Best Online LLC Formation Services In California (CA) 2024
Reviewed by Randolph Vialva, MBA
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If you want to start a limited liability company in California, then hiring a California online LLC service is the easiest way to do so. They’ll guide you through the entire process – from filling out your operating agreement to setting up a business bank account and completing your remaining formation documents.
However, finding the best California online LLC service for your goals and preferences can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this guide. It highlights the best California online LLC formation service options out there to help you figure out which is best for your California business.
So without further delay, let’s get into it.
Read more: Best California Registered Agen 2024
Best LLC Services In California 2024
- ZenBusiness: Best Overall
- Northwest Registered Agent: Best Additional Services
- IncFile: Best Online Tools
- TailorBrands: Best Customer Service
- LegalZoom: Best Reputation
What Is An LLC Service In California?
California online LLC formation services help you turn your business into a licensed and registered limited liability company in the state of California. The business formation service that you hire will help you complete an operating agreement or articles of organization based on the kind of business you want to create.
Many of the best LLC service options offer more than just support with formation documents and state filing fees.
For example, your service provider will also likely be able to help you set up a business domain, research corporate guides, assist with personal asset protection, and perhaps even work with you on business tax consultation. You may even qualify for free LLC service if you choose the right package.
Best LLC Services In California September 2024
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness stands out with some of the best customer support in the industry and a number of helpful online LLC services to choose from.
- Starts at $0 plus state fees
- Premium registered agent and compliance services
- Affordable EIN and expedited filing options
- Doesn’t have a national reputation
ZenBusiness includes no state fees, and will handle all of the paperwork required to obtain your company’s EIN. It saves you the trouble of going through the IRS to file your taxes.
In addition, they provide premium registered agents and compliance services to assist you. Furthermore, you can choose expedited filing for your business, which prioritizes your business formation documents over others with only standard filing speed.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest is our top pick overall thanks to its affordable online business formation service and high-quality support options.
- Affordable
- Great customer support team
- Helpful online tools
- Some premium services missing
Northwest is an LLC formation service that you can’t go wrong with. It offers excellent California LLC services as well as registered agent service and other business formation services to help you get as much value for your California businesses through this online service as possible.
The only downside to choosing this option is that most LLC service providers offer premium service options and other LLC formation services, whereas Northwest is limited in these advanced services.
IncFile
IncFile offers more online tools than most LLC services and can help with LLC paperwork or California articles of organization at an affordable price.
- Great online tools
- Easy to start using
- Affordable
- Missing some premium services
If you value having access to lots of helpful online tools throughout the business formation process, then IncFile may be the best-registered agent services and LLC operating agreement provides for your goals.
The company can help with everything from free registered agent service and basic legal services to setting up an employer identification number and business insurance, and choosing a business name that won’t violate copyright agreements with any S corporation or C corporation.
TailorBrands
Tailor Brands offers the most marketing and website support options out of any of the best LLC filing services on our list.
- Help with website creation
- Logo generation
- Marketing integrations and tools
- More expensive than other options
Tailor Brands could be the right LLC formation services for your company if your California LLC needs help with logo creation, marketing, and website building in addition to LLC formation services. It offers all of these services in addition to great registered agent service options to choose from.
The major downside to this LLC and registered agent service is that costs more than other LLC formation options. If you’re okay with paying a bit extra to set your California limited liability company up for long-term success, then Tailor Brands could still be a good fit.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom has the best reputation in the industry and offers the most support for ongoing legal services and business licenses.
- Best Reputation
- Ongoing legal and business services
- Excellent customer support and reviews
- Can be more expensive than other options
If you want ongoing business and legal assistance in addition to comprehensive LLC formation support, then LegalZoom could be right for you. The company makes it super easy to go through the LLC formation process and turn a sole proprietorship into a California LLC. It offers registered agent services and top-notch customer support in addition to California LLC formation services.
The one downside to this LLC formation option is that its LLC formation services and registered agent service can be a bit more expensive than other providers, though you do get extra value for the extra amount you pay.
How Much Does An Online LLC Service In California Cost?
It typically costs between $50 and $199 to start an LLC with a licensed business domain name in California. But you may have to pay state filing fees on top of this. Plus, if you want help with more than just filling out your operating agreement, such as free legal services or bank account management, then your price could go up.
How To Start An LLC In California?
If you want to start an online LLC in California, you can do it on your own. But it’s typically much easier and less stressful to go through one of the companies on our list.
The process for that generally looks something like this:
- Choose a provider
- Select the LLC formation package you want
- Fill out the paperwork they request and pay the filing fee
- Wait 3-4 weeks for the state to process your application
That’s it! As long as you pay your filing fee and fill out the correct paperwork, the company you hire should take care of everything else for you.
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Final Thoughts
Hiring an online LLC service is the easiest way to turn your business idea into a fully functioning LLC that’s licensed to operate in the state of California. Northwest is our top pick overall thanks to its affordability, excellent customer service, and helpful online resources.
However, you may also want to consider ZenBusiness if you’re looking for an affordable option or Tailor Brands if you also need support with marketing and website creation.
Finaly, you can use any of the options on our list and be happy with your decision. The best company for your needs will depend on your business’s goals and preferences.
Read more: LLC Vs. Sole Proprietorship: What You Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An LLC formation service is a company that helps businesses like yours become LLCs that are registered in the state of California.
It typically costs between $50 and $199 as a one-time fee, but you may also have to pay additional fees to the state.
Yes, it’s possible to do all of this work on your own, but you risk making mistakes that cause delays in your application. Plus, it can be stressful and pull you away from your work.
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- Frequently Asked Questions :: California Secretary of State. Ca.gov. Published 2020. Accessed November 21, 2022. https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/faqs
- Limited Liability Companies – California (Domestic) :: California Secretary of State. www.sos.ca.gov. Accessed November 21, 2022. https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/limited-liability-companies-california-domestic
- Forms, Samples and Fees :: California Secretary of State. www.sos.ca.gov. Accessed November 21, 2022. https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms
- California Registered Agent | For LLCs & Corporations. Northwest Registered Agent. Accessed November 21, 2022. https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/registered-agent/california
- California Agent for Service of Process. ZenBusiness Inc. Accessed November 21, 2022. https://www.zenbusiness.com/california-agent-service-process/