Harvard Business Services Review (2026)

Harvard Business Services earns a 4.3 out of 5 rating as a specialized LLC and corporation formation service with deep expertise in Delaware filings. Founded in 1981, the company has more than 45 years of experience and is widely regarded as the best option for entrepreneurs who specifically want to form a Delaware entity. If you are forming an LLC or corporation in Delaware, particularly as a non-US resident, Harvard Business Services is the most experienced provider available.

Our Verdict

Harvard Business Services Pricing

Harvard Business Services pricing is competitive for a Delaware-focused formation provider. The Silver plan at $49 plus the state fee covers the basics of Delaware formation with same-day filing. The Gold plan at $199 plus the state fee is the best value, bundling registered agent service, EIN filing, and either an operating agreement (for LLCs) or bylaws (for corporations) into one package.

The Platinum plan at $349 plus the state fee adds mail forwarding and phone service, which are particularly valuable for non-US residents who need a US business presence. When compared to general formation services, Harvard Business Services is slightly more expensive at the entry level. Northwest Registered Agent offers formation with registered agent for $39, and both ZenBusiness and Bizee offer $0 formation plans. However, those services do not specialize in Delaware the way Harvard Business Services does, and the company’s decades of Delaware-specific expertise can prevent costly filing mistakes.

Harvard Business Services Features & Services

Harvard Business Services specializes in Delaware formations, and this focus gives them an advantage in navigating Delaware’s unique business entity laws. Delaware is the most popular state for incorporation in the United States, favored by businesses of all sizes for its well-established business court (the Court of Chancery), flexible LLC statutes, and strong privacy protections. Harvard Business Services understands these nuances deeply and structures filings to take advantage of Delaware’s benefits.

Same-day filing is available with all plans, which is a significant advantage. Harvard Business Services submits your formation documents to the Delaware Division of Corporations the same day you order, provided you place your order during business hours. Delaware is known for fast processing times, so many customers have their LLC or corporation officially formed within 24 hours of placing their order.

For non-US residents, Harvard Business Services provides specialized guidance on forming a US business entity. They understand the specific documentation requirements, tax identification processes, and compliance obligations that international business owners face. Their Platinum plan’s mail forwarding and phone service give international clients a legitimate US business address and phone number, which are often necessary for opening US bank accounts and establishing business relationships.

Additional services include annual report filing for Delaware entities, certificate of good standing requests, amendments and name changes, dissolution filings, and foreign qualification for registering your Delaware entity to do business in other states. Harvard Business Services also provides ongoing compliance reminders for Delaware’s annual franchise tax and annual report requirements, which have specific deadlines and penalties for late filing.

Pros & Cons

Who Is Harvard Business Services Best For?

Harvard Business Services is the clear choice for anyone who specifically wants to form an LLC or corporation in Delaware. Whether you are a startup founder choosing Delaware for its investor-friendly laws, a business owner who wants the protection of Delaware’s Court of Chancery, or an international entrepreneur establishing a US business presence, Harvard Business Services brings unmatched experience and specialized knowledge to Delaware filings.

Non-US residents will find Harvard Business Services particularly valuable. The company has extensive experience working with international clients and understands the unique challenges of forming a US entity from abroad, including obtaining an EIN without a Social Security number, establishing a US business address, and meeting compliance requirements. If you are forming in a state other than Delaware, however, you will likely find better value with a general formation service like Northwest Registered Agent or ZenBusiness, which offer lower prices and broader state coverage. For a full comparison, see our best LLC services guide.

Harvard Business Services vs Competitors

Customer Support

Harvard Business Services provides customer support via phone and email during business hours. Their support team is knowledgeable about Delaware formation processes, franchise tax requirements, and the specific needs of different business entity types. The company’s long tenure means their staff has deep expertise in handling unusual or complex filing situations that newer companies may not have encountered.

For non-US residents, the support team is experienced in communicating with international clients across different time zones and understanding the specific challenges of forming a US entity from abroad. Response times are generally good, and the smaller scale of the company compared to giants like LegalZoom means you are more likely to receive personalized attention. The trade-off is that support hours and channels are more limited than larger competitors that offer live chat and extended hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I form my LLC in Delaware?

Delaware is the most popular state for business formation in the United States because of its business-friendly legal environment. The Delaware Court of Chancery specializes in business disputes and provides predictable, well-established case law. Delaware also offers strong liability protection, flexible LLC operating agreement statutes, and privacy for business owners. However, Delaware formation is not right for everyone. If your business operates in a single state other than Delaware, forming there may require you to also register as a foreign entity in your home state, which means paying fees in both states.

Is Harvard Business Services affiliated with Harvard University?

No, Harvard Business Services is not affiliated with Harvard University or Harvard Business School. The company is named after its location in the greater Harvard area and has been an independent business formation service since 1981.

Can non-US residents use Harvard Business Services?

Yes, Harvard Business Services specializes in serving non-US residents who want to form a US business entity. They can help international clients obtain an EIN, establish a US business address through their mail forwarding service, and navigate the formation process without a Social Security number. This is one of the company’s key strengths and differentiators.

How fast is formation through Harvard Business Services?

Harvard Business Services offers same-day filing with all plans. When you place your order during business hours, they submit your formation documents to the Delaware Division of Corporations the same day. Delaware typically processes standard filings within a few business days, and expedited state processing options are available for additional fees paid directly to the state.

Does Harvard Business Services only handle Delaware formations?

Harvard Business Services primarily focuses on Delaware formations, which is where their expertise is strongest. While they can assist with some services in other states, their core value proposition is built around Delaware. If you need to form an LLC in a state other than Delaware, a general formation service like Northwest Registered Agent or ZenBusiness will likely offer better coverage and pricing.

What is Delaware’s franchise tax?

Delaware requires all LLCs to pay an annual franchise tax of $300 per year, due by June 1. Corporations have a separate franchise tax calculation based on the number of authorized shares or assumed par value. Harvard Business Services sends compliance reminders before the deadline and can assist with filing. Failure to pay the franchise tax on time results in a $200 penalty plus interest.

Is Harvard Business Services good for startups seeking investment?

Yes, Harvard Business Services is an excellent choice for startups planning to seek venture capital or angel investment. Most investors prefer and many require Delaware incorporation, particularly as a C corporation. Harvard Business Services has extensive experience with these types of formations and understands the specific provisions investors look for in corporate documents. Their Delaware expertise can help ensure your entity is structured in a way that facilitates future fundraising.