Reviewed: May 3, 2026 · Formation.Legal Editorial

Provider research

Provider Decision Lab

Route-based formation provider comparison for non-US founders.

Compare providers by route fit, 3-year cost exposure, registered agent renewal, address clarity, non-US founder workflow, and support route. No star ratings. No best-overall claims.

Transparent Affiliate Disclosure

We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links. However, this does not impact our provider research, methodologies, or the negative aspects we highlight. We recommend routes based on operational reality, not commission rates. Learn how we make money.

Methodology

How we compare providers

We compare formation providers by route fit, not by a single universal provider label. The goal is to show which tradeoffs may matter for a non-US founder before checkout.

upfront formation cost
registered agent renewal
year-2 and year-3 cost exposure
EIN support clarity
address handling clarity
non-US founder workflow
support route
refund and cancellation transparency
pricing status
affiliate disclosure

Route-fit matrix

Start with the scenario, then compare the provider

The same provider can be reasonable for one route and a poor fit for another. Use this matrix as a starting point, then verify current pricing and eligibility details.

Route-fit matrix for LLC formation providers
Founder scenario Route fit Why it may fit Caveat Next step
Lowest upfront cost route Bizee Low base pricing for LLC formation. Straightforward process for founders on a budget. Registered agent service is a separate annual fee. Check current pricing for your state. Compare cost
Privacy/support route Northwest Registered Agent Uses their own address on public filings for privacy. Often selected for privacy/support-oriented routes; live checkout and support testing are still pending. Includes registered agent for the first year. Higher renewal costs in subsequent years. Verify current pricing. Check route fit
Free-entry / long consideration route Inc Authority Offers a free LLC formation option (state fees still apply). May suit founders who want to start with minimal upfront cost. Upsells on registered agent, EIN, and compliance services. Total cost may increase with add-ons. Compare cost
Brand familiarity / broader legal services route LegalZoom Well-known brand with add-on legal services (attorney consultations, trademark filing). May suit founders who want a one-stop platform. Generally higher pricing than specialists. Formation-only service may not justify the premium. Check route fit
Predictable renewal cost route Compare in Cost Calculator Renewals, EIN handling, state fees, and tax-prep assumptions can change the route economics after formation. Use the calculator before treating an advertised entry price as the full cost. Estimate 3-year cost

3-year cost snapshot

This is not the provider checkout price. It is a 3-year operating cost model using default assumptions from the Cost Calculator. Adjust state filing fees, annual state costs, tax-prep assumptions, EIN handling, and renewal pricing before making a decision.

Estimated provider costs across three years
Provider Estimated Year 1 Estimated Year 2 Estimated Year 3 Registered agent renewal Pricing status Last checked
Bizee Basic $550 $619 $619 $119 Estimated / source-checked May 2, 2026
Northwest Registered Agent LLC formation $589 $625 $625 $125 Estimated / source-checked May 2, 2026
LegalZoom Basic $799 $749 $749 $249 Estimated / source-checked May 2, 2026
Inc Authority Free LLC $550 Needs verification Needs verification Needs verification Source-checked; renewal needs verification May 2, 2026
Estimate 3-Year Cost

Provider cards

Route notes by provider

These cards summarize source-checked pricing and route-fit notes. Live checkout testing is still pending, so package contents should be verified before purchase.

Privacy / support route

Northwest Registered Agent

May fit

  • Founder wants clearer address handling before public filings.
  • Founder values support depth and registered agent workflow over the lowest entry package.
  • Founder wants first-year registered agent service included with formation.

Not ideal for

  • Founder only wants the lowest initial setup number.
  • Founder wants provider-assisted EIN at the lowest listed assistance fee.

Cost notes

LLC formation data uses $39 plus state fee, first-year registered agent included, and $125/year registered agent renewal.

Address / support notes

Public pages explain principal address, mailing address, and registered agent use. Banks and processors may still ask for separate address proof.

Research status
source-checked / live-test-pending
Pricing status
Estimated / source-checked
Last checked
May 2, 2026
Check route fit

Lowest upfront cost route

Bizee

May fit

  • Founder is comparing low-entry formation packages.
  • Founder can review add-ons carefully before checkout.
  • Founder wants first-year registered agent service included with formation.

Not ideal for

  • Founder wants fewer checkout decisions.
  • Founder needs deeper address workflow guidance before choosing a provider.

Cost notes

Basic package data uses $0 plus state fee, first-year registered agent included, and $119/year standalone registered agent pricing.

Address / support notes

Good for cost comparison, but founders should separately verify address, mail, and KYC fit for banks or processors.

Research status
source-checked / live-test-pending
Pricing status
Estimated / source-checked
Last checked
May 2, 2026
Compare cost

Free-entry / long consideration route

Inc Authority

May fit

  • Founder wants to compare free-entry formation offers.
  • Founder is still researching and wants to understand potential add-on paths.
  • Founder is willing to verify renewal terms before checkout.

Not ideal for

  • Founder needs registered agent renewal clarity before choosing.
  • Founder wants all year-2 and year-3 costs visible before starting.

Cost notes

Free LLC offer and first-year registered agent are source-checked; registered agent renewal pricing needs verification before a 3-year total is shown.

Address / support notes

The route may require extra review if the founder needs address documentation beyond registered agent service.

Research status
source-checked / live-test-pending
Pricing status
Source-checked; renewal needs verification
Last checked
May 2, 2026
Compare cost

Brand familiarity / broader legal services route

LegalZoom

May fit

  • Founder wants a familiar legal-services platform.
  • Founder expects to consider legal document or attorney-service add-ons.
  • Founder is comfortable comparing higher registered agent renewal exposure.

Not ideal for

  • Founder is mainly optimizing for registered agent renewal cost.
  • Founder wants a formation-only path with fewer add-on decisions.

Cost notes

Basic package data uses $0 plus state fee, $249/year registered agent service, and $79 EIN service.

Address / support notes

Registered agent pages emphasize privacy and official mail handling, but non-US founders should verify processor and bank address requirements separately.

Research status
source-checked / live-test-pending
Pricing status
Estimated / source-checked
Last checked
May 2, 2026
Check route fit

Tool

Check Your Route

Match provider fit to country, business model, payment goal, and risk tolerance.

Tool

Estimate 3-Year Cost

Adjust state filing, compliance, tax-prep, EIN, and renewal assumptions.

Trust

Read Affiliate Disclosure

Understand how provider relationships are disclosed and separated from research.

Research

See Source Methodology

Review how Formation.Legal checks sources and updates decision pages.

Sources & References

  1. [1]
    Bizee LLC packages Primary Bizee · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  2. [2]
    Bizee order pricing Primary Bizee · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  3. [3]
    Bizee registered agent Primary Bizee · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  4. [4]
    Northwest LLC formation Primary Northwest Registered Agent · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  5. [5]
    Northwest EIN service Primary Northwest Registered Agent · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  6. [6]
    LegalZoom LLC packages Primary LegalZoom · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  7. [7]
    LegalZoom business services Primary LegalZoom · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  8. [8]
    Inc Authority free LLC Primary Inc Authority · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.
  9. [9]
    Inc Authority online form Primary Inc Authority · Accessed 2026-05-02Public pricing or service page used for the Provider Decision Lab cost snapshot.

Not Legal or Tax Advice

The content on Formation.Legal is for informational and educational purposes only. We are an independent research platform, not a law firm or CPA. Information may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should always consult with a qualified attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation before making decisions. Read our full disclaimer.