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 13, 2022 Updated on October 2, 2023
If you’re starting an LLC in Utah, 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 Utah? 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 Utah.
Best LLC Formation Services in Utah
ZenBusiness
4.7/5
Best for Startups
Price: $0 to $349 (3 plans offered) + state filing fees
Offers registered agent services, but as an add-on for $199
For those in Utah seeking to establish an LLC, ZenBusiness provides a range of tailored plans. The Starter plan, at $0 plus Utah’s state fees, offers a business name availability search specific to Utah and complete formation support.
Following that, the Pro plan, priced at $199 plus Utah’s state fees, includes everything in the Starter plan along with a tailored operating agreement for Utah businesses, an EIN, annual compliance service, and rush filing.
For those needing comprehensive services, their Premium plan, at $349 plus Utah state fees, delivers all Pro services, a business document template library suitable for Utah LLCs, domain name, website, and email.
ZenBusiness stands out as the top choice for Utah LLC formation due to its competitively priced base service, which offers LLC filing in Utah with a 100% accuracy guarantee, starting at just $0 plus state fees.
Furthermore, ZenBusiness is recognized as a Public Benefit Corporation, which means it operates as a for-profit entity with community-oriented goals akin to nonprofits.
Apart from Utah LLC formation, ZenBusiness provides an array of supplementary services, ranging from registered agents tailored for Utah businesses to various business tools. However, note that these can increase expenses.
Historically, ZenBusiness has received commendable feedback from its clientele, solidifying its reputation among Utah business owners.
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.
Northwest offers a plan priced at $39 plus Utah state fees. This includes business formation tailored to Utah’s regulations, free registered agent services for a year, a business address suitable for Utah businesses, an operating agreement customized for Utah LLCs, and several additional features.
This Utah-specific plan represents outstanding value, particularly since it encompasses crucial elements such as registered agent services and an operating agreement tailored to Utah’s legal framework.
However, it’s worth noting for those in Utah that even if you opt out of the registered agent services, the full plan price remains applicable.
Primarily known for their expertise in registered agent services, especially in states like Utah, Northwest Registered Agent distinguishes itself in the field. As a registered agent, they extend personalized customer support and prompt correspondence notifications, ensuring Utah LLC owners are always well-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.
Swyft Filings offers its Basic package for just the Utah state fees. This package covers verification of your company name as per Utah’s regulations, preparation of the Certificate of Organization tailored for Utah, and document filing with the Utah state authorities. Additionally, you’ll receive online access to your documents and a lifetime of customer support.
For a more comprehensive package, Utah LLC entrepreneurs can opt for the Standard package at $199 plus Utah state fees. It encompasses all the services from the Basic package and further includes a custom operating agreement suitable for a Utah LLC and a federal tax ID, or EIN. You’ll also gain access to custom banking resolution services and organizational minutes, helping you convene your inaugural Utah LLC meeting.
The Premium package, tailored for Utah businesses, integrates everything from the Standard package, plus the perk of expedited filing with Utah state agencies. Furthermore, it offers a business document library, compliance notifications designed for Utah LLCs, and a business domain name and website. This package is complete with a digital LLC kit that provides a digital company “seal”, a ledger for tracking ownership transfers in Utah, and personalized ownership certificates. Utah entrepreneurs can acquire the Premium package for $299, excluding Utah state filing fees.
In Utah and beyond, Swyft Filings is recognized for its exceptional customer support and consistently positive reviews from customers.
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.
LegalZoom presents its Basic plan at just the Utah state fees. This package offers a business name availability search in line with Utah’s guidelines and essential business formation services, all complemented with comprehensive customer support. Utah businesses will also appreciate the included digital welcome packet and a dedicated business website. Moreover, your formation documents tailored for a Utah LLC are accessible online anytime.
For a more enhanced experience, the Pro plan, priced at $249, provides all the features of the Basic plan, enriched with an operating agreement suited for a Utah LLC, an EIN, a Utah-specific business license guide, and initial phone consultations with experts familiar with Utah business norms.
The Premium plan, designed especially for the ambitious Utah LLC, is priced at $299 and incorporates everything the Pro plan offers. Additionally, it provides unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations tailored for Utah business requirements and alterations to your Utah LLC for an entire month, with the direct assistance of a business attorney well-versed in Utah regulations.
LegalZoom sets itself apart in Utah and elsewhere with its vast range of additional legal services and documents tailored to the unique needs of every business.
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.
MyCorporation offers various plans tailored to your needs. The Basic plan, priced at $99 plus Utah’s state fees, covers business formation, a name availability search specific to Utah requirements, and online storage for your documents.
The Standard plan, priced at $124 annually plus Utah state fees, goes a step further by assisting with annual report filing pertinent to Utah LLCs.
Moving up, the Deluxe plan, at $224 annually plus the state fees for Utah, wraps in the benefits of the Standard plan and adds registered agent services ideal for your Utah LLC’s compliance needs.
The most comprehensive offering, their Premium plan, priced at $324 annually plus Utah state fees, integrates the exclusive MaintainMyBiz service, streamlining various aspects of your Utah LLC’s operations.
However, a point to note: MyCorporation tends to mark up state fees for additional profit. As an example, while the actual state fee for Ohio LLC formation is $99, MyCorporation lists it at $110. Such practices, not being transparent, might go unnoticed if you’re unfamiliar with specific state fees, like those of Utah.
MyCorporation does stand out by offering several additional services for extra fees, some of which are rare in the industry. This includes specialized services like unemployment insurance and tax withholding registration, which are beneficial for Utah businesses.
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.
Filenow has tailored offerings suitable for a Utah LLC. Their Starter plan, priced at $49, encompasses company compliance alerts geared towards Utah regulations, a tax consultation relevant to Utah’s tax framework, and assistance in setting up a business bank account in the state.
Stepping up, their Premium plan, set at $199, integrates Utah-specific benefits like a free year of registered agent services ideal for Utah LLCs, a tailored operating agreement, an EIN, a banking resolution pertinent to Utah banking standards, business contract templates, and an impressive 24-hour processing time.
What sets Filenow apart, especially for businesses in Utah, is their rapid processing times and a reassuring money-back guarantee. Notably, their Premium plan presents remarkable value for Utah LLCs, ensuring a smooth business setup 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 Utah?
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 Utah?
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 a 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 and Trustpilot ratings and reviews. It’s wise to look at both positive and negative reviews to find out what people love about the service and about 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.
Comments