Pennsylvania S-Corp
Formation Services
Comprehensive comparison of Pennsylvania S Corporation formation services. Expert reviews, detailed pricing analysis, and unbiased recommendations to help you choose the best provider.
Pennsylvania S-Corp Requirements
Understanding Pennsylvania's specific requirements helps you choose the right formation service
📋 Filing Requirements
- • Articles of Incorporation filed with PA Department of State
- • State filing fee: $125
- • Processing time: 7-10 business days
- • Registered agent required (PA address)
- • Corporate bylaws and operating agreement recommended
🏛️ S-Corp Election Requirements
- • IRS Form 2553 must be filed within 75 days
- • All shareholders must consent to S-Corp election
- • Maximum 100 shareholders allowed
- • Only one class of stock permitted
- • Shareholders must be US citizens or residents
🏆 Our Top 3 Recommendations
Based on comprehensive analysis of features, pricing, customer service, and Pennsylvania-specific expertise
ZenBusiness
✅ Key Benefits:
⚠️ Considerations:
Bizee
✅ Key Benefits:
⚠️ Considerations:
LegalZoom
✅ Key Benefits:
⚠️ Considerations:
Complete Service Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all Pennsylvania S Corporation formation services
| Service Provider | Starting Price | Rating | S-Corp Election | Processing Time | Trustpilot Reviews | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness Best Overall
🏆 RECOMMENDED
| $0 + state fees (S Corp election separate service) | ⭐ 4.9 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4.8⭐ 24,599 | Get Started |
| Bizee Best Value | $0 + state fees (includes S Corp election) | ⭐ 4.6 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4.7⭐ 22,277 | Get Started |
| LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | $149 + state fees (S Corp election separate) | ⭐ 4.2 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4.6⭐ 24,103 | Get Started |
| Rocket Lawyer Best Legal Platform | $49.99 with membership + corporation formation (with membership) | ⭐ 4 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4.6⭐ 9,526 | Get Started |
| Inc Authority Budget-Friendly Option | $79 + corporation formation + state fees | ⭐ 4.4 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4.9⭐ 43,096 | Get Started |
| BetterLegal Fast & Comprehensive | $299 all-inclusive with S Corp election | ⭐ 3.9 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4.2⭐ 356 | Get Started |
| Active Filings Traditional Service | $0 + state fees + S Corp election | ⭐ 3.8 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | ⭐ 0 | Get Started |
| Filenow Basic S Corp Option | $74 + state fees + S Corp election fee | ⭐ 3.6 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 4⭐ 3 | Get Started |
| Northwest Registered Agent Privacy-Focused | $39 + state fees + $100 S Corp election | ⭐ 3.4 | ✓ Included | Varies by package | 3.2⭐ 139 | Get Started |
In-Depth Service Reviews
Detailed analysis of each S Corporation formation service
ZenBusiness
Overview
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
Best For:
LLC owners wanting to elect S Corp tax status with comprehensive ongoing support
Bizee
Overview
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
Best For:
Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election included for free with formation
LegalZoom
Overview
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
Best For:
Businesses needing comprehensive legal support and attorney guidance for S Corp setup
Rocket Lawyer
Overview
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
Best For:
Businesses needing ongoing legal services beyond just S Corp election
Inc Authority
Overview
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
Best For:
Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election with basic support
Service Selection FAQ
Common questions about choosing S Corporation formation services
Which S Corporation formation service is best for Pennsylvania businesses?
ZenBusiness is our top recommendation for Pennsylvania S Corporation formation. They offer the best combination of value, features, and customer service. With their Pro package starting at $199 + state fees, you get comprehensive formation services, registered agent, EIN assistance, and operating agreement templates. Their 100% accuracy guarantee and A+ BBB rating provide additional peace of mind.
What should I look for in an S Corporation formation service?
Key factors include: S Corp election filing (Form 2553), registered agent service, EIN assistance, operating agreement templates, customer support quality, processing speed, pricing transparency, and track record. Look for services with high customer ratings, BBB accreditation, and specific experience with Pennsylvania filings.
Can I form an S Corporation myself in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Incorporation yourself with the PA Department of State for $125. However, you'll still need to handle the S Corp election (Form 2553), obtain an EIN, draft operating documents, and maintain ongoing compliance. Formation services provide expertise, save time, and often include valuable additional services for a reasonable fee.
How much do S Corporation formation services typically cost?
Basic packages start from $0-49 for simple formation, while comprehensive packages range from $199-399. The PA state filing fee ($125) is always additional. Premium packages typically include registered agent service, EIN assistance, operating agreements, and ongoing compliance support. Factor in the total cost including required add-ons when comparing services.
Ready to Choose Your S Corporation Formation Service?
Compare features, read reviews, and select the best Pennsylvania S Corporation formation service for your business needs.
Expert Analysis • Unbiased Reviews • Pennsylvania-Specific Guidance