The Problem with Using LegalZoom to Create Your LLC | walkthrough of LegalZoom services with +/-

Are you thinking of using LegalZoom to form your LLC? It can be helpful for some specific situations, but the costs may be much more than you want ... and you may not be getting what you think you're paying for. In this video I walk through LegalZoom's LLC formation services and share thoughts on what's worth it & what's not, and how to evaluate whether it's appropriate for your new business.
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[@fyffitness]

Thank you so much! Was just about to give legalzoom a grand because I didn’t know what I needed 😂! I owe you an hours wage madame, thanks again!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad I could help!

[@BHadassah]

You're right. They only give you a list of licenses you need and who to contact for these licenses. Thank you for this. I wish I would have known about your channel before signing up with them.

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@rosannaesparza]

Thank you for the simple comparison between doing this myself and paying legal zoom!

[@LitskiOfficial]

I love this video; you are funny, confident, and extremely knowledgable + helpful. Thank you so much!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@ElizabethPW]

If you want to create your LLC yourself, here's how to do it in California: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXfRZnRqrd-he5Y

[@mr.viciousgreptheburgh2779]

Any info on Pa? I offer handyman type services and simple auto mechanic services...I'd like to have a laborers business offering services from brakes rotors and oil changes to landscaping. Not much I can't do. But I would love to be legit handing out receipts and have a business banking account. Im looking for the best step by step advice boss lady 🙏 thank you 💋 ❤

[@calebrasak6941]

So helpful! Subscribed! Starting two new businesses under LLC and I look forward to learning more!

[@ElizabethPW]

Great! Glad you found it helpful

[@anthonygutierrez6680]

Thank you for the video I actually jumped right into legal zoom first LLC with out all this knowledge and ended up with those extra purchases that I now think I don’t need. I could have done things myself but I was scared to and I’m just justifying my 1k legal zoom purchase now 😅.

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks for sharing about what happened to you! Yeah I think that's so common with these services, to get a bunch of extra stuff that doesn't get used

[@jake8074]

So... I`m back to square one. Thanks for the heads up though!

[@ElizabethPW]

Best luck with it!

[@yeseniasplace]

Wow, how helpful. I was going to do legal zoom today but now I think I will do it on my own in NY.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful! Hope it goes smoothly with your NY biz

[@TheMsCutiePyeFal]

So helpful!! I was on the fence about this and now I know what to do.

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shastamolina2632]

Hi Elizabeth! I am about to be starting up my online nutrition coaching business here soon and have been looking into legal zoom. Your video has me now second guessing them but i am super new to the legal side of stuff. In your opinion would legal zoom be a good enough choice for me or should i go talk to an attorney? Thanks so much!

[@ElizabethPW]

If legal zoom is what is going to make it so you can get unstuck and get your business started, then do that. The main issue is to know what you are paying for (and don't let them upsell you to stuff you don't need). Then a bit later you can consult with an attorney.

[@dannydressel7433]

Ughhh idk what to do!! I’m hoping to start a business soon and I can’t decide between a lawyer and legalzoom. This video was super helpful and definitely swayed me towards getting a lawyer I’m just nervous it will be expensive.

[@ElizabethPW]

Look for a lawyer who charges a flat fee. I’ve seen lawyer flat fees for this ranging from $450 to $5000 - really depends on the service they provide, their specialty, and the location.

[@lamamapanda9868]

I feel the same way😣we just started the company as a DBA but now we want and LLC. I’m afraid I’ll pay crazy fees. Isn’t the LLC like $800 a year in California?

[@ckaren05]

@@lamamapanda9868 I believe so, but I believe it's also being waived for small businesses' first year when they start between 2021-2023

[@RaaavingReviews]

Thank you! my only issue is that my business would be from home and i don't have a physical address or want to a pay for a space (because its not needed) however to create a LLC and EIN i need an address. I've tried a virtual address via anytime mailbox but that hasn't work out either smh because I need an address to complete the form 1583 for usps and need an address for that in order for the LLC to be consider a recipient. Bizee seem to provide all that for me but like you mentioned paying for those things knowing i can do myself seem silly. Ughh.

[@ElizabethPW]

Yep, the government is not really set up for online/home businesses

[@siobhandeguerin9221]

Great advice so much that I did not know. Can I just apply for an EIN if I am just selling on Amazon or any other online marketplace or do I need an LLC and an EIN combined. Also Legal Zoom seemed like a good idea until those fees and individual plans and yearly fees came into play. Please advise. New subscriber here.

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can just get an EIN. For most situations you can get the EIN yourself at www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online - LegalZoom and other similar services can be helpful for people who need the help filing the forms, as long as one can avoid all the extra fees for stuff they don't need.

[@danielforrest3871]

Really wonderful. I've been in businessfor decades and am learning heaps from you. Wish you were in TX.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@ff_tjbandz6369]

Saved me a pretty penny Elizabeth. I was leaning away from purchasing once i noticed they were upselling as much as possible and sort of hiding their monthly and annual fees, but after watching this video I am sure that my doubt was not unwarranted. Thanks for the great info!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@huhyeahhi]

This was super helpful and saved me some time. Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@joshuaespinoza6331]

Powerhouse Woman! Ty sweet heart!

[@Chazeen]

This video was extremely helpful Elizabeth thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@strongerlongerlife]

So helpful, thank you! Do you work with people out of state? I'm in NJ.

[@ElizabethPW]

For trademarks, yes

[@kerri38010]

Legal zoom change me $750 every year and they aren’t doing anything. If I cancel, can I still keep my LLC?

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can still keep your LLC if you cancel the LegalZoom. If they are serving as your Registered Agent, you need to appoint a new one (which can be you).

[@_XOXOLOVELESS]

I have been watching and researching your videos!! Trying to get everything right before I start my cleaning business in California

[@ElizabethPW]

Happy to help!

[@kinghoey97]

Thank you, learned a lot and everything was well explained.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great to hear!

[@musiholictara]

I need this because I am homeless, have no address, trying to start a business. I really couldn't do it without this service. Just another example of how expensive it is to be poor.

[@ElizabethPW]

Agreed

[@aaronbranch8035]

This was so helpful, Elizabeth! Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alanlaschera936]

thank you for this!!! you might not have many views but this is useful information thank you again !!!

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@OnaSic1_2021]

Thank you so much for all your information! I actually had my daughter help me set up mine last December and she used legal zoom, now it's a nightmare! I can't get them to resign from being my registered they agent, they say they have to see that I have another one before they will resign. I'm working on getting out from under them. I think they are keeping her from gaining access to my business on my bizfile account. I requested access like a year ago and I still haven't received it.

[@ElizabethPW]

Oh no, what a mess!! Yes it can be so hard to get out from under them. You may want to file the change of Registered Agent with the state via PDF/mail, so you can change to you or whomever will be the next RA, by filing a new Statement of Information via mail: bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-12-112021.pdf Hopefully then with your email address on the form, it will switch over things to you. (Not sure if it will automatically do that -- the system is too new to know -- but it is worth a try)

[@ceoworld54]

I wish i watched this before i gave legal zoom my money

[@timlambert5365]

Hi Elizabeth! Great video(s) I have now watched 2. Questions, can you start an LLC specifically with the intention of filing with the IRS to tax as an S-Corp? Thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can! Many of my clients do that -- an LLC taxed as an S Corp.

[@priscillasimpson6070]

Hello, thanks for the video! I just started an llc here in California and subscribed to the basic tax plan for $99 a month. I’ve been paying the $99 since November and haven’t used it. I been trying to cancel it for a Couple months but was told I couldn’t. So I guess now my only Option is to take advantage and use the tax plan. So they do do my taxes for me? State and federal? Do they file them or just prepare them ? Will they do all my recipes for me? Take into account my gas mileage for our business vehicle? I have so many questions and I feel I don’t know who to ask and when I talk to LegalZoom nobody gets back to me and if they do it takes weeks.

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm I wonder if you signed up for an annual plan. If you want to cancel, I recommend you telling them that you want to set it so it does not auto-renew, so you don't have to pay for it in the future. Their own terms state that "If you have purchased a subscription from LZ Tax, you may cancel this subscription at any time by calling us at [phone]." My understanding is that their plans include them preparing and filing your tax forms. I don't know if they will just take your receipts - some tax preparers require you to give a chart or spreadsheet of income/expenses. They should assign you to one of their tax persons to handle your account - I recommend calling them to get faster service.

[@priscillasimpson6070]

@@ElizabethPW thank you so much! I appreciate your reply

[@priscillasimpson6070]

I have another question. I’m planning on quitting legal zoom altogether. We currently have tax , legal protect, total compliance, registered agent service. Do I have to keep certain plans if I want to continue my llc? I know I can drop the tax and lawyer one but as far as the others I’m under the impression I have to have them. If not with them than with a different agency.

[@aswadmalik1740]

I just used legal zoom and realized the add-ons were unnecessary. I did have questions on some things, but called their toll free number and was assisted thoroughly.

[@ElizabethPW]

Good to hear that you got what you needed.

[@ImpactofBroadcast]

Hey! I have been with legal zoom for some years but I was so lost in the beginning and still am. I don't know what To do anymore. I have paid countless dollars to try to build and structure a business as im just trying to get business credit and build a business. I don't know if I should just cancel and start all the way over or what. I had my business since 2019 so I like the age on it but I have yet to be able to access the right funds and structure it correctly. I have a business bank account but it just very difficult understanding everything step by step. Please help

[@ElizabethPW]

It sounds like what you need is a business coach to help you get your business launched and making money. I'd look online for a business coach or consultant to help you, someone who works with people in your industry and with your types of goals.

[@ImpactofBroadcast]

@@ElizabethPW ok thanks I'll start on Fiverr

[@pablolimon6735]

Hi Elizabeth! Are you doing online consultations on Patreon? Is that where you do them? I need advise getting my Tshirt business going. Thank you!

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes I do online consults via Patreon www.patreon.com/elizabethpw not sure if there are any spots left so check it out asap :)

[@pablolimon6735]

Thank you!

[@vassiton]

The IRS site says, "We cannot process your application online if the responsible party is an entity with an EIN previously obtained through the Internet. " I obtained an EIN through that site as a sole proprietor with a dba. First, do I need a new EIN for my LLC (same business, same name)? If so, can I get it online?

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm did you use the previous EIN for you as the responsible party? If so, you may want to try using your SSN (or ITIN) instead as the responsible party.

[@callmecat9715]

Hello, I am about to open up an AT HOME BAKERY (selling cupcakes). Besides getting my cottage food license, what are the steps that I need to take to register it? I assume I have to first open it under an LLC. I only have $1000 to spend I don’t have $1 million to spend on a lawyer, so what do I do? What steps do I take? By the way I live in California. I hope you get this message, thank you and take care.

[@ElizabethPW]

I have a big playlist about setting up and running an LLC kzbin.info/aero/PLd0wcIHXfOTcVityweD4Odrkwiq3fjboX

[@gladtidings6020]

Thanks Elizabeth. You just saved me a lot of $.

[@ElizabethPW]

Great!

[@krissi9482]

Hello! What if one initially applies with there being no employees. However, further down the line you end up hiring employees. Does this change matter?

[@ElizabethPW]

If you set up your LLC before you have employees, you don't need to change the LLC itself. You will need to register with the state, set up payroll and deductions, get required insurance, and other similar tasks.

[@krissi9482]

@@ElizabethPW Thank you for answering. I appreciate it!

[@Joesewz]

Hi Elizabeth! Im super new to the legal side of having a business and I was wondering if you've covered how to do a business property statement in cali?

[@ElizabethPW]

Not yet, but doing a video on the business property statement (571-L) is a good idea - I'll add to the list

[@Joesewz]

@@ElizabethPW big thanks!! Your channel is a blessing to us business owners! Thank you so much!!

[@ElizabethPW]

You’re welcome!

[@markusthurman877]

When you pay are you receiving the paper work to fill out or is legal zoom filling out your paperwork and submitting it for you.

[@ElizabethPW]

for some of it, they submit, and for other things they just fill it out

[@markusthurman877]

What are your thoughts on shares for a start up tech company, I was thinking about doing 1-5 million authorized shares and 0.01 par.

[@samly6371]

Hi Elizabeth, I’m planning to start a photo booth business. Doing gig on the weekend. Should I file for LLC? Like your video. Thank you.

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm you might not know if it will go through before this weekend, unless you pay the big $$ to get it expedited. For a photo booth, there’s a bit of liability since a physical interaction but can get insurance and waivers/contracts

[@theonetheonly4523]

Since I'm already established with Legalzoom and I have no questions yet on behalf of a attorney. Would it be wise not to pay that fee for now with them until I actually do have question or do you think they'll even do that? Or do you think I'll have to pay that monthly fee regardless if I don't have questions right now.

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm I would not keep paying a monthly fee unless I am using it regularly, at least enough so you can test them out and see if the service is helpful to you

[@Money132215]

If I get my EIN from Legalzoom if I didn’t want all of the service but still want my company would I have to change my EIN number & start a completely new company?

[@ElizabethPW]

Nope, you can keep what you got, and go from there

[@viviantran9122]

Hi there! Thank you for such informational video. I wonder what will be your fee to set up a LLC?

[@ElizabethPW]

Hi - thanks for asking, but I'm no longer taking new clients. Best of luck with your search!

[@Papiaso]

@@ElizabethPW I am sorry for the enquiry, but being an attorney myself, may I ask you, what reasons should one have for not accepting new clients? Great videos content by the way!

[@nadiecitta]

I live in a community property state (CA) do I need to add my husband to the LLC? Or add him as 0% ownership or 1%?

[@ElizabethPW]

Your spouse does not need to be an owner on the paperwork but yes typically a spouse in a community property state has rights, even if the property is not in their name. So many people will have a Spousal Consent to the Operating Agreement (so they agree to any voting restrictions and such) and you would want their consent if you every sold your rights in the LLC or brought in a new owner, so you don't run into troubles later.

[@newwaveadventures2427]

Who can I use please if I’m not from the u.s but I have the EIN already and I want to set up an llc

[@ElizabethPW]

If you want an LLC and you're from outside the US, check out doola.com

[@Everything-zk3mk]

Can you create a LLC even if you don't have a business just wanted to know because I was thinking about creating one for tax purposes

[@ElizabethPW]

Well you can create an LLC without a business, but I don't see how it would be helpful for tax purposes unless there is some income happening -- business deductions are against business income.

[@jtube411]

Saw so many bad review for Legalzoom, do you have any recommendations for best place to create LLC?

[@ElizabethPW]

I did some review videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paCnq56Ql66Co6s & kzbin.info/www/bejne/majamnhnj5WHhq8

[@livGetYourMoney]

Hi, thank you your video was very helpful. I have a couple of questions for starting an online business. Do you recommend any other online legal entity other than legal zoom? I also filed for an EIN before I did my LLC is that a problem and can the LLC name be different the the name filed on EIN because now I'm having trouble with the name being taken?

[@ElizabethPW]

For most people, they are better off just doing the online filing directly with the state. Typically you want to do the LLC first, since it doesn't really exist until it is formed so can't really have an EIN. The EIN is free/instant (if online filing) so I'd create the LLC and then get a new EIN for that new LLC.

[@jmkjmk5468]

Which type of document would I need to file if I want to start an ecommerce/dropshipping?

[@ElizabethPW]

Depends on the type of legal entity you want (sole proprietor, LLC, etc.). If you are going to be a sole prop, then you need to look at a DBA and a business license. If you are only selling on amazon or other marketplace facilitators, you don't need a sales tax permit (otherwise, get that too).

[@baajbajwa55]

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for guiding people. Quick question: I am going to start an import and export business hence applying for an llc in state of washington. Which legal document would show the names of the members( partners ). Second question is that one of my partner is from india, would that interfere in any way? Any advice would be appreciated....thanks

[@ElizabethPW]

The owners will be listed on your business license application with the state of Washington. You'd also have them in your LLC Operating Agreement. Generally, if the person is a legal resident of the USA then it should not matter (unless you are doing something that requires a security clearance etc.), but if the person is not a citizen/resident then it does mean the LLC can't be taxed as an S Corp.

[@baajbajwa55]

@@ElizabethPW appreciate your response 👍

[@boujeebratmacy]

Hello. I made an llc with legal zoom and my name is not on the document itself. How do I fix this?

[@ElizabethPW]

If you need to change what is on the LLC formation document, usually you are "amending" it but some states have a specific filing for what needs to be changed. Go on the website for the secretary of state of the state where you formed the LLC and look in their "forms" to see the filing. Most of the time you can file it online.

[@vaqueritof7565]

so who should I look for a lawyer ? for option number 3

[@ElizabethPW]

If you want to hire an attorney, it depends if you want someone in person or if you are okay with working with an attorney online. Referrals from other biz owners are great, of course. Then I'd do a google search for a business formation attorney in your town (if you want local) and look at attorney sites like www.avvo.com/ or www.upcounsel.com/. Legalzoom does have lawyers they work with, but you have to pay extra.

[@str8upn0l1fe6]

So one question who do I go to file a llc and have everything done just a business lawyer for a lawncare business. And will they answer everything for me

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes a business law attorney is the type of lawyer that you want. Some have packages that include answering questions, ongoing maintenance, etc.

[@str8upn0l1fe6]

Would I be able to go to north west and get everything done then go to a law attorney to get the other help or could everything be done at the business law attorney office?

[@str8upn0l1fe6]

Also thank you these videos have been helping alot

[@ElizabethPW]

Yes you can go to northwest and then go to an attorney to do other stuff. There are attorneys who do most of everything (except for accounting and taxes, that's usually separate). Attorneys have different packages and ways of doing business, so it depends on the exact attorney.

[@str8upn0l1fe6]

@Elizabeth Potts Weinstein thank you . These few videos have been great help. I'm 17. I have 5 months before I'm 18, so once I am 18, I'm going to go get lisenced and insured. I'm going to get out there and start mowing. I already have a few clients lined up from work and I do a few lawn chores for them now .

[@lechugaschannel]

wow i should've watched this earlier

[@ElizabethPW]

Glad you found it informative, but sorry that you didn't see it earlier!

[@Backatitagain_]

Dang it. I wish I just went to my local cpa. I thought going 3rd party like legal zoom would be easier. I feel ripped off.

[@ElizabethPW]

Well hopefully you can take advantage of everything you paid LegalZoom for, and then yes speaking to a local CPA may be good anyway so they can get your financial back-end and taxes setup right.

[@gnaveeloab]

Thank you sooo much

[@ElizabethPW]

Welcome!

[@terinadenson9393]

So who do you recommend instead of legal zoom?

[@ElizabethPW]

Check out this video where I review other providers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/majamnhnj5WHhq8

[@theconsultor3335]

Good morning Elizabeth! I was wondering if we could possibly setup a phone call with you for tax help?

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks for asking -- I don't really give advice about taxes (except for basic questions). One service I've used is: www.adminbooks.com/

[@theconsultor3335]

@@ElizabethPW Oh ic. So your strictly on the legal side.

[@TheMetalBison]

If I cancel my membership with LegalZoom does this affect my llc?

[@ElizabethPW]

The only thing that it would affect is if LZ is your Registered Agent -- then either you would need to be the registered agent yourself, or you need to hire someone else. Besides that, it is just that LZ might send you notices for filings and so you'd need to know the deadlines yourself

[@jaimeim18]

Legal zoom sent my file to collection anyone else have the same issue? I never approved to be renew I haven’t even started my business yet

[@ElizabethPW]

Oh no, sorry to hear that! Seems like so many companies have this type of auto-renewal without sending reminders of when one can cancel

[@runawayslaveproject]

Facts!!! I just released a video about how expensive they are

[@ElizabethPW]

Yep! It seems like they will be reasonable but once it is all added up, people are surprised (especially for what you actually get)

[@nikkih7638]

How do you file a operating agreement

[@ElizabethPW]

You don't file the Operating Agreement - you just keep it in your records

[@TheKidfromDC]

Could i just put a po box as my adress and list myself as a registered agent

[@ElizabethPW]

The address for the registered agent can't be a PO Box (if you put that, the state's computer will probably reject it). It should be a location where someone can accept papers in person for your business.

[@ro-landocalrissian4633]

Hi, I was thinking of using them for a patent. What would you advise?

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm it looks like you get a consult with a patent attorney/agent. Looks like it is additional fees for a patent search, for patent attorney/agent to create and file the application, and if it is a "chemical compositions and biological/biotechnological, electrical device or system, or computer software" application. Not sure if they help you along the process. One way to start may be to have an initial consult and search with them -- then you can make a decision whether they make sense going forward, or if you want to hire a patent attorney/agent on your own.

[@tycobb32712]

As a church employee contractor, do I need to form a llc or s corp?

[@ElizabethPW]

Sometimes the organization that a contractor works for will require them to form an LLC so the organization knows that the contractor is indeed an independent contractor (and is not an employee under state or federal law). But otherwise, it is up to you -- depends upon your risk tolerance and what tax planning you need.

[@Tonysila73]

So helpful. What if I have created an S corp through legal zoom and want to change it to an LLC? is there any easier process?

[@ElizabethPW]

What you are doing is "converting" the corporation to an LLC. Each state should have a conversion process, usually there is a form that you file with the state. Here's a link for the process/forms in California: www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/conversion-information

[@brooklynapoli5941]

should i use legalzoom to file taxes?

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm I looked at their terms www.legalzoom.com/legal/general-terms/lz-tax-terms-of-service and they are probably fine for ordinary/simple business situations. But they are not CPAs or tax attorneys, and they don't look at prior year returns. Most accountants / tax preparers I know will look at your last few returns to see if they can amend them to save you a bunch of money / get refunds, so there's that. Also they are not good if you owe back taxes -- you can get a tax preparer who will help you negotiate back taxes.

[@eaglesfly2457]

HELLO ELIZABETH, HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR LLC ?

[@ElizabethPW]

You can learn more about my LLC startup packages at www.elizabethpottsweinstein.com/startup-plans/ but generally the basic LLC package is $1550, which does not include government filing fees or publishing fees.

[@wi_versa9577]

How can I hire or get a consultation with you?

[@ElizabethPW]

I'm not taking clients right now, but you can email me at elizabeth at elizabethpw.com to get on my waiting list. Also I will be relaunching my Patreon soon, and the higher levels will include consultations.

[@lostinyonkers914]

Hi Elizabeth. Can I hire you to help me with my llc?

[@ElizabethPW]

Thanks for asking -- but no, I'm not taking new clients. Best of luck with your search!

[@rajeshkumarah]

This video did not help much. It did not tell whats the alternative to using LegalZoom and which is better

[@ElizabethPW]

In this video I compared four different services kzbin.info/www/bejne/majamnhnj5WHhq8 and recommended www.northwestregisteredagent.com/ as a good option

[@jon001atx]

I have a few problems with some of the information you provided in your video Elizabeth. First off you said using LegalZoom is not as valuable because all States are online filing and that is not the case. I work for an online filing company and the filing options are State specific. Yes, some do have the option for online filing but your video says all states are online filing. You claim in your video you are an attorney, I would expect an attorney to have gathered more of their facts before making a video to inform others of making a decision on whether to use LegalZoom as an online service or not. There will always be many options people have to file a business. I agree with you the 3 main options are file yourself, use a paid filing service or use an attorney. Might I suggest before you make a video educating people on what the services offered are, you might want to try actually using the services to see exactly what you get with it because some of the information you provided on these services offered by LegalZoom was not correct.

[@ElizabethPW]

Hm every state that I've checked or worked with has online filing to create an LLC, but perhaps I missed one. Let me know which state does not have online filing, and I'll post that information. If you are ever not sure if someone is actually an attorney, you should look up their information on the website of the state bar where they practice. For example, here's my California state bar listing: apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/Licensee/Detail/211192 I have used LegalZoom for myself and on behalf of clients, so I speak from personal experience. I have also helped many clients who have had mediocre or even bad experiences with LegalZoom or other filing companies, and the client is hiring me to fix the problems. For example, just yesterday I spoke with someone where LegalZoom had used the wrong address on a filing for him, and they have still not fixed the problem, even after he spent hours on the phone with them. I'm fairly confident in my review. If you have any *specific* facts that are not accurate, let me know.

[@jon001atx]

Well towards the end of the video you were saying with an LLC you don't get articles of organization just a statement showing a self filing online and you actually do still get articles of organization directly from the State. There also is an option for the business license package to have Avalara do the licenses and permits for you. The emailed report for you to do it on your own is $40.00 when you include it with a package with LegalZoom. The $99.00 package included with a LegalZoom order does have Avalara do everything for you with the licenses/permits.

[@ElizabethPW]

If I stated that someone doesn't get their articles of organization, then I obviously misspoke, since every business that creates an LLC gets a copy of what they filed regardless of who does it. If Avalara does handle the business licenses for $99 with that package (they seem to charge $399 to do that separately), then that's good.

[@mirandathomas6849]

@@ElizabethPW how do I get away from legal zoom

[@ketocrusader3406]

SHEESH!!! Legalzoom are crooks lol. Thanks for the complete breakdown. Goodness

[@ElizabethPW]

You bet!

[@sometimes8089]

Wait, this is terrible information. Legal Zoom has a premium option, and they keep up and file for everything. You are saving time, money and compliance risk.

[@ElizabethPW]

As I said in the video, if someone thinks that what LG offers fits their needs, it can make sense.

[@NathanAponte]

Do you need a business license to start an Etsy business?

[@ElizabethPW]

It depends upon where you are located - in some places, yes. Check out this video where I talk about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYqrq3ajq6yZbqs

[@NathanAponte]

@@ElizabethPW ty

[@NathanAponte]

@@ElizabethPW ty

[@Essential-Self]

Hi Elizabeth, thank you for this video, I was about to use legalzoom as i need help but after interacting with their poor customer support chat I googled and found your video. I am a non US citizen, almost a digital nomad, and after covid need to have a company to support my work. I was also looking at doola, have you look at them? Any advise would be very useful and appreciated. Greetings

[@ElizabethPW]

I have not looked at www.doola.com/ but it seems interesting, especially since they seem to specialize with non-US residents. That's the biggest issue because if someone does not have a SSN and is not located here, it is much harder. Also looks like they help with the US bank account, which is another big problem for non-US residents. I like how there is a photo & names of the founders and info about the company so it is not a weird sketchy site. I will add them to my list to do a full review.

[@Essential-Self]

@@ElizabethPW Hi Elizabeth, thank you for answering, I think I will go with them after all. They have a discount on. I was wondering if you also offered some services. I found your video very clear and helpful. You inspire trust :) thank you

[@ElizabethPW]

I am not doing new business formations right now. Good luck with it -- let us know how doola goes for you!