I recently went through the process of creating an LLC with Swyft Filings. In this review, I share the steps you need to take to form an LLC using this company’s checkout process along with the advantages and disadvantages of the service.

As part of the research process, I also evaluated the online reviews and contacted customer service to understand the level of support you can expect if needed. Here’s everything I learned about the company that I think you’ll want to know. My top pick for LLC formation is ZenBusiness that allows you to file for $39 + State Fees. 

Is Swyft Filings the right choice for you? Find out for yourself below. You can learn more about my LLC service review evaluation criteria here. I use the same criteria to evaluate all LLC service companies to keep the review process fair.

About Swyft Filings 

Swyft Filings is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filing service you can use to create a business entity quickly and easily. The company also helps you file documents with state and federal agencies as required to complete the business formation process.

In my opinion, Swyft Filings is best-suited for new business owners who need guidance on incorporating their business, but don’t want to hire an expensive lawyer that would cost a few thousand in fees. This review examines Swyft Filings’s services, its cost and competitive alternatives. It also includes some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Swyft Filings and filing services in general.

Advantages of Swyft Filings

The advantages of Swyft Filings over other filing services include the following:

• Customer reviews
• Pricing model
• Direct service line
• Turnaround time

Customer Reviews

The most noticeable advantage of Swyft Filings the number of positive customer reviews. The company was founded in 2015, but it has already earned many positive reviews on sites like Sitejabber and Trustpilot.

Sitejabber has over 32,000 reviews and Trustpilot has more than 2,900 of the company that you can review. The overwhelming majority of these are positive, although Swyft Filings responds to virtually all negative reviews and provides meaningful explanations for the situation. After all, it’s tough to keep everyone happy so this helps understand the context of each complaint.

It’s not always easy to tell legit from fake reviews online. With that being said, the volume of positive Swyft reviews across multiple websites seems hard to fake.

Most customer issues seem to be around the speed of business documents being sent. You can pay for expedited service for faster shipping through the website if time is an issue. In general based on the reviews, I’d say allow a couple weeks for documents to arrive would be ideal. Swyft says they process submissions within 24 hours of receipt, but can’t control delays with the United States Postal Service. In general, if you don’t mind waiting a couple of weeks to receive business documents that would be ideal.

Another common concern is above average wait times when calling in for telephone support. I personally called Swyft to see how long it would take to get in touch with a live representative. It took about 20 minutes to get human on the phone. While faster is always better, I found this to be an acceptable wait time based on my experience with other companies.

Swyft said they were experiencing above average call volume on the day I called. This is a familiar message you’re sure to have heard before if you’ve attempted to contact the cable, electric company, telephone service, or pretty much any other large corporation. Still, I feel like l could get ahold of someone if needed.

Pricing Model

Swyft Filings doesn’t force customers to buy more expensive packages to obtain a specific service, unlike some of its competitors. This is really nice if you’re opening a new business on a bootstrapped budget.

For example, customers can easily add additional services, such as expedited filing or an operating agreement to their services, even if the current package doesn’t already include it. The comparatively low price of Swyft Filings’ most expensive package makes it a good choice for customers who want to form an LLC quickly and easily without buying additional products or upsells as part of the checkout process.

Swyft Filings also offers three additional services with all its pricing packages at no extra charge, including alerts for reporting deadlines, a domain name for one year and a 30-minute tax consultation. These services aren’t essential for forming an LLC, but they can be nice to have.

Direct Service Line

Knowledgeable, responsive customer service is particularly important for LLC formation services, since customers often require accurate, time-sensitive information. Swyft Filings assigns a specialist to each customer, along with a direct phone number and e-mail address for that specialist.

As mentioned earlier just because you are assigned a specialist doesn’t mean there won’t be any wait times. In general, expect phone or email responses as you would contacting any company. Based on my own experience, having a dedicated service line does not mean you should expect an immediate response.

Turnaround Time

LLC formation requires five to 10 business days in most states, depending on the customer’s service package. Swyft Filings’ turnaround times are better than average, but they aren’t the fastest available. However, customers can reduce this time to one to three business days by paying an additional fee for the Express filing option. The Premium package includes this option at no additional charge.

Some states offer a third-level of rush filing, which isn’t included in the Premium package. In addition, alternative business formation services like Northwest Registered Agent offer same-day filing by default. This alternative service is more expensive, however.

Disadvantages of Swyft Filings

The biggest overall disadvantage of Swyft Filings is that many of the upsell packages and features don’t provide any clear value to me. This company also pushes an unusually large number of third-party partnership offers on its clients. LLC formation services routinely up-sell services, but Swyft Filings does more than its competitors.

In addition the company omits some of these offers from its main pricing page and places them on lower-level pages instead, where customers are less likely to see them. Furthermore, some offers completely unrelated to forming a business.

Swyft Filings’s basic services also present its features in a way that further obscures its third-party offers. For example, the company lists its basic package as providing an additional four services, one of which is lifetime customer support. This feature should be provided by default rather than classifying it as an added service in my opinion. Also, it seems unlikely that you would need this additional support more than a year after the business has been operating.

A reliable registered agent service is the second-most important service in any business formation after the formation itself. A registered agent is an official contact for an LLC business that will be contacted in the event you get a legal notice or are contacted by the government. You do not need to pay for a registered agent service, but it is advised The same company that formed the business should ideally provide the registered agent service, since this arrangement protects the customers’ privacy more effectively and simplifies their experience.

Related Reading: Should You Form a Food Truck LLC?

Some competitors bundle their registered agent service with other services, allowing them to offer package discounts. However, Swyft Filings only offers this service through the third-party partner LegalCorp Solutions during the registration process. While not a deal breaker, this is less than ideal.

This service currently costs $149 per year, which is more expensive than the bundled registered agent services of competitors like Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness. These companies also offer standalone registered agent services for a significantly lower cost than Swyft Filings services. Swyft Filings’ terms of service also allow it to increase the annual cost of the registered agent service from LegalCorp Solutions without notifying customers.

Another major disadvantage of Swyft Filings is that it forces customers to perform their own research to identify the companies that will actually service their account and provide mail forwarding services for their company. A firm that provides most of its services in-house is preferable because it typically provides a higher quality of service and better protection of customers’ privacy.

Price: How Much Will Swyft Filings LLC Formation Cost?

Swyft Filings scores 6 out of 10 on price and value.

The service offers three packages, including the Basic, Standard and Premium packages. The Basic package provides good value, especially for entrepreneurs who only require minimal assistance in forming their LLC. The Standard package provides some additional features at a reasonable price, but the Premium package is much more expensive without adding clear value in my opinion.

The lack of a registered agent service with any of these packages is one of the main reasons that Swyft Filings doesn’t receive a better score on price.

A registered agent is essentially a required service is essential for customers, yet it costs an additional $149 per year to complete. In addition, Swyft Filings charges an additional $20 for electronic delivery of documents for the Basic and Standard packages, which virtually all other online incorporation services provide for free. This $20 fee appears to deliver forms immediately, but Swyft Filings doesn’t make this feature simple to understand.

Basic package

The Basic package costs $49 plus the state filing fee. It includes the preparation and filing of articles of organization for an LLC and articles of incorporation for a corporation. This service allows customers to create the formation of documents and submit them to their state government. The Basic package also includes a name availability search to ensure that the proposed business name is still available.

In addition, it includes a statement of the organizer / incorporator, allowing the customer to open a bank account for their business. Additional services in the Basic package include ComplianceGuard, Swyft Filings’ corporate compliance tool, which keeps customers informed of filing due dates.

Standard package

The Standard package costs $149 plus the state filing fee. It includes all the services in the Basic package plus an Employer Identification Number (EIN), banking resolution and custom meeting minutes. A business needs an EIN to hire employees, but it’s also helpful for paying taxes and opening bank account for the business.

A banking resolution form helps to open a business bank account, but it’s unnecessary when the package already includes an EIN. Custom meeting minutes provide an outline for business meetings and also provide space for taking notes at those meetings.

Premium package

The Premium package is $299 plus state filing fees. In addition to the services in the Standard package, it also includes a digital seal, ownership ledger and 20 custom stock certificates. The electronic document delivery feature seems to deliver documents immediately. The Premium package also includes FedEx shipping and a tracking number, as opposed to UPS 1^st Class mail for the Basic and Standard package.

Customer Support and Refund Policy 

Swyft Filings scores 8 out of 10 for customer support.

The company offers support by chat, email and phone from 10am to 7pm ET on weekdays. The response times for all three method are short, although the answers from customer service agents tend to be rather basic without being pushy or salesy.

For example, a test of the chat feature resulted in an almost instant connection with an agent. The duration of the chat session was less than a minute and the agent answered the question promptly without expanding on it. Admittedly, the chat should only be used for basic questions about navigation or checkout process and not specific LLC formation advise. You can expect a customer support chat person to be an expert in business formation too.

The response time for the test email message was about 4 hours, which was faster than any other incorporation firm. The average response time for email is about 24 hours.

The hold time for the test phone call was slightly more than a minute. The agent answered the question politely, quickly and concisely.

Swyft Filings has the best refund policy in the industry. It has a 100% satisfaction guarantee that refunds the customer’s money for any reason at any time. Furthermore, Swyft Filings doesn’t charge a cancellation or processing fee when providing a refund.

Swyft Filings’ contact information is as follows:

• Phone Number: 877-777-0450
• Chat: https://www.swyftfilings.com/support/contact-us
• Email: [email protected]

Customer Reviews and Company Reputation 

Swyft Filings scores 8 out of 10 for customer reviews. Sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provide many customer reviews on Swyft Filings.

Eric I. posted a review on April 5, 2021 expressing satisfaction with his results in using Swyft Filings. He says that he always received a professional response to his question within one business day and that all his interactions made him feel that the staff was truly interested in helping him get his business started. Eric adds that he couldn’t have succeeded in this endeavor without Swyft Filings and would recommend it to anyone.

LaMarr posted on 03/27/2011 that Swyft Filings is his go-to source for filing time-sensitive documents related to his business. He also says this company is the most responsive he’s ever dealt with and adds that their attention to detail gives him confidence that his time and money is being well spent. LaMarr adds that Swyft Filings’ responsiveness, accountability and discipline are what make it stand apart from its competitors.

Seattleroman posted on 3/11/21 that entrepreneurs should avoid Swyft Filings. He says he tried to use the company to incorporate his business in the U.S. but wasted a month of his time without result. Seattleroman explains that multiple phone calls convinced him that customer service representatives knew less than he does about forming a business, adding that it seemed to be a process of trial and error. The customer concludes by saying Swyft Filings wasn’t able to do what he wanted.

Ease of Use and Checkout Process 

Swyft Filings scores 8 out of 10 for ease of use and checkout process. Overall the checkout process is easy and straight forward. The only negative aspects are a couple of up-sells that are difficult to understand whether or not you actually need as a layman and can add an extra couple hundred dollars to the total cost. Details below.

Here’s what to expect from the checkout process with Swyft Filings and the information you’ll need to gather to complete the process. I’ve included screen shots from my own experience using the website so you know what to expect. Here are the first questions you’ll need to answer to kick off the checkout process.

• Select business entity type: LLC, C Corporation, S Corporation, or Nonprofit.
• Select your state.

Next you’ll be prompted to select your LLC formation package as shown below: Premium, Standard, or Basic. You can break your filing fees into installments if you don’t want to pay the full amount right away.

Various features / options with Swyft Filings.

Next, enter basic contact information (most likely your personal contact information).

• First name
• Last name
• Phone
• Email

Enter basic contact information.

Next, you’ll enter the basic details about your business:

• Preferred business name
• Select your designator
• Alternate business name
• Choose business category
• Describe business activity

What is the name of your business?

Next, enter your business address. Note: You may cannot use a P.O. Box for this area. If you operate a home-based business, enter the home address here.

Enter the business address.

Next, you have two options to designate how your LLC will be managed. Option one is states the LLC will be managed by members. This tab is best when four or less owners will operate / own the business. Option two states the LLC will be managed by managers. This is the preferred option for most You’ll also enter the names of the owners in this business on this page.

How is an LLC managed.

The next step is to assign a registered agent to be the official point of contact for any legal or government communication to the company. An assigned registered agent is a requirement in nearly every state and will cost $149 billed quarterly through this service. Utilizing this service also protects personal privacy since your name will not be listed as the registered agent for your business.

Assign a registered agent.

You can technically enter your own name in this section, but most people opt for a service to handle this requirement. Otherwise, you need to make yourself available to be contacted by the government or legal service five days a week at a certain location. This is not a practical expectation for most business owners.

The next step in the process is to decide if you want to get essential business licenses and permits through the company. For some companies, you’ll be required to submit specific registration documents or applications to conduct business legally.

This service can save you time and finding out the forms needed to create a business in your area, but it will also cost an additional $99 on your total bill.

In an effort to save time, I added this feature although I wish it were more clearly stated as an expense before starting the checkout process. It’s also tough for me to identify as a layman if I actually needed it.

The next two options in the checkout process are essentially potential upsells. While you can’t buy anything, you are given the option to signup for a 30-minute consultation call with an accounting firm. You can also register for a free business insurance quote.

I checked “No Thanks” for each of these questions. There is no charge to enroll, but I also don’t want to be contacted by third-parties to be contacted for business services.

The next upsell in the checkout process is to open a business bank account with Bank of America. You can earn a $500 bonus for opening a new business account through this program. Bank of America is a reputable bank with a long track record.

Bank of America

I already have a business bank account setup so this option did not apply to my situation. I wouldn’t object to anyone setting up a bank account here.

Next, select your payment option. You can pay everything at once or split the transaction into two payment, which I thought was a nice feature.

Payment options.

Finally, you’ll enter the shipping information / address for your business documents and add payment details. You can pay using major credit / debit cards like Visa, Discover, American Express, and MasterCard. PayPal is another payment option provided by the company.

After completing these fields, hit the submit order button and you’ve completed the check out process. Expect to get a confirmation email in 10 minutes of placing the order with details.

Total Score: The Final Verdict

Swyft Filings scores 30 out of 40 overall.

Its biggest pros include its high level of customer satisfaction and strong customer support, as verified by testing and tens of thousands of online reviews. Swyft Filings also processes documents and incorporates businesses online very quickly.

The biggest cons of this company relate to the packages themselves, especially the lack of registered agent services in any of the packages. Swyft Filings’ Premium Package is also significantly overpriced compared to its Standard package.

Swyft Filings is an appealing option for customers with simple LLC business needs, such as an entrepreneur who just needs to incorporate a business without many additional services. However, it isn’t the best choice for most people who need more customized filing services. ZenBusiness will generally be a better choice for most businesses based my personal experience, but also more expensive.

Swyft Filings Alternatives

Alternatives to Swyft Filings include ZenBusiness, Rocket Lawyer and Harvard Business Services.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is one of Swyft Filings’s strongest competitors, largely due to its affordable prices and complete packages. Turnaround time may be the only area in which Swyft Filings has an edge over ZenBusiness.

Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer was founded in 2008, making it one of the newest providers in this industry. This company has high customer service satisfaction, according to its rating of 4.6 stars on TrustPilot.

Rocket Lawyer’s basic plan costs $39.99 and is the same for both members and non-members, although other packages differ between these two customer types. Key features of Rocket Lawyer’s plans include the creation of legal documents, review by a lawyer, operation agreement and registered agent.

Harvard Business Services

Harvard Business Services has formed nearly 175,000 LLCs since it was established in 1981. Their customer feedback on third-party platforms like the BBB and TrustPilot are highly positive. Harvard Business Services’ packages include the Green, Basic and Standard packages, which cost $89, $139 and $239, respectively.

FAQ

Is Swyft Filings Good for LLC Formation?

Swyft Filings may be a good option for LLC formation, especially business owners on a tight budget. The most affordable package only costs $49, and customers can easily add optional services to their package. Swyft Filings is especially beneficial for customers who need to file documents quickly and receive prompt responses to their questions. This company also has thousands of positive reviews on reputable sites.

Is Swyft Filings Legit?

Swyft Filings is a legitimate filing service without a doubt. This company was founded in 2012 and has the experience needed to develop deep roots in the filings market. Swyft Filings also has nearly almost 3,000 customer reviews on TrustPilot and a rating of 4.6.

Is Swyft Filings a Registered Agent?

Swyft Filings isn’t a registered agent itself, but it does offer this service through a partnership with LegalCorp Solutions. This registered agent service meets the requirements of businesses of all sizes and types in a professional and affordable manner. It’s also available in all 50 states.

How to Contact Swyft Filings’ Customer Support?

Customer support from Swyft Filings is available from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday. Contact methods include phone, email and chat as follows:

• Phone: 877-777-0450
• Chat: https://www.swyftfilings.com/support/contact-us
• Email: [email protected]

Is There a Refund Policy?

Swyft Filings has a refund policy that’s one of the best in the industry. It has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee that refunds your money at any time and for any reason. In addition, Swyft Filings doesn’t charge a processing or cancellation fee to provide a refund.

Can You Form an LLC on Your Own?

It’s possible for business owners to form an LLC on their own by filing a company Articles of Incorporation with the appropriate state. The next step is usually to develop a set of documents that describes the business’s ownership and management structure.

This process also includes establishing bank accounts for the business. Each state may also have additional requirements for forming an LLC. Once business owners form an LLC, they must fulfill compliance requirements on an annual basis to maintain it.

Where Is Swyft Filings?

Swyft Filings’ headquarters are at 515 Post Oak Blvd, Ste. 300, Houston, TX 77027-9408. However, the company serves all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

How Are You Taxed With an LLC?

An LLC is typically taxed on a pass-through basis, like a general partnership. This taxation method passes a business entity’s profits and losses to the owners, who declare them on their individual tax returns. However, an LLC can also be taxed like an S corporation, which can reduce the self-employment taxes the owners pay. Some states impose a franchise tax on LLCs that can range from $100 to $800. These taxes are typically paid on an annual basis, and failure to do so can cause business owners to forfeit their right to conduct business in that state.

How Long Will It Take to Process an LLC Formation?

Processing an LLC formation typically requires only seven to 10 days, depending on the state. Business owners can also pay an additional fee in many cases to receive an expedited review of their application.

Are there any coupon codes or discounts for Swyft Filings? 

I was not able to find any type of discount for an LLC formation with Swyft Filings. I’ll update this post if I find any savings opportunities in the future.

Do You Need an LLC?

An LLC is a relatively new option for a business structure, but it’s highly popular for small businesses. Its primary advantage is that it allows the owner to avoid many of the regulations of other business types, while still providing some liability protection for the owners.

For example, the personal assets of an LLC owner can’t be used to fulfill the business’s debts. Alternatives to an LLC include corporations, general partnerships and sole proprietorships. Many factors can determine the best structure for your particular business, so this decision typically requires considerable research.