Active Filings Review

(November 2024)

In This Article

Active Filings Review: Our Verdict

If you’re looking to start a business and need help with the formation process, Active Filings is a solid option and has been active for over two decades of experience. That longevity itself speaks volumes because the market for business formation services is pretty competitive. For a company to survive and even thrive in that environment, it must be doing something right.

Active Filings offers a reliable and affordable service if you need assistance forming an LLC, corporation, or non-profit. Its platform is user-friendly, making it straightforward even if you’re not tech-savvy. It offers three main packages, each catering to different needs depending on how much assistance you require and your budget. 

The major selling point of Active Filings is its simplicity and focus on essential services. It gives you what you need without trying to overwhelm you with extra options. This makes it ideal for a small business owner who just wants to get his or her business up and running without unnecessary complications.

Guess what? You don’t need credit check or other financial qualification before you can be able to use Active Filings, which makes it accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs.

Pros

  • Allows you to save money with its affordable pricing. Active Filings is budget-friendly, especially if you’re just starting out and need to keep costs low.
  • Simplify your business formation process with its straightforward, no-frills approach. This is perfect if you prefer a service that gets right to the point without unnecessary complexity.
  • Speed up your business launch with its expedited filing option. If you need to get your business up and running quickly, this feature is a significant advantage.
  • Stay compliant with its monitoring services. It helps you keep track of compliance deadlines, reducing the risk of penalties and ensuring your business remains in good standing.
  • Share your budget with its family-friendly features, allowing multiple users to access and manage the same budget, making it easier to stay coordinated.

Cons

  • Miss out on comprehensive services. If you need advanced features like ongoing legal advice or detailed tax support, Active Filings may not offer everything you require.
  • Struggle with limited state-specific guidance. If your business formation involves complex or unique state regulations, you may find its guidance less detailed compared to other providers.
  • Lack flexibility in customization. If you want specific services or need to tailor your package, its rigid offerings may not meet your unique needs.
  • Find yourself needing additional legal support. Active Filings doesn’t include ongoing legal assistance, which can be a drawback if your business requires continuous legal guidance.
  • Notice the absence of marketing and branding services. If you’re looking for help with logo design, website creation, or other branding needs, you need to look elsewhere.
  • Expect fewer high-tech features. Active Filings may not offer the latest digital tools and automation, which could be a downside if you prefer a more tech-driven service.

1. Active Filings Review: Who Active Filings Is Best For

Consider Active Fillings if you:

  • Need fast, reliable service. Active Fillings is known for its quick turnaround times, which is best for you if you want to get your business up and running quickly.
  • Starting a business and wanting to keep your costs low, It offers a Basic Package that covers the essentials at a very competitive price. It doesn’t push a lot of unnecessary upsells, so you can get what you need without blowing your budget.
  • Looking for a cost-effective way to form a new business. Its pricing is competitive, making it a good option if you’re on a budget.
  • Small business owner who values personalized customer service. It offers a more tailored approach, providing guidance throughout the filing process.
  • New to the business world and need straightforward, easy-to-understand support. Its resources and services are designed to be user-friendly, even for first-timers.
  • Need ongoing compliance assistance. It offers services like annual report filing and registered agent services which helps you stay compliant without the hassle.

2. Active Filings Review: Who Active Filings Isn't Right For

Look elsewhere if you:

  • Need advanced legal services or complex business formation support. 
  • Looking for the most comprehensive service packages. 
  • Expect a high level of automation and digital tools. 
  • Need significant ongoing business support after your company is formed. If you require continuous advisory services or in-depth business management tools, other providers may be more suitable.
  • Starting a business in an industry with specific regulatory requirements. 

3. Active Filings Review: What Active Filings Offer

  • Basic Package: This package is great for you if you’re on a budget. It includes everything you need to legally form your business entity, such as preparing and filing the Articles of Incorporation or Organization, and providing the Certificate of Formation. It’s a no-frills package that gets the job done.
  • Standard Package: This mid-tier option includes everything in the Basic Package, plus additional features like an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is necessary for opening a business bank account and handling payroll. It also includes a registered agent service for a year, which is an important component for maintaining compliance with state regulations.
  • Premium Package: The top-tier package offers all the services of the Standard Package, plus expedited filing, priority support, and a few extra perks like sample documents and business forms. This package is best if you want to get your business started as quickly as possible and prefer having access to a bit more support.

4. Active Filings Review: Active Filings Details

Delve deeper into the features and services that LegalZoom offers across various categories:

Business Services

Business Formation

LegalZoom simplifies the process of forming different types of business entities, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations (C corp, S corp), Doing Business As (DBA) registrations, Nonprofits, and Sole Proprietorships. It provides step-by-step guidance and handle all necessary paperwork and filings to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.

Registered Agent Services

Businesses are required to designate a registered agent to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the business. LegalZoom acts as a registered agent to help businesses maintain compliance with state requirements.

Annual Reports

LegalZoom assists businesses in filing annual reports, which are essential for maintaining good standing with state authorities. This service helps ensure that businesses meet their ongoing filing obligations.

Business Licenses

LegalZoom provides guidance and assistance in obtaining the necessary licenses and permits required to legally operate a business. It helps businesses navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements across different industries and jurisdictions.

LZ Books

LegalZoom offers bookkeeping services through LZ Books, allowing businesses to manage their finances effectively. This includes recording financial transactions, generating financial statements, and maintaining compliance with accounting standards.

LZ Tax

LZ Tax services help businesses handle their tax-related needs. This includes assistance with tax preparation, filing tax returns, understanding tax obligations, and optimizing tax strategies to minimize liabilities.

LZ Virtual Mail

LegalZoom’s virtual mail service enables businesses to manage their mail online. This includes receiving, scanning, and forwarding physical mail items to a designated digital mailbox, enhancing convenience and efficiency for business owners.

Intellectual Property

Trademark Registration

LegalZoom assists businesses and individuals in registering trademarks to protect their brand names, logos, and slogans. It provides guidance throughout the trademark registration process to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.

Trademark Search

Conducting a trademark search is crucial to determine the availability of a trademark before filing for registration. LegalZoom offers comprehensive trademark search services to identify potential conflicts and risks associated with proposed trademarks.

Trademark Monitoring

LegalZoom provides trademark monitoring services to help businesses protect their trademarks from potential infringements. Monitors trademark databases and alert clients to any unauthorized use or applications that may affect their trademark rights.

Provisional Patent

For inventors and innovators, LegalZoom facilitates the filing of provisional patent applications. A provisional patent application establishes an early filing date and provides temporary patent protection while the inventor further develops their invention.

Copyright

LegalZoom assists individuals and businesses in registering copyrights for creative works such as literary works, music compositions, artistic designs, and software. Copyright registration helps establish ownership and provides legal protection against unauthorized use and reproduction.

Estate Planning

Wills

LegalZoom offers will drafting services to help individuals create legally binding documents that specify how their assets should be distributed after their death. Provide templates and guidance to ensure that wills meet state-specific requirements and reflect the individual’s wishes accurately.

Trusts

Trusts are instrumental in estate planning for managing assets, providing for beneficiaries, and minimizing estate taxes. LegalZoom provides options for setting up various types of trusts, including revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and living trusts, tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

Family Law

Power of Attorney

LegalZoom assists individuals in creating power of attorney documents, which designate a trusted person or entity to make financial or medical decisions on their behalf in the event of incapacity.

Healthcare Directive

Also known as a living will, a healthcare directive outlines an individual’s medical treatment preferences and decisions regarding end-of-life care. LegalZoom helps individuals create legally binding healthcare directives to ensure their wishes are respected.

Divorce

LegalZoom provides resources and assistance for individuals navigating divorce proceedings. This includes guidance on legal requirements, document preparation, and understanding the implications of decisions related to property division, child custody, and support arrangements.

Real Estate

Residential Lease

LegalZoom offers customizable templates for residential lease agreements, allowing landlords and tenants to define terms and conditions of rental agreements. These documents help ensure clarity and legal compliance in landlord-tenant relationships.

Property Deed Transfer

Facilitating property deed transfers, LegalZoom helps individuals and businesses legally transfer ownership of real estate. It ensures that the transfer process adheres to state-specific requirements and protects the interests of all parties involved.

Legal Help

Prenuptial Agreement

LegalZoom assists couples in drafting prenuptial agreements, which define the division of assets and liabilities in the event of divorce or separation. Prenuptial agreements provide financial clarity and protection for both parties entering into marriage.

Personal Attorneys

Through its network of attorneys, LegalZoom offers access to legal advice and services tailored to individual needs. Whether for business matters, personal legal issues, or specialized areas of law, users can find experienced attorneys to address their specific concerns.

Doc Assist AI

LegalZoom utilizes artificial intelligence through Doc Assist AI to streamline the creation of legal documents. This tool assists users in generating accurate and legally valid documents efficiently, saving time and ensuring document consistency.

Legal Form Templates

LegalZoom offers a diverse library of legal form templates for personal and business use. These templates cover a wide range of legal needs, including contracts, agreements, letters, and other documents, providing users with standardized formats that can be customized to meet specific requirements.

eSignature

LegalZoom’s eSignature services enable users to sign legal documents electronically, securely, and conveniently. This facilitates faster document execution and enhances workflow efficiency, particularly for remote or digital transactions.

5. Active Filings Review: Where Active Filings Stands Out

Affordability

If you’re just starting out and need to keep your costs low, Active Filings is a great option for you. Its pricing is very competitive, particularly the Basic Package, which is one of the most affordable options available. This makes it accessible even if you’re working with a tight budget. Essentially, you get a lot of value without having to spend much.

Simplicity

Active Filings keeps things straightforward, which is perfect if you prefer a no-frills approach. It designed the user experience to be simple and easy to navigate. You won’t be overwhelmed with too many options or complex features. Instead, you get exactly what you need to form your business, without any unnecessary extras. This is particularly beneficial if you want a clear, uncomplicated process.

Customer Support

If having reliable support is important to you, Active Filings won’t disappoint. Its customer support is accessible and responsive, which is important when dealing with the legal aspects of starting a business. You can reach to them through multiple channels, and many users report positive experiences with the quality of help they receive. This means you won’t feel lost or frustrated when you have questions or need assistance.

Expedited Filing

If you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running, the expedited filing option in its Premium Package is a real advantage. It allows you to speed up the entire process, which can be incredibly valuable if time is of the essence for your business launch.

Compliance Monitoring Services

Staying compliant with state regulations is vital, and Active Filings’ compliance monitoring services can help you with that. If you don’t want to constantly worry about meeting deadlines or risking penalties, this service is a huge plus. It ensures that your business remains in good standing without you having to manage all the details yourself, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on growing your business.

6. Active Filings Review: Where Active Filings Falls Short

Offering More Comprehensive Services

If you’re looking for advanced features beyond basic business formation, Active Filings may not fully meet your needs. It excel at the basics, but if you require ongoing legal services, detailed tax advice, or more robust compliance services, you could find its offerings a bit limited. If your business needs extend beyond just getting started, you need to consider a service that provides more comprehensive support.

Limited State-Specific Guidance

Active Filings handles the basic filing requirements across all states, but if you’re operating in a state with unique or complex regulations, such as California or New York, you can’t get the detailed guidance you need. It doesn’t provide as much tailored advice for state-specific requirements as some of its competitors. If your business needs to navigate intricate state laws, you may find this lack of detailed guidance to be a drawback.

Lack of Included Ongoing Legal Support

If ongoing legal support is important to you, Active Filings fall short in this aspect. Unlike some other services that include access to legal advice or a lawyer as part of their packages, Active Filings focuses mainly on the initial formation process. This means that as your business grows and faces legal challenges, you need to seek legal assistance elsewhere, which can be an inconvenience or added expense.

Marketing and Branding Services

Active Filings doesn’t offer much in the way of marketing and branding, which some other business formation services include. If you’re hoping for help with things like logo design, website creation, or digital marketing as part of your business formation package, you need to look elsewhere. This can be a downside if you prefer an all-in-one service that helps you establish both the legal and branding aspects of your business.

7. Active Filings Review: How to Qualify for Active Filings

To qualify for Active Fillings you need:

  • A Business Name: You need to have a name for your business that is unique in the state where you plan to register. Active Filings can help you check the availability of your business name during the registration process.
  • Business Structure Decision: Decide what type of business entity you want to form—whether it’s an LLC, corporation, or non-profit. Each has its own legal implications and tax considerations, so, choose the right one for your needs.
  • Personal Information: Provide some basic personal information, such as your name, address, and, in some cases, your Social Security Number. This information is required for filing the necessary documents with the state.
  • Business Address: A physical address is required for the business you are forming. This could be your home address or another physical location where the business is may be operating.
  • Registered Agent: Most states require that you designate a registered agent—someone who is authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your business. Active Filings offers a registered agent service, which is included in its Standard and Premium packages for the first year.

8. Active Filings Review: How to Apply for Active Filings

To apply for Active Fillings:

  • Visit the Website: Start by going to the Active Filings website. From there, you can explore the different packages and choose the one that best fits your needs. 
  • Select Your Package: Once you choose the package you want, click to start the process.
  • Enter Your Business Details: Fill out a form with the details of your business, including the name of the business, the type of entity, and the state in which you’re forming it. Also, provide the name and address of the registered agent, or you can choose to use Active Filings’ registered agent service.
  • Provide Your Information: Next, enter your personal information, including your name, address, and possibly your Social Security Number. This is standard for business formation filings.
  • Review and Customize Your Order: Before you complete the order, review your details and make any adjustments. If you need any additional services, such as obtaining an EIN or expedited filing, you can add those at this stage.
  • Payment: Once you’re satisfied with your order, proceed to payment. Active Filings accepts various payment methods, including credit cards.
  • Filing and Processing: After payment, Active Filings takes over and files the necessary documents with the state on your behalf. Depending on the package you selected, this process can be expedited.

9. Active Filings Review: Alternatives to Active Filings

ZenBusiness 

ZenBusiness is popularly known for its affordable pricing and user-friendly platform. It offer a range of packages, including ongoing compliance services and access to legal support. It also provides additional features like website creation and domain name registration, which can be helpful if you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution.

Incfile 

Incfile offers free LLC formation services (you only pay the state fees). It’s a good option if you’re on a tight budget. Incfile also provides a year of free registered agent service and has strong customer support, making it a good choice if you want a balance of affordability and support.

LegalZoom 

LegalZoom is one of the most well-known names in the business formation industry. It offer a wide range of legal services beyond just business formation, including ongoing legal advice, trademark registration, and more. LegalZoom tends to be more expensive, but if you’re looking for a comprehensive legal service, they might be worth the extra cost.

Northwest Registered Agent 

Known for its excellent customer service and strong focus on privacy, Northwest Registered Agent offers a very hands-on approach. It provide comprehensive registered agent services and place a strong emphasis on data protection, which may appeal to business owners concerned about privacy.

Rocket Lawyer 

Rocket Lawyer is another alternative that offers ongoing legal support in addition to business formation services. It has a subscription-based model that includes legal advice, document creation, and more, which might be appealing if you anticipate needing legal services beyond just formation.

10. Active Filings Review: Customer Reviews

Customers highlight how easy it is to navigate the Active Filings platform. The step-by-step process is intuitive, making it accessible even to those who might be unfamiliar with online business formation services. Many users also mention the competitive pricing, especially for the Basic Package. Customers feel they get good value for the money, particularly when they only need the essentials.

However, some users express disappointment that Active Filings doesn’t offer more in terms of ongoing legal support or advanced business services. Those who need more comprehensive services might feel that Active Filings is too basic. A few users mention that the lack of customization options in their packages can be a downside. If you have specific needs that don’t fit neatly into one of the existing packages, you might find this limitation frustrating.

There are also some complaints about the lack of detailed state-specific guidance, which can be an issue if your state has particular requirements that need to be addressed during the formation process.

Overall, though, the majority of customer reviews suggest that Active Filings is a reliable and efficient choice for business formation, particularly for small businesses and first-time entrepreneurs.

Pro Tips

  • Know Your Needs: Before you start, make sure you know exactly what you need in terms of business formation and any additional services.
  • Take Advantage of the Registered Agent Service: Even if you’re not sure whether you need a registered agent service, consider opting for it, especially if you choose the Standard or Premium package where it’s included for free in the first year. It can save you time and help keep your business compliant with state requirements.
  • Consider the Expedited Filing Option: If you’re in a hurry, the expedited filing option available in the Premium Package can be a lifesaver. It’s worth the extra cost if you need your business up and running quickly.
  • Utilize the Compliance Reminders: If you opt for its compliance services, make sure you use the reminders to stay on top of state requirements like annual reports. This may help you avoid late fees and keep your business in good standing.
  • Read Up on State-Specific Requirements: Even though Active Filings simplifies the process, have a basic understanding of your state’s specific requirements. Doing a bit of research beforehand can help you make more informed decisions during the filing process.
  • Review Your Documents Carefully: Before submitting your information or filing your documents, take the time to double-check everything. Ensure that all details are correct to prevent delays or issues down the road.

Recap

Active Filings is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward service to help you form your business. It’s known for its competitive pricing, especially with the Basic Package, making it a great option if you’re starting out and need to keep costs low. The simplicity of its user experience is another plus, offering a no-frills approach that focuses on getting the job done without overwhelming you with unnecessary options. Its customer support is responsive and accessible, which is valuable when you’re navigating the legalities of starting a business.

However, Active Filings does have some limitations. If you need more comprehensive services like ongoing legal advice, detailed tax help, or extensive state-specific guidance, you may find them lacking. It also doesn’t offer much flexibility in customizing its packages or any marketing and branding services, which some other providers include.

So, if you want a cost-effective, simple solution for business formation and don’t need advanced features, Active Filings is a good option. But if your needs go beyond the basics, explore other services that offer more comprehensive support.

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