Quick answer
The cheapest LLC formation service is not always the cheapest total LLC setup. State fees are separate, registered agent service may renew annually, EIN help can be an add-on, and compliance products may continue after year one.
| Checkout line | What to check | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | Is it included in the advertised price or added later? | Low package price can be misleading. |
| Registered agent | What is the renewal price next year? | Annual cost surprise. |
| EIN help | Do you need paid help or can you apply yourself? | Paying for a free IRS process. |
| Rush filing | Does the state actually process faster? | Paying for speed you may not need. |
| Compliance package | What filings does it include? | Recurring subscription you forget about. |
Good cheap vs bad cheap
Good cheap means clear state fees, clear renewal pricing, useful documents, and no confusing checkout. Bad cheap means the headline price is low but the total first-year cost jumps after required or heavily pushed add-ons.