The Worst LLC Service Review: Avoid Hidden Fees and Upsells

Starting an LLC is a crucial step in launching your business, and choosing the right partner for this process is essential. Unfortunately, not all LLC services are created equal. In this review, I will detail my experience with various LLC formation services and highlight why Zift Filings received the lowest grade.

Uncovering Hidden Fees and Sneaky Subscriptions

When I reviewed Zift Filings, I discovered numerous issues that make it the worst LLC service I've encountered. One of the most troubling aspects was the hidden $149 Compliance Guard subscription. Despite not recalling setting it up, I found it in my account as part of a 14-day trial. This sneaky subscription fee is automatically included in all packages, adding significant costs over the years.

Testing and Comparing LLC Services

To provide a thorough review, I purchased LLC services from the top seven providers and evaluated them across several criteria:

1. Support Efficiency: I tested how easily I could change the business name before filing the LLC.
2. Turnaround Time: I measured the time from ordering the LLC to its completion.
3. Spam Audit: I tracked how frequently each service sent upsell emails post-purchase.
4. Promotions and Five-Year Total Cost: I calculated the overall cost, including hidden fees, over five years.

Zift Filings: The Worst Performer

Support Efficiency

Zift Filings was the only service that required a phone call to make a simple name change, unlike other services that allowed changes via their portal, chat, or email. While they resolved my issue in seven minutes, the inconvenience of a phone call in 2024 was disappointing.

Turnaround Time

The initial processing time was 3 days, 1 hour, and 13 minutes, which was slower than other services. Worse, I received a notification 10 days later that there was an issue with my LLC, contradicting the initial confirmation.

Spam Audit

Zift Filings was the worst in terms of upsells, bombarding me with 26 emails in the first 43 days, averaging four emails per week. This was far more than any other service, with one service sending zero upsell emails.

Five-Year Total Cost

Zift Filings' five-year cost was misleading due to hidden fees. They advertised a $50 cost (state fee only), but a hidden Compliance Guard subscription added $149 annually. This sneaky practice meant a potential $745 extra cost over five years, a significant hidden expense.

Conclusion: Why Zift Filings Gets an F Rating

Zift Filings failed in multiple areas:

• Hidden subscription fees
• Inconvenient support processes
• Delayed processing times
• Excessive upsell emails

These issues make Zift Filings the worst LLC service I've reviewed. If you want to avoid hidden costs and sneaky subscriptions, I recommend looking at other LLC services.

For a detailed comparison and to find the best LLC service for your needs, watch my videos below. They cover the full review process and a five-year cost calculator to help you make an informed decision.