Based on looking at the website, State-filings.com appears to be an online document preparation and filing service that helps individuals form Limited Liability Companies LLCs across various states in the U.S.

They aim to simplify the often complex process of registering a business by guiding users through selecting a state, completing an application, and filing the necessary documents with the Secretary of State.

While they highlight convenience, speed, and affordability, it’s crucial to understand that they are a third-party service and not a government agency.

For those looking to set up a business, particularly an LLC, such services can seem appealing, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against potential costs and the value of direct engagement with official government resources or professional legal counsel, especially for Muslims seeking to ensure all business dealings adhere to Islamic principles.

When considering any financial transaction or business formation service, it’s paramount for Muslims to ensure compliance with Islamic finance principles. This means avoiding any elements of riba interest, gharar excessive uncertainty or speculation, and maysir gambling. While State-filings.com primarily offers a document preparation service, not a financial product in itself, the act of forming a business can sometimes involve financing. Therefore, any subsequent business activities, loans, or agreements entered into by the LLC formed through this service must be scrutinized to ensure they are halal permissible. Engaging in business is encouraged in Islam, but it must be done ethically, transparently, and free from prohibited elements. Alternative approaches might involve directly engaging with state filing offices, seeking advice from an Islamic finance expert, or using services that explicitly state their adherence to Sharia principles, if available, for business structuring and financing.

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Table of Contents

State-filings.com Review & First Look

Upon a first look, State-filings.com presents itself as a straightforward platform for LLC formation.

The homepage is clean and focuses on initiating the application process by selecting a state, highlighting the core service.

They emphasize ease of use, speed, and affordability as their key selling points.

What is State-filings.com?

State-filings.com is a private, third-party service specializing in preparing and submitting Limited Liability Company LLC formation documents.

They act as an intermediary between the aspiring business owner and the respective Secretary of State’s office. Marblecars.co.uk Reviews

Their stated goal is to simplify the often-intimidating process of business registration.

Core Service Offerings

The primary service offered is the preparation and filing of Articles of Organization or similar documents, depending on the state to officially register an LLC.

They also mention assistance with drafting an Operating Agreement, which is crucial for internal governance, even if not always state-mandmandated.

LLC Formation: Core service, handling the submission of required documents.
Registered Agent Service: Although not explicitly detailed on the homepage, most LLC formation services like this offer registered agent services to handle official correspondence. This is implied by their mention of needing a “reliable registered agent.”
Operating Agreement Assistance: Helping draft this vital internal document.
Business Name Check: Implied as part of ensuring the name meets state requirements.

Initial Impressions on Usability

The website’s design appears user-friendly.

The process seems to start with a clear call to action: “Start Your Application By Selecting Your Filing State.” This direct approach suggests a streamlined user experience, designed to get users into the application flow quickly. Salt.ch Reviews

State-filings.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating any service, especially one dealing with something as significant as business formation, it’s vital to look at both sides of the coin. For Muslims, this evaluation also includes whether the service facilitates or potentially detracts from conducting business ethically and according to Sharia.

Potential Benefits

Convenience: For individuals new to business formation, the process of navigating state websites and legal jargon can be overwhelming. Services like State-filings.com aim to abstract away this complexity, offering a seemingly simpler path.
Speed: They advertise “Quick, Accurate, Affordable” services, implying a faster turnaround than if one were to manually complete and submit all paperwork. Their promise of quick and secure delivery of registration via email is a notable convenience.
Guidance: They claim to offer “personalized support” and guidance through each step, which can be invaluable for first-time entrepreneurs.
Document Preparation: Their expertise in preparing documents accurately can potentially reduce errors and subsequent rejections from state offices.

Important Considerations Cons

Cost vs. Direct Filing: While they claim to be affordable, using a third-party service almost always involves an additional fee beyond the state’s filing fee. Many states offer direct online filing portals, which can be significantly cheaper, if not free, depending on the state and service. For example, some states charge as little as $50-$100 for direct online LLC filing, while third-party services often charge $99-$300+ for their basic packages, excluding state fees.
Limited Legal Advice: A crucial disclaimer on their site states: “This website is a document preparation and filing service specializing in LLC incorporation, and we do not provide legal, financial, or other professional advice. We are not affiliated with any attorneys or accountants, and we do not review the information you submit on a professional, legal, or accounting level.” This means they cannot provide legal counsel specific to your business needs, such as ensuring your LLC structure or future operations comply with Sharia principles. For complex legal or financial structuring, especially regarding halal finance, a qualified lawyer or Islamic finance expert is essential.
No Government Affiliation: They clearly state, “It is important to note that we are not affiliated with the Secretary of State or any governmental agency, and our LLC formation service has not been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency.” This reinforces that they are a private entity, and users should manage their expectations accordingly.
Data Privacy: While they have a privacy policy, entrusting personal and business information to a third-party service always comes with inherent data security considerations. Users should review their privacy policy carefully.

State-filings.com Pricing

Understanding the cost structure is vital for any service, especially when it impacts your business’s initial setup.

State-filings.com mentions “Affordable,” but without specific pricing tiers or packages visible on the homepage, it’s hard to gauge the full financial commitment. Typically, these services have layered pricing.

General Pricing Models for LLC Services

Most online LLC formation services operate on a tiered pricing model, often including:

Basic Package: Covers the bare essentials, usually just filing the Articles of Organization. This might be priced anywhere from $0 plus state fees, as a loss leader to $150.
Standard Package: Includes the basic filing, a registered agent service for a year, and potentially a basic operating agreement template. This is commonly in the $150-$300 range.
Premium Package: Offers everything in the standard package plus additional services like EIN Employer Identification Number application, compliance alerts, business banking assistance, and expedited filing. These can range from $300 to $500+.

Note: All listed prices are in addition to the mandatory state filing fees, which vary significantly from state to state e.g., California’s LLC filing fee is $70, while Massachusetts is $500. Secure.xsolla.com Reviews

Hidden Fees or Recurring Costs?

One common “hidden” or easily overlooked cost with many LLC services is the annual registered agent fee. After the first year often included in a package, these services typically charge an annual fee for maintaining the registered agent service, which can range from $99 to $200 per year. Without detailed pricing on their homepage, it’s unclear if State-filings.com follows this model, but it’s highly probable. Users should inquire about all potential recurring costs.

State-filings.com Alternatives

For individuals looking to form an LLC, particularly those who prioritize halal compliance and direct engagement, several alternatives exist beyond third-party intermediaries. These options provide varying levels of support and cost.

Direct State Filing

This is often the most cost-effective method.

Every state has a Secretary of State’s office or equivalent website where you can find forms, instructions, and often an online portal for direct LLC filing.

Pros:
- Lowest Cost: You only pay the state filing fee.
- Direct Control: You manage the entire process, ensuring accuracy and understanding of each step.
- No Third-Party Data Sharing: Your information goes directly to the state.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Requires researching state-specific requirements, filling out forms accurately, and tracking submissions.
- No Guidance: You’re on your own for understanding legal jargon and common pitfalls.
- Registered Agent: You’ll still need to appoint a registered agent. If you don’t have a physical address in the state, you’ll need to hire a separate registered agent service.

Other Online LLC Formation Services

Many well-established online services compete with State-filings.com, often offering transparent pricing and extensive resource libraries. Some prominent examples include: Questpair.com Reviews

ZenBusiness: Known for competitive pricing, good customer reviews, and a range of packages.
LegalZoom: A long-standing player offering a wide array of legal services, including LLC formation, though often at a higher price point.
Incfile: Popular for its free plus state fees basic LLC formation package, often making it attractive for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Northwest Registered Agent: Highly regarded for its exceptional customer support and inclusion of registered agent service with all packages.

Considerations for Other Services: While these offer convenience, remember to apply the same critical lens: check their legal disclaimers, understand recurring fees especially for registered agent services, and always consult with an Islamic finance expert for halal compliance if your business involves financial structuring or loans.

Legal Counsel For Halal Business Structuring

For Muslims seeking to ensure their business is halal from the ground up, consulting with a lawyer specializing in business law, particularly one familiar with Islamic finance principles, is the most robust alternative.

*   Tailored Advice: Receive legal advice specific to your business model, ensuring compliance with both secular law and *Sharia*.
*   Risk Mitigation: A lawyer can help identify and mitigate potential legal and *Sharia*-related risks.
*   Complex Structures: Essential for businesses with complex ownership, financing, or operational structures that need to adhere strictly to *halal* guidelines e.g., profit-sharing, *Murabaha* contracts.
*   Higher Cost: Attorney fees are significantly higher than online services or direct filing.
*   Time: The process might take longer due to detailed consultations.

Recommendation for Muslims: While online services offer convenience, for true peace of mind regarding halal compliance in your business operations, especially financing, always seek advice from qualified scholars or Islamic finance professionals. Using a service like State-filings.com solely for document preparation is one thing, but the overarching business model must be halal.

How to Cancel State-filings.com Subscription

When dealing with online services, understanding how to manage or cancel subscriptions is crucial.

While State-filings.com’s homepage doesn’t detail subscription management, general practices in the industry suggest typical methods. Spikenow.com Reviews

This information is particularly relevant if their service includes recurring elements like a registered agent service.

Common Cancellation Methods

Most online service providers offer several ways to manage or cancel recurring services:

Online Account Portal: The most common method. If you created an account on State-filings.com, there should be a dashboard or “My Account” section where you can view your services, billing information, and often a direct option to cancel or modify subscriptions. Look for sections like “Services,” “Subscriptions,” or “Billing.”
Customer Support: Contacting their customer service directly via phone or email is usually an option. This might be necessary if an online cancellation option isn’t readily available or if you need to confirm the cancellation.
- Look for “Contact Us” or “Support” links on their website.
- Be prepared to provide your account details or order number.
Email Request: Sending a formal email to their support address, clearly stating your intent to cancel and providing relevant account identification, can also initiate the process. Always keep a record of such correspondence.

Identifying Recurring Charges

Since State-filings.com explicitly states they are a document preparation service, their primary charge might be a one-time fee for the filing itself.

However, if they bundle in a registered agent service for the first year a common practice, this will almost certainly become a recurring annual fee.

To identify recurring charges: Cheapestdummyticket.com Reviews

Review your initial purchase agreement or invoice: This document should detail what services you paid for and if any are recurring.
Check your bank or credit card statements: Look for annual charges from “State-filings.com” or a similar descriptor after your initial filing.
Log into your account: If an account was created, it should show active services and their renewal dates.

Important Note: To avoid unwanted auto-renewals, especially for services you no longer need or that might not align with your financial principles, it’s wise to mark your calendar for renewal dates and proactively review your subscriptions.

How to Cancel State-filings.com Free Trial

The homepage of State-filings.com does not explicitly mention a “free trial” for their core LLC formation service.

This is typical for such services, as their primary offering involves a direct filing fee.

However, if they were to introduce a free trial for an ancillary service e.g., a trial for a compliance alert system or a business address service, the cancellation process would likely follow standard online practices.

General Steps to Cancel a Free Trial

If State-filings.com or any similar service offers a free trial in the future, these are the general steps to ensure you don’t get charged: Relai.app Reviews

Locate Trial Details: When you sign up for any free trial, immediately note down:
- The trial end date.
- Any specific cancellation instructions provided during signup.
- The service name and any account identifiers.
Access Your Account: Log into your State-filings.com account if one was created for the trial. Look for sections like “Subscriptions,” “Billing,” “Services,” or “My Account.”
Find Cancellation Option: Within these sections, there is typically a button or link to “Cancel Trial,” “Manage Subscription,” or “Turn Off Auto-Renew.”
Confirm Cancellation: Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation. You might be asked for a reason or offered an incentive to stay. Ensure you receive a confirmation email or see a confirmation message on the site.
Monitor Your Statement: After canceling, it’s a good practice to check your bank or credit card statements in the following billing cycle to ensure no charges were applied.

Proactive Approach: For any service offering a free trial, it’s always best to cancel at least 24-48 hours before the trial officially ends to account for processing times and avoid any unintended charges. This prudent approach aligns with the Islamic emphasis on diligence and avoiding unnecessary financial entanglements.

State-filings.com vs. Competitors

When evaluating State-filings.com against other major players in the LLC formation market, it’s helpful to compare them on key aspects like pricing transparency, additional features, and customer support.

The market for online LLC formation is quite saturated, with varying levels of service and cost.

Comparison Points

Here’s a look at how State-filings.com positions itself or could be compared against more established competitors:

Pricing Transparency:
- State-filings.com: Lacks clear, multi-tiered pricing on its homepage. The focus is on getting started, implying a quote or package selection after initial input. This can be less transparent for users who want to compare costs upfront.
- Competitors e.g., ZenBusiness, Incfile, LegalZoom: Generally offer clear, published pricing tiers Basic, Standard, Premium on their websites, making it easier for users to understand what they’re getting for their money and compare options. Incfile, for instance, is known for its $0 + state fee basic package.
Included Services:
- State-filings.com: Focuses primarily on document preparation and filing. Mentions Operating Agreement assistance. The registered agent service is implied but not explicitly detailed as an included feature or separate add-on.
- Competitors: Often bundle registered agent service for the first year, EIN application, operating agreement templates, and compliance alerts into their packages. Some, like Northwest Registered Agent, differentiate themselves with superior customer support and free registered agent service built into all their offerings.
Customer Support & Resources:
- State-filings.com: Highlights “personalized support.” The extent of this support e.g., live chat, phone, email, hours of operation is not immediately visible. There are no obvious links to a knowledge base or extensive FAQ section on the main page beyond the initial “LLC Filing Frequently Asked Questions.”
- Competitors: Many have robust customer support systems, including phone, email, and live chat. They also often provide extensive online resources, articles, and guides to help users understand the LLC formation process and ongoing compliance requirements. LegalZoom, for example, offers a wide range of legal articles and form libraries.
Brand Reputation & Longevity:
- State-filings.com: Appears to be a less widely known service compared to the industry giants. Its presence in reviews might be less extensive than others.
- Competitors: Companies like LegalZoom and Incfile have been around for many years and have processed millions of business formations, building significant brand recognition and customer trust over time.

Why Choose a Competitor?

A user might choose a competitor over State-filings.com for: Cambridgearms.co.uk Reviews

Clearer Pricing: To avoid surprises and understand the total cost upfront.
More Comprehensive Packages: If they need services beyond basic filing, such as a registered agent, EIN, or compliance tools.
Stronger Customer Support: For peace of mind and access to assistance when needed.
Established Reputation: For greater confidence in the service provider’s reliability and experience.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s needs, budget, and desired level of hands-on involvement. For a Muslim entrepreneur, the key is to ensure the chosen service facilitates the ethical establishment of a business, free from any elements that contradict Sharia, and allows for transparent and responsible financial management.

Frequently Asked Questions

State-filings.com is an online document preparation and filing service that assists individuals in forming Limited Liability Companies LLCs by preparing and submitting the necessary documents to the respective state’s Secretary of State.

Is State-filings.com a government agency?

No, State-filings.com explicitly states that they are not affiliated with the Secretary of State or any governmental agency, nor have their services been approved or endorsed by any government entity. They are a private, third-party service.

What services does State-filings.com offer?

Their primary service is LLC formation, which includes preparing and filing the Articles of Organization.

They also mention assisting with drafting an Operating Agreement. Obdprice.com Reviews

Does State-filings.com provide legal advice?

No, State-filings.com clearly states they do not provide legal, financial, or other professional advice. They are a document preparation service only.

How much does State-filings.com charge for LLC formation?

The website’s homepage does not display specific pricing tiers or packages.

While they mention “Affordable,” you would likely need to start the application process to get a quote, which typically involves their service fee plus state filing fees.

Does State-filings.com include registered agent service?

While they mention the necessity of a registered agent, it is not explicitly stated on their homepage whether a registered agent service is included in their packages or offered as a separate add-on.

This is a common feature in many LLC formation services, often as an annual recurring cost. Treblab.com Reviews

How long does it take to form an LLC with State-filings.com?

The website states they aim for “Quick, Accurate, Affordable” service, implying a fast turnaround for document submission.

However, the actual time for LLC approval depends on the specific state’s processing times, which can vary significantly.

Can I cancel my service with State-filings.com?

Yes, typically online services allow cancellation.

While specific instructions are not on their homepage, you would generally manage subscriptions through an online account portal, by contacting customer support, or by sending an email request.

What is the difference between State-filings.com and direct state filing?

Direct state filing means you prepare and submit all documents yourself directly to the state, often the most cost-effective method only paying state fees. State-filings.com charges an additional service fee for preparing and filing those documents on your behalf. Medicalcertificate.in Reviews

Are there alternatives to State-filings.com?

Yes, alternatives include filing directly with your state’s Secretary of State office, using other online LLC formation services like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, or Incfile, or consulting with a business attorney for personalized legal advice.

Is an Operating Agreement included with State-filings.com?

State-filings.com mentions that their expertise extends to “drafting your Operating Agreement,” implying they assist with this document, even if it’s not mandated by your state.

How do I contact State-filings.com customer support?

The website does not explicitly list contact methods e.g., phone number, live chat on its homepage, but a “Contact Us” or “Support” link would likely provide this information.

What information do I need to provide to State-filings.com to form an LLC?

Based on the process described, you would need to provide your desired LLC name, select your filing state, and complete an application, which would likely include details about your business and its initial members.

Does State-filings.com help with EIN application?

The homepage does not explicitly mention assistance with Employer Identification Number EIN application. Tradesyncer.com Reviews

Many comprehensive LLC formation services offer this as an add-on or part of higher-tier packages.

What is the address for State-filings.com?

Their website lists the address as: 9722 Groffs Mill Dr Suite 1066 Owings Mills MD 21117-6341.

How reliable are online LLC formation services like State-filings.com?

The reliability varies by provider.

Services like State-filings.com aim to simplify the process, but users should always verify their specific offerings, pricing, and ensure they understand the disclaimers regarding legal advice.

Can State-filings.com help me choose a business name?

While they mention selecting a unique name that meets state requirements, their service is primarily for document preparation, not in-depth business name consultation or trademark searches. Nirvanatradingacademy.com Reviews

Is State-filings.com suitable for all types of businesses?

State-filings.com focuses on LLC formation.

While an LLC is suitable for many small to medium-sized businesses, complex structures or those needing specific legal and tax advice should consult with an attorney.

What are the ongoing obligations after forming an LLC with State-filings.com?

Forming an LLC involves ongoing compliance, such as annual reports depending on the state, maintaining an Operating Agreement, and managing finances. State-filings.com’s service ends after filing.

They do not typically assist with ongoing compliance.

How does State-filings.com handle my personal and business data?

Like all online services, State-filings.com has a Privacy Policy. Skinnytree.co.uk Reviews

Users should review this policy to understand how their personal and business information is collected, used, and protected.

State-filings.com Reviews