Gone are the days when providing legal services costing a business thousands of dollars a year. Today, the same services are available at a fraction of the cost, with much greater flexibility and the convenience of online processing. Online legal service providers allow even small businesses to meet their legal needs, comply with regulations, and file necessary documentation on time, all while staying within budget.
From membership-based services to networks of individual professional attorneys, there is a great deal of competition in this sector. Small businesses looking to save on legal fees often find convenience in online legal service providers. To do so, make sure the service you hire is reliable. Look for a company that offers the services you need, with competitive pricing, efficient turnaround times, and the legal training resources you need.
If this result seems too complicated for you, check out our recommendations for the best online legal service providers in 2023.
Top 10 Online Legal Service Providers and LLC Registration
ZenBusiness makes starting a business easy by offering excellent products, services, and support every step of the way. This service uses technology and automated processes to offer entrepreneurs a fast and cost-effective way to establish and manage a business. More than 50,000 new businesses trusted ZenBusiness for their formation in 2020.
Its multifunctional platform makes it easy to access legal documents, such as EINs and operating agreement templates, in one place. As an added bonus, all ZenBusiness plans include the service of a registered agent who meets all the legal requirements set by your state.
This, coupled with their 100% accuracy guarantee, makes ZenBusiness the best choice for business design. We’re confident they’ll help you launch your business quickly.
PROS
- Live support
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- Rush and expedited filing options:
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
CONS
- No one-time cancellations in each state.
- Lack of filing options for nonprofits.
Incfile was named one of America’s 360 Best Startups by Entrepreneur magazine this year and lives up to expectations. The $0 upfront price plus state fees is a big plus, but the benefits make up for this low price. Whether you’re forming an LLC, an S corporation, another type of corporation, or a nonprofit, Incfile has you covered. All plans include name verification, incorporation drafting, one year of free filing agent service, online order tracking, and a free business tax assessment. Plus, next-day processing is a snap, and you’re promised lifetime customer support and notifications, so you never have to worry about how, when, or where to file your documents.
If you’re just starting your new business, Incfile has checklists for every step, including business license requirements and guides for entrepreneurs. The service is completely transparent, and you’ll always be aware of what’s happening, what’s coming up, when, and what’s next.
PROS
- Online access to documents.
- Lifetime notifications and customer support.
- Attractive pricing.
CONS
- Additional features require additional fees.
- Less informative for existing businesses.
Here’s something you probably didn’t expect from a legal services provider. Inc. Authority will help you form your limited liability company or corporation for free. You read that right! Inc. Authority offers this free service. It includes 5-step number verification, preparation and filing of all incorporation documents, service of a registered agent during your first year of business, secure and accessible digital storage of all initial documents, digital delivery, and management of business accounts. It also includes preparation and filing of the S Corporation Election Form (Form 2553), IRS notification, INC CARE customer support via email or phone, tax planning advice, and business financing analysis.
It sounds too good to be true. It is. Inc. Authority offers these services as a gesture of goodwill. Of course, other paid services are also available. Complete operating agreements and bylaws, company registration and seal, minutes and preliminary board of directors, ownership certificates, IRS Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN), tax advice, business license report, web domains, business credit advice, and Dun & Bradstreet registration are some of the services you can use with a paid plan.
PROS
- Free LLC and corporation formation
- One year of free registered agent services
- Options to update an application:
CONS
- Call to schedule an appointment and inquire about pricing.
- Not available for international businesses.
Swyft Filings is a leading legal services firm offering a wide range of legal services at a much more affordable price than hiring an attorney. Its free basic plan offers a variety of legal services, including drafting your bylaws, filing with the Secretary of State, free filing of your business ordinance, online access to your incorporation documents, and customer service. Available by phone or email.
You’ll also receive a free 30-minute business tax consultation with an attorney and ComplianceGuard notifications. This incredible range of services will cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you opt for traditional legal channels. More advanced plans include more services, such as obtaining your federal tax identification number, as well as customized LLC operating agreements, special bank resolutions, electronic delivery of government documents, a corporate digital personal package, and web hosting services. This plan includes free websites.
PROS
- Offers discounted registered agent services.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Form a corporation or LLC for free.
CONS
- Registered agent services are not included in the LLC Formation Plan.
- 2012 only.
Northwest Registered Agent streamlines the process and offers jargon-free guidance on corporate matters, data privacy, and security. The goal is to make business procedures easier for everyone, including foreign company founders who wish to incorporate in the US. They are here to help you complete the forms and start your business without complications, especially with paperwork and travel. They are an ideal partner for new and existing businesses, from preparing annual reports to forming limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and nonprofit organizations. If you use Northwest to register your business, you will receive free registered agent services for the first year. Each service offered is priced separately, so there are no subscription plans, and you will never have to pay for the services you need.
You will also find excellent customer service for US residents and foreign entrepreneurs looking to open an LLC in the EU. Customer service agents are easy to reach by phone or email, and their response time is up to 24 hours.
PROS
- Incorporate a business and get one year of free registered agent service.
- In-house customer service provided by a dedicated team of experts.
- Small businesses acquire small businesses.
CONS
- No support for sole proprietorships or partnerships.
- Lack of customer reviews (e.g., no Trustpilot reviews).
For both large and small businesses, LegalZoom helps anyone looking to establish a limited liability company (LLC). From tax returns, federal tax ID registration, and business licenses to legal advice and assistance from independent attorneys, LegalZoom offers a variety of services at very affordable prices.
PROS
- Fixed prices
- Simple forms
- Wide selection of services.
CONS
- Does not offer international coverage.
Rocket Lawyer puts a modern spin on legal services. Rocket Lawyer offers businesses overwhelmed and confused by legal issues a comprehensive, well-explained, and easy-to-use system to independently resolve all legal requirements. Whether you need to draft legal contracts, form an LLC, register your business, or draft legally binding business agreements, such as nondisclosure agreements or liability forms, Rocket Lawyer makes it as easy as you make it. Online.
And the best part is, by doing it yourself, you have two major advantages. First, you receive your documents immediately. As soon as you complete the information, your documents will be prepared on the website and ready for immediate download, distribution, and printing. This is an exceptional turnaround time. Plus, you’ll pay hundreds of dollars less for their services, eliminating traditional legal fees. This is a new era in business legal documentation, so contact Rocket Lawyer today and discover how easy legal services can be for modern entrepreneurs like us.
PROS
- Document protection is linked to legal protection.
- Lawyers demand fast and reliable responses.
- Immediate creation of legal documents.
CONS
- Self-filing of legal documents.
- No prerequisites for lawyers.
Do you need help with filing legal documents? Or perhaps you’re still in the planning stage of your company’s incorporation and need to understand the different types of corporations and their advantages? At any stage of the process, a firm can help you with all of this. MyCorporation offers legal services to suit all business needs. From incorporation and everything related, such as bylaws, model protocols, and stock certificates, to simpler tasks like verifying a company name, MyCorporation is the ideal choice.
MyCorporation also has practical business features. For example, you’ll appreciate the extensive document vault for secure online storage of confidential documents, as well as company location, updated contact information, and annual reports. Automatic updates make these tedious but important tasks seem effortless. Discover what MyCorporation can do for your startup today and finally focus on what really matters.
PROS
- Over 20 years of experience with over 1 million customers
- Expert advice for new and growing businesses
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
CONS
- The Basic plan leaves much to be desired
- The Basic plan does not offer registered agent services
MyCompanyWorks offers legal services to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States. If you’re starting a new business, you can streamline the registration process with MyCompanyWorks. You’ll also get a free domain name and one year of web hosting.
For established businesses, MyCompanyWorks guarantees an upgrade to Premium. This includes document management, solution management, and much more.
PROS
- Registration date reminder notifications
- Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs.
CONS
- Does not offer services for individuals or families.
Legal Nature is your source for fast, reliable, and easy legal services. From forming limited liability companies and corporations to customized services like wills, sales contracts, and even advance healthcare directives, Legal Nature manages the entire incorporation process, from document preparation to communicating with the state of your choice and submitting your application. The mobile-optimized service features a comprehensive, user-friendly dashboard and works with a wide range of businesses without restrictions.
Legal Nature offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the services you receive, we’ll refund your money, no questions asked. Even more impressive is that Legal Nature offers a 7-day free trial. You can try their services for a week completely free of charge. This is an incredibly generous offer you won’t find with other legal service providers.
PROS
- State deadline and fee calculation
- 7-day free trial
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+ rating for secure services
CONS
- Limited free legal advice
- No 24/7 customer service
What Are Legal Services?
You can consider legal services primarily as an alternative to traditional law. An online legal services website connects you with independent legal experts who offer personalized legal services when you need them. If you don’t want to hire a personal attorney, a legal services website can help you find a qualified professional to help you apply for licenses, draft contracts, and file documents without the hassle and fees associated with traditional law firms. Legal services are primarily geared toward small business owners, although some also offer services for personal legal matters.
Online Legal Services Pricing
You may have noticed that the prices for online legal services vary significantly. The biggest difference lies in the services included in the plans. If the company offers registered agent services as part of the plan, it will be more expensive. However, this service can be expensive, as most businesses require some type of registered agent.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $80 and $150 for standard limited liability company services. Incorporating a corporation is a bit higher. Here’s a typical price list, although prices may vary by business.
How Do They Work?
The process is straightforward, which is certainly important. After submitting a form explaining the service you need, you’ll be assigned a specialist to review the details of that specific task. An attorney can research, complete, and file the application for you, or provide you with sample forms and the guidance you need to do it yourself. The process varies depending on the task, but the goal is to reduce your time, either by hiring a specialist to help you get started or by receiving guidance throughout the process to streamline it.
What Services Do They Provide?
Most legal services websites are designed to meet the needs of small businesses or startups. Services range from LLC formation to contract drafting, bylaw research, trademark registration, and permit applications.
However, there are online legal services that also help with personal matters, connecting you with legal experts specializing in mortgage payments, immigration matters, powers of attorney, wills, and more.
What Is an S Corp, C Corp and LLC?
The first type of business entity an entrepreneur might want to open is a C corporation, an LLC, or even an S corporation (just for fun), which isn’t a type of business. Here’s what you need to know about each.
LLC
A limited liability company (LLC) is an attractive concept for entrepreneurs, as it offers some personal financial protection in the event of a business crisis, as well as tax and administrative flexibility. It can be taxed as a sole proprietorship or timeshare, but entrepreneurs avoid corporate income tax or maintain separate bank accounts. LLC owners are typically considered self-employed and are subject to taxes on their own earnings. However, they cannot issue stock, and their business is not known outside the United States. Furthermore, the owners of these companies are not subject to double taxation, so the CEOs only pay personal income tax, saving them significant time and paperwork.
C Corporation
Like an LLC, this is also a formal business, separate from personal liabilities and assets. This structure allows businesses to generate income or incorporate overseas, using investor funds to start the business. Corporations must also elect a board of directors, and the accounting and reporting requirements are much stricter than those of an LLC.
S Corporation
A small corporation is not actually a type of business, but rather an IRS tax classification. In an S corporation, the corporation does not pay taxes on its profits, as the business only pays taxes on individual shareholders. This protects owners from the double taxation that C corporations often face. Additionally, corporations are subject to reporting less frequently, which is an advantage over the traditional C corporation tax classification. S corporations are subject to additional scrutiny by the IRS and are not suitable for businesses seeking venture capital funding.
How to Choose the Right Legal Services Site for Your Business
Other services handle the paperwork for you.
Regardless of the service you use, you will likely be sharing confidential information and resolving important matters.
How Will a Legal Services Site Help Your Business?
First and foremost, legal services help you, the business owner, which in turn helps your business get off to a good start and continue to grow and prosper. Legal services such as LLC formation, license and permit analysis, and bylaw research can remove obstacles that could otherwise delay the process, deviate from your business plan, and result in fines and other violations. Legal services can save you the cost of a personal attorney while allowing you to focus on implementing your unique vision and business plan.
