Starting a business is an exciting and overwhelming process. From choosing a business name to filing important documents, it can be difficult to know where to start. Many entrepreneurs turn to online services for help with business formation, and one such service is SunDoc Filings.
If you’re considering using their services, this in-depth review will provide all the essential information you need. In this article, we’ll cover everything from SunDoc Filings’ services and pricing to customer reviews and how they compare to competitors.
What Is SunDoc Filings?
SunDoc Filings is a business services company specializing in LLC (Limited Liability Company) formations, corporate filings, and document retrieval services. They assist businesses by helping them file documents necessary for legally forming an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Founded in 1999 and based in Sacramento, California, SunDoc Filings has built a solid reputation over the years as a trusted provider of business services.
While SunDoc Filings initially focused on helping businesses in California, their services are available nationwide, allowing them to assist entrepreneurs from all 50 states. SunDoc Filings prides itself on providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for business formation and related services.
Their services extend beyond just filing documents; they also offer services like retrieving business documents, helping with UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings, and providing registered agent services. Additionally, they offer expedited services, making them a popular choice for businesses that need to get up and running quickly.
SunDoc Filings Review Ratings
Based on a variety of expert and customer reviews, here’s a breakdown of how SunDoc Filings performs in key categories:
Support – 4.1/5
Customer support is crucial when dealing with important business documents, and SunDoc Filings does a good job of offering assistance when needed. The company provides phone and email support to help users navigate their services. They also offer online chat for quick inquiries, which is convenient for users who need immediate help.
While many users report positive experiences with SunDoc Filings’ customer support team, some have noted that response times can occasionally be slow during peak times. Despite this, overall customer satisfaction with the support team is solid.
Price – 4.1/5
SunDoc Filings offers a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs. While their prices are generally considered competitive, some customers have pointed out that additional services, like registered agent services or expedited processing, can add to the overall cost.
Their most basic plan starts at around $79 (excluding state fees) for LLC formation, with higher-tier packages offering additional services. The added costs for things like EIN acquisition, operating agreements, or annual report filings are typical for this industry. While not the cheapest option out there, SunDoc Filings provides good value for the price, especially considering the quality of service and the speed with which they process documents.
Features – 4.2/5
SunDoc Filings offers a comprehensive set of services to help entrepreneurs start and manage their businesses. These include:
- LLC formation: Helping clients with the preparation and filing of LLC formation documents.
- Corporate filings: Assisting with forming corporations and partnerships.
- Registered agent services: Offering services to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Document retrieval services: Retrieving corporate documents such as certificates of good standing and other public records.
- UCC filings: Assisting with filings related to business loans and equipment financing.
Their service packages come with various levels of support, making it easy for users to choose the level of service that best suits their needs.
Turnaround – 4.6/5
SunDoc Filings is known for its fast turnaround times, especially in California. Their proximity to the state Capitol allows them to process certain documents faster than competitors. Many users have praised SunDoc Filings for their quick service, with some reporting that their documents were processed in just a day or two.
For businesses that require a fast filing or need to retrieve specific documents quickly, SunDoc Filings can be an excellent choice. However, it’s important to note that turnaround times may vary depending on the service and the state in which the documents are being filed.
User Ratings – 4.3/5
SunDoc Filings has generally received positive reviews from its users. Customers have praised the company for its ease of use, fast processing, and excellent customer support. Many users also report that the website is intuitive and easy to navigate, which helps streamline the process of filing documents and purchasing services.
While there are a few complaints about additional fees for premium services, most users are satisfied with the value provided by SunDoc Filings. Overall, they have earned a solid reputation among their customers for being a reliable and professional service.
Ease of Use – 4.2/5
One of the highlights of SunDoc Filings is its user-friendly platform. The website is well-organized, and the service offerings are clearly outlined, making it easy for customers to find the right services for their business needs. The process of selecting a package, submitting information, and completing the necessary steps is streamlined, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and frustration.
While most users find the platform easy to use, some have mentioned that more detailed explanations of each service would be helpful, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs who are unfamiliar with the document filing process.
LLC Service Features & Prices
SunDoc Filings offers a variety of LLC formation packages to cater to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. Here are the key packages and what they include:
1. Basic LLC Formation Package ($79 + state fees)
- Document preparation and filing with the state
- Name availability search
- Online access to your filed documents
2. Pro LLC Formation Package ($99 + state fees)
- Everything in the Basic package
- A custom operating agreement (for LLCs)
- Business email forwarding service
3. Complete LLC Formation Package ($279 + state fees)
- Everything in the Pro package
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) application
- Certificate of Good Standing
The prices are quite competitive compared to other LLC formation services, and the higher-tier packages provide additional value for entrepreneurs who need more than just the basic filing.
Additional Services
In addition to LLC formation, SunDoc Filings offers several other services that can be useful to business owners:
- Registered Agent Services: SunDoc Filings acts as a registered agent for your business, which is required by law in most states. This service ensures that your company complies with state regulations and receives important legal documents.
- UCC Filings: If your business is taking out a loan or securing financing, SunDoc Filings can help you with UCC filings, which are necessary for securing collateral.
- Document Retrieval: SunDoc Filings offers document retrieval services to help businesses obtain important public records, such as certificates of good standing or articles of incorporation.
- Foreign Qualification: If you want to operate your business in a state other than the one in which it was formed, SunDoc Filings can assist with the process of foreign qualification.
- Annual Report Filings: SunDoc Filings offers assistance with annual report filings to help ensure that your business remains compliant with state laws.
Each of these services comes at an additional cost, but they add value for businesses that need comprehensive assistance.
Benefits
There are several key benefits to using SunDoc Filings:
- Fast Processing Times: SunDoc Filings is known for its quick turnaround times, especially in California, where they can expedite certain filings due to their proximity to state authorities.
- Comprehensive Service Offerings: SunDoc Filings offers a full range of services, including LLC formations, UCC filings, and registered agent services, making them a one-stop shop for business formation and ongoing compliance needs.
- User-Friendly Platform: The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for entrepreneurs who are unfamiliar with the process of forming an LLC or handling legal filings.
- Solid Reputation: SunDoc Filings has received positive feedback from users, earning high ratings for its customer support, ease of use, and overall service quality.
Downsides
While SunDoc Filings has many benefits, there are a few downsides to consider:
- Limited International Reach: SunDoc Filings primarily focuses on U.S. businesses and may not be the best choice for entrepreneurs seeking to operate internationally.
- Additional Costs for Premium Services: While their base pricing is competitive, certain premium services like expedited processing or registered agent services come with additional fees, which can add up quickly.
- Occasional Slow Response Times: Some customers have reported delays in response times, particularly during busy periods. While this isn’t a major issue for most customers, it could be frustrating for those needing urgent assistance.
Who Should Hire SunDoc Filings?
SunDoc Filings is best suited for:
- California-Based Entrepreneurs: Due to their proximity to the California state government, they offer fast processing times for businesses based in California.
- Entrepreneurs Looking for Comprehensive Services: If you need more than just LLC formation, SunDoc Filings offers a wide range of business services, including document retrieval and registered agent services.
- Businesses Needing Quick Turnaround: If speed is essential for your business, SunDoc Filings’ fast processing times can help you get your LLC formed or documents filed quickly.
SunDoc Filings Users’ Testimonials
Many users have shared positive experiences with SunDoc Filings. Some have praised the service for its professionalism, fast processing, and ease of use. One user mentioned, “I’ve used SunDoc Filings for several businesses, and they always deliver fast, efficient service. I highly recommend them for anyone needing quick LLC formation.”
Others have highlighted the company’s excellent customer support, with one reviewer stating, “I had a few questions about filing my documents, and the support team was quick to respond and guide me through the process.”
SunDoc Filings Alternatives
If you’re considering alternatives to SunDoc Filings, here are three other companies that offer similar services:
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is known for its affordable pricing and solid customer support. They offer a simple platform and a variety of service packages for entrepreneurs who need help with LLC formation. While ZenBusiness is a bit more limited in its additional services, it’s an excellent choice for those on a budget.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest is another top-rated LLC formation service, known for its superior customer support and privacy protection features. They offer a more personalized service and provide features like business compliance monitoring. However, their pricing is slightly higher than SunDoc Filings for some services.
3. Bizee
Bizee is a newer player in the market but offers competitive pricing and an easy-to-use platform. They provide a variety of business services and are an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective option. However, their track record is not as established as SunDoc Filings.
Verdict on SunDoc Filings
In conclusion, SunDoc Filings is a reliable and efficient LLC formation service that is particularly well-suited for businesses based in California. Their fast processing times, solid customer support, and comprehensive service offerings make them a strong contender in the market. While there are some additional costs for premium services, SunDoc Filings offers good value for the price. If you’re looking for a straightforward and fast way to form your LLC or retrieve business documents, SunDoc Filings is a solid choice.
FAQ’s
Is SunDoc Filings suitable for businesses outside California?
Yes, SunDoc Filings offers nationwide services, though businesses in California may benefit from faster processing times due to their proximity to the state Capitol.
Are there any hidden fees with SunDoc Filings?
No, SunDoc Filings provides transparent pricing, but some additional services, like expedited processing or EIN filing, come at an extra cost.
How does SunDoc Filings compare to competitors like LegalZoom?
While LegalZoom is a well-known name in the industry, SunDoc Filings offers more affordable pricing and quicker turnaround times, especially for businesses based in California.