Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on August 16, 2022 Updated on March 11, 2024
If you’re starting an LLC in Connecticut, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most important hurdles. This step can be terribly complex and time-consuming, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to professional formation services.
But which are the best LLC formation services in Connecticut? This article takes a closer look, stepping into an entrepreneur’s shoes, to help you choose the service that puts you on the road to success.
Here we summarize our top picks of business formation services in Connecticut.
Best LLC Formation Services in Connecticut
ZenBusiness
4.7/5
Best Overall
Price: $0 to $349 (3 plans offered) + state filing fees
Offers registered agent services, but as an add-on for $199
In Connecticut, forming an LLC is made simpler with ZenBusiness’s variety of plans tailored to meet the specific needs of business owners.
The Starter plan is priced at $0 plus Connecticut state fees and includes a business name availability search in Connecticut and full support for your LLC formation.
Upgrading to the Pro plan for $199 plus Connecticut state fees not only covers the Starter plan services but also provides an operating agreement template tailored to Connecticut, an EIN, annual compliance service, and expedited filing.
For those seeking comprehensive assistance, their Premium plan, available at $349 plus state fees, encompasses all Pro services plus access to a vast business document template library, domain name, website, and email.
ZenBusiness emerges as our top pick for the best overall LLC filing company in Connecticut due to its affordable base service, which includes Connecticut LLC filing and a 100% accuracy guarantee starting at $0 plus state fees.
Notably, ZenBusiness stands out as a Public Benefit Corporation, signifying its dual commitment to profit and a community-oriented mission reminiscent of a nonprofit.
Besides facilitating LLC formation in Connecticut, ZenBusiness offers a plethora of additional services, from registered agents to diverse business tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value ($0 business formation plan)
Great customer support
Positive customer reviews
Quick and easy purchase process
Company is socially responsible and active
Cons
Registered agent service not included in the plans (add-on)
Cancellation can be a lengthy process
Some information is difficult to find on the website
ZenBusiness offers valuable services for budding entrepreneurs. While registered agent services are an add-on, their excellent customer support, user-friendly site, and positive reviews make them a top choice.
In Connecticut, Northwest offers a comprehensive plan for those interested in forming an LLC. Priced at $39 plus state fees, this package encompasses business formation, complimentary registered agent services for one year, a business address, an operating agreement tailored for Connecticut, and a few other beneficial features.
Considering the intricacies of Connecticut’s business landscape, this plan presents significant value. The inclusion of registered agent services and an operating agreement tailored for Connecticut — both crucial components in LLC establishment — makes it particularly advantageous for prospective business owners in the state.
However, it’s worth noting that even if you decide to forgo the registered agent services, you will still be billed the entire plan price.
Northwest Registered Agent, indicative of its name, is predominantly recognized for its registered agent services within Connecticut. As registered agent, they pride themselves on delivering a more personalized customer service experience and prompt notification of any correspondence, ensuring businesses in Connecticut remain compliant and informed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-designed package offers good value (registered agent service included in the first year)
Outstanding customer service
Website is intuitive and resourceful (free legal documents and forms)
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent because of their transparent pricing, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to maintaining your privacy. They pride themselves on personalizing their approach to meeting your registered agent needs, which are their specialty.
In Connecticut, Swyft Filings offers tailored packages for LLC formation. Their Basic package, for Connecticut state fees alone, covers company name verification, Certificate of Organization preparation, and document filing with state authorities. It also provides online document access and lifetime customer support.
For a more comprehensive solution, the Standard package, at $199 plus Connecticut state fees, adds a custom operating agreement, a federal tax ID (EIN), and tools for your inaugural LLC meeting.
The Premium package, priced at $299 plus Connecticut state fees, includes everything from the Standard package, along with expedited filing, a business document library, compliance notifications, a domain and website, and a digital LLC kit featuring a company “seal” and ownership tools.
Across all offerings, Swyft Filings is noted for its exceptional customer support and consistently positive reviews in Connecticut.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value
Fast turnaround times
Personalized customer service specific to your needs
Quick and easy purchase process
Good rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons
Registered agent services not included in packages and pricier than competitors
Swyft Filings offers fast processing but doesn’t include registered agent services in their packages, making additions somewhat costly. However, they provide good value overall and strong customer support.
In Connecticut, LegalZoom offers a range of plans tailored for those aspiring to form an LLC. Their Basic plan, priced at just the Connecticut state fees, provides a business name availability search specific to Connecticut, the business formation service, and comprehensive customer support. Additionally, customers can benefit from a digital welcome packet, an online-accessible business website, and constant online access to their formation documents.
For a step up, the Pro plan, at $249, builds on the Basic plan’s offerings by introducing an operating agreement tailored to Connecticut regulations, an EIN, a business license guide, and initial phone consultations with specialists.
The Premium plan, at $299, encompasses all Pro plan features and further offers unlimited 30-minute consultations with attorneys and changes to your Connecticut LLC for 30 days. Moreover, clients can expect in-depth guidance from a business attorney throughout the process.
LegalZoom’s distinct edge in Connecticut is the vast array of additional legal services and documentation they offer, making them a comprehensive choice for potential business owners in the state.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Reputable and reliable services
Local attorneys available in all 50 states
Great customer support
Quick and easy purchase process
Variety of legal services and documents available to business owners
Cons
Registered agent service cost is higher compared to competitors
LegalZoom’s services are easy to use and they offer great customer experience. They offer a wider variety of legal services and have been in business for more than 20 years. Overall, they’re a great one-stop shop for all of your business formation and legal needs.
In Connecticut, MyCorporation provides several packages tailored to individuals seeking to establish an LLC.
For $99 plus Connecticut state fees, the Basic plan offers business formation, a business name availability search specific to Connecticut, and online document storage.
The Standard plan is priced at $124 (plus Connecticut state fees) annually and builds upon the Basic plan by incorporating annual report filing for your Connecticut LLC.
At an annual fee of $224 plus state filing fees, the Deluxe plan provides all services from the Standard plan with the added value of registered agent services tailored for Connecticut businesses.
MyCorporation’s Premium plan costs $324 in addition to state fees annually and includes a unique service known as MaintainMyBiz.
It’s important to note a peculiar practice by MyCorporation. They mark up state fees for an additional profit.
Despite this, MyCorporation does stand out by offering several unique add-on services at additional costs, some of which aren’t readily available with other business formation services. In Connecticut, this could include specific services like unemployment insurance and tax withholding registration.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Long-standing reputation
Wide range of business services
Easy to use website, with a very straightforward procedure
Great customer service with many positive reviews
Additional features for new business owners
Cons
Confusing and seemingly inflated prices
Pushy upselling
Lack of clarity on turnaround times
We put MyCorporation on the list because of the extensive list of services they offer, although we are not a fan of the marked-up state fees that are not disclosed. They have, however, been in business for a long time and have a good Trustpilot rating.
In Connecticut, Filenow provides two tailored packages for those aiming to form a business. The Starter plan comes at the cost of $49, offering company compliance alerts specific to Connecticut regulations, a tax consultation suitable for the state’s taxation system, and assistance in setting up a business bank account.
The Premium plan lets clients benefit from all features of the Starter plan, with the added perks of a complimentary year of registered agent services (aligned with Connecticut requirements), an operating agreement tailored for the state, an EIN, a banking resolution, a range of business contract templates, and a promise of 24-hour processing. This plan costs $199 plus state filing fees.
Filenow stands out in the Connecticut market, particularly for its swift processing times and commendable money-back guarantee. Their Premium plan, given its comprehensive inclusions, represents an outstanding value for potential business owners in the state.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Good value offered without hidden fees
Live 24-hour Order Processing
24/7 customer support
Money-back guarantee
Error-free filing, or your money back
Cons
No free business formation plan
Limited service options (no annual reporting, no legal services)
Filenow’s Premium plan is an exceptional value based on what you get for the price. It’s less expensive than similar plans offered by competitors. They also offer fast turnaround times, and a money back guarantee.
Why Use a Business Formation Service for your LLC in Connecticut?
A business formation service handles the business formation process for you, making it nearly seamless while offering additional services that can make life easier for a new business owner. Whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, a business formation service takes care of all the red tape, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
What to Look for When Purchasing an LLC Service in Connecticut?
With so many business formation services to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There are four essential elements that can help you make your decision.
Features
Each service offers various products and services, and their plans are all designed differently. You may need some services but not others, so you need to choose the service that offers everything you need. For example, only some of the providers offer annual report filing.
If it’s important to you to get that task off your plate, you’ll want a service that offers that feature. Another feature you might need is a digital dashboard where you can always access your business formation documents.
You’ll want to choose a service that has everything you need to make starting and running your business as easy as possible.
Pricing
Of course, you’ll want to get the best value for your money!
Compare the cost of each service for everything you need. The price can really add up when you start adding extras, so be careful not to go too far. You also want to get good value and great customer service, so if you’re considering the cheapest service, check the reviews to see how people feel about it.
Turnaround Time
Business formation turnaround times vary with each service, so if you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running, you’ll want to look for the quickest service. You don’t want your order to sit in an office for too long before your paperwork gets filed with the state. Some services differentiate themselves with fast turnaround times, so if they also offer good value, that might be your best choice.
Customer Service and Reviews
One good way to learn about the quality of anything you’re buying is to listen to what people are saying about it. When we review services we look at Better Business Bureau ratings and reviews, as well as TrustPilot reviews. It’s wise to look at both positive and negative reviews to find out what people love about the service and about the issues customers have encountered.
Remember that fake reviews are common, so you’ll have to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt.
Our Approach
As an entrepreneurial advisory site, we take our responsibilities seriously. We understand that countless entrepreneurs, and potential entrepreneurs, rely on our judgments and insights, particularly when it comes to creating their business.
As a result, our writers do their utmost to gain a comprehensive understanding of the services offered and the actual customer experience. In nearly every case, we:
Examined every page of the service’s website
Reviewed all of their offerings, from a la carte products to packages
Put ourselves in the customer’s shoes, creating an account
Communicated with customer service via chat, email, and phone
Used the service to actually form an LLC
Gained a full understanding of the customer experience and service value
Thanks to this full immersion in the actual customer experience, our reviewers are able to provide the most complete and insightful analysis of various LLC formation services.
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