LLC Formation Service
Comparison Guide
Eleet AI vs filing it yourself vs LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, and Northwest. Real prices — not "$0" bait-and-switch.
The "$0 LLC Formation" trap
Multiple LLC services advertise "$0 formation." What they don't show upfront: state filing fees ($50–$500), registered agent service ($125–$299/year, required in every state), and the 5–12 upsell screens between "Add to Cart" and payment. The true cost of a "$0" LLC formation is typically $300–$800+ after all fees. Eleet AI shows you one all-inclusive price before you start — formation, filing fees, and registered agent included.
The 30-Second Summary
Cheapest option if you get the paperwork right the first time. You file directly with the Secretary of State and handle your own registered agent designation. Risk: rejected filings delay your launch.
LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, and others advertise "$0" but pile on fees: state filing fees, registered agent, operating agreement, EIN, compliance alerts. Expect 5–12 upsell screens before you can pay.
One price covers formation filing, state fees, and first-year registered agent. No upsell screens. AI-powered portal for document management. Veteran-owned, all 50 states.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Eleet AI vs filing it yourself vs national LLC services (LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Northwest).
| Feature | DIY | National Services | Eleet AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertised formation price | Free (just filing fees) | "$0" to $349 | From $199 all-in |
| State filing fees included | N/A — you pay directly | No — added at checkout | YES — included in price |
| Registered agent (1st year) | Not included | $125–$299 extra | Included free |
| True total cost (formation + RA + filing) | $50–$500 + your time | $300–$800+ | $199–$499 all-in |
| Hidden upsells at checkout | None | 5–12 upsell screens | None |
| Processing time | Varies (you file) | 3–10 business days | 3–7 business days |
| Expedited processing | State-dependent | $50–$100 extra | $25–$50 |
| EIN application | Free (IRS.gov) | $70–$99 (free at IRS) | $49 (or free at IRS) |
| Operating agreement included | You draft it | Premium tiers only ($199+) | Available as add-on |
| AI-powered customer portal | No | Basic dashboard | Full AI-operated portal |
| State coverage | Any state | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Price transparency | Clear (state fee only) | Confusing (base + add-ons) | One price, everything included |
National service pricing reflects LegalZoom ($0–$249 + fees), ZenBusiness ($0–$349 + fees), Northwest ($39 + fees) as of April 2026. State filing fees vary $50–$500. All prices subject to change.
The real cost of a "$0" LLC
Services advertising free LLC formation make their money on mandatory add-ons and aggressive upsells:
- State filing fees are separate
The "$0" covers the service fee only. Your state's filing fee ($50–$500) is added at checkout. This alone can exceed Eleet AI's all-inclusive price in lower-fee states.
- Registered agent is extra — and required
Every LLC needs a registered agent. Some services include the first year free but renew at $125–$299/year. Others charge from day one. Eleet AI includes the first year in your formation price.
- 5–12 upsell screens before payment
Operating agreements ($99–$199), EIN filing ($70–$99, free at IRS.gov), compliance monitoring ($99–$199/year), business license reports ($99), banking partnerships — each screen is designed to increase your total.
Filing it yourself: when it makes sense
Filing your own LLC is completely legitimate. Here's when it works well — and when it doesn't:
- Good if: simple single-member LLC in your home state
If you're forming a basic LLC, are comfortable with government forms, and plan to be your own registered agent, the DIY route saves money. Just be precise — rejections cost time.
- Risky if: multi-member, out-of-state, or first time
Multi-member LLCs need proper operating agreements. Out-of-state formations require a registered agent in the formation state. First-time filers are more likely to make errors that cause rejections and delays.
- The hidden cost: your time
Researching requirements, downloading forms, filling them correctly, mailing or uploading, following up on status — most people underestimate this at 3–5 hours. A formation service handles it in minutes.
LLC formation without the games
All-Inclusive Pricing
Formation service, state filing fees, and first-year registered agent — all in one price. No hidden fees, no add-on checkout screens. You know exactly what you'll pay before you start.
AI-Powered Portal
Track your filing status in real time. Receive and store all business documents in one secure portal. Get instant alerts when your formation is complete or when documents arrive.
Veteran-Owned Business
Eleet AI is built and operated by a U.S. veteran. We run on the same values we served with: honesty, accountability, and no BS. That's why we don't play the "$0" pricing game.
Common Questions
Can I form an LLC myself without a service?
Yes. You can file Articles of Organization directly with your state's Secretary of State and pay only the state filing fee ($50–$500 depending on the state). The process involves downloading the correct form, filling in your business details, designating a registered agent, and submitting with payment. The risk: if you make a mistake on the filing — wrong entity name format, missing required clauses, incorrect registered agent designation — your filing gets rejected, delaying your business launch. Services like Eleet AI handle the paperwork correctly the first time and include a registered agent.
Why does Eleet AI cost more than LegalZoom's $0 plan?
LegalZoom's "$0 LLC formation" is a loss leader designed to get you into their upsell funnel. By the time you add state filing fees ($50–$500), a registered agent ($299/year), and the operating agreement they recommend ($99+), the real cost is $450–$800+. Eleet AI's price includes everything: formation filing, state fees, and first-year registered agent service. No surprise charges at checkout.
How does Eleet AI compare to ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness offers a $0 "Starter" plan that excludes state filing fees, then heavily upsells operating agreements ($199 Pro tier), EIN filing ($70), and compliance monitoring ($199/year). Their first-year registered agent is included, but renews at $199/year. Eleet AI includes state filing fees and registered agent in one transparent price. No upsell screens, no recurring surprise charges.
How does Eleet AI compare to Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest charges $39 for LLC formation plus state filing fees, with registered agent service at $125/year. Total first-year cost is typically $164–$539 depending on state filing fees. They're a reputable service with honest pricing. Eleet AI is similarly transparent — our all-inclusive price bundles formation, filing fees, and RA service into one number so you know the exact cost before you start.
What is included in Eleet AI's all-inclusive price?
Every Eleet AI LLC formation includes: preparation and filing of Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation, depending on your state), payment of state filing fees, registered agent service for the first year, access to your AI-powered customer portal for document management, and email notifications when documents are received. No hidden fees, no add-on pressure.
How long does it take to form an LLC through Eleet AI?
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days from order submission. Processing time depends on your state's Secretary of State office. Expedited processing is available for $25–$50 (varies by state), which typically reduces processing to 1–2 business days. You can track your filing status in real-time through your Eleet AI portal.
Does Eleet AI cover all 50 states?
Yes. As of April 2026, Eleet AI offers LLC formation in all 50 states. State filing fees vary by state and are included in the quoted price — you pay one all-inclusive amount. Registered agent service for your first year is included in every formation.
Do I still need an EIN after forming my LLC?
In most cases, yes. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required if your LLC has employees, has multiple members, or elects to be taxed as a corporation. Even single-member LLCs typically need an EIN to open a business bank account. You can apply for free at IRS.gov, or Eleet AI can handle it for $49. We never charge $70–$99 like some competitors for something the IRS provides free.
Related Resources
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