Starting a business can be an exciting yet daunting process, especially when it comes to navigating the legal requirements. That’s where business formation services like Bizee and LegalZoom come in handy. These online platforms offer entrepreneurs a streamlined way to form their LLCs or corporations without the hefty price tag of hiring a lawyer. Both Bizee and LegalZoom have established themselves as popular choices for business owners looking to simplify the formation process. Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve sifted through the complex legal jargon and government regulations to provide you with clear, actionable insights on what’s legally necessary for your business.
Comparing Bizee and LegalZoom
When it comes to forming your LLC, Bizee and LegalZoom are two of the most well-known options in the market. Both offer a range of services to help you get your business up and running, but they differ in pricing, features, and overall approach. Let’s break down what each provider brings to the table to help you make an informed decision.
At a Glance
Bizee
- Offers a free basic package (just pay state fees)
- Known for fast processing times
- Includes free registered agent service for the first year
LegalZoom
- Provides a wider range of legal services beyond business formation
- Has a strong reputation and long-standing presence in the industry
- Offers attorney consultations with some packages
Bizee Features
Free Registered Agent Service
Bizee stands out by offering a free registered agent service for the first year with all of its packages. This can save you a significant amount of money, as many other services charge for this essential feature from the get-go.
Processing Times
One of Bizee’s biggest selling points is its quick turnaround. They promise to start processing your LLC formation documents on the next business day after you place your order.
Pricing
Bizee’s basic Silver package is free for the first year (you just pay state fees), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. After the first year, it renews at $119 annually. Learn more about LLC pricing in our LLC Cost Guide.
Lifetime Company Alerts
For Gold and Platinum customers, Bizee provides lifetime company alerts. This feature helps you stay on top of important filing deadlines and compliance requirements.
Online Dashboard
Bizee offers a user-friendly online dashboard where you can access all your important business documents and track the status of your filings.
LegalZoom Features
Legal Services
Unlike Bizee, which focuses primarily on business formation, LegalZoom offers a wide range of legal services. This makes it a one-stop shop for various legal needs beyond just starting your business.
Attorney Consultations
Some LegalZoom packages include access to attorney consultations, which can be invaluable for new business owners navigating complex legal waters.
Reputation
LegalZoom has been around since 2001 and has helped millions of customers, giving it a solid reputation in the online legal services industry.
Document Review
LegalZoom offers a peace of mind review, where they double-check your business formation paperwork to ensure everything is in order.
Resource Library
LegalZoom provides a wealth of legal resources and guides on their website, which can be helpful for entrepreneurs looking to educate themselves on various legal topics.
Side-by-Side LLC Plan Comparisons
Here’s how these two providers compare to other competitors in general:
| ZenBusiness | LegalZoom | Bizee | Swyft Filings | Tailor Brands | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Agreement | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* |
| Registered Agent Service | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* |
| Provides EIN | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* |
| License Reports | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ |
| Compliance Assistance | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tax Advisory Services | ✅ | ✅* | ✅ | ✅ | ✅* |
| Tax Prep Services | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ❌ | ✅* |
| Expert Help | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Customer Service | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Legend | ✅ = Included | ✅* = For a fee | ❌ = Not Available |
But what about their specific plans? Here’s a side-by-side look at the tiered plans for LegalZoom and Bizee.
Basic Plans
| Feature | Bizee Silver | LegalZoom Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 + state fees | $79 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | Included (free for 1st year, then $119/year) | Not included (can add for $299/year) |
| Processing Time | Next business day | 30 business days |
| Operating Agreement | $40 add-on | $99 add-on |
| EIN Registration | $70 add-on | $79 add-on |
Mid-Tier Plans
| Feature | Bizee Gold | LegalZoom Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $199/year + state fees | $249/year + state fees |
| Registered Agent | Included (free for 1st year, then $119/year) | Not included (can add for $299/year) |
| EIN Registration | Included | Included |
| Operating Agreement | Included | Included |
| Expedited Processing | Not included | Included (10 business days) |
| Banking Resolution | Included | Not included |
Premium Plans
| Feature | Bizee Platinum | LegalZoom Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $299/year + state fees | $299/year + state fees |
| Registered Agent | Included (free for 1st year, then $119/year) | Not included (can add for $299/year) |
| EIN Registration | Included | Included |
| Operating Agreement | Included | Included |
| Expedited Processing | Included (2-5 business days) | Included (2-5 business days) |
| Business Website & Domain | Included | Not included |
| Business Contract Templates | Included | Not included |
Bizee and LegalZoom: Our Recommendation
After carefully reviewing both services, we at The Law Dictionary strongly recommend Bizee for most small business owners looking to form an LLC. Bizee offers an unbeatable value with its free basic package and included registered agent service for the first year. This can save you hundreds of dollars compared to LegalZoom’s offerings.
Bizee’s faster processing times and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to get their business up and running quickly and efficiently. While LegalZoom has a strong reputation, we believe that Bizee provides better value for straightforward LLC formation.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Choosing between Bizee and LegalZoom ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution primarily for business formation, Bizee is the clear winner. Its free basic package, included registered agent service, and fast processing times make it an excellent choice for most small business owners.
However, if you anticipate needing a wider range of legal services beyond just forming your LLC, LegalZoom might be worth considering. Their attorney consultations and comprehensive legal resources can be valuable for businesses with more complex legal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other competitors of Bizee and LegalZoom?
Some notable competitors in the online business formation space include ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Swyft Filings. These companies offer similar services to Bizee and LegalZoom, with varying pricing structures and features. It’s worth comparing all options to find the best fit for your specific business needs.
Is Bizee a good way to start an LLC?
Yes, we believe Bizee is an excellent option for starting an LLC, especially for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. Their free basic package, fast processing times, and included registered agent service for the first year provide exceptional value. However, it’s always important to consider your specific business needs when making this decision.
Is LegalZoom cheaper than a lawyer?
In most cases, LegalZoom is significantly cheaper than hiring a traditional lawyer for basic business formation services. Their standardized processes and online platform allow them to offer legal services at a fraction of the cost of a private attorney. For more complex legal matters, consulting with a lawyer might still be necessary and more cost-effective in the long run.
