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Natalie Cusson is a small business owner with over 15 years experience in the creative arts. She's worked on ad campaigns for many trusted brands such as Nike, Subaru, Polaris, Red Bull and Progressive Insurance, just to name a few. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Natalie is driven by her love for writing and research, and is committed to maintaining a growth mindset. Not only is she passionate about learning and growing, she believes in embracing a healthy lifestyle.
With 20 years of experience, Kiran Aditham has navigated the field in editorial and writing, from working with major pubs like Adweek, AdAge and PSFK to now working at Forbes Advisor.
Natalie Cusson is a small business owner with over 15 years experience in the creative arts. She's worked on ad campaigns for many trusted brands such as Nike, Subaru, Polaris, Red Bull and Progressive Insurance, just to name a few. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Natalie is driven by her love for writing and research, and is committed to maintaining a growth mindset. Not only is she passionate about learning and growing, she believes in embracing a healthy lifestyle.
With 20 years of experience, Kiran Aditham has navigated the field in editorial and writing, from working with major pubs like Adweek, AdAge and PSFK to now working at Forbes Advisor.
Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that include estates, probate, finance, business, bankruptcy and more. Her website is www.BretteSember.com.
Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that include estates, probate, finance, business, bankruptcy and more. Her website is www.BretteSember.com.
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Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 12:15pm
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you are in search of the best LLC service to help you start your business in Delaware, look no further! We have compiled seven of the best Delaware LLC services of 2024. With a handful of companies rising above the rest, these top Delaware LLC service providers have demonstrated exceptional services, tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses seeking to form their LLC. These service providers have proven themselves as trusted partners, empowering entrepreneurs and businesses alike to navigate the complexities of the formation and management process with ease and confidence.
Our ratings take into account a product’s cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
$0 + State Fees
Service Time
Varies By State & Package
1
ZenBusiness
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product’s cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Our ratings take into account a product’s cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
$0 + State Fees
Service Time
Varies By State & Package
2
LegalZoom
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product’s cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
$39 + State Fees
Service Time
Varies By State & Package
3
Northwest Registered Agent
3.7
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.
After carefully evaluating a total of 12 LLC service providers, we have compiled a list of our best Delaware LLC services of 2024 using a comprehensive methodology. Our assessment criteria encompassed elements such as pricing, general features, service and support, mobile app, customer reviews and expert scoring, all of which were conducted by our editorial staff.
Best Overall
LegalZoom
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LLC Formation Price
$0 to $299 plus state filing fees
Avg. Turnaround Time
Seven to 10 days
Other Services
Legal services, personal services, registered agent
Legal services, personal services, registered agent
Editor's Take
LegalZoom is a top-rated business formation service provider, offering comprehensive services for LLC formation—making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish their own limited liability companies online. Not only is LegalZoom a great option for setting up an LLC, but it is considered a one-stop solution for every part of your life including personal, family or intellectual property.
LegalZoom offers a basic LLC formation plan starting at $0 plus filing fees to get you started. If you need all the essentials to operate in compliance, including an operating agreement, the Pro plan starts at $249 plus state filing fees. If you want an experienced attorney to help you form your business correctly, LegalZoom offers a Premium plan starting at $299 plus state filing fees.
Unlike other service platforms, LegalZoom offers a wide array of legal solutions beyond just business formation. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking assistance in multiple areas including a one-stop shop for their legal needs.
Pros & Cons
100% satisfaction guarantee with 60-day refund
Top-rated customer support
Customizable legal forms
Wide range of legal services available
Pricey registered agent fee
Costly add-ons
Turnaround depends on state of Delaware
Best for Fast Filing Speeds
ZenBusiness
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LLC Formation Price
$0 to $349 plus state filing fees
Avg. Turnaround Time
One day to three weeks
Other Services
Registered agent services, DBA, Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Registered agent services, DBA, Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Editor's Take
ZenBusiness is an online business formation platform known for its team of experts, making it stress-free for entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of forming an LLC. It is also known to quite possibly offer the largest range of business formation services. ZenBusiness is not only affordable but offers fast filing, strong customer reviews and extended customer support hours.
As for the cost, ZenBusiness offers three pricing plans; Starter, Pro and Premium. The most basic plan, called the Starter plan, is free of charge, you just have to pay the Delaware state filing fees. The Pro plan starts at $199 per year plus state fees, and includes an operating agreement. The Premium plan starts at $349 plus state fees and includes its fastest rush filing speed of one to two days.
ZenBusiness is an attractive option for small business owners solely looking for cost-effective business formation services, fast filing speeds and great customer support. It doesn’t provide access to attorneys, but it does provide additional services from branding your business to banking and finance.
Pros & Cons
Strong customer reviews
Worry-free compliance
Fast filing speeds
Easy site to navigate
Add-ons can get costly
Website builder features not as robust as other platforms
Best for a Full Suite of Startup Services
Bizee
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Incfile offers a wide range of formation services, including preparing and filing the necessary paperwork for your LLC. Incfile stands out in the online business formation industry for many reasons. It is known for superb customer satisfaction as well as an easy-to-use platform, fast turnaround and transparent pricing.
Incfile offers three pricing plans, all of which come with unlimited name searches, a free registered agent for a year and preparation and filing of your articles of organization. Incfile’s basic Silver plan is $0 per year plus the Delaware state filing fee and comes with unlimited email and phone support. The most popular plan is the Gold package starting at $199 plus state fee; this plan includes an EIN tax number. Lastly, the Platinum package starts at $299 plus state fees and includes full-service features and next-day filing.
Incfile is a great choice for small business owners looking to form an LLC. It is a great option for those who want to package services together at a discount, rather than paying for add-ons. It’s best for anyone looking for a superfast, very responsive and easy-to-use service.
Pros & Cons
No hidden costs or subscriptions
Superfast filing speeds
Free registered agent one year
Free compliance reminders
No legal, tax or accounting advice
Must be at least 18 years old to register
No cancellations or changes to an order after payment has been submitted to government entity
Best for All the Legal Help You Need
Rocket Lawyer
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LLC Formation Price
$0 to $99.99 plus state filing fee
Avg. Turnaround Time
One to two days
Other Services
Registered agent services, attorney services, tax preparation and filing
Registered agent services, attorney services, tax preparation and filing
Editor's Take
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal service platform that offers a membership service. Memberships provide access to a wide range of legal services and resources including step-by step guidance and document preparation for forming an LLC. Rocket Lawyer stands out for its subscription-based pricing plan for $39.99 per month along with a seven-day free trial. LLC formation is free for new members plus state fees with membership. Without a membership, the LLC filing cost is $99.99 plus the state fees. You may also cancel at any time.
Rocket Lawyer is unique for many reasons—its business formation services include articles of organization, a library of customizable legal documents including operating agreements, bylaws and more. Members also have access to legal advice from licensed attorneys. Rocket Lawyer also provides a secure platform for storing and sharing important legal documents.
Rocket Lawyer is a versatile platform and can be used by anyone who needs business formation services as well as ongoing access to legal documents, legal advice, tax preparation and legal documents for personal matters.
Pros & Cons
Legal documents
Attorney services
30 min. consultation with a lawyer
Free trial
Membership cost can add up
Credit card required for free trial
$99.99 business formation plus state fees with no membership
Best for Spanish- and English-Speaking Clients
Active Filings
3.8
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LLC Formation Price
$0 to $250 plus state fees
Avg. Turnaround Time
Five to 20 days
Other Services
Registered agent services, EIN filing, DBA filing
$0 to $250 plus state fees
Five to 20 days
Registered agent services, EIN filing, DBA filing
Editor's Take
Active Filings is the third-oldest independent U.S. incorporation service with a dedicated Spanish-speaking staff. Active Filings caters its services to help you establish a business in America. Active Filings provides a friendly user interface allowing customers to complete the business formation process in five minutes. It believes in fair rates, no hidden charges and accurate state filing fees.
Active Filings has three packages for domestic LLC formations and incorporations: the Starter, the Sprinter and the Finisher. The Starter package is completed within 20 business days at no cost, you just pay state filing fees. The Sprinter package is $100 plus state fees. It includes an EIN number and is completed in up to five business days. The Finisher package is $250 plus state fees. It is completed in up to five business days and includes a corporate seal and book.
Who should use it:
Active Filings is a great incorporation service for someone who is looking for basic LLC filing formation and for someone who is a native Spanish speaker. Its free LLC formation service includes Articles of Organization or Incorporation and free registered agent services for a year, which is something not all service providers include.
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Swyft Filings is owned by an experienced lawyer who designed the incorporation service to help small businesses avoid high-priced legal fees. Swyft Filings’ mission is to help you get your company up and running as easily, efficiently and affordably as possible. It takes pride in its full-service customer support by assigning you with a personal business specialist with whom you can contact directly via chat, email or phone.
Swyft Filings offers three pricing packages. Its most basic LLC formation package is free, just pay Delaware state fees. Filing time with the Basic package is 10 days with standard shipping. Next in line is the Standard package for $199 with state fees, which includes an EIN and five-day express filing and expedited shipping. Lastly, the Premium plan is $299 plus state filing fees and includes 250-plus customizable legal and business documents with same-day filing speed and expedited shipping.
Swyft Filings is great for anyone who is a new business owner and looking for superb customer support. Its support team will walk you through the entire process, providing fast and professional service.
Pros & Cons
Excellent customer reviews
Personalized customer service
Online learning center
Online access to your corp documents
Add-ons and upgrades can be a bit excessive
Add-on for registered agent service
Best for Both LLC Formation and Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LLC Formation Price
Free DIY or $225 plus state fees
Avg. Turnaround Time
One to seven days
Other Services
Mail forwarding services, Privacy by Default, Corporate Guides
Mail forwarding services, Privacy by Default, Corporate Guides
Editor's Take
Northwest Registered Agent provides registered agent services specifically tailored for LLCs. Northwest acts as the registered agent for your LLC, receiving legal and official documents on behalf of your company. This includes important items such as service of process (lawsuits), tax notices, annual reports and other official correspondence from the state of Delaware.
Northwest Registered Agent offers simplified LLC services. You have two options; the free DIY route or the LLC formation service.
DIY is exactly as it sounds—do it yourself. It allows you to handle your own business filings free of charge, such as forming an LLC or corporation. Northwest Registered Agent provides guidance and resources to assist you in completing these filings accurately and efficiently and it is available if you need a registered agent. If you decide you want to hire Northwest instead, you may simply add services inside your account.
Northwest Registered Agent also offers a paid plan starting at $225 plus state fees. This plan includes a registered agent service for one year, free limited mail forwarding, an operating agreement and a client account with an abundance of free forms and tools.
Northwest Registered Agent is great for anyone who is looking for a reliable, trustworthy registered agent service as well as LLC formation. Northwest Registered Agent also offers additional services such as free legal forms, EIN and DBA filing.
Pros & Cons
Very affordable
LLC comes with a business address
Won’t sell your data
No free plan
Add-ons can get pricey
Add-on for faster processing times
Compare Top LLC Services
Company
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Forbes Advisor Rating
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LLC Formation Price
Avg. Turnaround Time
Other Services
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LegalZoom
4.5
$0 to $299 plus state filing fees
Seven to 10 days
Legal services, personal services, registered agent
Forbes Advisor has developed a rubric to assess and score each company on the list. We evaluated a total of 12 LLC service providers to objectively determine our top seven. The rubric assesses five main areas of criteria that were scored and weighted. Each area contributed a specific percentage towards the final score of 100%. By dividing the score into categories, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation, taking into consideration various factors that are important to users when choosing the best Delaware LLC service provider.
Pricing
We researched the average price points of online LLC service providers and rated them based on their pricing transparency and affordability, from lowest price point to highest price point. Providers with pricing plans listed publicly scored higher than those that did not display this information. We also took into account companies that offered a free trial or free version. Pricing and affordability accounted for 20% of the overall score.
Service and Support
To get an overall sense of customer support quality, we looked at what LLC formation services offer in terms of phone support, live chat with human versus bot, 24/7 customer care and providers that included knowledge base resources. This accounted for 10% of the overall score.
General Features
The availability of general features accounted for the largest portion of our scoring, making up 30% of the overall score. Companies that provided name availability search, online document access, registered agent add-on, articles of organization and additional legal and business services received the highest score.
Mobile App
We took into account LLC formation providers that included mobile app accessibility and rated it for 5% of the overall score. Any LLC service providers that offered mobile app functionality on Android and Apple received a higher score.
Customer Reviews
Our customer review score included a sum total of ratings from Trustpilot, G2, Capterra and BBB ratings, reviews and complaints. This accounted for 15% of the overall methodology score. Each LLC service provider was scored by its customer reviews, which ranged from 0 being the lowest score to 5 being the highest score.
Expert Score
Our expert score was evaluated based on the formation providers’ standout features, value for money, ease of use and popularity with the public. Some of those features may include security features and additional services, a money-back guarantee and superb customer support. The expert score counted for 20% of the overall rating.
Featured Partners
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ZenBusiness
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
$0 + State Fees
Service Time
Varies By State & Package
1
ZenBusiness
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
$0 + State Fees
Service Time
Varies By State & Package
2
LegalZoom
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Pricing
$39 + State Fees
Service Time
Varies By State & Package
3
Northwest Registered Agent
3.7
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
A limited liability company is a type of business entity that combines the benefits of a corporation and a sole proprietorship. It provides limited liability to its owners, meaning their personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities. A sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity from its owner and is responsible for all business debts and liabilities. A corporation has a more complex structure and has liability protection.
Name your LLC: Select a unique name for your LLC that complies with Delaware’s naming rules. The name should include “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
Appoint a registered agent: Designate a registered agent who will receive legal and official documents on behalf of your LLC in Delaware. The appointed registered agent must have a physical address in the state of Delaware.
File a Certificate of Formation: Prepare and submit the Certificate of Formation to the Delaware Division of Corporations online or by mail. Don’t forget to pay the filing fee along with your Certificate of Formation. This important document includes basic information regarding your LLC, such as business name, registered agent and principal of business.
Create an operating agreement: Although it is not a state requirement, it can be very beneficial to create an operating agreement that outlines the ownership structure, management responsibilities and operating procedures of your LLC.
Obtain necessary licenses and permits: You may need to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your LLC. Research the requirements in the state of Delaware on any specific license and permits at the federal, state and local level.
Obtain an EIN: If you plan to hire employees or your LLC has more than one member, you’ll need to obtain an EIN from the IRS. If you are a single-member LLC, an EIN is not required but can still be beneficial. An EIN is free of charge.
File an annual report: Every year, all corporations in the state of Delaware are required to file an annual report and pay the associated fee. The report confirms the LLC’s current contact information and is due by March 1 annually.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best LLC service provider. Each service provider brings something unique to the table, but one size does not fit all as you’ll want to decide which LLC service best aligns with your specific needs and requirements. Here are some factors to consider:
Reputation: What is the track record of the LLC service provider? Look for reviews, testimonials and feedback from customers. Does it rate well with customer satisfaction and reliability?
Services offered: What services are absolutely required for your LLC? Do you need registered agent services, annual report filing, compliance support, DBA, EIN, mail forwarding? Ensure that the service provider offers the specific services to meet your needs.
Pricing and value: Compare the pricing structures of different LLC service providers. Consider the overall value for cost.
Customer support: What is the level of customer support offered by the LLC service provider? Many providers will walk you through the process and assist you with any questions or concerns every step of the way.
User-friendly platform: Consider the ease of use and functionality of the platform, how long will it take to file your LLC online and what is the turnaround time? How easily accessible are online forms? Does the website provide additional resources and is it easy to navigate and log in to your account?
In conclusion, selecting the best Delaware LLC service requires careful consideration, as you’ll want to make sure the service provider can supply the necessary support for your LLC as well as ongoing management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a certificate of formation?
A certificate of formation is a legal document that is filed with the appropriate state agency such as the Secretary of State or Division of Corporations to officially create an LLC. This document contains important information concerning your LLC and typically is required by state law to complete the formation process of an LLC.
How much does the certificate of formation for an LLC in Delaware cost?
The fee to file a certificate of formation for a limited liability company (LLC) in Delaware is $90. It’s important to note that fees may change over time, so it’s advisable to check with the Delaware Division of Corporations website for the most accurate information.
Is my LLC in Delaware required to pay franchise tax payments and file an annual report?
No. Delaware LLCs do not need to pay franchise tax or file an annual report. Instead, LLCs are required to pay an annual tax, called the Alternative Entity Tax, of $300 each year.
How much does it cost to file an LLC in Delaware?
Delaware charges $90 to domestic entities submitting a certificate of formation and $200 to foreign entities to complete a certificate of registration.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Natalie Cusson is a small business owner with over 15 years experience in the creative arts. She's worked on ad campaigns for many trusted brands such as Nike, Subaru, Polaris, Red Bull and Progressive Insurance, just to name a few. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Natalie is driven by her love for writing and research, and is committed to maintaining a growth mindset. Not only is she passionate about learning and growing, she believes in embracing a healthy lifestyle.
With 20 years of experience, Kiran Aditham has navigated the field in editorial and writing, from working with major pubs like Adweek, AdAge and PSFK to now working at Forbes Advisor.
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