7 Best Filenow Alternatives & Competitors

Is Filenow lack of a free plan, legal services, and strict refund policy a deal breaker?

Here are the 7 best Filenow alternatives offering comprehensive services, including a range of legal services.

ZenBusiness is our pick as the best alternative after thorough evaluation and testing. It offers a free plan, mobile app, and legal support.

However, how do the other 6 compare?

1. ZenBusiness

Best for: Small businesses looking for a low-cost incorporation service with legal support.

Pricing: $0 – $349/year

ZenBusiness is an online legal service that helps startups in business formation and management while staying compliant.

Features

• Registered Agent: ZenBusiness offers registered agent services in all 50 states for LLCs and corporations. It is a mandatory service that most states require for entity incorporation. ZenBusiness charges $199 for the service.
• Tax Services: Businesses can get this service as an add-on for $49 monthly, where they get yearly-round tax advice and filing based on the plan. It is a service provided by 1-800Accountant experts who partner with ZenBusiness.
• Business Website: ZenBusiness provides a website builder and a library of templates entrepreneurs can use to build a custom site for their brands. The built-in features are robust and have drag-and-drop functionality.
• BOI Report: ZenBusiness can assist in complying with the Transparency Act by facilitating the annual filing of BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reports. It is a mandatory law requiring businesses to be transparent about their finances.

ZenBusiness Vs Filenow

Criteria	ZenBusiness	Filenow
Best For	Solopreneurs and startups	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	24-hour processing time	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$0 – $349/year	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

ZenBusiness suits small businesses looking for a comprehensive formation service with legal support.

Its free plan, money-back guarantee of 60 days, and business planning services are its standout features.

Start your business with ZenBusiness today!

Get started with ZenBusiness

2. Bizee

Best for: Entrepreneurs looking for hands-on support in business formation and post-incorporation management.

Pricing: $0 – $299 + state filing fees

Bizee is an online filing service that helps businesses launch their entity (LLC or corporation) in any US state.

Features

• Registered Agent: Bizee offers a trustworthy registered agent service for $119 annually. The good thing is that businesses get a year-long free RA service after incorporation, which is remarkable. Businesses looking to change their registered agent can also use Bizee, which files the paperwork on your behalf.
• Business Accounting: Bizee offers accountant services and solutions personalized for each business’s needs. Startups get hands-on support from a certified CPA on their accounts, including advice and audits.
• EIN Application: Businesses must file for an EIN through the SS4 form, which acts as a “social security number” for businesses. The good thing is that Bizee can help get an EIN for your business electronically and email it within 24 hours.
• Licenses and Permits: As an entrepreneur, you’re responsible for ensuring your business has the proper permits and licenses to operate.  Depending on the industry and state, Bizee can help you file the proper permits for your business.

Bizee Vs Filenow

Criteria	Bizee	Filenow
Best For	Startups and entrepreneurs	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	Corporate and LLC kit	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$0 – $299 + state filing fees	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

Bizee fits entrepreneurs looking for hands-on support with the formation processes when incorporating an entity in the US.

Its unique features are its free plan, corporate/ LLC kit, business license, and permit application support.

Start your business today with Bizee

Get started with Bizee

3. LegalZoom

Best for: Small businesses looking for an incorporation service providing a range of legal services and support.

Pricing: $149 – $349

LegalZoom is an online legal service that helps startups with business formation and a range of legal services, including wills and trusts.

Features

• Range of Legal Services: Businesses that require a range of legal services besides entity formation will find LegalZoom offers it all. Companies can get it, whether it’s power of attorney, trusts, wills, or intellectual property.
• Registered Agent Services: Most states require businesses to have a registered agent. LegalZoom offers the service, including extras like critical mail and legal notices. One thing to note is that it costs $249 annually, which is pricey compared to its competition.
• Forms and Templates: LegalZoom offers a range of forms and templates drafted by attorneys, such as NDAs, employment agreements, and more. The best part is that these forms have guided questionnaires to help entrepreneurs avoid errors when filling them.
• Seller’s Permit: A seller permit is a document that businesses need when selling or leasing (wholesale or retail) to include sales tax. LegalZoom can assist entrepreneurs in obtaining a seller’s permit, even when operating in multiple states.

LegalZoom Vs Filenow

Criteria	LegalZoom	Filenow
Best For	Entrepreneurs, SMBs, and large enterprises	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	Business advisory plan	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$0 – $299 + state charges	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

LegalZoom suits businesses looking for an incorporation service offering various legal services. Its unique selling points are its free plan, registered agent, and range of legal support.

Get started with LegalZoom today!

Get started with LegalZoom

4. CorpNet

Best for: Businesses looking for experienced incorporation service with quick filing and processing turnarounds.

Pricing: $99 – $419

CorpNet is an online filing service with 26+ years of experience in US business formation and compliance support.

Features

• Foreign Qualification: Most states require businesses looking to run operations in multiple states to register as a foreign entity. The good thing is that CorpNet can help with the process of filing the proper paperwork.
• Business Structure Wizard: Startups often have challenges developing a suitable business structure to run and scale successfully. However, CorpNet can help through the ‘Business Structure Wizard.‘ The tool works by asking business owners questions and compiling a recommendation of the best entity to choose. 
• Registered Agent Services: It is a requirement for businesses to have a registered agent in the state they’re operating. CorpNet offers the service for $149 annually. However, something to note is that the basic plan only offers it for 60 days, which feels like a raw deal.
• Compliance Support: Businesses can request compliance support, where CorpNet provides an all-inclusive service through the BIZ portal. It is a tool native to CorpNet that allows SMEs to manage their paperwork and tax filing.

CorpNet Vs Filenow

Criteria	CorpNet	Filenow
Best For	SMBs and large enterprises	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	Domestication (LLC and C-Corps)	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$99 – $419 + state charges	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

CorpNet suits businesses looking for an incorporation service with extensive experience in formation and fast processing.

Its 24-hour processing, free corporate compliance tool, and domestication are its standout features.

Get started with CorpNet today

Get started with CorpNet

5. Swyft Filings

Best for: SMBs looking for support in the initial formation processes but can handle post-incorporation management.

Pricing: $0 – $299

Swyft Filings is a formation service that helps businesses with the initial processes of incorporation as an entity (LLC, C-Corp, or non-profit).

Features

• Formation Services: Businesses can choose from over 5 entities when forming a company with Swyft Filings (LLC, non-profit, DBA, S-Corp, and C-Corp). After filling out the online forms, Swyft Filings prepares and files the documents with the Secretary of State.
• EIN Application: Subscribing to the paid plans (Standard and Premium), Swyft Filings can file for EIN for your startup. An EIN is necessary, especially if you plan to hire employees or open a bank account.
• Customized Digital LLC Kit: It is a package included in the Premium plan, or businesses can purchase it as an add-on for $99. It is a comprehensive kit with features like an ownership ledger, company seal, and custom stock certificates.
• Apostille Certification: Businesses incorporated in the US and looking to open branches in other countries will require an Apostille certificate. The good news is that Swyft Filings can help order one from the secretary of state for your business.

Swyft Filings Vs Filenow

Criteria	Swyft Filings	Filenow
Best For	Solopreneurs and SMBs	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	Custom digital corporate kit	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$0 – $299 + state charges	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

Swyft Filings fit businesses looking for hands-on support in the initial formation steps but can manage post-incorporation.

Its custom digital corporate kit, free plan, and free lifetime support are its unique features.

Get started with Swyft Filings today!

Get started with Swyft Filings

6. Northwest Registered Agent

Best for: Small businesses looking for a low-cost formation service offering personalized support and RA services.

Pricing: $39 + state filing fees

Northwest Registered Agent is a service provider offering business formation and registered agent services in all 50 states in the US.

Features

• Business Website and Hosting: Startups and SMBs require branding to grow an online presence. The good thing is that Northwest RA provides a ready-to-use website with a free domain for the first 90 days. Afterward, businesses only pay $9 monthly for hosting.
• EIN Registration: All businesses require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if they intend to hire employees, open a bank account, and engage in other financial activities. Northwest Registered Agent can help SMBs apply, file the paperwork, and get an EIN within a few days. 
• BOI Reporting: Following the Transparency Act mandate, businesses must now file a BOI report annually to prevent financial crimes. The good thing is that the Northwest Registered Agent can help with the report preparation and filing for compliance.
• Formation Services: Northwest Registered Agent specializes in LLC, corporation, or non-profit formation. Businesses will also find the processing is fast, and the registered agent makes the process seamless.

Northwest Registered Agent Vs Filenow

Criteria	Northwest Registered Agent	Filenow
Best For	Startups and solopreneurs	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	BOC-3 process agent	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$39 + state charges	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

Northwest Registered Agent fits SMBs looking for an affordable formation service with personalized RA services.

Its phone service, SSL security, and registered agent are its standout features.

Get started with Northwest Registered Agent today!

Get started with Northwest Registered Agent

7. Inc Authority

Best for: Solopreneurs and startups looking for foundational business formation support and compliance.

Pricing: $0 + state filing fees

Inc Authority is an online filing service offering free LLC formation services and post-incorporation management.

Features

• Business Plan Prep: It is a service businesses can request, where they get expert advice on the best process of having a business plan. The package gives access to professionals who help create a plan that meets investor and bank requirements.
• Trademark: Copycats are everywhere, and businesses looking to protect their brand from misuse can use Inc Authority to trademark. The service prepares the documents and registers their trademark with the USPTO.
• Business Credit: Businesses that sign up to Inc Authority, and get guidance on the best ways to achieve an A+  rating within the first 3 months. It is a handy service for startups and SMBs trying to secure funding.
• LLC Formation: Inc Authority offers it for free, where they prepare and file the paperwork with express processing availability. The only charges that businesses incur are state fees.
• Business Plan Prep: It is a service businesses can request, where they get expert advice on the best process of having a business plan. The package gives access to professionals who help create a plan that meets investor and bank requirements.
• Trademark: Copycats are everywhere, and businesses looking to protect their brand from misuse can use Inc Authority to trademark. The service prepares the documents and registers their trademark with the USPTO.
• Business Credit: Businesses that sign up to Inc Authority, and get guidance on the best ways to achieve an A+  rating within the first 3 months. It is a handy service for startups and SMBs trying to secure funding.
• LLC Formation: Inc Authority offers it for free, where they prepare and file the paperwork with express processing availability. The only charges that businesses incur are state fees.

Inc Authority Vs Filenow

Criteria	Inc Authority	Filenow
Best For	Startups, solopreneurs, and SMBs	Solopreneurs and SMBs
Standout Feature	Free formation services	24-hour processing time
Pricing	$0 + state charges	$49 – $199 + state fees

Conclusion

Inc Authority fits startups looking for a free formation service to help in the initial stages of incorporation.

Its express processing, EIN application, and free services are its unique selling points.

Get started with Inc Authority today

Get started with Inc Authority

Which Filenow Alternative should I use?

Filenow excels at simplifying the formation of an entity (LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp) in the US, suiting first-time founders.

Its 24-hour order processing times, free shipping, and A+ BBB accreditation make it stand out.

However, the lack of legal services, a mobile app, and a free plan makes it struggle to compete with alternatives like ZenBusiness.

That’s why we recommend these 7 best Filenow alternatives. The platforms offer personalized services, free plans, and legal support.

So, pick one that fits your business needs and budget!

Recap of Filenow alternatives:

1. ZenBusiness
2. Bizee
3. LegalZoom
4. CorpNet
5. Swyft Filings
6. Northwest Registered Agent
7. Inc Authority