Starter vs. Total Compliance: Which doola Plan Is Right for Your Business?

Launching a business is exciting. Some founders are launching their first LLC, while others are scaling fast and need to avoid tax headaches. 

But figuring out what you actually need to stay compliant in the U.S. can get confusing fast.

At doola, we help founders around the world start and grow U.S. businesses without drowning in red tape. 

That’s why we created flexible Starter and Total Compliance (TC) plans to meet you where you are. Both are powerful. But they’re built for different stages of the founder’s journey.

Which one is right for you? That’s precisely what we’ll help you figure out. Let’s break down what each plan includes, who it’s built for, and how to know when it’s time to upgrade.

What Are doola Compliance Plans?

When you start a U.S. business, compliance isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a must.

It helps you maintain your company’s good legal and financial standing with federal, state, and sometimes even local authorities. 

That includes things like:

• Filing annual reports with the state

• Appointing and maintaining a registered agent

• Paying the correct federal, state, or franchise taxes

• Renewing business licenses

• Staying up to date with IRS and state notifications

• Keeping accurate bookkeeping records for audits and tax filing

Neglecting any of these responsibilities, even by accident, can lead to late fees, business penalties, frozen bank accounts, or even the involuntary dissolution of your LLC or Corporation.

This is especially risky if you’re a global founder running a U.S. business remotely. Time zone differences, unfamiliar regulations, and language barriers can make it hard to stay on top of compliance requirements.

That’s why doola created user-centric pricing plans to simplify this complex process:

• The Starter Plan, starting at $297/year, helps you form and operate your business. It’s ideal if you want to launch quickly and handle compliance on your own.

• The Total Compliance Plan, starting at $1,999/year, is built for founders who want a worry-free, all-in-one solution for business compliance so they can stay focused on running their business.

Both plans are designed with today’s entrepreneurs in mind, especially global founders who want access to the U.S. market without getting buried in paperwork or missing deadlines.

🔖 Related Must-Read: What Are the Ongoing Compliance Requirements for an LLC? A Complete Guide by doola

doola Starter Plan: What You Get and Who It’s For

The doola Starter Plan is crafted for entrepreneurs who want a smooth, efficient, and budget-friendly way to kickstart their U.S. business journey. 

It gives you all the essential tools to launch your dream startup or turn your side hustle into a legitimate business without the stress or complexity of managing your compliance on your own.

What You Get

• EIN (Employer Identification Number): The doola Starter Plan ensures you receive your EIN quickly and accurately, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the IRS process on your own.

• Registered Agent Services: In the Starter Plan, you get registered agent services, ensuring that your business stays compliant with state regulations. No more worrying about missed paperwork or deadlines.

• Operating Agreement: doola Starter Plan includes a customizable operating agreement template that we tailor to your specific needs, business structure, ownership shares, and internal operations.

• State Business Formation Filing: The Starter Plan includes the state filing service that officially establishes your LLC or Corporation. So, you can skip the long wait times and confusing forms and ensure your business is legally recognized from day one.

• Access to Business Tools & Resources: The doola Starter Plan goes beyond the essentials. You’ll also have access to a variety of tools and resources, such as a Virtual Mailing/Business Address, that can help your business thrive.

Who It’s For? (Hint: You)

The Starter Plan isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who say things like:

👉🏼 “I just want to get my business off the ground today.”

👉🏼 “I don’t need bells and whistles, just the basics done right.”

👉🏼 “I’ll do the rest myself. Just get me over the legal hurdle.”

Sound like you? Then you’ll in good hands with doola’s Starter plan.

Early-Stage Founders

Still building your product? Looking for product-market fit?

You don’t need a full-blown compliance team; you just need to get started. This plan gives you a legal foundation while you figure out the rest.

Test-Phase Businesses

Are you trying out a dropshipping idea? Are you testing a course, a brand, or a new service?

You need to be compliant to accept payments and protect yourself legally, but you don’t need to go all in. This plan is your lean and clean setup.

DIY-Minded Entrepreneurs

You’re the type who Googles everything and still comes out on top.

You don’t want to pay someone to manage your books yet; you just want the tools to get your company formed and registered. That’s precisely what we offer you.

Why Founders Love the Starter Plan

✔️ Cost-Effective: You’re not paying for services you don’t need; you’re paying for the essentials done right.

✔️ Lean & Focused: No upsells, no confusion. Just the basics, clearly explained and quickly delivered.

✔️ Designed for Growth: Start here, and upgrade later when your business takes off. (We hope it does. Let us know when it does. We’ll send cupcakes.)

With the Starter Plan, you’ll get everything you need to launch confidently while staying within your budget. 

You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your business is compliant with the essential legal requirements, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Book a demo with us to start your business today!

doola Total Compliance Plan: What You Get and Why It Matters

You’ve launched. You’ve got revenue (or it’s on the way). Maybe you’ve even started hiring or scaling your product. Now comes the less exciting part of business ownership: staying compliant.

The Total Compliance Plan is like having a team of experts to handle the boring but critical stuff like taxes, bookkeeping, and government deadlines so that you can stay in the spotlight.

If the Starter Plan is a launchpad, Total Compliance is the autopilot system that keeps your business cruising safely between the clouds.

What You Get

It’s more than a plan. It’s your business compliance command center, powered by real pros (not robots) and backed by tools that make your life way easier.

Everything in the Starter Plan, plus a full suite of compliance and finance tools that keep your business squeaky clean and stress-free:

• Business IRS Tax Filings: Your U.S. business must file taxes even if it made zero income. We handle federal tax filings on your behalf, with accuracy and peace of mind built in.

• Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Filing: A new federal requirement starting in 2024. Miss it? Risk fines up to $500/day. We file it for you automatically.

• Annual State Tax Filings: Some states (like Delaware, Texas, and California) charge annual franchise taxes. We file and pay these so your entity stays active and penalty-free.

• Sales Tax Registration & Reseller Certificate: Need to collect sales tax? Selling wholesale? We register your business in applicable states and help you secure reseller certificates to avoid overpaying.

• 1:1 CPA Consultation: Got questions about deductions, tax strategy, or U.S. business structure? Hop on a call with a licensed CPA who speaks founder.

• Bookkeeping (Done-for-You): We track, record, and reconcile every transaction automatically, keeping your books clean, accurate, and investor/tax-season-ready.

• Transaction Categorization: No more DIY spreadsheets. Every expense and income item is sorted into smart, tax-ready categories in your dashboard.

• Invoicing Tools: Send branded invoices, track payments, and stay on top of your cash flow; all in one place.

• Financial Statements & Reports: Need a profit & loss statement? Balance sheet? We generate the financial reports you need for investors, banks, or just understanding your numbers.

• Multi-Account Integration: Connect multiple U.S. business bank accounts, payment processors, or credit cards. Track everything in one dashboard. Total visibility, no chaos.

• E-Commerce Analytics: Running a Shopify store or selling online? Get powerful insights into your revenue, costs, and best-selling products; all baked into your plan.

• VIP Account Management: Got a question? A challenge? A goal? You’ll have access to dedicated compliance experts who know your business and have your back.

Why Ongoing Compliance Matters (Especially in the U.S.)

Once your business is formed, it must stay compliant year-round. That means:

✔️ Filing annual reports

✔️ Paying state franchise taxes

✔️ Filing federal taxes even at $0 revenue

✔️ Collecting and remitting sales tax

✔️ Avoiding late fees, penalties, or business suspension

If you miss any of the above, you could face fines, lose liability protection, or have your business dissolved.

It’s a lot. And trying to piece it together from blog posts, YouTube videos, and government websites? That’s a full-time job. Total Compliance takes that weight off your shoulders entirely.

Who It’s For?

doola’s Total Compliance plan is built for founders who want to build, not get tangled in tax forms or government portals. If any of these sound like you, you’re in the right place:

Growing Businesses

You’ve got customers, income, and maybe even investors. To keep momentum, you need clean books and timely filings. Let us handle the backend so you can focus on scaling.

Founders Who Want Peace of Mind

No more Googling “LLC tax filing deadline”. This plan makes sure nothing slips through the cracks so that you can focus on customers, not compliance.

Non-U.S. Residents

U.S. compliance rules can feel like a maze. With doola, you get a dedicated team that knows how to navigate U.S. tax laws and the unique needs of global founders.

The Total Compliance Plan is like having a CFO, tax pro, and admin assistant without hiring a single person. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want to stay legal, tax-ready, and stress-free.

Starter vs. Total Compliance: Side-by-Side Comparison

Decision fatigue is real, especially when it comes to choosing the right support system to keep your company legal, compliant, and stress-free. 

We get it: it’s hard to choose when both plans sound great in their own way. So, instead of throwing jargon and price tags at you, let’s break it down like a founder-friendly cheat sheet.

This no-fluff, side-by-side comparison of pricing plans for every major feature across seven critical categories so you can make a confident, informed decision without second-guessing yourself later.

Category	Feature	Starter Plan	Total Compliance Plan
1. Formation	U.S. LLC or C Corp Formation	✅ Included	✅ Included
	Employer Identification Number (EIN)	✅ Included	✅ Included with Expedited Processing
	U.S. Mailing Address & Mail Forwarding	✅ Included	✅ Included
	Operating Agreement & Bylaws	✅ Included	✅ Included
2. Legal	Registered Agent (1 Year)	✅ Included	✅ Included
	Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Filing	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Reseller Certificate & Sales Tax Registration	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Annual State Filings (e.g. Franchise Tax)	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
3. Compliance	Annual Compliance Monitoring	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	CPA Consultation	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Business IRS Tax Filings	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
4. Bookkeeping	Bookkeeping (Done-for-You)	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Transaction Categorization	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Invoicing Tools	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Financial Reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, etc.)	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
	Multi-Account Integration (Bank, Stripe, PayPal)	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
5. E-Commerce	E-Commerce Analytics (Real-Time)	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
6. Support	Customer Support	✅ Email Only	✅ Priority + VIP Access
	Dedicated Account Manager	❌ Not Included	✅ Included
7. Add-on Costs	Extra Fees for Tax Filing/BOI Filing	May Apply	✅ Included in Plan
	Add-on Bookkeeping or Compliance Services	May Apply	✅Included in Plan

The Hidden Costs of Choosing the Wrong Plan

On paper, skipping the full compliance package might feel like a smart money-saving move, especially if your business is still small. 

But here’s the truth: what you don’t know about U.S. business compliance can cost you. And not just in dollars.

Let’s say you pick the Starter Plan. It gives you the essentials, such as EIN, registered agent, and Operating Agreement services. You launch successfully. All good, right?

Fast forward 9 months. You’re busy fulfilling orders or landing clients, and you forget that the IRS expects a return. 

• You didn’t realize that even with $0 in income, the IRS still expects a federal tax return.

• You forgot to register for sales tax in a state where your sales crossed the threshold for economic nexus.

• You assumed your LLC was “set it and forget it”, and didn’t know about annual franchise tax or state reports.

Then a few months after, you’re staring at late notices, penalty fees, or even an inactive business status. 

Had you gone with Total Compliance, those filings would’ve been handled for you. That’s when the hidden costs of choosing the wrong plan become more evident.

However, there are more common (and more expensive) than most founders expect:

Late Tax Penalties Can Stack Up

The IRS expects you to file your taxes correctly and on time. If you were supposed to collect and remit sales tax in a state where you triggered nexus, those states will often come knocking with retroactive fines.

Miss any deadline? You could owe hundreds or thousands in late penalties and interest, especially if you’re required to file both federal and state taxes.

LLC at Risk: Administrative Dissolution

Many founders don’t realize the state can shut down their LLC if they miss annual filings or fail to pay franchise taxes. 

Once your LLC is dissolved, it’s no longer a legal business. You lose access to banking, contracts, liability protection, and yes, your LLC name.

Stress, Audits, and Legal Trouble

If you’re selling online and haven’t registered for sales tax in states where you have nexus, you may be operating illegally without even knowing it. 

This can trigger audits or even legal enforcement actions, which would require proper bookkeeping with categorization of your transactions.

🔖 Related Must-Read: Can You Really Start an LLC for $0?

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Business

Choosing the right compliance plan isn’t just a business decision. It’s about how you want to build, protect, and grow what you’re working so hard to create. 

For this, we’ve created a 5-step checklist that will point you straight to the plan that makes the most sense for your current phase, time, and risk tolerance.

1. Are you making money yet?

If you are just getting started or pre-revenue, you can start with the Starter Plan for now. Once you start making money, you should upgrade to Total Compliance.

2. Do you understand U.S. tax law?

Even if you’re comfortable navigating tax laws and have a solid understanding of U.S. business taxes, handling all the requirements by yourself is too much. 

While the Starter Plan can get you started, the Total Compliance Plan is built to handle your tax filings, sales tax registrations, and even sales tax registration. 

With full-service support and professional guidance, you won’t have to worry about keeping up with the constant changes or missing a critical compliance deadline.

3. Do you want to spend time on bookkeeping?

The Total Compliance Plan is the best choice if you want to focus on business rather than tracking expenses, categorizing transactions, and generating reports. 

However, if you’re okay with DIY bookkeeping, just know that eventually, DIY may hit a wall (especially during tax season).

4. Is this a side hustle or a full-time venture?

If you’re running a side hustle (for now), the Starter plan is a lean, low-cost way to lay the legal foundation while you explore your idea.

However, for a full-time gig that is scaling fast, Total Compliance gives you full support so nothing slips through the cracks as you grow.

5. What’s your risk appetite?

If you want peace of mind, then Total Compliance is the no-brainer. It’s proactive protection against the headaches, fees, and fire drills that come with doing it all yourself.

However, if you’re okay taking on a little risk, the Starter plan can be your lightweight launchpad. But bookmark this article in case things take off faster than expected.

Real-Life Scenarios: Who Picks What?

Choosing the right compliance plan isn’t always clear-cut, especially when you’re in the early stages of your business journey. 

That’s why we have brought you a few real-life scenarios to help you understand how each plan fits a business’s stage, revenue, and risk appetite, and can help you make an informed choice. 

Scenario	Business Profile	Recommended Plan	Why It Works
Indie App Developer on a Budget	A solo app developer working on a startup, on a tight budget	Starter Plan	For a new developer just getting started, keeping things simple and low-cost is key. The Starter Plan offers an affordable way to establish your LLC, get an EIN, and ensure basic legal compliance. It’s perfect for those in the test phase, who can always upgrade later as the business scales.
Dropshipping Business Crossing $5K/Month	A dropshipping business generating consistent revenue over $5K/month	Total Compliance Plan	As this business is crossing a significant revenue threshold, the Total Compliance Plan ensures full coverage for tax filings, sales tax registration, and keeps the business in line with federal and state laws. With tools like bookkeeping and invoicing, this plan supports sustainable growth.
U.S. LLC for Freelance Writing Side-Gig	A freelance writer in the U.S. is setting up a side business to earn extra income	Starter Plan, then upgrade to Total Compliance	For side hustlers or part-time entrepreneurs, the Starter Plan offers all the essentials: LLC formation, EIN, and an operating agreement. As the writing business gains traction, upgrading to the Total Compliance Plan will ensure smooth handling of taxes and professional financial management.
U.S.-Based Non-Resident E-Commerce Seller	Non-resident selling products online to U.S. customers	Total Compliance Plan	Non-resident entrepreneurs face unique challenges when it comes to U.S. tax compliance. The Total Compliance Plan covers all bases, including IRS consultation, state tax filings, and sales tax registration, ensuring legal and tax compliance as your business expands internationally.
New Fitness Coaching Business	A fitness coach is launching an online training business for clients	Starter Plan	For small, service-based businesses like a fitness coaching venture, the Starter Plan offers an affordable entry point to establish your LLC, protect personal assets, and ensure basic compliance. As the business grows, you can seamlessly transition to the Total Compliance Plan for more comprehensive tax and bookkeeping support.

🔖 Related Must-Read: Starter vs. TC vs. Business-in-a-Box™: Which doola Plan Is Right for You?

doola’s Edge: More Than Just Compliance

Picking the right plan matters. But picking the right partner? That’s what makes all the difference, especially if you’re juggling multiple roles or stepping into U.S. for the first time. 

That’s where doola goes beyond checklists and tax filings. We’re not just a service. We’re your business infrastructure manager.

🚀 Built for Global Founders, From the Ground Up

From New York to Nairobi, Mumbai to Madrid, doola is built to support founders around the world. 

We handle everything, from EINs and BOI filing to sales tax registration and LLC formation, so even international founders can feel confident that someone’s in their corner, handling the fine print.

🚀 Support That Feels Human (Because It Is)

You’re not just a ticket in a queue. Our support team is known for fast, clear, and genuinely helpful answers. 

With the Total Compliance plan, you’ll even get VIP account management for white-glove service. So, you’re working with someone who knows your business, knows your deadlines, and keeps you on track.

🚀 Learning, Not Just Filing

doola isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about empowering you with the knowledge to grow your business. 

From startup guides to how-to articles and founder spotlights, we’re constantly investing in founder education. 

Our founder-focused content helps you make informed decisions as your business grows. We’re building more than businesses. We’re building business owners.

🚀 Transparent Pricing, Real Value 

We don’t believe in bait-and-switch pricing. With doola pricing plans, what you see is what you get, no surprise fees for essential services. 

No confusing packages. No hidden fees. And with features like free BOI filing and included tax services in our Total Compliance plan, you’re not nickel-and-dimed for essential add-ons.

Why Your Business Deserves the Right Start (or Upgrade)

You don’t have to get everything perfect on day one. Businesses evolve, and doola evolves with you. 

You can start with the Starter plan to get your LLC off the ground and upgrade when it makes sense. 

Or, if you’re already earning, already expanding, or already overwhelmed, Total Compliance may be the best investment you’ll make in your business this year.

You deserve peace of mind. You deserve more time to build what matters. And your business deserves the infrastructure doola provides that sets you up not just for launch, but for longevity.

Book a demo to get personalized advice from our compliance experts.

Get Started With doola Today

Your business deserves more than guesswork! It deserves clarity, confidence, and a partner that understands the complexities of U.S. compliance, and doola is here to help you every step of the way. 

From expert-backed formation to full-service compliance and bookkeeping, we take the stress out of the back office so you can move forward with peace of mind.

Still unsure which plan fits your needs? Compare plans & get started today!

If you need expert advise, book a demo and we’ll be happy to guide you through it!

FAQs

Is doola’s Total Compliance plan worth it for new businesses?

Yes, if you’re looking to scale, focus on growth, and avoid compliance headaches, the Total Compliance plan provides essential tools and expert support to ensure long-term success.

Can I start with the Starter plan and upgrade later?

Absolutely! You can start with the Starter plan and easily upgrade to Total Compliance as your business grows or your needs evolve.

Does doola help with taxes for non-U.S. residents?

Yes, doola offers comprehensive support for non-U.S. residents, guiding them through U.S. tax obligations, including sales tax and IRS filings.

What happens if I don’t stay compliant after forming an LLC?

Failure to stay compliant can result in late fees, legal issues, and even the dissolution of your LLC, which could harm your business and reputation.

Do I need an accountant if I use the Total Compliance plan?

With the Total Compliance plan, doola provides bookkeeping, tax filing, and CPA consultations, reducing the need for a separate accountant.

How does doola compare to other business formation services like LegalZoom?

While LegalZoom offers formation services, it doesn’t provide the same level of holistic, ongoing support that’s essential for scaling and maintaining a business in the U.S. 

doola offers a more comprehensive suite of ongoing compliance, bookkeeping, and tax services, specifically designed to support global entrepreneurs and growing businesses.