LegalZoom vs IncFile vs TailorBrands vs Northwest -- who should you use to form your LLC?

Do you want to hire someone to help you form your LLC and even serve as your Registered Agent? My top recommendation for years has been Northwest. They have the best customer service! (I secret-shopped them to make sure!)
Northwest: bit.ly/3NVH84b
I am now an affiliate of Northwest, which means I get paid a commission for purchases made through the link, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel so I can make even more videos and tutorials for you all!
--
Are you starting a business and want to create your own LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) using one of the big online filing services -- LegalZoom, IncFile, TailorBrands, or Northwest? In this video I create an apples-to-apples comparison of their pricing and features for forming an LLC in California, so you can understand the best value and what you actually get for your money.
00:00 Intro
02:33 LegalZoom
06:27 IncFile
08:01 TailorBrands
13:30 Northwest
16:39 Summary Chart & my recommendations
Join the Discord Community to connect with other small business owners like you & get access to exclusive events: / discord
Join this Patreon to support the channel & get access to perks:
/ elizabethpw
Did you find this video helpful? Feel free to send a tip to enable me to keeping making more videos!
Tip Jar: paypal.me/elizabethpw
Legal Disclosure: Elizabeth is licensed to practice in the state of California and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Information contained in this video is not legal advice - please seek advice of counsel. This video and description may contain attorney advertising.
Disclosure: My videos may contain reviews, recommendations, testimonials, or endorsements of other businesses, individuals, events, materials (such as books), products, services, or websites. I may receive affiliate percentages on sales; if so, it will say “affiliate link” after the link. I will clearly disclose if I have received a free product, free service, discount, or any other compensation related to a review.
Twitter: / elizabethpw (@ElizabethPW)
EPW Small Business Law PC www.elizabethpottsweinstein.com
Comment policy: I reserve the right to delete comments and block anyone from the channel due to threats, hostility, or spam.

[@ElizabethPW]

Just put up the latest comparison: ZenBusiness vs Stripe Atlas vs Doola vs BetterLegal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paCnq56Ql66Co6s (so many of you requested ZenBusiness in particular!!)

[@mercynicole166]

Research is SO important! VERY important! Which is what I’ve been doing for a couple of days now😅 and then you feel comfortable to move forward once you come across something that makes SO much sense! And it it’s not “advertisement”…you did the research for us! Thank you! This video was VERY helpful!! 👍🏾👍🏾Excellent!!

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear! 😁

[@investorgeny]

Say no more. 🤝

[@tierras760]

I’m brand new to the LLC process and have seen so many “reviews” that end up pushing you to an affiliate link or just flat out feel like a sales pitch - I cannot express how helpful and clarifying this video was! Thanks so much for this honest, unbiased research!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@JACk-hv7yf]

Very helpful and well presented - I am certainly following you! Appreciate your professionalism and business sense! Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

I appreciate that!

[@jaysublime1793]

id just like to say that your awesome for all this great information, definitely gave me the information I needed. STAY UP!!!!!

[@ElizabethPW]

Thank you!

[@americanbully9583]

This was very informative and straight to the point well done Elizabeth 😊

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad you think so!

[@kavinmehta]

Thanks! This was really helpful. You are one of the only few ones I found that didn't have affiliate link which lets me know that you are genuine!

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear! Yep one of the companies in this list approached me to be a "sponsor" but I didn't take them up on it, so I can do unbiased reviews

[@cassandrahepp6445]

IDK how many videos it took for me to find you but I'm so grateful for your breakdown. It was so much more straight forward and I could actually understand the breakdown! Thank you so much!

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@tirthb]

Wow, what an amazing video. Well researched. Clear scenario and comparisons. Clear opinions.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@toddpetty5130]

Thank you for this. I am certain that you saved many people's time and frustration with such an in-depth real-world explanation.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@sirleonard1]

Sitting at night wondering how to even start and then I stumbled on your video. Thank you Elizabeth, this is great!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nora-yi2ju]

Hey thank you so much for making this! I've been wanting to switch from operating as a Sole Proprietor to an LLC but the process is way to overwhelming for me. This helped a lot.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jayanthirao9726]

Bingo!!!! Exactly what I needed. I was inclining toward Incfile, now understand this better. Northwest seems to fit my needs better. Thank you for this information packed video as always.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@ScattyLife392]

Thank you so much for this comparison video. This really helped me solidify my decision.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@joaomeregildo5067]

I just want to thank you so much for making this video! U honestly have help me so much

[@ElizabethPW]

You are so welcome!

[@davilavish5326]

Wow! This was a really great video, definitely put my mind at ease of which site to form my LLC with. Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

You're so welcome!

[@c.phillips1383]

Thank you so much for doing this! Appreciated!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@PhortyRounds]

You're amazing. I already went the LegalZoom route two days before watching this video and I am like "ah man I should have done more research." Already several videos in now and subscribed. Thank you for your insight!

[@willaribraheem4140]

I recently helped a client set up an LLC through Incfile. She also needed “a certificate of Good standing” In order to open her bank account. Which was a separate cost outside of Incfile, but Incfile allows you to file for it through the app. Incfile also did not allow us to set up a foreign registration in Puerto Rico, but North West Did. We got to experience both formation companies. Even though Incfile couldn’t do the foreign registry, they did include a bank account with their silver package 😉 they might not be able to deliver your documents as fast as North West, but Incfile offers the option to expedite for $50 and they offer more bang for your buck!

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks for letting us know about your experience!

[@certifiedslay2469]

Just to clarify, the person who wanted to set up their LLC was puerto rican? So she set up a non US resident LLC with incfile?

[@FincherCreative]

Thank you for this info! I was going to look into incfile + expedited because it put it nose and nose with northwest and is also pretty highly rated in my research.

[@BHadassah]

This was very helpful. Now I want to close down my 1 year old business and start again with Northwest. Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Good luck with it!

[@hustledimes]

Wow!!!😮😮😮 Thank you so much for this video ma’am.. I myself am looking into starting my LLC. I was leaning towards Incfile.. but after watching your video, I probably will go for the Northwest for that little extra I believe it is worth it 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doodlingjorge]

Very good comparison! Thanks for doing this. Saved me time.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@Plantsonpurpose]

I was leaning toward Northwest and this just confirms what I thought. It looks like Northwest also has a $9/month business phone that's VOIP. I use VOIP at work and it's usually more clear than my cellphone. Love the content!

[@ElizabethPW]

Interesting, let us know how their voip system works for you if you go with it

[@hamzanabil8822]

you are overpaying ,you can get a voip phone for like 25 dollar a year max.

[@dawndrew8313]

Make sure you call them! My application went nowhere the website stuff was not easy...took me weeks and instead of a llc i was asked howni would like to proceed? Uh thought i ordered an llc? Then got charged twice for trial phone that initially said was free! They did call me but my phone acts up and i missed it..by then i just gave up!

[@ShaeLuv]

Many thanks, just what I needed to make a decision.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@KosmicG88]

Thank you for all the helpful tips!!! 🤩

[@ElizabethPW]

You are so welcome!

[@christiantotten1574]

thank you so much, Elizabeth! Such a helpful video!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hypergalaxydraws6258]

Hey, thank you for doing the research for what websites to use to file for an LLC! I was going to lean towards Tailor Brands, now I know what to use! Ill try Northwest

[@ElizabethPW]

Best wishes with it!

[@JohnSmith-bs9ym]

Thank you so much! What Tailor Brands did was absolutely horrible! They overwrote your decision and hoped you wouldn't notice lol...I'm going to pick Northwest. Thanks for doing the research for us!!

[@ElizabethPW]

You are so welcome!

[@mercyjalpert4494]

Elizabeth thank you for taking the time to show us how to create our own LLC with 4 different services. I'd rather create the LLC myself and save $.

[@ElizabethPW]

Makes sense! I think many people can form their own LLC, now that the states have online filing systems.

[@Shujin_Summit_Gaming]

I love you!! Thank you so much for this!! I'm subscribed! ❤️❤️

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome! ❤️

[@bluewater454]

You went an extra mile(or two) on this one. 👍👍 Double thumbs up

[@ilearn5]

Another great video! Thank you for your service.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@marissagonzales2935]

Thank you so much!! This information is very helpful.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jademonae123]

Wow!! Thanks so much. This was very helpful!🤩🤩

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Amayi1]

Wow, thank you! I just came across your video and was looking at LegalZoom, but I was curious about other companies. I think Northwest makes the best sense. I am going to take a closer look at Northwest. Thank you so much!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DeeChiX]

Loved this video very informative.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad you found it informative!

[@Sergie_babes]

This was great I stumbled on ur video.thank you Elizabeth.think I'm going with northwest for my start up buisness

[@ElizabethPW]

Best of luck!

[@davidoletep]

Thank you for making this video

[@anamiguel668]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@mr.k5687]

appreciate you doing this!

[@ElizabethPW]

welcome!

[@JujuGurgel]

Awesome video, exactly what I needed.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@lownote2]

Well done! Thank you for the info

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@charityrsimmons]

Thank you so much for sharing this information!

[@ElizabethPW]

You are so welcome!

[@_stxntxn_]

THANK YOU! This was super helpful

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guahangarage]

Thank you for this! Great video!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@nottyma2572]

Thank you. More questions later. I’m very new but need to start my consulting company.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome - sounds good!

[@taixchi]

Thank you queen . a real detailed video .

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@GhosthashCrypto]

Thank you for the video. Clear and detailed. Obtaining the EIN is so easy, free, and instant. These companies are making a killing just by filling out that 1 page form for people.

[@ElizabethPW]

Agreed! It is rare that someone needs help with an EIN -- most people are better off doing that one themselves.

[@danielleporter1829]

@@ElizabethPWCan't someone as easily file for an EIN with the IRS than going through one of these companies. Fun Fact: LegalZoo has been around since the late 90s,. I remember being high school and seeing Robert Shapiro ( that Robert Shapiro) doing ads for LegalZoom , I'm pretty sure he's one of the founders.

[@FincherCreative]

Yeah I kept wondering if I was missing something. I can just uncheck the box and then go get the EIN myself, right? In many cases it's a 5 minute phonecall and you're done. I'm confused.

[@t.o.3820]

Very informative …Thank You for sharing

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@redryder210]

Best content, so glad I found your videos

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad to hear it

[@JacksMunuhe]

Thank you for sharing!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@benh225]

Thank you for doing this 🙏

[@ElizabethPW]

No problem 👍

[@scotstevig]

BIG thumbs up! Thank you

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@charlesmagicien4330]

Well explained. Thank you.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@dadjbig]

Thank you this was very helpful..

[@ElizabethPW]

You're welcome!

[@tirthb]

Just registered. Fully agree with the conclusion. Had a great experience with Northwest. Though it cost me $300.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad to hear you had a good experience with Northwest

[@Jiminsboost]

Thank you so much for this video it was helpful and also I think I might do northwest.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@antoinenellums4016]

Thank you Elizabeth

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@JoudaniMaria]

Thank you for the video extremely useful.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was useful!

[@markg7852]

Thanks for a great video, really appreciate it.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@raymondsaldana9519]

Great work !

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks a lot!

[@claytonvail7540]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@ElizabethPW]

You're welcome

[@850samgoody]

Thank You !🎉

[@ElizabethPW]

You’re welcome 😊

[@lorlast5204]

Thank you for this

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@anonpls809]

Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@KnightOwlMedia]

Awesome video👍👍

[@mrcleojohnson]

Hey!!! You rock!! Thank you! 😉

[@fyffitness]

Thanks again!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@aquarianphoenix6337]

Great video

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks!

[@dominiqueh7101]

Great information. I wanted to tell you your mic is very clear, more clear than other people’s videos I’ve seen. Could you link what mic you have?

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks! I have two mic's - one is attached to my computer (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CVP2HXP/ ) and the other is attached to my camera (RODE VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone, got as part of a "content creator kit" for the Canon m50)

[@russfreelancer]

I found this one, thank you!!

[@willaribraheem4140]

TY! This was great content. Prior to this video, I think that Incfile has Everyone beat!

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@timdennis5853]

Good comparison.

[@aliyah4696]

Video was definitely helpful

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@zgl4372]

thank you so much!

[@ElizabethPW]

welcome!

[@marlonhaynes3227]

Thank you so much you are the best!!!!

[@ElizabethPW]

welcome!

[@ProductiveCo]

Thanks a bunch!

[@ElizabethPW]

You're welcome!

[@jeanetteagain6631]

Thank you 🙏🏻 😊

[@ElizabethPW]

You’re welcome 😊

[@LalithoTheRedBorderCollie]

Thank you so much, you saved me like $600 to file a LLC and to get everything started with an agent and an EIN

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@gazstpatrick6574]

Who did u go with

[@JuniorShepherd]

Northwest seems to be the way to go! Thanks Elizabeth for sharing this info.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@stevenkopca7130]

Wow great video! I wish I found this 6 months ago before I went to Legal Zoom could've saved me a few hundred dollars. Plus I ordered a DBA for my sole proprietorship but the bank would not let me open an account with all the licenses and certificates that I had cause I needed my DBA Certificate which I did not receive from my county clerks office but was told by (not one) but 3 Legal Zoom employees that I didn't need the certificate and that I WOULD NOT be getting a Physical DBA Certificate. THEY WERE WRONG! All 3 of them. I called the County Clerks office and they said they sent me one but will send me another one in which I did receive. Long story short my Bank was right and Legal Zoom was wrong. Thank you for this video.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome! sorry to hear about the trouble you had with them

[@angiesegura5998]

Thanks you!!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@noelc2]

Thanks so much! ❤ You did a great job! I started using Legalzoom today & was so so confused by their pricing, whether I could be my own agent. I’m not usually intimidated by paperwork or doing things myself, but wanted to make sure I did things correctly! ❤

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear that this helped!

[@suzettesokolgz4564]

Thank you 😊

[@ElizabethPW]

You're welcome 😊

[@dalesdonutclips]

thx Liz

[@TheCitybwai]

Good Job

[@shakiarenece]

Thank you I know this took a lot of time

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!!

[@armandolupian1210]

Thank you

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!!

[@marvindennis4445]

Thank You

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@grewal559]

Do you know you make best videos on KZbin. ❤

[@PhoenixlyIntentioned]

After watching your video, this has def made my life much easier. I was attempting to do this on my own, and my brain was just phew* - So def looking into these companies for some peace of mind! - I do have a question or in need of advice! I am relocating states in about 2 or so months, Do you have a recommendation on if i should file in my current state, or future? I haven't launched as yet-only gotten supplies and materials so far for the business.

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm if you are moving in the next 2-3 months, and you're not ready to launch anyway, I'd set it up for the new state. Also then you can set it up to be effective in January, so you don't have any awkward tax paperwork for the two months of this year.

[@PhoenixlyIntentioned]

@Elizabeth Potts Weinstein Thank you so much for your quick follow up! And that def makes sense!! Thank You!!🙏🏽❤️

[@vovowithefofo6608]

Thanks liz

[@ElizabethPW]

welcome

[@Ryansanvy]

Especially Thanks to Elizabeth.....🙌💛 I will choose NORTHWEST because I am a Bangladeshi citizen. I don't have an SSN, and without an SSN, it will take more than 3 months to get your EIN, but it's not like NORTHWEST forces you to take their complete package like others do; you only get your EIN by fax. can apply for It and its very easy, guys; otherwise, you can use their registration agent address. I actually like their honesty, and if you are a beginner, I would recommend NORTHWEST. Best wishes for everyone!💛🤲

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@rammallah3117]

Thanks alot

[@ElizabethPW]

Most welcome

[@sandysavard8030]

Thanks again!!! Last question I promise, thank you for sharing your knowledge!!! Have ever used legaldepot for an operating agreements or if you know of any websites that could offer this guidance to properly fill out or create these forms properly. From what I have read so far this is the most important part of the process. The others services like applying for ein take about 2 minutes and when you have that you can proceed to get a bank account...I think. I really want to accomplish this task my self, the best way possible. I would think that Incfile and others just have basics forms that you have to end up getting the information to fill out and then they are more of the processors?

[@ElizabethPW]

That's a great question - I do plan to do a video in the future about how to create your Operating Agreement, and also videos reviewing the various create-your-agreement sites. LegalDepot does seem to be legit - the main issue is the same as with any document service -- it is DIY so you're not getting legal advice about it.

[@sandysavard8030]

@@ElizabethPW Thank you again for always taking the time to respond.It is greatly appreciated. I truly would get an attorney if was affordable, but in all reality its not for most people that are starting a business and don't have an established business already. After hours and many many videos here is what I have learned to form a sole proprietor LLc 1: Manager managed 2: No forced Distributions 3: Non-Pro Rata Distributions 4: No Charging language 5: Restrictions on transfers 6: Tax provisions inline with what LLC you want to run 7: No right to return of capital 8: Appointment of officers What I am really trying to find the definitions, for and these are worded in the in the operating agreement so that i can fill it out properly. Honestly Being a CA lawyer puts you in a place to make a lot of revenue just by creating forms that auto fill themselves. lawdepot kind of this but it really doesn't have senerion that people could understand in layman terms. The reason I am saying this is because you are one of the very few that actually answers ANY questions and truly helps people like you.. Just wanted you to know... Thanks Again

[@g-ro3039]

Thank you for a very well spoken and thorough video! I have a question about "Annual Compliance". So I see that these services offer to take care of your Annual Compliance for your business for a fee which I understand is optional. Do you think this is something that is simple enough for us to take care of ourselves or is it necessary to just pay the annual fee and let the LLC service take care of it? Last Question: Are we able to use our Registered Agent address as our business's physical address or do we need to keep it separate and get a virtual business address as well? If a virtual address, should I purchase one right before I create my LLC and then apply it?

[@ElizabethPW]

1 - it is simple but easy to forget. The main aspect of signing up for annual compliance is so you remember to do it (and know what to do). 2 - it depends on the registered agent -- each one has their own rules.

[@sandysavard8030]

Thank you very much for all your great Videos they are very well organized and presented! One question would be about "Piercing the corporate veil". What is the best way to form an LLC and not have to register your home address. I have read so many different things about this. I want to do it legally. What are the legal address requirement for an LLC in California?

[@ElizabethPW]

I wouldn't worry about using your home address being a "pierce the corporate veil" problem. Many LLCs and Corporations are now people working from home. But also you may want a mailing address to use publicly (PO Box or UPS Store or Anytime Mailbox). And you can use a registered agent company for your RA address (like Northwest).

[@sandysavard8030]

What i am trying to accomplish is to keep my personal address from the public. from what I understand you can us a registered agent like Northwest for that. 1. If I use a virtual address for the LLC then can't the corporate veil be pierced if that virtual address is not really the place that I actually do the work from? Then I am personally responsible. 2. Also from my understanding of the Google business terms of service rules , regarding business address, there has to be an employee at the actual business address that is used for the LLC, or any website doing business, especially since this will be included in the terms of service , privacy policy, ect. , of the business website you are operating. I don't want to set up the LLC ina way that Google can then suspend my account until verification happens for the address, if they find that I am using a virtual address. I have read blogs about Google's terms of service, and they are starting to crack down on sites that break their terms of service. Its a hard call show real home address on LLC and hope that people don't bother you , or have your site up and running and then be suspended your site which will hurt your customers and you business reputation. What are your thoughts on this, Thanks in advance.

[@ElizabethPW]

Well there's having your address be public, like listed on your website or email, and giving your address to large entities like your bank or google or paypal. My thought is that for a public address, it makes sense to use a virtual mailbox or PO Box. But when giving an address to another company like a bank or google (if they don't list it publicly) then yes it is not anonymous anymore but it is different than listing it on a public website. I agree that if a govt or company requires a street address of where the business actually operates, a virtual mailbox would violate that law or rule.

[@sandysavard8030]

@@ElizabethPW Thank you, this clears thing up for me.

[@MrLaFocaccia]

Northwest offerings right now with the basic package is a great value compared to anything else really right now!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad to hear!!

[@alainruiz]

Very educational. Slower/less scrolling would help tremendously.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad you found it helpful -- yep I tend to be a bit fast, I'll try to slow it down :)

[@hellayayis]

Thank you so much for this. I was looking into this and was looking into ZENBUSINESS but they don't provide a registered agent in their plan...its separate :-/ now I am looking into Northwest since I am a newbie at this process and makes me so nervous to get something wrong

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome! I almost included zenbusiness in this analysis too - but yes so important to see exactly what is included. Best of luck with it!

[@dr.aasiyahghazi9168]

Actually they do now and it’s part of their $199 and $299 package