Best LLC Service for Self-Employed Tradesmen: ZenBusiness vs Northwest vs Bizee
You're leaving your employer to run your own plumbing, roofing, or tile business. Forming an LLC is a smart move to protect your personal assets like your work van, expensive tools, and home from business risks. But picking the right LLC service—ZenBusiness, Northwest, or Bizee—can be tricky. This guide cuts through the noise to show you which one best fits a solo tradesperson's needs, whether you're focused on saving every dollar or need rock-solid privacy and support.
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The Quick Answer
For a self-employed roofer or plumber, these are the main differences: Bizee is best if you need the lowest upfront cost, like if you're saving every dollar for a new air compressor or an advanced tile saw. You'll handle follow-up filings yourself. Northwest Registered Agent is the top pick for protecting your home address and getting expert advice on state-specific rules for your trade license. ZenBusiness offers a solid package for tradespeople who want compliance reminders (so you don't miss annual reports) and an easy dashboard to manage your paperwork, letting you focus on jobs instead of office tasks.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
Bizee (formerly Incfile): Costs $0 plus your state's filing fees (typically $50-$500 for a roofer's or plumber's LLC). Registered agent service is free for the first year, then $119/year. This service uses their address for public records, which is useful if you work from home. Their online dashboard is functional for tracking basic filings. Support quality varies; don't expect instant answers on state-specific licensing nuances for your trade.
ZenBusiness: Starts at $0 plus state filing fees for a basic LLC. Paid plans (from $199+/year) include registered agent service, which means your home address won't be on public records. They offer an excellent dashboard that tracks important dates, like your annual report for your state's contractor board. Support includes live chat, good for quick questions when you're on a job site break.
Northwest Registered Agent: Charges $39 plus state fees. Their registered agent service is included for the first year at $125/year ongoing. This is their core strength: they use their address for your LLC, keeping your personal home address off public records, a huge plus for home-based trades. Their support is top-notch, with real people who know state-specific rules for permits and trade licenses – helpful for complex questions about expanding your service area.
When to Choose Bizee
Choose Bizee if you're a new self-employed framer or HVAC tech and need to keep every dollar for tools like a new miter saw or a specialized leak detector. Their free formation (you only pay the state fees) means you have more cash for job site essentials. You'll need to be organized to track your own compliance dates, like annual reports to your state's contractor board. The main trade-off: their support isn't as robust as others if you have detailed questions about securing permits or local licensing.
When to Choose Northwest Registered Agent
Choose Northwest if you're a self-employed plumber or flooring installer who runs your business from home. Their biggest advantage is using their address for public records, keeping your personal home address (and family's privacy) safe. This is worth it if you're worried about client privacy or door-to-door solicitors. They also provide best-in-class support, perfect for when you have complex questions about state trade licenses, bonding requirements, or local permits for a specific job.
When to Choose ZenBusiness
Choose ZenBusiness if you're a busy roofer or drywall installer and want to focus on jobs, not paperwork. Their dashboard is clean and sends clear reminders for things like annual reports and license renewals, preventing you from accidentally letting your LLC lapse or missing an important state filing. This 'worry-free guarantee' means less time in the office and more time on the job site. It's a good middle ground for tradespeople who want peace of mind and don't mind paying a bit more for reliable compliance management.
The Verdict
For self-employed tradespeople: ZenBusiness offers the smoothest overall experience with strong compliance support, ideal for staying on top of yearly filings. Northwest Registered Agent is the clear winner for privacy and expert human support, especially for home-based plumbing or HVAC businesses. Bizee is the choice if rock-bottom upfront cost is your main priority, freeing up cash for tools, but expect to manage follow-up tasks yourself.
How to Get Started
Setting up your LLC with any of these services takes about 10-20 minutes online. Have your chosen business name (e.g., 'Smith Plumbing LLC'), state, registered agent choice, and basic member info ready. Remember, forming an LLC is one step; you'll still need to secure any required state or local trade licenses and appropriate insurance for your specialty (like general liability for a roofer). LLCs are typically active within 1-3 weeks, depending on your state's processing time.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
ZenBusiness
Best overall formation experience with compliance dashboard
Northwest Registered Agent
Best for privacy and support quality
Bizee
Free LLC formation — pay only state fees
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is free LLC formation actually free?
The service fee is $0, but you still pay your state's filing fee, which ranges from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts). Most states charge $50-$150.
Do I need a registered agent service?
Yes. Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. You can be your own registered agent, but your address becomes public record and you must be available during business hours.
Can I switch formation services after I file?
You cannot change who filed your LLC, but you can switch registered agent providers at any time by filing a change of registered agent form with your state.
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