Harvard Business Services, Inc. (no relation to the university) is one of the longest-running Delaware formation agents still independently operated. Founded in 1981 and based in Lewes, Delaware, the company has formed more than 500,000 business entities. Its pricing has been remarkably stable at $109 for a Delaware LLC or corporation formation (excluding the state franchise fee and registered agent service, which are separate line items).
The pitch is simple: no upsells, no artificially-tiered plans, real humans on the phone who know Delaware corporate law. For self-directed founders who know what they want and don't need hand-holding through the formation process, HBS is functionally the lowest-total-cost professional option.
Pricing structure
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HBS formation service fee | $109 | One-time. Same price for LLC, corporation, series LLC, LP |
| Delaware state filing fee | $90 (LLC) / $89 (corp) | Paid to the state; HBS adds no markup |
| Registered Agent (year 1) | $50 typical promo / $99 standard | New customer promos frequently available |
| Registered Agent (year 2+) | $99/year | Auto-billed |
| EIN assistance | $50 | Optional; straightforward DIY via IRS.gov |
| Operating Agreement template | Included free | LLC only |
| Certificate of Good Standing | $50 | Optional |
Total day-one cost for a standard Delaware LLC: $199-248 depending on the registered agent promo tier. That's among the lowest all-in professional formation costs available.
What you get that matters
- Certificate of Formation / Incorporation filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
- Operating Agreement template (for LLCs) — actually usable as-is for single-member LLCs; most multi-member situations require modification.
- Phone and email support staffed by long-tenured Delaware specialists. Wait times are typically under 3 minutes.
- Digital certificate of formation delivered within 1-3 business days for standard filings; expedited options available at state pass-through cost.
- Annual compliance calendar. Automatic reminders for Delaware franchise tax filings (due March 1 for LLCs, different cycles for corporations).
What you don't get — by design
- No bundled bank account opening. You coordinate banking separately (Mercury, Relay, Brex, traditional banks all accept HBS-formed entities).
- No bundled EIN filing by default (add-on at $50; DIY free).
- No bundled bookkeeping, payroll, or tax filing services.
- No "business coach" or onboarding specialist assigned. You get a formation and a registered agent.
- Minimal marketing on the main site for upsells — the website deliberately looks unfancy.
HBS vs Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent and Harvard Business Services compete for the same segment: serious founders who prefer no-upsell pricing. Practical differences:
| Factor | HBS | Northwest |
|---|---|---|
| Formation fee | $109 flat | $39 flat |
| RA first year | $50-99 (promo-dependent) | $125 first year included free |
| RA renewal | $99/year | $125/year |
| Delaware-specific expertise | Very deep (Delaware-only focus) | Good (all 50 states) |
| Phone support quality | High — senior Delaware specialists | High — good generalist team |
| Online portal | Functional, dated design | Modern, clean interface |
| Compliance reminders | Yes | Yes |
Year-1 total for a Delaware LLC: HBS at $199-248; Northwest at $164-289 depending on promotions. In practice, a founder choosing between them is choosing on preference for interface and the specific first-year RA package.
HBS vs full-service competitors (LegalZoom, Incfile/Bizee, ZenBusiness)
The core decision tree:
- You've formed companies before and know the basics. → HBS or Northwest. You'll pay less and get the filing done without interference.
- You need hand-holding, bundled services, a business account, bookkeeping, compliance all from one vendor. → LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, or doola. Higher annual cost, but single-vendor convenience.
- You want the lowest entry price and are willing to buy services a la carte. → Bizee (formerly Incfile) has the most aggressive entry pricing but heavy upsell pressure.
Who should use HBS
- Self-directed US-based founders forming a standard Delaware LLC or C-corp for a tech or online business.
- Non-resident founders who are comfortable with self-service formation and just need reliable filing + registered agent.
- Founders who already use a quality CPA and accountant and just need filing done.
- Second- or third-time founders who've been burned by upsell-heavy services before.
Who should not
- First-time founders with no formation experience who want a single vendor to hold their hand through the first year.
- Founders who need bookkeeping, payroll, and tax filing bundled in — HBS doesn't offer these.
- Founders who prioritize a modern, sleek online portal — HBS's interface is functional but visually dated.
Power user tips
- File EIN yourself on IRS.gov. Saves $50. Takes 15 minutes. Requires a responsible party with a US SSN or ITIN; non-residents can still obtain an EIN via Form SS-4 fax or mail submission.
- Keep the Operating Agreement template as-is for single-member LLCs. Modify only if you take on a partner or introduce profit allocations that deviate from pure ownership percentage.
- Set a calendar reminder for the Delaware annual franchise tax. LLCs pay a flat $300 due March 1 regardless of activity. HBS reminds, but don't rely solely on the reminder.
- Use the Certificate of Good Standing opportunistically. Banks, payment processors, and foreign qualification all may request one. Ordering just-in-time at $50 is cheaper than annual subscriptions that include it.
Common pitfalls
- Missing the annual franchise tax. Delaware LLCs owe $300 flat annually. Missing the deadline triggers a $200 late penalty plus interest.
- Assuming HBS handles state licensing. They don't. If you need business licenses in your operating state (California, New York, etc.), coordinate separately.
- Expecting HBS to answer tax questions. They'll refer you to a CPA appropriately. Formation agents are not tax advisors.
- Forgetting the registered agent is a separate annual fee. Year 1 is often promotional; year 2+ auto-bills at $99. Keep the invoice visible.
FAQ
Can non-residents form a Delaware LLC through HBS?
Yes. Non-US residents form Delaware LLCs through HBS regularly. No US address, SSN, or ITIN required for formation itself. A US address (the HBS registered agent address) is provided. Banking, EIN, and compliance work differently for non-residents — plan these separately.
How long does HBS formation take?
Standard filing: 3-5 business days for the Certificate of Formation. Expedited options: same-day filing available at state pass-through expedited fees (typically $100-300 on top).
Is the $50 registered agent promo worth it?
Yes, for year 1. Year 2+ auto-renews at $99. If you're forming multiple entities, consider whether consolidating registered agent service at Northwest or another provider brings your per-entity cost down.
Does HBS file foreign qualification for me if I operate elsewhere?
Yes, as a separate service. Foreign qualification (registering your Delaware entity to do business in another state) is handled by HBS at the combined state pass-through fee plus a modest HBS service fee.
What happens if I want to dissolve my LLC?
HBS files Certificate of Cancellation on your behalf at the state's published fee plus HBS's dissolution service fee (typically $25-50). Provided you've paid franchise tax up to dissolution, this is straightforward.
Last verified April 2026.