If you're starting a new business, you'll have many things to consider. One of those things is the legal formation process, but business owners are increasingly turning to LLC formation services to help them through this. The right service provider will streamline the service for you, allowing you to sit back and relax - or focus on more crucial business needs. Rocket Lawyer and Swyft Filings are two great service providers, let's look at what they have to offer.
Rocket Lawyer vs. Swyft Filings: The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer, formed in 2008, has already formed more than 20 million business entities. They're experienced and offer excellent customer service with Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, proving their commitment to supporting customers very seriously. With Rocket Lawyer, you can form any business entity. As the name suggests, their core selling point is the legal services offered with their monthly subscription.
Swyft Filings was formed in 2012 and already has made a name for itself as an affordable provider with 'Swyft' filing times, and expedited options that can take your waiting time down to just three business days. They don't have the same track record as Rocket Lawyer, but they have 4-5 star reviews on Trustpilot and similar review sites. Overall, Swyft is a great option if you're short on time. But they don't support partnerships, and they may be deceptively pricey as registered agent services aren't included in their package prices.
Choose Swyft Filings if:
- You want to save money
- You want faster filing
Choose Rocket Lawyer if:
- You want a more proven reputation
- You need legal services
- You're starting a partnership
Services Offered & Pricing
Rocket Lawyer and Swyft Filings offer similar services, But Swyft doesn't support partnerships nor offer the same additional services that Rocket Lawyer does. With that said, Rocket Lawyer's legal help comes at a price, as you'll need to subscribe to a monthly plan. Swyft offers enhanced expedited filing and cheaper packages. Still, the cost of a registered agent is around the same as Rocket Lawyer, so you're not saving as much as you otherwise would. Swyft doesn't offer many additional services, but they provide a free business tax consultation and web hosting for three months if you purchase a premium package.
Key Similarities
- You can start an LLC, corporation, or non-profit
- The registered agent service will cost you around the same
Key Differences
- Swyft Filings offers a free business tax consultation
- Rocket Lawyer provides legal services
- Rocket Lawyer offers a monthly subscription
Rocket Lawyer Packages Packages & Pricing
Instead of providing multiple packages like Swyft Filings, Rocket Lawyer only offers a monthly plan or a one-off LLC formation service.
Monthly Subscription - $39.99/month
The monthly plan will provide you with business formation services, plus extra add-ons. The core of the service is the same as the one-off package, but there are extras such as free attorney consultations. You'll only receive these if you're a subscriber. This package includes:
- Document creation
- FAQ with a qualified attorney
- Free 30-minute consultation on new projects
- Incorporation filing
- Attorney reviewal of documents
One-time incorporation service - $99.99 + state fees
This is a once-off package for LLC formation, and if you need extra services, you'll need to ask for an a la carte quote.
Services included:
- Incorporation services
- Business name availability check
- Hard copies and online copies of your documents
- Unlimited customer support
Registered Agent Service - $149.99
Rocket Lawyer also offers a registered agent service for $149.99 for non-members. If you're a member using their monthly subscription, you get 25% off this service.
Swyft Filings Packages & Pricing
Swyft offers several packages, beginning with the $49 Basic package and increasing until you reach the $300 Premium package. Unlike some other providers, you won't receive free registered agent services.
Basic package - $49 + state fees
A Basic package is a no-frills option for those that just want basic incorporation services, you'll be able to incorporate your LLC, but you'll also enjoy a handful of add-ons. The package includes:
- Business name check
- Online incorporation document access
- One hour business tax consultation
- 14-day free trial of Compliance Guard
- A free domain name
Standard package - $149 + state fees
With the $149 package, you'll get a more comprehensive experience. You'll receive everything above plus:
- A federal Tax ID
- Operating agreements
- Banking resolution for a business bank account
- Organizational minutes
Overall, this package comprises an extra $160 of value but costs just $100.
Premium package - $299 + state fees
Premium adds additional services, plus free expedited filing
- Customized digital corporate kit (including custom compliance tools)
- Free website hosting services for three months
Document Management & Online Experience
Rocket Lawyer has a smooth and intuitive online process, including electronic document creation, letting you quickly create legal documents. Once created, your documents can be stored online with unlimited cloud storage.
Swyft Filings offers a similar service, but only for those who use the Standard or Premium packages. If you choose the Basic package, you'll have much less functionality. Overall, both offer an excellent, secure online experience.
Key Similarities
- A secure online experience with unlimited cloud storage
- Easy document creation and management
Key Differences
- Swyft offers varying levels of service depending on what you pay
Processing Time
Rocket Lawyer's turnaround time is hard to pin down, as it varies by your state, and they're not very clear about what processing time applies to which state. With that said, Rocket Lawyer does advertise expedited filing from $60. Swyft Filings' turnaround time does vary by state, but they advise that expedited filing can bring down this wait to as little as three days. Delaware is among the fastest lead time, and New York is among the slowest. Expedited filing may cost as much as $150+.
Key Similarities
- Expedited processing is available
- Processing time varies by state
Key Differences
- Swyft has more transparent, faster processing times
Compliance & Track Record
Rocket Lawyer and Swyft Filings can help you maintain compliance by assisting such as an annual report filing service. In addition to providing everything you need to remain compliant with the IRS and Secretary of State, both companies are also well-rated for their own compliance.
Rocket Lawyer is registered with the BBB and has scores of positive reviews online; they offer excellent online legal services with add-ons such as document templates that can help small business owners succeed. Swyft Filings is newer, isn't accredited by the BBB and doesn't have the same reputation yet, but they offer excellent business formation services and excellent online reviews. Customer reviews praise their service and lead times the most.
Key Similarities
- Rocket Lawyer and Swyft Filings can help you maintain compliance
- Customer feedback is overall positive
Key Differences
- Swyft Filings is not yet accredited with the BBB
Customer Service
Rocket Lawyer and Swyft Filings offer excellent lifetime customer support, but Swyft's customer support team only works standard business hours, in contrast to Rocket Lawyer's 9am - 9pm availability. Swyft does have one or two negative reviews for upselling, but overall, customer feedback is positive. Rocket Lawyer and Swyft will also refund your package costs (less state filing fees) if you're not satisfied with your purchase, with a 30-day refund policy.
In addition, Swyft offers in-depth FAQs online, helping you through the LLC filing process with minimum fuss. If you still need to talk to someone, the customer support team is friendly and knowledgeable. Rocket Lawyer also has a knowledgeable support team, and you'll have pretty easy access to an on-call attorney.
Key Similarities
- You can get a refund on your business filing costs without any hassle
- Customer service is excellent
Key Differences
- Swyft may be known for upselling
- Swyft offers more in-depth FAQs
- Rocket Lawyer provides access to attorneys for legal advice
Structure Breakdown
Two entrepreneurs creating a partnership will have a different experience from a bootstrapped non-governmental organization starting a non-profit. The experience you have with a service provider will be heavily influenced by the business entity you're creating. Let's take a look at a detailed breakdown.
It's hard to name the best LLC service because it depends on what you're after. If you're looking for affordability and speed, you should go for Swyft Filings. They have expedited and rush services that put most providers to shame, and the Basic package is cheaper than Rocket Lawyer's one-off package. With that said, Rocket Lawyer offers excellent legal services with a free consultation with an attorney every time you start a new project.
Rocket Lawyer is far more experienced with the business formation process, and they can assist you with extras such as corporate bylaws, employer identification numbers, business licenses, and more. In addition, corporations can be complex legal entities, and it's easy to make a mistake when you're forming or running a corporation; you'll want Rocket Lawyer's legal expertise on hand when it comes to setting up your corporation.
Swyft Filings doesn't offer support for partnerships, but Rocket Lawyer does. Rocket Lawyer can help you set up a partnership agreement with free attorney reviewal and offers compliance services to keep you in good standing after that.
Most non-profits seek to keep costs low, which would favor Swyft Filings as you can form your business entity for just $49 + the cost of registered agent services ($149 for the first year). But non-profits can be complex legal entities, so you may benefit from the assistance of Rocket Lawyer's attorneys. Applying for non-profit tax status, in particular, is tricky, but Rocket Lawyer has a high success rate thanks to complimentary attorney reviewal of documents.
The Last Word
Rocket Lawyer and Swyft Filings are two great service providers with many similarities, but there are key differences too. There's nothing wrong with either provider, but it depends on what you want. If you want faster lead times, no monthly subscription, and slightly cheaper services, you should consider Swyft Filings as the best provider. But Rocket Lawyer is best for you if you're looking for legal services without the hefty costs and don't mind waiting a few business days here and there.
Filed under: Head-to-Head
