Hello, I'm Attorney Elizabeth Pot Weinstein. Today, we're going to compare four popular services—ZenBusiness, Stripe Atlas, Doola, and BetterLegal—to help you decide which one is best for setting up your LLC or corporation. If you're thinking about starting a business, you'll want to consider these options, as hiring an individual attorney can be quite expensive. Let's dive into the details of each service.
ZenBusiness
Overview: ZenBusiness is a well-known LLC formation service that offers a range of packages to suit different needs.
Key Features:
- Starter Plan: $0 plus state filing fees. This includes standard filing speed and essential services.
- Pro Plan: $199/year, includes faster service and an operating agreement.
- Premium Plan: $299/year, includes even faster service and a website.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Affordable starter plan.
Cons:
- High upsell attempts.
- Registered agent service is $199/year, which is on the higher end.
Who Should Use ZenBusiness: Ideal for small businesses looking for a cost-effective way to form an LLC, especially those who prefer a streamlined online process with basic support.
Stripe Atlas
Overview: Stripe Atlas is designed for businesses, especially startups, that are looking to incorporate in Delaware and potentially seek venture capital.
Key Features:
- Formation Fee: $500.
- Services Included: Delaware C-Corp formation, EIN, first year of registered agent fees, and access to partner benefits.
- Banking: Assistance with setting up a U.S. bank account, even for non-U.S. residents.
Pros:
- Excellent for international founders.
- Comprehensive support for venture-backed startups.
Cons:
- Limited to Delaware C-Corp formation.
- Not suitable for LLC formation or other states.
Who Should Use Stripe Atlas: Best for international entrepreneurs and startups planning to seek venture capital and need a Delaware C-Corp.
Doola
Overview: Doola is another service geared towards international founders, offering LLC formation in various states, including Wyoming and Delaware.
Key Features:
- Basic Package: $197 plus state fees, including EIN, operating agreement, and one year of registered agent service.
- Premium Package: $2,200/year, includes compliance services, bookkeeping, and tax filing assistance.
- Banking Assistance: Helps with setting up a U.S. bank account.
Pros:
- Comprehensive support for international founders.
- Transparent pricing for basic services.
Cons:
- Higher-end compliance services can be expensive.
- Annual renewal fees apply for registered agent and compliance services.
Who Should Use Doola: Ideal for international entrepreneurs who want to form an LLC in states other than Delaware and need extensive ongoing support.
BetterLegal
Overview: BetterLegal offers a quick and straightforward LLC formation process with transparent pricing.
Key Features:
- Formation Fee: $299 plus state fees.
- Services Included: Operating agreement, EIN, and express processing.
- Optional Registered Agent Service: $90/year.
Pros:
- Fast processing time (1-2 business days).
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Cons:
- Limited additional services compared to competitors.
- System issues may cause confusion about state filing fees.
Who Should Use BetterLegal: Great for business owners who need a quick, transparent, and straightforward LLC formation process.
Conclusion
Each of these services offers unique advantages depending on your business needs:
- ZenBusiness is ideal for cost-conscious small businesses looking for basic LLC formation.
- Stripe Atlas is perfect for international entrepreneurs and venture-backed startups forming a Delaware C-Corp.
- Doola provides extensive support for international founders forming LLCs in various states.
- BetterLegal offers a fast and straightforward service for those who need quick LLC formation with clear pricing.
Choose the service that best matches your business requirements and budget to ensure a smooth and efficient formation process.
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