How to compare LLC formation services
Formation services all file the same state paperwork. The differences are in price, what’s bundled, how renewals work, and how hard they push add-ons. Here’s how to compare them fairly.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from Swyft Filings if you sign up through our links. That doesn’t change what you pay, and we include the DIY option below.
What to compare
| Factor | What to look for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Total first-year cost | Package price + state fee + registered agent + any add-ons you actually need | Low headline prices that exclude the state fee or registered agent |
| Registered agent | Whether year one is included and the renewal price after | Auto-renewal at a higher rate; check how to cancel |
| Operating agreement | A customizable template for single- and multi-member LLCs | Paying extra for a basic template |
| EIN filing | Optional — it’s free and quick to do yourself at IRS.gov | Large fees for something the IRS does free |
| Speed | How fast the service submits; state processing is a separate timeline | “Expedited” fees that only speed up the service’s side |
| Compliance support | Annual report reminders, document storage, mail scanning | Subscriptions you don’t need that renew automatically |
| Support and reviews | Real phone/chat support; recent reviews on independent sites | Only testimonials hosted on the company’s own site |
Why Swyft Filings is our convenience pick
For most first-time owners who want the filing handled for them, we think Swyft Filings is a solid, straightforward choice. It prepares and files your Articles of Organization, offers registered agent service and EIN filing, and provides ongoing compliance tools.
- Good fit if: you want a guided, done-for-you filing and like having registered agent and reminders in one place.
- Check before you buy: the current package price, what’s included, and the registered agent renewal price.
- Skip optional add-ons you can do yourself, like EIN filing, if you’re trying to keep costs down.
When DIY is the better choice
If your state has a simple online portal, you’re comfortable serving as your own registered agent (with a public address and someone available during business hours), and you’re fine drafting an operating agreement from a template, filing yourself is the cheapest route. You’ll pay only the state fee.
Follow our DIY step-by-step guide →
How we evaluate services
We look at published pricing, what’s included at each tier, renewal terms, and the sign-up experience. We update this page when pricing or offerings change. We are not a law firm, and a formation service is not a substitute for an attorney if your situation is complex.
Last updated October 2026.