The 4 Best LLC Services in Iowa 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in Iowa
Creating a limited liability company? An LLC has certain advantages compared to other business structures, such as personal asset protection, flexible management and taxation options, and more.
Hiring a professional service provider can help simplify the entire LLC formation process. We’ve ranked and reviewed the best LLC services in Iowa to help you decide which one is right for your business.
Recommended Iowa LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best Iowa 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 services by actually forming separate LLCs with each provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll look at some of the best Iowa LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in Iowa:
Best Iowa LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest 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 Iowa 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 Iowa LLC 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 offers three different tiers of LLC formation services in Iowa, but we think the top-tier package is where the company really stands out. Its Elite package ($199 plus state fees) is filled with useful tools and features that can make a big difference for your business.
As the name suggests, Tailor Brands can boost your branding efforts when you use the features included in the Elite plan. The package includes AI-driven tools like a logo maker, digital business cards, and social media post tool. These will help you develop an online presence that sets your company apart from the competition.
Pros
- AI-driven branding tools
- Easy-to-use logo maker
- All-in-one package at the premium level
Cons
- Need to purchase the top-tier package for the best tools
- Not a budget-friendly choice
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to start an enterprise and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
If you have looked at more than a few LLC formation services, you have probably heard of ZenBusiness. The company is well-known for providing high-quality business formation services across the country. It even offers a free tier, letting you form your venture for $0 plus state fees.
If you don’t mind paying a premium, ZenBusiness is a decent choice. However, it’s not our favorite for budget-conscious businesses.
Pros
- Trusted company formation service provider
- Great worry-free compliance solutions
- Offers a $0 plus state fees package
Cons
- Doesn’t include free registered agent service
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential LLC services to help get your venture up and running.
($0 + State Fees)
4. Incfile
Incfile is a standout for its low-cost business formation services. It offers a $0 plus state fees plan that includes a free year of registered agent service. That’s a great deal if you just need basic Iowa LLC services.
There are a few things to keep in mind with Incfile, though. Customer reviews indicate that it can be difficult to get in touch with customer service. Incfile also only offers a limited number of add-ons for legal compliance.
Pros
- Basic package is $0 plus state fees
- Includes a free year of registered agent service
- Checkout is easy and fast
Cons
- Customer service can be difficult to access
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 Iowa
You can also start an LLC in Iowa on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Iowa LLC
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 Iowa naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the State of Iowa website.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your venture.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
You are required to designate a registered agent for your Iowa LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
Iowa provides a list of required information (including the name and address of your registered agent) and requests that you create your own Certificate of Organization. Once complete, you must submit a physical copy with the IA Secretary of State.
Learn more by reading our guide on Iowa registered agents.
3. File the Certificate of Organization
To register your enterprise, you'll need to file a Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State. You can apply online, by mail, or by fax. If filing a hard copy, you must draft your own Certificate of Organization in accordance with the Iowa state statutes.
Learn more with our Iowa Certificate of Organization guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your company.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to Iowa Code Section 489.110, every LLC may adopt an operating agreement to govern the company’s operating procedures.
You can read more about Iowa 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 Iowa LLC?
It costs $50 to form an Iowa LLC.
How do I file an Iowa LLC biennial report?
You can file your biennial report through the Secretary of State website. You can choose to file a biennial report without signing in to Fast Track Filing by searching for your business name or business account number.
What are some local resources to help me form a company in Iowa?
To help you start your enterprise, we have identified the best resources across the state: