When I first wanted to start an online business, I found that there was a mountain to climb as far as learning and technical jargon is concerned. In fact, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Like most people in that situation, I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.
On the one hand, I was eager to open my first franchise while feeling frustrated by all the hoops I had to jump through to get things started. I must say, I was on the cusp of giving up. Thank goodness I didn’t.
This was nine years ago. If this sounds familiar, my advice to you is, “DON’T GIVE UP.” There are numerous challenges in the initial stages, but once everything falls into place, it’ll be smooth sailing- at least most of the time.
Like with most jurisdictions, any business owner looking to set up shop in the US is required by law to register the entity. This can be achieved by filing for an LLC, Corporation, or Non-profit.
Currently, countless LLC formation firms are offering such services. Unfortunately, all of them are not the same- I learned this the hard way. A word of caution, though, these firms are not to be taken as a substitute for an attorney.
If you find yourself facing litigation, then consult a lawyer for the best legal advice. Other than that, these firms are more than capable of handling your incorporation needs-from conducting business name searches, drawing an operating agreement, business structure, and much more.
One good example of such a company is Swyft Filings. In this Swyft Filings LLC review, I will be taking you through their incorporation service while sharing my personal experience with the firm. In the end, I hope that you will find value in this and ultimately avoid making similar mistakes I did back then.
Related: Best Online LLC Formation Service | ZenBusines Review | Corpnet Review | LegalZoom Review | MyCorporation Review | LegalNature Review | IncFile Review | Should You Incorporate?
Swyft Filing Review- Background
First opened in 2012, Swift Filings is a web-based business formation service provider. The agency is owned by a seasoned attorney who saw the need to revolutionize the business formation process by automating the filing process.
Ultimately, this makes it easier for small business owners to launch a company in all 50 states without retaining an attorney’s services, with the accompanying high legal fees.
Swyft Filings understands that entrepreneurs, at times, operate on a shoestring budget. Hence, the legal advice was designed to aid get your business up and running smoothly, efficiently, and affordably.
No matter where your business is located or which industry you are in, their business incorporation specialists will take you through the incorporation process with utmost attention, ensuring you understand each step.
As a Swyft Filings customer, you have the company’s 100% money-back guarantee if you are not pleased with their service. Despite going head-to-head against veteran business formation service providers like Corp Net, the firm has managed to prove it’s worth the salt.
Swyft Filings Review- Entity Types
Like any typical LLC formation service provider, the agency allows the formation of 4 business entities. These are:
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Limited Liability Company-LLC
In the US, more businesses form as an LLC than any other entity. Setting up an LLC is wise as it protects your personal assets from the business’ liabilities and debts. Additionally, LLCs are generally taxed on a pass-through basis and have minimal formalities like other business structures.
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C-Corporation
Like an LLC, C-Corporations offer similar personal liability and shields your personal assets. Apart from this, you can raise capital, enjoy unlimited owners, and have the option to sell shares.
Swyft Filings’ business specialists handle all the legal paperwork, leaving you to focus on growing your business.
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S-Corporation
A good portion of small businesses operates as an S-Corp. You get to enjoy personal asset protection, pass-through taxation, which means taxes are paid at an individual tax rate rather than a corporate tax rate. Both C & S corporations are great if you are looking to raise capital and offer shares to the public.
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Non-profit
The world moves on the backs of generosity and kindness. Each year Americans donate billions of dollars to charities and non-profits. Much like with other formal business, those that run non-profits need the liability protection offered by non-profits.
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DBA
DBA is an abbreviation for- Doing Business As. This business entity is right for a sole proprietor. Picking the right DBA name can significantly impact your business, as this is how clients locate and recognize you.
DBA’s offer increased credibility, helps with the branding process, allows for multiple names, and makes the opening of a business bank account more effortless.
Swyft Filings – Product Features
Like most incorporation companies, Swyft Filing three LLC formation packages- Basic, Standard, and premium. Please note that Swyft Filing has a cunning arrangement of these packages on their webpage.
Unlike other providers who begin with the least expensive to the most expensive package, they start with the latter. Hence, if you are not cautious, you will pick the premium when you intend to go with the basic plan.
Getting Started
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Step-1
The first step to registering your new business is to choose the business entity. To do this, click on the “Entity type.” We’ve already covered this. You have LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, Non-profit, and DBA. You will also have to pick your desired state for incorporation. Once this is done, click on “Next.”
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Step-2
As previously stated, you need to be cautious here; otherwise, it’ll cost you-Swyft File offer three packages designed to cater to all your needs. Pick on a package that best fits your business needs.
I opted for the “Basic” package for my LLC, to be incorporated in Delaware- thanks to its business-friendly statute and law courts. Right off the bat, Swyft Filings offers one of the lowest entry-level packages in the industry- at $49 + state fees.
All three packages offer:
- Lifetime customer support
- Real-time online order status tracking
- Dedicated accounting to access all of your documents.
- Our 100% money-back guarantee
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Step-3
Fill in your contact details. This information will be used to inform you of the progress. Ensure that the details match those on your official documents.
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Step-4
Step five involves filling up your business name. While it’s always best to conduct a name search before commencing the business formation (to secure a name ASAP), Swyft Filings will do the name search on your behalf.
In addition to filing the name, you will need to choose your business category and briefly describe what the business is all about.
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Step-5
Enter the physical business address of your company. Please note that this does not refer to a PO Box. Try and avoid using home addresses- for privacy reasons. Once more, Swyft Filings has your back; you can get a whole year of FREE business stress address.
But after that, you’ll have to part with $29/month. I opted to go with the FREE first year. It’s more professional compared to a residential address.
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Step-6
While incorporating a business, you need to draw an LLC operating agreement detailing the structure. So, who will manage the business? The owner, or will it be managed by a team? Fill in their names, respectively.
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Step-7
Incorporated businesses are mandated by law to have a registered agent on file with the state. This is someone you designate to receive any official state documents- including banking resolution, tax, and legal documents.
Once more, you have the option of appointing your own agent, or they could provide the registered agent service, at a fee, of course- $149 to be exact! This is much higher than other incorporation firms.
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Step-8
This is what I like about Swyft Filings. They have a suite of tools that genuinely make running a business easier on your end. Step ten is all about the necessary permits and licenses you require in a particular state before getting the go-ahead.
They have a “Business license and permits package” that will give you insight into the licenses, permits, and tax registration. All this for $99. Alternatively, you could go the DYI route and save $99.
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Step-9
One thing that’s common with most of these online LLC formation companies is the FREE tax advice. I admire this, considering paying your taxes is one way of remaining in good books with Uncle Sam.
What I don’t like with Swyft Filings, though, is that they offer only 30 minutes of FREE consultation. Despite this, through online access, you will learn about:
- How your business is taxed
- Commonly missed deductions
- How to pay yourself the correct way
- Using business bank accounts
- What to do when your company has a loss or profit
- How to stay in compliance with IRS tax requirements
If you are starting an online business like myself, you may need insurance. You can opt to receive a FREE business insurance quote and consultation as an additional service.
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Step-10
Similar to LLC service provider- IncFile, it seems that Swyft File is somehow affiliated with Bank Of America. They’ve sweetened the deal if you choose to open a business bank account with the Bank. You will receive up to $450. But, as always, there are terms and conditions attached to the deal.
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Step-11
EIN- Employer Identification Number is issued by the IRS. It’s used to identify a business, filing for taxes, payroll, and much more. For $70, Swyft File can take the load off your shoulders and get you this number. But why pay $70 when you can do it for yourself, for FREE?
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Step-12
An operating agreement is a necessary legal document you need to attach while registering a business entity. This helps shield members from any liability. For $35, you could have one drawn for you.
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Step-13
This is the payment stage. What I love here is that you have multiple payment gateways to choose from. You have Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, American Express, and PayPal. Verify all the data is correct, pick on your ideal method, and voila. You’re off to the next and final step.
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Step-14
Congratulation! You are done. What’s left is to choose whether to make a full payment or pay in two installments. As we wrap this phase, please keep in mind the state filing fee and turn-around time vary from state to state.
Swyft Filings Review- Rating
Thanks to detail-oriented products, responsive lifetime customer support, and so on, Swyft File currently enjoys a high rating, making it the envy of the industry. This is what leading rating agencies scored them.
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TrustPilot
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BBB
Swyft Filings Review- Customer Feedback
Judging by the thousands of positive customer feedback, clearly, the firm delivers to their word.
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TrustPilot
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BBB
Swyft Filings- Business Tools And Resources
Additional Services
- Minutes Manager
- Seller’s permit (Sales Tax ID)
- Corporate By-Laws & Resolutions
- Registered Agent Service
- LLC Operating Agreement
- Business Licenses & Research
- Digital Corporate Kit
Running Your Business
- Dissolution (Close a business)
- EIN/Federal Tax ID
- Amendments & Name Changes
- Foreign Qualification
- Change of Registered Agent
- Withdrawal
- Initial Report
- Apostille
- Annual Report
- Conversion
- 501(c)(3) Application
Pros
Though still relatively new to the scene, Swyft Filings packs several benefits, making it a darling to countless entrepreneurs. They include:
- Affordable entry-level business registration package
- 100% money-back guarantee
- A digital corporate kit which includes FREE tax consultation
- Utilization of technology such as automation and electronic delivery of business documents
- Free 1-year business address
- You can make payments of 2 installments
- Multiple payment gateways
- Tons of helpful resources
- The founder has a legal background
Cons
- Unlike most LLC formation companies, which offer registered agent service for free, the firm charges $149 for similar services.
- There are numerous upselling attempts throughout the entire process.
Conclusion
[wp-review id=”15441″]Swyft Filing offers some of the lowest LLC formation packages in the industry. At $49+state fees, the only other firm that’s lower than them is ZenBusiness at $39+state fees. I love how their services are crafted, making it possible to open, run, and grow with them.
Despite having an issue with my browser- Brave- which was not working with the site, I managed to switch over to windows and completed the process. I would recommend this firm to small, medium, and large business owners.
Related: Swyft Filings vs. ZenBusiness | Swyft Filings vs. MyCorporation | Swyft Filings vs. IncFile | Swyft Filings vs. Corpnet | Swyft Filings vs. LegalNature | Swyft Filings vs. LegalZoom