Compare LLC Formation Services
An honest, side-by-side comparison. We will tell you where we are better, and where others do well too.
| Feature | SedesOur pick | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness | NorthwestSolid choice | Bizee (Incfile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees (basic) | $0 + state fees (starter) | $39 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | $49/year | $299/year | $199/year | $125/year | $119/year (1st year free) |
| Operating Agreement | Included (all plans) | $99+ (add-on) | $99 (Pro plan) | Free template | $99 (add-on) |
| EIN Filing | Included | $159 (add-on) | $99 (add-on) | Included | $70 (add-on) |
| Processing Time | Same-day preparation | 20-30 business days (basic) | 2-3 weeks (starter) | Same-day filing | 2-4 weeks (basic) |
| Compliance Tools | Automated calendar + reminders | Compliance calendar ($199/year) | Included in paid plans | Annual report reminders | Basic alerts |
| AI Assistant | Full AI-powered formation flow | None | None | None | None |
| Upsells | None. What you see is what you pay. | Heavy. Expect $500-800 in add-ons. | Moderate. Pushed toward Pro ($199). | Minimal. Straightforward pricing. | Moderate. Many add-on prompts. |
| Pricing Transparency | 100% transparent pricing | Pricing is confusing by design | Mostly clear, some surprises at checkout | Very transparent | 1st year RA is free, then $119 |
Sedes
Our pick- Formation Price
- $0 + state fees
- Registered Agent
- $49/year
- Operating Agreement
- Included (all plans)
- EIN Filing
- Included
- Processing Time
- Same-day preparation
- Compliance Tools
- Automated calendar + reminders
- AI Assistant
- Full AI-powered formation flow
- Upsells
- None. What you see is what you pay.
- Pricing Transparency
- 100% transparent pricing
LegalZoom
- Formation Price
- $0 + state fees (basic)
- Registered Agent
- $299/year
- Operating Agreement
- $99+ (add-on)
- EIN Filing
- $159 (add-on)
- Processing Time
- 20-30 business days (basic)
- Compliance Tools
- Compliance calendar ($199/year)
- AI Assistant
- None
- Upsells
- Heavy. Expect $500-800 in add-ons.
- Pricing Transparency
- Pricing is confusing by design
ZenBusiness
- Formation Price
- $0 + state fees (starter)
- Registered Agent
- $199/year
- Operating Agreement
- $99 (Pro plan)
- EIN Filing
- $99 (add-on)
- Processing Time
- 2-3 weeks (starter)
- Compliance Tools
- Included in paid plans
- AI Assistant
- None
- Upsells
- Moderate. Pushed toward Pro ($199).
- Pricing Transparency
- Mostly clear, some surprises at checkout
Northwest
Solid choice- Formation Price
- $39 + state fees
- Registered Agent
- $125/year
- Operating Agreement
- Free template
- EIN Filing
- Included
- Processing Time
- Same-day filing
- Compliance Tools
- Annual report reminders
- AI Assistant
- None
- Upsells
- Minimal. Straightforward pricing.
- Pricing Transparency
- Very transparent
Bizee (Incfile)
- Formation Price
- $0 + state fees
- Registered Agent
- $119/year (1st year free)
- Operating Agreement
- $99 (add-on)
- EIN Filing
- $70 (add-on)
- Processing Time
- 2-4 weeks (basic)
- Compliance Tools
- Basic alerts
- AI Assistant
- None
- Upsells
- Moderate. Many add-on prompts.
- Pricing Transparency
- 1st year RA is free, then $119
Our honest take
We built Sedes because we were frustrated with the existing options. Most formation services advertise "$0 formation" but then nickel-and-dime you with add-ons until your bill is $300-500 for things that should be included.
That said, credit where it is due: Northwest is a solid, no-nonsense service. They have been around for over 20 years, their pricing is transparent, and they include a lot at a fair price. If you want a traditional formation service without the AI experience, Northwest is a good choice.
LegalZoom is the name everyone knows, and they have improved over the years. But their pricing structure is still designed to push you toward add-ons, and their basic processing is painfully slow. You are paying for the brand more than the service.
ZenBusiness does some things well, especially their Pro plan which bundles most things you need. But their starter plan is bare-bones, and you will likely end up upgrading.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) hooks you with a free first year of registered agent service, then charges $119/year. Not bad, but be aware of the price jump.
What makes Sedes different is the experience. Instead of filling out a form and hoping you got it right, you have a conversation with an AI that guides you through the process, explains your options in plain English, and handles the filing. No forms, no confusion.
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