Active Filings vs BetterLegal

(March 2025)

In This Article

Our Verdict

When choosing between Active Filings and BetterLegal, Active Filings stands out as the superior choice if you value comprehensive service and reliability. With its extensive range of offerings and long-standing industry presence, Active Filings provides a depth of expertise that is particularly beneficial if you require more than just basic formation services. Its strong reputation and flexible service packages cater to your diverse needs, making it an excellent choice if you might face complex state regulations or require additional compliance management.

Active Filings excels with its personalized approach and tailored solutions, ensuring you receive the precise support you need throughout the business formation process. The company’s extensive state-specific knowledge, especially in popular incorporation destinations like Delaware and Nevada, offers an added layer of confidence and professionalism.

BetterLegal excels in providing a streamlined, cost-effective solution with transparent pricing and fast processing times. Its user-friendly platform and focus on simplicity cater well to small businesses and startups looking for an efficient and budget-friendly setup.

For entrepreneurs and business owners who seek a reliable partner with a proven track record, Active Filings stands out as a dependable choice. It combines robust service options with excellent customer support, making it an ideal fit for those who appreciate a thorough and well-rounded service experience. If you prioritize comprehensive support, expertise, and a trusted provider, Active Filings is the way to go.

Why Choose Active Filings

Who Active Filings is best for

Active Filings is a great choice for you if you:

  • Need a wide range of services, including formation, compliance management, and additional features like registered agent services
  • Value a provider with a strong reputation and years of industry experience
  • Plan to incorporate in states known for their business-friendly regulations
  • Prefer having the option to select from various service packages based on your specific needs

Who Active Filings isn’t right for

Active Filings might not be a good fit for you if you:

  • Are seeking the most budget-friendly option with minimal services
  • Require exceptionally rapid processing times
  • Prefer a more streamlined, simplified service with fewer options and lower costs

Why Choose BetterLegal

Who BetterLegal is best for

Who BetterLegal is best for

BetterLegal is ideal for you if you:

  • Are looking for an easy and straightforward process to set up your business without unnecessary complexity
  • Own a small business or are starting a new venture and need cost-effective, transparent services
  • Need a fast turnaround for business formation and compliance
  • Prefer a digital-first approach with a modern, user-friendly interface

Who BetterLegal isn’t right for

BetterLegal might not be a good choice for you if:

  • Require a wide range of additional services or more complex compliance management
  • Need specialized knowledge or services for specific states, especially those with unique regulations
  • Value personalized, high-touch service with extensive one-on-one support

Active Filings Vs BetterLegal: Main Differences

 

Active Filings

BetterLegal

Ideal for

  • Best for businesses seeking a comprehensive range of formation and compliance services with an established provider.
  • Best for small businesses or startups that prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and transparent pricing.

Pricings

  •  Offers competitive pricing with various service packages that may include multiple features bundled together. Costs can vary based on the complexity of services and any additional features you select.
  • Provides clear, upfront pricing with transparent cost structures. The pricing is generally straightforward with fewer upselling opportunities.

Support

  • Known for providing reliable customer support with assistance available via phone, email, and potentially other channels.
  •  Offers responsive customer support through multiple channels such as phone, email, and chat.

International services

  • Provides services that can support international business needs, including guidance on foreign qualifications and compliance for businesses operating outside their home state.
  •  Primarily focuses on U.S. business formation and compliance, with less emphasis on international services.

Service speed

  •  Aims to process business formation documents efficiently, but actual processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the services required and state-specific requirements.
  • Platform is designed to handle business formation and compliance tasks quickly, with an emphasis on rapid document preparation and filing.

Availability

  • Provides business formation services across all 50 U.S. states, including Washington D.C.
  • Also operates across all 50 U.S. states, including Washington D.C.

Active Filings Vs BetterLegal: Stand Out Features

Active Filings

  • LLC Formation:

Active Filings assists you in establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This involves handling the preparation and filing of the necessary documents to create your LLC in any state. The service includes drafting and filing Articles of Organization, and providing guidance through the entire setup process.

  • Corporation Formation:

If you need to form a corporation, Active Filings provides support for both S Corporations and C Corporations. The process includes preparing and filing Articles of Incorporation, drafting bylaws, and ensuring that all state-specific requirements are met.

  • Nonprofit Formation:

For those looking to establish a nonprofit organization, Active Filings offers services tailored to creating and registering nonprofit entities. This includes handling the paperwork required for nonprofit status and compliance with relevant regulations.

  • Annual Service:

Active Filings includes registered agent services in its formation packages. This means that Active Filings will act as your official point of contact for receiving legal documents, such as lawsuits and government notices, and will forward these documents to you. This service helps ensure that important documents are handled promptly and securely.

  • Annual Report Filing:

To keep your business in good standing, Active Filings offers assistance with the preparation and filing of annual reports. This helps ensure that your business complies with state requirements and avoids any penalties for late or missing filings.

  • Business License and Permits:

Active Filings supports you in obtaining the necessary business licenses and permits required to operate legally within your industry and location. This includes researching and applying for local, state, and federal licenses as needed.

  • Articles of Incorporation/Organization:

When forming a new business, Active Filings prepares and files the foundational documents required to establish your entity. This includes Articles of Incorporation for corporations or Articles of Organization for LLCs.

  • Operating Agreements and Bylaws:

Active Filings provides templates and support for creating essential internal documents such as operating agreements for LLCs and bylaws for corporations. These documents outline the management structure and operational guidelines for your business.

  • Tax ID Number:

Active Filings assists with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This number is crucial for tax purposes, opening a business bank account, and hiring employees. Active Filings handles the application process to ensure you receive your EIN efficiently.

  • Business Address:

Active Filings offers virtual office services, including the provision of a business address for your company. This can be used for receiving correspondence and legal documents, adding a layer of professionalism to your business operations.

  • Business Amendments:

If changes need to be made to your business entity, such as altering the business name, address, or structure, Active Filings provides services to handle these amendments. This ensures that your business records remain up-to-date and compliant with state regulations.

  • Dissolution Services:

Should you decide to close your business, Active Filings assists with the formal dissolution process. This includes preparing and filing the necessary documents to officially dissolve your entity and ensure that all legal obligations are met.

  • Formation for Foreign Nationals:

For international entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the U.S., Active Filings offers specialized services. This includes guidance on the specific requirements for non-U.S. residents and assistance with the formation process in compliance with U.S. laws.

  • DBA (Doing Business As) Registration:

If you want to operate your business under a different name than your legal business name, Active Filings helps with the registration of a DBA name. This service ensures that your business name is officially recognized and registered.

  • Apostille Services:

Active Filings provides apostille services for business documents that need to be certified for international use. This is particularly useful for entrepreneurs dealing with international clients or conducting business abroad.

BetterLegal

  • LLC Formation:

BetterLegal assists you in establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) by handling all the necessary paperwork and filings. This includes preparing and submitting the Articles of Organization and ensuring compliance with state-specific regulations. BetterLegal aims to simplify the process with a user-friendly platform and clear guidance.

  • Corporation Formation:

If you’re forming a corporation, BetterLegal offers services for both S Corporations and C Corporations. This involves drafting and filing the Articles of Incorporation and providing initial corporate bylaws. BetterLegal ensures that all requirements are met to set up your corporation correctly.

  • Registered Agent Services:

BetterLegal includes registered agent services in its formation packages. The registered agent acts as your official point of contact for receiving legal documents, such as service of process and government notifications, and forwards these documents to you. This service is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring that you do not miss important legal notices.

  • Privacy Protection:

By using BetterLegal’s registered agent services, you can keep your personal address private. The registered agent’s address is used on public records, which helps protect your privacy and keeps your home address from being publicly listed.

  • Annual Report Filing:

BetterLegal helps you stay compliant with state regulations by assisting with the filing of annual reports. This ensures that your business remains in good standing and avoids penalties for missed filings.

  • Ongoing Compliance Alerts:

BetterLegal provides compliance alerts and reminders to help you manage important deadlines and requirements, such as annual report filings and other state-mandated documentation.

  • Business License and Permit Assistance:

BetterLegal helps you identify and obtain the necessary licenses and permits required for your specific industry and location. This includes conducting a thorough search to ensure that you meet all local, state, and federal licensing requirements.

  • Business Amendments:

BetterLegal assists with making changes to your business entity, such as updating the business name, address, or structure. This service ensures that your business records are current and compliant with state regulations.

  • Dissolution Services:

If you need to close your business, BetterLegal offers services to handle the formal dissolution process, including preparing and filing the necessary documents to officially dissolve your entity.

Active Filings Vs BetterLegal: Pros & Cons

Active Filings

  • Simplifies business formatting processes, reducing the need for multiple service providers
  • Has been operating for several years, contributing to its reputation as a reliable service provider in business formation
  • Packages typically include essential services at a competitive rate, providing good value for the investment
  • Access to customer service helps address any issues or concerns that arise during the setup of your business
  • Supports business growth, with options for adding extra services or making updates as your business evolves
  • May not offer as many specialized services or advanced options as some competitors, which could be a limitation if you need tailored solutions
  • Online tools and resources provided by Active Filings might not be as advanced or user-friendly as those offered by other providers, potentially making the process less convenient

BetterLegal

  • Offers a streamlined and easy-to-navigate online platform, making it simple for you to set up and manage your business formation and compliance needs
  • Provides transparent pricing with clear, upfront costs for its services, helping you avoid unexpected fees and making budgeting easier
  • Services are designed with small businesses in mind, offering solutions that cater specifically to the needs of entrepreneurs and startups
  • Focus on core services might limit options for businesses with more complex or unique needs
  • Might be limited options for customizing services to fit unique business needs or complex scenarios

Active Filings Vs BetterLegal: Customer Reviews

Active Filings generally receives positive reviews for its personalized customer service and the variety of services offered. Customers appreciate the company’s attention to detail and the guidance provided throughout the incorporation process. The primary criticisms often revolve around the website’s outdated design and occasional upselling, which some users find off-putting.

BetterLegal also enjoys positive feedback, particularly for its speed and simplicity. Users frequently praise the company for making the business formation process quick and painless. The flat-fee pricing is another highlight, with customers appreciating the transparency and lack of hidden costs. However, some users have noted that the lack of personalized support can be a drawback, particularly for those unfamiliar with the business formation process.

Active Filings Vs BetterLegal: Competitors

  • Incfile (Now Bizee)

Incfile stands out for its cost-effectiveness, offering free LLC formation services with just state fees required. It provides a user-friendly platform that guides you through the formation process and includes one year of free registered agent service with each package. However, you may encounter upselling during the process, and some customers report slower response times from customer support.

  • LegalZoom

LegalZoom is a well-known name in the legal services industry, offering a broad range of services beyond business formation, such as ongoing legal support and trademark registration. Its extensive range of services and strong reputation can be appealing, but its higher prices and sometimes impersonal customer service might not suit everyone’s needs.

  • ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness combines affordability with comprehensive service offerings, including essential services like operating agreement templates and compliance reminders in its packages. It is praised for its excellent customer support and user-friendly experience. However, it might not offer as many niche or advanced services as some competitors.

  • Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent emphasizes straightforward business formation and exceptional customer service. It includes registered agent services in its packages and is known for its privacy protection policies. While its focus on simplicity is a strength, it may not provide as many advanced or specialized services as other competitors.

Pro Tips

  • Take the time to evaluate each service carefully. While speed is important, ensuring you choose the right service for your specific needs is even more crucial
  • Compare what is included in the base price versus what might be offered as add-ons or at additional costs
  • Research customer reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the provider’s reliability, customer service quality, and overall satisfaction
  • Test the customer support before committing by reaching out with questions or concerns to assess the quality of their responses and assistance
  • Choose a provider that offers flexibility in its services
  • Look for providers that offer proactive compliance support, including notifications and assistance to help you stay on top of regulatory requirements
  • If possible, try out the provider’s online platform or tools before committing

Recap

When comparing Active Filings and BetterLegal, both offer robust business formation and compliance services, but each caters to different needs. Active Filings is known for its comprehensive service packages and established reputation, making it a reliable choice for those seeking an experienced provider with a wide range of services.

BetterLegal, on the other hand, stands out for its user-friendly platform, transparent pricing, and focus on small business needs. While Active Filings provides extensive features and established credibility, BetterLegal excels in simplicity and cost transparency. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a broad range of services or a streamlined, cost-effective solution.

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