LegalZoom’s “$0 LLC formation” sounds great — until you look closer. Once you add mandatory state fees, optional upgrades, and auto-renewing subscriptions, your total can look very different. Before you sign up, check Groupon’s latest LegalZoom discount codes to save on your filing.

Think of it like booking a flight: the base fare gets you a seat, but baggage, upgrades, and snacks can double the total. Here’s what you’ll actually pay to form an LLC through LegalZoom — and how to keep your costs in check.

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Quick Cost Comparison

Note: Add-ons like registered agent service ($249/year) and subscriptions can increase your total.

LegalZoom LLC Packages and Base Prices

LegalZoom offers three main packages, each with its own perks and price point — not including state filing fees.

Basic Package ($0 + State Fees)

This is LegalZoom’s “get-in-the-door” option. You pay only your state filing fee, and LegalZoom handles the paperwork for free. It’s bare-bones — no operating agreement, EIN help, or extras — but perfect if you’re comfortable managing the rest yourself.

Pro Package ($249 + State Fees)

The Pro plan includes an operating agreement template and EIN filing assistance, plus a 90-day bookkeeping trial that renews at $9.99/month if not canceled.

Buying these two services separately would cost $178, so the Pro package can be a good value if you need both.

Premium Package ($299 + State Fees)

The Premium plan adds a 30-day trial of LegalZoom’s Business Advisory Plan, which includes short attorney consultations. After the trial, it renews at $49/month unless canceled.

If your business is straightforward, you can likely skip this. But if you expect legal questions early on, those attorney calls could be worth it.

State Filing Fees: The Non-Negotiable Cost

Every state charges its own filing fee, separate from LegalZoom’s pricing. These fees go directly to the state and vary widely.

Typical State Fee Range: $40–$500

Here’s what some states charge to register an LLC:

• Kentucky: $40
• Colorado: $50
• California: $70
• New York: $200
• Texas: $300
• Massachusetts: $500

These fees fund your state’s business registry — essentially paying for your LLC’s official recognition so you can open bank accounts, sign contracts, and operate with liability protection.

LegalZoom Upsells That Add Up Fast

LegalZoom’s checkout includes a few tempting extras. Some are convenient, others you can skip or DIY for free.

Registered Agent Service ($249/year)

Every LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state address to receive legal mail. LegalZoom charges $249 annually. You can act as your own agent for free, but that makes your address public and requires weekday availability. Pay for privacy; skip if you’re fine using your own address.

Operating Agreement ($99)

This document defines how your LLC operates and protects you legally. LegalZoom’s $99 template is solid, but free versions exist online, and local attorneys can create custom ones for more complex businesses.

EIN Filing ($79 vs. Free DIY)

An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You can get one free from the IRS in about 15 minutes. LegalZoom’s $79 fee just saves you that time — handy if you’d rather not deal with IRS forms.

Expedited Processing ($99)

Expedited service shortens processing from roughly 15–20 business days to about 5–10. Unless you’re in a rush, you can skip it — most states let you start operating once you’ve filed.

Other Optional Add-Ons

During checkout, you’ll see extras like a “Founder's Kit” ($99), business license research ($99), and compliance tools. They’re nice-to-haves, not must-haves.

Watch for Auto-Renewing Subscriptions

Some LegalZoom packages include trial services that automatically renew if you forget to cancel.

Business Advisory Plan ($49/month after trial)

Included with the Premium plan. After the 30-day trial, it renews at $49/month. It offers ongoing attorney consultations — great if you need legal help often, unnecessary if you don’t. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends.

Bookkeeping Service ($9.99/month after trial)

Comes with Pro and Premium plans. After 90 days, it renews for $9.99/month. It’s affordable but basic; tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks offer more features. If you don’t want the charge, cancel during the trial.

Ongoing LLC Costs to Budget For

Forming your LLC is step one. Staying compliant adds recurring costs — usually annual or biennial.

Annual Report Filing ($99 + state fees)

Most states require a yearly or biennial report to stay in good standing. State fees range $50–$200. LegalZoom can file for $99 plus state fees. You can also file yourself and save the service fee.

Compliance Calendar ($199/year)

This add-on tracks deadlines for reports and taxes. Unless you manage multiple LLCs, a simple calendar app does the same job for free.

How to Save on LegalZoom LLC Formation

Here’s how to get LegalZoom’s convenience without overpaying.

Best Value Package

For most small businesses, the Pro package ($249) offers the best value — you get the operating agreement and EIN help for about $70 more than their standalone cost. Skip Premium unless you truly need legal consultations.

DIY Moves That Save Money

• Get your EIN from the IRS (save $79)
• Serve as your own registered agent (save $249/year)
• File annual reports yourself (save $99/year)
• Create a simple operating agreement using free templates
• Use a free calendar or reminder app for compliance tracking

When LegalZoom Upsells Are Worth It

• Registered agent service if you want privacy or travel often
• Operating agreement if you have multiple owners
• Expedited filing if you need to open business accounts quickly
• Business Advisory Plan if you expect frequent legal questions

Need to compare your options? Check out our LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness cost comparison for an all-in breakdown.