Looking for a Harvard Business Services alternative?
Harvard Business Services has been incorporating companies in Delaware since 1981. While they have a long track record, their Delaware-only focus, add-on pricing model, and lack of bank account support limit their value for modern non-resident founders.
All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents
Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries
StartGlobal vs Harvard Business Services
What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)
| What's included | StartGlobal | Harvard Business Services |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | All 50 states | Delaware only |
| Registered agent | Included | Yr1 incl, $50/yr |
| business tax number (no SSN) | Yes, no SSN | +$95 add-on |
| US bank account setup | Included | No |
| Operating agreement | Included | Basic tier |
| Bookkeeping | Included (managed) | Not offered |
| Federal tax filing | Included | Not offered |
| Annual report & compliance | Included | Files DE franchise tax |
| Built for non-residents | Built for it | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% money-back | — |
The cost to run an LLC, not just to start one.
Every founder needs formation, a registered agent, a business tax number, an operating agreement, ongoing compliance, bookkeeping and a federal tax return. Here is the full first-year cost on identical scope.
StartGlobal
then $149/month fully managed, or a la carte from $99/year • one platform • everything included
- LLC formation + state filing fee
- Registered agent
- business tax number
- US business bank account setup
- Operating agreement
- Annual report & compliance
- Bookkeeping
- Federal tax filing
Harvard Business Services
Delaware only · 3 separate services to manage
- Formation, RA, business tax number & DE franchise tax (Green + business tax number) $624
- Bookkeeping, via 3rd party (est.) $2,400
- Federal tax filing (5472 + 1120), via 3rd party (est.) $800
Harvard Business Services only handles part of it.
To actually run your LLC you would stitch together 3 separate services: Harvard Business Services for formation, a separate bookkeeper, and a separate tax preparer. That is 3 logins, 3 bills, and 3 support teams to chase when something breaks. StartGlobal is all of it in one platform, one login, one bill, one team, for a one-time $399 to form, then a flat $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year).
First-year cost for a single-member, foreign-owned LLC in Wyoming, ~1,000 transactions / ~$100k revenue, with state fees included on both sides so the comparison is like for like. Where Harvard Business Services does not offer bookkeeping or tax filing, we use third-party benchmarks (bookkeeping $2,400/yr, federal tax filing $800/yr) so the scope matches. Competitor pricing as of 2026-06 and may change.
Why founders switch to StartGlobal
Real concerns reported by Harvard Business Services users, and how we fix them.
Delaware Only, No State Choice
Harvard Business Services only incorporates in Delaware. If Wyoming, New Mexico, or another state better suits your business, they cannot help.
StartGlobal forms LLCs in all 50 states. We help you choose the best state for your situation, whether that is Wyoming, Delaware, or any other state.
Business Tax Number Costs $90 Extra
The IRS provides business tax numbers for free, but Harvard Business Services charges $90 for business tax number application assistance. This is a significant markup for a straightforward process.
StartGlobal includes business tax number application assistance in the $399 one-time formation. No extra charges for essential services.
No Bank Account Support
Harvard Business Services does not offer any bank account setup assistance. After formation, you are on your own to figure out how to open a US business bank account as a non-resident.
StartGlobal includes bank account setup in your package. We guide you through the entire process and ensure your account is opened successfully.
Add-On Pricing Inflates Costs
While the base price looks low ($229), essential services like business tax number ($90), expedited processing, and certificates of good standing (marked up 248%) quickly add up.
StartGlobal offers transparent pricing: $399 one-time to form, then $149/month fully managed or a la carte from $99/year. No hidden add-ons, no markup surprises. You know exactly what you pay.
Dated Technology
As a company operating since 1981, their technology platform has not kept pace with modern expectations. The interface feels outdated compared to modern formation services.
StartGlobal provides a modern dashboard with real-time status tracking, compliance reminders, and document management. Everything accessible online, 24/7.
LLC Formation
Everything you need to launch, in one package.
Registered Agent
IncludedEvery US LLC is legally required to have a registered agent: the official point of contact that receives legal documents, lawsuits, and state notices on your behalf. We act as your registered agent in your formation state and forward anything that arrives straight to you.
- Required to form and keep your LLC in good standing
- Receives legal documents and state notices for you
- We forward everything to you right away
State Filing
IncludedWe set up your company in the state you choose and track everything through to approval. Your state fees are included in the price, with no separate charges to figure out later.
- File in any of the 50 states
- State filing fees included, no surprise charges
- We track your filing through to approval
Business Tax Number
IncludedBefore you can open a bank account, get paid, or file taxes, you need a business tax number. We take care of the entire application for you, even if you don't have a U.S. social security number.
- We handle the entire application for you
- No U.S. SSN needed
- Gets you ready to bank, get paid, and stay compliant
U.S. Business Bank Account
IncludedOpen a U.S. business bank account from anywhere in the world, with no U.S. travel required. We connect you with trusted banking partners like Mercury and Lili and guide you through the application.
- Apply from anywhere, no U.S. trip needed
- Partners like Mercury and Lili
- Guided setup from start to finish
One payment, no surprise charges at checkout.
Ongoing Compliance
Pay only for what you need.
Registered Agent
Pay as you goYour registered agent service continues year after year, keeping a verified U.S. address on file and forwarding every legal document and state notice so you stay in good standing.
- Verified U.S. address maintained
- Legal mail scanned and forwarded
- Renewed automatically each year
State Annual Report
Pay as you goMost states require an annual or biennial report to keep your LLC active. We prepare and file it on time, every year, so you never fall out of good standing or get hit with late penalties.
- Annual or biennial report prepared and filed
- Deadline tracking, no late penalties
- Keeps your LLC in good standing
Bookkeeping
Pay as you goWe keep your books organized and aligned with U.S. standards every month, so your finances are always accurate and ready for tax time, investors, or a loan.
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Transactions categorized and reconciled
- Reports ready for tax season
Federal Tax Filing
Pay as you goWe handle your annual federal tax filing for single-member and multi-member LLCs, including the forms non-resident owners need, filed accurately and on time with the IRS.
- Returns for single and multi-member LLCs
- Non-resident owner filings handled
- Accurate, on-time filing with the IRS
Starts with registered agent. Add annual report, bookkeeping, and federal tax filing as you need them.
The operating system
Formation is
just the start.
StartGlobal runs your whole company, not just the paperwork. One platform, every tool you need to operate.
Explore all productsLoved by founders in 150+ countries
Real customers, on camera, talking about their U.S. business journey
Harvard Business Services vs StartGlobal, answered
How does StartGlobal compare to Harvard Business Services?+
Harvard Business Services has a long track record in Delaware incorporation (since 1981, 400K+ companies). However, they only serve Delaware, charge $90 extra for business tax number, and do not offer bank account setup. StartGlobal offers all 50 states and includes business tax number and bank account in the $399 one-time formation, with ongoing compliance from $149/month managed or $99/year a la carte.
Is Delaware the best state for my LLC?+
Delaware is popular but not always the best choice. Wyoming offers lower fees and stronger privacy. New Mexico has zero annual filing fees. StartGlobal helps you choose the best state for your situation instead of defaulting to Delaware.
Why does Harvard Business Services charge $90 for business tax number?+
The IRS provides business tax numbers at no cost. Harvard Business Services charges $90 as a service fee for handling the application. StartGlobal includes business tax number application assistance in the $399 one-time formation price.
Can I switch my registered agent from HBS to StartGlobal?+
Yes. StartGlobal can take over as your registered agent in Delaware or any state. Contact us to arrange a smooth transition of your registered agent service.
Is Harvard Business Services good for non-residents?+
They offer international packages starting at $400 with apostille services, but they lack bank account support and charge extra for business tax number. StartGlobal was built specifically for non-residents with everything included.
Still weighing up providers?
We put the main providers for non-resident founders side by side, with what each one actually includes and what the first year really costs.
Ready to start your U.S. business?
Join thousands of global founders who trust StartGlobal. Form your LLC in minutes and run it all from one place.