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Forming an LLC is one of the first big decisions for a new US business. You can file the paperwork yourself, but many founders prefer a formation service to handle the filing, registered agent and EIN so they can focus on getting customers. BizFilings, a Wolters Kluwer service, offers LLC formation from $99 plus state fees. This review explains what you get on each package, how it compares with doing it yourself and the steps to form your LLC the right way.
Start your LLC with BizFilings from $99 →
Who is BizFilings?
BizFilings is a business formation and compliance service from Wolters Kluwer, a global information and software company with a long history in legal and compliance services. BizFilings says it reviews every application for errors and promptly fixes filing mistakes, and it positions its pricing as having no hidden fees. Having a large, established parent company behind a formation service is reassuring for founders who want stability as well as a low price.
BizFilings LLC packages and prices
| Basic | Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 + state fees | $199 + state fees |
| Filing submitted | In 7 to 10 business days | In 3 to 4 business days |
| Formation filing | Included | Included |
| Name check | Included | Included |
| Registered agent | 3 months free | 3 months free |
| Certified copies | Not included | Included |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Not included | Included |
State filing fees are charged by each state and are paid on top of the package price. They vary significantly, so check your state’s fee before you budget.
Which package should you choose?
Basic ($99) suits founders who are not in a hurry and are happy to get an EIN themselves from the IRS, which US persons can usually do online.
Core ($199) suits founders who want faster submission and the EIN handled for them, plus certified copies, which banks and some partners ask for. If you want to open a business bank account quickly, Core removes a few steps.
What is a registered agent and why do you need one?
Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state where it is formed. The agent receives legal papers and official notices during business hours. BizFilings provides registered agent service in all states and includes three months free with both packages. Using a professional agent keeps your home address off public records, ensures someone is always available to accept documents and helps you avoid missing important deadlines. After the free period, the service renews at BizFilings’ standard rate, so check the current price when you sign up.
How to form an LLC: step by step
- Choose your state. Most small businesses form in the state where they operate. Forming elsewhere can mean registering as a foreign LLC in your home state too.
- Pick a name. It must be unique in your state and include “LLC” or a similar designator. BizFilings includes a name check.
- Appoint a registered agent. Use BizFilings’ included service or another provider.
- File your Articles of Organization (called a Certificate of Formation in some states) and pay the state fee.
- Create an operating agreement. Even if your state does not require one, it sets out ownership and management and helps protect your limited liability.
- Get an EIN from the IRS, included in BizFilings Core.
- Open a business bank account to keep personal and business finances separate.
- Register for state taxes and licences that apply to your business and location.
- Stay compliant with annual reports and fees.
What you need before you start
Have these details ready and the BizFilings process should take only a few minutes:
- Two or three name options in case your first choice is taken
- The state where you want to form your LLC
- Your business address and mailing address
- The names and addresses of all members (owners)
- Whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed
- A short description of your business purpose
- A payment method for the package and state fee
Knowing whether your LLC will be member-managed (owners run it day to day) or manager-managed (appointed managers run it) is a common sticking point, so decide this with your co-founders before you file.
DIY vs using BizFilings
| Do it yourself | BizFilings | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | State fee only | State fee + $99 or $199 |
| Time | Research and paperwork on your own | Guided online process |
| Error checking | Your responsibility | Applications reviewed for errors |
| Registered agent | Act as your own or hire one | 3 months free included |
| EIN | Apply yourself | Included with Core |
DIY is cheapest if you are confident with paperwork and happy to be your own registered agent. A service is worth it if your time is valuable, you want privacy or you prefer having experts check the filing.
Ongoing costs to plan for
Forming the LLC is not the end of the costs. Most states require an annual or biennial report with a fee, and some charge franchise taxes. You will also pay for registered agent service after the free period, plus any local business licences. BizFilings notes these ongoing requirements, and it is worth setting reminders so your LLC stays in good standing.
LLC vs sole proprietorship vs corporation
| Sole proprietorship | LLC | Corporation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability protection | None | Yes | Yes |
| Setup | Simplest | Simple | More complex |
| Taxes | Personal income tax | Pass-through by default, can elect S corp | Corporate tax (C corp) or S corp election |
| Best for | Testing an idea | Most small businesses | Raising venture capital |
For most freelancers, consultants, agencies and small online businesses, an LLC offers the best balance of protection and simplicity. Speak to an accountant about whether an S corp election makes sense once your profits grow.
Choosing your state: home state vs Delaware or Wyoming
You will see a lot of advice online about forming in Delaware, Wyoming or Nevada. These states are popular for good reasons, but they are not automatically the best choice for a small business:
- Delaware is favoured by venture-backed startups because of its well-developed business courts and investor familiarity. It also has an annual franchise tax.
- Wyoming is popular for its low annual fees and privacy, and is often chosen by online businesses and non-US founders.
- Your home state is usually simplest if you have a physical presence, employees or customers there. If you form elsewhere, you may need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state too, paying fees in both.
If you are unsure, form in the state where you live and operate, and ask an accountant whether another state would genuinely benefit you.
Your first 30 days after forming an LLC
- Sign your operating agreement and store it with your formation documents.
- Open a business bank account using your certified copies and EIN.
- Set up bookkeeping so every expense and invoice is tracked from day one.
- Check licences and permits at state, county and city level.
- Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services.
- Get business insurance appropriate to your work, such as general or professional liability.
- Secure your brand online with a domain, professional email and website.
- Set compliance reminders for annual reports and registered agent renewal.
Protecting your limited liability
An LLC only protects your personal assets if you treat it as a separate business. Keep finances separate, sign contracts in the LLC’s name, keep your filings up to date and avoid mixing personal and business spending. Courts can “pierce the veil” of LLCs that are run as an extension of the owner’s personal finances, which defeats the purpose of forming one.
Common mistakes new LLC owners make
- Missing the annual report deadline and falling out of good standing.
- Using a personal bank account for business payments.
- Choosing a name without checking trademarks.
- Forgetting that the registered agent service renews after the free period.
- Skipping an operating agreement, especially in multi-member LLCs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low $99 starting price from an established Wolters Kluwer brand
- Name check and three months of registered agent service included
- Core package includes EIN and certified copies
- Applications reviewed for errors
Cons
- State fees are extra and vary by state
- Basic filing takes 7 to 10 business days to be submitted
- Registered agent service renews at a cost after three months
Our verdict
BizFilings is a solid, low-cost way to form an LLC with the backing of Wolters Kluwer. Choose Basic if you are cost-conscious and can get your own EIN, or Core if you want speed and the EIN handled. Either way, budget for your state fee and ongoing compliance, and keep your personal and business finances separate from day one.
Form your LLC with BizFilings →
Once your LLC is set up, you will need a website and a way to win clients. Talk to BIZOO about a fixed-price website and lead system for your new business.
FAQ
How much does BizFilings charge to form an LLC?
BizFilings packages start at $99 (Basic) and $199 (Core), plus your state’s filing fee.
Does BizFilings include a registered agent?
Yes. Both packages include three months of free registered agent service.
Does BizFilings get an EIN for me?
The Core package includes an EIN. With Basic, you can apply for an EIN yourself.
How long does BizFilings take?
BizFilings says filings are submitted in 7 to 10 business days on Basic and 3 to 4 business days on Core. State processing times are additional.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation.
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