Looking for a LegalZoom alternative?
LegalZoom is one of the oldest legal services companies, but their pricing model relies heavily on upsells and add-ons.
All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents
Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries
StartGlobal vs LegalZoom
What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)
| What's included | StartGlobal | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Registered agent | Included | $249/yr (never free) |
| Included add-ons | Included | +$79 add-on |
| US bank account setup | Included | No |
| Operating agreement | Included | Pro tier only |
| Bookkeeping | Included (managed) | Not offered |
| Federal tax filing | Included | Not offered |
| Annual report & compliance | Included | Add-on |
| Built for non-residents | Built for it | Limited |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% money-back | 60-day satisfaction |
The cost to run an LLC, not just to start one.
Every founder needs formation, a registered agent, the add-ons we include, 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
- Included add-ons
- US business bank account setup
- Operating agreement
- Annual report & compliance
- Bookkeeping
- Federal tax filing
LegalZoom
3 separate services to manage
- Formation & registered agent (Pro + RA, year 1) $598
- Bookkeeping, via 3rd party (est.) $2,400
- Federal tax filing (5472 + 1120), via 3rd party (est.) $800
LegalZoom only handles part of it.
To actually run your LLC you would stitch together 3 separate services: LegalZoom 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 LegalZoom 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 LegalZoom users, and how we fix them.
Aggressive Upselling
“After years as a loyal customer, I'm done with LegalZoom. They've turned into a predatory upsell machine.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
LegalZoom is notorious for constantly pushing additional services during checkout and after purchase.
StartGlobal keeps pricing simple: $399 one-time to form your LLC, then $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year). No upsells, no surprise add-ons, ever.
Hidden Fees & Surprise Charges
“LegalZoom charged my credit card for fees that were not authorized. This company is unethical and hides these fees in docs.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
Many customers report unexpected charges appearing on their credit cards without clear authorization.
Transparent pricing at StartGlobal. What you see is exactly what you pay, with no hidden fees buried in fine print.
Impossible to Cancel
“The only way to cancel and get my money back was to call... The cancellation process was over 2 hours.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
Cancelling LegalZoom services requires lengthy phone calls, with many customers reporting wait times of hours.
Easy cancellation at StartGlobal. Plus our 100% money-back guarantee means you can leave worry-free.
Services Left Incomplete
“I paid for a full LLC formation package... They only completed part of the services I paid for.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
Customers report paying for packages but not receiving all promised services, with support becoming unresponsive.
StartGlobal doesn't stop until your LLC is fully operational: formation and bank account both completed.
Not Built for Non-Residents
“LegalZoom is designed for US residents. Non-residents face extra hurdles and limited support.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
LegalZoom's processes assume US residency, making it difficult for international entrepreneurs.
StartGlobal was built specifically for non-residents. No SSN required.
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
Operating Agreement
IncludedThe internal rulebook for your LLC: who owns what, how decisions are made, and what happens if an owner leaves. Banks and partners often ask to see it. We prepare one for single or multi-member LLCs, written for your state.
- Single or multi-member
- Written for your formation state
- Ready to share with your bank
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
LegalZoom vs StartGlobal, answered
Is StartGlobal better than LegalZoom for LLC formation?+
For most entrepreneurs, especially international founders, StartGlobal offers better value. You pay $399 one-time to form, then $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year), covering everything LegalZoom charges extra for (registered agent and bank account setup) without any upsells or hidden fees.
Why is LegalZoom so expensive with all the add-ons?+
LegalZoom's business model relies on upselling additional services. Their base price looks attractive, but essential services like registered agent ($249/year) quickly add up. StartGlobal includes everything in one transparent price.
Can I switch from LegalZoom to StartGlobal?+
Yes! If you've already formed your LLC with LegalZoom, we can take over as your registered agent and handle all ongoing compliance. Contact our team to discuss transferring your LLC management to StartGlobal.
Does StartGlobal work for non-US residents like LegalZoom?+
Better than LegalZoom. StartGlobal was specifically built for international entrepreneurs. We've helped founders from 150+ countries form their US LLC, and our process doesn't require a US address, SSN, or ITIN.
What's included with StartGlobal that LegalZoom charges extra for?+
Your $399 one-time formation includes LLC filing, bank account setup assistance (not offered by LegalZoom), and an operating agreement (requires $299 plan at LegalZoom). Ongoing registered agent and compliance are handled for you at $149/month fully managed, or a la carte from $99/year (registered agent is $249/year extra at LegalZoom).
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.