Starting my first business wasn’t a walk in the park. As a small business owner, I was confused about where to begin. Being confused doesn’t mean I didn’t know what I wanted to do, NO!. I feared that my business might need many licenses and permits, some of which I didn’t know how to get in the first place.
That was until I heard of LLC formation services from a friend. He described that LLC formation services help small business owners set up a business and run them to ensure they remain compliant.
He mentioned that they are online LLC formation service providers. You register and provide the necessary information on their online platform, and they do the filing. To be honest, the internet is full of professional scammers. I wasn’t ready to lose my money like that.
Two months later, I was still stranded and worried. I decided to research the three business formation companies that my friend had suggested; ZenBusiness, Swyft Filings, and MyCorporation.
If you’re in the same fix I was nine years ago, don’t worry; you have come to the right place-my review of MyCorporation vs. Swyft Filings gives you a more in-depth insight into the two. It represents all the information I gathered when I was doing my research nine years ago (with some polishing).
You can also consider checking my ZenBusiness review and Swyft Filings review to weigh among the three choices.
Related: Best Online LLC Services
Similarities
Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings are similar in several ways. Below, I have highlighted a few;
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Cutting out legal service paperwork
As a business person, you probably value your time very much. The business registration process is a very long and tiresome process that will exhaust your energy and consume much of your time. Paperwork is the reason why thousands of people have trusted LLC formation services to do new business registration for them. If you check Swyft Filings, the first text you will see reads, “Do what you love. We’ll handle the paperwork.” Talk about “Hook, line, and sinker”!
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Offer registered agent service.
During the business registration process, the state requires that the new business must have a registered agent. This agent accepts, handles all the legal documents and communication on behalf of your business.
Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings offer this service to ensure your business complies and remains in good books with the government.
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Have helpful articles and videos to guide business owners.
We all need help at some point, and both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings understand this. Therefore, both have a learning center where they post articles and videos to guide you. These learning centers help you in starting your business and maintaining it without having to strain much.
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Both aim at the small business.
When you have a look at MyCorporation’s official website, the first text you’ll see states, “We’re here for the small business.” The establishment of both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings ensures that businesses have an easy time setting up the small business. These formation firms help you as a budding business owner in coming up with a business structure, getting the legal documents, launching your business, and lastly, keeping it running.
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Offer expert legal advice for every state.
These LLC formation service providers have experts who are conversant with the laws in every state. These experts will guide you through all the legal matters that your business gets involved.
- Customer support. Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings have excellent customer support channels to ensure you have an easy time while completing your registration processes in their panels.
- Customer feedback. These formation firms are both very reputable and have thousands of reviews online. What’s more, their ratings prove that they both have satisfied customers.
Differences
- MyCorporation has been in existence for 23 years while Swyft Filings is nine years old. Their experience may, therefore, vary.
- Swyft Filings charges more for their registered agent at $149 while MyCorporation fee stands at $ 120
- MyCorporation has four plans, while Swyft Filings has three.
- MyCorporation vaguely gives turnaround time, while Swyft Filings is exact.
- MyCorporation offers more business entities than Swyft Filings.
- Swyft filings gives you a personal rep while MyCorporation doesn’t.
Who is MyCorporation
MyCorporation is a 23 years old LLC formation service provider. Ever since the company has been helping new business owners form and maintain business. MyCorporation describes itself as an online leader in business formations, trademarks and copyrights, registered agent services, and many more.
Who are Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings is an LLC service provider formed in 2012 by a lawyer to automate and ease the business filing process. As an online incorporation service, Swyft Filings helps you in reducing the paperwork involved in the process. Apart from helping small business owners form their new businesses, they have additional services to help the company grow and comply with the government.
Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings help business owners file their business documents and reduce the paperwork involved in the process. Apart from that, the two also offer additional services to keep your business growing.
Features
Features of MyCorporation
Company formation
MyCorporation business formation services offer you a wide range of business entities which you can choose. These entities are;
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Limited liability companies
LLC is the most used business entity in the whole of the US. Most business owners love this entity because its structure separates the business liability from their personal assets.
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Corporations
Just like an LLC, corporations protect their shareholders’ personal assets from the liabilities of the business. Unlike an LLC, a corporation’s shareholders choose a board of directors who then legally selects a team to manage the company.
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Canada Corporations
MyCorporation takes care of every legal requirement in the formation and maintaining of a corporation under federal laws. Like other corporations, Canadian corporations enjoy limited liability, corporate tax, and access to grants and capital.
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Non-profit corps.
These are charitable corporations. These corporations under 509(c)(3) don’t pay federal tax and state fees in some states. Therefore, if you intend to form a corporation based on charitable, religious, etc., activities, this is what to choose.
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DBA (fictitious business name).
DBA is an abbreviation of “doing business as.” A DBA is essential in your business if you accept money under a different name.
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Professional Corporations.
It is at times called personal services corporation. They are majorly popular amongst the registered professionals. They are similar to the usual corporations, but they have to meet specific standards.
For example, all the shareholders, directors, and officers of the corporation must belong to the same profession and have proof of good stand.
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What businesses should form a professional corporation
Although this may vary from state to state, generally, a professional corporation should be formed by people who offer professional services that require licensing from the state.
Below are some of the professional services;
- Medical services
- Legal services(lawyers)
- Accounting and financial services
- Engineering services(architectural)
What are the benefits of Filing a professional corporation?
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- There’s limited liability of the owners from debts and legal obligations.
- Protects the owners from other owners’ malpractice; this is ideal for doctors and engineers.
- The corporation can sell shares to raise its capital.
Ease of registration
MyCorporation process is short and precise. The process will take you a maximum of 10 minutes to go through. Unlike other LLC service providers, MyCorporation doesn’t have a lot of upsells and third-party recommendations. The navigation bar shows you the progress of the registration process.
Services
Below are some of the services offered by MyCorporation in the registration process.
Annual report
The annual report shows information about the business on activities, current contact information, current location, and information about the managers or owners. In most states, this information requires annual updates. MyCorporation will make the annual reports for you at a fee of $99.
Registered agent service
Registered agent service is essential, and it is a requirement in the 50 US states. Registered agent service acts as the representative of the company on legal matters. They handle legal and official documentation on behalf of the business. MyCorporation offers to act as your registered agent service by keeping your business compliant with the necessary documents. MyCorporation provides this service at an annual fee of $120.
Maintaining MyBiz
This service is an ideal corporate maintenance package for your business. This package is available in the premium package. However, if you want it to be an add-on, it will cost you an annual fee of $250.
Rush Filing
This service is for you if you want the business registration to be fast. With this service, you will save up to 85% of the standard turnabout time. With this arrangement, your documents are put ahead of the line. This service will cost you a one-time fee of $185.
Initial report
The initial report gives general information about the owners and managers of the business, the business’s address, and the registered agent of the company. The service costs $99.
Employer identification number
Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit number given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business uniquely. It is a requirement by law for your business to have the Employer Identification Number. MyCorporation will register your business with the IRS for a fee of $79.
Customized operating agreement
An operating agreement is like a blueprint of how your business will run. MyCorporation will create a customized operating agreement to include the standard documents and the required member certificates. This service costs $59.
Corporation Election
With this service, your business enjoys sole-proprietorship and partnership taxations. This service costs $49.
Business License Compliance Package
Some companies need special licenses and permits, while others don’t. For example, if your business is selling firearms, you will need additional licensing from the state and the federal government allowing you to do so. Therefore, this package involves the research and preparation of the necessary license requirements for your business. Additionally, this package takes care of all the forms you need to ensure you’re compliant. This package costs $149.
Do It Yourself Online Logo Maker
Your business needs a logo for self-identity. This package gives you online logo maker tools that are easy to use and do not require design skills. This service costs $39.95
State Unemployment Insurance
State Unemployment insurance filings are needed when you hire employees. You must fill this insurance in every state where your business has an employee. This service will cost you $150+ state filing fees annually.
State Income Tax (SIT) Withholding
You are required to pay state income withholding tax concerning the payrolls of your employees. MyCorporation prepares all the needed documents and then files to obtain the SIT. This service costs an annual fee of $150+ state fees.
Sales and Use Tax (SUT)
Sales and Use Tax is a requirement when starting a new business. MyCorporation will file and obtain the sales and use tax for your business. This service will cost you $150+ state filing fees.
Elite Kit
The elite kit is a professional binder that retains and keeps all your corporate documents for easy access and back up. This service will cost you a one-time fee of $100.
Seal and Embosser
MyCorporation will make you an official seal that you can use in all your corporate and business documents. This service will cost you $40.
Swyft Filings Review
Features
Company Formation
Swyft Filings, as an online LLC service provider, offers Limited Liability Company formation and other formations like S-corporation, C-corporation, and non-profit. Let’s get to understand these business entities.
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Limited Liability Company.
LLC is probably one of the most popular business entities among others. A Limited Liability Company protects its owner(members) from the liabilities of the company. It separates the business assets from the owner’s liabilities. LLCs undergo “pass-through” taxation, which means the company’s income taxes show the owner’s tax return.
2. C-Corporation.
Corporations offer owner’s separations of liabilities between the company and the owners of the business. What’s more, they enable the business to raise capital using publicly traded stocks. However, the C corporation has many formal requirements in the formation structure, where Swyft Filings comes in.
3. S-Corporation.
It is similar to C corporation with a few differences. The main difference is that owners of an S corporation undergo “pass-through” taxation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This exempts the owners of an S corporation from double tax. This “pass-through” taxation is not by default, but the S corp must request it by Filing form 2553 with the IRS after a successful formation.
4. Non-profit.
These corporations’ main goal is to serve or provide certain benefits of the organization to the public. Owners of a non-profit corporation also enjoy limited liability protection.
Ease of Registration
This registration process can utmost take you 15minutes. It is very easy to sign-up, choose a package and fill out the forms.
However, there are some upsells and many extra services, making the process a little exhausting.
Services
Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Your business needs to be identified by the Internal Revenue Service, which is why you need a Tax EID(Employer Identification Number). Without this EIN, you cannot open an account for your business or even hire employees. Swyft Filings helps you save time by obtaining the federal tax id number at the cost of $70.
Custom LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legally recognized document, and it guides the management of a business. This document is vital because it protects the owners from the liabilities of the company. Swyft Filings customizes the operating agreement to match your business at a fee of $35.
Custom Banking Resolution
Custom banking resolution is a necessity when you’re opening a business bank account. A banking resolution lists the representatives who are authorized to open the bank account and also make transactions. Swyft Filings customizes a banking resolution to match your business’s information for a one-time fee of $30.
Custom Organizational Minutes
An organizational meeting is the first meeting when members of a limited liability company meet. The minutes recorded in this meeting are called organization minutes.
Before conducting this meeting, you should have the articles of organization and an operating agreement. Swyft Filings will customize the organizational minutes according to your company’s information for $25
Electronic Delivery of State Documents
Swyft Filings can avail the legal documents online to download via your account as soon as they receive them from the state for $20.
Digital Corporate Kit
The digital corporate kit helps you access several tools to help you with compliance. The tools include a company seal, 20 customized stock certificates, and an ownership ledger. The digital corporate kit will cost you $99.
Express Filing Time
Express filing quickens the process of filing. The charges of this service depending on the state you’re incorporating your business. For example, if you’re in Delaware, the cost of Express Filing time is $100, and the time is three days. However, if you’re interested in the Rush Filing time, the price is $150, and the formation will be in one business day.
Registered Agent Service
The registered agent service receives any formal communication from the government agencies to your business. Swyft Filings provides this service to all registered organizations professionally. What’s more, they are available in all 50 states. This service costs you $149.
Business License and Permits Package
This package helps you obtain any needed license to operate your business. Some businesses need permits and licenses to operate legally. Swyft Filings has a team of professionals who will do the research to determine which licenses are required.
Additionally, the team will help you acquire all the licenses and permits from the federal government, state, and local authorities. They will handle the paperwork for you at the cost of $99.
Minutes Manager
For your business to stay compliant, you need to conduct meetings after a certain period. The only proof that you have held a session can only be minutes. Writing minutes after every board meeting, special meeting, members meeting, or shareholder meeting can be a pain in the neck. Swyft Filings minutes manager makes it super-easy by writing them for you. This service costs $60.
Seller’s Permit (sales tax ID)
Seller’s permit allows you to collect sales taxes from the sales you make. You can only receive your seller’s permit through your state. Swyft Filings comes in and helps you in obtaining the seller’s permit or applying for exemptions. Swyft Filings offers this help at the cost of $129.
Corporate By-laws and Resolutions
Corporate by-laws and shareholders’ agreements show a lot of formality in a business and shield the owners even more from its liabilities. What’s more, if the company has two owners, these laws and agreements explain how the two should part ways without involving the court in their mess.
MyCorporation vs. Swyft Filings- comparison
Pricing
Let’s face it; prices are a matter of concern to everyone. You want to be sure you can afford the costs before you even think about something else. We shall look at MyCorporation vs. Swyft Filings and identify which pricing plans are affordable and what you get when you purchase them; generally, what’s the value for money.
MyCorporation, unlike other LLC formation service providers, they have four packages; basic, standard, deluxe, and premium. Each formation package has a different feature, as seen below.
Basic
This plan filing fee is $99 plus additional state fees. Here you’ll get;
- Articles of incorporation + Business documents
- Name check
- Mycorp vault document storage
Standard
The filing fee is $124 plus the state filing fee. In this plan, you will get all the services in the basic plan plus the following;
- Annual report
Deluxe
The filing fee is $224 plus the additional state fees. Here, you will get all the services in the basic plan, the standard plan, and the following;
- A registered agent services
Premium
This plan costs $324 plus the additional state fees. In this plan, you will get all the services in the basic plan, standard plan, deluxe plan, and the following.
- MaintainMyBiz
Additionally, you can choose the plan you would love and then customize it to serve you best.
Swyft Filings, on the other hand, has three packages. What makes Swyft Filings more ideal for small businesses is that it allows you to pay in two installments. Below are the packages and what you get in each;
Basic
This plan costs $49 plus the state filing fee. Here is what you get;
- Company name availability and verification
- Articles of organization preparation
- Filing with the state secretary
- Free statement of the organizer
- Online access to your incorporation documents
- Life customer support (phone and email)
- Free 30minute consultation on business tax
- Alerts on ComplianceGuard Company
- A domain name for free
Standard
This plan costs $149 plus state fees. You will get all the services of the basic plan plus;
- Obtain Federal Tax ID(EIN)
- LLC Operating Agreement
- LLC Banking Resolution
- Organizational Minutes
Premium
This plan costs $299 plus state fees. You will get all the services of the basic plan, the standard, plus the following;
- Electronic Delivery of state documents.
- Custom made Digital LLC Kit.
- Free Business Website and Domain Hosting.
- Standard and express filing
- Tracking
Swyft Filings allows you to choose any of the plans and customize them by adding any service that suits you best.
It is worth noting that MyCorporation and Swyft Filings have very competitive services. If you are not on a budget, the MyCorporation LLC formation service can be on your options list. However, if you are on a tight budget, Swyft Filings is the best option. MyCorporation packages are costly compared to Swyft Filings.
Winner: Swyft Filings
Employer Identification Number
Employer Identification Number is a 9-digit number which is given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). IRS uses this number to identify your business uniquely. Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings offer this service.
MyCorporation charges $79 for the Employer Identification Number. This service is an additional service; you can purchase it independently of the package you buy.
Swyft Filings
The cost of getting an Employer Identification Number through Swyft Filings is $70. Swyft Filings offers the service when you purchase either the standard or a premium package. However, you can also buy the service independently for $79.
However, there is a difference in cost. Swyft Filings enables you to get the EIN at a lower price when you buy a package than MyCorporation.
It’s not a legal requirement to obtain an Employer Identification Number through an LLC formation service company. You can apply for the EIN without the help of an LLC formation service. It is a legal requirement for any new business to have an employer identification number. Without EIN, you will miss the following benefits;
- Hire employees.
- Open a business bank account.
- Build trust with investors.
Winner: Swyft Filings
Business License and Compliance Package
Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings offer business licenses and compliance package. This package helps you obtain the necessary permits and approvals for your business. Some businesses require permits while others don’t. For example, a firearm business requires permits and licenses.
Doing a business without the necessary licenses puts you at the risk of being fined or your business shut down. Below are some benefits of a business license;
- They ensure the business is accountable for its actions.
- They track the business’ activities.
- They give you personal protection.
- Give you access to information.
Below are the offers of MyCorporation and Swyft Filings business on licenses on permits.
MyCorporation offers a business license compliance package at $149. The cost takes care of the research and obtaining of the licenses needed. MyCorporation provides this service as an optional service at the checkout when buying either of the packages. You can also buy the service independently.
Swyft Filings helps you research and obtain business licenses and permits for $99. Like MyCorporation, the fees take care of the research involved and help you get the necessary licenses. Swyft Filings offers this as an additional service.
MyCorporation costs are higher than those of Swyft Filings. If you are tight on budget, Swyft Filings is the best option.
Winner: Swyft Filings
Registered Agent Service
A registered agent is a link between your business and the government agencies. It is a legal requirement that every business must have a registered agent. What’s more, a company cannot be its registered agent. So, who can be a registered agent?
Who can be a registered agent?
There are no special requirements as to who can be a registered agent. Below are the necessities to being a registered agent, although they may change depending on the state.
- Must be above 18years.
- Must have a physical address in the state they want to act as registered agents.
- Must always be available during business hours at the said physical address.
Benefits of a Registered Agent Service
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Privacy.
A registered agent handles all the legal matters from the government. Being your company’s registered agent risks your confidentiality in cases where a government official storms your business. As a result, you will risk the reputation of your business.
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Professionalism.
Registered agent services have been doing this for years. Therefore, you can trust them to do the job right than an employee or a family member.
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Physical addresses in multiple states.
Therefore, even if your business operates in different states, you can use one registered agent. Having one registered agent helps in centralizing your company information.
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Promptness.
Some of the information served to registered agents requires urgency. Some of these issues include lawsuits. Therefore, you can probably trust a registered agent service will be urgent in relaying the info that a family member or an employee.
Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings offer registered agent services by charging an annual fee. Let’s compare them.
MyCorporation acts as your registered agent for $120, which is subject to annual renewal. As your registered agent, MyCorporation will be accepting your legal and official documents passing them to you, the business owner. You can get this service when you purchase deluxe or premium plans. However, you can also buy them independently of the packages.
Swyft Filings charges you $149 for the registered agent service. They provide professional registered agent services in all 50 states. You can purchase this service independently of the package you buy.
MyCorporation offers registered agent services at a lower price compared to Swyft Filings. If you’re on a budget, MyCorporation could be the best way to go. It is important to note that some LLC formation services offer free registered agent service. E.g., Zenbusiness.
Winner: MyCorporation
Customer Support
When choosing either of the two, considering customer support is very important. It shows how concerned an LLC formation service is to its customer.
MyCorporation offers customer support through two channels; email and phone call. Their phone call support is available starting at 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Under rare circumstances, will their phone call go unanswered? The email is responsive and working. Mostly, any email won’t surpass 24 hours unanswered.
Swyft Filings provides customer support via three channels; email, phone call, and chat. They have a very reliable team available from 9 am to 6 pm all weekdays. The email response is prompt. What’s more, Swyft Filing assigns a personal business specialist to customers whenever they sign up. This specialist is accessible to give you business and legal advice and hence to save time.
Winner: Swyft Filings
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews show the level of satisfaction to the customer who they have served. They are very vital in determining the level of trust you can give to a formation company. The higher the number of satisfied customers, the higher the confidence.
Both MyCorporation and Swyft Filings have an excellent reputation, but there is a notable difference between them.
MyCorporation enjoys high ratings and very positive reviews due to their excellent services and customer support. Although they have a few low ratings, over 89% of the reviews were 4-stars and above. Below is a note from a happy customer on TrustPilot.
Despite Swyft Filings starting a decade after MyCorporation, Swyft Filings has a high number of reviews. They have over 30,000 customer reviews online. The level of interaction I have always had with my business specialist is, without a doubt, exceptional. Here’s a comment from a satisfied customer on TrustPilot.
Experience
Suppose you’re like me, how long a company has been in existence, defines its experience, and significantly contributes to choosing its services. Chances are, if the company has been in existence for years and served thousands of customers, they will serve you well too.
MyCorporation has been in existence for over twenty years helping business owners form and maintain their business. This LLC formation provider has been working with the 50 states in the United States to ensure you have a smooth filing process. Over the years, they have helped in forming and growing over 1million new businesses.
Swyft Filings have over 20,000 reviews online, with over 93% rating above 4-stars. Having been formed a decade and a half after MyCorporation, Swyft Filings are undoubtedly doing well. Considering reviews found online, ratings, and experience, MyCorporation beats Swyft Filings without a doubt.
Winner: MyCorporation
Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is essential, especially when you have tight deadlines. There is this time when you want your business up and running in a week, or perhaps you want a specific license in a day or two. Knowing the turnaround time will keep you in the know on when to expect your documents filed.
MyCorporation does not have a specific turnaround time on when the filing will be through. Their rush filing does not give a particular time in days or weeks when you should expect the process done. They seem to have less control over the process. They only mention the state fee, and that’s it.
Swyft Filings gives you specific figures, which range from weeks to several business days. The LLC filing process depends on how first a state can process orders. What will amuse you more about Swyft Filing is that they can even process orders in a single business day in some states.
For example, when you are filing your business in California, you will wait for 15 business days for your order to be processed in standard filing time. However, you can also pay a $50 fee in the express filing time, and your filing time will be five business days.
Comparing between the two, Swyft Filings is more preferred because of the high turnaround time, which is even more specified. MyCorporation offers you an opportunity to speed up the processing, but they do not show you how much. Generally, I would, and perhaps most people prefer a more specified period.
MyCorporation vs. Swyft Filings – Pros and Cons
MyCorporation
Pros
- MyCorporation has indeed immersed expertise with its 22 years of experience.
- Over 89% of customers’ reviews are positive and above four-stars.
- They offer registered agent service at a lower price.
- The application process is easy to use
- They have responsive and unlimited customer support.
Cons
- They have costly formation packages.
- They do not offer a specified turnaround time.
Swyft Filings
Pros
- Fantastic customer support with access to the same personal business specialist
- Quick and specified turnaround time
- Affordable formation packages
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Has a payment plan of 2 installments
- Electronic Delivery of documents
Cons
- It doesn’t offer free registered agent service but instead provides at a high cost
- There is a lot of upselling
FAQs
1. Do you have to use a service to form an LLC?
No. You can do it yourself, but an LLC service’s benefits are far better than the DIY process. You might get mixed up along the way and get stuck. Remember, the process is tedious, and you might miss some essential requirements.
2. How much does Swyft Filings charge for an LLC?
The charges associated with incorporation are different across all the companies providing the business formation service. One determinant is the state fee, processing speed, and other additional services.
With Swyft Filings, they charge $49 0n the basic package. The other plans upgrade the basic formation plan, and you are charged $149 and $299, respectively.
3. Does using an LLC service give me more legal protection or privacy?
An LLC offers protection against liability in the company. This is great since personal assets are protected.
Conclusion
MyCorporation has been in existence for over 20 years and has served over one million customers. Therefore, they have a good reputation and years of experience in the business formation service field. On the other hand, Swyft Filings offers very affordable services and even accommodates a payment plan. Their customer support is impressive, mainly because of the personal business specialist one gets.
Despite their competitive benefits, they both excel differently. You should;
Choose MyCorporation if:
- You want an LLC formation service company with years of experience in business formation.
- You want unlimited customer support.
- Want an easy-to-follow application with fewer upsells.
Choose Swyft Filings if:
- You would love to have a personal business specialist for free.
- You want a quick and specified turnaround time.
- You’re looking for cheap and affordable services.