Maybe you’re starting a new business or maybe you’ve already taken that startup side hustle to the next level and now have a few employees. That means it’s time you consider formalizing your operations and choosing the best business entity for your company.
When this time comes, an online incorporation service can save you the hassle of navigating the paperwork and legal speak so you can focus on getting your business up and running.
In this article:
Read on for the explanation of everything you need to know about online incorporations or skip to our list of the 14 best online incorporation services.
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What online incorporation services do
The incorporation process can be long and drawn out, filled with legal documents, complicated tax laws, and long turnaround times if you’re not clear on what you’re doing.
Enter online business incorporation services—sometimes referred to as “business formation services.” They’ll take basic information like the desired business name, business owners, and business structure (such as S or C corporation, limited liability company, or nonprofit) and with a few supplementary questions, they’ll handle filing the right documents with the right people to get you set up.
By bringing on the support of one of these recommended services, you can avoid having to DIY things such as:
File articles of incorporation with the secretary of state
Obtain a tax ID number
Navigate state filing fees
Create articles of organization or an operating agreement
Get an employer identification number
What you need before incorporating
While some things can be figured out throughout the process, it’s best to have the following figured out before you start the incorporation process:
Business name: While you can file a Doing Business As (DBA) that will allow you to operate under a different name, your business name as part of the incorporation process will be what’s on your checks, bank accounts, and legal documents. Choose something that you’d be proud to put forward.
Business entity type: When choosing a business entity type, consider the business tax benefits and restrictions of each. For instance, limited liability companies are popular due to their flexibility, but they come with strict reporting requirements and are more expensive in some states than others. Maybe a C corp or S corp is the better fit for you.
Desired growth plan: What’s the timeline for hiring employees? Are you thinking of bringing on investors? Your short and long-term goals will impact what services you need now and which ones you could add on later.
State of formation: Not all states are equal when it comes to forming a business. Some have lower corporate tax rates or perks to entice businesses to operate out of them. Others have higher initial set up costs that can make formation more expensive. Figuring out where you’re going to form is a key question to answer before starting the process.
Bank account: Almost every small business benefits from having a separate bank account to keep their finances in order. But once your business is a separate entity, this is essential. The penalties and potential audit that comes with money mismanagement means it’s best to be proactive and have an account set up as soon as you incorporate. While some services will create an account for you through a partnered service provider, shop around for an account that works for you. —and consider Relay’s built for business checking accounts. Relay makes it easy for small businesses to set up both primary and sub bank accounts, giving you a better picture of your new entity’s financials.
What to look for in an online incorporation service
All online incorporation services have the same end goal: setting up a separate business entity. But just because they have the same endgame doesn’t mean they’re a one size fits all solution. Each service offers a package a little more tailor made for some needs over others.
There are multiple factors that should be considered before choosing the service for you:
Customer support: If it’s your first time or you’re not feeling confident about the steps of incorporation, a strong customer support team will help you feel confident with every part of the process. Look for customer reviews that mention the support process to understand how they’ll provide a helping hand beyond getting your business set up. A satisfaction guarantee will protect you if the service isn’t up to your standard.
Turnaround time: Some low price options have long turnaround times meaning you’re waiting over a month to finally have your business set up. Look for services that offer same day filing or list their turnaround in business days if you want to get set up fast.
Registered agent services: A registered agent is a point person that handles all legal documents on the behalf of your business. If you want support beyond getting your business set up, having a registered agent as part of the package handles all initial legal communication and corporate bylaws as you focus on growing your business.
Continued legal services: If you need to use a lawyer down the line, they’ll need to get familiar with your business. This can become pretty costly — a pain that would be avoided if the package includes legal services. But if you already have a solution in place, you can save money by choosing a package without this offering.
International support: Are you based outside of the United States? This can make acquiring financing, getting a bank account, and being eligible for other services difficult. The right online incorporation service will help you navigate all of this.
Annual report filing: Each separate business entity comes with strict reporting requirements. Some providers will help with the first year of annual reporting so you get the framework to do it going forward.
Customization and add-ons: Do you have a very specific set of needs? Some providers offer more customization than others through upsells so you can tailor a package where you’re not paying for perks you don’t actually need. But do a cost comparison — the low price of incorporating can balloon with each service you add.
Customer feedback: There are millions of entrepreneurs just like you who have used these services in the past. Look at Trustpilot, Google reviews, or even small business groups on platforms like Facebook for tips on who to trust.
The 14 best online incorporation services in 2022
At Relay, we're an online banking and money management platform that works with US businesses. We see (first-hand) the challenges business owners run into when first starting up.
Some of the most common questions surround the topic of choosing the best entity structure for your organization. It’s why we’ve done the legwork of finding and reviewing incorporation services. And with that—here’s our list.
US Corporate Solutions
Verdict: Best for 1 on 1 consultation and ongoing formation support.
When considering incorporation, there are naturally going to be a lot of questions you’ll have along the way. If you’re curious about whether it’s the right choice for you, a conversation can help you find the answer. That’s why the free consultation offered by US Corporate Solutions LLC is worth checking out.
Although US Corporate Solutions LLC doesn’t list their pricing online, they offer a free consultation to provide you with a quote. The call covers the different entity types to consider, a tax strategy unique to your business, and how to start building business credit. Currently, they have a 5 star rating on Google with consistent praise for the customer service and ongoing support received from personal Corporate Analysts.
Pricing: Contact for a free consultation
Entity types offered:
C corporation
S corporation
Limited liability company
Services provided:
Business formation
Bank account set up
Free consultation
Tax strategy and accounting
Personal Corporate Analyst
Ongoing customer support
Cloud Peak Law Group
Verdict: Best for forming a business in Wyoming.
Wyoming has low sales tax with no inventory tax, corporate income tax, and franchise tax. All of this can mean big savings on your usual tax bills. It’s one of the top states to incorporate in along with Delaware and Nevada, but has lower fees than those two making it a better fit for small businesses.
If the perks of incorporating in Wyoming have you swayed, Cloud Peak—who is based in and operates from Wyoming—could be the fit for you. LLC and C corporation filing comes with free registered agent services for the first year that provides an expert in the local laws and legislation. Cloud Peak’s registered agent service rate is on the more affordable side at just $59 per year.
Pricing: $99 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Services provided:
Business formation
First year free registered agent services
Operating agreement
Bank account set up
Annual report submission
EIN/ITIN number
Corporate binder
Corporate seal
StartFleet
Verdict: Best perks for new business owners.
Every business owner eventually fills out a tool belt of software and services they use that helps them stay organized and efficient. Imagine an online incorporation service that basically hands you that filled out tool belt and you get StartFleet.
Not only does StartFleet provide 100% remote company formation and compliance, they also provide over $500,000 in perks including discounts and deals with the top business platforms of today including Notion for organization, Slack for communication, HubSpot for marketing, and more.
These perks are in addition to a core of services that especially benefit international businesses. StartFleet provides you with a US bank account, credit card, and debit card setup as well as the US mailing address, telephone, and fax number many institutions will require to get started.
Pricing: Ranges from $349 to $1099 with an additional $100 fee for businesses in Wyoming
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Services provided:
Business formation
Bank account set up
Payment processing set up
American debit and credit cards application
American mailing address, telephone, and fax number
EIN/ITIN number
1 on 1 accounting and tax advice
Perks and deals with partners
Yondaa
Verdict: Best for non-US residents.
Want to start a business in the United States without ever having stepped foot in the country? Yondaa is here to help.
By simply choosing your business entity type and desired state of formation, Yondaa will file all relevant articles of formation with the state—and pay any fees—to get you started. All documents are delivered digitally for safekeeping and easy access for when they’re needed. A registered agent is included for free for a year to help make starting out as smooth as possible.
But their support doesn’t stop there. To ensure you have everything you need to succeed, the formation process helps you get set up with an American address, bank account, and EIN so you can hire employees, store local currency, apply for loans, and more. All of this is done securely through their partner Notarize, an online notary public.
Pricing: Ranges from $899 to $1,599
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Limited liability partnership
Non-profit
Services provided:
Business formation
Bank account set up
US debit and credit cards application
US mailing address
EIN/ITIN number
Identity notarization
First yearfree registered agent services
International document delivery
Bylaws and resolutions
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Save Your SpotDoola
Verdict: Best for customer service and continued support.
One look at Doola’s “wall of love” and you’ll see consistent praise of the people and support. On Trustpilot, they boast a 4.9 star rating.
If you’re looking for a helping hand that guides you through the process, Doola’s step-by-step support ensures you have an experienced guide helping you along the way all for a one-time fee.
That support doesn’t stop when your business is formed. Like some of their competitors, your purchase comes with a free year of a registered agent handling all legal documents for you with the option to extend them at $197 annually. They also have a network of CPAs for tax consultation and filing services to keep the IRS happy.
You can also find clear timelines for each step of the process on Doola’s website. While it can take a couple of weeks to have everything formalized, you at least have a timeline you can depend on.
Pricing: $197 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)
Services provided:
Business formation
Bank account set up
EIN/ITIN number
First yearfree registered agent services
Payment processor
Tax filing services
Firstbase
Verdict: Best for a customized service for your needs.
For the business owner looking to choose how much assistance they get along the way, Firstbase has a base formation package with add-ons that let you define the support you receive.
Their base Firstbase Start package covers everything you need to get set up in one of two states with beneficial corporate tax laws: Delaware or Wyoming. In an expedited process, you get incorporated, an EIN, bank account, and a robust set of legal documents including an operating agreement, Certificate of Secretary, and Stock Purchase Agreement.
Their add-ons—Firstbase Agent and Firstbase Mailroom—get you access to a registered agent who helps with compliance management and a virtual mailroom respectively. With the Firstbase Agent add-on, you’re provided a compliance dashboard with a high ease of use to keep you informed on every step of the process.
Pricing: $399 plus potential add-ons
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Services provided:
Business formation
EIN/ITIN number
Bank account set up
Payment processing set up
Payroll set up
Perks and deals with partners
Registered agent services
US mailing address
Prime Corporate Services
Verdict: Best for a business looking for credit.
Starting a business takes money and for some, having access to credit up front is essential for a successful launch.
What sets Prime Corporate Services apart from the competition is its Business Credit Building service. They’ve helped over 25,000 clients obtain corporate funding. Your new entity is going to need to build credit to be eligible for business loans and lines of credit and working with Prime Corporate Services can help you get there.
Pair their business formation and credit building with their tax preparation services and you’ve got a head start on some of the biggest pain points in incorporating a business.
Pricing: Reach out for a consultation
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Services provided:
Business formation
EIN/ITIN number
Business credit building
Tax filing services
Incfile
Verdict: Best for getting the essentials on a budget.
If you’re set on starting a limited liability company, you can get the most affordable pricing with Incfile. Their basic plan starts at $0 plus any applicable state fees for an LLC. But whether an LLC is right for you depends on factors like your future plans and the state you’re wanting to be established in.
Incfile also offers other entity type formations with pricing ranging from $199 to $299. The add-ons that come with higher pricing tiers include a domain name, business email, and contract templates. Even if you’re starting an LLC, opting for one of the higher priced packages can help you hit the ground running.
Once your order is placed, track the progress of your formation and get the essential documents through an online dashboard.
Pricing: Starts at $0 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
S corporation
Non-profit
Services provided:
Business formation
EIN/ITIN number
Tax consultation
First yearfree registered agent services
Virtual address
Doing Business As (DBA) name filing
Annual report submission
ZenBusiness
Verdict: Best for a robust set of add-ons for your journey.
For some, hiring a business formation service is about getting themselves up and running. But if you prefer continued support through additional services at a fee, ZenBusiness can help.
Starting your business is just step one on your journey. You might need a website, marketing, or money management to get you to your end goal. With some services being a one-time fee and others being an annual subscription, you can go back to ZenBusiness to get the assistance you need.
If you go this route, take a good look at the additional services offered to try and get a cost estimate. Some of the services are included in the price of other providers meaning you could end up paying more for the same package you’d get elsewhere.
Pricing: Ranges from $49 to $299 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
S corporation
Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)
Services provided:
Business formation
Tax consultation
Corporate compliance
EIN number
Business document templates library
Registered agent services
Annual report filing
Amendment filing
Domain name registration
Business website
Business email
Banking resolutiontemplate
LegalZoom
Verdict: Best for continued legal services.
Got a product that needs a trademark? Do you expect to be filing patents or copyrights? If so, having a legal team is a big benefit and with LegalZoom, you get that at a more affordable cost.
For business formation services, they can help you with any business structure including formalizing a sole proprietorship or filing a DBA. If you’re unsure about what business structure is best for you, their quiz provides guidance on the perks of each.
Once you’re formed, protect your brand and its intellectual property with LegalZoom’s IP protection services. If you’re the inventing type hoping to expand your product offerings with new ideas, this can be a big perk.
Pricing: Starts at $79 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
S corporation
Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)
Non-profit
Sole proprietorship
Services provided:
Business formation
Tax consultation
Perks and deals with partners
EIN/ITIN number
Registered agent services
Business licenses
Seller permits
Annual report submission
Trademark registration
Legal forms and agreements
100% money back guarantee
BizFilings
Verdict: Best for getting ahead on tax compliance.
Taxes are an inevitability for businesses. What’s difficult is just how many taxes you need to be aware of. There’s sales tax, payroll tax, income tax, excise taxes, and these can all happen at the federal, state, and municipal level.
BizFilings offers paid add-ons that get you set up for each tax and avoid any pesky penalties. Through a partnership with ADP, you can even get payroll services as part of your final package.
Boasting a long track record of helping businesses form since 1996, you can get started with BizFilings confidently knowing they’re experienced at getting entities set up for success from the get go.
Pricing: Starts at $99 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
S corporation
Limited liability partnership
Limited partnership
Non-profit
Services provided:
Business formation
Sample and customizable forms
EIN/ITIN number
Sales tax registration
Payroll tax registration
Business license research package
Palo Alto LivePlan
Payroll via ADP
Free registered agent services
Compliance
Inc Authority
Verdict: Best for free LLC formation services.
Looking for free incorporation services? Inc Authority can do that for you so long as you’re looking to form an LLC.
While there’s pros and cons to an LLC that should be discussed with a tax advisor before committing, being able to set one up for free makes Inc Authority one of the best LLC services on the list. They will handle the filing of all the documents and provide you with a year of registered agent services while you simply pay the state fees.
In addition to their free package, paid add-ons include a web domain name with business emails, professional tax consultation, expedited processing, and more. Prices for these add-ons aren’t listed online so you have to talk to a sales rep to get a quote.
Pricing: Starts at $0 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
Limited liability company
Services provided:
Business formation
First yearfree registered agent services
Digital document storage and delivery
Free expert support
State and federal tax planning
Business credit and funding analysis
Northwest Registered Agent
Verdict: Best for continued registered agent support.
As you can guess by their name, Northwest Registered Agent’s bread and butter is their registered agent services. With over 700 employees and a dedication to quick communication, you’ll have a helping hand who is firmly entrenched in your business.
You can also form an LLC, non-profit, or incorporate through Northwest Registered Agent. Through a free account, you’ll get access to their helpful resources and a customer service rep to guide you through the process. Alternatively, save the hassle and hire them for a full service set up.
Also offered are convenient add-ons like payment processing and a virtual office meaning you can customize an order that will have you running smoothly from day one.
Pricing: Starts at $100 plus state fees
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Non-profit
Services provided:
Business formation
Registered agent services
EIN/ITIN number
Annual report submission
Phone service
Payment processing
Mail forwarding
Virtual office
Trademark services
Foreign qualification
Rocket Lawyer
Verdict: Best for getting legal advice.
Formalizing your business as a separate entity means new laws and regulations to navigate. Who better to help you navigate them than a lawyer?
Rocket Lawyer can get you incorporated just like any of the other services listed here, but what sets them apart is the legal advice they can offer. With a free 7 day trial, you can ask questions before you’ve even started the process of incorporating to get an idea of what working with them entails.
If you’re anticipating needing a lot of assistance, there’s also a premium monthly subscription for $39.99 per month. Rather than paying per document or service, you can get legal questions, documents, and the incorporation itself all for free as part of the subscription.
Pricing: Starts at $99.99 plus state fees, or $39.99 per month for a premium subscription
Entity types offered:
C corporation
Limited liability company
Non-profit
Services provided:
Business formation
Registered agent services
Legal documents
Ask a Lawyer for legal questions
30-minute consultations on legal matters
Corporate compliance
Statement of information
Trademark registration
Choose an entity, then bank with Relay
Once you’ve incorporated your business (or even before), we hope you’ll consider banking with Relay. Our FDIC-insured* digital banking solution accurately tracks spending, allowing you to clearly see all of the ins and outs, for faster bookkeeping.
*FDIC insured via Thread Bank.
You can find out more about us here. Or join our newsletter for some of the best money management tips we can offer directly to your inbox.
