What is a Series LLC vs Standalone LLC?
By default, every OtoCo Delaware or Wyoming LLC is formed as a protected series under the OtoCo Master LLC (OtoCo DE LLC or OtoCo WY LLC). The product name is OtoCo Instant — Instant and a protected series are the same legal form, not two products. A Standalone LLC is an independent entity with its own state filing and Certificate of Formation.
OtoCo Instant (protected series) — from $99/yr
Best for most OtoCo users:
- Instant formation — completes in about 6 seconds onchain
- No separate state filing per series — the Master handles annual reports
- No individual state-issued Certificate of Formation for the series — Mercury uses the Master Certificate of Formation
- Flat $99/yr all-in (registered agent, OA template, Entity NFT)
- Privacy — your series name is not listed on the Master's public annual filing (Delaware)
- Shared franchise tax — the Master pays Delaware/Wyoming franchise tax; series share it
A protected series added later under the same Master uses the same Mercury packet as Instant. See Mercury Bank Documents.
Standalone LLC — $299/yr
Best when a counterparty requires an independent entity:
- Own Certificate of Formation filed directly with the state
- Own EIN (order the $189 EIN add-on or include at formation)
- Own registered agent record separate from the Master
- Required by some banks, investors, or KYB processes
Form at:
- Delaware — https://otoco.io/llc/standalone?jurisdiction=delaware
- Wyoming — https://otoco.io/llc/standalone?jurisdiction=wyoming
Start with OtoCo Instant unless your bank or investor specifically requires a standalone Certificate of Formation and independent EIN.
Comparison
| OtoCo Instant (protected series) | Standalone LLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99/yr | $299/yr |
| Formation speed | ~6 seconds | State filing required |
| Certificate of Formation | No series-specific state COF; Mercury gets Master COF (UI: Certificate of Formation via Files & Templates / compliance.otoco.io) | State-issued, independent |
| Franchise tax | Covered by Master | Your entity pays separately |
| Banking | Mercury via OtoCo packet (Master COF + OA + EIN); some banks prefer Standalone | Preferred by strict KYB |
Next: How to form a new LLC · Mercury Bank Documents · Choosing the Right Incorporation · Series vs Master documents