Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Business Registration Services
  • Depending on your goals and business structure, you may want to register one of several types of business.
  • Registering a business involves submitting several legal documents and requirements vary from state to state.
  • The type of business you register will have an impact on your tax obligations.
  • You can register a business on your own, but business registration services make it quick and convenient and you can be sure all of your documents are in proper order.
Our Approach

How we analyzed the best Business Registration Services

Entity Types
We looked for business registration firms that could help customers register the best business entity for their needs. 
Ease of Process
We favored companies that offered a smooth online experience, including a well-organized, glitch-free website, seamless document uploading, and speedy service.
Fees
Companies that were transparent about their service charges and helped customers understand the full cost of business registration in their state got our stamp of approval.
Educational Resources
Companies that offered comprehensive FAQ sections, informative blog articles, and live accountant support rated highly with us.
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Our Research

More insight into our methodology

Entity Types

The best business registration services can assist you in setting up whatever type of business you want. Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common business entity type and nearly all business registration services will offer this. But some go a step further and offer assistance setting up S-Corporations, C-Corporations and even nonprofits. Each type of entity has its own legal requirements, so it’s important that you choose a business registration service that offers special assistance tailored to the type of business you want to set up. We favored services that helped business owners set up multiple entity types.

Ease of Process

A typical business registration service will help you verify that your business’s name is available in your state and prepare and file the appropriate paperwork to register your business. Some also help with additional business legal services, like Certificates of Good Standing, annual reports, foreign qualification, and setting up a fictitious business name (Doing Business As) if need be. Every business owner won’t require all of these services, but for those with more complex needs, a robust business registration company offering these additional services will appeal more than a company that just files your registration paperwork. When rating the top business registration services, we put companies that offered a wider range of these services first.

Fees

Most business registration services charge a base fee, plus state taxes which will vary depending on the state where you’re registering your business. Companies who offer additional services besides just paperwork registration and filing may offer several packages that business owners can choose from. Otherwise, you may purchase these extra services a la carte. We preferred companies that offered several payment tiers to suit different budgets, but we also weighed overall affordability, as this is usually key for new business owners.

Educational Resources

Many business owners don’t understand the legal aspects of setting up a business, which is why they seek out a business registration service in the first place. Some registration services attempt to help business owners understand how the process works by providing educational resources where they can learn more about the different types of business entities, the legal requirements for registering and operating a business in their state, and what their next steps should be. This is not a huge omission as this information is readily available online, but the best business registration services will provide some resources to help new business owners understand the process.

Helpful information about Business Registration Services

Business registration services take the time, hassle, and confusion out of making your business “official.” Usually, for a flat fee, the company will complete the various documents required to register a business with the state and federal government. They can also recommend the best way to incorporate your business

Who’s Required to Register a Business?

Whether you’re already in business or opening a new one, in most cases, you’ll need to   register it with one or more government agencies. In most states, if you do business under any other name but your own, you’re required to register your business. If you have employees, you’ll also need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.  It’s always a good idea to keep your personal and business finances separate, regardless of whether you register your business. But some banks require you to have registered your business to open a business bank account. Having separate personal and business accounts makes accounting for your business simpler.

Is Registering a Business the Same as Incorporating?

The short answer is no. But there are important advantages to forming a corporation. You gain certain legal and financial protections that a simple registration doesn’t offer. The primary advantage is that incorporating separates your personal assets and liabilities from your business assets and liabilities. When you incorporate and take on business debt, your personal assets cannot be seized by your business creditors. If your business were to be sued, for example, your personal assets would be insulated from any jury award that may result from the litigation.

There are also certain tax advantages that come with registering your business. You may be able to deduct your health insurance premiums. If you operate a home business and maintain separate office space in your house, you may be able to deducts a portion of your mortgage payment, utilities, and other expenses.

You can register a business without incorporating, but the only thing that will protect is your business’s name.

What’s Involved in Registering a Business

When you register your business, you will have to file forms with the Secretary of State in the state where you operate. Requirements vary by state, by whether you decide to form a corporation, and the type of corporation you form. You have a few choices, including a limited liability corporation (LLC), an S-corporation, and a C-corporation. Business registration services employs accountants and legal experts to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Typically, you’ll be required to submit the following documents to register your business:

  • Articles of organization
  • Name reservation application
  • Operating agreement

If you operate in more than one state—for example, if you open a sushi bar in Massachusetts and, inspired by your success, decide to open another in nearby Rhode Island, you’ll have to register your business in Rhode Island, too. Or let’s say you open a marketing consulting business. You register your business in Massachusetts, but soon your partner, who lives in Rhode Island, starts seeing clients in that state, too. You’ll have to register your business in both states to comply with regulations.

If you operate online, however, and sell products or services to customers across the country—or around the world, for that matter—you do not need to register your business in multiple states. The exception would be if you have a warehouse in one state and an office in another, As a rule of thumb, if you have multiple physical locations, you’ll have to register in each state where you operate them.

FAQs about Business Registration Services

How Much Do Business Registration Services Cost?

Costs vary among service providers and increase depending on the type of corporation you decide to form. You can get assistance with forming an LLC for as little as $50. Forming an S- or C-corporation with a business registration company is more expensive. And depending on the business registration service package you choose, your service provider may offer ancillary services such as registering a domain name for your website, tax consultation, and more. These fees are exclusive of government filing fees, which also vary by state. They can be as low as $50 (in Mississippi and other low-cost states) or top out at around $750 (in Nevada).  

Can I register my business completely online?

Yes. Business registration companies offer 100% online services. You may need to physically sign certain documents, but these can be uploaded through the company’s digital portal.

How long does registering a business take?

Business registration services typically take a couple of days to complete their work. Once you file your papers (a task business registration services manage), it may take another few days or up to two weeks for the state to issue you your certificate of registration.

What are the advantages of using a business registration service?

If you’ve never registered a business before, you can count on a business registration company to file all necessary documents on your behalf with speed and guaranteed accuracy. These companies often provide excellent customer support—they’ll answer any questions you have before filing. If you’re not sure what kind of corporation to form, they can advise you. Most companies also offer online resources that explain business registration in terms a layman can understand.