Is Harvard Business Services Legit? In today’s fast-paced business world, forming a company efficiently and securely has become essential for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Among the many companies that help people form Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations in the United States, Harvard Business Services, Inc. (HBS) has gained significant attention.
But one question remains common among potential customers — Is Harvard Business Services legit?
This comprehensive 1800+ word article explores the background, credibility, services, pricing, customer support, and reputation of Harvard Business Services. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Harvard Business Services is a trustworthy choice for your business formation needs.
What is Harvard Business Services?
Harvard Business Services, Inc. is a professional business formation and registered agent service provider based in Delaware, USA. The company was founded in 1981 by Rick Bell, with the primary goal of helping entrepreneurs form and maintain Delaware-based companies at an affordable price.
Delaware is known as one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S. due to its flexible corporate laws, tax advantages, and efficient judicial system. Harvard Business Services focuses exclusively on Delaware entities, which allows it to offer specialized and reliable services.
Company Background and Reputation
With more than 40 years of experience and over 300,000 businesses formed, Harvard Business Services has built a strong reputation in the business formation industry. Unlike many newer competitors, HBS is not a tech startup—it’s a long-standing company with a proven track record.
The company’s physical address is:
16192 Coastal Highway, Lewes, Delaware 19958, USA
This physical presence adds legitimacy since many online-only incorporation services lack verifiable addresses or direct customer contact options.
Key indicators of legitimacy include:
- Established in 1981 (over four decades in operation)
- Hundreds of thousands of satisfied clients
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Transparent pricing and refund policies
- Thousands of verified online reviews
These facts collectively support that Harvard Business Services is not only legitimate but also one of the most reliable Delaware incorporation providers in the market.
Services Offered by Harvard Business Services
Harvard Business Services specializes in Delaware-based business formation and maintenance. Below is an overview of its main services:
1. Business Formation Services
- Formation of Delaware LLCs, Corporations, Nonprofits, and Limited Partnerships (LPs)
- Preparation and filing of the Certificate of Formation or Incorporation
- Fast and secure online process (as little as one business day)
- Delivery of digital documents (via email)
2. Registered Agent Services
Every company registered in Delaware must appoint a Registered Agent to receive legal and tax documents. HBS offers:
- Lifetime discounted renewal rate of $50 per year
- Free mail forwarding of official state correspondence
- Secure document storage and reminders for compliance deadlines
3. EIN (Employer Identification Number) Assistance
HBS helps clients obtain an EIN from the IRS, which is necessary for:
- Opening a U.S. business bank account
- Hiring employees
- Filing taxes
4. Annual Franchise Tax Filings
Delaware requires companies to pay annual franchise taxes and file reports. Harvard Business Services provides assistance with:
- Preparing and filing annual franchise tax reports
- Avoiding late fees and penalties
5. Foreign Qualification
For companies incorporated in Delaware but doing business in another state, HBS assists with foreign qualification filings.
6. Virtual Office and Mail Forwarding
They offer optional services for businesses that need a Delaware business address, providing mail forwarding and phone answering.
7. Document Retrieval
Clients can request copies of formation documents, certificates of good standing, or amendments quickly through the platform.
Packages and Pricing
Harvard Business Services offers three main formation packages, each catering to different business needs.
| Package | Price (LLC) | Features Included |
|---|---|---|
| Green Package | $179 | Company formation, digital documents, lifetime customer support, one year of registered agent service |
| Basic Package | $229 | Includes all Green features + physical documents mailed to you |
| Standard Package | $329 | Includes all Basic features + EIN (tax ID number) and compliance reminders |
| International Package | $429 | Ideal for non-U.S. residents, includes apostille documents and international shipping |
The standout offering is the Registered Agent Service, which costs only $50 per year for life, one of the lowest in the entire U.S. market.
Unlike competitors who increase annual fees, HBS guarantees a fixed lifetime price — a significant trust factor and a sign of long-term commitment to customers.
What Makes Harvard Business Services Legitimate?
Several factors distinguish Harvard Business Services from unreliable or low-quality incorporation providers.
1. Long-Standing History
Operating since 1981, HBS has decades of experience — rare in an industry filled with newer online platforms.
2. Delaware Expertise
Rather than spreading across multiple states, HBS focuses exclusively on Delaware, the most preferred state for corporate registration.
3. Transparent Pricing
There are no hidden fees. Every cost is displayed upfront, including government filing fees.
4. A+ BBB Rating
Maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau demonstrates consistent performance and customer trust.
5. Positive Customer Reviews
The company boasts thousands of verified 5-star reviews across major review platforms, highlighting its reliability, support, and speed.
6. Strong Customer Support
Available via phone, live chat, and email, the support team is based in Delaware and operates Monday through Friday, ensuring personal and professional service.
7. Lifetime Agent Price Guarantee
The $50 registered agent fee never increases, showing transparency and fairness in billing.
8. Data Security
All data transmissions are secured with SSL encryption, and customer information is handled confidentially.
Advantages of Using Harvard Business Services
- Fast Processing Time – Most formations are completed within 1 business day.
- Affordable Registered Agent Fee – At $50/year, it’s far below industry averages.
- No Hidden Fees – Clear cost structure with no surprise charges.
- Expertise in Delaware Law – Deep understanding of Delaware’s legal system.
- Global Accessibility – Services for international entrepreneurs who want to establish U.S. companies.
- Lifetime Customer Support – Continued assistance even after formation.
- Reliable Customer Reviews – Thousands of positive testimonials from verified clients.
Disadvantages or Limitations
- Delaware Only – If you want to incorporate in other states, you’ll need another service.
- No Legal Consultation – They don’t provide personalized legal or tax advice.
- Limited Add-Ons – Fewer optional services compared to some larger competitors like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness.
Despite these minor limitations, Harvard Business Services remains an excellent choice for anyone forming a Delaware entity.
Comparison: Harvard Business Services vs Competitors
| Feature | Harvard Business Services | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1981 | 2001 | 2015 |
| Focus Area | Delaware only | All U.S. states | All U.S. states |
| Registered Agent Fee | $50/year (lifetime) | $299/year | $199/year |
| Processing Time | 1 business day | 2–4 weeks | 1–3 days |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A | A+ |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9/5 average | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
| EIN Service | Yes (add-on) | Yes | Yes |
| Refund Policy | Transparent | Restricted | Moderate |
| Overall Value | Excellent | Average | Good |
From this comparison, Harvard Business Services clearly stands out for affordability, reliability, and specialization.
Important Links and Information
| Category | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.delawareinc.com |
| About the Company | https://www.delawareinc.com/about/ |
| LLC Formation | https://www.delawareinc.com/llc/ |
| Corporation Formation | https://www.delawareinc.com/corporation/ |
| Registered Agent Services | https://www.delawareinc.com/registered-agent/ |
| Customer Support Contact | https://www.delawareinc.com/contact/ |
| Harvard Business Services Blog | https://www.delawareinc.com/blog/ |
Customer Testimonials
- Entrepreneur from India: “I formed my Delaware LLC through Harvard Business Services, and the entire process took less than 24 hours. Their customer support was outstanding.”
- Startup Founder from Germany: “The lifetime registered agent fee is unmatched. The transparency and professionalism gave me confidence as an international founder.”
- U.S. Freelancer: “I’ve used other incorporation services, but none are as efficient or responsive as HBS. Highly recommended for anyone forming in Delaware.”
Such feedback reflects the company’s consistent reliability and customer satisfaction.
Harvard Business Services Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Lewes, Delaware, USA |
| Specialization | Delaware LLCs and Corporations |
| Registered Agent Fee | $50 per year (lifetime guarantee) |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9/5 average |
| Turnaround Time | 1 business day |
| Refund Policy | Transparent and fair |
| International Clients Supported | Yes |
| Official Website | https://www.delawareinc.com |
FAQ about Is Harvard Business Services Legit?
Is Harvard Business Services a real company?
Yes. Harvard Business Services, Inc. is a legitimate company founded in 1981 and based in Delaware. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Is it affiliated with Harvard University?
No. Despite the name, Harvard Business Services is not affiliated with Harvard University. The name “Harvard” is a registered business name and represents the company brand only.
How fast can Harvard Business Services form my company?
Most companies are formed within one business day, making it one of the fastest in the industry.
What does the $50 Registered Agent service include?
It includes official document handling, compliance reminders, and mail forwarding for legal and tax correspondence — at a guaranteed lifetime price.
Can international clients use Harvard Business Services?
Yes. HBS serves clients from over 140 countries, offering services like EIN assistance and apostille documents for non-U.S. residents.
What payment methods are accepted?
They accept all major credit cards, PayPal, wire transfers, and even international payment options.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. Harvard Business Services is known for its transparent pricing model with no unexpected fees after sign-up.
What kind of customer support can I expect?
HBS offers phone, live chat, and email support during business hours, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist with all Delaware-related queries.
Conclusion
So, is Harvard Business Services legit?
Yes — without a doubt.
With over four decades of experience, a stellar A+ BBB rating, and more than 300,000 satisfied clients, Harvard Business Services has proven itself as a trusted, transparent, and affordable choice for anyone looking to form a Delaware company.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a new startup, a freelancer protecting your business with an LLC, or an international founder entering the U.S. market, Harvard Business Services offers unmatched expertise and customer care.
Its low annual fees, fast processing, and lifetime agent guarantee make it one of the best incorporation services available today.
If you value reliability, clarity, and professionalism, Harvard Business Services stands out as a truly legit and highly recommended partner for your business journey.