By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Let me be brutally honest: Harvard Business Services (HBS) is a company stuck in 1981, selling outdated Delaware formation myths to entrepreneurs who don’t know better.
After 15 years in this industry, I’ve tested every major formation service—including Harvard Business Services. They’ve been around since 1981, helped form thousands of Delaware entities, and somehow convinced people that their name implies academic credibility (spoiler alert: they have zero connection to Harvard University).
Here’s what you need to know: HBS is competent at forming Delaware LLCs, but their entire business model is built on perpetuating the myth that everyone should incorporate in Delaware.
I’ve used their service, worked with clients who chose them, and analyzed their approach against 15+ competitors. This review cuts through their marketing to give you the unvarnished truth about whether Harvard Business Services deserves your business in 2025.
Harvard Business Services At a Glance: The Reality Check
Founded: 1981
Specialization: Delaware entity formation (almost exclusively)
Pricing: $179-$329 + state fees
Processing: 3-5 business days
Best for: Delaware residents or international entrepreneurs
Avoid if: You live anywhere except Delaware
My rating: 6/10 – Competent but misleading
The Harvard Name Game: Marketing Deception 101
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Harvard Business Services has absolutely nothing to do with Harvard University.
They chose this name for one reason—to imply academic authority and prestige they don’t possess. It’s a classic marketing trick that worked in 1981 but feels sleazy in 2025.
The reality: They’re a Delaware incorporation mill that specializes in convincing out-of-state entrepreneurs to make expensive mistakes.
Harvard Business Services Pricing: Simple But Overpriced
HBS offers three packages with confusing names (Green is cheapest, Standard is premium—make it make sense):
Green Package: $179 Total ($89 service fee + $110 Delaware state fee)
What’s included:
- Delaware LLC formation
- Name availability check
- Electronic document delivery
- One year free registered agent service
- Compliance reminders
Jake’s take: The pricing is transparent, which I appreciate. However, you’re paying $89 for a service that Northwest provides for $39—and Northwest doesn’t try to talk you into the wrong state.
Basic Package: $229 Total ($139 service fee + $110 state fee)
Additional features:
- Physical document mailing
- Basic legal document templates
My assessment: You’re paying $50 extra for paper documents and generic templates you can download free online. Skip this entirely.
Standard Package: $329 Total ($219 service fee + $110 state fee)
Premium features:
- Corporate kit (binder, seal, certificates)
- Extended document templates
Reality check: You’re paying $140 extra for a binder and seal you can buy on Amazon for $30. This is where HBS shows their true colors—nickel-and-diming customers for unnecessary accessories.
The Delaware Obsession: Why This Matters
Here’s where Harvard Business Services becomes genuinely problematic: They will only form your LLC online if you choose Delaware. Want to form in your home state? You have to call and work with a sales rep who will spend 20 minutes trying to convince you that Delaware is better.
The Delaware Myth They’re Selling
HBS perpetuates these outdated beliefs:
- “Delaware has better liability protection” (false—all states have similar LLC protections)
- “Delaware courts are more business-friendly” (irrelevant for 99% of small businesses)
- “Delaware offers tax advantages” (actually more expensive for most entrepreneurs)
The Delaware Reality for Most Entrepreneurs
If you live outside Delaware and form a Delaware LLC:
- You’ll pay Delaware’s $300 annual franchise tax
- You’ll need to register as a “foreign LLC” in your home state
- You’ll maintain two registered agents (Delaware + home state)
- You’ll file taxes in multiple states
- You’ll pay roughly $500-800 extra annually in compliance costs
Bottom line: Delaware incorporation makes sense for venture-backed startups and large corporations. For your consulting business, e-commerce store, or local service company? It’s an expensive mistake.
Harvard Business Services Performance: What They Do Well
Transparent Pricing
Unlike LegalZoom or ZenBusiness, HBS includes the state filing fee in their quoted prices. No surprise charges at checkout.
Fast Delaware Processing
They genuinely know Delaware formation inside and out. If you legitimately need a Delaware entity, they’ll get it done quickly and correctly.
Minimal Upsells
Beyond their $65 EIN service (which you can get free from the IRS), they don’t bombard you with unnecessary add-ons during checkout.
Decent Registered Agent Service
Their $50/year registered agent fee is competitive, and they handle document scanning and forwarding competently.
Where Harvard Business Services Falls Short
The Delaware-Only Limitation
This is their fatal flaw. In 2025, a formation service that only handles one state efficiently is like a travel agent who only books flights to Newark. Technically functional but severely limited.
Outdated Customer Support
I tested both their chat and phone support:
Chat support: Clearly scripted responses, pushes Delaware formation regardless of your situation, limited knowledge beyond basic Delaware formation.
Phone support: Better than chat but still heavily focused on selling Delaware incorporation. The rep I spoke with couldn’t explain why someone in California should pay extra for Delaware formation.
No Additional Services
While some competitors offer business banking introductions, tax consultations, or ongoing compliance services, HBS is strictly formation and registered agent. That’s fine if you want simplicity, but limiting if you need comprehensive business support.
Questionable Business Ethics
HBS built their entire business model around convincing entrepreneurs to incorporate in the wrong state. That’s not illegal, but it’s not aligned with their customers’ best interests either.
Customer Reviews: The Mixed Bag
Positive reviews typically mention:
- Fast Delaware formation processing
- Clear pricing structure
- Responsive customer service for Delaware-specific questions
Negative reviews consistently highlight:
- Pressure to form in Delaware regardless of business needs
- Limited support for non-Delaware questions
- Dated website and ordering process
My take: If you need Delaware formation, they’re competent. If you need anything else, look elsewhere.
Harvard Business Services vs. The Competition
vs. Northwest Registered Agent:
- Northwest: $39 + state fees, any state, no sales pressure
- HBS: $179 total, Delaware only, constant Delaware promotion
- Winner: Northwest by a landslide
vs. ZenBusiness:
- ZenBusiness: $0 + state fees, 50 states, modern platform
- HBS: $179 total, Delaware focus, limited state options
- Winner: ZenBusiness for most entrepreneurs
vs. LegalZoom:
- LegalZoom: $149+ + state fees, all states, heavy upselling
- HBS: $179 total, Delaware only, minimal upsells
- Winner: Neither—both have significant limitations
Who Should Use Harvard Business Services (And Who Shouldn’t)
Use Harvard Business Services If You:
- Live and do business in Delaware
- Are an international entrepreneur with legitimate Delaware incorporation needs
- Specifically need Delaware formation for venture capital or complex corporate structures
- Want simple pricing without hidden fees
Avoid Harvard Business Services If You:
- Live anywhere except Delaware
- Want to form an LLC in your home state
- Need multi-state formation capabilities
- Want modern customer service and online experience
- Prefer companies that prioritize customer interests over Delaware sales
The International Entrepreneur Exception
There’s one legitimate use case for HBS: international entrepreneurs who need U.S. entity formation.
For non-U.S. residents, Delaware can make sense because:
- You’re not establishing tax residency in a specific state anyway
- Delaware’s established legal framework provides predictability
- International banks often prefer Delaware entities
- You won’t need foreign LLC registration in another state
However, even international entrepreneurs should consider services like Firstbase or Doola that specialize in non-U.S. founder needs.
My Honest Recommendation
For 95% of entrepreneurs reading this: Skip Harvard Business Services entirely. They’re solving a problem that doesn’t exist (Delaware incorporation for non-Delaware businesses) while creating real problems (extra costs, compliance complexity).
Better alternatives:
Best Overall: Northwest Registered Agent – $39 + state fees, any state, no Delaware bias
Best for International Founders: Firstbase – Designed specifically for non-U.S. residents
Best Budget Option: ZenBusiness – $0 + state fees, modern platform
Best for Delaware (if you actually need it): Form directly with Delaware Secretary of State online for $110 total
The Delaware Incorporation Decision Tree
Still confused about whether you need Delaware? Use this simple decision tree:
- Are you raising venture capital? If yes, consider Delaware. If no, continue.
- Do you live and operate in Delaware? If yes, Delaware makes sense. If no, continue.
- Are you planning to go public within 5 years? If yes, Delaware might help. If no, continue.
- Are you a non-U.S. resident? If yes, Delaware could work. If no, form in your home state.
For everyone else: Form an LLC in the state where you live and do business. It’s cheaper, simpler, and legally equivalent for small business purposes.
Final Verdict: Harvard Business Services in 2025
Harvard Business Services is a competent but outdated formation service that profits from perpetuating expensive myths about Delaware incorporation.
They’re good at: Delaware formation, transparent pricing, basic registered agent service
They’re bad at: Everything else, plus they actively mislead customers about Delaware benefits
My rating: 6/10 – Functional but problematic
Ready to Form Your LLC the Right Way?
Skip the Delaware confusion and form where you actually do business:
Best Value: Northwest Registered Agent – $39 + state fees, includes registered agent, no Delaware bias
Budget Option: ZenBusiness – $0 + state fees for basic formation
International Entrepreneurs: Firstbase – Built for non-U.S. residents
DIY Option: File directly with your state Secretary of State (usually $50-200 total)
Want my detailed state-by-state formation guide? Check out my Best State for LLC Formation analysis where I break down the real costs and benefits of each state—without the Delaware sales pitch.
Questions about LLC formation or Delaware vs. home state decisions? Email me directly at jake@llciyo.com. I respond personally to every message and can help you avoid the expensive mistakes that Harvard Business Services encourages.
About This Review: I’ve personally tested Harvard Business Services, worked with clients who used them, and analyzed their service model extensively. This review reflects my genuine experience—HBS hasn’t paid for or influenced this content in any way.
About Jake Lawson: LLC Formation Strategist with 15+ years of experience. I’ve guided 1,200+ entrepreneurs through business formation, tested every major LLC service, and maintain relationships with registered agents in all 50 states. I’m particularly passionate about debunking Delaware incorporation myths that cost entrepreneurs thousands unnecessarily. MBA in Finance (UT Austin), Certified Tax Consultant (CTC).