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ny-business@services:~$ compare --providers --state=NY --type=formation

New York Business Formation Services

[INFO] Analyzing 10 formation service providers

[INFO] New York-specific compliance requirements loaded

[READY] Service comparison matrix initialized

Professional Formation Services for New York Businesses

🔍 Problem

New York business formation requires complex compliance: Publication requirements cost $300-$2,000, registered agent services, EIN applications, and New York Department of State filings create administrative burden for entrepreneurs.

⚡ Solution

Professional formation services handle compliance automatically: Services like ZenBusiness, Bizee, and LegalZoom manage New York-specific requirements including publication, registered agent appointment, and state filing deadlines.

✅ Result

Entrepreneurs save time and ensure compliance: Professional services reduce formation time from weeks to days while ensuring all New York requirements are met correctly the first time.

New York Formation Requirements (Official Sources)

Articles of Organization Filing

> Filing Details:

  • Fee: $200 state filing fee
  • Processing: 24 hours online filing
  • Authority: NY Department of State Division of Corporations
  • Form: Articles of Organization (DOS-1336)

Source: New York State Official Business Portal

Publication Requirement

> Publication Details:

  • Timeline: Within 120 days of formation
  • Duration: 6 consecutive weeks
  • Cost: $300-$2000 depending on county
  • Newspapers: Two county-designated publications

Source: NY Department of State LLC FAQ

Registered Agent Service

> Agent Details:

  • Requirement: Mandatory for all NY LLCs
  • Function: Receive legal documents
  • Availability: Business hours, NY address
  • Cost: $119-$249 annually

Source: NY Department of Taxation

2025 New York Formation Service Comparison

Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you choose a service, at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on verified features and customer reviews.

Service Provider Starting Price Processing Time NY Publication Help Registered Agent Our Rating Trustpilot Score Best For
Bizee Fastest Formation
$0 + state fees
Standard: 3 weeks
Rush: 1 day
⚠️ Limited 📅 Free Year 1
★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Fastest Formation
Inc Authority Free Formation
$0 + state fees
Standard: 7-10 days
Rush: 2 days
⚠️ Limited 📅 Free Year 1
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Free Formation
Tailor Brands Best for Branding
$0 + state fees
Standard: 3 weeks
⚠️ Limited 📅 Free Year 1
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Best for Branding
LegalZoom Best for Legal Support
$0 + state fees
Standard: 5-14 days
Rush: 1 day
✅ Full Support 💰 $249/yr
★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Best for Legal Support
Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents
$99.99 + state fees
Standard: 5-7 days
⚠️ Limited 💰 $149/yr
★★★★☆ 4/5
Legal Documents
BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity
$299 all-inclusive
Standard: 2 days
Rush: Standard speed
⚠️ Limited ✅ Included
★★★☆☆ 3.9/5
Speed & Simplicity
Active Filings Traditional Service
$199 + state fees
Standard: 5-10 days
Rush: 2 days
⚠️ Limited 📅 Free Year 1
★★★☆☆ 3.8/5
No reviews Traditional Service

Service Features Analysis

🏆 ZenBusiness - Best Overall Value

ZenBusiness provides free LLC formation with NY state fees only
ZenBusiness includes Worry-Free Compliance tools for one year
ZenBusiness offers phone, chat, and email customer support

⚡ Bizee - Fastest Formation

Bizee processes New York LLCs in 1 business day (expedited)
Bizee provides free registered agent service for first year
Bizee charges $49 for expedited filing (lowest rush fee)

⚖️ LegalZoom - Best for Legal Support

LegalZoom provides attorney consultations and legal document review
LegalZoom handles complex New York publication requirements
LegalZoom offers premium compliance monitoring tools

New York LLC Formation Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose Formation Service

> Recommended Options:

Budget-Friendly Choice
  • Service: ZenBusiness free formation
  • Cost: $200 NY state fee only
  • Timeline: 7-10 business days
Priority Processing
  • Service: Bizee expedited service
  • Cost: $249 total ($200 state + $49 rush)
  • Timeline: 1 business day

Step 2: Submit Formation Documents

Formation service files Articles of Organization with New York Department of State
Service arranges registered agent appointment and NY address
Department of State issues Certificate of Formation within processing timeframe

Step 3: Complete Publication Requirement

Service coordinates publication in two county-designated newspapers
Publication runs for six consecutive weeks as required by NY law
Service files Certificate of Publication with Department of State

Step 4: Obtain EIN and Complete Setup

Service applies for Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Business owner receives complete formation package and compliance calendar

Ready to Start Your New York LLC?

Professional formation services ensure all New York requirements are met correctly and on time.

New York Formation Services FAQ

What is the cheapest way to form an LLC in New York?

ZenBusiness offers the lowest-cost New York LLC formation at $0 service fees plus $200 state filing fee. This includes basic formation, but registered agent service costs an additional $199/year. Total first-year cost: $399.

Which service handles New York publication requirements best?

ZenBusiness and LegalZoom provide comprehensive publication assistance for New York LLCs. They coordinate with county-designated newspapers, manage the 6-week publication period, and file the Certificate of Publication with the Department of State.

How long does professional LLC formation take in New York?

Standard formation takes 7-10 business days through most services. Bizee offers 1-day expedited filing for $49 additional fee. BetterLegal provides 2-day standard processing. Publication requirements add 6-8 weeks regardless of formation speed.

Do I need a registered agent service in New York?

Yes, New York requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a New York address during business hours. Most entrepreneurs use professional services ($119-$249/year) rather than serving as their own registered agent.

What makes ZenBusiness the best value for New York LLCs?

ZenBusiness combines free formation with comprehensive compliance tools and customer support. The service includes Worry-Free Compliance monitoring for the first year, phone/chat support, and a mobile app for document management.

Which formation service is best for tech startups in New York?

LegalZoom offers the most comprehensive legal support for technology companies. Features include attorney consultations, IP protection guidance, and premium compliance tools suitable for venture-funded startups planning multiple financing rounds.

Research Methodology & Sources

This service comparison analysis integrates data from multiple authoritative sources:

Government Sources

Service Provider Analysis

  • Direct feature comparison from provider websites
  • Customer review aggregation from Trustpilot, BBB, Google Reviews
  • Processing time verification through test formations
  • Pricing analysis updated monthly for accuracy

Expert Review Criteria

Cost Transparency: All-in pricing including state fees and mandatory services
NY Compliance: Publication assistance and registered agent quality
Processing Speed: Verified formation timeframes and expedited options
Customer Support: Availability, responsiveness, and expertise level
Long-term Value: Compliance tools and ongoing business support