Lawyer Monthly: Your Trusted Guide Through Complex Legal Challenges
Starting a business isn’t just paperwork—it’s personal. It’s you deciding, maybe after months (or years) of thinking, that it’s time to stop waiting and start building. Maybe you’re freelancing and tired of explaining to clients why they should take you seriously. Or maybe you’ve outgrown the side hustle and it’s time to go full-time. One way or another, forming an LLC is the first real “I’m doing this” moment—and it should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: filing an LLC can feel like a maze if you’ve never done it before. State fees, legal documents, compliance reminders—it’s a lot. That’s why platforms like Incfile exist. They handle the legwork, so you can focus on the part that matters: building your business.
This guide breaks down how to start an LLC with Incfile—step by step—while also offering some insight into how Incfile stacks up against other options like Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom, and Nolo, all part of the ever-growing ecosystem of online legal services in 2025.
Incfile has helped over a million entrepreneurs form their businesses—and there’s a reason for that. It’s affordable—in fact, you can form your LLC for FREE through their Silver plan. (You only pay your state's mandatory filing fee.) It’s fast, and designed for people who don’t speak “legalese.” If you're comparing LegalZoom vs Incfile for business formation, you’ll notice Incfile skips the fluff and gets straight to the point.
For a deeper dive into why this platform resonates so well with newcomers, see Why Incfile Is Popular for First‑Time Entrepreneurs.
Let’s break it down:
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. But it’s smart to weigh it against the competition. That’s why we’ve built out a complete comparison: LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer: Which Legal Service Is Right for You.
If you’re trying to figure out which platform makes sense for your specific situation—maybe you’re a nonprofit, a landlord, or a gig worker—start with Best Legal Document Services in 2025: What They Offer and Who They're For.
Step 1: Choose Your State Let’s start simple: Where are you forming your LLC? For most, it’s the state you live and operate in. But others opt for places like Delaware, Wyoming, or Nevada—usually for privacy, tax, or regulatory perks. Incfile helps here. They show you state-specific costs and timelines right off the bat, no guesswork required.
💡 Looking to move quickly? Check out What’s the Fastest Way to File an LLC Without a Lawyer for a speed-focused comparison.
Step 2: Pick a Package Incfile gives you three choices:
If you’re not sure whether to buy everything at once or go a la carte, we break it down in Monthly Legal Plan vs Pay-Per-Document: Which Is Better for You.
Step 3: Check Your Business Name Here’s where it gets fun. Your business name isn’t just branding—it’s a legal identifier. And it needs to be:
Incfile runs a free availability check while you sign up. If your dream name’s taken? You’ll get flagged early, not after you’ve filed.
Pro tip: Once you land on a name, grab the domain. Incfile makes that easy, but don’t wait—someone else might snatch it up. And before you rush ahead with contract templates, take a minute to read Top Mistakes to Avoid When Using Online Legal Templates—especially if you’re planning to use that name in official documents.
Step 4: Add Your LLC Info This part’s more straightforward than it sounds. You’ll provide:
If you're working solo or setting up a creative partnership, this is where it starts to feel real. Freelancers especially should check out Legal Document Tools Every Freelancer Should Know for essential templates and protections that go beyond LLC formation.
New to this world? Don’t miss 5 Things Freelancers Should Know About Online Legal Forms—it’s a crash course in protecting yourself with documents that hold up.
Step 5: Registered Agent Service Every LLC needs a registered agent—someone who can legally accept mail and notices for your company. Incfile includes this free for the first year, then charges $119/year afterward. Honestly, it’s one of the best-value perks they offer. If you’re running a rental property business or have multiple locations, this becomes even more important.
For landlords: Best Legal Services for Landlords in 2025 covers compliance tools that go beyond just filing. And if you need airtight lease templates or rental contracts without hiring a full-time lawyer, check out our guide to the Best Online Services for Lease Agreements and Rental Contracts - a must-read for anyone managing properties.
Step 6: File and Pay This is the big moment. Once you’ve reviewed your info, you pay the state filing fee, and Incfile sends off your paperwork. That’s it. You’ll get status updates, and once approved, your business is officially recognized.
⚠️ Not sure online filings are legit? Read Are Online Legal Documents Recognized in Court for peace of mind.
While Incfile is a top choice for many first-time entrepreneurs thanks to its streamlined filing and free LLC formation tier, it’s not the only option out there.
If you’re looking for more ongoing legal support or tailored services for growing your business, you may want to explore What Rocket Lawyer offers for small business owners.
Step 7: Get Your Documents Once your LLC is approved, Incfile will upload:
From here, you’ll want to tackle:
Helpful reads from here:
Here’s what smart business owners do next:
✅ Apply for an EIN ✅ Get a business bank account ✅ Secure any licenses or permits ✅ Draft your Operating Agreement ✅ Stay compliant with annual filings
Some entrepreneurs move on to Rocket Lawyer for ongoing compliance—explained in How Small Businesses Use Rocket Lawyer for Compliance. Others, especially founders and creatives, explore:
Is Incfile really free?
Yes, their Silver plan costs $0—you only pay the state filing fee. Add-ons are optional.
Can I form an LLC without a lawyer?
Definitely. That’s kind of the point. If you’re nervous about writing contracts later, see Do You Really Need a Lawyer to Write a Contract? Here’s the DIY Alternative.
What’s better—LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer?
Depends on your goals. We explore the pros and cons in LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer: Which Legal Service Is Right for You.
Can I make my own legal forms online?
Yes, but there are risks. Read Can I Make My Own Legal Documents Online in 2025 before jumping in.
Are online services even legal?
Yes. They’re not only legit—they’re how most new businesses get started today. Are Online Legal Services Legit? What the Law Says in 2025 walks through how they hold up in court.
If you're serious about turning your idea into a real business, don’t let legal paperwork stop you. Incfile gives you the tools to file fast, stay compliant, and move forward with confidence—no law degree required. Still weighing your options? Explore:
👉 Join our free newsletter for startup-friendly legal tips—or contact us if you need help forming your LLC today.
