LLC Formation Compared › Head-to-head › Mainstay Filing vs LegalZoom
Mainstay Filing vs LegalZoom: first-year LLC cost (2026)
Mainstay Filing is $199 for the first year with the registered agent, EIN application and annual report included. LegalZoom: $0 Basic package plus $249 agent. Basic package $0 plus the state fee (Pro $249, Premium $299); its registered agent is $249 a year for first-time agent customers.
- Prices verified October 2026
Year-1 total in three states
| State (filing fee) | Mainstay Filing | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Montana ($35) | $234 | $284 |
| West Virginia ($100) | $299 | $349 |
| Massachusetts ($500) | $699 | $749 |
What each includes
- Mainstay Filing: Formation filing, registered agent, EIN application and every annual report filed.
- LegalZoom: Basic formation; agent bought separately at $249 for first-time agent customers (Pro $249, Premium $299).
Mainstay Filing
$199 / year, same at renewal
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
Questions
Is LegalZoom cheaper than Mainstay Filing?
In year 1 it depends on the agent: $0 Basic package plus $249 agent against Mainstay Filing’s $199 with everything included. After year 1 the agent is $249 a year agent against $199 for the whole bundle.
What does LegalZoom include?
Basic formation; agent bought separately at $249 for first-time agent customers (Pro $249, Premium $299).
Which is better overall?
We rank Mainstay Filing best overall because its yearly price covers the formation, agent, EIN application and annual report, and does not change at renewal.
Sources
- Mainstay Filing pricing page, checked October 21, 2026
- Mainstay Filing FAQ, checked October 21, 2026
- Mainstay Filing registered agent page and Florida checkout, checked October 20, 2026
- LegalZoom formation and registered agent pages (LegalZoom price lines), checked October 20, 2026