Updated August 12, 2026

LegalZoom LLC Review

Read more about LegalZoom
Ad Disclosure: This article contains references to products from our partners. We may receive compensation if you apply or shop through links in our content. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. You help support CreditDonkey by using our links. (read more)

LegalZoom offers affordable legal services, great customer support, and flexible payment options. But what's the downside? Read on for the full review.

5-point scale (the higher, the better)

Pros and Cons

  • Low-cost legal services
  • 20+ years experience
  • Monthly installments
  • Pricey add-ons
  • Slow turnaround time

Bottom Line

Reputable company for LLC formation and legal services

LegalZoom is one of the country's most recognizable business formation companies. Its brand power is backed by its wide range of affordable legal services, including free LLC formation.

However, some of LegalZoom's paid services are somewhat expensive, especially if you only have simple needs.

So, is it still worth choosing over the competition? This detailed review will help you decide.

What Is LegalZoom?

LegalZoom is an online legal service company known for its convenient and affordable LLC formation services.

You can also get a wide range of other services to help you manage your LLC and comply with state requirements. This includes annual reports and registered agent services.

What's more, LegalZoom makes legal services more accessible through its independent network of attorneys. It provides low-cost legal assistance, like attorney consultations, tax preparation, and document review.

Thanks to this, business owners can get personalized legal advice without worrying about expensive fees.

It's not just for business owners.
LegalZoom also offers assistance for personal legal matters, including drafting important documents, like prenups and estate plans. If you're a landlord, they can prepare lease agreements to minimize the risks of renting out a property.

That said, how do you know if this company is right for you?

Who Is LegalZoom Best For?

LegalZoom is best for business owners with more complex or extensive legal needs. You can get expert advice for a fraction of the cost of an in-house legal team or attorney.

It's also a good option if you want an experienced business lawyer to help with your LLC formation. But it might not be the best option if you want faster filing times or if you're on a budget.

The cost for add-ons like registered agent services and business license reports can pile up. It can get pretty expensive.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Extensive range of affordable legal services
  • Pay in monthly installments (for eligible services over $200)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Money-back guarantee (terms and eligibility apply)
  • 20+ years of experience

Cons:

  • Add-ons can be more expensive than those offered by competitors
  • Slower turnaround times (1-2 weeks)

Is it safe to form an LLC on LegalZoom?
Yes, it's safe to form an LLC through LegalZoom. It's one of the most reputable formation services around. Plus, it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and an accuracy guarantee.[1] If their team makes mistakes with your paperwork, you won't pay extra. You can also request a refund if needed.

Convinced by the pros? This is how much you'll need to budget if you opt for LegalZoom's formation services.

What's your primary concern when picking an LLC formation service?

LegalZoom Features and Pricing

For LLC formation, LegalZoom has three pricing tiers you can choose from. Each one is designed to cater to different needs. [2]

Basic$0 + state fees
Pro$249 + state fees
Premium$299 + state fees

Here's what you should know about these plans:

Basic: $0 + state fees
Basic is LegalZoom's free plan. It has everything you need to make your business official. You only need to pay for the state filing fees.

With Basic, you get the following features:

  • Business name availability check
  • Preparation and filing of formation documents
  • Digital welcome packet
  • Small business tax and insurance consultations

It's the simplest and cheapest way to form an LLC. This is a great option for business owners who just want to form an LLC in their state without worrying about additional costs.

All plans, including the Basic plan, include chat and phone support.

Pro: $249 + state fees
Pro is LegalZoom's mid-tier formation plan. It bundles the formation services and features with legal consultations. It comes with everything from Basic, as well as a few helpful extras, like:

  • LLC operating agreement
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • One-year editor access to its customizable legal forms
  • Free year of eSignature services
  • Customizable website
  • Hands-on guidance from an experienced attorney of your choice
  • Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations (first 30 days of subscription included)
  • Attorney review of your legal contracts and documents (first 30 days of subscription included)
  • One copyright registration per month

It's a good choice if you want all your LLC essentials, like an operating agreement or EIN, in one plan. This can give you additional savings compared to getting each service separately.

This plan is a solid option if you require additional legal assistance when establishing your LLC. It also lets you see if its legal consultation services are worth getting without committing to a subscription immediately.

LegalZoom's Installment Plan
LegalZoom offers an installment plan, but it only applies to eligible services. So double-check if what you're getting is covered by the plan. LegalZoom also charges a small processing fee, which adds to your monthly total.[3]

Premium: $299 + state fees
Premium is LegalZoom's most comprehensive plan. It adds bookkeeping tools to help you send invoices, track expenses, and maximize tax deductions.

With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus:

  • 6-month subscription to Bookkeeping tools (invoicing, expense tracking, auto mileage capture)

The Premium plan is the best option for you if you want easy-to-use bookkeeping tools to manage your cash flow, track expenses, send invoices, and stay prepared for tax season.

Does LegalZoom have a refund policy?
Yes, LegalZoom has a 60-day money-back guarantee. You can request a full refund within 60 days of placing an order as long as it still has your documents. Once the company submits your paperwork to the state, your order is final.

LegalZoom Add-ons & Other Services

Besides LLC formation, LegalZoom also offers a comprehensive selection of other services. These can be useful for running and managing your limited liability company.

Check out some of the available options below:

  • Registered agent services: $249/yr[4]
    LegalZoom can serve as your LLC's registered agent, giving you more flexibility while helping you comply with this state requirement.

    This service includes unlimited cloud storage for your documents and business data protection.

    LegalZoom will also notify you by email about upcoming compliance deadlines through its Compliance Calendar feature, included free with their registered agent services. LegalZoom's business compliance package starts at $199/yr. [5]

  • Employer identification number (EIN): $79[6]
    Most LLCs need a separate federal tax ID number (aka an EIN) for your LLC. You'll need it for filing certain business tax returns, opening a business bank account, and applying for business credit.

    LegalZoom can get one for your LLC for an extra $79. But it's already included with some of their paid packages.

    Some states require a separate state tax ID number for business entities like LLCs. LegalZoom can also secure yours if it's necessary in your area. Just contact its sales team to place an order.

  • Operating agreement: from $99[7]
    An LLC operating agreement defines the ground rules for your business, including how it will be run and managed. Not every state requires an LLC to have a written operating agreement, but having one can help clarify the rights and responsibilities of the LLC's owners.

    If you're not sure how to draft or what to include in one, LegalZoom can do it for you for an additional $99. If you upgrade to the Pro or Premium package, an operating agreement is included at no additional cost.

  • Business license report & management: $99/yr[8]
    Your LLC might also need to get additional licenses or permits to operate legally after it's formed. However, these will vary depending on your company's industry, location, and specific business activities.

    LegalZoom will research your business's licensing requirements and generate a detailed report outlining the licenses, permits, and registrations you may need. It'll also notify you if there are updates to or new licensing requirements that could affect your business and its compliance status.

  • Certificate of Good Standing: from $45 + state fees[9]
    There may be times when you need to prove your business is in good standing with the state. Like when you're opening a business bank account or registering your LLC in another state.

    The best way to do this is by presenting a Certificate of Good Standing. LegalZoom can secure yours for an additional fee. Just give their team your company's information, and they'll handle the rest.

  • Foreign qualification: from $229 + state fees[10]
    If you want to do business in another state, LegalZoom can help your business apply for foreign qualification. It'll handle the entire process, including completing the required forms and submitting them to the Secretary of State's office.

    LegalZoom can also help with the paperwork if you want to convert your LLC into a corporation (or vice versa). It can also handle the dissolution process if you decide to close your business entity for good.

  • Business Attorney Plan: from $39.09/mo (billed at $469/yr)[11]
    LegalZoom also offers legal consultation services for companies that need legal assistance before and after forming an LLC. The plan includes unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations, legal document reviews, and access to a library of legal templates.

    You also get unlimited access to their eSignature service to sign your documents securely. If you opt for their Pro or Premium package, you get the first 30 days of the Business Attorney subscription included at no additional cost.

  • LZ Books: $9.99/mo[12]
    Accurate financial records are important for maintaining the separation between your LLC and personal finances, which can help preserve your liability protection. For a monthly fee, LegalZoom can help you with your company's bookkeeping needs, like keeping track of business expenses and generating detailed reports.

    Not sure if it's worth it? LZ Books has a 30-day free trial you can use to check out its features. And there's no need to put in your credit card info, so you don't have to worry about being charged automatically after the trial ends.

Aside from these, LegalZoom can also help protect your company's intellectual property by assisting with the registration process for copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

This includes searching the government's database for existing registrations and helping facilitate the application process.[13]

LegalZoom also offers virtual mail services, corporate kits, stock certificates, and more. The company can also secure certified copies of your paperwork for additional fees.

Is LegalZoom cheaper than a lawyer?
LegalZoom can be a more affordable option than hiring a lawyer directly, particularly if you need ongoing access to legal help. Its Business Attorney plan gives you access to licensed attorneys for personalized legal support through unlimited 30-minute consultations.

Is LegalZoom Worth It?

LegalZoom can be worth it. It's one of the best LLC services around. Its comprehensive legal services make it a good choice for business owners with long-term or more complex legal needs.

In addition, LegalZoom's rates are far more affordable than those of an in-house attorney. You can get regular legal advice from experts without worrying about it costing a fortune.

And with the satisfaction guarantee, LegalZoom will correct any mistakes on their end at no additional cost. It also offers a money-back guarantee that lets you request a full refund within 60 days, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

LegalZoom can't issue a refund once it submits your paperwork to the state. State filing fees and third-party processing fees are also non-refundable.[1]

If you agree that it's worth it, here's how you can get started.

How to Get Started with LegalZoom

Placing an order on LegalZoom is straightforward because their system guides you through the entire process. Here are the usual steps involved:

  1. Pick one of the available packages.
  2. Enter your company's information.
  3. Select add-on services (optional).
  4. Review your order details.
  5. Finalize and pay for your order.

Is it easy to cancel LegalZoom?
Yes, it's easy to cancel with LegalZoom. To cancel an order, just call its customer service team at (866) 508-6159. If you want to cancel a subscription, you can do so through your account dashboard or by calling (844) 641-0128.

Is LegalZoom Trustworthy?

LegalZoom is a legitimate and well-established company. It is one of the biggest names in the business formation industry, with 20+ years of experience and mostly positive reviews from verified customers.

It's also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).[14]

In addition, LegalZoom offers access to licensed business attorneys. They can help you not just with LLC formation but also with more complex legal matters, like starting a different business entity or protecting your intellectual property.

LegalZoom Customer Service

LegalZoom is well-known for offering excellent customer support. It has received mostly positive reviews throughout the years, which is impressive because it's been around since 2001.

If you encounter issues of your own, you can get in touch with LegalZoom through:

The customer care hotline is available from 5 AM to 7 PM PT during weekdays and from 7 AM to 4 PM PT during weekends.

LegalZoom also has an article center where you'll find useful guides, articles, and other information you can use for running your business.

What Customers Say
LegalZoom has an average rating of 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot and 2.73/5 stars on BBB.[15][16] Customers have praised its team for being responsive, professional, and overall helpful when assisting them with their concerns.

But there have been complaints about how long it took for the company to fix mistakes, like errors in their paperwork. Customers have also said they had to follow up multiple times just to get an update on their case.

Have you used LegalZoom's customer support? How would you rate your experience?

How LegalZoom Compares

LegalZoom is a solid choice if you need regular legal advice but don't want to spend all of your money on a lawyer. However, it's not the only formation company around.

Here are the most popular alternatives and how they compare against LegalZoom:

LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness

Why Choose LegalZoomWhy Choose ZenBusiness
Extensive, low-cost legal assistanceLower prices for paid services
20+ years of experienceFree year of compliance services
Can form other business entitiesMore support for small businesses

Both LegalZoom and ZenBusiness offer free LLC formation packages, a competitive money-back guarantee, and great customer support. They also have a wide range of business services and a comprehensive online library of helpful resources.

However, LegalZoom is the better option if you need more than basic LLC formation. It offers access to licensed business attorneys who can help with more complex legal concerns. And you can get this legal support at a lower cost than hiring your own lawyer directly.

But if you want lower prices overall for business services, it's better to go with ZenBusiness. Its formation packages also include a year of compliance assistance at no additional cost. You won't worry about missing important deadlines and risking penalties for your business.

Which one is better, ZenBusiness or LegalZoom?
LegalZoom is better if you need budget-friendly legal services or if you need help with more complex legal concerns. But ZenBusiness may be better if you're a small business owner because of its programs and resources meant to support small businesses.

How important is a flexible payment option when forming your LLC online?

LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer

Why Choose LegalZoomWhy Choose Rocket Lawyer
Free LLC formationBetter long-term savings
A la carte services availableDiscounted rates for future LLCs
Lower prices for individual servicesExtensive library of customizable legal forms

Out of all the alternatives, Rocket Lawyer is the most similar to LegalZoom. Both offer low-cost legal services, including extensive libraries of customizable legal forms. They're also known for providing great customer support with extended service hours.

However, LegalZoom's main advantage is its free LLC formation package. You don't have to sign up for a recurring membership to start an LLC for free. You can also get its other services individually as add-ons, often at lower prices overall.

Rocket Lawyer, on the other hand, may be better if you want long-term savings for your business. With a membership, you can start your first LLC for free and enjoy discounted rates for any additional LLCs you form after that.

If you're not sure whether a monthly membership is worth it, Rocket Lawyer typically offers a 7-day free trial you can use to evaluate their services before signing up.

LegalZoom vs. Northwest Registered Agent

Why Choose LegalZoomWhy Choose Northwest Registered Agent
Free LLC formationExcellent privacy protection
Comprehensive, low-cost legal servicesBetter value for money
More plans and services availableIn-house customer support

Northwest Registered Agent is another industry veteran when it comes to business formation services. Both companies have over 20 years of experience and are known for their efficient, reliable services and excellent customer support.

However, LegalZoom may be better for business owners on a budget because it can help you form your LLC for free (excluding state fees). Its comprehensive legal services also make it a good option if you need access to a business attorney's expertise.

Northwest Registered Agent, on the other hand, may be the better choice if protecting your privacy is your top priority. This is thanks to its Privacy by DefaultĀ® policy. It may also offer better value for money because registered agent services and an LLC operating agreement are already included in its plan.

How much does LegalZoom cost?
LegalZoom's formation plans typically cost $0 to $299 (excluding state fees). With the Basic plan, you only have to pay the applicable state fees.

Bottom Line

LegalZoom offers legal help at affordable prices. However, their paid services can get expensive if you need more features beyond basic LLC formation.

That said, LegalZoom is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Its years of experience, combined with its excellent service, make it a great choice for business owners who want a reputable company to form their LLC at a low price.

References

  1. ^ LegalZoom. LZ Guarantee, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  2. ^ LegalZoom. Form your LLC with confidence, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  3. ^ LegalZoom. Terms of Service, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  4. ^ LegalZoom. Registered Agent, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  5. ^ LegalZoom. Compliance, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  6. ^ LegalZoom. Federal Tax ID (EIN), Retrieved 08/10/2026
  7. ^ LegalZoom. Operating Agreement, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  8. ^ LegalZoom. Obtain Licenses and Permits for Your Business, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  9. ^ LegalZoom. Certificate of Good Standing, Retrieved 08/11/2025
  10. ^ LegalZoom. Foreign Qualification, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  11. ^ LegalZoom. Attorneys, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  12. ^ LegalZoom. LZ Books, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  13. ^ LegalZoom. Intellectual property, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  14. ^ BBB. LegalZoom, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  15. ^ Trustpilot. LegalZoom Reviews, Retrieved 08/10/2026
  16. ^ Better Business Bureau (BBB). LegalZoom, Retrieved 08/10/2026
LegalZoom

Form Your LLC - $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:
  • 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
  • File your Articles of Organization
  • Check your business name
  • Digital welcome packet
  • Initial phone consultations on business insurance and taxes
ZenBusiness

Start Your Business - $0 + State Filing Fees

  • Covers all your required filings with the state, 100% accuracy guaranteed.
  • 1 year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/year)
  • Standard filing speed
  • Other services are available with additional costs
Tailor Brands

Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees

  • Get step-by-step guidance to form your LLC
  • Check business name availability
  • LLC formation processing within 14 business days
  • Business coaching program (tax, compliance, marketing)
  • Invoicing and bookkeeping (30-day trial)
Northwest Registered Agent

LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

  • Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
  • Files all paperwork with the state
  • 1 year registered agent included
  • Free LLC Operating Agreement
  • Never sells your data. Ever.

Write to Alyssa Supetran at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

Compare:


About CreditDonkey
CreditDonkey is a business formation services comparison website. We publish data-driven analysis to help you save money & make savvy decisions.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

†Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditDonkey receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CreditDonkey does not include all companies or all offers that may be available in the marketplace.

*Terms and conditions apply. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However, all information is presented without warranty. Please review the merchant's website for terms and conditions.

CreditDonkey does not know your individual circumstances and provides information for general educational purposes only. CreditDonkey is not a substitute for, and should not be used as, professional legal, credit or financial advice. You should consult your own professional advisors for such advice.

About Us | Reviews | Deals | Tips | Privacy | Do Not Sell My Info | Terms | Contact Us
© 2026 CreditDonkey Inc. All Rights Reserved.