What Is Swyft Filings?
Swyft Filings is a suite of features for starting a business, from basic LLC formation processes, such as business name verification and filing with relevant authorities, to preparing initial IRS paperwork and commonly used legal documents and making sure you meet government requirements.
There are three pricing plans on Swyft Filings:
- Basic: $0 plus state fees
- Standard: $199 plus state fees
- Premium: $299 plus state fees
Swyft Filings helps users with name availability verification and preparation and filing of articles of organization. With the Premium plan, you can expedite your filing process. You’ll also get a free domain name and compliance reminders.
The Swyft Filings Standard package includes everything in the Basic plan. You’ll also get customized banking resolution and organizational minutes. Swyft Filings will also help you obtain your federal tax identification number (TIN) or employer identification number (EIN).
The Premium plan includes all Basic and Standard services and additional ones, including electronic delivery of state documents, customized digital LLC kit, free business website and hosting, express filing and tracked shipping.
All packages include real-time order tracking, free shipping and lifetime customer support. Meanwhile, Swyft Filings packages do not include a registered agent service, so you’ll need to pay a separate $199 fee for that.
Swyft Filings offers several à la carte services, including:
- Digital Corporate Kit: $99
- Seller’s Permit: $129 plus state filing fees
- LLC Operating Agreement: $35 plus state filing fees
- Business License: $99 plus state filing fees
Featured Partners
1
ZenBusiness
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
2
LegalZoom
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
3
Northwest Registered Agent
$39 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
4
Formations
$0 + State Fee
Varies By State & Package
Pros
One of the biggest advantages of using Swyft Filings is its flexible pricing model. Although it offers three plans, customers can also choose to purchase services individually so they aren’t paying for services they don’t need.
Another advantage is Swyft Filings’ quick turnaround time and ease of use. Customers can complete the process online in about 10 to 15 minutes. Customers can expect to receive their documents in the mail within 14 business days, depending on whether they choose the Basic, Standard or Premium plan.
Swyft Filings is also known for its exceptional customer support. Customers have lifetime access to customer support, and live support via phone or chat is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time weekdays. Customers can email questions during other times of the day or week, but they may not receive a response until the weekday business hours.
Swyft Filings online access is easy to use, with a user-friendly website. This makes overseeing and accessing business documentation easy and efficient. Customers may find peace of mind in knowing that their documents are available at the click of a button.
Other benefits include a money-back guarantee and free online resources to help answer business formation questions.
Cons
Swyft Filings doesn’t offer free registered agent services like many of its competitors, nor does it include registered agent services in any of its packages. Rather, customers need to pay $199 per year for this service on top of whatever package is chosen.
Although the company offers lifetime access to customer support, live support is only available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time weekdays.
How Swyft Filings Works
Swyft Filings is an online business formation service that offers a suite of services to help business founders form their business. Services include business name verification, filing registration documents with the relevant state agencies, and obtaining an EIN, serving as the business’s registered agent and obtaining any necessary business licenses.
Although many of these services can be done for free on your own, by using Swyft Filings, customers can save themselves the time spent preparing the documents. Moreover, by working with a company that is experienced in business formation, customers can take the guesswork out of the process and get the peace of mind that comes from working with someone who understands the process inside and out.
Legal Services For Businesses
Swyft Filings offers several services with its Basic, Standard and Premium packages. Services can also be purchased à la carte.
Name Availability Search
Included with all three packages is a business name verification service. Swyft Filings also offers free business name verification without purchasing a package. With this service, Swyft Filings will search the relevant state databases to confirm that the business name is available. It is important to know that this task can typically be done relatively quickly and for free on the applicable state’s website.
Articles of Organization
LLC articles of organization are a standard part of the LLC formation service. After you provide the necessary information, Swyft Filings will create and complete the necessary paperwork to establish your LLC.
Business Registration Service
After a business name is chosen, Swyft Filings will file all required documents with the Secretary of State to legally form your business with your chosen state.
Registered Agent Services
While Swyft Filings offers registered agent services, the service is not included in any of its packages. Although a registered agent must be designated when establishing a business, the registered agent doesn’t need to be a third party.
Online Document Access
Swyft Filings provides online document access for all users.
Obtain Federal Tax ID Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
With the Standard and Premium packages, Swyft Filings will obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business. If you plan to have employees, you will need an EIN. This is a service of convenience since the paperwork to obtain an EIN can be accessed via the IRS website.
LLC Operating Agreement
Customers who choose the Basic plan can also add on this service for $35. The Operating Agreement is a legal document that governs the operations and management of the LLC and its members. It can help protect the LLC’s members from personal liability for actions of the business.
LLC Organizational Minutes
The organizational meeting is the first meeting of the Members of an LLC. The organizational meeting will approve the Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement. With its Standard and Premium packages, Swyft Filings will prepare the organizational meeting minutes customized to your business.
Customized Digital LLC Kit
A customized digital LLC kit is available for an additional $99 or included for those who choose the Premium package. The kit includes a company seal, 20 customized stock certificates and an ownership ledger.
Seller’s Permit
For an additional $129, Swyft Filings will obtain the necessary permits to sell products or services and collect sales tax in your state. A seller’s permit is obtained through the state where an LLC is formed and will enable a business to collect sales tax.
Business Licenses
For an additional $99, Swyft Filings will help you determine which business licenses are needed for your industry and jurisdiction. Depending on local, county and state requirements—as well as the specific industry—a business might need multiple business licenses. Swyft Filings will determine what permits are needed and handle the paperwork associated with obtaining those permits.
Certificate of Good Standing
For an additional $45, Swyft Filings provides a Certificate of Good Standing—a document obtained from the Secretary of State confirming that the business is in good standing. This document is often required when opening a bank account or applying for a loan.
Trademark Registration
For an additional $99, plus USPTO filing fees, Swyft Filings will file the necessary paperwork to register your trademark or trademarks.
Pricing and Plans
Basic Plan
For most businesses, the Basic plan will be sufficient. It is free, but you need to pay the applicable state filing fees, and it includes the basic tasks necessary to establish a business, such as business name verification, preparation of Articles of Organization, and registering the business with the Secretary of State.
Standard Plan
The Standard Plan includes everything included with the Basic Plan, plus Swyft Filings will also obtain an EIN for your business and prepare a customized Operating Agreement.
Premium Plan
The Premium Plan includes everything included with the Standard plan, as well as a custom digital LLC kit.
Getting Started With Swyft Filings
Getting started with Swyft Filings is relatively quick and easy. Customers can order services online in just a few minutes.
Swyft Filings Customer Service and Support
Swyft Filings offers telephone customer support during weekdays. Customers can also email questions at any time, though responses may not be received until the next business day. Although there is a live chat function, responses aren’t provided in real time, but rather via email within a few hours.
3 Alternatives and How They Compare
Swyft Filings vs. ZenBusiness
Both Swyft Filings and ZenBusiness offer basic features including business name verification and registration of the LLC and both companies offer these services for free. They both offer online access to documents as well.
Swyft Filings vs. Incfile
Although both companies offer basic registration services, Incfile only charges the state filing fees for these services. Additionally, Swyft Filings charges for its registered agent service, but Incfile offers this service for free for the first year.
Swyft Filings vs. Inc Authority
Both companies offer free basic formation services. However, Inc Authority’s Starter Business Bundle costs $369.95 while Swyft Filings’ most expensive plan costs $299. Additionally, Swyft Filings offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, but Inc Authority has no refunds.
Who Is Swyft Filings Best For?
Swyft Filings is best for new businesses looking for a low-cost option to help with the initial setup but can handle the ongoing maintenance associated with the continued registration and corporate governance of a business. Swyft Filings is also best for someone who wants to save time conducting the initial business name search and other straightforward administrative tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need an LLC service such as Swyft Filings?
Everything an LLC service such as Swyft Filings can do, a business owner can do on their own without a third-party service. However, LLC services can provide value to business owners who don’t want to do the filing on their own and can provide access to other legal services that may provide added value from someone with experience.
Does Swyft Filings have a refund policy?
Yes, Swyft Filings has a refund policy visible on its website. You’ll get a refund—100% if you’re not satisfied with its service. However, refunds are only possible on Swyft Filings fees, not government or third-party fees.
What are the benefits of registering an LLC?
Many entrepreneurs set up LLCs because they are often more affordable than corporations while still offering some liability protection. For instance, LLC finances are treated as separate from individual assets. They’re also typically treated as pass-through tax entities, allowing you to report your profit and loss on your personal income taxes. The exceptions are LLCs whose members choose to be taxed as corporations.
What are the benefits of filing an LLC?
Many entrepreneurs set up LLCs because they are often more affordable than corporations with some liability protection. For instance, LLC finances are treated as separate from individual assets. They’re also typically treated as pass-through tax entities, allowing you to claim them on your taxes. The exceptions are LLCs whose members choose to be taxed as corporations.
Do I need an LLC service like Swyft Filings?
Everything an LLC service like Swyft Filings can do, a business owner can do on his or her own without the service fees (fees still must be paid to the state or other entities for filing, and other costs may be incurred, but they’ll undoubtedly be lower than paying someone else and also paying those fees). LLC services can provide value to business owners who don’t want to do the filing on their own and can provide access to other legal services that may provide added value from someone with experience. A local business lawyer can also form your LLC for you. While this may cost more than an online service, a lawyer can be a good option if you prefer a personal relationship with someone who can help you with a variety of legal questions and issues.
What does an LLC service like Swyft Filings help with?
LLC services can provide different variations in offerings, but all of the LLC services on Forbes Advisor’s list include name availability search, online document access, the option for a registered agent add-on, creation of articles of organization and additional legal services. Some, if not most, of these services may only be available through add-on fees or the more expensive packages, depending on the service provider.
Does Swyft Filings have a refund policy?
Yes, Swyft Filings has a refund policy visible on their website. You’ll get a refund—100% if you’re not satisfied with its service. Meanwhile, refunds are only possible on Swyft Filings fees, not government or third-party fees.
