10 Best Business Formation Services of 2025
Launch Your Business in Less Than 10 Minutes
Not sure how to start your own business? Starting a small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming & expensive. We reviewed and ranked the best business formation services to help you make the right choice. Get your business started today - quickly and affordably!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a business?
In which state should I start my business?
Do I need a registered agent?
LLC for small business
LLC’s are one of the most favored business structures for small businesses. For many entrepreneurs, like in many of the following cases, we recommend you consider launching your business as an LLC:
- Starting a trucking business
- Starting a real estate business
- Starting a vending machine business
- Starting a flower decorating business
- Starting a marketing business
- Starting a dog walking business
- Starting a software consulting firm
- Starting an Amazon/ online sellers business
- starting a landscaping business
- start a lawn care business
- start a construction business
- start a moving business
- start a handyman business
- start a food truck business
Launching a business can be overwhelming with all of the legal paperwork required and costs involved to get the business up and running. Most startups face similar challenges from how to register their company to managing and growing the core business from the ground up, while sticking to a budget. Business formation services can help make this entire process much easier and faster.
How to start a business in 3 simple steps
Starting your business is super easy and fast when using a trusted professional formation service. Once you’ve selected a filing service, complete the following 3 steps:
- Fill in your company name and address
- Designate a registered agent
- Pay for the filing service (and possible add-ons such as Operating Agreement, expedited filing service, etc…) + state fees
Why use an online formation service to start a business?
Business formation services offer a fast and cost-effective solution to forming a business. These filing services and industry experts offer all the services you would need to launch your business, such as preparation and filing of LLCs and corporations, business licenses, legal documents, compliance and registered agent services, all in one place, for an affordable price.
Do you need help starting an LLC? With online LLC filing services forming your business is a quick, straightforward, and smooth process. Forming your LLC and launching your business is no longer a complicated, lengthy, and expensive process when you leave it to these industry professionals to do the work for you. The top services also offer very knowledgeable chat support.
Professional filing services can also help manage and grow your business. TailorBrands offers one of the most comprehensive business packages including annual compliance, operating agreement, 1-year free domain, DIY website/online store, 8 free logos, digital business card and more. They also have a special promo that can get you up to $50 in Amazon gift card if you use their service to incorporate.
LLC benefits
Most entrepreneurs opt for the LLC entity type when starting their business. An LLC offers business owners the simplicity of a general partnership in terms of formalities and taxes, yet with the personal protection and shield against company debts and liabilities of a corporation. Otherwise, you could be held personally responsible for the mistakes your business might make.
Another huge benefit of forming an LLC is its flexibility. You get to choose whether you want to be managed as a partnership (member-managed LLC) or as a corporation (manager-managed LLC) with all the formalities, such as having a board of directors and annual meetings. You can also turn your LLC into a corporation down the road if the business takes that direction.
Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you’ll need to file a foreign LLC in that second state to do business legally.
Foreign LLCs usually cost more and might require you to appoint a registered agent in more then one state. If you file your LLC in a state that isn’t your home state, you will still need to file a foreign LLC in your home state to run your business there.
Additional LLC & business services
Do I need to appoint a registered agent?
Yes, in most states, appointing a registered agent is mandatory. We highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer professional registered agent services.
BOIR for business
Starting in 2024, new and existing U.S. businesses must submit the ‘Beneficial Ownership Information Report’ (BOIR) to FinCEN. This report includes personal information about key individuals in the company including the entity, its beneficial owners, and in some cases its company applicants. The top LLC filing services listed on our chart can help you with the BOIR requirement.
Business license
Many businesses might require licenses or permits. The license and permits requirements will depend on the type of business as well as the state in which you incorporate your business. Professional business formation services can help you obtain a business license in all 50 states and assist with submitting your BOIR.
Same day LLC filing
Rush LLC filing is available in the Pro and Premium packages with most of our top business formation services or as an upgrade to the free LLC package. ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive service that includes everything you need to launch your business. Their Pro package, priced at $199 plus state fees, covers all necessary steps for business formation.