Starting a business is an exciting yet challenging process. One of the biggest hurdles for new entrepreneurs is figuring out how to handle the legal aspects of setting up a company. That’s where services like BetterLegal come in. Promising to simplify the LLC and corporation formation process, BetterLegal claims to provide a hassle-free way to handle business registrations.
But with so many legal service providers out there, how do you know if BetterLegal is actually a legitimate and reliable service, or just another overhyped company?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at BetterLegal’s services, pricing, user ratings, features, pros, cons, and much more. We’ll also compare BetterLegal with other popular business formation services like ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Bizee to help you decide if BetterLegal is the right choice for you.
What Is BetterLegal?
BetterLegal is an online platform designed to help entrepreneurs form their LLCs, corporations, and other legal business structures quickly and affordably. Founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, BetterLegal has aimed to make business formation easier for small business owners by offering a straightforward service with a simple pricing model.
Unlike some of its competitors, BetterLegal doesn’t bombard customers with upsells or unnecessary extras. The company’s primary offering is an LLC formation package that includes everything an entrepreneur needs to get their business off the ground. This includes filing the necessary paperwork, providing a legal operating agreement, and acquiring an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
BetterLegal is marketed as a fast, no-fuss service that allows you to focus on building your business while they handle the legalities. The service prides itself on its speed, claiming that most of its LLC formations are completed within just two business days.
BetterLegal Review Ratings
Let’s break down BetterLegal’s overall performance by looking at various key factors that matter to most customers:
Support – 4.7/5
Customer support is one of BetterLegal’s strongest points. Based on numerous user reviews, the company’s support team is responsive and helpful. Many users report getting their questions answered quickly, and the customer service representatives are noted for their professionalism. However, some users have mentioned that reaching a live agent can be tricky at times, especially during busy periods.
Price – 4.0/5
BetterLegal’s pricing model is transparent and easy to understand. Their basic LLC formation package is priced at $299, plus state filing fees. While this is not the cheapest option on the market, it does include a comprehensive set of services that other providers charge extra for, such as the creation of an operating agreement and the provision of an EIN. The downside is that while the initial package is reasonable, additional services like registered agent service and compliance packages come at an extra cost.
Ease of Use – 4.6/5
BetterLegal’s platform is designed to be simple and user-friendly. The online process is smooth and intuitive, allowing most users to complete their LLC formation in under 15 minutes. The site provides clear instructions, and the forms are easy to fill out, even for those with little to no prior experience with business formation.
Features – 4.4/5
BetterLegal offers a solid set of features, including:
- Formation of LLCs and corporations
- Preparation and filing of the Certificate of Formation
- Provision of an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Creation of an operating agreement and banking resolution
However, some features that competitors offer, such as annual compliance monitoring and business tax consultation, are either unavailable or come at an extra cost with BetterLegal. Still, for basic formation services, the features offered are quite comprehensive.
User Ratings – 4.7/5
When it comes to user feedback, BetterLegal consistently receives high ratings from customers. Many users are impressed by the company’s speed and the simplicity of the process. The service’s transparent pricing also earns positive marks, as there are no hidden fees. Customers appreciate how quickly they can get their LLCs up and running with BetterLegal’s help.
Turnaround – 4.7/5
One of BetterLegal’s key selling points is its quick turnaround time. The majority of users report receiving their LLC formation documents within two business days. This fast service is a major advantage for entrepreneurs who are eager to start their businesses without unnecessary delays.
Service Features and Prices
BetterLegal offers a single comprehensive LLC formation package that costs $299, plus state filing fees. This package includes:
- Filing of the Certificate of Formation
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Operating Agreement
- Banking Resolution
- Tax analysis
- Website for the business
- Business checking account setup
- Insurance evaluation
Additional services are available for an extra fee. Some of these additional services include:
- Registered Agent Service: $10 per month or $90 per year
- State Compliance Service: $10 per month or $90 per year
- Business Permit & License Search: $12
These extra services are optional, but they can be useful for businesses that need ongoing compliance monitoring or want to ensure they have the proper licenses to operate.
Additional Services
In addition to LLC formation, BetterLegal offers several additional services that can help businesses stay compliant and organized. These include:
- Registered Agent Service: Required for businesses that want to maintain privacy and have someone receive legal documents on their behalf.
- State Compliance Service: Helps ensure your business stays compliant with state laws by providing regular reminders and filing necessary reports.
- Business Permit & License Search: Helps businesses identify the licenses and permits they need to operate legally.
These additional services are not included in the basic LLC formation package, so they will add to the overall cost if you choose to opt for them.
Benefits
BetterLegal offers several benefits that make it an appealing option for entrepreneurs:
Fast Turnaround
BetterLegal’s fast processing times set it apart from many competitors. Most users report receiving their LLC documents within just 2 business days, making it an excellent option for those who need to get their business up and running quickly.
Transparent Pricing
The pricing model at BetterLegal is straightforward and clear. The $299 fee covers a comprehensive range of services, and there are no hidden fees or surprises along the way. While some competitors may offer lower base prices, BetterLegal’s all-inclusive package is a good value for what it provides.
User-Friendly Platform
BetterLegal’s platform is designed with ease of use in mind. Entrepreneurs can quickly and easily complete their LLC formation in just a few simple steps. The user interface is clean and intuitive, and the process is largely automated, which reduces the chances of making mistakes.
Comprehensive Services
For the price, BetterLegal offers a wide range of services that cover the essentials of business formation. The inclusion of an operating agreement and an EIN is a notable feature, as many competitors charge extra for these.
Downsides
While BetterLegal is a strong option for many entrepreneurs, there are a few downsides to consider:
Limited Customer Support
Although many users report positive experiences with BetterLegal’s customer support, some have complained about long wait times and difficulty reaching a live representative. This can be frustrating, especially for those who need immediate assistance.
No Refund Policy
BetterLegal has a strict no-refund policy. Once you’ve purchased a service, it’s non-refundable, which could be an issue if you make a mistake or change your mind about the service.
Additional Costs for Add-Ons
While BetterLegal’s basic package is reasonably priced, additional services like registered agent service, compliance monitoring, and business permit searches come at an extra cost. If you need these services, the overall price of using BetterLegal can quickly add up.
Who Should Hire BetterLegal?
BetterLegal is best suited for entrepreneurs who are looking for a fast, efficient, and straightforward way to form an LLC or corporation. It’s ideal for small business owners who don’t want to deal with complicated legal paperwork but still want a comprehensive service that includes an operating agreement, EIN, and other essentials.
The service is also a good fit for those who want a transparent, flat-rate pricing model without the upselling often seen with other business formation companies. However, if you need ongoing legal assistance or have complex business needs, you may want to consider other providers.
Other User Testimonials
Many users report being happy with BetterLegal’s services, particularly the fast turnaround times and transparent pricing. However, there are some criticisms as well. Some customers have mentioned issues with reaching customer support, while others have found the add-on fees to be a bit high for additional services.
Overall, BetterLegal’s reputation among users is mostly positive, with most entrepreneurs satisfied with the ease of use and quick setup.
Comparison to Other Services
When evaluating business formation services, it’s important to compare options to find the best fit for your needs. In this section, we’ll compare BetterLegal with three popular competitors: ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Bizee. Each offers distinct features and pricing, so let’s dive into the differences.
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a popular competitor to BetterLegal. One key difference is that ZenBusiness offers a free basic LLC formation service (excluding state filing fees). Additionally, ZenBusiness includes a free year of registered agent service in its premium plans, something BetterLegal charges for.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is known for its excellent customer support and privacy protection. They are more expensive than BetterLegal, but they offer more personalized services, making them a good choice for businesses that prioritize privacy and need dedicated customer assistance.
3. Bizee
Bizee is another business formation service that competes with BetterLegal. It offers competitive pricing but lacks the comprehensive service package that BetterLegal provides. Bizee’s customer support is often praised, though some users have reported mixed experiences with the platform.
Verdict on BetterLegal LLC Service
BetterLegal provides a straightforward, reliable service for entrepreneurs seeking to form an LLC or corporation. Its focus on simplicity and speed has made it a popular choice for small business owners who want to get their legal paperwork in order quickly without the hassle of navigating complicated processes.
The platform offers a comprehensive package that includes essential services such as the filing of the Certificate of Formation, EIN acquisition, operating agreement, and banking resolution—all for a flat fee of $299 (plus state fees). This transparent pricing is a major advantage over competitors who may have hidden fees or upsell additional services. For business owners who need just the basics to get started, BetterLegal offers an excellent value.
One of the standout features of BetterLegal is its fast turnaround time. Many users report having their LLCs formed in as little as two business days, which is a significant benefit for entrepreneurs eager to start their business operations. The ease of use and intuitive platform design make the process even more seamless, allowing customers to complete their LLC formation in just a few minutes.
However, BetterLegal does have some drawbacks. While the basic package is comprehensive, the service does not include additional ongoing features like annual compliance monitoring or legal consultations. If these services are important to you, they will require additional costs.
Moreover, BetterLegal’s customer support, while generally positive, has received some mixed feedback, with users occasionally experiencing delays in response times.
Overall, BetterLegal is a solid choice for entrepreneurs looking for a fast, affordable, and user-friendly LLC formation service. Its no-frills, transparent approach to business formation makes it a strong contender, especially for small businesses in need of quick and efficient setup.
FAQs
Is BetterLegal a law firm?
No, BetterLegal is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice. They provide business formation services, but they do not substitute for professional legal counsel.
Can I cancel my service?
Unfortunately, BetterLegal’s services are non-refundable. Once you purchase a package, it cannot be canceled or refunded.
Does BetterLegal offer a free plan?
No, BetterLegal does not offer a free plan. However, its $299 package is a reasonable price for the services included