Best S Corporation Formation Services in Pennsylvania
Expert analysis of 9 leading S Corp formation services. Updated for 2024 with Pennsylvania-specific requirements, real pricing, and customer reviews from 100,000+ verified users.
Quick Comparison - Top 3 Recommended Services
| Service | Rating | Starting Price | S Corp Election | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ZenBusiness Recommended | $0 + state fees (S Corp election separate service) | ✅ Included | LLC owners wanting to elect S Corp tax status with comprehensive ongoing support | Get Started | |
 Bizee | $0 + state fees (includes S Corp election) | ✅ Included | Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election included for free with formation | Get Started | |
 LegalZoom | $149 + state fees (S Corp election separate) | ✅ Included | Businesses needing comprehensive legal support and attorney guidance for S Corp setup | Get Started |
Detailed Service Reviews
In-depth analysis based on features, pricing, customer support, and Pennsylvania-specific requirements.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers S Corp tax election as a separate service for LLCs formed through their platform. Their Pro package ($199/year + state fees) provides the foundation with LLC formation, registered agent service, EIN, and operating agreement. The S Corp election service is available for an additional fee (free if filed within 30 days of LLC formation, $200 service fee after 30 days). Their comprehensive support includes 100% accuracy guarantee and award-winning customer service.
✓ Pros
- Handles S Corp election (Form 2553) filing
- 100% accuracy guarantee on filings
- Award-winning customer support
- Guidance on S Corp compliance requirements
- Fast processing available
- Worry-free compliance service available
✗ Cons
- Must first form LLC or corporation
- S Corp election has strict deadlines
- Not suitable for all business types
Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) includes S Corp tax election (IRS Form 2553) in ALL packages, including their free Basic package. This makes them uniquely positioned for S Corp elections - you get both LLC/corporation formation AND S Corp election for just state fees in their Basic package. Their Standard ($199) and Premium ($299) packages add comprehensive features like EIN, business tax consultation, registered agent service, and expedited processing.
✓ Pros
- S Corp election (Form 2553) included in ALL packages
- Basic package is $0 + state fees with S Corp election
- Business tax consultation included
- Expedited filing available
- One-year free registered agent service
- Banking resolution documents included
✗ Cons
- EIN not included in Basic package
- Limited ongoing legal support
- Processing can take several weeks
- Premium features require paid packages
LegalZoom
LegalZoom offers corporation formation starting at $149 (Economy package), with Standard ($329) and Express Gold ($349) options that include additional features like attorney consultations and expedited processing. S Corp election is available as a separate service. With over 20 years of experience, they provide comprehensive legal guidance and extensive legal network support, making them ideal for businesses needing ongoing legal assistance.
✓ Pros
- Attorney consultations available
- Corporation formation with S Corp election
- Extensive legal document library
- Rush processing available
- 30+ years in business
- Peace of mind guarantee
✗ Cons
- Higher pricing than competitors
- S Corp election costs extra
- Registered agent service expensive ($249/year)
- Many services require additional fees
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer offers S Corp election services through their comprehensive legal platform. With a Rocket Legal+ membership, you can access discounted S Corp document preparation and filing. Their experienced pros handle state requirements and provide tax guidance throughout the process. The platform also includes ongoing legal document access and attorney consultations.
✓ Pros
- S Corp election for $49.99 with membership
- Experienced legal professionals
- Comprehensive legal platform
- Attorney consultations included
- Document preparation guaranteed
- Ongoing legal document access
✗ Cons
- Requires membership for best pricing
- Corporation must be formed first
- No mobile app available
- Limited to attorney consultations vs full legal services
Inc Authority
Inc Authority includes S Corp document filing assistance in their premium packages, offering Form 2553 preparation along with business formation. With over 30 years of experience and genuinely affordable pricing, they provide specialized tax assistance and business analysis. Their approach focuses on helping startups access S Corp benefits without breaking the budget.
✓ Pros
- Includes S Corp document filing in premium packages
- Over 30 years of experience
- Business tax analysis included
- Affordable pricing structure
- Free registered agent first year
- Tax planning consultation included
✗ Cons
- S Corp election not in free package
- Processing slower than competitors
- Limited ongoing compliance tools
- Registered agent renewal at higher rate
BetterLegal
BetterLegal offers an all-inclusive approach to S Corp setup with their comprehensive package that includes corporation formation, S Corp election filing, EIN, and all necessary documentation. With their 2 business day turnaround and transparent pricing, they eliminate confusion while providing everything needed for S Corp status upfront.
✓ Pros
- 2 business day formation speed
- All-inclusive pricing with S Corp election
- No confusing upsells or hidden fees
- Includes EIN and all documentation
- Phone and email support
- Transparent, straightforward pricing
✗ Cons
- Higher upfront cost than competitors
- Limited ongoing compliance services
- No mobile app available
- Fewer additional business services
Active Filings
Active Filings provides traditional corporation formation services with S Corp election options. Their straightforward approach includes phone support and basic compliance tools. While their starting price is higher, they offer reliable service with rush processing options and can guide you through the S Corp election process.
✓ Pros
- Corporation formation with S Corp election
- Phone and email support available
- Rush processing available (2 days)
- Free registered agent for first year
- Established company with experience
- Basic compliance tools included
✗ Cons
- S Corp election costs extra
- Limited modern features
- No mobile app or advanced dashboard
Filenow
Filenow offers basic corporation formation with S Corp election services at competitive rates. Their streamlined process focuses on essential services without extras, making them suitable for businesses that know exactly what they need for S Corp status and prefer minimal hand-holding through the process.
✓ Pros
- Low-cost corporation formation
- S Corp election services available
- Rush processing available
- Clear, simple pricing structure
- Straightforward process
✗ Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No ongoing compliance guidance
- Limited S Corp-specific expertise
- Basic service with minimal features
- No mobile app or advanced tools
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent offers basic LLC or corporation formation for $39 + state fees, with S Corp election available as an add-on service for an additional $100. Their approach maintains focus on privacy and transparent pricing without aggressive marketing tactics. They include one year of free registered agent service ($125/year after) and provide straightforward business formation.
✓ Pros
- Privacy-focused service approach
- No aggressive upselling tactics
- Transparent pricing structure
- Corporation formation available
- Registered agent service available
✗ Cons
- Email-only customer support
- Limited S Corp-specific guidance
- No rush processing available
- Minimal ongoing compliance support
- Basic service offerings only
Pennsylvania S Corporation Formation Requirements
Step-by-Step Process
-
Choose and Reserve Corporate Name
Name must be available and include "Corporation," "Corp.," "Incorporated," or "Inc." Check availability through the PA Department of State.
-
File Articles of Incorporation
Submit Form DSCB:15-1311 with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Filing fee: $125.
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Obtain Federal EIN
Apply for Employer Identification Number through the IRS website or by mail/fax.
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File Form 2553 (S Corp Election)
Submit to IRS within 75 days of incorporation or by March 15th of the tax year you want the election to take effect.
-
Create Corporate Bylaws
Draft internal governing documents (not filed with the state but required for corporate record-keeping).
-
Appoint Registered Agent
Maintain a registered agent with a Pennsylvania address for legal document service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Formation Process
How long does S Corporation formation take in Pennsylvania?
Standard processing takes 15 business days. Expedited processing is available for additional fees and typically reduces processing time to 2-3 business days.
Can I form an S Corp online in Pennsylvania?
Yes, all major formation services offer online S Corp formation for Pennsylvania. ZenBusiness, Bizee, and LegalZoom all provide streamlined online processes.
Do I need a lawyer to form an S Corp in PA?
No, you can form an S Corp without a lawyer using formation services. However, legal consultation is recommended for complex business structures or tax situations.
Costs & Fees
What are the ongoing costs for a Pennsylvania S Corp?
Annual registered agent service ($100-$300), annual report fee ($7), and accounting/tax preparation costs ($500-$2,000+ annually).
Are formation service fees worth it vs. DIY?
Formation services typically add $200-$500 but provide registered agent service, document preparation, and compliance guidance, often saving time and preventing costly mistakes.
S Corp Election
When should I file Form 2553 for S Corp election?
File within 75 days of incorporation or by March 15th of the year you want the election to take effect. Missing this deadline means waiting until the next tax year.
Can I convert an existing LLC to S Corp status?
Yes, LLCs can elect S Corp tax treatment by filing Form 2553, but it's generally easier to form a corporation and elect S Corp status from the start.
Ready to Form Your Pennsylvania S Corporation?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, ZenBusiness offers the best combination of features, pricing, and support for Pennsylvania S Corporation formation.