I'm forming a single-member LLC for a small consulting side gig. Tailor Brands came up in my search and the LLC filing price looks reasonable, but it seems bundled with logo design, website builder, social media tools, etc. I already have a logo and don't need any of that. Has anyone used them just for the formation itself? Is it easy to skip the extras, or do they keep pushing you into packages?
LLC Formation
Tailor Brands looks useful, but I don't need all the branding extras
You can file just the LLC with them. During checkout there is an a la carte option, though the site does nudge you toward bundles. Just read each screen carefully.
I used them last year for a single-member LLC. The filing itself went through fine and I skipped all the branding stuff. But they enrolled me in some kind of "business essentials" trial without me realizing it, and I had to call to cancel before being charged. Look closely at the final review page.
Why not just file directly with your state? In most states the Secretary of State website is straightforward and costs far less. You don't get the registered agent service, but if you're the only member you Can be your own agent.
I considered filing directly, but I'd rather have a service handle the paperwork and registered agent for the first year. I travel a lot for work and dont want to miss anything. The state site also looked a bit dated, to be honest.
What state are you in? Some states have really simple oonline portals now. If the only reason you want a service is the registered agent, you could file yourself and hire a cheap standalone registered agent. Usually less than $100 a year.
I looked at Tailor Brands for the same reason. The LLC filing fee was fine, but when I declined the branding package they still added a "compliance" subscription at checkout that I had to remove manually. It wasn't hidden exactly, but it was pre-checked. Just be awware.
This is the first I've heard of Tailor Brands doing LLC formation. I thought they wgere just a logo maker. Seems like every company is getting into the registered agent business now.
They've been doing it for a few years. The pricing is competitive if you just want the bare filing, but the upsells are constant. I got three emails about upgrading to their premium plan before my LLC was even approved.
KiteString, that's exactly the kind of thing that puts me off. If they're spamming you before you're even a customer, what's it going to be like after?
The emails are annoying but you can unsubscribe. I'll give them that. The filing was quick and I got my EIN through them too, which saved me a step.
Getting the EIN through them is convenient, but you can also get it directly from the IRS for free in about ten minutes. The form is not that scary. I did it myself after Tailor Brands wanted to charge me extra for it.
Seconding the direct EIN route. It's the same form whether you or a service submits it. The only advantage of the service is that they fill it out for you.
One more thing: their registered agent service is only free for the first year, then it renews at a higher rate. If you're not planning to use them long-term, put a reminder in your calendar to switch or cancel before the renewal. I've seen people get surprised by that charge
Okay, this is helpful. I'll go through the checkout carefully and watch for pre-checked add-ons, and I'll note the renewal date. I might still use them for the initial filing since I want the registered agent for the first year, but I'll plan to reassess before it renews.
Sounds like a plan. Just save your confirmation email and the receipt somewhere yku'll find it. And check the state's business search a few weeks after filing to make sure your LLC actually shows up.