Best LLC Service for Single-Member LLCs 2026 — Ranked
For single-member LLC documents only: LawDepot at $7.99/month. For full filing: ZenBusiness free tier (pay state fees only) or Northwest $39 with registered agent included. Single-member LLCs need an operating agreement, articles of organization, and EIN — all obtainable for under $50 plus state fees.
At a Glance
LLC Service for Single-Member LLCs Buying Guide
Photo by RDNE Stock project / PexelsHow we evaluated these. We compared LLC formation services for single-member LLCs across solo-member operating agreement quality, registered agent privacy features, EIN obtainment, banking resolution document, state fee accuracy, and ongoing compliance support, cross-referencing IRS single-member LLC guidance, SBA resources, and verified business owner reviews. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
A single-member LLC needs articles of organization, a registered agent, and an EIN from the IRS — ZenBusiness handles the first two for $0 in service fees plus state filing, while the IRS EIN application is always free.
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Quick Verdict: For a single-member LLC, the most cost-effective path is: ZenBusiness free (Articles of Organization) + LawDepot ($7.99/month, cancel after) for the operating agreement + free EIN at irs.gov. Total: state fee + $7.99.
<What a Single-Member LLC Actually Needs
A single-member LLC requires three documents to be fully operational and bankable:
- Articles of Organization — the filing that creates your LLC with the state. Filed by a formation service or directly by you with the Secretary of State. One-time.
- Operating Agreement — internal document governing your LLC. Required in California, Delaware, Missouri, Maine, and New York. Required by virtually all banks to open a business account, regardless of state law. States that don't legally require it still recognize it as authoritative if your LLC is ever challenged.
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) — your LLC's federal tax ID. Required for a business bank account and for filing taxes. Free at irs.gov/ein, takes 15 minutes online.
A registered agent is technically optional for single-member LLCs — you can list your own name — but exposes your home address in public state records and requires availability during business hours for legal documents.
Best Service for Each Component
- Articles of Organization: ZenBusiness free (guided, beginner-friendly) or self-file directly with your state Secretary of State (cheapest, no service fee at all)
- Operating Agreement: LawDepot ($7.99/month) — state-specific single-member operating agreement template, cancel after generating
- EIN: irs.gov/ein — free, instant online, no service needed
- Registered Agent (optional): Northwest Registered Agent ($39 first year, agent included) — best privacy + value if you don't want your home address in public records
Service Comparison for Single-Member LLCs
- LawDepot ($7.99/month): Best operating agreement template — state-specific, bank-ready. No filing service (you file the Articles yourself). Cancel after generating your documents.
- ZenBusiness (free): Best for guided Articles of Organization filing with compliance dashboard. No operating agreement in free tier — pair with LawDepot.
- Northwest Registered Agent ($39): Best all-in-one when you want privacy (your home address stays private), registered agent included, and top customer service for any state correspondence questions.
For a solo freelancer or consultant forming their first LLC, the ZenBusiness + LawDepot combination typically costs less than any single full-service option while covering all required components.
Who Each Service Is Best For
- LawDepot: Experienced self-filers who will file Articles of Organization with the state directly and just need a clean, bank-ready operating agreement
- ZenBusiness: First-time LLC owners who want guided support through the Articles filing and a dashboard to track annual report deadlines
- Northwest Registered Agent: Home-based founders who don't want their residential address appearing in state LLC records, and anyone who wants a single service that handles all components
What to Watch Out For
- Operating agreement is not optional in practice. Even in states that don't legally require it, every bank you'll approach for a business account will ask for it. Don't skip this step — it takes 15 minutes to generate at LawDepot.
- Single-member LLC tax treatment. By default, a single-member LLC is a "disregarded entity" — you report income on Schedule C of your personal 1040, not a separate corporate return. No special election needed. If you want S-Corp treatment (usually for tax savings at higher income levels), file IRS Form 2553 after forming your LLC.
- State-specific nuances. California charges an $800/year minimum franchise tax on LLCs. New York has a publication requirement. Wyoming and New Mexico have the lowest ongoing costs. Research your specific state's annual requirements before forming.
- Don't pay for EIN filing. EIN is always free at irs.gov/ein. Any formation service charging for EIN filing is charging for a 15-minute form you can do yourself for $0.
How to Form a Single-Member LLC
- Choose your state (usually where you operate and live)
- Search your desired LLC name at the state Secretary of State website to verify availability
- File Articles of Organization via ZenBusiness (free) or Northwest ($39), or directly with your state
- Generate your operating agreement at LawDepot ($7.99) — use your actual ownership percentage (100%) and member details
- Get your EIN at irs.gov/ein — free, instant
- Open a dedicated business bank account — bring LLC documents and EIN, keep personal and business finances completely separate
For the core brand comparison at this tier, our LegalZoom vs ZenBusiness 2026 covers how each handles single-member LLC state filings specifically. For the total cost picture including registered agent, Cheapest LLC Filing Service 2026 ranks all-in pricing for single-member LLCs across states. After forming, don't skip the operating agreement — Best LLC Operating Agreement Templates 2026 covers simple single-member templates that courts recogniz
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Rates as of April 2026. Refer to each provider's site for current terms.
LawDepot
“Complete single-member LLC document bundle at $7.99/month — state-specific operating agreement.”
What we like
- $7.99/month for 2,000+ attorney-reviewed document templates
- 14-day free trial — generate all documents before first charge
- State-specific customization via guided questionnaire
- Covers LLC, real estate, employment, personal legal needs
Watch out for
- No filing service — you submit documents to state yourself
- Monthly subscription model — must cancel actively to avoid renewal
Rates as of April 16, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
ZenBusiness
“Free single-member LLC filing — combine with LawDepot for operating agreement.”
What we like
- $0 service fee — full LLC filing for just state fees
- 28,000+ reviews confirms reliable formation
- Good for those who want filing handled without paying for documents
Watch out for
- Operating agreement not included in free tier
- No document library — formation service only
Rates as of April 16, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
Northwest Registered Agent
“$39 single-member LLC with registered agent — no upsells, 4.8 stars.”
What we like
- $39 includes filing + registered agent — keeps home address off records
- 4.8 stars — highest-rated formation service
- No upsells — transparent all-in pricing
Watch out for
- $39 service fee vs. ZenBusiness free tier
- Operating agreement not included (use LawDepot)
Rates as of April 16, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to set up a single-member LLC?
Does a single-member LLC need an operating agreement?
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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We compare products; we do not advise on which product is right for your personal financial situation. Read our full methodology →