New Jersey LLC services make it easy for any person to officially form a business in the state. Submitting the organization documents and completing the business registration process independently is an option, but it can be complicated for first-time LLC owners.
Instead of navigating the legal process yourself, using one of the best LLC services in New Jersey can help you save time and focus your efforts on business operations. To help you decide which service is best for your business, we at the MarketWatch Guides team thoroughly reviewed and tested the 15 best providers to curate our list of the top six. Our research shows that overall, ZenBusiness is the Most Comprehensive choice for starting an LLC in New Jersey.
Top 6 LLC Services in New Jersey
- Most Comprehensive: ZenBusiness
- Best for Branding: Tailor Brands
- Best Legal Support: LegalZoom
- Best Registered Agent Services: Northwest Registered Agent
- Most Cost-Effective: Bizee
- Most Flexible: Swyft Filings
ZenBusiness
Most Comprehensive
Why ZenBusiness Stands Out
- What We Love: ZenBusiness offers a wide range of LLC services to help business owners start, run and grow their new entity.
- Who It’s Best For: Beginner business owners who are unfamiliar with the formation process and want guided support
- Alternatives: Companies looking for an LLC service provider with a more robust free plan might consider Bizee, which includes a free year of registered agent services.
Pros and Cons
Pros One year of worry-free compliance for free Customer support available seven days a week Variety of add-ons to customize packages Cons Expensive highest-tier plan compared to the highest-tiered plans from other providers
Plans and Pricing
| Package | Annual Cost | Differentiating Factors |
| Starter | $0 + state fees |
|
| Pro | $199 + state fees |
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| Premium | $299 + state fees |
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Our Take
ZenBusiness offers various services and tools to help business owners register their company, attract customers and run their operations, making it stand out as a comprehensive provider.
Business owners can form an LLC for free — not counting state filing fees — using ZenBusiness’s Starter plan. This package has business name verification and articles of organization creation. You get a 100% accuracy guarantee for filing and a standard processing time of five to seven business days.
Those who want expedited filing or need additional help applying for an EIN, creating an operating agreement, accessing business document templates or building a business website can opt for the Pro or Premium plan or purchase these services as add-ons.
After the initial LLC formation process is complete, ZenBusiness offers services to help you grow and manage your business. You can get a logo kit for a one-time fee, a business bank account at a low monthly rate and a free tax consultation in all plans.
Overall, we like the clean and modern look of ZenBusiness’s website and portal, especially compared to other LLC service providers. Starting the formation process is simple, as the provider clearly lays out each step to follow.
Initial window of the LLC formation process with ZenBusiness (Source: website)
We think the additional touches, such as the progress bar and the tally of the total cost at the top of the page, make it easier for beginners to understand exactly what the process entails.
3.8
Why Tailor Brands Stands Out
- What We Love: Tailor Brands offers free LLC formation services plus additional offerings to manage and grow businesses.
- Who It’s Best For: New business owners who are concerned about their branding and online presence
- Alternatives: Business owners who want more legal guidance and compliance support may want to consider LegalZoom.
Pros and Cons
Pros Robust branding services for logo design and website creation Bookkeeping tool available Compliance alerts included for free for all customers Cons Pricing information is available on landing pages but not main website pages Limited legal support compared to other providers
Plans and Pricing
| Package | Annual Cost | Differentiating Factors |
| Lite | $0 + state fees |
|
| Essential | $199 + state fees |
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| Elite | $249 + state fees |
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Our Take
Tailor Brands sees itself as a one-stop shop for everything new business owners need. The provider does stand out for its logo creation and other branding offerings. However, it doesn’t offer the legal guidance and accuracy guarantee that its competitors do.
When initiating LLC formation with Tailor Brands, the process begins with a quick check for business name availability, as shown below.
Business name verification with Tailor Brands (Source: website)
From there, the provider outlines the remaining steps that it plans to walk you through.
Explanation of the LLC formation process with Tailor Brands (Source: website)
The thoughtful design and animated visuals clearly show that the provider excels in branding. However, when initiating the process, it’s hard to discern the plan options, which could detract from the overall experience and the ability to comparison shop. To view these details, you have to either come to a landing page, such as this LLC package one, or create an account.
The cost of using Tailor Brands to form an LLC can quickly add up, as it charges individually for compliance support, registered agent services, EIN application filing and operating agreement creation. Its free plan doesn’t include any of this like the free plans from other providers do.
LegalZoom
Best Legal Support
4.8
Why LegalZoom Stands Out
- What We Love: LegalZoom offers robust legal assistance from initial formation to ongoing compliance.
- Who It’s Best For: Business owners who anticipate needing legal support and guidance as they form and run their company
- Alternatives: If you want a more streamlined provider that offers just the basics, you might want to consider Northwest Registered Agent or Bizee.
Pros and Cons
Pros Access to expert legal guidance Longstanding positive reputation 60-day money-back guarantee Cons No phone support for free plan users No registered agent services included in any formation plans
Plans and Pricing
| Package | Annual Cost | Differentiating Factors |
| Basic | $0 + state fees |
|
| Pro | $249 + state fees |
|
| Premium | $299 + state fees |
|
Our Take
LegalZoom is a trusted name in the LLC services category. Known mainly for its expert legal guidance, some may be unaware that LegalZoom can help with LLC formation as well.
LegalZoom offers three LLC formation plans, starting with a free plan where customers only pay the state filing fee. This package has good value for money, as customers get articles of organization filing, name check availability and Wix website creation as well as access to a library of downloadable legal forms.
For those who just need the basics, LegalZoom’s free plan is competitive. However, interested customers should be aware that it doesn’t include phone support.
Where LegalZoom really stands out is with its higher-tier plan, which includes unlimited legal consultations from licensed attorneys. While this is one of the most expensive plans offered by any provider on our list, it offers an invaluable service.
The formation process with LegalZoom includes guided prompts to walk you through each step. The clean and intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate, even if you’re not familiar with LLC formation requirements in your state.
Initial window of the LLC formation process with LegalZoom (Source: website)
Northwest Registered Agent
Best Registered Agent
3.8
Why Northwest Registered Agent Stands Out
- What We Love: Northwest Registered Agent can help with forming your LLC, meeting ongoing compliance requirements and can act as your registered agent.
- Who It’s Best For: Those who want an affordable formation package with expert registered agent services
- Alternatives: Business owners who want more tools and services to run and grow their new companies might consider a more comprehensive provider like ZenBusiness or Tailor Brands.
Pros and Cons
Pros One affordable plan Access to live support from Corporate Guides (e.g., accountants, attorneys and other experienced professionals) No selling of your data to third parties Cons Automatic enrollment in free trials of compliance and business identity services, which you need to cancel manually to avoid incurring extra charges No business domain or website creation available
Plans and Pricing
| Package | Annual Cost | Differentiating Factors |
| LLC Formation | $39 + state fees |
|
Our Take
As the name might suggest, Northwest Registered Agent is mostly known for its professional registered agent services. However, it offers support in other areas, including helping new business owners officially register their LLCs.
The provider offers one plan for LLC formation, which includes all features. This makes for a streamlined process that doesn’t require you to compare the value of several packages. The plan includes operating agreement creation, bank resolution setup, mail forwarding and more.
If you’re willing to handle some formation tasks yourself, Northwest Registered Agent could be attractive. For instance, the provider doesn’t offer branding services or tax consultations, so you are in charge of creating your business identity and handling your business taxes.
The guided process to form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent is basic with minimal design and interactive elements. This could work for someone who is already familiar with the formation process. However, you may be disappointed if you are expecting more details and resources.
Initial window of the LLC formation process with Northwest Registered Agent (Source: website)
Bizee (Powered by Incfile)
Most Cost-Effective
3.9
Why Bizee Stands Out
- What We Love: Bizee offers three LLC formation packages at a one-time fee rather than charging a recurring annual fee like most other providers.
- Who It’s Best For: Business owners looking for a cost-effective LLC formation package without giving up essential services
- Alternatives: Those looking for more support with growing and running a business might consider a more comprehensive provider like ZenBusiness or Tailor Brands.
Pros and Cons
Pros One-time fee instead of recurring fee Lifetime compliance alerts for all customers Unlimited phone and email support for the life of the business Cons No weekend support
Plans and Pricing
| Package | Annual Cost | Differentiating Factors |
| Basic | $0 + state fees |
|
| Standard | $199 + state fees |
|
| Premium | $299 + state fees |
|
Our Take
Bizee states that it can help customers launch an LLC in minutes. Though this may be a bit of an overstatement, it does have a more streamlined pipeline that pushes customers through the formation process quickly.
Bizee’s interface is clean and easy to navigate, with guided prompts to walk business owners through the process. We like that there’s a side panel with a summary of charges and order progress for transparency.
The standout feature of Bizee’s formation services is that it only charges a one-time fee rather than a recurring annual fee, like nearly all of the other LLC service providers. But, customers aren’t left on their own after their business is formed. Bizee continues to offer lifetime compliance alerts and customer support. That being said, customer support is only available during normal business hours, so any questions or concerns that arise on the weekend have to wait until Monday.
To speak more about Bizee’s cost-effectiveness, its free plan offers more value than others with a free year of registered agent services on top of LLC formation. Customers need to price up to receive help with an EIN, operating agreement, domain name and business email, among other advanced services.
Swyft Filings
Most Flexible
4.2
Why Swyft Filings Stands Out
- What We Love: Swyft Filings offers multiple affordable packages with various add-ons available to customize the plans to fit your needs.
- Who It’s Best For: New business owners looking for an affordable, customizable plan to form their LLC
- Alternatives: Consider ZenBusiness or Tailor Brands if you want more services and tools to help you with ongoing business management.
Pros and Cons
Pros 100% filing accuracy guarantee Lifetime customer support for all customers Same-day filing available Cons Monthly fee to access the library of business and legal documents
Plans and Pricing
| Package | Annual Cost | Differentiating Factors |
| Basic | $0 + state fees |
|
| Standard | $199 + state fees |
|
| Premium | $299 + state fees |
|
Our Take
Founded in 2015, Swyft Filings is one of the newer LLC service providers in the industry. However, it has become a trusted name with its comprehensive free plan, 100% accuracy guarantee and intuitive formation process.
Like with Bizee, Swyft Filings’ free plan includes lifetime customer service. So, even though it’s not a service that renews each year, business owners can still receive formation-related support throughout the life of their business.
Higher-tier packages include additional services for corporate bylaws, banking resolution and organizational minutes. Customers can also upgrade to the highest plan to access same-day filing, domain name selection and document templates. In lower plans, these are available as add-ons.
The guided process to form an LLC with Swyft Filings has a similar appearance and structure to other providers on our list. You first enter your business name so that Swyft Filings can check for its availability in your state. Afterward, you provide additional information about your business so that the provider can prepare and file your articles of organization paperwork with the state.
Initial window of the LLC formation process with Swyft Filings (Source: website)
How Do the Best LLC Formation Companies in New Jersey Compare?
Our Top Pick
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0+ | $0+ | $0+ | $0+ | $0+ |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Customer Service | |||||
| Operating Agreement | * | * | * | * | * |
| Registered Agent Service | * | * | + | * | * |
| EIN | * | * | * | * | * |
| License Reports | * | * | * | * | |
| Compliance | * | * | * | ||
| Expert Help | * | * | |||
| Tax Advisory | * | * | |||
| Tax Preparation | * | * | * | ||
| Guarantee of Acceptance | * | ||||
| Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
Our Top Pick
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| ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0+ | $0+ | $0+ | $0+ | $0+ |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Customer Service | |||||
| Operating Agreement | * | * | * | * | * |
| Registered Agent Service | * | * | + | * | * |
| EIN | * | * | * | * | * |
| License Reports | * | * | * | * | |
| Compliance | * | * | * | ||
| Expert Help | * | * | |||
| Tax Advisory | * | * | |||
| Tax Preparation | * | * | * | ||
| Guarantee of Acceptance | * | ||||
| Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
When choosing an LLC service to start your New Jersey LLC, the two most important considerations are your budget and the services that will benefit your business. Whether you’re a business owner looking for basic assistance filing your documents with the state, or you want to hire a company to file your documents, give legal consultation and maintain your business, there is a provider or service for various preferences.
All providers we feature in this roundup offer LLC formation services plus at least one additional service that can be added on, whether it’s registered agent services, EIN application, an operating agreement template or compliance assistance. Most agencies, excluding Northwest Registered Agent, offer at least three tiers of bundled packages that include different combinations of services for a discounted price.
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom stand out as two of the most all-inclusive formation companies we’ve researched. They offer all the features we consider the most valuable in bundled packages or a la carte. In addition to the features listed, LegalZoom is the only provider that offers a consultation with a business attorney.
While Northwest Registered Agent might not offer multiple package tiers, it offers free registered agent services for the first year when you hire them to form your LLC for $39. Then, you’d pay $125 each year to keep the registered agent service. Bizee offers a similar deal, but forming an LLC with them is just $0 plus state fees, and Bizee’s recurring registered agent fee is only $119 per year.
How Much Do LLC Services Cost in New Jersey?
The best LLC services in New Jersey cost between $0 and $299 per year. It’s important to note that this cost does not include the New Jersey filing fee of $125 plus any credit card processing fees.
LLC Service Provider
Basic Package Price
Premium Package Price
EIN Price
Get Started
$0 (+ state fees)
$299 per year (+ state fees)
Included with Gold Package
Many providers have a $0 (+ state fees) starter package. This package helps you start an LLC with assistance for the same price it would cost you to form an LLC on your own – just state filing fees. This is a great option for business owners who are on a budget and don’t want to risk making errors in formation paperwork.
Middle-tier packages are optimal for business owners who have a budget between $149 and $199 and plan to hire out most formation tasks like filing with the state, EIN application, operating agreement and expedited processing. Based on our data, more than half of our readers chose a middle-tier package when starting their business.
High-tier packages start around $249 and can add up to well over $1,000. This kind of package generally includes everything you need to register your business plus premium features like compliance assistance, website domain, tax preparation, accounting consultation and specialized help from a business professional.
When comparing prices, consider whether the cost listed is a one-time or recurring fee. Some providers include trial access to premium services when you purchase the middle or highest-tier packages and, unless you cancel, will charge your card when the trial period expires.
Form a New Jersey LLC Yourself
Starting an LLC can seem like a tedious project, but you can certainly do it yourself. If you have already successfully formed an LLC in New Jersey or another state, the process will be similar and manageable to accomplish on your own. To start an LLC in New Jersey, you’ll need to:
- Choose a name that’s different from any other business in the state and includes some variation of the phrase “limited liability company” or abbreviation, “LLC.”
- Select a qualified registered agent.
- If you have more than one member in your LLC, get an EIN to file the tax/employer registration form.
- File a certificate of formation and pay the $125 filing fee.
If you have never organized a business, it might make the most sense to use a starter package from an LLC service to start your LLC, since it will cost you the same price to do it yourself ($0 plus New Jersey’s $125 filing fee).
The Bottom Line
Based on our research and testing, we rank ZenBusiness as the most comprehensive and one of the best LLC services in New Jersey. We think it offers a wide variety of services at the most valuable price. Those on a budget may find the best option is a provider with a starter package priced at $0 (+ state fees). If you plan to hire a registered agent, forming your LLC with Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent may make sense since their service comes with free registered agent services for the first year. Ultimately, which one of the several New Jersey LLC services you choose should be based on your budget and what’s best for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey LLC Services
The time it will take to get an LLC in New Jersey depends on the method of filing you choose. When you file online, your LLC may be approved within one business day. Filing through the mail can take a couple of weeks, depending on the courier and in-office processing times. If you hire an LLC service to file on your behalf, you may have to wait a few days longer for the service to process and finalize your filing paperwork.
You cannot start an LLC for free in New Jersey. All LLCs must pay the $125 filing fee to process their formation documents.
Yes, all LLCs in New Jersey must name a registered agent on their formation documents and maintain one throughout their business life. If your registered agent changes at any time, you must alert the state as soon as possible and file the correct paperwork.
Most LLC services, including all providers we highlight in this review, operate nationwide and can help you start an LLC in any state. This means you don’t have to choose an LLC service exclusive to your physical location. Nationwide services, like ZenBusiness and LegalZoom, have state-specific templates and software created or reviewed by attorneys, as well as other business creation experts to ensure they comply with the appropriate state’s laws.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.com.
