Registered Agents Inc
★★★★★ 4.8
The largest registered agent service in the US, bundling genuinely free LLC formation with a free first year of registered agent service.
From Free formation (state fees only)
Start Your LLC the Right Way
Plain-English guides to forming an LLC, picking a registered agent, and getting your EIN — plus honest, hands-on reviews of the top formation services. No jargon, no upsell traps.
Our Top 3 Picks for 2026
Tested and compared across pricing, speed, privacy, and support.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you.
Northwest Registered Agent
★★★★★ 4.7
The privacy champion: in-house staff, no data selling, and their address on your filings from day one.
From From $39 + state fees
ZenBusiness
★★★★★ 4.6
A polished, beginner-friendly platform with a free starter tier and genuinely useful ongoing compliance tools.
From Free starter plan + state fees
How We Rate Providers
💰 True pricing
We track the full first-year cost — formation fees, registered agent renewals, and the upsells hiding in checkout.
🔒 Privacy & trust
Who sells your data? Whose address goes on public filings? We read the fine print so you don't have to.
⚡ Speed & support
Real filing timelines and real support interactions — not the marketing claims on the pricing page.
Latest Guides
Fresh, in-depth articles for first-time founders.
How to Start an LLC in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Founders
Form your LLC the right way in 7 steps: choose a state, pick a name, appoint a registered agent, file Articles of Organization, and more.
Read guide →LLC vs S Corp: Which Is Right for Your Business in 2026?
LLC vs S corp explained: taxes, paperwork, ownership rules, and when each structure saves you money. Includes a decision framework.
Read guide →Best States to Form an LLC in 2026: Fees, Taxes & Privacy Compared
Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico and your home state compared: filing fees, annual costs, privacy, and taxes for LLC formation in 2026.
Read guide →What Is a Registered Agent? (And Do You Really Need One?)
Registered agents explained: what they do, why every state requires one, costs, and whether you should be your own agent or hire a service.
Read guide →How to Get an EIN in 2026: Free From the IRS in About 15 Minutes
Get your Employer Identification Number free from the IRS — step-by-step walkthrough, who needs one, and the $50 upsell to avoid.
Read guide →LLC Operating Agreement Guide: What to Include (With Checklist)
What goes in an LLC operating agreement, why single-member LLCs need one too, and a complete clause-by-clause checklist.
Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC?
State filing fees range from $0 (some states) to about $500, with most popular states charging $50–$300. Formation services add $0–$300 on top depending on the package. Our state-by-state fee table breaks it all down.
Do I really need a registered agent?
Yes — every state legally requires your LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own agent, but most founders hire a service for privacy and reliability, typically $100–$200 per year.
How long does LLC formation take?
Anywhere from 1 business day to several weeks depending on the state and filing speed you choose. Wyoming and Delaware are among the fastest; some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
Is an EIN really free?
Yes. The IRS issues Employer Identification Numbers completely free in about 15 minutes through their online application. Never pay a formation company $50+ for something the IRS gives you at no cost.
Which state should I form my LLC in?
For most small businesses, your home state is the simplest and cheapest choice. Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico are popular for specific reasons — low fees, privacy, and strong business courts. Our comparison guide explains the trade-offs.