Starting a business is an exciting and overwhelming process, with many important decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions for entrepreneurs is choosing the right service to help set up their business. When it comes to forming LLCs and corporations, Delaware Inc. (more formally known as Harvard Business Services, Inc.) has earned a reputation as a reliable and efficient provider of business formation services. In this in-depth review, we will explore everything you need to know about Delaware Inc., its services, pricing, benefits, drawbacks, and how it stacks up against other similar services.

What Is Harvard Business Services or Delaware Inc?

Harvard Business Services, Inc. (HBS), commonly referred to as Delaware Inc., is a company that specializes in providing incorporation and business formation services for entrepreneurs and businesses. While they are known for setting up Delaware-based LLCs and corporations, they offer a range of services tailored to helping business owners manage the formation process smoothly.

Founded in 1981, Harvard Business Services has been serving customers for over four decades. Its specialization in Delaware formations has allowed it to develop an extensive knowledge base and process efficiencies, making it a go-to company for businesses looking to form in Delaware. Over 400,000 entrepreneurs globally have trusted them with their business setup needs.

Services Offered by Delaware Inc.

Delaware Inc. offers a range of services that make starting a business in Delaware easy and hassle-free. The company’s services include:

• LLC and Corporation Formation: HBS helps entrepreneurs file the necessary paperwork to create LLCs and corporations in Delaware.
• Registered Agent Services: Delaware law requires companies to have a registered agent in the state. HBS provides this service, acting as a point of contact for legal and government correspondence.
• Franchise Tax Filing: Delaware businesses are required to file an annual franchise tax. HBS assists clients in filing these taxes, ensuring compliance.
• Certificate of Good Standing: This document is crucial for businesses that need to prove their legitimacy to banks, investors, or partners. HBS can help clients obtain it.
• Certified Copies: HBS offers official copies of formation documents, which may be required for legal, banking, or other business purposes.

Harvard Business Review Ratings

Harvard Business Services has earned praise from customers across various review platforms. Its reputation reflects its ability to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of forming a business in Delaware with a high degree of professionalism and efficiency.

Support – 4.7/5

One of the standout features of Harvard Business Services is its customer support. The company has a team of experts who are available to assist clients throughout the business formation process. Reviews consistently highlight the helpfulness, professionalism, and responsiveness of the support team.

Customers have access to a variety of support channels, including live chat, phone, and email. The support staff is well-versed in Delaware business law and can help guide clients through the steps of forming an LLC or corporation. Many users have reported fast response times when reaching out for assistance. However, some customers have mentioned that while initial support is responsive, follow-up communication can occasionally be slower. Still, most agree that HBS provides a strong level of support that contributes to a smooth experience.

Price – 4.5/5

Pricing is always a major consideration when choosing an incorporation service, and Harvard Business Services offers competitive rates. The basic formation package (the Green Package) starts at $229. This includes the filing of formation documents, one year of registered agent services, and access to a customer support team for the lifetime of your business. Many customers appreciate the transparency of HBS’s pricing and the value that it offers in terms of the services provided.

While some competitors offer lower base prices, HBS stands out by including the necessary state fees in their upfront pricing. This ensures there are no hidden costs or surprises along the way. For entrepreneurs seeking clear and predictable pricing, HBS offers good value for the money.

Other packages, such as the Basic Package and Standard Package, are available at higher prices and include additional features like expedited document processing and a corporate kit with templates and documents. However, HBS’s prices are competitive, especially when compared to services that charge separate fees for every additional feature.

Features – 4.5/5

Harvard Business Services provides a range of essential features for LLC and corporation formation, but it doesn’t offer the full suite of services that some other companies provide. The company excels in its specialized services for Delaware formations, which makes it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to set up their businesses in Delaware. HBS offers LLC and corporation formation, registered agent services, franchise tax filing, and certified copies, among other services.

While HBS does not offer more comprehensive services like website hosting, tax consultations, or bookkeeping, its focus on Delaware formation ensures a streamlined, no-nonsense experience for business owners who don’t need extra services. Still, some customers have mentioned that they would have liked to see a more extensive range of services, particularly when it comes to business tax or legal advice.

Turnaround – 4.6/5

HBS is known for its fast turnaround times. The process of forming an LLC or corporation through HBS is typically completed quickly. Standard formations are processed in just a few days, and expedited services are available for those who need their formation documents sooner. This is one of the key reasons that many entrepreneurs choose HBS—its ability to deliver results quickly while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

The fast turnaround is particularly important for business owners looking to start operations as soon as possible. Many customers appreciate that HBS’s streamlined process ensures they can get their business up and running without unnecessary delays.

User Ratings – 4.6/5

Harvard Business Services has a strong overall rating across various platforms. Users consistently express satisfaction with the company’s services, particularly the ease of use, speed, and reliability. Many customers highlight the convenience of having everything they need to form their business in one place, with helpful customer service throughout the process. There are few complaints about the quality of service, and most negative reviews focus on occasional delays in communication or issues with specific features like document processing.

Ease of Use – 4.6/5

The HBS website is user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that makes it easy to navigate the business formation process. For those who are unfamiliar with the process of forming an LLC or corporation, the step-by-step guides and helpful FAQs are invaluable. Many customers have commented on how simple it was to use the website, with most noting that they were able to complete the necessary paperwork in a short amount of time.

The company also offers helpful resources, such as informative articles and videos, to assist clients in understanding the formation process and the legal requirements for forming an LLC or corporation in Delaware.

LLC Service Features & Prices

Harvard Business Services offers three main packages for forming LLCs and corporations in Delaware. These packages are designed to accommodate different budgets and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main offerings:

1. Green Package – $229:

• LLC or corporation formation in Delaware.
• One year of registered agent services.
• Customer support for the lifetime of your business.
• Digital corporate seal.
• Name check to ensure availability.

2. Basic Package – $279:

• Everything in the Green Package.
• Expedited document shipping.

3. Standard Package – $379:

• Everything in the Basic Package.
• Corporate kit with templates and documents, including operating agreements and minutes books.

Additional services, such as EIN registration, certified copies of documents, and franchise tax filing, are available for an additional cost. These services are optional but are highly recommended for those looking to ensure compliance with Delaware’s business laws.

Additional Services

While Harvard Business Services primarily focuses on LLC and corporation formation, they offer a number of additional services to support businesses in Delaware. Some of these services include:

• EIN Registration: The IRS requires businesses to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and HBS can assist with this process for an additional fee.
• Franchise Tax Filing: HBS can handle your Delaware franchise tax filings, ensuring that your business remains in good standing with the state.
• Certificate of Good Standing: This document verifies that your business is legally registered and is required for many legal and financial transactions.
• Certified Copies: HBS provides official copies of formation documents, which may be needed for opening business accounts or securing financing.

Benefits of Using Delaware Inc.

1. Specialized Expertise: HBS has over 40 years of experience in Delaware business formations. Their team is highly knowledgeable about Delaware’s business laws, which can help ensure a smooth and efficient formation process.
2. Competitive Pricing: The pricing is transparent and competitive, with no hidden fees. All necessary state fees are included in the upfront cost, which helps prevent unexpected charges.
3. Lifetime Support: HBS offers lifetime customer support with every formation package. This ensures that clients can get help with ongoing needs, such as managing their registered agent services, filing annual reports, and addressing any legal questions that may arise.
4. Fast Turnaround: HBS is known for its efficient processing times, which can be a major benefit for entrepreneurs eager to get their business up and running.
5. Reputation: With thousands of satisfied customers, HBS has built a strong reputation for providing reliable and efficient services. Many clients trust HBS because of its long-standing presence in the industry.

Downsides of Using Delaware Inc.

1. Limited Range of Services: While HBS offers the core services for forming a Delaware-based LLC or corporation, it doesn’t provide as many additional services as some competitors. For example, it does not offer tax consultations, accounting services, or website hosting, which may be needed for some businesses.
2. State-Specific: HBS specializes in Delaware business formations, so it is not a good option for those looking to form businesses in other states. If you want to form an LLC or corporation in a state other than Delaware, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
3. Extra Fees for Add-Ons: While the basic packages are competitively priced, certain services, like obtaining an EIN or certified copies of documents, come with additional costs. These fees can add up if you need multiple add-ons.

Who Should Hire Delaware Inc.?

Harvard Business Services is best suited for:

• Entrepreneurs or businesses looking to form an LLC or corporation in Delaware.
• Those seeking a simple, no-nonsense formation process.
• Business owners who value clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• People who prefer to have a dedicated registered agent service to handle legal correspondence.

Other User Testimonials

Many customers express satisfaction with the services provided by HBS. One client shared, “I had some questions the first time I tried to fill the form, and considering I’m creating a company, I didn’t want to mess it up or get in trouble later. So maybe I would’ve appreciated a more extended explanation or a link to a blog about specific questions on the form. However, when I tried it again, I just used the live chat feature and all my problems were resolved right away.”

Comparison to Other Services

1. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a competitor to HBS, offering a wider range of services. It includes website hosting, tax consultations, and ongoing compliance monitoring. However, ZenBusiness’s base prices are lower, with their starter package beginning at $0 (excluding state fees). The company provides a more comprehensive set of features but is more expensive in the long run if you require add-ons.

2. Northwest

Northwest offers an affordable formation package starting at $29 plus state fees. Like HBS, it includes registered agent services and formation document filings. However, Northwest does not specialize in Delaware formations and offers fewer resources for entrepreneurs looking to set up in Delaware specifically.

3. Bizee

Bizee is an affordable LLC formation service, with its packages starting at $49 plus state fees. It’s best suited for budget-conscious entrepreneurs but lacks the comprehensive features that HBS offers, especially in the area of ongoing support and tax services.

Our Verdict on Harvard Business Services

Harvard Business Services offers a specialized, efficient, and cost-effective solution for entrepreneurs looking to form an LLC or corporation in Delaware. The company’s expertise, transparency, and customer support make it an excellent choice for business owners who want to streamline the process. While it may not offer the most extensive range of services compared to competitors, its focus on Delaware business formations ensures that it delivers exactly what it promises.

FAQs

Can I form an LLC in a state other than Delaware with HBS?

No, HBS specializes in Delaware formations and does not offer services for other states.

Are there any hidden fees with HBS?

No, HBS provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees. All state fees are included in the package prices.

Is lifetime customer support included?

Yes, all packages include lifetime customer support.