When considering the best LLC service for your needs, analyzing the pros and cons of providers like ZenBusiness can help inform your decision.

ZenBusiness LLC formation services review

To officially form an LLC, you must file formation documents, known as Articles of Organization, with your state. But filing these documents is only one of several compliance steps. These include:

  • Appointing a registered agent at the time of formation.
  • Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
  • Registering with the state’s department of revenue.

ZenBusiness provides LLC formation services through three tiers: Starter, Pro, and Premium.

  • Starter:
    • Articles of Organization preparation and filing
    • Cost: $0 plus state filing fees.
  • Pro:
    • Includes operating agreement, EIN, annual report filing, two state amendments, and a business logo generator
    • Cost: $199/year plus state fees.
  • Premium:
    • will have to make sure they clicked All items in Pro package
    • Includes registered agent service, compliance monitoring, unlimited amendment filings, certificate of good standing, business documents library, and business advisor consultation
    • Cost: $399/year plus state fees.
The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

How does ZenBusiness’ LLC formation process work

Before you begin, it’s helpful to understand the basic requirements for forming an LLC. This will help ensure you provide the correct information during the formation process and can properly evaluate any additional services you might need. Check out this resource to learn more: Guide to forming an LLC

To start the process with ZenBusiness, follow these steps:

  1. Select one of the three package options: Starter, Pro, or Premium
  2. Provide business details: Provide key details, including state of formation, business name, contact details, business experience, expected launch period, and industry.
  3. Review additional services: Depending on your package selection, these may include registered agent, compliance support, EIN registration, faster internal processing, business banking, and bookkeeping.
  4. Provide payment and shipping information.

ZenBusiness processing times vary by package. The Basic plan takes 7–10 business days to prepare and submit a filing, while Pro and Premium plans are processed within one business day. Note that these timeframes reflect ZenBusiness's internal processing only and do not include the state's own LLC formation review period.

Pros and cons of ZenBusiness LLC services

Here are some key advantages and considerations of using ZenBusiness for LLC formation.

Category Pros Cons
Ease of use Guided, step-by-step filing process Persistent upselling during checkout process
Pricing Three pricing tiers, including a free formation package (plus state fees) Additional services can add up quickly
Registered agent service Included with Premium plan Only included with the most expensive package; ZenBusiness’s terms state that some or all of their registered agent service may be outsourced
Support Monday-Sunday phone and live chat Reports of slow service, unhelpful responses, aggressive upselling, and difficulty cancelling services (per Trustpilot)

How does ZenBusiness compare to other LLC service providers

ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings

Feature ZenBusiness BizFilings
Founded 2015 1996, backed by Wolters Kluwer (global leader in legal and information services)
Core focus Online business formation and services platform Online business formation and compliance with incorporation specialists; filing review; company services warranty against filing defects
Basic formation cost $0 (plus state fees) $99 (plus state fees); three months of registered agent service included
Registered agent staffing Registered agent services may be partially or fully outsourced per terms Registered agent services handled by BizFilings trained staff in all 50 states and DC
Customer support Self-service help center; phone and live chat during business hours Phone and email support; access to experienced incorporation specialists

ZenBusiness offers a lower entry cost for business formation with their Starter plan, though registered agent service is an add-on at $199/year. BizFilings includes three months of registered agent service across all formation plans, and may be a better fit for businesses that value ongoing compliance management, specialized filing support, and transparent pricing.

ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom

Feature ZenBusiness LegalZoom
Core focus Online business formation and services platform Business and legal services
LLC formation pricing Three tiers: Starter (free + state fees), Pro ($199 + state fees), Premium ($399 + state fees) Three tiers: Basic (free + state fees), Pro ($249 + state fees), Premium ($299 + state fees)
Registered agent service Optional in Starter and Pro plans at $199/year; included in premium package Not included in any package; must be purchased separately for $249/year
Extra perks (mid-tier)
One business day internal processing (with complete information), logo builder 30-day attorney consultations, one year of customizable legal documents, one year of eSignatures
Transparency
Reports of upselling and unexpected subscription charges Reports of upselling and unexpected subscription charges

ZenBusiness and LegalZoom differ most at their mid- and top-tier plans. LegalZoom includes attorney consultations for 30 days and one year access to legal documents and eSignatures in their mid-tier plan. ZenBusiness includes registered agent service in their top-tier offering.

ZenBusiness vs. Bizee

x
Feature ZenBusiness Bizee
Core focus Online business formation and services platform Standard LLC formation and compliance services
Basic formation cost

$0 (plus state fees)

$0 (plus state fees)

Package tiers

Starter ($0 + state fees), Pro ($199 + state fees), Premium ($399 + state fees)

Basic ($0 + state fees), Standard ($199 + state fees), Premium ($299 + state fees)

Registered agent service Included in Premium LLC formation package One year included in all packages; $149/year after first year
Platform Alerts, compliance calendar, documents library and compliance monitoring available as add-ons Alerts, document storage

Bizee and ZenBusiness both offer a “free” base LLC formation service (not including state fees). Bizee also adds one year of registered agent service. The ZenBusiness platform offers more features than the Bizee platform.

ZenBusiness LLC services frequently asked questions

What are the reasons for using an LLC service?

LLC service providers offer a budget-friendly alternative to hiring costly attorneys, ensuring that your business formation documents are completed correctly and in compliance with state regulations. Utilizing many of these services can help you save time and money, give you confidence in the process, lower the likelihood of mistakes, and provide useful customer support and resources during the intricate process of business formation.

Is ZenBusiness legit for LLC formation?

Yes, ZenBusiness is a legitimate provider of LLC formation and registered agent services.

For a deeper dive into the top providers, check out our guide to finding the best LLC service for your business

The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

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