Starting a business usually means paying for a lot of things at once: a legal entity, a domain name, hosting and a professional email address. Namecheap's Business Starter Kit bundles all of these, and the LLC formation service fee is free. In this guide you'll learn exactly how it works, what "free" really means, and what to do after your LLC is approved.
What Is Namecheap's Business Starter Kit?
Namecheap launched the Business Starter Kit in July 2025 as an all-in-one package for people starting a business in the United States. It includes:
- Free LLC formation through Namecheap's partner, Tailor Brands (you only pay state filing fees)
- A free .com domain for the first year
- Business email for the first year
- Web hosting (Stellar Hosting) for the first year
- SEO and social media tools for the first year
Namecheap puts the total first-year value at over $250.
Does Namecheap File the LLC Itself?
No. This is the most common point of confusion. Namecheap is a domain registrar and hosting company, not a law firm or filing agent. When you start the process on Namecheap, you are handed over to Tailor Brands, which prepares and submits your LLC paperwork to the state. Namecheap then emails you coupon codes for the free domain, hosting, email and marketing tools once your LLC is established.
What "Free" Really Means
"Free LLC" means there is no formation service fee. It does not mean the whole process costs nothing.
What | Cost |
|---|---|
Tailor Brands formation service | Free via the Starter Kit |
State filing fee | You pay this. It varies by state |
.com domain, email, hosting, marketing tools | Free for the first year, then normal renewal prices |
Registered agent | Required for every LLC; check whether you're being offered a paid add-on |
State annual report or franchise fees | Charged by many states after formation |
Before You Start: What You Need
- A Namecheap account (free to create)
- A business name that is available in your chosen state and ideally matches an available .com domain
- The state where you'll form the LLC. Fees and rules differ, so compare before choosing
- Member details: name, address and contact information for each LLC owner
- A registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation
- A payment method for the state filing fee
Step-by-Step: How to Form Your LLC with Namecheap
Step 1: Open the Business Starter Kit page
Log in to Namecheap and go to the Business Starter Kit page (namecheap.com/apps/business-starter-kit).
Step 2: Enter your business name and state
Type the name you want and select the state where the LLC will be registered. The tool checks whether the name is available. If you're unsure about the name, you can change it before you submit the application.
Step 3: Complete the Tailor Brands application
You'll be passed to Tailor Brands, where you provide the LLC details: the business name, the members' names and addresses, and a registered agent. Tailor Brands guides you through each step and files the paperwork with the state on your behalf.
Step 4: Review the offers carefully
Tailor Brands will likely present paid extras such as compliance packages or an added registered agent service. You can decline these, but check your cart so you only pay for what you need.
Step 5: Pay the state filing fee
Pay the fee your state charges to register the LLC. This is the main cost of the process.
Step 6: Wait for approval
Processing time depends on the state. You'll get email updates as your application moves along.
Step 7: Redeem your free Namecheap products
Once your LLC is officially established, Namecheap emails you coupon codes for the free domain, hosting, business email and marketing tools. Redeem them promptly, since codes can expire.
After Your LLC Is Approved: Your Next Steps
Forming the LLC is only the first stage. Plan to handle the following:
- Get an EIN from the IRS (it's free). It works like a tax ID number for your LLC.
- Write an operating agreement that sets out how the LLC is run and how owners share profits and responsibilities.
- Open a business bank account to keep business and personal money separate.
- Track state compliance, such as annual reports and franchise taxes.
- Set up your website and email using the free products from the kit.
- Check your tax obligations with an accountant.
Can You Use This If You Live Outside the US?
The Business Starter Kit is intended for businesses formed in the US, so the LLC itself must be a US entity. People living outside the US can often own a US LLC, but the EIN application, US banking and tax obligations (both in the US and in your home country) become more complicated. Talk to a lawyer or tax professional who handles cross-border businesses before you file.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming "free" means zero cost. State fees and annual compliance costs still apply.
- Picking a state without comparing fees. Costs and ongoing requirements vary a lot.
- Forgetting to redeem the free tools within the allowed window.
- Skipping the EIN, operating agreement or bank account, which can cause problems later.
- Letting the free domain and hosting renew automatically without checking the renewal price.
Other Ways to Get an LLC with No Service Fee
If the Namecheap route doesn't suit you, some other formation services, such as IncAuthority and Zenind, also advertise LLC formation with no service fee. You can also file directly with your state's Secretary of State (or equivalent office) and pay only the state fee, though you'll then handle the paperwork and compliance yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LLC really free with Namecheap?
The formation service is free through the Business Starter Kit. State filing fees still apply.
Who actually forms the LLC?
Tailor Brands, Namecheap's business formation partner.
Do I still need an EIN?
Yes. An EIN is a separate step after the LLC is formed, and it's free to get from the IRS.
How long does approval take?
It depends on the state you choose. Tailor Brands emails you updates during the process.
Do I have to pay for the domain and hosting?
They're free for the first year when you redeem the codes. After that, standard renewal pricing applies.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. This guide is general information. Consult a licensed attorney or accountant for advice about your situation.
Conclusion
Namecheap's Business Starter Kit is a low-cost way to get a US LLC, a domain, hosting and email in one go, as long as you understand that "free" covers the service fee and not the state costs or later renewals. Choose your state carefully, watch for upsells, redeem your free tools on time, and finish the post-formation steps (EIN, operating agreement, bank account) to keep the business in good standing.
Fees, offers and eligibility can change, so confirm the current terms on Namecheap's Business Starter Kit page before you apply.
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