Looking for a LegalZoom Alternative?
See why founders from 150+ countries choose StartGlobal for their US LLC instead of dealing with LegalZoom's upsells and hidden fees.
No hidden fees • 100% money-back guarantee • Non-resident friendly
StartGlobal vs LegalZoom at a Glance
Compare features, pricing, and what's actually included
| Feature | StartGlobal | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Base LLC Formation | $599 (all-inclusive) | $0-$299 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | Included (1st year) | $249/year extra |
| EIN Application Assistance | Included | $79 extra |
| Operating Agreement | Included | Pro plan only ($299) |
| Bank Account Setup | Included | Not offered |
| Total Year 1 Cost | $599 + state fees | $328-$627+ + state fees |
| Non-Resident Support | Full support, 150+ countries | Limited |
| Upsells | None | Aggressive |
| Cancellation | Easy, anytime | 2+ hours reported |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 100% satisfaction | Complex process |
Why Founders Are Leaving LegalZoom
Real issues reported by LegalZoom customers
Aggressive Upselling
"After years as a loyal customer, I'm done with LegalZoom. They've turned into a predatory upsell machine."
LegalZoom is notorious for constantly pushing additional services during checkout and after purchase.
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."
Many customers report unexpected charges appearing on their credit cards without clear authorization.
Impossible to Cancel
"The only way to cancel and get my money back was to call... The cancellation process was over 2 hours."
Cancelling LegalZoom services requires lengthy phone calls, with many customers reporting wait times of hours.
Services Left Incomplete
"I paid for a full LLC formation package... They only completed part of the services I paid for."
Customers report paying for packages but not receiving all promised services, with support becoming unresponsive.
Charges for Free Services
"LegalZoom charges $79 for EIN which you can get free from the IRS."
LegalZoom charges premium prices for services that are free directly from government agencies.
Not Built for Non-Residents
"LegalZoom is designed for US residents. Non-residents face extra hurdles and limited support."
LegalZoom's processes assume US residency, making it difficult for international entrepreneurs.
How StartGlobal Solves These Problems
Built from the ground up for a better experience
Instead of "Aggressive Upselling"
StartGlobal offers all-inclusive $599 pricing. No upsells, no surprise add-ons, ever.
Instead of "Hidden Fees & Surprise Charges"
Transparent pricing at StartGlobal. What you see is exactly what you pay, with no hidden fees buried in fine print.
Instead of "Impossible to Cancel"
Easy cancellation at StartGlobal. Plus our 100% money-back guarantee means you can leave worry-free.
Instead of "Services Left Incomplete"
StartGlobal doesn't stop until your LLC is fully operational: formation, EIN, and bank account all completed.
Instead of "Charges for Free Services"
EIN application assistance is included with StartGlobal. We prepare and submit your IRS paperwork at no extra cost.
Instead of "Not Built for Non-Residents"
StartGlobal was built specifically for non-residents. No SSN required, non-resident EIN application assistance included.
What You Actually Pay: Full Breakdown
See the real cost when you add LegalZoom's "optional" services
StartGlobal
+ state filing fees
- LLC Formation & Filing
- Registered Agent (1st year)
- EIN / Tax ID Filing
- Business Bank Account Setup
- Operating Agreement
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
LegalZoom
Base price (add-ons below)
- LLC Formation & Filing
- Registered Agent +$249/yr
- EIN / Tax ID +$79
- Bank Account Setup: Not offered
- Operating Agreement: Pro plan only
- Refund: Complex process
*Varies based on plan and add-ons selected
Trusted by Founders Worldwide
Join 5,000+ companies from 150+ countries who chose StartGlobal
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about switching from LegalZoom to StartGlobal
For most entrepreneurs, especially international founders, StartGlobal offers better value. Our all-inclusive $599 price includes everything LegalZoom charges extra for (registered agent, EIN filing, bank account setup) without any upsells or hidden fees.
LegalZoom's business model relies on upselling additional services. Their base price looks attractive, but essential services like registered agent ($249/year) and EIN ($79) quickly add up. StartGlobal includes everything in one transparent price.
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.
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.
Our $599 includes: LLC formation and filing, first year of registered agent service ($249 value at LegalZoom), EIN application assistance ($79 at LegalZoom), bank account setup assistance (not offered by LegalZoom), and operating agreement (requires $299 plan at LegalZoom).
Ready to Switch to StartGlobal?
Join thousands of founders who made the smart choice. All-inclusive pricing, no hidden fees, and a 100% money-back guarantee.
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