZoom, LLC formation has become more accessible and streamlined, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what really matters – growing their business.
But in 2025, is LegalZoom still the best choice for LLC formation? In this in-depth review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about LegalZoom, from its features to ease of use, pricing, customer support, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
Overview
LegalZoom has made a name for itself by offering a variety of packages that are designed to cater to the specific needs of different business owners. The packages are flexible, allowing you to choose from basic services to more comprehensive, feature-rich offerings.
Their LLC formation service is a multi-step process, beginning with the basic filing of your LLC’s Articles of Organization and proceeding to advanced legal services like operating agreements, EIN registration, and ongoing legal support. LegalZoom offers several plans, ranging from basic to premium, and each comes with different levels of support and features.
However, one downside of LegalZoom is that while their basic service is affordable, the additional add-ons and upsells can quickly add up. You might start with the idea of paying for a simple LLC filing, but by the end of the process, you could end up purchasing extra services that aren’t always necessary, leading to a final price that is significantly higher than expected.
Features
LegalZoom’s LLC formation service comes with a variety of features designed to make the entire process smoother. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, LegalZoom has several useful features that can help you along the way.
LegalZoom Packs In Plenty of Features
Each of LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages comes with a range of features, but the most basic ones include:
- LLC Formation Filing: LegalZoom handles the process of filing your Articles of Organization with the state, which is the key document that officially registers your LLC.
- Name Availability Check: Before you file for your LLC, you need to make sure that your desired business name is available in your state. LegalZoom provides a name check service, ensuring that the name you want for your business isn’t already in use.
- Digital Welcome Packet: Once your LLC is formed, LegalZoom sends you a digital welcome packet containing important information about your LLC, including your state filing receipt and your Articles of Organization.
- Lifetime Customer Support: One of the advantages of choosing LegalZoom is that they offer lifetime customer support. No matter what issues you encounter, you can always reach out to their team for help.
Expedited Processing
One feature that sets LegalZoom apart from its competitors is its expedited processing option. If you need your LLC formed quickly, you can choose one of the faster processing options. With this service, your LLC documents can be processed and filed much faster than with the standard processing times. While the base packages can take several weeks to process, expedited processing allows you to receive your LLC formation documents within a few days, depending on your state’s requirements.
Name-Check Service
Choosing the right name for your LLC is crucial for establishing your brand. LegalZoom makes this step easy by offering a name-check service that helps ensure the name you’ve chosen is available. This saves you from potential headaches and unnecessary rework down the road.
EIN Registration & Retrieval
One essential step for any LLC is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is required for tax purposes and to open a business bank account. LegalZoom offers EIN registration and retrieval as part of its services, though it’s worth noting that you can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free. Still, the convenience of having LegalZoom handle it for you is something many business owners appreciate.
Digital Welcome Pack and Founder’s Kit
LegalZoom offers a “Founder’s Kit” in their premium packages. This kit includes physical copies of your LLC’s formation documents, an operating agreement, and other important documents that you can use to set up and manage your LLC. This can be helpful for entrepreneurs who prefer to have physical copies of their legal documents rather than relying solely on digital versions.
Specialist Support from Attorneys and Tax Professionals
LegalZoom is known for providing access to consultations with attorneys and tax professionals, which can be invaluable if you have legal or financial questions related to your LLC. The premium packages allow you to access these professionals for advice on various business matters, including taxes, business compliance, and more. However, it’s important to note that these consultations are typically limited in scope, and they don’t necessarily cover all legal matters that may arise as your business grows.
Optional Registered Agent Service
A registered agent is a person or business designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. LegalZoom offers an optional registered agent service for an additional annual fee. While this service can be very convenient, especially for entrepreneurs who don’t have a physical office, it’s worth noting that the cost of LegalZoom’s registered agent service tends to be higher than other competitors in the space.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of LegalZoom is how easy it is to navigate their platform and start the LLC formation process.
Easy to Navigate, but There Are So Many Options and Add-Ons
The LegalZoom website is designed to be user-friendly. The process of selecting the right services and packages is relatively straightforward, and the step-by-step process ensures that you don’t miss any important details. However, the downside to all these options is that there are many add-ons and upsells during the checkout process, which can make it a bit overwhelming for first-time users. You might find yourself constantly asked to add more services or opt for a higher-tier package, even though you may only need the basics.
Getting Started With LegalZoom
The process of getting started with LegalZoom is simple and fast. Once you’ve selected your LLC formation package, you’ll need to provide basic information about your business, such as your LLC name, address, and the names of the owners. From there, LegalZoom takes care of the rest. You can track the progress of your filing and make changes if necessary through the online dashboard.
Bank Account Setup and Offers
LegalZoom has partnerships with various financial institutions that offer special banking deals for business owners. This includes free business bank accounts with a variety of features, such as easy transfers and integration with accounting software. If you’re looking to set up a business account, LegalZoom can make the process easier by connecting you with a bank that suits your needs.
In-Order Add-On Review
LegalZoom offers a range of add-ons that you can purchase as part of the LLC formation process. Some of these include expedited processing, a founder’s kit, an operating agreement, and access to additional legal consultations. While these add-ons can be beneficial for some business owners, they can also increase the cost significantly. It’s important to carefully consider whether these extras are worth the price before making a decision.
Flexible Payment Terms
One feature that LegalZoom offers is the ability to pay for services in installments. This makes it easier to manage the costs of forming an LLC, especially if you opt for one of the higher-tier packages. While this flexibility is appreciated by many users, it’s essential to be aware that opting for installment payments may involve additional fees or interest, depending on the payment plan you choose.
Pricing
LegalZoom offers several packages for LLC formation, ranging from basic services to more comprehensive packages that include additional features.
Good Value with Many Optional Paid Features
The basic package is the most affordable, but it only includes the essentials—LLC formation filing and a name availability check. For more advanced features, such as expedited processing, EIN registration, and ongoing legal consultations, you’ll need to pay for a higher-tier package. The additional services are useful, but they come at a price. Many users find that while LegalZoom is a good value for the core services, the add-ons can quickly increase the cost.
Support
Customer support is an important factor when choosing a service for LLC formation. LegalZoom offers several ways to get help, but the quality of support can vary.
Available – but Not Always Responsive
LegalZoom’s customer support is available seven days a week, but some users have reported slow response times and less-than-helpful advice. When dealing with legal matters, it’s crucial to have reliable and responsive customer support, and unfortunately, this is an area where LegalZoom can sometimes fall short.
LegalZoom Live Chat Support
Live chat support is available through LegalZoom’s website, and while it’s convenient for quick inquiries, some users have mentioned that the responses can be generic or delayed. If you have a more complex issue or question, it may be better to call customer service directly.
LegalZoom Contact Form Support
If you prefer, you can also reach LegalZoom through their contact form. However, users have reported that response times for inquiries submitted via the contact form can be longer than other support options. For urgent issues, live chat or phone support may be a better option.
Comparison
LegalZoom is not the only player in the LLC formation space. There are several competitors that offer similar services, and it’s essential to compare them before making your final decision.
| Feature | LegalZoom | IncFile | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free LLC Formation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Registered Agent | $249/year | Free | $99/year |
| EIN Registration | $79 | Free | $50 |
| Operating Agreement | $99 | $40 | $99 |
| Customer Support | 7 days/week | Business hours | Business hours |
LegalZoom offers a broader range of services compared to competitors like IncFile and ZenBusiness, but the additional services come at a higher price. IncFile, for example, offers a free LLC formation service, though you’ll need to pay for extra services like a registered agent. ZenBusiness also offers competitive pricing and free LLC formation with some add-on costs.
LegalZoom Review: Bottom Line
LegalZoom has established itself as a reliable and well-known service for LLC formation, offering a broad selection of features and services that can help business owners get their LLC up and running quickly. However, the additional costs of upsells, add-ons, and premium services may make it less attractive compared to competitors. If you’re looking for a straightforward and budget-friendly option for forming an LLC, LegalZoom might not be the most cost-effective choice. But if you value convenience and the peace of mind that comes with having all of your business services handled under one roof, LegalZoom is a solid choice.
FAQs
Is LegalZoom legit?
Yes, LegalZoom is a legitimate company that has helped millions of entrepreneurs with their legal and business needs. While some users have reported issues with upselling and customer service, it remains a trusted platform for forming an LLC.
How long does it take to form an LLC with LegalZoom?
The time it takes to form an LLC with LegalZoom depends on your package and the state in which you’re filing. Standard processing can take several weeks, but expedited processing can speed this up to just a few days.
Can I cancel my LegalZoom services?
Yes, you can cancel your services through LegalZoom. However, some users have reported challenges with cancellation and unexpected charges, so it’s important to understand the terms before committing to services.
Does LegalZoom offer refunds?
LegalZoom offers a satisfaction guarantee, but refunds are typically only available for services that haven’t been completed. Refunds are not available once documents are filed with the state.
Is LegalZoom the best option for LLC formation?
While LegalZoom offers a comprehensive suite of services, competitors like IncFile and ZenBusiness may offer more affordable options. If you’re looking for a simple, low-cost LLC formation service, LegalZoom may not be the best option for you.