How to Get an LLC and EIN for Free Without Paying Junk Fees

Starting a business sounds expensive.

Lawyers. Paperwork. State websites. Random services trying to charge you for every little thing.

But the truth is, setting up the foundation for your business does not have to cost thousands of dollars.

You can file an LLC using a $0 formation service package, get your EIN directly from the IRS for free, and start setting up the pieces you need for business banking and business credit.

Now, let’s be clear.

Your LLC is not magically “free” in every sense because your state can still charge a filing fee. But you do not need to pay a company $300, $500, or $1,000 just to help you click through a basic LLC filing.

And if you are serious about business credit or future funding, getting this done early can put you in a much better position later.

Quick Answer

You can set up an LLC with a $0 formation service package through Bizee, formerly Incfile, but you still have to pay your state filing fee. Bizee currently lists its Basic LLC package at $0 plus state fees, and its LLC packages are eligible for one free year of registered agent service. (Bizee)

You can also get an EIN directly from the IRS for free. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN, and if your online application is approved, the EIN can be issued immediately. (IRS)

Why You Should Form an LLC Early

You do not need to have the perfect business idea before you start building a business foundation.

Most people wait too long.

They wait for the logo. The website. The product. The full business plan. The perfect moment.

But banks and lenders care about structure.

When they look at your business, one of the things they may look at is how long the business has been around.

A business that was formed three days ago looks brand new because it is brand new.

A business that has been registered for a year or two can look more established, even if you were not doing huge revenue yet.

That does not guarantee approvals.

It does not guarantee business funding.

It does not erase bad personal credit, weak revenue, or poor banking history.

But it can help you avoid looking like you just created the company yesterday because you suddenly wanted a loan.

That matters.

Time in Business Can Matter for Funding

This is one of the biggest reasons I like forming the LLC early.

If you decide next year that you want to start a consulting agency, cleaning business, media company, clothing brand, or mobile service business, you do not want to be starting from zero on paper.

When your LLC already exists, the clock has already started.

That can matter for business credit cards, lines of credit, working capital, and bank loans.

Different lenders use different rules. Some newer-business funding products may consider businesses with only a few months of activity, while more traditional lenders may want stronger operating history, revenue, documentation, and banking records.

The main point is simple:

The sooner you form the business, the sooner the business starts aging.

And future you may be glad you did it.

The Aged Company Strategy

Some people go out and buy aged shelf companies.

That means they buy a company that was formed years ago and has been sitting there unused.

Why?

Because the business looks older on paper.

Some people pay thousands of dollars for that.

But most beginners do not need to do all that.

You can create your own “aged” business by forming the LLC now, keeping it in good standing, opening the right accounts, and letting time work for you.

That is the cheaper move.

That is the smarter move for most people.

How to Get an LLC With a $0 Formation Service Fee

Bizee is one of the easiest options for this.

Bizee used to be called Incfile, and the company says Incfile became Bizee while keeping its formation and compliance services under the new name. (Bizee)

Here is the part people care about:

Bizee currently lists a Basic LLC package at $0 plus state fee. It also says each package is eligible for one free year of registered agent service. (Bizee)

That means Bizee is not charging you a service fee on that package.

But your state still charges its fee.

For example, Florida currently lists the total fee for a new Florida LLC at $125, made up of a $100 filing fee and a $25 registered agent fee. (Florida Department of State)

So if someone says “free LLC,” understand what that means.

The filing help may be free.

The state filing fee is not.

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent is basically your business’s legal mailman.

This is the person or company that receives important legal and government documents for your LLC.

That can include lawsuits, state notices, tax notices, annual report reminders, and other official paperwork.

Bizee says every LLC, corporation, and nonprofit needs an official registered agent in each state where it does business. Bizee also says its registered agent service is free for the first year when you form a business or LLC through them. (Bizee)

This is useful if you want privacy or you are forming in a state where you do not personally have a physical address.

But do not ignore the renewal.

Free for the first year is nice.

After that, check the renewal cost before you let anything auto-renew.

Pick a Neutral LLC Name

Do not overthink the name.

But also do not trap yourself.

If you call your company Atlanta Mobile Detailers LLC, that works fine if you are 100% sure you are only doing mobile detailing.

But what happens if next year you want to do consulting, digital marketing, vending machines, tax prep, trucking dispatch, or business services?

Now the name feels too narrow.

That is why I like neutral names.

Examples:

• MJ Consulting LLC

• L. Smith Ventures LLC

• DK Enterprises LLC

• Barton Media LLC

A neutral name gives you room to pivot.

You can always create a DBA later if you want a public-facing brand name for a specific business.

Choose a Simple Business Purpose

For many people, a broad business purpose makes more sense than something super narrow.

The script example used consulting, and that can work well if it honestly matches what your business will do.

But do not misrepresent your business.

That part matters.

If you are truly starting a trucking company, construction company, cannabis business, or another regulated or higher-risk business, do not just pretend you are a consultant because you think it will look better to banks.

That can backfire.

Use a business purpose and classification that actually fit what you are doing.

Why NAICS Code 541611 Gets Talked About

NAICS codes are how the government classifies different types of businesses.

The code 541611 is for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. The Census Bureau describes it as businesses that provide operating advice and assistance on administrative management issues, including planning, budgeting, records management, strategic planning, business start-up, and business process improvement. (Census.gov)

This is why people in the business credit world talk about it.

It is broad.

It is boring.

And boring can be good when banks are looking at your business profile.

But again, use it only if it honestly fits your business activity.

The goal is to build a clean business profile.

Not a fake one.

Skip the Upsells You Do Not Need

When you form an LLC through a service, you will probably see upsells.

That is how these companies make money.

Some add-ons may be useful for certain people, but beginners often buy things they do not need.

Here are the big ones I would be careful with:

EIN filing: You can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free. The IRS specifically warns that you do not have to pay a fee for an EIN. (IRS)

Business license research: Sometimes this is useful, but many people can check city, county, and state requirements themselves.

Fancy seals and binders: Most new LLC owners do not need this. It looks official, but it usually does not help you get funded.

Premium document bundles: Be careful here. Some documents can be useful, like an operating agreement or banking resolution. But do not buy a bundle just because the checkout page makes it sound scary.

Do not let a $0 filing turn into a $400 checkout because you clicked every add-on.

How to Get Your EIN for Free

Your EIN is your Employer Identification Number.

Think of it like a Social Security number for your business.

You will usually need it to open a business bank account, apply for business credit, set up payroll, and file certain tax forms.

The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS in minutes for free, and if the application is approved, the EIN is issued immediately online. (IRS)

A few important notes:

• Apply directly through the IRS.

• Do not pay a random website for an EIN.

• Complete the application in one session.

• Print and save your EIN confirmation letter.

• The IRS currently limits EIN applications to one per responsible party per day. (IRS)

Also, the IRS says if you are forming a legal entity like an LLC, partnership, corporation, or tax-exempt organization, you should form the entity through your state before applying for the EIN. If you do not, the EIN application may be delayed. (IRS)

That part is important.

Do the LLC first.

Then do the EIN.

What You Need to Open a Business Bank Account

Once your LLC is formed and you have your EIN, the next step is opening a business bank account.

This matters because business credit and business funding usually start with a real business banking relationship.

Most banks may ask for:

• Articles of Organization

• EIN confirmation letter

• Government-issued ID

• Business address and contact information

• Initial deposit, if required

Some people like big banks like Chase, Bank of America, or U.S. Bank.

Others like online business checking options because the setup is faster and the fees can be lower.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn compensation if you click or apply through certain links.

Helpful resource: If you want an online business checking option, Bluevine Business Checking can be worth reviewing while you are setting up your LLC, EIN, and business banking foundation.

Do Not Stop at the LLC and EIN

This is where a lot of people mess up.

They get the LLC.

They get the EIN.

Then they think they are done.

You are not done.

That is just the foundation.

If you want your business to look more credible to banks, lenders, vendors, and credit issuers, you should also work on the rest of your business profile.

That can include:

• Business checking account

• Business address

• Business phone number

• Business email

• Website or basic online presence

• Correct business listings

• Vendor accounts

• Clean personal credit

• Good banking activity

• Accurate business information across applications

This is how you start looking like a real business instead of a rushed LLC that was formed five minutes before applying for funding.

Helpful resource: If you want the full business credit foundation laid out step by step, my Business Credit Buildout System is designed to help business owners build a cleaner profile before they start chasing funding.

Suggested internal links to add during publishing: How to Build Business Credit With a New LLC, Best Business Checking Accounts for New LLCs, Net 30 Vendors That Report to Business Credit, and Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit.

One Compliance Note Before You File

Business rules change.

That is why you should always check your state requirements before filing.

You may have annual reports, state fees, local licenses, industry permits, tax registrations, or other requirements depending on where you form and what your business does.

There is also been a lot of confusion around BOI reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. FinCEN currently says entities created in the United States, including those previously called domestic reporting companies, and their beneficial owners are exempt from BOI reporting under the CTA. (FinCEN.gov)

That is good news for many U.S.-formed LLC owners.

But because that rule has changed before, I would still verify it before publishing or filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really get an LLC for free?

You can use a $0 formation service package, but your state filing fee still applies. Bizee currently lists its Basic LLC package at $0 plus state fees, but state costs vary. (Bizee)

Can I get an EIN for free?

Yes. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN, and you can apply directly through the IRS. If approved, the EIN can be issued immediately online. (IRS)

Should I apply for the EIN before or after the LLC?

The IRS says that if you are forming a legal entity like an LLC, you should form the entity through your state before applying for the EIN. If you do not, your EIN application may be delayed. (IRS)

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?

Yes, your LLC needs a registered agent. You may be able to serve as your own registered agent depending on your state, but many people use a registered agent service for privacy, convenience, or out-of-state filings.

Is NAICS code 541611 good for business credit?

NAICS 541611 is commonly discussed because it covers administrative and general management consulting services, which can be a broad and simple business classification. But you should only use it if it accurately describes your business. Do not misclassify your business just to look better to banks.

Does forming an LLC guarantee business credit or funding?

No. An LLC and EIN do not guarantee approvals, credit lines, loans, or funding. They are just the foundation. Lenders can still look at your personal credit, revenue, banking history, industry, time in business, debt, and overall risk profile.

Conclusion

Getting an LLC and EIN does not have to be complicated.

You do not need to pay for every upsell.

You do not need to spend thousands of dollars.

And you do not need to wait until your business idea is perfect.

If you are serious about business credit or future funding, forming the LLC early can start the clock, help you build a cleaner business profile, and put you in a better position when you are ready to apply.

Just remember what matters:

Form the LLC.

Get the EIN directly from the IRS.

Open the business bank account.

Keep the company in good standing.

Then build the rest of the business profile the right way.

That is how you stop looking like a brand-new LLC chasing money and start looking like a real business preparing for funding.