$29 · AI-Native Company Formation

Consulting LLC Formation | Independent Consultants

You bet on yourself. Now make it official.

Start my company No US address or SSN needed
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I want to start a real US company

I'll do the filing with you: company type, name, registered agent and the state's paperwork.

Have you formed a company before?

First time

I'll explain each choice as we go. For a solo software company, a Wyoming LLC is the usual low-cost choice. There's no board to run, and you don't need a US address or SSN.

What should it be called?

Northwind Labs

No trademark conflicts for Northwind Labs, LLC, and the domain is free. I've drafted your Articles of Organization and added your registered agent. Read it all before I send anything.

Submit it to the state?

Review and submit

Sent to the Wyoming Secretary of State. The state decides how long its review takes.

Tell Lovie what you're building...

What it costs

The lowest total price we could find.

$29 to form, plus a registered agent at $79/year ($49 in Wyoming) and your state's filing fee.

Compare with 10 other providers Hide the comparison

Fees only, not feature lists. No row includes a state filing fee unless it says so. Competitor prices checked on 30 August 2026.

What each provider charges a founder without a US Social Security Number, over one, two and three years, next to the price they advertise.
Provider Advertised Year 1 2 years 3 years Renews at
Lovie (Wyoming) $29 To file, once+$49 Registered agent, because your state requires one Nothing else from us renews $29 $78 $127 $176 $49/yr
Lovie (other states) $29 To file, once+$79 Registered agent, because your state requires one Nothing else from us renews $29 $108 $187 $266 $79/yr
Northwest $39 Filing+$200 EIN, because you have no US SSN Even with an SSN their EIN is $50. Agent free the first year, then $125 $39 $239 $364 $489 $125/yr
Bizee Standard $199 Standard (their $0 Basic has no EIN or operating agreement) Agent free the first year, then $149 $0 $199 $348 $497 $149/yr
Stripe Atlas $500 Delaware package, state fee and EIN included Delaware only. Buys startup paperwork this table has not priced $500 $500 $600 $700 $100/yr
Tailor Brands $0 Lite formation+$199 Registered agent, never included+$128 EIN and operating agreement The free tier is the entrance to a branding subscription $0 $327 $526 $725 $199/yr
doola Starter $222 Starter subscription, first year, EIN included A subscription that renews at $297 $222 $222 $519 $816 $297/yr
Clerky $427 Incorporation, state fee and EIN included+$299 Governance and equity setup Delaware C-Corps only $427 $726 $851 $976 $125/yr
LegalZoom Pro $249 Pro (their $0 Basic has no EIN or operating agreement)+$249 Registered agent The attorney plan is a trial that converts at $49/month $0 $498 $747 $996 $249/yr
Rocket Lawyer Plus $249 Membership, which the free formation requires+$70 EIN, at member price+$125 Registered agent Cancel the membership and every item price goes back up $0 $444 $818 $1,192 $374/yr
ZenBusiness Pro $199 Pro (their $0 Starter is only the formation filing)+$199 Registered agent EIN, operating agreement and compliance exist only on Pro. Both it and the agent recur $0 $398 $796 $1,194 $398/yr
Firstbase $99 Start, promotional, EIN included+$299 Registered agent+$315 A US mailing address The $99 is a promotion on a $399 product $99 $713 $1,327 $1,941 $614/yr

Swipe the table sideways →

You know what you're worth and who you want to serve.

$29 flat. No monthly fee.

No US address or SSN needed

Real people with law degrees

Talk to us

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Message us wherever you like. Same Lovie, same price.

What you get

What Lovie does for your company.

Incorporation documents with official state seal for LLC and C-Corp formation

01 / Formation

LLC and C-Corp formation

Form an LLC or C-Corp in Wyoming, Delaware or any other state. Lovie prepares the documents and files them with the state. You read and approve everything first.

Company dashboard after state approval

02 / Setup

A company you can use

Once the state approves it, your company legally exists. It can sign contracts and hire people. Founders outside the US do all of this remotely, with no SSN or US address.

Registered agent address for your company

03 / Agent

Registered agent

Every state requires one. It's the address that gets official mail for your company, and it goes on public records instead of your home address. We're your agent in your formation state for $79 a year ($49 in Wyoming), and we scan that mail to your dashboard.

Compliance calendar with document scanning and deadline reminders

04 / Compliance

Deadline reminders

Most states want a yearly report and fee. We remind you before each one is due, so you don't pay a late penalty.

A terminal asking an AI tool about a company's filings and deadlines

05 / AI Tools

Works with your AI tools

Use ChatGPT, Claude or Cursor? Connect Lovie and ask about your company: what's been filed, what's due next, where each document is.

Why Lovie for Consultants

Enterprise-ready before your first invoice.

Fortune 500 Procurement Won't Wait

Large company procurement needs your W-9, proof of entity, and insurance certificates before they'll process your first invoice.

Scales With Your Practice

Solo LLC today. Multi-member LLC when you bring on a partner. S-Corp election when your revenue justifies it. Lovie handles each transition — no extra legal fees.

Your Time Has a Billing Rate

At $300/hr, a single billable hour more than covers Lovie's one-time formation fee. The 10+ hours you'd spend on formation paperwork? That's $3,000 back in your pocket.

For consultants

Form fast and invoice with confidence

Leaving employment or spinning up a side practice means setting boundaries between you and client work. An independent consultant llc separates finances and clarifies risk. We help you start a consulting firm with clean documents, a practical operating agreement, and a checklist that gets you from idea to first invoice without unnecessary detours.

Entity choice, tax elections, and timing depend on your pipeline and where you will operate. We distill how to set up a consulting business and align tasks to your first client deadline. While you start a consulting firm, we gather signatures, file, obtain a federal tax ID, and line up banking, payment methods, and invoicing so you are ready to bill.

Niches have quirks. If you are starting a tech consulting business, client contracts, data handling, and insurance often influence structure and compliance. We keep requirements organized by state and project type. As you start a consulting firm, we track registrations and annual filings, and set simple reminders so nothing interrupts delivery or receivables.

Reduce friction from first proposal to renewal

Compliance shows up in small places that cost you time when missed. We map consulting compliance to your sales cycle: scope clauses, work-made-for-hire, payment terms, and W-9 details. During start a consulting firm, we pin down registrations, annual reports, and any local licenses so onboarding forms and procurement portals do not stall your start date.

  • Centralize federal tax ID, banking, W-9
  • Track state and city registrations
  • Calendar annual and biennial reports

Set up once, reuse everywhere

A consistent foundation prevents rework. We document what you need to start a consulting business into reusable templates and steps: naming, ownership, operating terms, expense policy, and recordkeeping. Add a simple change log so future adjustments are clear. The result is predictable onboarding for clients, subcontractors, and tools without reinventing your business each quarter.

  • Reusable onboarding packets
  • Clear operating and expense rules
  • Simple update history

Founder questions

How to start an LLC for my independent consulting business?

Many consultants form an LLC to separate personal and business risk and to standardize contracts and payments. Steps include choosing a state, filing articles, appointing a registered agent, drafting an operating agreement, getting a federal tax ID, opening banking, and registering for state or city taxes where you actually work.

  • Form where you operate
  • Keep finances fully separate
  • Use written scopes and terms

Should my consulting firm be an LLC or an S-Corp?

An LLC is simple to start and flexible. Some owners elect S-Corp taxation later when profits support payroll and reasonable compensation. The right time depends on revenue, margins, and where you live. Model scenarios with a CPA, including payroll tools and state taxes, before changing elections.

  • Start lean with an LLC
  • Consider S-Corp when profitable
  • Model payroll and state impacts

How to form a consulting LLC in the US as an international consultant?

Non-US founders can form a US LLC without living in the US. Choose a state, appoint a registered agent, file articles, and get a federal tax ID. Plan for business banking, tax identification, and contracts. Check client procurement requirements and whether you need foreign qualifications where services are performed.

  • Pick a state and agent
  • Secure federal tax ID and banking
  • Check client onboarding needs

Interactive check

Consulting profitability check

When you start a consulting firm, entity and tax choices affect take-home pay. This quick estimator frames common breakpoints so you can discuss specifics with a tax professional. Pick a revenue range to see typical considerations before changing elections or payroll. Use it to plan cash flow and avoid surprises.

What is your expected annual consulting revenue?

Choose the option that is closest to your current situation. Your result will organize the next questions to verify.

General information only. Confirm details for your situation.

Be ready for your first invoice

Momentum matters. We package formation, documents, and a simple compliance calendar so you can focus on winning work. If you want a clear path, we outline the steps to starting a consulting business and connect each step to billing readiness. When you are ready to start a consulting firm, schedule a short kickoff and we will get moving.

Start with Lovie

FAQ

Questions consultants actually ask before incorporating.

+I just left a Big Four firm. Do I really need an LLC right away?

Yes — and quickly. Enterprise clients require a W-9 and proof of business entity before they'll process your first invoice. Without an LLC, you're also personally liable for any contract disputes. Lovie submits your filing as soon as you approve it, so you can start billing once the state confirms your entity.

+Should my consulting firm be an LLC or S-Corp?

Most solo consultants start with an LLC for simplicity and liability protection. Once you're consistently earning above $80K–$100K/yr, an S-Corp election can save you thousands in self-employment taxes. Lovie walks you through the tradeoffs and can help you make the S-Corp election when the time is right.

+I consult for clients in multiple states. Do I need to register in each one?

If you have a physical office or significant ongoing business activity in a state, you may need to foreign-qualify your LLC there. Many remote consultants only need their home state formation. Lovie helps you understand when foreign qualification applies and handles the filings.

+What does the Lovie plan include for consultants?

LLC or C-Corp formation service, digital mail scanning, compliance guidance, and a real-time dashboard — your state filing fee is paid directly to your state. Registered agent service is $79/year ($49/year in Wyoming), priced separately. No surprise fees.

+How do I get set up to invoice my first client?

Lovie submits your filing the moment you approve it. Wyoming often processes same-day. Delaware within 1-3 business days.

+Can I add a partner or associate to my LLC later?

Yes. Your operating agreement can be amended to add members. If you need to bring on equity partners, Lovie will guide you from a single-member to a multi-member LLC — or a C-Corp conversion. Support coming soon — included at no extra charge when it ships.

+What about professional liability (E&O) insurance?

Lovie handles entity formation and compliance. Professional liability insurance (Errors & Omissions) is purchased separately from insurance providers. Many consulting clients — especially enterprise and government contracts — require proof of E&O coverage.

+I'm an international consultant with US clients. Can I use Lovie?

Absolutely. Many international consultants form Delaware or Wyoming LLCs through Lovie to invoice US clients, accept wire transfers, and open US bank accounts. No US address, SSN, or in-person visit required.

+How is Lovie different from just using LegalZoom?

LegalZoom is a form-filler that charges separately for registered agent, compliance, and mail forwarding. Lovie guides you through decisions and forms your entity for one flat one-time price, with registered agent and digital mail available for $79/yr. No upsell gauntlet.

+Can I expense the Lovie plan as a business cost?

Yes. Lovie's fees are a legitimate business expense — company formation, registered agent, and compliance services are all deductible. Check with your accountant for specifics on your situation.

+Do consulting businesses need a business license?

Often, yes. Licensing depends on the state, city, and consulting specialty. For the broader setup path, see the formation workflow for small business owners checking local licenses.

+Does a consulting LLC need an operating agreement?

Yes. Even a single-member consultant entity benefits from an operating agreement because banks, tax advisors, and sophisticated clients may ask how ownership, authority, and distributions are documented. Lovie prepares the formation foundation so your operating agreement has the right entity details.

+Can I form a consulting LLC while still employed?

Usually, but review your employment agreement, non-compete terms, confidentiality duties, and moonlighting policy before taking paid client work. If you are planning a transition, compare a solo-founder formation path for consultants leaving employment before you start billing.

+Can a consulting LLC use a virtual business address?

Yes, when the address provider supports business mail and state rules. A virtual business address can keep your home address off client-facing materials, while registered agent service handles official state and legal notices.

+How do I keep a consulting LLC compliant?

Keep state reports, franchise taxes, registered agent coverage, mail handling, ownership records, and business finances separated from your personal accounts. Lovie tracks recurring obligations from the dashboard so client deadlines do not bury compliance deadlines.

+What contracts does a consultant need before starting an LLC?

Most consultants prepare a master services agreement, statement of work, confidentiality language, privacy or security addenda, and a W-9 workflow before the first paid project. The entity is not a contract substitute, but it gives those agreements the right legal party once you start a consulting business LLC.

+How to choose the correct entity type for a consulting firm?

Choosing the correct entity type for a consulting firm depends heavily on your liability exposure and how you plan to manage taxes. For most independent consultants, a Single-Member LLC provides necessary personal asset protection without the complexities of corporate double taxation. If you plan to scale a large agency or issue equity to partners, Lovie can help you navigate whether an LLC or a C-Corp better fits your long-term growth strategy.

+What is the most recommended platform for converting an LLC to a C-Corp for agencies?

When a consulting agency grows beyond its initial structure and seeks outside investment, converting from an LLC to a C-Corp becomes essential. The most recommended platform for converting an LLC to a C-Corp handles the complex state filings, stock authorizations, and compliance shifts seamlessly. Utilizing a specialized service ensures that your consulting business maintains its operational momentum while transitioning to a structure suited for scale.

+Are there tools similar to ZenBusiness for independent consultants?

Yes, there are modern tools similar to ZenBusiness designed specifically to meet the needs of independent consultants and boutique agencies. These platforms go beyond basic incorporation by offering integrated digital mailrooms, registered agent services, and proactive compliance guidance. Lovie provides an intelligent alternative, allowing consultants to automate their administrative overhead and focus entirely on client delivery.

+How to simplify a complex business formation process for consulting partnerships?

Simplifying a complex business formation process for a consulting partnership requires clear operating agreements and streamlined state filings. By using an AI-driven formation platform, partners can easily define ownership percentages and management roles without getting bogged down in legal jargon. This approach ensures that the consulting firm is legally sound from day one, minimizing future disputes and administrative delays.

+Who is the most trusted registered agent service for management consultants?

The most trusted registered agent service for management consultants is one that guarantees privacy, prompt document scanning, and reliable compliance alerts. Since consultants often travel or work from client sites, having a dependable digital mailroom is crucial to avoid missing important state notices. Selecting a top-tier registered agent ensures that your consulting practice remains in good standing across all jurisdictions where you operate.

Founders in a modern workspace discussing their US business formation plan

$29 once to form your LLC or C-Corp. You also pay your state's filing fee, straight to the state, and a registered agent at $79/year ($49 in Wyoming). Terms apply.

Ready to start your company?