Starting a business can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to the legal paperwork involved in forming a company.
With so many options out there for business formation services, it can be challenging to know which one will best suit your needs.
Swyft Filings is one such service that aims to simplify the process. But is it the right choice for you?
In this review, we’ll explore everything Swyft Filings offers, from its pricing and services to user experience, pros, cons, and customer feedback.
Quick Summary
Swyft Filings is an online service that helps entrepreneurs form business entities such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations, and Nonprofit Organizations.
It simplifies the filing process by handling the paperwork, filing with state agencies, and offering additional services such as registered agent services, EIN (Employer Identification Number) registration, and more.
The company offers a tiered pricing structure, allowing businesses to choose the plan that fits their needs.
The main draw of Swyft Filings is its simplicity and convenience, with a user-friendly platform that guides entrepreneurs through the formation process.
However, while its services are generally well-reviewed, there are some common complaints, including upselling, hidden fees, and issues with customer support.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes Swyft Filings stand out, and where it falls short.
Key Service Highlights:
- Business Formation: Swyft Filings handles the process of forming an LLC or Corporation by preparing and filing the necessary documents with the state.
- Registered Agent Services: They offer registered agent services, which are crucial for businesses that want to maintain privacy or don’t have a physical address in the state where they’re forming.
- Additional Services: Swyft Filings also provides services such as EIN registration, compliance alerts, and virtual business addresses.
- Speed: One of their standout features is fast processing. Depending on the package, they offer same-day or next-day filings.
- Free Plan: The Basic Plan offers a free option to form your LLC (state fees apply), making it one of the most budget-friendly options for entrepreneurs starting out.
Now, let’s break down the pros and cons of using Swyft Filings.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. User-Friendly Platform: Swyft Filings has an easy-to-use website that makes business formation a breeze. Their platform is intuitive, guiding you through each step of the process.
2. Affordable Packages: Their pricing structure is one of the most affordable in the industry. You only pay state filing fees for their basic plan, making it an attractive choice for new entrepreneurs.
3. Comprehensive Services: Swyft Filings offers not only business formation but also other essential services like EIN acquisition, operating agreements, and more. Their range of offerings means that you can take care of all your business needs in one place.
4. Lifetime Support: They offer lifetime customer support, which is particularly beneficial for small business owners who may need assistance as they navigate business operations.
5. Transparency: Swyft Filings is known for its transparent pricing, with no hidden fees. You can easily see what you’ll be paying for each service.
6. Expedited Services: For those who need their formation documents filed quickly, Swyft Filings offers expedited services for an additional fee.
Cons:
1. Registered Agent Service Is an Add-On: One of the biggest drawbacks is that their registered agent service isn’t included in any of the formation packages. This service costs an additional $149 per year.
2. Some Add-Ons Are Automatically Selected: While Swyft Filings offers transparency, some users report that add-ons like ComplianceGuard may be automatically added to your order during checkout. Make sure to double-check before confirming your purchase.
3. Limited Customer Reviews: While Swyft Filings has generally positive reviews, some users feel that the company could provide more detailed information about their services and pricing on the website.
4. Additional Costs for Full Features: Some essential features like expedited filing, EIN acquisition, and operating agreements are only available in the more expensive packages. If you’re just looking for basic services, these add-ons might seem unnecessary.
Swyft Filings Pricing & Packages
Swyft Filings offers three main pricing plans, each with its own set of features. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes and the associated costs.
1. Basic Package: $0 + State Fees
The Basic Package is a great entry-level option for those who only need the basic service of forming an LLC or Corporation.
The catch is that this plan does not include many of the add-ons that most businesses will eventually need. Here’s what it includes:
- Business name availability search
- Preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization (or equivalent for Corporations)
- A free 30-minute business consultation
- State filing fees are additional
While this plan is a great deal for those on a budget, you’ll need to purchase additional services if you want things like EIN registration, an operating agreement, or other key features.
2. Standard Package: $169 + State Fees
The Standard Package includes everything from the Basic plan, plus some valuable extras:
- EIN registration (Employer Identification Number)
- An operating agreement template
- Banking resolution document
- Business document library access
- Priority processing (faster turnaround time)
- A free trial for a business address service
This plan is ideal if you need a bit more than the basics but don’t want to go all out with the premium option. It covers most of the necessary features for an LLC, making it a solid middle ground.
3. Premium Package: $269 + State Fees
The Premium Package is the most expensive option, but it offers the fastest processing and the most comprehensive services:
- Same-day or next-day filing (depending on timing)
- Digital LLC kit (corporate seal, etc.)
- Enhanced document storage and virtual business address service
- Lifetime customer support
- A free trial of compliance alerts
If you need your LLC formed quickly and want access to extra features like a digital LLC kit or enhanced storage, this package will give you everything you need.
Swyft Filings Alternatives
If you’re not sure Swyft Filings is the best fit for you, here are a couple of strong alternatives to consider:
1. IncFile
IncFile offers a free LLC formation service (excluding state fees), making it a great competitor to Swyft Filings for those on a budget.
They also include one year of free registered agent service with their formation service, which is a significant perk. IncFile has an excellent reputation for customer service and ease of use.
2. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known names in the legal services industry. While their prices are typically higher than Swyft Filings, they offer more comprehensive ongoing legal services.
LegalZoom is a solid choice if you anticipate needing more than just formation services — for example, legal advice, trademark filing, or ongoing legal representation.
Swyft Filings User Experience & Filing Process
Website & Mobile Experience
Swyft Filings’ website is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. The business formation process is clearly laid out, and it only takes a few minutes to create an account and start the filing process.
Users also have access to a dashboard where they can track the status of their filings, view documents, and manage their services.
The mobile experience is also seamless, allowing users to manage their business from anywhere.
Filing Process
The filing process with Swyft Filings is simple and mostly automated. After selecting your package, you’ll need to provide details about your business, such as the company name, address, and members or directors.
Swyft Filings handles the paperwork and submits it to the state. If you’ve chosen a premium plan, you can expect a quicker turnaround time.
Swyft Filings Core Services & Features
Business Formation Process
Swyft Filings makes it easy to form an LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit. The company handles all the necessary paperwork and files it with the state on your behalf.
They also perform a name availability search to ensure your business name is unique and compliant with state regulations.
Document Preparation & Filing
Swyft Filings prepares key documents such as Articles of Organization (or Articles of Incorporation for corporations), operating agreements, and banking resolutions.
These documents are crucial for ensuring your business is legally recognized and compliant with state regulations.
Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services are provided by Swyft Filings or third-party partners. If you form your business in a state other than where you reside, or if you want to maintain privacy, registered agent services are a must. Swyft Filings offers this service for an additional fee, but it’s on the pricier side compared to other services.
Additional Business Services
Swyft Filings offers a wide range of additional services, such as:
- EIN registration
- Compliance alerts
- Virtual business address services
- Document storage
These services are helpful but come with extra fees. Make sure to evaluate what you actually need before purchasing any of these add-ons.
Swyft Filings Data Security & Privacy
Swyft Filings takes data privacy seriously, and their website uses secure encryption to protect sensitive information.
However, since they outsource some services (like registered agent services), there is a potential concern about how data is handled by third-party partners. If privacy is a top concern for your business, it’s essential to ask about the specifics of their data-sharing policies.
Swyft Filings Customer Support
Swyft Filings offers customer support via phone and email. Many users find the support team helpful and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to answering questions during the formation process.
However, some reviews report slow response times, particularly when trying to reach the support team via live chat.
The company does have a satisfaction guarantee, but this is limited to issues like filing delays or errors. It doesn’t cover dissatisfaction with the service or a change of mind, which can be frustrating for some users.
Swyft Filings’ Review Ratings from Review Sites
Swyft Filings generally receives positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, with many customers praising the ease of use and efficiency of the filing process.
However, there are also several negative reviews, particularly regarding upselling, hidden fees, and poor customer support in some cases.
Our Verdict on Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings is a solid option for entrepreneurs who want to form an LLC or Corporation without the hassle of paperwork. Its affordability, fast processing, and user-friendly platform make it a great choice for new business owners.
However, be aware of potential upselling, hidden fees, and the high cost of registered agent services. If you’re willing to pay for convenience and need fast, reliable service, Swyft Filings is a great choice.
FAQs
Is Swyft Filings really free?
The Basic Plan is free, but you will still need to pay state filing fees. Additionally, most of the useful services (like EIN registration or an operating agreement) are not included in the free plan.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes, if you’re forming an LLC or Corporation and don’t have a physical address in the state of formation, you will need a registered agent.
Are there hidden fees?
Some users report hidden fees or unexpected upsells during the checkout process, so it’s important to carefully review your order before confirming.
Can I cancel registered agent service later?
Yes, but you’ll need to appoint another registered agent before canceling. Some users have reported that this process can be a bit cumbersome.
Does Swyft Filings handle all paperwork itself?
No, some services, such as registered agent and EIN registration, are handled by third-party partners.