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Read our review guidelines.
- Fast filing
- Flat rate for services
- Pricing includes many additional services
- No free option like competitors
- Limited customer service
In this comprehensive BetterLegal review, you’ll get answers to all your questions about this innovative legal service provider.
As a company, BetterLegal’s primary goal is to simplify starting and running a business by offering fast, straightforward, and affordable services.
Is their service worth the price? Can they really deliver on their promises of speed and simplicity? And most importantly, will they cater to your specific business needs?
Let’s get into the specifics to see if BetterLegal is the right company to help you launch your new business venture.
SMB Guide’s Verdict for BetterLegal
Ultimately, I give this one an 8 out of 10. Why? Because they claim no hassle and no upsells, but the “freebies” included in the $299 fee all come from partners, which inevitably include upsells.
It’s this, combined with the fact that customer service doesn’t seem to be as responsive as they claim to be. And, when you consider that most other competitors in the space offer a free plan (where you only pay state filing fees), but BetterLegal doesn’t, it’s an issue.
Factor | Rating (out of 10) |
---|---|
Pricing & Plans | 7 |
Business Formation Services | 8 |
Processing Time | 9 |
Registered Agent Services and Costs | 8 |
Name Availability Search | 8 |
Online Document Access | 7 |
Money-Back Guarantees | 7 |
Customer Support | 7 |
SMB Guide Rating | 8 |
In this review of BetterLegal, I’ve followed SMB Guide’s detailed criteria for evaluating the business formation service.
Pricing & Plans
BetterLegal has a single flat-rate pricing plan of $299 to form either an LLC or a Corporation. This fee is in addition to the state filing fee.
LLC/Corporation Formation Service
This all-inclusive service creates and files the necessary business documents to form your entity with your chosen state.
Price
- $299 + state filing fee
Features
- Expedited business formation filing (two business day turnaround)
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Operating Agreement or Bylaws
- Banking Resolution and Other Basic Business Documents
- Website
- Business Checking Account
- Tax Consultation and Analysis
- Insurance Evaluation
Who It’s For: Anyone who wants to start an LLC or Corporation fast.
Business Formation Services
BetterLegal makes it possible to form an LLC or Corporation. No other business structures are available.
You must pay their one-time fee in addition to the state filing fee. The package includes a range of additional services provided by third-party partners.
Processing Time
BetterLegal promises that your business will be formed within two business days – which is a faster processing time than most competitors.
Of course, this may vary depending on the state you’re filing with because each of them has their own timeline.
Registered Agent Services and Costs
BetterLegal does not include Registered Agent services in part of your original package. You can purchase it separately for $10/month or $90/year.
This price point is significantly lower than what’s offered by many competitors.
Name Availability Search
BetterLegal has a name search page, where you can find a link to your state’s Secretary of State’s business office to determine if the name is available for use in your state.
This allows you to make sure your desired name is available before filling out your form. If it comes back that your business name isn’t available, the entire process will be delayed.
Online Document Access
BetterLegal provides a resources section on their website that provides you with important documents and educational content to help you understand more about the business formation process.
Money-Back Guarantees
BetterLegal does not offer any money-back guarantee. You are committed to purchasing the services as soon as you pay the fee online.
Customer Support
BetterLegal has live chat support, but the hours seem a little off. I reached out with a question at 4:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, which is well within standard business hours, and customer support was offline.
I was asked to leave my name, contact number, and company name and told an agent would contact me within a few hours.
According to the website, customer service is available via phone Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.
You can also reach them via email, too.
BetterLegal — Additional Services
BetterLegal offers a range of add-on services, including:
- Registered Agent Service
- Compliance Service
- License and Permit Search
- Business Amendments and Other State Filings
What the Experts Say About BetterLegal
At the time of this review, BetterLegal had 4.5/5 Stars at Trustpilot (300+ reviews). 88% of the reviews were 5 stars.
I compared BetterLegal’s process for filling a LLC with that of the state website. BetterLegal’s process was smoother. I choose BetterLegal’s system because it offered more information and suggestions of partnerships with other companies for other probable needs.
Daniel W., – Verified Trustpilot review
Quick and easy! Customer Service was great, when we had questions we got quick and informative responses. Really like the informational videos that are sent on various topics pertaining to the LLC and how to properly set it up.
Loose Stones Oyster Company – Verified Trustpilot review
BetterLegal Alternatives
Need to create a business but don’t think BetterLegal is the right solution for you? Take a look at these alternatives.
Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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$199/yr - $349/yr
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$125 - $424
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$0 - $299
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ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is highly similar to BetterLegal, but offers better pricing. There’s even a free plan, though you will still always have to pay the state fees.
ZenBusiness is often favored for its ease of use, superior customer support, and better pricing. It’s particularly beneficial for small business owners looking for a full-service solution that is affordable and easy to navigate.
Start your business with ZenBusiness!
Bizee
Both Bizee and BetterLegal offer business formation services, but Bizee also beats BetterLegal’s pricing.
They offer a free filing service, which also offers free registered agent services and compliance reminders. Unlike BetterLegal, Incfile also allows you to file to create a non-profit organization.
BetterLegal offers faster processing speeds, because you have to pay a premium for that with Incfile.
Start your business with Bizee!
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to form a business or a non-profit organization for free, only paying the state filing fees.
They have multiple packages with additional services to choose from, with more affordable options than BetterLegal.
BetterLegal excels with the filing speed because you have to pay extra for that with Swyft.
Start your business with Swyft Filings!
Other options: Best BetterLegal Alternatives
Getting Started with BetterLegal
BetterLegal offers a straightforward and quick business formation service. While it prides itself on simplicity and speed, it may be more expensive than other options.
But, for the business owner in a hurry who wants to keep things simple, it could be the best option. Form your business with BetterLegal today!
FAQs
Is BetterLegal legit?
BetterLegal is a legitimate business founded in 2016. Since then, they’ve helped more than 750,000 businesses get started.
Does an LLC protect your personal assets?
Yes, it does. Owning an LLC places a barrier between your business liability and personal assets. In most cases, lenders cannot force you to use your personal assets to pay off loans.
Does BetterLegal offer refunds?
No, BetterLegal does not offer any refunds. All purchases made through the website are considered final.
Related reading:
ZenBusiness has all the tools you need in one place to start, run, and grow your own business.
BetterLegal
BetterLegal provides everything you need to set up an LLC or Corporation within the state of your choice in a couple of days.
Product Brand: BetterLegal Inc.
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