Also known as DelawareInc.com, Harvard Business Services is a formation service that incorporates corporations and limited liability companies (LLC) in Delaware. This company has been in operation since 1981 and has formed over 175,000 businesses in Delaware.
In this review, we will take a detailed look at the company and the services it offers. By the end of this review, you should be able to decide whether Harvard Business Services offers the best LLC service for your needs.
In-Depth Review
Value and Overall Pricing- 5/10
Harvard Business Services have competitive pricing for all their packages compared to other business formation services. You particularly get a lot of value when you purchase the Green Package, which goes for as low as $89. However, you may not get a lot of value from their higher-tier packages that include the Basic package ($139) and the Standard package ($239).
Customer Support- 9/10
One area that Harvard Business Services is renowned for its unmatched customer support. Unlike other incorporation services, this company has thousands of reviews on the internet, with almost all of them attaining high scores. Plus, their rating on TrustPilot is 9.8/10, with nearly over 3,000 reviews.
They have a very professional and warm customer support team who offer phone, chat, email, and skype support. According to the many reviews, the response time is very impressive in all the communication channels.
They also have a Spanish version of their website and provide bilingual customer service if you need Spanish service. Furthermore, they offer toll-free and international calling options.
Ease of Use- 9/10
Harvard Business Services’ website is not only functional but also extremely easy and straightforward to use. This is also true when it comes to placing an order to form your business. People hire an incorporation service to simplify the process of forming a business and eliminate the hassles involved.
Harvard Business Services makes this a reality by ensuring ease of placing an order. The process is very straightforward as you just need to select a package and fill out your personal and business information. You will then receive a recommendation to add a federal tax ID number or EIN, which goes for $65. You can skip this if you don’t mind doing the groundwork yourself and acquiring it from the IRS.
Track Record- 10/10
Harvard Business Services was formed in 1981 and has created over 175,000 Delaware businesses since then. They have built a solid reputation over the years and have managed to serve volumes of customers. In 1994, the incorporation expanded to reach the global market and they have been serving entrepreneurs in nearly a dozen counties.
They have thousands of reviews all over the web, with most of them being positive in nature. These reviews can be found on Google, BBB.org, Trustpilot, and Facebook. On Better Business Bureau, they have managed to get 5 stars and 136 reviews, with one being a customer complaint that has been resolved.
On TrustPilot, Harvard Business Services has a 4.9-star rating, with over 3,000 reviews. Most of their positive reviews are based on their professionalism, promptness, and friendliness.
With regards to negative reviews, the company is also renowned to respond and resolve them. This is a good indicator of their trustworthiness. In addition, Harvard Business Services has a great reputation for its affordable pricing.
Overall Turnaround Time- 9/10
With regards to turnaround time, Harvard Business Services guarantees 3-5 business days for all their packages and 4-6 business days for the hard copy that comes with the Basic package.
They claim to be the fastest provider when it comes to sending out documents. They offer same-day electronic filings for all LLC formation services if everything is in order.
Harvard Business Services also provides expedited same-day formations as long as they are filed by 1 p.m. ET, at an additional fee of $150. If filed later in the day, the formations will be done the next business day.
Pricing & Features of Each Package
Harvard Business Services offers three LLC formation service packages to choose from. They include the Green package, Basic package, and Standard package.
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Green ($89 + State Fee)
The cost of the Green package is $179, including the $90 Delaware state fee. This package is suitable for any business owner who wants to form a Delaware LLC with everything included to ensure ongoing compliance. It is affordable and includes every feature that you need to start your company. Plus, everything in this package is electronic and you will receive the final paperwork through email in 3-5 business days after filing.
What it Includes:
This package includes:
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Preparation and Filing of all Documents
– To form a new business with the state of Delaware, you will need to fill out the articles of organizations. Harvard Business Services will help you prepare these forms and file them to the state of Delaware. They will also offer you a digital copy of the formation documents for your new company.
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Business Name Availability Check–
Harvard Business Services will search through the official database of Delaware to make certain that your preferred business name is available and has not been claimed by another company.
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1 Year of Registered Agent Service–
All Delaware LLCs are required to have a registered agent service that is tasked with receiving important document deliveries from the state on their behalf. This helps you avoid missing an important delivery and prevents you from using your own address for public records. For 12 months, Harvard Business Services will offer this service, receiving important documents from the state on your behalf before scanning and forwarding them to you. After 12 months, you can renew the service for as low as $50, with no obligation to do so.
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Lifetime Customer Support–
Throughout the lifetime of your business, you can get in touch with Harvard Business Services through phone or email from 9 am to 5 pm ET Monday to Friday.
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Ongoing Compliance Notifications
– Harvard Business Services will keep track of the annual Delaware requirements for your LLC, including tax documents and annual reports, and send you regular notifications of their deadlines. This will help your company keep good standing with the state.
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Basic ($139 + State Fee)
This package includes everything from the Green package plus more. It is best for entrepreneurs who want several customizable documents for their LLC or corporation formation.
What it Includes:
This package includes:
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Document Templates
– You will get sample documents that you need to operate your LLC or corporation. These document templates will help you create your own LLC banking resolution form, operating agreement, digital membership certificates, and more.
- Hard copy for your filed formation documents. This includes priority shipping.
This is a good deal if you need customizable documents. Nonetheless, you should note that you will need to customize the documents for your company before you start using them.
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Standard ($239+ State Fee)
The Standard package includes everything from the Basic package and more. It is best suited for business owners who want to form an LLC or corporation with an inclusive corporate kit or seal to hold the company’s documents.
What it Includes:
- Business Formation Kit and Seal-A binder that has your company name embossed on it and a custom lead-cast seal that is personalized for your company. Additionally, it comes with more sample documents, a transfer ledger for tracking ownership changes, a meeting minute book, and more.
You may choose this package if you want the seal/kit. However, it does not add much value with the inclusion of customizable documents since they are already provided for in the Basic package’s CD-ROM.
International LLC Service
Harvard Business Services also offers international LLC Services for international customers. The Green package is the same as the domestic version. However, they offer international Basic and Standard package that is inclusive of features such as apostille and notary services. These services help to maintain compliance out of the U.S.
Common Questions
How is Harvard Business Services Different from Other Providers?
Harvard Business Services stands out because of its exceptional customer reviews, which makes it the most trusted provider in the market. The company is also renowned for its specialization that renders them, experts, when it comes to Delaware business incorporation. Not to mention that their prices are competitive and offer great value for money compared to other big companies like LegalZoom.
Are the Packages and Pricing at Harvard Business Services a Good Deal?
Yes, although their packages may be the cheapest out there, they are reasonably priced considering the company’s solid reputation. While there are low priced business formation services online, they do not have a long-standing experience and reputation like Harvard Business Services.
Is Harvard Business Services a Good Option for Forming an LLC Outside Delaware?
No, you should not consider Harvard Business Services if you want to form an LLC in another state. They only specialize in the formation of businesses in Delaware and may not help you incorporate in another state. However, they are a great option if you want to form a limited liability company in Delaware.
What are the Biggest Advantage and Disadvantages of Harvard Business Services?
One of the biggest advantages of Harvard Business Services is that they have a solid reputation and receive tremendous positive customer feedback. Their customers appreciate their professionalism, good customer support, and how effectively their work.
One of their biggest disadvantages is that they do not cater to entrepreneurs that want to form their business out of Delaware. Also, there is not so much value with their highest-tier formation packages.
Does Harvard Business Services Provide Ongoing Support?
Yes, Harvard Business Services is known for its exceptional customer support, including ongoing support. In fact, their Green package, which is the lowest priced, a free lifetime customer support via phone, email, chat and skype.
Can I Form my Own Corporation?
Yes, it is possible to form a business yourself. However, it requires a lot of legwork and knowledge of specific state laws. That is why it is advisable to hire the services of formation services like Harvard Business Services to handle the entire process for you. This way, you will only focus on the most important part of running the business.
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
No. Unlike other company formation services, Harvard Business Services is very upfront with their costs and there are no hidden fees. What they state is what they charge.
Do They Have a Refund Policy?
Yes, Harvard Business Services has a refund policy where refund requests are granted as long as they are made within 30 days of the original purchase date. You should also note that refunds cost 5% of the service fee.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Harvard Business Services is worth considering if you want to form a limited liability company in Delaware. Their entry-level package is not only affordable but also offers great value for money.
It is also your to-go-to formation service if you are after excellent customer reviews. No company matches Harvard Business Services when it comes to positive customer reviews on the web. They also boast of knowledgeable support reps who have won the hearts of many.
Something else that stands out about Harvard Business Services is their affordable registered agent service that they offer free for a whole year and can be renewed at only $50.
On the downside, Harvard Business Services may not be a good fit if you want to form a limited liability company outside Delaware. For this, you may need to look for another formation service. Also, if you are after the best value possible for your company formation service, we recommend checking out ZenBusiness. This incorporation service has the same features and nearly as many positive customer reviews as Harvard Business Services, but it charges $50 less.