Doing it yourself saves on service fees, requiring only the mandatory state filing fee. You must navigate your state agency website, prepare articles of organization, and handle initial setup steps independently. Per the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you must form your LLC with the state before applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Getting an EIN directly from the IRS is $0 (free), and you should never pay a third party for an EIN. Under federal rules effective August 14, 2026, entities formed in the United States are exempt from federal BOI reporting according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). New York's Transparency Act likewise applies only to foreign LLCs.

If you choose a service, providers handle filing for a fee. As of 2026, entry-level packages frequently start at $0 plus state fees. For instance, ZenBusiness offers a Starter tier at $0 plus state fees, Pro at $199 per year, and Premium at $299 per year. Registered agent service is a separate $199 per year service on every tier, including Premium, discounted to $99 for the first year when forming with them. This site earns a commission on some links, which never changes which option a page recommends.

This site presents both options side by side with equal weight. There are no star ratings or numerical scores, because balancing money against time depends on your specific priorities.

Start Here: Routing Your Decision

If you are evaluating your options, start with the guide that matches your immediate situation:

  • Is DIY LLC Formation Risky for Someone Who's Never Done it?
  • When Does it Make Sense to Hire an LLC Formation Service Instead of Doing it Yourself?
  • Is Paying for an LLC Formation Service Worth it, or is it a Waste of Money?
  • For a First-time Business Owner, is it Better to DIY an LLC or Pay for Help?
  • Is a Formation Service Like ZenBusiness Worth the Money Over DIY?
  • Do People Regret Paying for ZenBusiness Instead of Filing Their LLC Themselves?

State-Specific Formation Guides

State rules, filing portals, and fee schedules vary significantly. Select your state to see how doing it yourself compares to using a filing service:

  • DIY California LLC vs. a Formation Service, Which is Better for a First-timer?
  • Do You Need a Filing Service for a Florida LLC or Can You Just Use the State Website?
  • Do You Need a Filing Service for a Georgia LLC or Can You Use the SOS Website?
  • Do You Need a Filing Service for a Michigan LLC or Can You Use the LARA Website?
  • Do You Need a Service for a New York LLC or Can You Do it Through NYS DOS Yourself?
  • Do You Need a Filing Service for a Texas LLC or Can You Do it Through SOSDirect?

Making Your Decision

Choosing how to form your LLC depends on whether you prefer to spend time navigating state filing portals or spend money having a third-party service manage the process for you. Both routes result in a legally established LLC when filed properly. Explore the situation and state guides above to review the specific tradeoffs for your business.

Sources

This article provides general information rather than legal advice, and filing requirements vary by state and change over time.