Ranked and compared — find the right service for your budget and timeline
Getting a s-corporation election involves navigating local, state, and sometimes federal requirements. A good filing service saves you time and helps you avoid costly mistakes. We evaluated five leading services on pricing, turnaround, customer support, and suitability for small businesses.
| Rank | Provider | Pricing | Turnaround | Support | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | LegalZoomTOP PICK | Starting at $0 + state fees | 2–4 weeks | Phone, email, chat | 4.2/5 |
| #2 | Bizee (formerly Incfile)RUNNER-UP | $0 + state fees | 2–3 weeks | Phone, email, chat | 4.1/5 |
| #3 | Rocket Lawyer | Free with membership ($39.99/mo) | 1–3 weeks | Phone, email, chat | 4/5 |
| #4 | Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees | 1–2 weeks | Phone, email | 4.5/5 |
| #5 | IncfileBUDGET | $0 + state fees | 1–3 weeks | Phone, email | 4.3/5 |
The license itself costs $0–$350 depending on your location. Filing services charge on top of this. Here's how the total stacks up:
Full-service legal document preparation with attorney review options
All-in-one business formation with compliance tracking and annual report filing
Subscription-based legal services with on-call attorney access
Privacy-focused registered agent services with excellent customer support
Budget-friendly business formation with free registered agent for one year
For s-corporation election, we recommend LegalZoom as the top overall choice. Their legal services offering balances price, speed, and reliability. Budget pick: Incfile or Bizee ($0 + state fees). Premium pick: LegalZoom with attorney review. Privacy-first: Northwest Registered Agent.
Typical license cost: $0–$350 · Processing: 30-90 days (IRS acceptance letter) · Renewal: Once (continues until revoked)
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LegalZoom is our top pick for s-corporation election based on comprehensive legal support and attorney review. Bizee (formerly Incfile) is a strong runner-up.
The license itself runs $0–$350. Add service fees of $0–$40 depending on provider. Total out-of-pocket: roughly $0–$550 including all fees.
Processing is typically 30-90 days (IRS acceptance letter). Filing services handle the paperwork portion in 2–4 weeks. Expedited processing is available from most providers for an additional fee.
Most applications are straightforward and don't require an attorney. However, for complex situations — multiple locations, regulated industries, or contested zoning — legal review is recommended. LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer both include attorney access.