BetterLegal is a distinguished platform renowned for delivering excellent legal services and effectively streamlining the complex business formation process. Our in-depth BetterLegal review will be an indispensable guide in lighting your way toward successfully starting an LLC. Explore the intricate details of this top online legal service to make informed decisions aligning with your business requirements when starting an LLC.
Here at LLCBase, we’re committed to making your entrepreneurial journey smooth and hassle-free and ensuring you’re equipped with reliable and authoritative information. Therefore, we’ve created a detailed and comprehensive BetterLegal review to help you gauge whether it’s the right match for your legal needs.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is BetterLegal?
BetterLegal, an online legal technology company in the United States, offers a fast and efficient method to establish your business. Irrespective of your location throughout all 50 states, the platform aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs like you establish and efficiently run your business legally.
Using BetterLegal’s services, users can incorporate their businesses as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations, or Nonprofits. The company also provides operating agreements, banking resolutions, EIN procurement, and other necessary documents for a smooth business operation. The process is executed entirely online, eliminating the need for physical meetings or communications. BetterLegal makes it its mission to streamline processes and reduce the complication and hassle of legal procedures involved in a business setup.
BetterLegal stands out for its speed, promising users will be ready to do business in as little as ten minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking for a quick and convenient way to get their business. In addition to setting up your business’s legal structure, BetterLegal offers several other services, such as free business name analysis, legal agreements, business tax consultation, and access to certified public accountants. They provide these supplementary services to ensure their customers have the resources to successfully run and grow their businesses.
How BetterLegal Works
BetterLegal streamlines the business formation process through its intuitive online platform. This service enables users to easily establish businesses, procure important legal documents, and request tailored assistance. The platform has been constructed to guide you through the necessary steps to create a business, such as:
1. Filing Articles of Organization
BetterLegal simplifies the process of correctly completing and submitting the Articles of Organization to relevant state authorities. These papers contain significant information about a business and are critical for establishing an LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit entity (source: Chamber of Commerce).
2. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The platform aids users in obtaining an EIN – a unique nine-digit code allocated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – for their businesses. This allows businesses to meet their federal tax commitments legally and open finance accounts (source: IRS).
3. Preparing an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is a lawful contract that defines the operational procedures, ownership tiers, and financial oversight of an LLC. BetterLegal provides user-friendly templates and consultation to help businesses produce bespoke Operating Agreements that adhere to state laws.
Furthermore, depending on the needs of the user and the chosen plan, BetterLegal provides a wealth of additional tools and resources through its platform. These include registered agent services, annual report filing, compliance assistance, domain registration, website development, business name reservation, and DBA registration.
The combination of BetterLegal’s straightforward platform, its extensive suite of services, and its dedicated support team make it an attractive option for those looking to start their ventures without dealing with complicated legal and administrative demands.
BetterLegal Services
BetterLegal provides invaluable assistance in establishing your LLC or corporation, offering an expansive selection of useful services that include:
- State Formation Filing: BetterLegal assists in preparing and submitting the documents to officially register your business as a separate legal entity within your state.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): BetterLegal will obtain your EIN or TIN from the IRS, a crucial prerequisite for opening a business bank account and hiring W-2 employees.
- Operating Agreements or Bylaws: These critical documents detailing the operational rules of your business are prepared by BetterLegal.
- Banking Resolution: BetterLegal also prepares the formal documentation required to open a corporate or LLC bank account, specifying which members can access it.
- Website Creation: Partnering with Square, BetterLegal provides tools to help you establish a free website or online store, with options to upgrade as your business expands.
- Tax Analysis: As a free feature, BetterLegal, in collaboration with Taxfyle, offers a comprehensive tax analysis for your business.
- Business Insurance: In alliance with Sure, BetterLegal helps you secure business insurance powered by Chubb.
- Express Processing: Expedited business filing and two-day turnaround times for business formation are offered for faster processing.
- Name Availability Search: BetterLegal facilitates an online search for your prospective business name within the appropriate state database.
- State Compliance Services and Registered Agent Services: For a nominal fee, BetterLegal can handle your state compliance reports and function as your registered agent.
- Business Forms: BetterLegal offers a variety of optional business forms, such as the S-corp election form, change of office designation, and meeting minute templates.
- Business Checking: BetterLegal’s partner, Mercury, provides comprehensive business banking services without balance requirements or deposit minimums.
- Payroll and HR: With partner Square, BetterLegal offers a platform for pay processing, website/e-commerce management, email marketing, proactive credit lines, and human resources.
Additional Services
Here are some additional services that BetterLegal offer:
1. Registered Agent and Address Service
For individuals who value privacy or don’t want to miss crucial business information, BetterLegal offers a Registered Agent and Address service. At the additional expense of $90 annually or $10 monthly, BetterLegal will receive important correspondences (legal notices, compliance notifications, and so on) on your behalf, ensuring everything is remembered and remembered.
2. State Compliance Service
Fulfilling state compliance requirements can sometimes take time and effort. BetterLegal offers a state compliance service for businesses at an added charge of $90 annually or $10 monthly to ease this burden. This service includes filing annual compliance reports, which are mandatory in most states to maintain the legal status of your business. Enlisting BetterLegal for these tasks lessens the risk of business termination and loss of liability protection.
3. Permit and License Search Service
Figuring out the permits and licenses required to operate your business in your state can take time and effort. With BetterLegal’s Permit and License Search service costing $125, they’ll do the groundwork for you. They will provide all the necessary documentation forms with instructions on completing them.
4, Filing Services
In addition to the aforementioned services, BetterLegal also provides varied business-specific state filing services. Their website permits prospective clients to view specific filing fees for their state, along with the BetterLegal charge and estimated processing time. Listed services include filing for Domestic Foreign LLC, changing the business purpose, filing a Doing-Business-As (DBA)/ Trademark name, and adding additional shareholders.
BetterLegal Pricing and Plans
BetterLegal offers a comprehensive LLC/Corporation Formation Service for a flat-rate price of $299. This is a simplified and appealing option for businesses as it includes an expedited business formation filing which ensures a two-business day turnaround. The flat rate of BetterLegal’s formation service is all-encompassing, providing an Employer Identification Number (EIN), Operating Agreement or Bylaws, Banking Resolution, and other necessary business documents.
In addition, BetterLegal provides a free website for your newly formed business. The company also helps to facilitate the setup of business checking accounts at no extra cost to the customers. Free tax consultations and analyses are available, along with insurance evaluations. These additional features can save business owners valuable time and money in the early phases of business establishment.
For those seeking more comprehensive support, BetterLegal also offers various add-on services. These include Registered Agent Services, Compliance Services, License & Permit Search, Business Amendments & Other State Filings, Tax, Accounting & Bookkeeping Services, Business Insurance, Payroll & HR Services, and Business Banking. These excellent services are valuable resources that streamline the business establishment process and ensure compliance with all necessary legal and regulatory frameworks.
Remember, these extra services are add-ons and come at an additional cost. The selection of any of these can be customized according to the specific needs of your business. This flexibility ensures businesses only pay for the resources they need, making BetterLegal’s service plans customizable and cost-effective.
Getting Started With BetterLegal
BetterLegal offers quick and efficient business formation — typically taking less than 10 minutes once you have all your information prepared and checked for accuracy. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved in the process:
- Provide Company Details: Provide information about your company, specifying if it’s an LLC or corporation, its name, the location of your business, and the industry it falls under. BetterLegal only guides you through the process, so it’s crucial to ensure your business name is available and double-check all provided information for errors.
- Identify the Owners and Operators: You’ll be asked to provide information about the owners and managers of your company. For an LLC, an owner is called a ‘member,’ and an operator is called a ‘manager.’ Here, you’ll need to provide the names, emails, and addresses of these individuals, along with the ownership percentage of each member.
- Appoint a Registered Agent and Provide Address: Each LLC or corporation requires a registered agent to receive crucial notices concerning legal documents, taxes, compliance reports, etc. If you prefer to keep this information private, BetterLegal offers registered agent service for an additional fee of $90 annually or $10 monthly.
- State Compliance: Each state mandates businesses to file annual compliance reports to stay in good standing. You can entrust this task to BetterLegal or inform them of the person designated for these filings.
- Review and Payment: Review all the provided information for errors or omissions before proceeding to the payment section. Make sure to select any additional services you may require.
- File for an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Once your business formation is approved, BetterLegal can file for an EIN on your behalf directly with the IRS, or you can do it yourself, in which case you need to provide this information.
- Prepare Your Operating Agreement: BetterLegal will prepare the legal documents detailing the internal rules of your LLC or corporation at this stage.
- Receive Completed Documents: After the state approves your business formation, BetterLegal will email all the finalized documents to you. You can access these documents anytime from your personal dashboard on the BetterLegal website.
Remember that BetterLegal won’t be held responsible for any incomplete filings due to mistakes or missed payments on your part. Their guarantee covers only the deadlines missed in their compliance service.
You can review, correct, or delete any personal information on your account by logging in on the BetterLegal website. Alternatively, you could reach out via email at [email protected].
BetterLegal’s stated turnaround times are estimates and vary depending on the speed at which state government offices can process the filings. Orders must be submitted to BetterLegal for same-day filing by 3 p.m. Central time. Orders received after this cutoff will be processed on the next business day.
BetterLegal Customer Service and Support
BetterLegal is a leading online platform providing fast, easy, straightforward business formation services. Primarily, the company assists entrepreneurs and business owners in forming Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations, and Nonprofits.
Beyond establishing these legal entities, BetterLegal also takes responsibility for acquiring vital documents such as operating agreements, EINs, and banking resolutions. All these services are delivered digitally, which reduces the need for physical meetings and makes the entire process more efficient.
One distinctive feature of BetterLegal is its swift and efficient services. The company enables its customers to be fully equipped to start running their businesses within a very short time frame, often in just ten minutes. This commitment to speed, combined with their exceptional customer service delivered through various channels – phone, email, or chat – sets the company apart in the competitive landscape.
Moreover, BetterLegal doesn’t merely stop at helping to form your business; it also offers additional services such as free business name analysis, legal agreements, business tax consultations, and access to certified public accountants. This ensures business owners have all the resources and support they need, helping them confidently navigate the complex terrain of business ownership.
BetterLegal Alternatives and How They Compare
While BetterLegal is an excellent choice, it’s worth knowing your options. LegalZoom, RocketLawyer, and ZenBusiness are the main competitors.
LLC Services | Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 Editor's Choice  | $0 + State Filing Fee |
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 | $299 + State Filing Fee |
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1. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a well-established online provider of various legal services catering primarily to businesses and individuals. The services include business organization, estate planning, protection of intellectual property rights, and drafting of legal documents. LegalZoom charges for its services individually instead of adopting the subscription pricing model followed by providers. Business formation packages, for instance, initiate from a rate of $0, exclusive of state fees.
LegalZoom offers a unique Business Advisory Plan. Starting from $36 monthly (billed annually), this plan’s subscription grants customers access to open-ended 30-minute legal consultations. Other benefits of the plan include document reviews and yearly evaluations of the customer’s business. Founded in 2001, LegalZoom has built a solid reputation over the years as a reliable and trustworthy provider of legal services and has attracted a vast clientele.
Basic Package – $0 Plus State Fees
LegalZoom provides a Basic Package for business formation, priced at $0, besides state fees. This package encompasses several necessary services, such as:
- Drafting a personalized operating agreement
- A financial account authorization letter
- A comprehensive satisfaction guarantee
Additional benefits include:
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
- Name availability search
- Continuous customer support
- Standard procedure for an LLC formation
Pro Package – $249 Plus State Fees
Alongside the basic package, LegalZoom also offers a Pro Package priced at $249 in addition to state fees, featuring additional premium services for extensive business support. These include:
- Access to tailor-made Operating Agreement templates
- Assistance with Employer Identification Number (EIN) registration
- Guidance on procuring business licenses and permits
- A detailed consultation on taxation and insurance
- The authorization letter for a financial account
Our in-depth LegalZoom review covers all the services they offer, from business formation to trademark registration, to give you a better understanding of what they can offer. You’ll get to understand how their services, which focus primarily on helping users start an LLC, could benefit you and streamline your process of launching a successful business.
2. RocketLawyer
RocketLawyer, a leader in the legal tech industry, offers clients streamlined solutions for LLC formation. Their comprehensive service list includes continuous legal support, resources, and access to various documents. Their dynamic pricing model accommodates various needs and budgets: a one-time fee for LLC formation, a monthly subscription plan, a pay-per-use service, and a free seven-day trial for new customers.
Free Trial – Seven-Day Free Access
RocketLawyer’s seven-day trial allows new customers to experience the platform at no cost. Within the trial period, users can access a variety of features, including:
- Legal consultations with professionals
- Document Defense® protection for RocketLawyer’s documents
- Creation, editing, and e-signing of legal documents
- Free incorporation filing for new members (excluding state fees)
- A 30-minute consultation on new legal situations
- Discounts on several legal services
To begin the free trial, visit RocketLawyer’s official website, and create a new account. Bear in mind that the trial’s expiration will lead to automatic enrollment into the monthly premium plan at $39.99 unless a cancellation is made beforehand.
Premium Plan – Monthly Subscription at $39.99
RocketLawyer’s Premium Plan is designed to provide access to a broad range of legal services at a monthly cost of $39.99. Subscribing to this plan guarantees several benefits:
- Unlimited access to legal documents for creation, editing, and e-signing
- Consultations with a knowledgeable attorney for countless legal inquiries
- Document Defense® on RocketLawyer-drafted documents in the event of legal disputes
- Free 30-minute consultation for every new legal situation
- Discounts of up to 25% off standard hourly rates for extra legal services, consultations, or representation through local attorneys
- LLC formation services at no additional charge (excluding state fees)
In our detailed RocketLawyer review, we delve into their services, including creating an LLC, legal document review, and legal advice. By exploring these provisions in depth, you will gain insights into how RocketLawyer can provide the needed support to establish an LLC successfully.
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness delivers affordable, comprehensive business service packages tailored to fulfill the diverse requirements of entrepreneurs. Its service suite encompasses three packages: Starter, Pro, and Premium, each providing a unique array of services to cater to the specific needs and financial considerations of users.
Starter Plan – Available at State Fees
Designed to cater to entrepreneurs on a tight budget, ZenBusiness’s Starter Plan offers many essential services for business commencement at no additional cost beyond the state filing fees. The package includes:
- Preparation and submission of Articles of Organization
- Name availability check
- A year’s worth of registered agent services
- An Operating Agreement Template
- An online dashboard for managing filings and deadlines
- Phone and email customer support
Pro Plan – $199 Plus State Fees
Building on the offerings of the Starter Plan, ZenBusiness’s Pro Plan, priced at $199 (plus state fees), provides a wider scope of services, promoting a more comprehensive and seamless business setup experience. The Pro Plan includes all Starter Plan features, plus:
- EIN registration
- The Worry-Free Guarantee, encompassing annual report filing and two amendment filings per year
- A banking resolution template to facilitate the opening of a business bank account
Premium Plan – $299 Plus State Fees
ZenBusiness’s robust Premium Plan, costing $299 plus state filing fees, offers extensive services and support for maximum convenience. In addition to all the Pro Plan services, the Premium Plan offers:
- Faster processing times
- Domain name registration
- Domain name privacy
- A business email account with 5GB storage
- A business website created through Weebly
Our extensive ZenBusiness review provides a complete analysis of their services, including the intricacies of setting up an LLC, compliance services, and even providing registered agent services. You’ll learn how ZenBusiness could be a vital tool in facilitating the process of successfully starting your LLC.
Who is BetterLegal Best For
BetterLegal is best for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a fast, efficient, and straightforward way to establish their businesses. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a personalized approach, transparency in pricing, and highly responsive customer service.
- Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs can benefit from BetterLegal because it offers a simple and efficient platform to help them start their businesses. It guides them through the process of legally establishing their business, saving them time and money that can be utilized to focus on their core business activities.
- Small Business Owners: Like entrepreneurs, small business owners stand to gain immensely from BetterLegal. It simplifies the process of legal business set-up, compliance, and operations, which would otherwise be a complex process for them.
- Individuals looking for a straightforward legal process: BetterLegal is ideal for those looking for a streamlined and straightforward approach to legal processes. The service is easy to understand and execute, eliminating the need for extensive and complicated legal proceedings.
- People who want transparency in pricing: BetterLegal provides clear pricing information upfront without hidden costs or fees, which is perfect for those who value transparency regarding costs. This allows individuals to budget without the fear of unexpected expenses effectively.
- Customers seeking excellent customer service: The team at BetterLegal is known for their prompt, professional, and courteous customer service. They quickly respond to inquiries or issues, making it a perfect choice for people who value efficient and reliable customer service support.
- Business Expansion: For individuals or businesses looking to grow and expand their operations, BetterLegal is ideal as it provides consultancy services and support regarding compliance and other legal requirements that may be necessary for the expansion process.
- Inexperienced in Legal Matters: For those who lack legal knowledge in business formation, BetterLegal clarifies and simplifies the often confusing legal jargon and processes involved in business formation. This makes it an excellent choice for those with little legal background.
FAQs
BetterLegal is a platform that provides legal services for small businesses, including LLC formation, incorporation services, and ongoing business compliance.
BetterLegal operates online. Users answer some questions about their business, and BetterLegal handles the legal paperwork, filing, and delivery.
BetterLegal offers services such as business formation, compliance services, creating legal deposits, and EIN obtainment, among others.
As of 2023, BetterLegal charges a flat fee of $299 for business formation, which includes filling out and filing the necessary documents, providing a custom operating agreement, and obtaining an EIN. Additional services may have extra costs.
To get started with BetterLegal, you visit their website, select the service you want and answer the questionnaire provided. The process is seamless, straightforward, and requires no legal expertise.
BetterLegal prides itself on providing excellent customer service. Support is available via live chat and email, ensuring users get prompt help.
Some alternatives to BetterLegal include LegalZoom, RocketLawyer, and ZenBusiness. They offer similar services but with different pricing plans and customer experiences.
BetterLegal positions itself as a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to LegalZoom, citing quicker formation times and flat fee pricing.
RocketLawyer offers memberships for ongoing legal services which can be more expensive over time. BetterLegal, on the other hand, charges a flat fee for business formation.
ZenBusiness offers a lower base price for business formation but may charge for additional services, while BetterLegal operates on a flat fee basis.
Yes, BetterLegal is an excellent platform for new entrepreneurs who might not have extensive legal knowledge and want to ensure their businesses are legally compliant.
The flat fee covers the cost of your business formation, filing the necessary documents, a custom operating agreement, and securing an EIN.
Yes, obtaining an EIN is part of the services included in BetterLegal’s flat fee.
BetterLegal promises to have your business formed within two business days, making it a quick solution for business formation.
Yes, BetterLegal offers ongoing corporate compliance services to ensure your business remains in good standing.
No, BetterLegal services all 50 states in the U.S.
As of 2023, BetterLegal operates on a flat-fee structure instead of a regular membership model.
BetterLegal offers excellent customer support via live chat and e-mail, ensuring a prompt and helpful response to any queries or issues.
Yes, BetterLegal helps create legal documents, including a custom operating agreement.
No, BetterLegal is not a law firm. Instead, it is a technology platform designed to simplify the business formation process and help businesses understand and meet their legal obligations.
How to Use Betterlegal
One of the key benefits of using Betterlegal is the convenience it offers. By eliminating the need to schedule appointments, travel to law offices, and wait in long queues, Betterlegal makes the legal process quick and easy. This means that individuals and businesses can save valuable time that can be better utilized on other important tasks. Whether it’s forming a new company, drafting contracts, or handling trademark registrations, Betterlegal simplifies the process and provides users with peace of mind that their legal needs are being taken care of efficiently.
Another advantage of Betterlegal is its cost-effective nature. Traditional legal services often come with hefty price tags, making them inaccessible to those on a budget. Betterlegal offers affordable and transparent pricing, allowing individuals and businesses to access high-quality legal services at a fraction of the cost. This democratization of legal services ensures that everyone has fair and equal access to the legal assistance they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.
In addition to convenience and affordability, Betterlegal also offers a high level of expertise and professionalism. The platform is home to a team of experienced legal professionals who are well-versed in a wide range of legal matters. Users can rest assured that their legal issues will be handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. Betterlegal’s experts are available to guide users through each step of the legal process, answering any questions and offering tailored advice to meet individual needs.
Furthermore, Betterlegal assures its users of confidentiality and security. With robust data protection measures in place, users can trust that their sensitive information is safe and secure. This commitment to privacy and security is essential in an age where data breaches and cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Betterlegal’s dedication to protecting user data instills confidence in its users, knowing that their personal and sensitive information is in safe hands.
Overall, Betterlegal is a game-changer in the legal industry, offering a modern and efficient solution to traditional legal services. By embracing technology and innovation, Betterlegal has revolutionized the way legal matters are handled, making them accessible, affordable, and convenient for everyone. Whether you’re a startup looking to form a new company or an individual needing assistance with estate planning, Betterlegal is the ideal platform to meet your legal needs. Embrace the future of legal services with Betterlegal, and experience the ease and efficiency it brings to your legal matters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BetterLegal stands out as a robust platform offering sterling legal services. Streamlining the business formation process effectively removes the stress and complexities of setting up a new venture. As reviewed here, its competitive pricing, outstanding customer service, and an extensive list of services make it an unrivaled choice for aspiring entrepreneurs across all 50 states.
For more comprehensive and meticulously researched reviews, don’t hesitate to visit LLCBase. With our dedication to providing reliable and actionable information, you can trust us to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. We are here to accommodate the influx of knowledge you need to facilitate intelligent decision-making for your business’ success.