Starting a business can be both exciting and overwhelming, particularly when navigating the legal requirements. That’s where ZenBusiness comes in, offering a comprehensive suite of services to help entrepreneurs form and manage their LLCs. As a popular online business formation service, ZenBusiness aims to simplify the complex world of business legalities.
Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve broken down intricate government regulations into straightforward, practical insights to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. Let’s dive into our ZenBusiness review to see if this service provider is the right fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
Benefits and Considerations for ZenBusiness
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and potential drawbacks of choosing ZenBusiness for your LLC formation needs. Our team has put together a list of pros and cons to assist you in making an informed decision:
Pros
- Affordable pricing options, including a $0 starter package (plus state fees)
- User-friendly online platform with an interactive chat feature
- Comprehensive services beyond LLC formation, including registered agent services and compliance assistance
- Positive customer reviews and ratings on sites like Trustpilot
- Free registered agent service for the first year with higher-tier packages
Cons
- Some essential services, like EIN registration, are only included in higher-tier packages
- Registered agent service costs $199 per year after the first year, which is higher than some competitors
- The basic package doesn’t include an operating agreement template
How Much Do Legal Services Cost for ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness offers three main pricing tiers for their LLC formation services. The Starter package is priced at $0, plus state fees, making it an appealing choice for cost-conscious entrepreneurs. This package includes basic LLC formation services, such as preparing and filing articles of organization and providing a business name availability search.
The Pro package, priced at $199 per year plus state fees, offers additional features like expedited filing, an operating agreement template, and an EIN. For those seeking the most comprehensive service, the Premium package is available at $299 per year plus state fees. This top-tier option includes rush filing, business website services, and domain name registration. It’s worth noting that while the initial pricing may seem higher than some competitors, the included features often provide good value for money.
Read more about pricing in our LLC Cost Guide.
Key Features of ZenBusiness
Ease of Use
ZenBusiness prides itself on its user-friendly platform. The interactive chat feature guides you through the LLC formation process, asking relevant questions and logging your responses to prepare your paperwork. This simplified approach helps first-time business owners navigate the complexities of starting an LLC without becoming overwhelmed.
Customer Support
We found ZenBusiness’s customer support to be responsive and helpful. They provide support via email, phone, and live chat, with extended hours that include weekends. This accessibility is a major benefit, particularly for busy entrepreneurs who may require assistance outside of standard business hours.
Processing Times
ZenBusiness offers varying processing times depending on the package you choose. The Starter package has a standard processing time of 2-3 weeks, while the Pro and Premium packages offer expedited and rush filing respectively. This flexibility allows you to choose a timeline that fits your business needs and budget.
Registered Agent Services
ZenBusiness provides registered agent services, which are included free for the first year with their Pro and Premium packages. After the first year, this service costs $199 annually. While this price is on the higher end compared to some competitors, the convenience of having your registered agent and LLC formation services under one roof can be valuable.
Reputation
ZenBusiness has built a strong reputation since its founding in 2015. They boast high ratings on review platforms like Trustpilot, with many customers praising their ease of use and helpful customer service. Their commitment to social good as a public benefit corporation also adds to their positive image.
How Fast Is ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness offers varying speeds for LLC formation, depending on the package you choose. With the Starter package, you can expect a processing time of about 2-3 weeks. The Pro package offers expedited filing, which can cut the processing time down to about 1-2 weeks. For those in a hurry, the Premium package includes rush filing, potentially reducing the turnaround time to just a few business days. However, it’s important to note that these times can vary depending on your state’s processing speeds.
ZenBusiness vs. Bizee
When comparing ZenBusiness to Bizee (formerly Incfile), we find that both offer competitive LLC formation services. ZenBusiness stands out with its $0 starter package and user-friendly platform, while Bizee offers a free year of registered agent service with all its packages. ZenBusiness tends to have faster processing times and more comprehensive customer support, including weekend hours.
Bizee might be a better fit for those prioritizing a free registered agent service in the first year across all tiers. However, if you value a more intuitive user experience and faster processing times, ZenBusiness could be the better choice. Both are solid options for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, but ZenBusiness edges out with its overall value and customer satisfaction ratings.
ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom
In the ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom comparison, we see two well-established players in the LLC formation space. ZenBusiness offers more affordable pricing across the board, with its $0 starter package being particularly attractive. In contrast, LegalZoom has a longer history and provides a broader range of legal services beyond business formation.
ZenBusiness tends to have faster processing times and more inclusive packages, often providing better value for money. However, LegalZoom might be a better fit for those who anticipate needing broader legal services in the future, as they offer access to attorney consultations in their higher-tier packages. For most small business owners focused primarily on LLC formation and related services, we find that ZenBusiness offers a more cost-effective and streamlined experience.
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Bizee | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $79 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | $199/year (1st year free with Pro/Premium) | Free for 1st year, then $119/year | $299/year |
| Processing Time | 2-3 weeks (faster with higher tiers) | 1 day – 4 weeks | 30 days (faster with higher tiers) |
| Customer Support | 7 days a week | Monday-Friday | 7 days a week |
| Operating Agreement | Included in Pro/Premium | $40 add-on | $99 add-on |
Who should use this provider? ZenBusiness is ideal for small business owners and first-time entrepreneurs who want an affordable, user-friendly LLC formation service with good customer support and reasonably fast processing times.
The Bottom Line
After our comprehensive review, we believe ZenBusiness offers a strong value proposition for most small business owners looking to form an LLC. Their combination of affordable pricing, user-friendly platform, and comprehensive services makes them a top contender in the business formation space. While they may not be the cheapest option for every service, the overall package and customer satisfaction levels make them a solid choice.
Here at The Law Dictionary, we strongly recommend considering your unique business needs when selecting a formation service. ZenBusiness’s tiered pricing structure allows you to select the level of service that best fits your requirements and budget. Remember, forming your LLC is just the first step in your business journey, and having a reliable partner like ZenBusiness can set you up for long-term success.
