LegalZoom is an online legal technology company seeking to reshape the legal industry by offering convenient, affordable, high quality legal solutions.
According to their website, LegalZoom was founded in 1999 and has launched over 4 million businesses. LegalZoom is well-known as an LLC formation services provider, offering LLC formation packages that include various legal documents as well as other LLC services.
The LegalZoom logo is a registered trademark of LegalZoom Inc.
For those looking to start a new business, like a Limited Liability Company (LLC), LegalZoom’s name-brand recognition and simple filing processes make using their LLC formation service seem like a no-brainer.
Warning! If you don’t live or do business in the state where LegalZoom forms your LLC, you’ll need to register your LLC as a Foreign LLC in your home state. This means you need to maintain 2 LLC filings, pay 2 state filing fees, and maintain 2 Registered Agents.
Please see Best state to form an LLC to make sure you’re forming an LLC in the right state.
But should you form your LLC with LegalZoom?
There are some important factors to think about before you choose LegalZoom to help launch your business. The LLC University® team tested the LegalZoom website, talked to several customer service representatives, and read all the terms and conditions so you don’t have to.
Our LegalZoom LLC review will look at the features and LLC services LegalZoom offers. But we recommend you check out several LegalZoom reviews and read about other LLC filing companies before choosing a service provider.
Want a better deal? Hire Northwest instead ($39 + state fee). They have great prices and they don't have any upsells.
(See why Northwest is #1 in our Northwest Registered Agent review)
LegalZoom LLC Formation Services
According to the LegalZoom website, their LLC formation process is as simple as:
- Answering a few easy questions, which will take a few minutes.
- Paying the state filing fees and LegalZoom’s charges.
- Waiting for LegalZoom staff to assemble all necessary documents and file them.
- Receiving a complete LLC package either uploaded to your account or by mail.
Though all customers follow these 4 basic steps, the final product you receive depends on the specific LLC formation services package you purchase.
Does LegalZoom mail or email my LLC approval documents?
It depends. When we asked, LegalZoom said that depending on the document you ask them to file, and which state you’re filing in, they will either send your approved documents to you in the mail or you will be able to download them online.
LegalZoom LLC Formation Prices
Note: The LegalZoom LLC formation prices discussed below can change, as they frequently test different pricing models. The features of each package usually stay the same, however.
The most affordable LegalZoom LLC package is the Basic package. The Basic package costs $0 + state fee.
(For more information on LLC state fees, check out our page on LLC Costs.)
In the Basic package, LegalZoom will:
- Check to be sure your LLC name is available
- File your state LLC formation documents
- Give you a digital welcome packet (a copy of your filed documents and a checklist)
There are two upgraded LegalZoom LLC packages: Pro ($249 + state fees) and Premium ($299 + state fees).
LegalZoom LLC Formation Packages
The LegalZoom LLC packages really aren’t that different from each other. Both Pro and Premium packages provide everything in the Basic package we listed above, plus a few additions.
For instance, Pro just adds paperwork and a 90-day bookkeeping subscription to what you get with Basic (and your 90-day subscription auto-renews at $9.99 per month).
Premium is LegalZoom’s most expensive business formation service ($299 + state filing fees), but offers the same extra features as Pro, plus a subscription for attorney consultations. These 30-minute attorney consultations are limited to business basics (and your 30-day subscription auto-renews at $49 per month).
Honestly… We don’t think those extras are worth the steep price difference from Basic at $0 + state fee to Pro at $249.
What about customer support?
All of LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages come with customer support that is available by online chat or phone 7 days a week.
However, the LegalZoom representatives we talked to online and by phone had to ask for information about our business before they would answer our questions. Why do they need that, we wonder…
And they seemed much more focused on funneling us into the LLC formation questionnaire (and convincing us to purchase a product) than answering the questions we asked.
Hate calling customer support? Hire Northwest instead. They have great prices ($39 + state fee) and they do things right the first time, so you don't even have to experience their award-winning customer support. ;)
(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review to see why we're confident that you're in good hands.)
If customer support is important to you, here’s something to think about: LegalZoom makes quite a bit of money by upselling you to their “call a lawyer” programs. So how good is the basic, free customer support going to be?
How much are you willing to pay?
LegalZoom’s total fees for forming your LLC can get quite expensive (especially with the upsells and additional products).
You could work with Northwest instead. Northwest Registered Agent is our #1 recommendation for LLC formation. They'll take care of everything for $39 + state fees, and you'll get your first year of Registered Agent service for free. (See why Northwest is #1 in our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Speaking of fees, one of the top complaints about services like LegalZoom is the use of upselling. Many LegalZoom reviews talk about the number of upsells, as well as the comparatively high cost of the products and services offered.
Beyond the features included in the Basic, Pro, or Premium packages, LegalZoom gives users multiple opportunities to sign up for additional services.
If you signed up for every upsell product LegalZoom offers, you would be spending around $1,500. Yikes!
We break down each service and product below.
LegalZoom Review: Upsells
During the LLC formation process on LegalZoom, you will be offered several upsells on multiple pages before you get to the LLC information page. We did some extra research to figure out what you really get in each one.
Essential Documents
Essential Documents refers to document packages that include an Operating Agreement, EIN, and the legal templates library. LegalZoom offers 3 packages:
$99: LegalZoom will generate an LLC Operating Agreement.
- LLC University® Analysis: LegalZoom asks you some questions about your business and gives you a pre-filled Operating Agreement for $99.
- You can create your own at home by filling out our free LLC Operating Agreement template. Plus you can easily update it when details of your business change.
$159: Operating Agreement plus EIN
- LLC University® Analysis: LegalZoom will give you a pre-filled Operating Agreement and request an EIN number from the IRS for your LLC.
- That said, you can fill out our free Operating Agreement template, and also request an EIN number from the IRS online for free ($0).
$199: Operating Agreement, EIN, Forms & eSign
- LLC University® Analysis: This package is the same as LegalZoom’s Operating Agreement and EIN bundle, plus access to their template library. We discuss the LegalZoom library of forms and documents in more detail below.
Banking Offers
LegalZoom partners with various financial institutions and financial services providers. The last phase of upsells is usually offered from those partners.
In order to offer these deals, LegalZoom sells your contact information to these companies. And often, the financial institutions and service providers also sell your information. So signing up for these deals is potentially a privacy nightmare.
In this example image, the offer is a promotion (potentially up to $500 in statement credits, not cash) when you open a business bank account and a business credit card at the specific bank.
You can learn more about business bank accounts in our LLC Bank Account guide.
Expedited Processing & Founder’s Kit
This upsell initially seems like it’s a single package deal, but it’s actually 2 separate items. And they’re $99 each.
The Expedited Processing means that LegalZoom will file your documents with the state in 1 business day, instead of the standard processing time of 5-14 business days.
That said, you could also file your LLC yourself, and a lot of states approve LLC formation paperwork immediately, or within a few days.
The Founder’s Kit comes with a two-ring binder and notebook with your business name on it, your printed formation documents, and a checklist for next steps.
If you want to order a business seal or other stationery items, we recommend Moo.com. You can design and customize everything you order from Moo.com, unlike the bundled items through LegalZoom.
LegalZoom Review: Other LLC Services
LegalZoom also has other LLC Services that you can purchase individually, or in packages.
$99: LegalZoom will create a business license report.
- LLC University® Analysis: LegalZoom hires another company to research whether your business requires a license or permit to operate. Then, they send you a report that tells you what applications you need to file (if any), but don’t help you complete them or cover any of the fees as part of this package. This LegalZoom service also auto-renews at $99/year.
- If you need help with this license and permit research, we recommend Bizee, where you can get this same feature for the one-time fee of $99.
$39.50: LegalZoom will provide LLC Member Certificate templates for you to download after you fill them out.
- LLC University® Analysis: You’ll fill out a series of information fields to auto-fill LegalZoom’s Membership Certificate template, but you have to complete the billing information without seeing the completed template.
- That said, you can make Membership Certificates for your LLC at home: Download our free LLC Membership Certificate template.
Registered Agent Services
Learn more: What’s an LLC Registered Agent?
$249 per year: LegalZoom will be your LLC Registered Agent. This fee automatically renews every year.
- LLC University® Analysis: There are many Registered Agent service providers on the market, and they all offer pretty much the same thing. You can get the same service, plus better privacy protection, from Northwest Registered Agent for a lot less.
Annual Report
$99 plus state fees each year: LegalZoom will file your LLC Annual Report. What’s an LLC Annual Report?
- LLC University® Analysis: Annual Reports are usually sent to you by the state and easy to file – you just verify your LLC information (business address and Registered Agent information), pay the fee, and you’re done. Why pay an extra $99 every year to do that?
Compliance Filings
$199 per year plus state filing fees: LegalZoom creates a Compliance Calendar for your LLC, and will file your Annual Report. That said, you’ll still have to pay the state fees.
- LLC University® Analysis: LegalZoom files your Annual Report and sends you annual reminders on state filing requirements. But the only deadlines for an LLC are the LLC Annual Report and your federal, state and local taxes. Plus, you have to refer to a different calendar system instead of using your existing calendar. We don’t think it’s worth $199 for a separate calendar that only tracks 3 or 4 dates.
Compliance Filings plus Licenses and Permits
$299 per year plus state filing fees: LegalZoom will file your Annual Report, send you annual reminders, and perform a search for business licenses and permits that your business may need.
- LLC University® Analysis: You could pay $299 per year for these services, or you could use our free step-by-step instructions to file your Annual Report online. That way you only have to pay the state fees. And if you’d like someone to search for your business licenses and permits, we recommend Bizee’s service for $99.
How quickly do you need your LLC?
Tip: Check out our article on How long does it take to get an LLC in every state.
Processing times for paperwork at state offices can vary from a day to a few months. Most states offer a “rush filing” option that sometimes requires walk-in, hand delivery.
For those in a hurry to get their LLC up and running but who don’t live close to the Secretary of State office, LegalZoom has a courier located nearby that is able to submit the rush filing and have the legal forms processed more quickly. But you will have to pay extra for the courier, and the fee is nonrefundable even if your filing doesn’t get approved as fast as you hoped. (Read more in Satisfaction Guarantee below)
Premium Package
LegalZoom’s Premium package offers the same 5-14-day turnaround as the other plans. That said, just like the other plans, you can pay an extra $99 for 1-day business day turnaround with LegalZoom (+ expedited filing with the state). If you need to form an LLC right away, this might be worth it. But first, you should check to see whether your state offers expedited filing.
Then think about whether it’s worth paying LegalZoom $299 plus the state filing fee plus the state expedited fee.
Premium LLC Filing: How much does it really cost?
For example: What if you used LegalZoom to file an LLC in North Carolina?
File your own LLC: In North Carolina, the LLC filing fee is $125. And you can get 24-hour processing for an extra $99. If you filed your LLC yourself and expedited the filing, you would pay $224 total online. You would get your LLC documents filed the next business day if you filed online. You can save even more money by using our free Operating Agreement template and following our free step-by-step instructions for getting your EIN.
File with LegalZoom: If you purchase LegalZoom’s Pro package in North Carolina, you will pay the $125 state LLC filing fee, plus the $99 state expedited filing fee, plus the $249 Pro LegalZoom fees. You do also get the extra features LegalZoom adds to their upgraded packages (like an EIN and their Operating Agreement template), but you would pay $473 total. And you will get your approved LLC documents back in 5-14 business days – not the next day.
Does LegalZoom provide legal forms?
Not exactly. They use an interactive questionnaire to help you form an LLC. They don’t give you the Articles of Organization form directly.
Additionally, one of the most popular other services LegalZoom offers is their library of legal forms. If you want to use their legal templates, you can pay for the single document (usually $59 each), or purchase a monthly subscription ($99 per month) that allows you to generate and download multiple documents as you need them.
- LLC University® Analysis: LegalZoom doesn’t sell you templates or blank forms. Instead, you complete the questionnaire, pay their fees, and LegalZoom generates a document already completed with your information.
- The documents are always PDFs, never a Word document or other editable format. This means if you need the document again with different information, you have to fill out the questionnaire again and pay the fee again. You can’t just make changes to the document you already have. Said another way, they don’t directly provide you with legal forms that you can re-use later or modify.
Is using LegalZoom like having an attorney?
It can be, if you pay to hire one of LegalZoom’s attorneys. If the company you are trying to create is so complicated that you couldn’t complete the paperwork yourself, LegalZoom’s template documents are likely too simple to do the job well, anyway.
LegalZoom does provide more sophisticated customer support by connecting you with their staff attorneys, but this costs extra.
But LegalZoom gives legal advice, right?
No, they don’t. But if you pay for an attorney plan, LegalZoom will connect you with independent attorney for one 30-minute consultation per month.
But, there are limits. Basically you can discuss general legal issues like contract law or liability, and employment law concerns. And you only get one free 30-minute call for each issue – so if you have further questions about something you called about already, you can’t use one of LegalZoom’s legal plans. You would have to pay to get another attorney to help you.
LegalZoom’s site language sometimes sounds like they offer legal advice, while explicitly disclaiming it at the same time. Let’s look at LegalZoom’s Doc Assist program. This might sound like a service where a business attorney will look over your documents and evaluate them.
Unfortunately, it’s just an automated computer program that looks for typographical or completion errors.
It’s basically the same feature on most websites where it will warn you that you forgot to put in the City in your address. Or that you typed “Rodriguez” in one place and “Rodrigues” in another. No live person – definitely not a licensed attorney – is looking at your filing before they send it to the state. You are still responsible for the accuracy (or any errors) of your filing.
What questions do you have about forming an LLC?
Though the LegalZoom website has an extensive area dedicated to common questions, the answers provided are general and mostly focus on getting you to use different parts of LegalZoom’s site and features.
LegalZoom has plenty of articles on LLC formation topics too, but they are written by LegalZoom staff who may or may not be attorneys.
These resources are okay if you just want to know more about the costs of LegalZoom, or if you’re wondering whether LegalZoom offers specific services.
However, for the aspiring business owner with tougher questions like, “Is an LLC the best business structure option for my needs?” or “How do I minimize my risks as an employer?” LegalZoom suggests seeking a licensed and independent attorney. So even if you have a basic question about LLC formation, LegalZoom wants you to pay an attorney for an answer.
LLC University® offers a variety of articles on LLC formation in our Knowledge Library.
Satisfaction Guarantee
LegalZoom offers a satisfaction guarantee on their business formation services called the LZ Guarantee. That said, it’s limited.
If they make an error on your order, their LZ Guarantee page says that they’ll correct it at no cost to you.
But when it comes to refunds, once your documents are submitted to a government agency, you won’t be eligible for a refund. For example, this includes sending your LLC formation documents to the Secretary of State.
If your order doesn’t require LegalZoom to submit documents to a government agency, you can request a refund within 60 days of placing the order, but only if the order hasn’t been completed. For example, this includes documents like an Operating Agreement.
And if the order has been completed, you have 7 days to request a refund, but it’s not guaranteed to be granted.
As for subscription services, LegalZoom says they will refund most subscriptions within 30 days of the initial purchase as long as you haven’t used the service. For example, this includes subscriptions like the Legal plans and forms and LZ Tax services.
Lastly, any refunds that are granted won’t include third-party processing fees, like payments to their service partners. This means some refunds may not be for the full amount you initially paid.
The bottom line
Using LegalZoom saves aspiring business owners lots of time spent completing paperwork, and could potentially save them money.
As a company, LegalZoom has a 20 year history of success with clients. The website is user friendly, and customer service reviews are generally very positive.
However, LegalZoom is not an adequate substitute for legal representation and cannot offer the same protections provided by an authorized business attorney.
Note: Check out our Northwest Registered Agent review to compare some LegalZoom alternatives.
LegalZoom LLC Review FAQs
Is LegalZoom better than IncFile?
We compared the LegalZoom versus IncFile, (now called Bizee) in 2025 based on their LLC formation packages, Registered Agent services, customer support, upsells, extras, and pricing.
While both companies are popular options with a lot in common, our favorite of the two was IncFile. To see why, check out our IncFile vs LegalZoom review.
Alternatively, our ultimate favorite – and the service we use ourselves – is Northwest Registered Agent. Northwest has the best customer service with agents who are LLC experts, in addition to having excellent package pricing, and useful extras. They also offer address privacy.
Check out our Northwest Registered Agent review for more about why they’re our favorite.
What is the difference between LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer?
LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer both offer LLC formation services as well as legal forms.
However, while LegalZoom focuses more on business formation services, Rocket Lawyer is more of a legal services company that also offers LLC formation services.
Check out our Rocket Lawyer vs LegalZoom review for more details.
What is the best LLC formation service?
We’ve reviewed the top LLC formation services in the industry and think the best are:
Northwest Registered Agent- Our #1 recommendation for privacy
- ZenBusiness
- MyCompanyWorks
- Bizee (formerly IncFile)
- Rocket Lawyer
- LegalZoom
To learn more about how these companies compare against each other, check out Best LLC Services.
Note: If you want to save money, you can start your LLC yourself using our free step-by-step guides.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
I recently attempted Legal Zoom because I am in the process of starting a PLLC. I thought it would help me as I am apprehensive about this first time experience. This article is completely correct when it is talking about the upselling! The consult I received from the lawyer (what I was most hopeful for) was highly disappointing (one-word responses to questions, no general advice about the PLLC process). The meeting was supposed to be 30min but ended up only being 20min. I signed up for the premium LLC subscription… I feel like I should have just done it on my own. I would not recommend this option for first-time business start-ups.
Hi Misty, thank you for sharing your experiences. It’s super helpful for us, and for other readers too. Really a bummer to hear about all that :( I hope things have gotten better. Let us know if you need anything.
My business partner and i would like to start a multi member LLC and cannot find this option within the legal zoom web site. every option shows single LLC option. recommendations?
Hi Russell, I’m not sure exactly where it is on their site, but I’m sure it’s there somewhere. If you can’t find it, check out how to start an LLC guides if you want to file yourself. Or if you want to hire a company to form the Multi-Member LLC, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent.
Hey quick question. I have an EIN number can you help me get a llc
Hi Tiffany, the LLC will need its own EIN. We don’t offer LLC formation services, however, we have instructions here: how to form an LLC. If you’d like to hire someone for help, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent. Hope that helps.
Hello Matt,
I’m interested in filing an LLC in Pennsylvania. Based on your website, I can simply file the Certificate of Organization and Docketing Statement myself online. What would be the advantages of having Legal Zoom file these documents for me if I can submit these forms to the state myself? If I’m simply trying to create/file the LLC, is there a reason I should consider paying Legal Zoom’s fee in addition to the state filing fee? I understand that I’d have to eventually apply for an EIN myself if I go the DIY route, but from what I understand, that’s easy enough and free as well. I also understand that I will need to create a Keystone Login and a PENN File account, but you outline the steps to do that. Am I missing something here? I’m not seeking additional legal help, I simply want to get the LLC filed. Is the Keystone Login/Penn File account set up so difficult that I should consider paying Legal Zoom to do this for me? I’m not certain I’m understanding what the benefit of using Legal Zoom would be if I can do all of this myself. Thanks for your help!
Hi Melanie, no, you are not missing anything at all! In fact, you sound very educated and have gathered all the information about forming an LLC in Pennsylvania. Some people just want someone else to do it for them and others don’t spend the time learning about the steps. But we have all the steps listed on our website. Just follow the “Detailed Lessons” in order and you’ll be fine :) You’re very welcome.
I want to have LLC in Colorado. How much it will cost and how long it will take to register LLC?
Hi Kainat, the Colorado state filing fee is $50 (see Colorado LLC Articles of Organization). The Articles of Organization is approved instantly via the Colorado LLC online filing. If you hire someone to form your LLC, it may take a few days before you get your LLC approval. Your Colorado LLC also needs to file a Periodic Report every year and pay $10 (please see Colorado LLC Periodic Report). Hope that helps.
Hi… I want to start a LLC in CT legal zoom seems exorbitant… However I want to make sure it’s all done properly… Can you help direct me to other options? Thank you
Hi Beth, sure thing. We recommend checking out Northwest Registered Agent. Hope that helps :)
Does legal zoom file with the registry of deeds? If so, what is the process and is the fee part of the legal zoom fee? Or is it additional?
Hi Kimberly, we’re not sure if they file with the Registry of Deeds. You’ll need to reach out to their support. Feel free to leave an update after you find out. Thank you.
Hi Matt I’m Fernando Martinez and I want sell on Amazon FBA and I need a LLC with EIN Number I live in California can you help me with that and i want to know how much it costs? And what services is more fast and the price thank you
Hi Fernando, a California LLC costs $70 to form and then is $800 per year. The EIN is free from the IRS. If you want to file yourself, our instructions will walk you through the process: forming a California LLC. Just follow the “detailed lessons” in order. If you want to hire someone to form your LLC for you, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent LLC. Hope that helps.
veryyyy helpful, thank you so much :)
Hey Azara! You’re very welcome :)
Ty for the infi n advice. Om so excited to start this process. By spring I’ll be ready to go.Ty Matt!!
You’re very welcome Jennifer! So happy to hear we could help :)
Does legalzoom, as well as its competitors automatically put you in google search and other engines?
Hi Carl, it’s not the filing company that puts you in google searches, but instead when you form an LLC, that information goes on public record with the Secretary of State’s office. Then certain websites – not google – “scrape” (usage of software to grab information in bulk) the records and put them on their website. And there are many of these websites. Google indexes content on the web. So if someone googles “Bob’s LLC + (state name)” google returns the web search results which were listed on those websites that scrape the data… which originally came from the Secretary of State website… which is the information that you list on your LLC filing document (Articles of Organization, Certificate of Organization, or Certificate of Formation). One solution around all of this is to hire a Commercial Registered Agent that allows you to use their address throughout your LLC filing form. This will keep your address off of public records. And depending on the state where you form your LLC, they may not ask for owner (Member) information, so that’s a plus. Hope that helps!
My name is Wayne Davis how much is a LLC for Missoula Montana 59802 with the EIN number and do yr take payments at all
Hi Wayne, we have instructions here on how to form an LLC in Montana. Currently, the state filing fee is $70. Hope that helps.
V helpful thank you !!
Fantastic! You’re very welcome Kris.