Looking for a Rocket Lawyer alternative?
Rocket Lawyer is a US-domestic legal services platform that offers LLC formation as one of many services. They are not built for non-residents, use a subscription model, and have 1,400+ BBB complaints.
All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents
Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries
StartGlobal vs Rocket Lawyer
What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)
| What's included | StartGlobal | Rocket Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Registered agent | Included | $124.99/yr (member) |
| business tax number (no SSN) | Yes, no SSN | Assisted |
| US bank account setup | Included | No |
| Operating agreement | Included | Member library |
| Bookkeeping | Included (managed) | Not offered |
| Federal tax filing | Included | Membership (unpriced) |
| Annual report & compliance | Included | Add-on |
| Built for non-residents | Built for it | Limited |
| 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
Rocket Lawyer
3 separate services to manage
- Formation, RA & business tax number (with membership) $465
- Bookkeeping, via 3rd party (est.) $2,400
- Federal tax filing (5472 + 1120), via 3rd party (est.) $800
Rocket Lawyer only handles part of it.
To actually run your LLC you would stitch together 3 separate services: Rocket Lawyer 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 Rocket Lawyer 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 Rocket Lawyer users, and how we fix them.
Not Built for Non-Residents
Rocket Lawyer is designed for US-based small business owners. Their business tax number process is "guidance" (not actual filing), they do not offer bank account setup, and their support is not trained for international tax or compliance questions.
StartGlobal was built from the ground up for non-residents from 150+ countries. Every feature, from business tax number filing to bank account setup, is designed for founders without a US presence.
1,400+ BBB Complaints
Rocket Lawyer has accumulated over 1,400 Better Business Bureau complaints in just 3 years. Common issues include billing disputes, double charges, unexpected subscription fees, and difficulty canceling.
StartGlobal charges a one-time $399 to form, with all state and government fees included. Ongoing compliance is your choice: $149/month fully managed or a la carte from $99/year, with transparent billing and a money-back guarantee.
Subscription Trap
The "free" LLC formation requires a Rocket Legal+ subscription at $239.88/year. Many customers forget about the subscription and are charged year after year. Canceling can be difficult.
StartGlobal formation is a one-time $399 payment. Any ongoing compliance is opt-in and transparent, the $149/month managed plan or a la carte from $99/year, with no hidden auto-renewals or surprise charges.
Business Tax Number Is Guidance, Not Filing
Rocket Lawyer provides business tax number "guidance" but does not actually file for your business tax number. For non-residents without an SSN, the business tax number process requires specialized knowledge that general guidance does not cover.
StartGlobal files your business tax number application as part of the $399 one-time formation. We handle the entire process, including the specific requirements for non-residents without an SSN.
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
Rocket Lawyer vs StartGlobal, answered
Can non-residents use Rocket Lawyer to form an LLC?+
Technically yes, but Rocket Lawyer is not designed for non-residents. They do not file business tax numbers for you (only provide guidance), do not offer bank account setup, and their support is not trained for international formation questions. StartGlobal is purpose-built for non-residents.
Why does Rocket Lawyer have so many BBB complaints?+
The majority of complaints relate to billing issues: unexpected charges, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and double billing. Their subscription model creates ongoing billing relationships that generate disputes.
Is Rocket Lawyer really free?+
The "free" LLC formation requires a Rocket Legal+ subscription at $239.88/year. Without the subscription, formation costs $99.99. Either way, registered agent ($249.99/yr), business tax number, and bank account are not included.
How much does Rocket Lawyer actually cost in Year 1?+
With subscription: $239.88 (Rocket Legal+) + $249.99 (registered agent) = $489.87+ before state fees, and you still do not get business tax number filing or bank account setup. StartGlobal forms your LLC for a one-time $399 with business tax number and bank account included, then ongoing compliance from $149/month managed or $99/year a la carte.
Should I use Rocket Lawyer or StartGlobal?+
If you are a non-resident, StartGlobal is the clear choice. Rocket Lawyer is a general US legal platform, not a formation specialist. StartGlobal includes business tax number filing, bank account setup, and support specifically for international founders.
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.