Harvard Business Services: Delaware’s Best LLC Formation Option
July 15, 2021 | By Matthew Dunn | LLC Service Reviews
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LLC formation requirements in the state of Delaware can be highly complex. New small business owners in Delaware need help with their startups, yet attorney fees can be high. Many new entrepreneurs have found the guidance they are looking for with Harvard Business Services in Delaware.
Overview of Harvard Business Services
Harvard Business Delaware was founded by Richard Bell in 1981. Prior to forming his business, Bell had served as manager for a firm that specialized in Registered Agent services for Delaware-based corporations. His experience brought with it the knowledge of what startups needed to successfully form their own LLC.
Bell’s company flourished by providing new entrepreneurs exactly what they needed: an affordable way for them to get their LLC formed in compliance with state and federal regulations. Since its inception, Harvard Business Services has successfully assisted in the formation of more than 200,000 Delaware-based businesses.
Harvard Business Services: A Detailed Look
Entrepreneurs in Delaware can turn to Harvard Business Services for the following services:
Name Availability Check
Harvard Business Services will perform searches to ensure that the business name you choose is not being held by anyone else in the state.
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Harvard Business Delaware will handle the preparation of all documentation necessary to start an LLC in compliance with Delaware state requirements. Once the documents are ready, they will file them with the appropriate state authorities.
Rapid Turnaround
They provide same-day services for those who need to form their LLC quickly.
Registered Agent Services
Harvard Business Services will serve as the Registered Agent for the new business. Federal law requires that all companies use a registered agent for the receipt of all government communication on behalf of the business. This service is provided free for the first year and an affordable $50 a year for all subsequent years.
Compliance Notifications
As long as you subscribe to their service, Harvard Business Delaware will make sure that you are kept up to date on what is needed for your business to remain in compliance with state and federal laws. You will receive reminder notices for yearly filings such as annual reports, tax documentation and license renewals and provide you with digital copies of every document that is filed on your behalf.
Sample Documents
Most new business owners are unfamiliar with the various documents they need to have to get their business going. Harvard Business Services will provide templates for banking documents, tax documents and any necessary digital certificates required by state and federal authorities.
International LLC Formation
If you want to take your business global, Harvard Business Services will help you with the formation of an International LLC. They offer notary and apostille services so that you can stay in compliance in the United States even when you are based outside of the country.
Customer Service
Harvard Business Delaware makes their customer service available via phone, email or chat every Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They have bilingual representatives available to take care of those whose first language is not English.
LLC Cancellation Services
Canceling an LLC in Delaware can be a complex process. For additional fees, Harvard Business Delaware helps you navigate this process if you need to cancel your LLC. When the cancellation is complete, they will help un-list your company name making that name available for others.
Refund Policy
They will provide a refund within 30 days of your initial subscription less a five percent fee for the cancellation.
Other Business Services
Harvard Business Services makes available the following standalone business services for an additional fee:
- Certificate of good standing
- EIN Number
- Mail forwarding
- Filing amendments for your LLC
- Operating agreement templates
Harvard Business Services Pros and Cons
There are good things and bad things about every business. Here are the pros and cons for Harvard Business Services:
- Bilingual staff
- Resident agent fee free for first year
- Prices include state filing fees
- Affordable registered agent services after free first year
- International LLC services
- Compliance monitoring
- Rapid turnaround with same day filing
- Exceptional customer service
- Extensive library of helpful webinars
- Only available in Delaware
- No trademark services
- No formation services for nonprofits
- Limited services available outside of packages
Harvard Business Service Packages
Harvard Business Services offers three different package plans for domestic LLC formation and three plans for International. The plans are as follows:
Green Package
The Green package is priced at $179 and is the most affordable option. This package includes the following:
- Delaware state filing fees
- Registered agent services free for the first year, $50 for subsequent years
- Business name verification
- Document preparation with same day electronic filing
- Certificate of Formation
- Digital copies of all documentation
- Digital corporate seal
- Lifetime customer support
- Free compliance coaching
This package promises delivery via email within three to five business days.
The Green package for International LLC services is also $179 and has the same components.
Basic Package
The Basic package is priced at $229 and includes everything included in the Green package in addition to:
- Hard copies of all documentation
- Shipping fees included in priority mailing
- Operating agreements and bylaws templates
- LLC/Corporation essential documents (templates)
- Digital membership
- Bank resolution form
The Basic package promises delivery within four to six business days.
Basic Package for International LLC
The Basic Package for International LLC formation is $350 and includes the same services as the domestic package as well as a copy of the Certificate of formation with a gold seal that is filed with the apostille. It also includes a notarized Statement of Authorized person. This plan delivers in six to eight business days.
Standard Package
The Standard package is priced at $329 and includes everything included in the Green and Basic package in addition to:
- Gold embossed binder for document organization and records
- Company Guidebook
- Meeting Minute book
- Organizational Resolutions
- Membership ledger
- Corporate seal embosser
The Standard package promises delivery within three to five business days.
Standard Package for International LLC
The Standard Package for International LLC services is priced at $450. It includes everything in the International Basic package as well as everything in the Standard package for domestic clients and delivers in six to eight business days.
Is Harvard Business Services a Good Fit for Me?
Harvard Business Services has everything you need for a basic LLC formation. However, clients are limited to those in Delaware. If you do live in Delaware, then this is a good fit for you if you are looking for a basic LLC formation.
Customer Experiences
As seen in the thousands of ratings on TrustPilot, Harvard Business Services offers its customers a great experience. See more on the customer experiences on the YouTube video Harvard Business Services Customer Experiences.
The overall ratings for customer experiences have an average TrustPilot rating of 4.9/5. Customer comments all agree that the customer service is exceptional. They also rate highly for the turnaround times. Most reviews agree that their LLC formation experience was straightforward with more than one client stating that it was effortless on their part. Clients who have been with Harvard Business Services for more than one year also take the time to comment on their satisfaction with the experience.
Customers felt that the knowledge of the customer service team was extensive and that they were always ready to help. Other comments mentioned that the customer service response time to questions was timely. They also felt that the site was user-friendly and that it was easy to find what they were looking for.
Alternatives to Harvard Business Services
There are several different companies in the industry of business formation services. This review will examine the differences between Harvard Business Services, ZenBusiness, IncFile and Northwest Registered Agent.
Harvard Business Services vs ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the most highly-rated business formation services in the industry. They are a relatively new entry into this rapidly growing industry, yet they have bold aspirations that they are making broad strides towards achieving.
ZenBusiness and Harvard Business Services have several things in common, including:
- Resident Agent Services
Both ZenBusiness and Harvard Business Services offer a free year of registered agent services with their packages. Subsequent years carry a fee, with Harvard Business services taking the edge with a lower yearly fee. - Excellent Customer Service
Both companies are highly rated for their customer service response times and the total customer service experience. This one comes out a tie. - Ease of Use
Both the ZenBusiness and Harvard Business Services websites are easy to use. Customers have no trouble finding what they are looking for from the home page. - Trustworthy
ZenBusiness and Harvard Business Services have proven themselves to be legitimate businesses whose services can be trusted. What they promise to provide is what they provide, and it is easy to form an LLC with them.
ZenBusiness and Harvard Business Services differ in the following ways:
- Availability
Harvard Business Services is only available in the state of Delaware and for international clients, while ZenBusiness is available in every state. - State Fees
Harvard Business Services includes state fees in its packages. ZenBusiness charges state filing fees as a separate charge. - Experience
Harvard Business Services has been in business since 1981 whereas ZenBusiness has only been in business since 2015. This is a significant difference in their experience in the industry.
If you feel that they would be a good fit for your LLC formation, you can get started at ZenBusiness today.
IncFile vs Harvard Business Services
IncFile is known for its free LLC formation services. They have been in business since 2004 and have helped form over 500,000 new businesses.
IncFile and Harvard Business Services have the following in common:
- Business Name Verification
Both IncFile and Harvard Business Services will perform a business name verification service as part of their LLC formation packages. - Registered Agent Services
Both IncFile and Harvard Business Services offer free Registered Agent Services for the first year. Since it is a requirement that every business use a registered agent, this is an important factor. The price for continuing Registered Agent Services after the first year has a significant price difference. Harvard Business Services charges $50 per year while IncFile charges $119 per year. - Ease of Use
Both IncFile and Harvard Business Services are extremely user-friendly. Their websites are user-friendly, and it is easy for customers to find exactly what they are looking for. - Customer Service
Both companies offer exceptional customer support with their customer service departments available 5 days a week. They are both highly rated in customer feedback and services. TrustPilot rates IncFile at 4.4/5 and Harvard Business Services at 4.8/5.
IncFile and Harvard Business Services differ in the following areas:
- Pricing
IncFile offers its most basic LLC formation services for free; however, you will pay a state filing fee. Harvard Business Services start their services at $179 which includes free state filing. - Availability
Harvard Business Services is only available for the state of Delaware. IncFile works with all 50 states.
If you believe that they might be a good fit for your LLC formation, you can visit IncFile today to get started.
Northwest Registered Agent vs Harvard Business Services
Northwest Registered Agent’s primary business is providing Registered Agent Services. They have been in business since 1998 and have provided services to over 2 million clients.
Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services have the following in common:
- Registered Agent Services
Both Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services offer registered agent services. Both companies offer this service for free for the first year when you subscribe to one of their packages. - Customer Service
Both Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services offer excellent customer service. Both are known for a quick turnaround with customer service issues as well as knowledgeable customer service agents. - Mail Forwarding Services
Both Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services offer mail forwarding services. - Compliance
Both companies offer continuous compliance services. They will file all necessary renewal documents and keep you informed as to information due and their deadlines. - Ease of Use
Both Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services have user-friendly websites that make it easy to find what you are looking for.
Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services differ in the following areas:
- Service Area
Harvard Business Services is only available in the state of Delaware. Northwest Registered Agent is available in all 50 states. - State Filing Fees
Harvard Business Services include state filing fees in their packages. Northwest Registered Agent askes for state filing fees as a separate charge.
If you believe that Northwest Registered Agent might be a good fit for your LLC formation and Registered Agent needs, check them out at Northwest Registered Agent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard Business Services
Is Harvard Business Services legitimate?
Harvard Business Services is completely legitimate. Since 1981, they have provided business formation services for over 250,000 Delaware businesses.
Do they help with ongoing compliance?
Harvard Business Services offers continuous compliance monitoring. They can alert you as to when your deadlines are upcoming as well as help you file all your necessary documentation.
What is their refund policy?
They offer a refund within 30 days of your initial subscription.
Do they offer good customer support services?
Yes! Harvard Business Services is known for having exceptional customer support services with friendly and knowledgeable support personnel.
Do they offer EIN services?
For a nominal fee, Harvard Business Services will apply for your EIN on your behalf.
Do they pressure you with upsells?
No. Harvard Business Services is known for its no-pressure sales experience.
How quickly do they process LLC formation?
Harvard Business Services files your LLC formation paperwork the same day. Their average turnaround time is one to five days.
Do I have to physically live in the US?
No, you do not have to physically reside in the US to file LLC formation paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Harvard Review Services has been doing LLC formation within the state of Delaware since 1981, making them one of the most experienced business startup companies. They are the only ones who have International LLC services. The only real downside we find is that they are only available for Delaware businesses and not in all 50 states. Although overall, their package prices are on the high side, we find that their $50 fee for registered agent services after the first year to be one of the most competitive in the business formation industry.
If you want to know more or are ready to start your LLC formation in the state of Delaware, visit Harvard Business Services Delaware for more information.
