Starting an LLC in New York can feel complicated, but choosing the right formation service makes the process much easier. With so many options available, it helps to know which companies offer reliable support, clear pricing, and strong compliance tools. We’ll show how to find the best LLC services in New York that fit your specific business goals.
We’ll look at trusted names like Northwest Registered Agent, Incfile, and ZenBusiness, along with other well-known providers that help form and manage LLCs. As we compare features, pricing, and legal factors, we’ll explain what to look for so you can make confident decisions about your business setup.
1) Northwest Registered Agent
We consider Northwest Registered Agent one of the most reliable options for LLC services in New York. The company has built a strong reputation for privacy protection and responsive customer support.
We like that they scan legal documents the same day they receive them. This helps us stay updated on important state notices and service of process without delay. Their mail forwarding and online account access make managing business correspondence simple.
At $125 per year, the cost is straightforward and competitive. Some reviews, such as those on LLC Geek, note that customers can get one year of registered agent service free when forming an LLC through them.
We also value that Northwest keeps personal information off public records, which helps maintain privacy. Their platform is easy to use and includes compliance reminders to help us meet state filing deadlines.
2) Incfile
We view Incfile as a practical choice for forming an LLC in New York. The company is known for its low-cost filing options and user-friendly online platform. It helps us complete state paperwork quickly and provides clear guidance through each step.
Incfile includes a free registered agent service for the first year, which adds value for new business owners. The service also offers lifetime company alerts to remind us about important filing deadlines. This helps reduce the risk of missing state compliance requirements.
Many reviews highlight Incfile’s responsive customer support and easy online dashboard. According to LLCKeen, its affordable pricing and reliable assistance make it a strong option for New York entrepreneurs. We find its combination of cost efficiency and simplicity appealing for small business formation.
Incfile’s transparent pricing and straightforward process make it accessible to those starting their first company. While it may not offer as many advanced tools as some competitors, it delivers what most new LLC owners need—fast setup, compliance reminders, and dependable support.
3) ZenBusiness
We view ZenBusiness as one of the most practical options for forming an LLC in New York. It offers an affordable setup process, with plans that start at no cost beyond the state filing fee. The company’s online platform makes it simple to complete each step without confusion or unnecessary delays.
We appreciate that ZenBusiness provides tools that help us stay compliant after formation. Its dashboard tracks deadlines, sends reminders, and keeps important documents organized. This helps reduce the risk of missing state filing requirements.
Customers often highlight the company’s helpful support team and clear guidance. According to ZenBusiness’s 2025 review, its Velo AI assistant and compliance alerts make managing a New York LLC more efficient. These features can save time for small business owners who prefer a structured process.
We also note that ZenBusiness has earned positive ratings for reliability and ease of use. Reviews from Venture Smarter and LLCBuddy describe it as a cost-effective and user-friendly service. For most entrepreneurs seeking a simple, guided formation experience, ZenBusiness represents a balanced mix of affordability and support.
4) LegalZoom
We view LegalZoom as one of the most established options for forming an LLC in New York. The company has operated since 2001 and has helped many small business owners handle state filings and basic legal paperwork. Its experience gives us confidence in its reliability for standard formation needs.
LegalZoom offers online filing, name checks, and document preparation. It also provides access to an independent network of attorneys for legal consultations and document review. This feature can help business owners who expect to need legal guidance beyond formation.
Pricing starts at $0 plus state filing fees, but additional services increase the total cost. We find its plans flexible, though not always the cheapest compared to competitors. The platform’s clear instructions and customer support make it suitable for people who prefer a guided process.
According to CreditDonkey’s 2025 review, LegalZoom stands out for businesses with ongoing legal needs. We agree that its broad service range can benefit those who want both formation and legal help in one place. For entrepreneurs seeking convenience and professional support, LegalZoom remains a dependable choice.
5) Rocket Lawyer
We view Rocket Lawyer as a practical option for forming a New York LLC. The platform guides users through each step online, helping complete state-required paperwork quickly. Its digital process makes it accessible to both first-time business owners and experienced entrepreneurs.
Rocket Lawyer also provides ongoing legal support through its subscription model. Members can access legal documents, attorney consultations, and advice, which can be useful for businesses that need regular legal help. According to Forbes Advisor, the service is free with a Rocket Legal+ membership, though users still pay the state’s $200 filing fee.
We find Rocket Lawyer’s mix of affordability and legal resources appealing for small to mid-sized businesses. Reviews highlight its user-friendly platform and broad legal coverage, as noted by LLCGeek. This combination of convenience and support can save time when managing compliance or drafting contracts.
For those who prefer a single provider for both formation and legal services, Rocket Lawyer offers a balanced solution with flexible membership options and reliable access to professional guidance.
6) Harbor Compliance
We view Harbor Compliance as a reliable option for forming an LLC in New York. The company provides guided online tools that help us complete filings and meet state requirements without confusion.
They handle name availability checks, preparation and filing of articles of organization, and provide templates for operating agreements. Their registered agent and compliance services help us stay in good standing with the state.
Harbor Compliance offers a single-package formation service starting at about $99 plus state fees, according to LLC Geek. We can add other services, such as annual report filing or ongoing compliance monitoring, as needed.
We also appreciate that they assign dedicated account managers to guide clients through each step, as noted by Boost Suite. This personal support makes the process more straightforward for new business owners.
Their focus on compliance and transparency makes them a practical choice for those who want a structured and dependable formation experience in New York.
7) Swyft Filings
We find that Swyft Filings offers a simple way to form an LLC in New York. The company provides an online platform that helps small business owners file the right documents quickly and correctly with the state.
We like that Swyft Filings includes support for registered agent services and compliance tools. These features help keep businesses in good standing after formation. The service also provides document templates and reminders for state filing deadlines.
According to Swyft Filings’ review on Startup Savant, the company assists with forming LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. It has built a reputation for fast turnaround times and accessible customer support.
While Boostsuite’s review notes that pricing can appear low at first, we should review all add-ons carefully. Some services renew automatically, so it’s important to understand what’s included before checkout.
For entrepreneurs who want a guided filing process and responsive help, Swyft Filings can be a practical choice. Its tools and support make starting a New York LLC more manageable for first-time business owners.
8) MyCompanyWorks
We find that MyCompanyWorks offers a straightforward way to form an LLC in New York. The company focuses on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners handle formation, incorporation, and entity management efficiently.
We like that their online system guides users through each step of the formation process. It helps ensure all required state filings are completed correctly and on time. This reduces the chance of delays or errors when starting a business.
Their packages include helpful features such as compliance alerts and document storage. These tools make it easier to stay organized and maintain good standing with the state.
We also appreciate that MyCompanyWorks provides customer support for questions about setup and management. While pricing may vary depending on the chosen plan, the service is designed to save time and simplify administrative tasks.
9) CorpNet
We find that CorpNet offers a simple and reliable way to form an LLC in New York. The company has experience helping entrepreneurs across all 50 states, which gives us confidence in its process and support.
CorpNet allows us to register online or work with filing experts who handle the paperwork. This flexibility helps save time and reduces the chance of filing errors.
Pricing for New York LLC formation starts at $79, which makes it competitive with other major providers. The company also includes compliance alerts to help us maintain good standing with the state.
We appreciate that CorpNet provides personalized service and a satisfaction guarantee. These features make it a practical choice for business owners who want professional help without complex steps or high costs.
10) InCorp
We view InCorp as a reliable option for businesses that need both registered agent and LLC formation support in New York. The company offers services starting at $87 per year, which makes it one of the more affordable choices for ongoing compliance.
We like that InCorp provides online setup, live chat support, and an iOS app. These tools help us manage filings and stay organized without needing to handle paperwork manually. The platform also includes EntityWatch®, which monitors business status for potential compliance issues.
InCorp’s long-standing reputation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau give us confidence in its reliability. The service focuses on keeping businesses compliant with New York’s state requirements, which can save time and reduce stress.
While InCorp’s website may feel more functional than flashy, it delivers the essentials effectively. For those who want a straightforward, cost-effective way to maintain good standing with the state, InCorp fits that need well.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing LLC Services
We need to focus on how well each service meets New York’s legal standards, handles registered agent duties, and processes filings efficiently. These details affect how quickly and smoothly we can form and maintain our LLC.
State Compliance Requirements
New York has specific filing rules, including the Articles of Organization and the publication requirement. We must ensure any LLC service understands these state laws and manages them correctly. Services that specialize in New York filings, such as those reviewed by LLC Radar, often provide step-by-step help with these tasks.
Compliance also includes biennial statements and maintaining a registered agent in the state. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties. Reliable services track these obligations and send reminders on time.
We should also check whether the provider assists with operating agreements, EIN registration, and state tax registration, which are often needed to stay compliant. Choosing a service familiar with New York’s business laws helps us avoid costly mistakes and keeps our LLC in good standing.
Registered Agent Services
Every New York LLC must have a registered agent to receive legal and tax documents. A dependable agent ensures we never miss important notices from the state. Many top-rated services, such as those listed on Esme LLC, include this feature in their packages.
We should look for agents that offer 24/7 document access, secure online portals, and prompt notifications. These features make it easier to manage compliance and respond quickly to official correspondence.
If we use a professional service instead of serving as our own agent, we gain privacy because the company’s address appears on public records instead of ours. This can be useful for home-based businesses or those concerned about unwanted mail.
Turnaround Times and Processing
Speed matters when forming an LLC. Some services file documents within a few days, while others take longer depending on state processing times. According to LLC Geek, faster services often offer expedited filing options for an added fee.
We should review how each provider handles document submission and confirmation tracking. A transparent timeline helps us plan business operations more effectively.
It also helps to compare turnaround times for EIN acquisition, operating agreement preparation, and registered agent setup. Services that automate these steps reduce delays and ensure accuracy.
Choosing an LLC service with efficient processing keeps our business launch on schedule and limits unnecessary waiting periods.
Legal and Tax Considerations for New York LLCs
We must follow specific state rules to keep a New York LLC in good standing. These include publishing formation notices and paying required fees each year to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Publication Requirements in New York
New York law requires every newly formed LLC to publish a notice of its formation in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks. The county clerk designates one daily and one weekly paper. After publication, we must file a Certificate of Publication with the Department of State.
The cost varies by county. In New York City, fees can exceed $1,000, while smaller counties may charge under $200. These costs often influence where we choose to register the LLC.
Failure to complete this step can suspend the LLC’s authority to conduct business in New York, though it does not dissolve the company. Detailed guidance on this process can be found in Forming an LLC in New York.
Key steps:
- Publish notices for 6 weeks.
- Obtain affidavits from both newspapers.
- File the Certificate of Publication and affidavits with the state.
Ongoing Maintenance and Annual Fees
New York requires LLCs to file a Biennial Statement every two years with the Department of State. The filing fee is $9, and it updates the company’s contact information.
LLCs must also meet tax obligations at federal, state, and sometimes local levels. According to LegalClarity, the tax treatment depends on how the LLC is classified—single-member, multi-member, or corporation.
We may owe New York State filing fees based on gross income, which range from $25 to $4,500. If the LLC operates in New York City, it might also pay the Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT).
Ongoing compliance checklist:
- File Biennial Statement ($9 fee).
- Pay applicable state filing fees.
- Meet all federal, state, and city tax requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
We focus on helping business owners choose trusted LLC services that balance cost, reliability, and ease of use. Our insights reflect real user experiences, expert reviews, and verified comparisons between top providers in New York.
What are the top-rated LLC formation services in New York?
The most trusted options include Northwest Registered Agent, Incfile, ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer. Each offers strong compliance support and clear pricing. Sites like LLC Buddy and Boost Suite list these companies as leading choices for 2025.
Which LLC service offers the best value for small businesses?
Incfile often provides the best value because it includes free basic formation (you only pay state fees). ZenBusiness also delivers affordable plans with strong customer support. According to CreditDonkey, both services balance low cost with dependable features.
How do Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness compare for New York LLCs?
Northwest Registered Agent focuses on privacy and personalized support, while ZenBusiness emphasizes affordability and automated compliance tools. We find Northwest ideal for owners who want direct help, and ZenBusiness better for those who prefer a guided online process.
What do users on Reddit recommend for LLC formation services?
Reddit users often mention Northwest Registered Agent for its strong customer service and Incfile for its free filing option. Many note that ZenBusiness offers a good mix of price and reliability for first-time business owners.
Where can I find reliable LLC formation services near me in New York?
Online providers like those listed by Forbes Advisor and Venture Smarter serve all New York locations. These platforms handle filings electronically, so we can form an LLC without visiting an office in person.
What should I consider when choosing an incorporation service for my New York business?
We should review pricing, turnaround time, registered agent options, and customer support. It also helps to check if the service includes compliance reminders or annual report filing. Choosing a provider with clear terms and responsive help ensures a smoother setup process.
