LLC Formation Review

I Spent $1,787 on LLC Services. $1,748 Was Wasted.

Real receipts. Real rage. Here's exactly where the money went and the only service worth paying for.

$1,787
Total Spent
$1,748
Wasted
$39
What It Should Cost
The Problem

The LLC Scam Nobody Talks About

01

The "Free" Filing Trap

$0 filing advertised. Then $300+ in "essential" add-ons during checkout.

02

Registered Agent Racket

$149/yr for a service that costs them $2/yr. Be your own agent for free.

03

The EIN Upsell

$79-$149 for something the IRS gives you free in 5 minutes online.

Real Numbers

What I Actually Paid (Real Receipts)

ServiceAdvertisedYear 15-Year
LegalZoom$0 + state fee$697$1,897
ZenBusiness$0 + state fee$449$1,045
Northwest RA$39 + state fee$39$195
5-Year Savings $1,702
Verdict

Why Northwest Wins & What It Gets Wrong

Why It Wins

  • Flat $39/yr includes registered agent
  • No upsell checkout gauntlet
  • Free EIN filing included
  • Privacy-first: they use their address
  • In business since 1998

What It Gets Wrong

  • Website looks like it's from 2009
  • No flashy dashboard or mobile app
  • Compliance reminders email-only
  • No operating agreement templates
Free Path

The DIY Option

Form Your LLC for $0 (Plus State Fee)

  1. Go to your Secretary of State website
  2. File Articles of Organization ($50-$500)
  3. Get free EIN at irs.gov (5 minutes)
  4. Write your own operating agreement
  5. Designate yourself as registered agent
Too much hassle? Northwest does all of this for $39. That's the cost of a medium pizza.
$39/year
vs. $697/yr at LegalZoom
Form Your LLC with Northwest →
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Northwest RA — $39/yr
Get Started →