When you’re starting a business, there’s a lot to think about—forming your LLC, getting your business structure set up properly, and navigating all the paperwork can be overwhelming. Thankfully, services like BetterLegal promise to make the process easier and quicker. But with so many similar services available, is BetterLegal the right choice for you, or is it just another online business formation service that doesn’t live up to the hype?

In this in-depth review, we will explore BetterLegal’s features, pricing, customer service, user feedback, and how it compares to other well-known services in the market. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear idea of whether BetterLegal is the right fit for your business needs.

What Is BetterLegal?

BetterLegal is an online service designed to simplify the business formation process. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and aims to offer fast, affordable, and user-friendly services to entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses. They promise to make LLC formation and incorporation as simple and straightforward as possible, without unnecessary upselling or hidden fees.

The company offers a range of services, including LLC and corporation formation, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and creating operating agreements. BetterLegal is available in all 50 states, and its platform is designed to streamline the process so business owners can focus on growing their companies rather than dealing with paperwork.

One of BetterLegal’s key selling points is its simplicity. You don’t need to be an expert to use the service. The entire process is designed to be intuitive, and they provide everything you need to legally form your business in one place. But does it live up to the promise? Let’s dive deeper into the features, pricing, and customer feedback to find out.

BetterLegal Review Ratings

To get an accurate idea of how BetterLegal performs, let’s break down its ratings in several key areas based on customer feedback and expert analysis.

Support – 4.7/5

BetterLegal has garnered excellent ratings for customer support. Many users appreciate the responsiveness and helpfulness of the team when they encounter issues or have questions. Support is available via email, phone, and live chat, and most users report receiving timely and knowledgeable responses. However, some customers have mentioned that phone support can sometimes be difficult to reach, especially during peak hours.

Despite this, BetterLegal’s overall customer support rating is quite high, with many reviewers noting that their problems were resolved quickly and professionally.

Price – 4.0/5

BetterLegal’s pricing structure is simple and transparent. For a flat fee of $299 (plus state filing fees), customers can get everything they need to form their LLC or corporation. This includes the necessary legal documents like the Articles of Organization, operating agreements, EIN, and banking resolution. The price is higher than some competitors, which offer free LLC formation packages, but BetterLegal offers a straightforward, no-hidden-fees approach.

The downside, however, is that BetterLegal doesn’t offer a free version of its services, unlike some other LLC formation services. This might deter some budget-conscious entrepreneurs, especially those just starting out.

Despite this, the pricing is competitive given the number of features included in the package. Many users find that BetterLegal provides solid value for the price, considering the convenience and speed they offer.

Ease of Use – 4.6/5

BetterLegal’s platform is designed to be user-friendly. The process of forming an LLC or corporation is straightforward, and users don’t need to be legal experts to navigate it. The website provides a simple questionnaire that walks you through the steps, ensuring that you provide all the necessary information.

The entire process can typically be completed in less than 10 minutes, which is a major plus for busy entrepreneurs. Most customers have found the process simple and efficient, with minimal paperwork involved. This ease of use is one of BetterLegal’s biggest selling points, especially for first-time business owners who may find other services more complicated or overwhelming.

Features – 4.4/5

BetterLegal offers a variety of features, including:

• LLC Formation: The core service is LLC formation, which includes all the necessary paperwork, such as Articles of Organization and an operating agreement.
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): This is crucial for businesses that plan to hire employees or want to open a business bank account.
• Operating Agreement: A document that outlines the ownership structure and management responsibilities of the business.
• Banking Resolution: This document is useful for business owners who need to open a business bank account.

BetterLegal also offers a few additional services, including registered agent service and compliance reminders, which are helpful for businesses that need ongoing support. However, these services come at an extra cost, which may make the overall cost of using BetterLegal more expensive compared to other platforms.

User Ratings – 4.7/5

BetterLegal enjoys a high rating from users across different review platforms, particularly for its fast turnaround and efficiency. Many entrepreneurs have praised BetterLegal for helping them get their businesses up and running quickly, often within just a few days. Customers appreciate the convenience of having all their legal documents in one place and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re meeting all the necessary legal requirements.

While there are some complaints about limited customer support and upselling of third-party services, the overall user feedback remains very positive, with many users recommending BetterLegal to others.

Turnaround – 4.7/5

One of BetterLegal’s standout features is its fast turnaround time. Many users report receiving their documents within two business days, which is much quicker than many other LLC formation services. For entrepreneurs eager to get their business off the ground quickly, this is a major benefit.

The quick turnaround time is especially helpful for those who need to start their business operations urgently. Whether you’re trying to meet a deadline or just want to get things moving as soon as possible, BetterLegal’s speed is a major selling point.

Service Features and Prices

BetterLegal’s core service includes everything you need to legally form your LLC or corporation. Here’s a breakdown of what you get for the flat fee of $299:

• State Formation Filing: BetterLegal takes care of filing your Articles of Organization with the state, which is required to form an LLC.
• EIN: Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is necessary for tax purposes and hiring employees.
• Operating Agreement: This document outlines the responsibilities of the owners and helps establish how the business will be managed.
• Banking Resolution: A document that allows you to open a business bank account in your company’s name.
• Express Processing: BetterLegal offers express processing to ensure your documents are handled quickly.

However, there are additional services available for an extra cost, including:

• Registered Agent Service: $10/month or $90/year
• State Compliance Service: $10/month or $90/year
• Permit and License Search: $12

These additional services help businesses meet ongoing legal requirements, but they may not be necessary for all business owners. Still, they offer flexibility for those who need more comprehensive support.

Additional Services

In addition to the basic services, BetterLegal offers several optional add-ons that can help entrepreneurs set up and grow their businesses. These include:

• Free Website Builder: BetterLegal offers a free website builder to help you establish an online presence.
• Business Checking Account Setup: They assist with setting up a business checking account.
• Business Tax Analysis: They provide tax analysis to help you navigate your business’s tax obligations.
• Insurance Evaluations: They offer evaluations for business insurance options.

While these services are helpful, it’s important to note that some of them involve third-party partnerships. This means there could be additional costs or sales pitches from third-party providers, which may feel like upselling to some users.

Benefits of BetterLegal

There are several key benefits of using BetterLegal to form your LLC or corporation:

• Speed: The quick turnaround time makes it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to get their business up and running as quickly as possible.
• Simplicity: The platform is designed to be easy to use, even for those with no legal experience.
• Transparency: The pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees.
• Comprehensive Services: BetterLegal provides all the essential services you need to legally form your business, plus additional options for ongoing support.

These benefits make BetterLegal a good choice for entrepreneurs who want a hassle-free, efficient, and cost-effective solution for starting their business.

Downsides of BetterLegal

While BetterLegal offers a lot of positives, there are some downsides to consider:

• No Free Option: Unlike some competitors, BetterLegal doesn’t offer a free LLC formation package. This could be a dealbreaker for those looking for the most affordable option.
• Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported difficulty reaching customer support, especially by phone.
• Third-Party Services: Some additional services involve third-party providers, which can result in upselling and additional costs.

Who Should Hire BetterLegal?

BetterLegal is ideal for:

• Entrepreneurs Seeking Speed: If you need to get your business up and running quickly, BetterLegal’s fast turnaround times make it an excellent choice.
• First-Time Business Owners: Those who are new to business formation will appreciate the simplicity of the platform and the clear, straightforward process.
• Budget-Conscious Startups: While BetterLegal is not the cheapest option, the all-inclusive pricing and speed make it a good value for many entrepreneurs.

Other User Testimonials

Overall, BetterLegal has received positive reviews for its efficiency and ease of use. Many customers have reported receiving their documents quickly and without any major issues. However, there are some complaints about limited customer support and the upselling of third-party services.

Comparison to Other Services

While BetterLegal stands out for its simplicity and speed, it’s important to consider how it compares to other business formation services. Providers like ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Bizee offer different features, pricing, and support options that might suit various business needs. Let’s dive into these alternatives.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is another popular LLC formation service that offers a free package (plus state fees). Their pricing is competitive, and they offer similar features to BetterLegal. However, ZenBusiness provides a broader range of services, including a free year of registered agent service with some packages.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is known for its excellent customer service and focuses heavily on privacy protection. They offer a higher base price but include registered agent services for the first year, making them a good option for businesses that need ongoing support.

Bizee

Bizee is a newer player in the market but offers competitive pricing and a range of services beyond LLC formation. Their offerings include bookkeeping and tax services, which may appeal to growing businesses looking for more comprehensive support.

Verdict on BetterLegal LLC Service

BetterLegal is a reliable, user-friendly service for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC or corporation quickly. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, its all-inclusive pricing and fast turnaround make it a good choice for many. The service is ideal for first-time business owners and those looking for a simple, transparent way to handle their business formation. However, the limited customer support and upselling of third-party services might be drawbacks for some users.

If speed, simplicity, and transparency are important to you, BetterLegal is worth considering. But if you’re looking for a free service or a more comprehensive package, other providers like ZenBusiness or Northwest Registered Agent might be better options for your needs.

FAQ’s

Is BetterLegal legit?

Yes, BetterLegal is a legitimate service with positive customer reviews and a strong reputation for helping entrepreneurs form their businesses quickly and efficiently.

Does BetterLegal offer legal advice?

No, BetterLegal does not provide legal advice. They offer business formation services but are not a law firm.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

BetterLegal’s cancellation policies may vary, so it’s best to review their terms of service or contact support for specific details.