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How can a first-time founder form an LLC in the US with a fast turnaround time? Find out the service to help in this Swyft Filings vs. LegalZoom comparison.
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Pricing:
$0 - $299
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Pricing:
$149 - $349
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Best For:
New businesses looking for a cost-effective solution to assist with the initial setup and can handle ongoing maintenance.
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Best For:
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals seeking accessible and cost-effective legal and tax assistance.
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Starting a business is fun, but forming an LLC in new markets can be challenging.
The required legal processes and paperwork can overwhelm even seasoned entrepreneurs.
However, it doesn’t have to be a complex journey. Entrepreneurs can use a formation and incorporation service to automate the processes.
Two services that have had high ratings for a while are LegalZoom and Swyft Filings.
LegalZoom is an all-rounded service providing a broad range of services, including business formation and incorporation in all 50 US states.
Swyft Filings is a more specialized service that provides LLC formation and incorporation services in a fast turnaround time.
However, how do their services compare, and which offers value for money?
Let us find out in this Swyft Filing vs. LegalZoom comparison.
Swyft Filings vs. LegalZoom at a glance
| Feature | Swyft Filings | LegalZoom | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMB Guide’s Rating | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | LegalZoom |
| Business Formation Services | C-Corp, LLC, DBA, or Nonprofits | LLC, partnership, C-Corp, non-profit, or DBA | LegalZoom |
| Processing Times | 5-7 day processing time | 5 to 14 days | Swyft Filings |
| Registered Agent Services | $199/year | $249/year | Swyft Filings |
| Name Availability Search | ✅ | ✅ | LegalZoom |
| Online Document Access | ✅ | ✅ | Swyft Filings |
| Money-Back Guarantees | 60 days | 60 days | Tie |
| Platform User-Friendliness | Modern, organized, and with helpful features | Aesthetic UI | Swyft Filings |
| Customization Options | ✅ | ✅ | LegalZoom |
| Compliance Assistance | ✅ | ✅ | LegalZoom |
| Industry-Specific Expertise | Established in 2012 | Founded in 2001 | LegalZoom |
| Customer Education and Resources | ✅ | ✅ | LegalZoom |
| Customer Support | Phone, email, fax, and live chat | Phone, live chat, email | Swyft Filings |
| Pricing | $0 – $299 | $149 – $349 | Tie |
| Scalability | Not scalable | Convert as you grow | LegalZoom |
LegalZoom: Features, Pros, Cons & Pricing
LegalZoom is a service that helps first-time founders form a startup and incorporate it in any of the 50 states as a DBA, LLC, non-profit, or C-Corp.
The service is all-rounded, where it files the paperwork for startups and even provides tools, consultation, and legal forms at an extra fee.
Not only that, subscription to the paid plans gives access to a dedicated attorney for consultation.
Pros & Cons
100% satisfaction guarantee
User-friendly and easy processes
Incredible customer support
Wide range of legal services
Expensive add-ons
Registered Agent service is expensive
Pricing
Startups can choose from three pricing packages: Basic, Pro, and Premium.
The plans come with a money-back guarantee of 60 days, and they include:
- Basic: $0 + state fees
- Pro: $249 + state filing fees
- Premium: $299 + state filing fees
Kickstart your business in minutes with LegalZoom's business formation services.
Swyft Filings: Features, Pros, Cons & Pricing
Swyft Filings is a service that helps entrepreneurs file their formation paperwork to get an LLC, DBA, C-Corp, or Non-profit.
The goal of the service is to automate most of the processes to get fast turnaround times at an affordable price point.
Swyft Filings achieves it by providing the services directly to the startup and also through partner companies.
Pros & Cons
Multiple business types
Create a business in minutes
Lifetime customer support
Free package available
No registered agent service
No mobile app
Pricing
Startups can choose from three pricing packages: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The service also offers a money-back guarantee of 60 days.
Here is how they price the plans:
- Basic: $0 + state filing fees
- Standard: $199 + state filing fees
- Premium: $299 + state filing fees
Use Swyft Filings to start an LLC, corporation, or other business entity in under 10 minutes.
Business Formation Services
Swyft Filings offers a selection of entity types including DBAs, LLCs, C-Corps, and non-profits for you to choose from.
Not only that, you can pick any of the US states to incorporate your business.
Unlike LegalZoom, Swyft Filings provides startups a half-hour attorney consultation and a free domain name for their website.
Now, entrepreneurs can customize their formation by picking a desired business name, directors and registered agent.
You can also choose an extra service like trademark protection filing, EIN registration and more.
New users can expect comprehensive service from Swyft Filings, which includes affordability and ongoing support such as tax filing reminders and legal counsel.
LegalZoom allows first-time founders to pick from LLCs, C-Corps, partnerships and DBAs as entity types.
Similar to Swyft Filings, they can incorporate it in any of the 50 US states.
The customization options offered by LegalZoom are also extensive. You can choose a desired name, pick a state for incorporation, create your business bylaws and more.
Not only that, the service provides additional services like operating agreements, bank account opening and more.
Similar to Swyft Filings, LegalZoom provides an all-rounded service for business incorporation.
Startups also get ongoing customer support like renewable registered agents, compliance reminders and more.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Processing Time
Swyft Filings excels at fast processing times where they approach it as first come, first served.
Now, the processing times will also depend on the plan you subscribe to.
The standard processing time you can expect is 5-7 days, but the service has no control over the state processing duration.
However, on their website, they approximate the time it can take depending on the entity type and state of incorporation.
If you need expedited services, you can choose from the available plans, which include basic, standard, and premium (same-day) processing options.
The turnaround for basic is 7 days, and standard is 5 days.
LegalZoom, unlike Swyft Filings, has a slower processing time, which can take up to 20 days for turnaround.
One thing to note is that the time doesn’t include government processing times. It depends on the entity and state of formation.
You can request expedited services where entrepreneurs can choose an express gold package priced at $349 + $100 CA state fees.
The package includes shipping in 1-2 days.
✅ Winner: Swyft Filings
Registered Agent Services & Costs
Startups will find that Swyft Filings charges $199 annually for its registered agent services, including state fees and the first year.
The service is reliable and ensures that you get notifications on annual tax filing due dates.
It uses a compliance calendar similar to one found in LegalZoom.
Another benefit of the RA service is that you get unlimited cloud storage for your business data with a 100% money-back guarantee.
One thing to note is that Swyft Filings doesn’t charge any other extra fees.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, charges a premium of $249 annually for its registered agent service, including state fees and the first year.
Users will find the service dependable since it provides a compliance calendar that helps to track tax filing due dates.
Unlike Swyft Filings, LegalZoom doesn’t offer unlimited cloud storage but provides ongoing support.
Similar to Swyft Filings, LegalZoom doesn’t charge any other extra fees for its RA service.
✅ Winner: Swyft Filings
Name Availability Search
New users can utilize a straightforward name availability search tool on Swyft Filings to check the availability of a business name.
The tool is easy to use and requires you to enter minimal information like a desired name, email, and state.
The tool also lets the entrepreneur pick an entity they prefer.
The tool is accurate since it scans the state business database to find if the entered name is available.
However, unlike LegalZoom, it doesn’t recommend alternate names similar to the first choice.
One thing to note is that the website allows an entrepreneur to see state-specific naming rules.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, provides you with a comprehensive name availability search tool.
Similar to Swyft Filings, the tool requires minimal info input, such as desired name, state and entity type.
The tool is more accurate than Swyft Filings because it scans the federal trademark and state business databases to find an available name.
Not only that, you can view state-specific naming rules on the website.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Online Document Access
Startups will find that Swyft Filings provides free unlimited document access anytime through a secure account.
You only need to log in to your online accounts and access the paperwork.
Managing online documents is also simple on Swyft Filings, where you can view, print, or download.
Not only that, you can categorize the documents for better organization.
Unlike LegalZoom, Swyft Filings provides unlimited cloud storage and backs up data frequently in case of data loss.
The documents also get secured by encryption and firewall. Entrepreneurs using LegalZoom will discover limited online document access.
You can access some of your documents through a secure account. You only need to log in to your accounts and access the documents.
Unlike Swyft Filings, LegalZoom doesn’t give access to operating agreements, formation certificates, and custom bylaws.
You need to contact support to get approval. Unlike Swyft Filings, LegalZoom limits document management, where you can only download or view compliance records and annual tax reports.
However, sharing through email or printing online is not possible. Storing data also has some limitations, with a max of 5GB of storage space.
✅ Winner: Swyft Filings
Money-Back Guarantees
New users will find that Swyft Filings offers a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee.
The guarantee only applies to the fees and not state or any other third-party charges.
Not only that, any document already filed with the state cannot get a refund.
One thing to note is that the money-back guarantee covers the legal services, formation, compliance and registered agent.
It gives you peace of mind knowing that you can claim your money if the services fail.
Similar to Swyft Filings, LegalZoom provides a money-back guarantee of 60 days.
The services state that it can refund or credit the amount for future orders. Now, one thing to note is that the refund is for LegalZoom fees, not state fees.
Not only that, any document already filed with the state cannot get a refund.
Unlike Swyft Filings, the satisfaction guarantee of LegalZoom doesn’t cover subscription plans, attorney consultation fees, and more.
It may not give you peace of mind like Swyft Filings’ all-inclusive guarantee.
✅ Winner: Tie
Platform User-Friendliness
Users will find Swyft Filings provides a simple navigation platform to find any feature or service easily.
The dashboard has a menu with categories and a search bar for a specific keyword.
The platform also provides easy-to-follow instructions on business formation.
On each page, you can view estimated time, cost and tips on any query.
Now, completing the necessary steps is fast, and entrepreneurs can complete an application form in less than 10 minutes.
Not only that, the forms require the basic info of a business and automate the other processes.
LegalZoom also provides entrepreneurs with a simple platform, making navigation easy to find a service.
Similar to Swyft Filings, the dashboard has a menu with categories and a search bar to find a specific keyword.
Now, to use the services on the platform, LegalZoom provides clear instructions on formation, choosing an entity, and more.
Not only that, it only takes 15 minutes to complete the steps in the online application form.
✅ Winner: Swyft Filings
Customization Options
Swyft Filings offers extensive customization options, allowing you to choose from various entity types and incorporate them in any US state.
Similar to LegalZoom, startups can either continue or cancel the service within 60 days.
You can customize the legal forms by picking a business name, registered agent, and more.
Not only that, you can add an extra service like trademark or EIN registration.
Users will find LegalZoom offers moderate customization options. You can choose from over 4 entity types and incorporate them from any of the US states.
Not only that, you can continue or cancel the service within 60 days.
Now, you can customize the legal forms provided. One way to do so is by picking a business name, shareholders, registered agent, and more.
Not only that, you can add an extra service like EIN registration. In contrast to Swyft Filings, LegalZoom offers the opportunity to create an employee handbook that outlines your enterprise’s policies, including dress code, work from home, and more.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Compliance Assistance
New users will find that Swyft Filings provides a ComplianceGuard service through the platform’s dashboard for tracking tax filing due dates.
The service also gives startups access to a library of templates and legal forms for creating minutes, amendments and more.
However, the feature is only available in the premium plan of the LLC formation package.
Unlike LegalZoom, Swyft Filings doesn’t file annual tax returns on behalf of the startup.
Not only that, Swyft Filings doesn’t provide legal or tax filing consultation. You’ll have to do it on your own.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, provides startups with a Business Advisory plan that gives them access to a network of attorneys.
With LegalZoom’s network, you can access tax compliance and legal consultations.
Additionally, unlike Swyft Filings, you receive annual business evaluations from an attorney.
LegalZoom offers annual tax filing and other compliance assistance on your behalf for a charge of $55 plus the state fee.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Industry-Specific Expertise
Entrepreneurs will find that Swyft Filings niches down to business-related paperwork and services like EIN registration, annual reports and formation.
Unlike LegalZoom, Swyft Filings doesn’t provide industry-specific packages for a specific niche.
Not only that, you don’t get any legal or tax consultations through the service. You have to hire professionals.
LegalZoom provides a broad range of services that go beyond formation and incorporation.
Some services include property contracts, trusts and wills, and more. It makes them offer industry-specific packages for certain niches like real estate, nonprofits and more.
LegalZoom provides access to a network of attorneys for industry-specific consultations, a feature not available with Swyft Filings.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Customer Education and Resources
Users will discover a learning center featuring FAQs, articles, and tutorials on compliance, business incorporation, and other relevant topics.
The platform also has a blog that shares insights on entrepreneurship, the latest news and trends in marketing and management.
Unlike LegalZoom, Swyft Filings doesn’t have newsletters or webinars.
LegalZoom provides entrepreneurs with a knowledge center with tutorials, guides and FAQs talking on legal issues and business formation.
Unlike Swyft Filings, LegalZoom has a webinar and sends monthly newsletters to its users that cover emerging trends and tips.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Customer Support
You can reach Swyft Filings support through email, fax, phone or live chat.
Unlike LegalZoom, you get a dedicated representative who guides you through the formation process.
Not only that, you’ll also get lifetime support.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, offers support to startups through email, ticket and phone.
However, unlike Swyft Filings, you don’t get a dedicated representative but a team of agents to help you with legal support.
Not only that, you’ll get ongoing support only if you’re subscribed to the premium plan.
✅ Winner: Swyft Filings
Pricing
You can choose from three different pricing packages: Basic ($0 + state fees), standard ($199 + state fees) and premium ($299 + state fees).
You also get a money-back guarantee of 60 days. LegalZoom offers three packages: Basic, Pro, and Premium.
The plans are pay-as-you-go and come with a money-back guarantee of 60 days.
The plans include basic: $0 + state fees, pro: $249 + state filing fees, and premium: $299 + state filing fees.
✅ Winner: Tie
Scalability
Swyft Filings pricing packages are scalable, but the plans are rigid since they only cover the formation services.
The packages don’t offer other solutions to varied business industries.
LegalZoom packages are also scalable, and the plans are user-based, catering to various businesses at different stages of their growth.
✅ Winner: LegalZoom
Standout Features of Swyft Filings
Entrepreneurs will find some features on Swyft Filings that LegalZoom lacks. Here are 2 that stand out:
Free domain name
As a new user, you’ll find that once you form an LLC with Swyft Filings, you get a free domain for a year.
One thing to note is that the feature is available in all the price plans of LLC formation.
ComplianceGuard
It is a feature that helps startups track their compliance due dates. You can access it once you subscribe to the premium plan.
It also allows you to receive notifications by email or call.
Standout Features of LegalZoom
First-time founders will find that LegalZoom provides features and services that Swyft Filings lacks.
Here are 2 that stand out.
Annual business evaluation
With LegalZoom, subscribing to one of the premium plans entitles you to an annual business evaluation by an attorney.
The service helps entrepreneurs identify opportunities to scale their ventures and if there are any risks.
Extensive legal documents and services
LegalZoom customers have access to an extensive library of legal documents, including property contracts and wills, in addition to formation services.
The service also provides industry-specific solutions to certain niches like real estate and non-profits.
Swyft Filings vs. LegalZoom: SMB Guide’s Verdict
Our Swyft Filings vs. LegalZoom comparison shows that both platforms share similarities in the services they provide.
Startups can access industry-specific expertise, support, and scalable plans from each service.
However, there are differences in the way they provide other services, including processing times and registered agent services.
After comparing all the aspects, features and standout services, LegalZoom wins and here is why.
LegalZoom provides an all-rounded service that gives startups access to customizable legal forms and services that fit a wide variety of niches.
The service also gives entrepreneurs access to an exclusive network of attorneys who provide industry-specific expertise and unlimited consultations.
Not only that, the service hosts webinars and sends monthly newsletters to startups on emerging trends, news and tips.
A compilation of all these services and features makes it win against Swyft Filings.
Swyft Filings is a decent alternative since it offers services like lifetime support for free, a dedicated representative and more support channels.
However, the lack of tax filing support and an accurate name search availability tool make it loose to LegalZoom.
Choose LegalZoom If
You want customization freedom to your business paperwork and access to a network of attorneys for unlimited consultations.
Start your business with LegalZoom
Choose Swyft Filings If
You want a service providing a dedicated representative to guide you through the business formation process and lifetime support for free.
Start your business with Swyft Filings
Kickstart your business in minutes with LegalZoom's business formation services.
