Starting a business in the United States as a non-resident or even as a U.S. citizen can be a bit overwhelming. The process involves several steps, including choosing a business structure, filing necessary paperwork, and maintaining legal and tax compliance. Fortunately, services like Doola are designed to make these tasks easier by offering a comprehensive platform for business formation and management.
In this review, we will explore what Doola is, its pricing structure, the pros and cons of using the service, user feedback, and how it compares with alternatives. By the end, you should have a clear idea of whether Doola is the right choice for your entrepreneurial journey.
What is Doola?
Doola is a platform designed to help entrepreneurs, particularly non-U.S. residents, form and manage U.S.-based businesses. Founded in 2020, the company aims to make it easier for anyone, no matter where they are in the world, to launch a business in the United States. The company is backed by Y Combinator, which adds credibility to its offerings.
The service offers a variety of solutions to guide entrepreneurs through the complicated process of forming a business in the U.S. Some of the key services include:
- LLC, C-Corp, and DAO LLC formation
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) acquisition
- Registered agent services
- U.S. bank account setup assistance
- Ongoing compliance and tax filing
- Bookkeeping and invoicing tools
- Access to CPAs and other professional resources
Essentially, Doola provides everything an entrepreneur needs to establish and run a business in the U.S., from the initial setup to ongoing support for taxes and compliance.
Pricing Plans
One of the first questions potential users have when considering a platform like Doola is how much it will cost. Doola’s pricing is straightforward, with three main plans available to suit different needs and business sizes.
1. Starter Plan – $297/year
The Starter Plan is the most basic plan available and offers the core services required to form and manage a business in the U.S. Here’s what you get with this plan:
- LLC formation
- EIN acquisition (required for U.S. tax identification)
- Registered agent service for one year (a registered agent is required to receive legal documents on behalf of your business)
- Assistance in setting up a U.S. bank account
- Compliance reminders to help you stay on top of legal requirements
This plan is perfect for entrepreneurs who want a simple, no-frills solution for getting their business up and running in the U.S. It’s the most affordable option and gives you all the essential services you need.
2. Premium Plan – $897/year
For those looking for more comprehensive support, Doola offers the Premium Plan. This plan includes all the features of the Starter Plan, plus additional services to help you manage your business on a day-to-day basis:
- Annual compliance filing (ensuring that you stay compliant with U.S. regulations)
- Doola Books (bookkeeping software to track your financial transactions)
- Doola Invoicing (tools for generating and managing invoices)
- Annual CPA consultation (helpful for business tax planning and financial advice)
This plan is ideal for growing businesses that require ongoing support for managing their finances and staying compliant with U.S. business regulations.
3. Total Compliance Plan – $2,397/year
The most comprehensive plan offered by Doola is the Total Compliance Plan, which includes everything in the Premium Plan, along with some extra features to ensure that your business remains compliant and well-managed:
- IRS tax filing (helping you manage your business’s tax obligations)
- Quarterly CPA consultations (more frequent financial consultations to ensure everything is on track)
- Doola Sites (website builder to create a professional website for your business)
- Ongoing compliance support (extra assistance with meeting regulatory requirements)
This plan is perfect for businesses that require a lot of ongoing support, especially when it comes to taxes and regulatory compliance. It’s more expensive but offers the highest level of service for businesses looking to scale and stay on top of their legal obligations.
Pros of Using Doola
Doola has received positive feedback from many users, particularly for its convenience and ease of use. Let’s explore some of the advantages of using this platform.
1. Comprehensive Services
One of the biggest advantages of Doola is that it provides an all-in-one solution for business formation and management. Instead of having to sign up for different services with different providers, Doola offers everything you need under one roof, from LLC formation to tax filing. This can save you time, money, and hassle, especially if you’re a non-resident entrepreneur unfamiliar with the U.S. system.
2. User-Friendly Platform
Doola’s platform is easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The dashboard is intuitive, and users can easily track their company’s status, view important documents, and keep an eye on upcoming deadlines. The platform makes it simple to manage your business and ensures that you stay on top of important tasks, like compliance filings.
3. Educational Resources
Starting a business in a foreign country can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal and tax requirements. Doola offers educational resources to help entrepreneurs understand the U.S. business landscape. This includes access to Doola University, where users can find useful content on topics like business taxes, accounting, and compliance. These resources can be particularly valuable for international entrepreneurs who may not be familiar with the U.S. business system.
4. Dedicated Support
Doola provides users with access to customer support and dedicated account managers who can help answer questions and resolve issues. Many users have praised the platform’s responsive customer service, which is available to assist with any problems that may arise. Additionally, the inclusion of CPAs in higher-tier plans ensures that users have access to professional advice when they need it.
5. Security and Data Protection
Doola takes security seriously. The platform uses SSL encryption and is PCI-compliant, ensuring that your business data is safe and secure. Whether you’re submitting personal information or managing financial transactions, you can feel confident that your data is protected.
Cons of Using Doola
While Doola has many advantages, it’s not perfect. Here are some of the common complaints and drawbacks that users have highlighted.
1. High Pricing for Ongoing Services
While the Starter Plan is affordable, many users feel that the ongoing services, particularly the Premium and Total Compliance plans, are a bit pricey compared to other providers. For example, businesses that only need basic services may find that the more expensive plans offer more than what they need, making the cost less justifiable. When compared to other LLC formation services, Doola’s higher-tier plans may feel like a luxury for some users.
2. Slow Processing Times
Some users have reported delays in processing their EIN applications or business formation documents. While these delays may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s important to note that setting up a business in the U.S. can take time, and Doola’s processing times have been a point of frustration for some customers. Delays can be especially problematic if you’re operating under tight deadlines.
3. Upselling of Additional Services
A few customers have mentioned that they felt pressured into purchasing additional services that they didn’t initially need. Upselling is common in many industries, but some users have expressed frustration that Doola promotes more expensive plans and services beyond what’s necessary for their business.
What Do Users Think?
Positive Feedback
Doola has received praise from many users for its simplicity and comprehensive service offerings. Entrepreneurs, especially those from outside the U.S., appreciate the convenience of having a one-stop shop for business formation, compliance, and financial management. The platform’s educational resources are also highly valued, as they help guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of U.S. business regulations.
Users have also noted that the customer support team is responsive and helpful. Many entrepreneurs find peace of mind knowing that they can reach out for assistance if they run into any issues.
Constructive Criticism
While many users are happy with the services, others have expressed concerns over the pricing structure and the upselling of additional services. Additionally, some users have experienced delays in document processing and issues with the platform’s user interface. These issues have led to frustration for a small number of users, though the majority still report positive experiences.
Doola vs. Competitors
Before making a final decision, it’s worth comparing Doola to some of its competitors. There are several services available for LLC formation and business management, and each comes with its pros and cons.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a popular alternative to Doola, offering LLC formation and compliance services at competitive prices. ZenBusiness is known for its low-cost plans and ease of use. While it may not have as many advanced features as Doola, it’s a solid option for businesses on a budget.
Stripe Atlas
Stripe Atlas is another option for entrepreneurs looking to form a U.S. business. It’s particularly popular among tech startups, as it provides seamless integration with Stripe’s payment processing platform. Stripe Atlas offers a simple and efficient setup process but doesn’t have the same level of ongoing compliance support as Doola.
Firstbase
Firstbase is a good choice for non-U.S. residents looking to form a business in the U.S. Like Doola, Firstbase offers comprehensive services for international entrepreneurs, including LLC formation, EIN acquisition, and bank account setup. However, Firstbase’s pricing may be slightly higher than Doola’s, making it important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each service.
Conclusion
Doola is a robust platform that offers a wide range of services to entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the U.S. It provides everything from LLC formation to ongoing compliance and tax filing, making it a one-stop solution for many business owners. While the pricing may be a bit high for some users, the platform’s ease of use, comprehensive service offerings, and educational resources make it a great choice for non-U.S. residents.
However, there are some areas where Doola could improve, particularly with regards to processing times and pricing transparency. If you’re a business owner who values simplicity and support, Doola may be a great fit for you. But if you’re on a tighter budget or looking for a more streamlined experience, it’s worth exploring alternative options.
In the end, the right choice will depend on your specific business needs. Take the time to assess your goals, compare Doola with other providers, and make an informed decision about which service offers the best value for your U.S. business formation and management needs.
FAQ’s
What services does Doola offer for U.S. business formation?
Doola offers LLC formation, EIN acquisition, registered agent services, and more.
How much does Doola cost for U.S. business formation?
Doola’s pricing ranges from $297/year for the Starter Plan to $2,397/year for the Total Compliance Plan.
Is Doola suitable for international entrepreneurs?
Yes, Doola is specifically designed to help non-U.S. residents start and manage U.S.-based businesses.
How long does it take to form a business with Doola?
Business formation with Doola typically takes a few weeks, though processing times can vary.
Does Doola provide ongoing support for business compliance?
Yes, Doola offers ongoing compliance services, including tax filing and CPA consultations for higher-tier plans.