The 4 Best LLC Services in Alabama 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in Alabama
Starting a limited liability company in Alabama can provide many benefits for new entrepreneurs, such as personal asset protection and management flexibility. However, forming an LLC can be complex and time-consuming. To simplify the process and ensure compliance with state regulations, many founders choose to hire a professional service provider.
Business formation services can handle all of the necessary paperwork and filing fees, as well as provide ongoing support and guidance to help ensure the success of your company. We’ve curated a list of the best LLC services in Alabama of 2023.
Recommended LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best Alabama LLC Formation Services
 |
Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
|
TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
|
ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
|
Incfile 4.0/5 |
|
We reviewed and ranked the four best business formation services by actually forming separate Alabama LLCs with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll look at some of the best Alabama LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Note: The state fees listed for each service may vary slightly from the state's base filing fee.
Best LLC Services in Alabama:
Best Alabama LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes Alabama LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important company formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is a platform that works to empower entrepreneurs by helping them launch their businesses. It helps with three things: LLC formation, branding and online presence, and compliance.
It offers three packages to choose from, but our recommendation is the premium Elite Plan. At $199 plus state fees, it has everything you need to get your venture up and running.
Pros
- You get website and branding support on top of incorporation.
- You will gain access to graphic design tools, like a logo maker, on the Elite Plan.
Cons
- If you already have your branding or online presence in place, you may not need this extra support.
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to establish a company and boost their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an all-in-one solution for new founders launching an LLC. The platform helps with formation, taking small businesses from an idea to organized LLCs.
It has several subscription options starting at $0 plus state fees. The Premium option is $299 annually in addition to state fees. It includes one-to-two-day filing speeds, an Employer ID Number (EIN), and a 100% accuracy guarantee.
Pros
- 100% accuracy guarantee
- You can access tax and accounting help through the site
Cons
- The service is a little more costly than other options
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential formation services to help get your new company up and running.
($0 + State Fees)
4. Incfile
Incfile is a business formation service provider that has been operating since 2004. The company helps with every step from choosing a business name to getting an EIN. It even includes registered agent services for a year with every plan, including its $0 (plus state fees) basic package.
With Incfile’s Platinum package, entrepreneurs pay $299 and state fees to have the company prepare IRS Form 2553 and get a business banking account (in addition to the free registered agent service for a year). The package also offers business tax consultations, unlimited name availability searches, and more.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited phone and email support
Cons
- Not as many features offered compared to competitors
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
How to Form an LLC in Alabama
You can start an LLC in Alabama on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Business
You won’t be able to form your venture until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the Alabama naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a Business Entity Search on the Alabama Secretary of State's website.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your enterprise. If you plan to file by mail, you must reserve the name two weeks prior to filing your Certificate of Formation. If you plan to file online, you can reserve the name when you file.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
You are required to designate a registered agent for your Alabama LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
If you form your company online at the Alabama Secretary of State website, your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested in the Certificate of Formation under the registered agent section.
If you form your venture by mail, download the Certificate of Formation, fill out your registered agent’s information under line 3 on page 2, and submit a physical copy to the Office of the Judge of Probate in your county.
Learn more by reading our guide on Alabama registered agents.
3. File the Certificate of Formation
To register your new company, you'll need to reserve your LLC name and file the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State.
Learn more with our Alabama Certificate of Formation guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement, known in Alabama as a limited liability company agreement, is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your enterprise.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to Alabama Business Code Section <10A-5A-1.08, having an operating agreement is highly encouraged.
You can read more about Alabama LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your company. Get one for free through the IRS website.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start an Alabama LLC online?
The main cost to start an LLC is the $200 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Formation online with the Alabama Secretary of State.
How do I get a certificate of good standing in Alabama?
You can obtain your certificate of good standing, known as a certificate of compliance in Alabama, by requesting it from the Alabama Department of Revenue.
What are some local resources to help me start a company in Alabama?
To help you start your venture, we have identified the best resources across the state: