Doola vs Firstbase vs Entity Inc.: Best US LLC Service for Non-Resident Founders (2025 Review)

Every service provider promises an easy way to start a US company. But each one defines “all-in-one” differently — from formation and banking to taxes and bookkeeping. The incorporation packages may look similar on the surface, but what’s inside can vary dramatically. 

That’s why comparing them on price alone can feel like comparing apples and oranges. This guide looks past marketing claims and shows what Doola, Firstbase, and Entity Inc. actually include, so you can compare real scope, not just entry-level prices.

Doola (2020) and Firstbase (2019) are tech-led platforms that emphasize speed and automation. Entity Inc. is a more recent brand (2024) but it grew out of Online Taxman, a US CPA firm with 15+ years of experience helping non-residents and expats navigate US taxation.

This comparison is based on publicly available information from Doola’s and Firstbase’s websites as of October 2025.

Why you should use a full-service providers like Doola, Firstbase, or Entity Inc

Full-service providers like Doola, Firstbase, and Entity Inc. go beyond filing forms, they can connect formation with banking setup, bookkeeping, and tax compliance so everything works together from day one.

DIY agents or low-cost portals can file your LLC, but when EIN issues or IRS forms appear later, you’re often left handling them alone.

You’ve likely seen the posts on reddit: “Just formed my LLC, now what?” or “My EIN has been pending for months…” Those gaps happen when no one manages the steps beyond filing.

A full-service team provides specialists who understand how formation decisions affect tax and compliance later. One accountable group means fewer mismatches, faster resolutions, and ongoing support that keeps your company in good standing. 

That doesn’t mean you must choose the most expensive option; it means knowing what’s included, and where self-management begins.

How Doola, Firstbase, and Entity Inc. compare for US LLC formation

All three providers handle the basics: filing your LLC, obtaining an EIN, and assigning a registered agent. The difference is how much guidance and explanation you receive before those forms are filed. Here’s a side-by-side look at what’s actually included in the first-year setup for each provider.

US LLC formation essentials	Doola	Firstbase	Entity Inc.
State fees	≈ $103
US LLC formation
Operating Agreement
EIN registration
Registered agent (1 year)		Add-on ($149)
US business address / virtual mailbox	Registered agent address	Physical address Add-on ($315)	Registered agent address
Bank account opening support	(not listed on website)	Payoneer (not a US bank)	Guided setup with multiple banks
Consultation with incorporation specialist			30-min included
Year-round support	(Chatbot/email – not dedicated expert)	(Chat/email – not dedicated expert)	Incorporation specialist
Package base price	$297	$399	$899
Total first-year price	≈ $400	$863	$899
Overall perspective	Low entry cost, but unclear banking and no consultation	Low-cost start, but add-ons raise total and no US bank option	Flat pricing with formation, bank account support, and specialist support

Doola: Built for speed and simplicity 

• Venture-capital backed firm
• Fast, low cost, but no personalized guidance
• Best for entrepreneurs on a budget who know exactly what they need 

Doola emphasizes automation and ease, guiding users through LLC formation in minutes.In the formation package, Doola’s website mentions “expedited EIN” processing, yet the IRS has no official expedited option; faster results simply reflect Doola’s internal processing.

Banking setup and consultation with an incorporation specialist aren’t part of the formation package.

Doola also offers bundles that include registered agent, bookkeeping, and even licensed tax professional consultations, ideal for founders seeking a fast, platform-based start.

Firstbase: Structured but add-on heavy 

• Most established name
• Automated, some add-ons that you will need, e.g. registered agent
• Best for entrepreneurs who prefer to manage details themselves

Formation is straightforward and cheap ($399), yet essentials such as the registered agent ($149 per year) and USaddress ($315 per year) require separate purchase. Firstbase states the US address is needed to open an LLC, though the registered agent’s address usually satisfies this requirement.

Banking, according to their website, relies on Payoneer, a payment platform (not a US bank).

Known for its responsive support and intuitive dashboard, Firstbase offers an automated setup that lets founders customize their experience by adding services like a US address when needed, ideal for those who value flexibility and control.

Entity Inc: Tax-focused, end-to-end formation service

• Newer company with experienced team from a US tax firm
• Complete package, US tax expertise
• Best for entrepreneurs who want personalized guidance, done for them service, and US tax optimization

Formation begins with a consultation to review your goals, business model, and international structure.

Because the same team later manages US tax and compliance, every decision is made through a tax lens, preventing missed filings or costly restructures later.

The $899 package seems pricey but includes a lot more than Doola or Firstbase, where you pay extra for required things like state fees or registered agent. The flat fee covers LLC filing, EIN, registered agent, guided banking setup, and year-round specialist access.

Entity Inc. takes a consultative route. Founded by the CPA team behind Online Taxman, it focuses on formation aligned with long-term tax compliance. The focus is on service, with the included consultation and specialist access. 

Summary of formation services offerings

When you look at formation side by side, the contrasts in cost and support stand out.

Doola is the cheapest option but also the simplest and most automated, offering little customization or personal guidance. Firstbase and Entity Inc. cost about the same once required add-ons are factored in, but Entity Inc. provides personalized, end-to-end service and deeper US tax and compliance expertise, while Firstbase mainly covers the basics.

Can incorporation service providers help with US bank account opening?

Help with setting up a US bank account varies by provider. Some don’t include it in their LLC formation package, some only work with certain payment platforms, while others include help with a variety of US banks and fintech platforms.

For foreign founders, opening a US bank account is doable, but accuracy matters. KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations are tight, and any mismatch, from formation papers to your EIN, can delay approval for weeks.

Here’s how each provider approaches it:

• Doola: No dedicated banking setup is listed in current formation plans.
• Firstbase: Promotes Payoneer for payments, though it’s not a US bank.
• Entity Inc: Includes direct support for setting up a real US bank account.

Only Entity Inc treats banking as part of the formation process, not an afterthought.

How to compare US LLC Formation packages (without overpaying or undervaluing)

At first glance, most formation packages look alike, same states, same promises, similar price tags. But once you read the fine print, the real differences lie in required extras, renewals, hidden fees, and support quality.

Many founders fall for the entry-price illusion, comparing $297 vs $499 without realizing that mandatory add-ons, renewals, and compliance fees can double the cost within a year.

Components of LLC formation packages

Here’s what to double-check when comparing any “all-in-one” US LLC formation package:

• Registered agent (Is it included for the first year, and what happens at renewal? Some providers quietly auto-renew at higher rates or lock you in.)
• US address & extras (Do they sell pricey add-ons like “physical business addresses,” phone numbers, or mail-forwarding services you don’t actually need? For most founders, the registered agent’s address is enough for compliance.)
• EIN (Do they handle the IRS application directly for you, or just send instructions? Beware of “expedited EIN” upsells, the IRS doesn’t offer paid acceleration.)
• Banking setup (Do they walk you through KYC and help match your EIN and company documents, or just send referral links? Banking is often the first real roadblock for non-US founders.)
• Annual report/ state fees/ FBAR (Are renewals and filings included or billed separately each year? “First-year” pricing often hides these future costs.)
• Tax filings (Which forms are actually included—5472, 1120 Pro Forma, and are they filed by licensed professionals or outsourced to freelancers?)
• Bookkeeping (Is a bookkeeper included, and which software is used? Can you continue with a bookkeeping software you know or do you have to switch to their proprietary system)
• Support (When you ask a tax or banking question, do you speak with an expert who understands non-resident structures, or just a generic help desk?)
• Renewal transparency (Are all second-year costs, registered agent, compliance fees, and annual filings, clearly listed from the start?)

Adding this level of due diligence prevents surprises once the first year ends.

US tax and compliance — What Firstbase, Doola, and Entity Inc. offer

All three providers (Doola, Firstbase, and Entity Inc.) go beyond company formation to include US tax filings and compliance. What sets them apart is how these services are structured and supported.

Although this comparison focuses on formation, it’s helpful to see how each provider links the initial setup with ongoing compliance, an area where many non-US founders encounter challenges such as annual filings and renewals.

Doola: Annual plans that bundle tax and bookkeeping

Doola’s tax and compliance features are available only in its higher-tier plans such as Total Compliance and Business-in-a-Box, which also include bookkeeping. These plans offer simplicity through one subscription but limited flexibility for those who only need tax or compliance support.

Firstbase: Modular pricing with combined options for larger setups

Firstbase uses a modular approach. Founders can start with formation and later add a tax-filing package, but full compliance also requires add-ons such as the registered agent or US address. The Firstbase One bundle combines bookkeeping, compliance tools, and reporting in a single plan, though at a higher total cost.

Entity Inc: A tax-first approach to company formation

Entity Inc. was founded by a US CPA firm, so tax considerations are built into every step of its process. Even the formation stage is reviewed through a tax lens to prevent issues later on. The main bundle includes key filings such as Form 5472 (+ 1120 Pro Forma), the annual report, registered-agent renewal, and FBAR. A standalone Form 5472 filing is also available for founders who only need tax filing support.

Bookkeeping is offered separately and managed in-house. The bookkeeping and tax teams work closely together to ensure accurate and tax-ready records.  

Summary of tax services offerings

Each provider builds these services differently,  some lean more on software-driven workflows, others on direct accountant involvement. Pricing models also vary, from revenue-based to transaction-based, and even the definition of “compliance” changes from one package to another. 

To compare them properly, we’d need a deeper look at what’s included, what’s optional, and what founders truly need, something we may explore in a future article.

Beyond company formation – How Doola, Firstbase, and Entity Inc. compare

Full-service providers like Firstbase, Entity Inc, and Doola offer more than setting up an LLC. All three also provide tax and compliance services, bookkeeping, and more. However, they all take a very different approach to how they bundle and price those services. 

Here’s a quick summary of their complete offers and pricing:

Doola: Subscription bundles — simple, but less flexible

Company formation starts at a low cost, which makes Doola appealing to beginners. But ongoing services like tax, bookkeeping, and compliance are only available through higher-tier annual bundles (e.g., “Total Compliance” or “Business-in-a-Box”), not as separate options.

This setup simplifies everything under one plan but leaves less flexibility for founders who only need tax or bookkeeping without a full package.

Firstbase: Modular pricing that adds up fast

LLC formation starts low but adds “essentials” as paid extras, e.g., registered agent and a US address. Good flexibility but combined costs rise quickly.

Some extras are listed only in small print or side notes, so it’s not always obvious which ones you actually need (or when you’ll need them).

Entity Inc: Flat pricing for complete packages and flexible bundle configurations

Entity Inc uses a clear, flat-fee model. The incorporation package is the highest-priced among the three (just slightly above Firstbase, when taking all required add-ons into account). But it includes everything you need, e.g. state fees, registered agent, plus more personalized guidance from incorporation and tax specialists.

Tax and compliance services as well as bookkeeping can be added as needed, with discounts for bundled services. All prices are quoted separately upfront, giving founders full cost transparency. The approach is more hands-on and tax-driven, with CPA-led guidance for those who prefer expert oversight over automation.

Who benefits most from Doola, Firstbase, or Entity Inc.

All three providers have a long track record and experience with US LLC registrations. Which one is best for you depends on how much guidance you need.

• Doola: Best for founders on a tighter budget who want a self-managed LLC setup with basic guidance.
• Firstbase: Best for entrepreneurs who want a structured start with more flexibility to manage parts of the setup themselves.
• Entity Inc: Ideal for founders seeking expert oversight, banking guidance, and predictable, tax-first compliance.

Automation-first platforms such as Doola and Firstbase offer quick setups and DIY management. While Doola remains the most affordable entry point, Firstbase’s real cost rises once you factor in essentials like a registered agent or address. The consultative model of Entity Inc. adds tax expertise and guidance, suiting those who want help navigating the US complexities.

Common questions non-US founders often have about Doola, Firstbase, and Entity Inc.

Is Doola or Firstbase better for non-US founders?

Can Doola, Firstbase or Entity open a US business bank account for me?

Why should I think about taxes when forming my US company?

What’s included in Entity Inc’s LLC formation package?

Can I trust a new company like Entity Inc.? 

Doola vs Firstbase vs Entity Inc – Which one should I choose?

This comparison wasn’t about ranking one provider over another. It’s about understanding where each excels and what trade-offs you accept.

Each platform takes a different approach to helping you stay compliant and grow. The right choice depends on your budget, how hands-on you want to be, and your long-term goals.

For founders on a tight budget, Doola offers the cheapest start but with limited guidance and limited options later to scale up the service as the business grows.

Firstbase gives you the freedom to choose, but that freedom also means you’ll have to figure out for yourself what’s really required,  and the add-ons can make it more expensive than it first appears.

Entity Inc., on the other hand, offers everything that’s really required to get started properly — with personalized guidance, clear structure, ongoing support, and a setup that scales with your business.

Whichever you choose, the key is fit, picking the setup that supports your structure, compliance, and growth year after year.