Entity Type
Select
State of Formation
Select
Company
.png)
Cost for Starting an LLC (Basic Package)
$0 + state fee
$225 + state fee
Registered Agent
Free for the first year, then $119 a year thereafter
Included in incorporation fee for the first year, then $125 a year thereafter
Other Services Offered
- File a DBA
- Get an EIN
- Annual report preparation and filing
- Customized Operating Agreement
- Banking resolution
- Business license and permit search
- S Corporation tax filing structure for LLCs
- Trademark search and registration
- Corporate kit and seal
- Corporation bylaws
- Corporation organizational meeting minutes templates
- Bookkeeping and tax services
- Domain and email
- Virtual business address and mailbox service
- Annual report preparation and filing
- S Corporation tax filing structure for LLCs
- Corporate kit and seal
- Generic templates provided for some business documents
Arriving at the Incfile and Northwest Company
Formation WebsitesWhat can you expect when you visit the websites for the first time?
Incfile's
front page is clear and easy to understand, getting you straight into the process of starting a business. Incfile starts by asking you about the type of entity you want to create and providing information for each one.
Northwest
provides a clean, unfussy front page with information that’s directly accessible to people and provides clear direction on what a user should do next. Unfortunately, their “Start Here” menu is overly complex and deep, with multiple layers that need to be clicked through to get to information.
Comparing Different Business Entity Types
Prospective business owners will need to review their options when deciding on the right business structure, such as LLC, S Corporation or C Corporation. It’s important to have the right information so you can make an informed, educated choice.
Incfile's
has dedicated pages on each entity type, from LLCs to C Corporations, plus an interactive Business Entity Quiz designed to give a prospective business owner deep insight into the business structure that’s best for them. It also has an overview page and comparison chart highlighting the key benefits and drawbacks for each type of business entity.
Northwest
does not have an entity comparison chart, so it’s not easy to see what type of business might be best for your circumstances and needs.
Company
silver
basic
Cost
$0 + state fee
$225 + state fee
What’s Included
- Unlimited business name searches
- Registered Agent service
- Verification of company name availability
- Preparation and filing of articles
- Setup of a business bank account with Bank of America
- Free electronic delivery of documents
- An online dashboard
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Free business tax consultation
- Lifetime customer alerts
- Lifetime customer support
- Verification of company name availability
- Registered Agent service
- Preparation and filing of articles
- Initial resolutions
- Operating Agreement or bylaws
- LLC membership certificates or corporation stock certificates
- Online access to formation documents
Company
gold
none
Cost
$199 + state fee
N/A
What's Included
Includes everything in the Silver package, plus:
- A corporate kit
- An Employer Identification Number from the IRS/li>
- Filing of IRS Form 2553 if needed to have your LLC taxed as an S Corporation
- Creation of a customized Operating Agreement
- Provision of a banking resolution
- Express shipping of physical documents
No additional services provided at this level
Company
platinum
premium
Cost
$299 + state fee
N/A
What's Included
Includes everything in the Silver and Gold packages, plus:
- Access to a business document and contract templates library
- Expedited filing
- FedEx delivery
- A website domain name and business email
No additional services provided at this level
Registered Agent Services
Provides a Registered Agent to take care of receiving your official business filings and paperwork.
“Fictitious” or “Doing Business As” Name
Use this filing to do business under a different name than the name of your LLC.
Employer Identification Number from the IRS
Most LLCs will need an EIN for tax identification purposes.
Customized Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement defines various facts about the owners of a business and how they will interact.
Banking Resolution
A banking resolution authorizes certain individuals within the business to access, control and act as a signatory on business bank accounts.
Business Licenses and Permits Research
LLCs require various permits and licenses to operate.
S Corporation Tax Filing Structure for an LLC
This type of tax filing can save significantly on self-employed taxes.
Trademark Search and Registration
Trademark searches look for trademarks similar to those you want to register. Trademark registration takes care of the trademark filing and approval process.
Annual Report Filing
Helps you file an annual or biennial report or statement of information with the relevant agency.
Corporate Kit and Seal
A corporate kit provides a way to gather and file paper documentation, membership or share certificates, and a seal with your company’s name.
Corporate Bylaws
Bylaws are required for S Corporations and C Corporations for corporate governance. They are not required of LLCs.
Corporation Organizational Meeting Minutes Templates
S Corporations and C Corporations are required to keep business minutes of formal meetings. This is not required of LLCs.