Read about LegalZoom's highlights and shortcomings with our in-depth review. Includes pros and cons, and comparisons with Incfile and ZenBusiness.
Updated on November 13th, 2023
The SMB Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn anaffiliate commission. Learn more
Updates:
Updated 12th of May 2020
We added comparisons with ZenBusiness, Incfile, and Northwest, included additional information about LegalZoom's business services and latest news, and reviewed LegalZoom's shortcomings and highlights.
LegalZoom is an LLC formation service, Registered Agent service, and online legal services and forms resource for small businesses. Through simplified, self-guided legal services or an independent attorney, LegalZoom's services and forms cover everything from starting a business legally to tax, licenses, and permits.
Also Consider
FindLegalForms.com
Find Business and Personal Legal Forms
Valid in your state.
Attorney prepared.
60-Days Money Back
Review:
LegalZoom is a professional business services platform that offers essential documents, Registered Agent services, and business formation packages. LegalZoom's website is easy to navigate, and it has a wide range of services and forms available, but services can be expensive.
Pros:
LegalZoom offers a variety of plans to choose from. The company's website is easy to navigate and includes direct access to documents and tracking systems. Furthermore, users enjoy the service for its business management services, which help ensure your business remains legally compliant.
Cons:
Unlike most of its competitors, including ZenBusiness, Incfile, and Northwest Registered Agent, LegalZoom's formation plans are missing key documents, licenses, and services required to formulate a business, including permits, an EIN, and an operating agreement. Instead, you are expected to pay an additional fee for these services, which will hike up your overall costs.
Reputation:
LegalZoom has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau website with 249 customer reviews. With an average of 1.5 stars, the majority of reviews are negative. Customers have highlighted unexpected charges, incomplete work, and unresponsive customer services.
We did find several customer reviews that were more positive, stating the service provided them with excellent service and knowledgeable support.
Pricing:
Plan | Pricing* |
|---|---|
Limited Liability Company | From $0.00 + state fees. |
Corporation (Inc.) | From $149.00 + state fees. |
Nonprofit | From $99.00 + state fees. |
Doing Business As | From $99.00 + state fees. |
*Go to LegalZoom's website to view their full selection of service offerings.
Package Comparisons:
LegalZoom vs. Incfile:
LegalZoom and Incfile both offer business formation services but each company specializes in different areas. While Incfile is great for business taxes and compliance, LegalZoom provides a more full-service package that includes trademark applications and customized legal contracts.
LegalZoom vs. Incfile Comparison:
Features | LegalZoom | Incfile |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $0.00 + state fees. | $0.00 + state fees. |
Fastest Filing Speed | 10 business days | Next day (Gold & Platinum packages only) |
Online Access | ✓ | ✓ |
LLC Operating Agreement | x | ✓ |
Employer Identification Number | x | ✓ |
Registered Agent Service | x | ✓ |
Customer Support | Lifetime | Lifetime |
LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness:
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom both offer multiple LLC formation packages, as well as a starting price of $0.00 plus state filing fees. However, ZenBusiness stands out with the inclusion of additional services in some of its formation packages, such as employer ID numbers, operating agreements, and a business website builder.
LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness Comparison:
Features | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $0.00 + state fees. | $0.00 + state fees. |
Fastest Filing Speed | 10 business days | Three business days |
Online Access | ✓ | ✓ |
LLC Operating Agreement | x | ✓ |
Employer Identification Number | x | ✓ |
Registered Agent Service | x | ✓ |
Business Email | x | ✓ |
LegalZoom vs. Northwest Registered Agent:
Northwest Registered Agent's formation packages start at $225.00 plus state fees, which is costlier than LegalZoom, which starts at $0.00 plus state filing fees. Unlike Northwest, LegalZoom offers multiple packages but users will have to pay extra for an operating agreement and EIN registration.
LegalZoom vs. Northwest Registered Agent Comparison:
Features | LegalZoom | Northwest Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $0.00 + state fees. | $225.00 + state fees. |
Fastest Filing Speed | 10 business days | Varies by state. |
Online Access | ✓ | ✓ |
LLC Operating Agreement | x | ✓ |
Employer Identification Number | x | x |
Registered Agent Service | x | ✓ |
Customer Support | Lifetime | Standard |
Other Services by LegalZoom:
None of LegalZoom's plans include Registered Agent services and essential documents like Employer Identification Number (EIN), licenses and permits, and an operating agreement. Instead, users will need to purchase these services separately, which will significantly affect your overall price.
Registered Agent Services.
LegalZoom does not charge fees until documents are submitted to the state. Thereafter, users can expect to pay $249.00 for the first year and it will renew annually. Users opt for this service because it gives peace of mind that all documents are completed, scanned, and cataloged correctly.
Essential Documents.
LegalZoom essential document options, including annual reports, operating agreements, and articles of amendment, among others.
Key Information:
Legal Name | LegalZoom.com, Inc. |
Founder | |
Founding Date | Jul 01, 1999 |
Address | 101 North Brand Blvd. 11th Fl., Glendale, CA 91203 |
Number of Employees | 750 |
Number of Customers | 3600000 |
sales@legalzoom.com | |
Telephone | +1 (855) 787-1922 |
Website |
The Madrid Protocol
A complete guide to the Madrid Protocol. Includes information on why businesses should use it and a step-by-step guide to applying, as well as FAQs.
Oct 8, 2023
FAQs:
Is LegalZoom worth the money?
LegalZoom is easy to use and has quick turnaround times for filing and receiving your documents. However, it can be pricey and customer support is sometimes slow.
How much does LegalZoom cost?
LegalZoom's pricing varies considerably from service to service.
Is a will from LegalZoom legal?
LegalZoom is not a law firm and as such is not permitted to review your answers for legal sufficiency. It is also easy to make mistakes when filling in an online will. LegalZoom claims that 80% of people who fill in blank forms online do so incorrectly.
Is LegalZoom.com legit?
Yes, LegalZoom is an online legal service for small businesses to easily handle their paperwork and consult with lawyers when needed. LegalZoom is not a law firm.
What does LegalZoom do for you?
- Start a business or file business formation paperwork.
- Create legal documents with e-signatures.
- Register a trademark or apply for patents or copyright protection.
- Consult with a lawyer and get legal documents reviewed.
- Get business tax advice.
Is there a LegalZoom free service?
LegalZoom does not offer a free service at this time.
What are some LegalZoom alternatives?
- BizFilings.
- FindLegalForms.com.
- Rocket Lawyer.
- LawDepot.
- LawTrades.
- LegalContracts.
- LegalNature.
- PublicLegal Forms.
