If you're planning to incorporate your business, then BetterLegal might be the ideal choice for you. It offers its clients rapid business formation with no upsells.
BetterLegal only has one pricing plan and tries to give a lot of value for the price. This BetterLegal review will give insights into what the company brings to the table - its features, pros, pricing, and more.
- Free checking account: BetterLegal provides its clients with an online banking service with a minimum deposit and monthly balances, no setup fees, and no overdraft fees.
- Fast turnaround time: the company provides its clients with their certificates within two days of their registration.
These are just a few of the many ways the service stands out from the competition. Throughout the rest of this BetterLegal review, you'll learn whether or not it's the right choice for you.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our comparisons and recommendations. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
BetterLegal overview
BetterLegal was established in 2016 and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs promptly set up their businesses. The company concentrates on meeting the needs of its clients and avoids upsells. Its motto on its website reads:
"Everything you need, nothing you don't, at the speed of the State."
BetterLegal offers its clients transparency and speed - most formations only take two days. That’s much faster than most competitors.
Key features of BetterLegal
Business formation
Business formation is the core feature BetterLegal offers its clients and it has worked to speed up its turnaround time. Now, it’s one of the fastest in the industry. It will finish up the whole process within two days and send the certificates to its clients.
The BetterLegal LLC formation process is straightforward. It just asks for your information, creates your documents, and sends it off to be approved.
Operating agreement
An operating agreement is a vital document that governs the founders' new business. Many banks require the document for opening an account, amongst other things.
The operating agreement gives details about assigning and removing managers, providing a method to resolve disputes, describing the manager's duties, etc. The fee for this is included in the pricing plan.
Employer identification number (EIN)
An EIN is essential for opening a bank account, hiring employees, paying tax, etc. It doesn't matter whether the client is a sole proprietor; they will need to obtain a new EIN for their business entity.
For many LLC formation services, an EIN application is included as an add-on service or as part of the more expensive formation packages. There’s no additional charge for this with BetterLegal.
Name availability search
BetterLegal clients do not need to go to their local state offices for a simple business name availability search. The company allows its customers to conduct a business name availability check from the comfort of their home using its website.
Pricing
BetterLegal offers its clients a single formation package which comes in at $299. The features/services included in the package are listed below
- Preparation and filing of the certificate of formation
- An employer identification number (EIN)
- An operating agreement
- A banking resolution and some other documents such as minutes templates, ownership amendment forms, S Corp tax election, etc
- Free tax analysis, free website, business name availability search, info center, etc.
Add-on services
Registered Agent services
BetterLegal does not offer its clients a registered agent service. This is a change from what most competitors offer. However, it can connect you with a proficient registered agent at a discounted price of $90/year or $10/m.
State compliance services
BetterLegal helps its clients file all their paperwork, such as an annual report, with the state agencies within the stipulated time timeframe. This service is handy for clients who want to concentrate solely on their businesses and do not have an interest in complex compliance requirements. The company charges its customers $10 monthly or $90 yearly for this add-on service.
Permit and license search
BetterLegal can assist its customers with license research and permits. This saves the clients the stress of finding the type of license their businesses needs.
Once the research is completed, BetterLegal will send its clients the forms and provide them with the necessary information to fill them properly. The company charges its clients $125.
Ease of use
It's easy to set up a business on the BetterLegal website - many of its customers attest to this in their reviews. Registration is short and straightforward. Within 10 minutes, you should be done with the data entry part of the process. Then, you play the waiting game. Luckly, it’s fomation services are fast.
The website is even easier to work with because it doesn’t have superfluous pages that will distract from your main goal. Locate the information you need and start your company formation.
Pros and cons of BetterLegal
Pros
- Quick turnaround time
- Excellent customer service
- It doesn't disturb you with upsells
- A safe and straightforward website
- A one-shot pricing
- Free business name search
Cons
- BetterLegal contact information is hidden in its privacy section.
- No refund policy
- Its website does not include some essential details, like an 'about us’ page.
Customer support
BetterLegal provides its clients with customer support through its live chat option displayed noticeably on all the website pages.
Its live chat offers its clients around-the-clock support. The company also provides support to its clients through phone or emails. However, the contact details are hidden in its privacy section, retrieving the information could be challenging if you don’t know where to look.
Alternatives to BetterLegal
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent was established in 1998, and over the years, it has carved a name for itself in the industry. The most interesting aspect of Northwest Registered Agent is how it keeps its clients' information secure; it won't sell it to third parties, unlike some of its competitors.
The company provides its customers with a full year of registered agent services, an operating agreement, name availability search, and the preparation and filing of articles of organization.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness was established in 2015 and although the company is relatively new, it has grown to be one of the most reputable business formation services in the industry. It’s also one of the cheapest LLC services around; its basic package is charged at $39.
The company offers to help its clients handle their annual report filing and some other ongoing LLC maintenance - this service is available in its worry-free guarantee.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is one of the oldest LLC formation companies in the industry. The company was established in 1989 - this speaks volumes about its years of experience.
Inc Authority offers its clients a free business formation package - this is part of the reasons for its success. The company provides digital storage and distribution of compliance documents, business funding analysis, registered agent services, tax funding analysis, etc.
Conclusion
BetterLegal has some of the quickest turnaround times in the industry - this makes it the ideal fit for entrepreneurs who want to incorporate their businesses quickly. Another interesting aspect of the company is its one-shot pricing - the pricing includes all the essential LLC formation services.
Aside from its one-shot pricing, BetterLegal also offers its clients some free additional services such as website domain, free tax analysis, attorney support, and free checking account.
However, one of the company's significant downsides is that it doesn't include registered agent service in its package. In contrast, most of its competitors have it in their plans. If you need speed and don’t mind shelling out a few hundred dollars, then BetterLegal is an excellent choice.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does BetterLegal offer its customers a guarantee?
The company does not provide a satisfaction guarantee to its clients; thus, it doesn't have a refund policy. In its words: "all purchases through the website are final and will not be refunded."
Does BetterLegal provide its clients with attorney support?
Some people make the mistake of thinking BetterLegal is a law firm because of its name. No, it's not, and it doesn't offer attorney support to its customers.
Does BetterLegal offer its clients a discount?
BetterLegal has its perks; however, we did not find any discount offer from the company to its clients.