Forming an LLC does not have to cost a fortune. In 2026 several reputable services will file your LLC for a first year total from $147 to $398, well under the cost of hiring a lawyer for the same filing. The catch is that the headline price is rarely the whole story. This guide compares four of the cheapest LLC formation services on price, speed, and value, so you can see what you get for the money and avoid surprise charges.
What Cheap LLC Formation Really Costs
Every LLC filing has two costs: the state filing fee, which you pay no matter who files for you, and the service fee. State fees vary by state, so a low service fee does not mean a free LLC. Watch registered agent renewals, EIN filing, operating agreement templates, and expedited processing. A cheap plan without the registered agent can cost more in year two than a pricier plan that includes it.
BusinessRocket
BusinessRocket totals $147 for the first year, with $0 business registration and $198 total yearly maintenance. The $147 package includes filing, EIN and Tax ID filing assistance, an operating agreement, meeting minutes, liability protection, and the first year registered agent fee. Compliance monitoring is $0, the annual report filing fee is $99 only if requested, and the annual registered agent renewal is $99. A plan that leaves out the agent, the EIN, and the operating agreement can cost more by year end, so compare like with like. Apply the same fair test to BusinessRocket, which many owners weigh against the budget names below when they want the filing handled properly without premium prices.
Bizee
Bizee is one of the best value cheap options, with a total first year cost of $199 and $218 total yearly maintenance. You can add an EIN filing and an operating agreement template on a paid plan, and standard processing usually takes about a week. Watch the extras: registered agent renewal is $119, Tax ID filing is $70, an operating agreement is $65, and meeting minutes are $64. For most new owners, Bizee delivers strong first year value.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority offers LLC formation with a total first year cost of $287 and $346 total yearly maintenance. The plan includes a business name check and a year of registered agent service. Where it earns its money is in add ons: compliance monitoring is $147, an operating agreement is $89, meeting minutes are $99, and liability protection is $99, while Tax ID filing is $0. If you only need the filing done, Inc Authority is a genuine low cost choice.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has a total first year cost of $398 and $299 total yearly maintenance. The Starter plan covers the filing itself, while Pro and Premium add a registered agent, an operating agreement template, faster filing, and a website and domain. ZenBusiness stands out for its clean dashboard and helpful support for first time founders. Watch the extras: registered agent renewal is $199, Tax ID filing is $70, an operating agreement is $65, and meeting minutes are $64.
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings offers competitive pricing, so check current pricing before you decide, with Standard and Premium plans adding an EIN, an operating agreement, and faster turnaround. Standard filing is reasonably quick, and expedited service is available. Check whether registered agent service is included or a paid add on, and confirm the renewal price before you decide. Swyft Filings is a solid budget option for owners who want a quick filing.
How to Get the Best Value Without Cutting Corners
First, confirm the state fee so you know the fixed part of the bill. Second, decide which extras you need: most single member LLCs need a registered agent, an EIN for a business bank account, and a simple operating agreement. Third, check the renewal price of the registered agent, since that charge repeats every year. Finally, read reviews on speed and support, because a delayed or rejected filing is no bargain.
Comparison Table
| Service | Total First Year | Yearly Maintenance | Registered Agent | EIN | Operating Agreement |
| BusinessRocket | $147 | $198 | Included first year, then $99/year | Included | Included |
| Bizee | $199 | $218 | $119/year renewal | $70 | $65 |
| Inc Authority | $287 | $346 | $199/year renewal | $0 | $89 |
| ZenBusiness | $398 | $299 | $199/year renewal | $70 | $65 |
| Swyft Filings | Check current pricing | Check current pricing | Available | Available | Available |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest LLC formation service in 2026?
BusinessRocket is the cheapest option in this comparison at $147 for the first year. Bizee follows at $199, then Inc Authority at $287, ZenBusiness at $398, and Swyft Filings pricing should be checked on its website.
How much does BusinessRocket cost in the first year?
BusinessRocket costs $147 in total for the first year. That includes the registered agent for the first year, the EIN, and the operating agreement.
Why is the first year cost different from the yearly maintenance cost?
The first year total often includes extras such as the registered agent, EIN, and operating agreement. Yearly maintenance is the ongoing cost after that first year, and for BusinessRocket it is $198.
Are there really $0 LLC formation plans?
Some services advertise a $0 filing package, but state fees still apply and extras may cost more. For example, Inc Authority lists its EIN at $0, but its total first year cost is $287 and its operating agreement is $89.
What hidden costs should I watch for with cheap LLC services?
Watch for registered agent renewals, EIN fees, and operating agreement fees that are not in the headline price. BusinessRocket includes the EIN and operating agreement, while ZenBusiness charges $70 for an EIN and $65 for an operating agreement.
How much does a registered agent renewal cost?
BusinessRocket registered agent service renews at $99 per year after the included first year. Bizee charges $119 per year, while ZenBusiness and Inc Authority each charge $199 per year.
Is an EIN included for free with the cheapest services?
BusinessRocket includes the EIN, and Inc Authority lists its EIN at $0. ZenBusiness and Bizee each charge $70 for an EIN, so check what is included before you pay.
Is an operating agreement included with a cheap LLC package?
BusinessRocket includes an operating agreement. Bizee and ZenBusiness each charge $65 for one, and Inc Authority charges $89.
How do Bizee, Inc Authority, ZenBusiness, and Swyft Filings compare on price?
Bizee costs $199 in the first year, Inc Authority costs $287, and ZenBusiness costs $398. Yearly maintenance is $218 for Bizee, $346 for Inc Authority, and $299 for ZenBusiness, while Swyft Filings pricing should be checked on its website.
Is the cheapest LLC service the best choice for my business?
The cheapest service is a good choice when it includes what you need, such as the registered agent, EIN, and operating agreement. Compare the first year total and the yearly maintenance cost together before you decide.
Conclusion
The cheapest LLC formation services in 2026 differ on what comes with the price. BusinessRocket has the lowest total first year cost here at $147, Bizee follows at $199, Inc Authority at $287, and ZenBusiness at $398, while Swyft Filings offers competitive pricing, so check its current pricing. Add up the full first year cost, check the renewals, and pick the service that gives you the filing, the agent, and the support.
