LegalZoom sells online legal services: forming an LLC or corporation, registered agent service, trademarks, wills, living trusts, and subscription plans that give access to independent attorneys. The price on a LegalZoom package page is rarely the whole cost, and some products renew automatically.
A LegalZoom order goes well when you buy the tier you actually need, understand which fees are pass-through state charges, and know which parts are subscriptions. LegalZoom is not a substitute for a lawyer on anything complex, and this guide is not legal advice.
Business formation tiers
LegalZoom offers business formation in tiers, from a basic filing to bundles that add an employer identification number (EIN), an operating agreement, compliance reminders and faster processing. Names and contents change, so compare the current LegalZoom tiers line by line.
The basic tier files the formation documents. Most owners can get an EIN free directly from the IRS, which is worth knowing before paying LegalZoom to do it.
An operating agreement is worth having even for a single-member LLC, because banks and partners sometimes ask for one. If a LegalZoom tier includes it, that is a genuine convenience.
Expedited processing speeds up LegalZoom's side of the work, but the state's own processing time still applies. Check your state's usual turnaround before paying for speed.
State fees are separate
Every state charges its own filing fee to form an LLC or corporation, and the amount varies widely. LegalZoom passes that fee through on top of its package price.
Some states also charge annual report fees or franchise taxes after formation. Those are owed to the state whichever LegalZoom tier you bought.
When comparing LegalZoom with another service or with filing yourself, compare the service price only. The state fee is the same whoever files.
Registered agent and other renewals
Most states require a registered agent with an in-state address to receive legal papers. LegalZoom sells this as an annual service, sometimes with a free or discounted first period inside a bundle.
LegalZoom registered agent service and legal or compliance plans typically renew automatically. Note the renewal date and price when you order, and decide in advance whether you want to keep them.
In many states you can act as your own registered agent if you have an in-state address and are reliably there in business hours. The trade-off is privacy, because that address becomes public.
Wills, living trusts and estate plan bundles
A LegalZoom last will names beneficiaries, an executor and guardians for children. It is the cheapest estate document and covers most straightforward situations.
A living trust can let assets pass without probate and keep details private. It only works if you then retitle assets, such as a house or accounts, into the trust. A LegalZoom trust you never fund does little.
LegalZoom estate plan bundles usually add a power of attorney and a healthcare directive. These matter as much as the will, because they cover what happens if you are alive but unable to decide.
Signing rules — witnesses and notarization — vary by state. Follow LegalZoom's signing instructions exactly, or the document may not be valid.
Attorney access and when to hire a lawyer
LegalZoom offers plans that connect you with independent attorneys for consultations and document review. Check what a plan includes, how many matters it covers, and its renewal terms.
Complex situations — blended families, significant assets, business partners with unequal stakes, disputes — call for a lawyer who reviews your specific facts. A LegalZoom questionnaire does not ask every question a lawyer would.
Trademarks
LegalZoom trademark packages include a search and filing the application with the USPTO. Government filing fees are extra and charged per class of goods or services.
A search reduces the risk of refusal but does not guarantee registration. Budget for the time the USPTO takes to examine an application, which can run to many months.
Where the LegalZoom savings are
LegalZoom codes usually apply to LegalZoom's own service fee, not to state filing fees or government charges. On a formation order the saving is a percentage of the package price only.
The name LZEP20 suggests it is aimed at estate plans, while EXTRA20 may apply more widely. Try EXTRA20 first on a business order and LZEP20 on a will or trust bundle; WIRED554 is the fallback if neither applies.
Codes may not cover subscriptions or renewals. If a LegalZoom code fails, check whether the item in the basket is a recurring product.
Decide the tier before using any code. Saving 20% on add-ons you do not need still costs more than the basic LegalZoom tier at full price.
Common questions
Is LegalZoom a law firm?
LegalZoom provides self-help legal documents and access to independent attorneys. It states that its services are not a substitute for a lawyer's advice.
Why is my LegalZoom total higher than the package price?
State filing fees are added on top, and some add-ons are charged separately.
Does LegalZoom registered agent service renew automatically?
Typically yes, each year. Check the renewal date in your LegalZoom account.
Should I choose a will or a living trust?
A will suits most simple estates. A trust suits people wanting to avoid probate, but only once it is funded. Ask a lawyer if unsure.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 20% off | Promo code | View at LegalZoom → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at LegalZoom → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at LegalZoom → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at LegalZoom → |
