DIY vs LLC Formation Service: What You Pay For

Filing directly with the state costs only the state fee. A formation service adds convenience and bundled extras for an additional fee.

What you can do yourself

Name search, filing, and the IRS EIN (free) are all things you can do yourself. State sites are usually self-serve; some are clunky.

What services typically add

Filing on your behalf and checking the paperwork
A registered agent for a first year (check what happens after)
Operating agreement templates
Compliance reminders

What to watch for

Whether the quoted price includes the state fee, which varies by state
The renewal price of registered agent service after year one
Upsells you do not need (such as paid EIN filing, which is free from the IRS)
Whether you can transfer your agent and records out later

How to decide

If your state's site is simple and you can be your own agent, DIY costs the least. If you value speed, privacy or are forming in a state where you do not live, a service may be worth it. The site currently has no partner links or ads; see our disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth paying for a formation service?

It depends on your time and situation. The legal outcome is the same as filing yourself; you are paying for convenience and add-ons.

Want someone else to handle the filing?

A formation service files the paperwork for a fee on top of the state fee and often includes a first year of registered agent service. It saves time, but you can file directly with the state for the state fee alone. Compare DIY and services.

General information, not legal or tax advice. See our methodology and disclosure.