ZenBusiness Review 2024: Features, Pros And Cons

ZenBusiness is an online provider of business registration and other services needed to launch a side hustle or small business. ZenBusiness is a popular choice when launching a business as an LLC. It offers a plethora of services designed to get your business off the ground without having to use another provider for each service that new businesses need.

This is invaluable as new businesses all need to register their business, create a website and take care of their finances from banking to taxes. ZenBusiness makes it easy for businesses to handle all of this under one umbrella. This can save businesses time and money, though some of the service offerings are lacking compared to other providers that specialize in those areas.

Pros

• Affordable: It’s tough to beat ZenBusiness’ price for registering an LLC, as it can start at $0 plus the filing fees for your state. Its plans for other services are affordable as well, such as $5 per month for business banking and free tax savings consultations. All packages also come standard with the company’s “Worry-free” compliance services that includes annual report filings and up to two business amendments per year, among other things.
• Customer support: ZenBusiness offers extended customer support hours. You can contact support from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CT) on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) on Sundays.
• Strong customer reviews: ZenBusiness’ reviews are some of the best we’ve seen. It’s difficult to find negative reviews as its customers enjoy the value they are getting.

Cons

• Registered agent not included: The registered agent offering is included with many competitors, at least for one full year, but it isn’t with ZenBusiness. This could cost you a bit more if you’re looking for this right from the start. With ZenBusiness, you’re looking at an additional $199 per year for a registered agent.
• EIN service: EIN is included with the company’s Pro and Premium packages, but does not come standard with the entry level plan.
• Online business services: The additional services that ZenBusiness doesn’t focus on, such as creating a website, come up short. Other providers that specialize just in creating websites, or other services, have more robust offerings.

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ZenBusiness

4.5

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

$0 + State Fees

Service Time

Varies By State & Package

1

ZenBusiness

4.5

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Learn More

On ZenBusiness' Website

2

LegalZoom

4.5

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

$0 + State Fees

Service Time

Varies By State & Package

2

LegalZoom

4.5

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

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On LegalZoom's Website

3

Northwest Registered Agent

3.7

Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

$39 + State Fees

Service Time

Varies By State & Package

3

Northwest Registered Agent

3.7

Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Learn More

On Northwest Registered Agent's Website

ZenBusiness tops our best LLC services list for multiple reasons, including its affordability, ease of use and its unique offerings. It operates on a clear and straightforward premise: assisting entrepreneurs in setting up and managing their business entities, be it an LLC or a corporation. Its service model is anchored in providing tiered plan options, starting with a $0 fee for basic LLC formation (plus your state fee). This entry-level offering is particularly appealing for those just stepping into the business world, offering essential services without overburdening them with costs.

For businesses seeking more than just the basics, ZenBusiness steps up with plans that range from $199 to $349 annually. These higher-tier plans are not just about additional services; they’re about offering a tailored fit for businesses at different growth stages. From handling state filings to providing compliance alerts and support, these plans equip business owners with tools necessary for smoother operation.

Assess your business’s stage and needs accurately. If you’re just starting, the basic plan might suffice. But as your business evolves, the more comprehensive plans could offer valuable support, making the investment worthwhile.

As previously mentioned, ZenBusiness offers quite possibly the largest range of services for all of its clients, depending on which package you sign up with. It offers many services important to those looking to register their business as well as additional services important to running your business. Here are the business registration service options available:

• Business formation (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Name reservation service (includes name availability search)
• “Worry-free” compliance service
• Operating agreements
• Registered agent services
• EIN registration
• Business document templates library
• Faster filing speeds
• Business license reports
• Amendment filings
• Certificates of good standing

Here is a little more detail about the major business formation services that ZenBusiness provides.

Name Availability Search

When forming your business, you’ll need to choose a name that is unique in the state that you’re registering. This is a way to identify your business when it transacts with consumers or other businesses. You can register a separate name to transact business other than your legal name if you wish. ZenBusiness will conduct a search in your state to see if your desired name is available and reserve that name on your behalf.

Choosing a unique name is not just a formality but a significant step in establishing your business’s identity. However, it’s important to recognize that while this service adds convenience, the responsibility of choosing a meaningful and brand-appropriate name still rests with the business owner.

Business Formation Service

Whether you’re forming an LLC or a corporation, ZenBusiness offers services to help you. This is the bread and butter of the company and it is very good at the ins and outs of business formation. Incorporating your business, in particular, can be time-consuming if you don’t understand the process. You can utilize the expertise of ZenBusiness to make sure everything is done correctly.

For many entrepreneurs, the incorporation process can be a maze of legal requirements and paperwork. ZenBusiness steps in here, applying its knowledge and experience to ensure that all the necessary steps are correctly and efficiently executed. This expertise is particularly beneficial for those who might be unfamiliar with the detailed requirements of business incorporation.

While ZenBusiness can significantly ease the burden of the technical process, the strategic decisions—such as choosing the right type of corporation or understanding the implications of different business structures—largely remain the entrepreneur’s responsibility. The service does not replace the need for personal research or, in some cases, legal advice tailored to the specific circumstances of the business.

Registered Agent Services

While not included with the basic formation service, ZenBusiness does offer registered agent services. The company will interact with the state on your behalf and handle all legal notices that come your way, making sure that they are dealt with in a timely manner. Everything is communicated to you and kept confidential.

The value of its registered agent service lies in its ability to lift a significant administrative burden off the shoulders of business owners. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of state requirements or those who simply can’t dedicate time to constant monitoring, this service is a huge plus. It acts as an intermediary, filtering through legal jargon and ensuring that nothing critical to the business’s legal standing goes unnoticed or unaddressed.

Online Document Access

ZenBusiness provides easy access to all of your business formation documents, as they are available. If you are using it as your registered agent, then any legal documents will also be available to be accessed online. Plus, the company offers a business document templates library for a fee that you can use, available online, to run your business.

This digital repository ensures that important documents are not only secure but also readily available whenever you need them. The addition of a comprehensive library of business document templates, albeit at an additional cost, is a thoughtful touch. It provides business owners with essential tools and resources, aiding in various aspects of business management and operational efficiency. This feature is particularly useful for those who may lack the resources to develop these documents from scratch, offering a solid foundation for various business needs.

Articles of Organization

When registering an LLC, you need to create your articles of organization document, which serves as the details behind the ownership and creation of the company. These documents are essential, detailing the specifics of your company’s structure and ownership. Considering that many states mandate these documents for LLC registration, having ZenBusiness prepare them can be a significant advantage. Its expertise in this area helps ensure that these critical documents are prepared accurately, aligning with state-specific requirements and laying a strong administrative foundation for your LLC.

Business Operation Services

In addition to business formation-related services, ZenBusiness also provides a number of services tailored to running your small business. Among them is a streamlined website builder. While it might not have as many features as dedicated builders like Squarespace or Wix, we appreciate that they offer businesses the ability to build a web presence. Here are the additional services that ZenBusiness offers:

• Domain name registration
• Domain name privacy
• Business email addresses
• Business website creation
• Business banking
• Online payments
• Tax savings consultation

This suite offers a unified solution for managing different aspects of a business. For entrepreneurs who value having their operational tools under one roof, this approach is beneficial. While specialized providers might excel in individual areas, the convenience of ZenBusiness’ integrated service package is a significant draw for those looking to streamline their operational processes.

Our Take: Versatile and Economical Business Solutions

ZenBusiness offers a balanced blend of affordability and versatility in its service offerings, distinguishing it from other top company formation services. Its tiered plan structure caters to a broad spectrum of business needs, from basic LLC formation to more complex corporate services, without imposing excessive costs. This approach positions ZenBusiness as a practical choice for both budding entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking efficient operational support.

	Starter	Pro	Premium
Starting Price	$0	$199 per year	$349 per year
Filing Speed	Standard	Fastest	Fastest
100% Accuracy Guarantee	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compliance	Included (first year free)	Included	Included
Employer ID Number	Not Included	Included	Included
Operating Agreement	Not included	Included	Included
Business Website, Email and Domain Name	Not included	Not included	Included
Business Documents	Not included	Not included	Included

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Starter

Starting at $0 for the filing year, plus state filing fees, ZenBusiness will file your LLC formation documents for you—all you have to do is fill out the forms online. This plan doesn’t include any extra speediness for filing, so you can expect the turnaround to be a little slower—typically two to three weeks (but this is mostly based on state delays).

ZenBusiness can serve as your registered agent, but it will cost you $199 per year to add on the service. If you use ZenBusiness as your registered agent, all legal documents will go to ZenBusiness, and the company forwards legal notices to you. The included Worry-Free Compliance service notifies you of upcoming compliance and filing events, plus your annual report and up to two business amendment filings per year.

Pro

ZenBusiness’ Pro plan costs $199 per year, plus state filing fees, and it includes everything in the Starter plan with a few extras. You’ll get the fastest rush filing for your business, which prioritizes your business formation documents over others with only standard filing speed. This plan also includes the preparation and filing of EIN documents, so you can quickly get your tax ID number. It also covers your annual report and up to two business amendment filings per year.

Premium

The Premium plan from ZenBusiness is $349 per year, and it includes everything in the two lower-priced plans. It comes with the same filing speed as the Pro plan, so you can trust that your filings are being prioritized ahead of others in line, dropping the time from filing to incorporation by weeks, potentially. ZenBusiness also offers you a business domain, website, email and hosting with this package. Users of the Premium plan get access to the company’s business document template’s library as well.

Add-Ons

Regardless of which ZenBusiness plan you choose, you have the option to add on a service you need, including expedited or rush filing, EIN filing, compliance service and website services. These are all reasonably priced, but you’re paying for the convenience of help filling out and filing forms, and for bundling services. Filing for an EIN is free otherwise.

Here are ZenBusiness’ add-on costs (annually or one-time):

• Registered agent: $199
• Rush filing speed: $79 (one-time)
• EIN filing: $99 (one-time)
• Operating agreement: $99 (one-time)
• Compliance service: $199
• Business website: $129
• Domain name: $25
• Domain name privacy: $10
• Business email: $25
• Business banking: $5 per month
• Business name reservation: $50 (one-time)
• Money Pro bookkeeping: $30 per month

ZenBusiness’ pricing structure presents a balanced value proposition, particularly for those seeking an all-inclusive package for business formation and operation. The tiered plans, starting at $0 for basic LLC formation, offer affordability for new entrepreneurs. However, the potential cost accumulation from various add-ons warrants attention. Services such as EIN filing, which can be swiftly completed independently at little to no cost, might lead to higher overall expenses when bundled through ZenBusiness.

While the convenience of these add-ons is undeniable, savvy business owners should weigh the ease against the potential for increased costs over time. This is especially pertinent when considering tasks that can be completed quickly and effortlessly on one’s own, as with obtaining an EIN. ZenBusiness stands as a comprehensive option, yet it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to assess which services truly add value to their specific business needs.

It isn’t difficult to get started with ZenBusiness. If you’re looking to register your LLC, then fill out some basic information online and be ready to go within a few minutes. You’ll need to make sure you know what you would like to name your business and all the details regarding your legal address and the personal information for all business owners.

Our Take: Quick and Easy Setup

Users report an efficient process, requiring only fundamental information such as business name and owner details. This simplicity is conducive to a quick setup, often completed in minutes for those well-prepared with their information.

While ZenBusiness’ user interface contributes positively to this experience, some reviewers note that certain instructions could be clearer. This is a minor setback and does not significantly disrupt the process. However, the presence of upsell tactics for additional services is a common observation. These offers, while potentially useful, may feel intrusive for users with a clear objective in mind.

All of ZenBusiness’ customers get access to phone, email and live chat support. In addition to ZenBusiness’ reviews being some of the best out there (it’s hard to find a negative review), it offers extended customer support hours. You can contact support from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CT) on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CT) on Sundays.

Another unique offer from ZenBusiness is its 60-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t happy with your plan, you can request a refund within 60 days and get your money back, excluding any state fees. Most LLC services don’t offer refunds or, at most, a 30-day refund policy.

Our Take: Exceptional Support, Customer-Centric Approach

ZenBusiness sets a higher benchmark with its customer service than many top company formation services. Its commitment to providing extended support hours and multiple communication channels reflects a deep understanding of its clients’ diverse needs. Coupled with overwhelmingly positive customer feedback and a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, ZenBusiness demonstrates a customer-centric approach that goes beyond mere transactional interactions, fostering trust and reliability among its users.

	ZenBusiness	Northwest Registered Agent	Bizee (formerly Incfile)	LegalZoom
Rating
Pricing	$0 to $349 per year plus state fees	$100 plus state fees	$0 plus state fees	$0 to $299 plus state fees
Processing Time	One day to three weeks	Varies by state	One day plus state filing time	Seven to 10 days
Registered agent cost	$199 per year	$125 per year	Free for one year, then $119	$299 per year
Business name reservation	$50	Included	Included	$49
Money-Back Guarantee	60 days	90 days	Until payment is forwarded to your state	60 days
Learn More	On ZenBusiness’ Website	On Northwest’s Website	On Bizee’s Website	On LegalZoom’s Website
Read Reviews	—	Read Northwest Registered Agent Review	Read Bizee Review	Read LegalZoom Review

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ZenBusiness vs. Northwest Registered Agent

ZenBusiness offers more services than Northwest Registered Agent and beats it out, in our books, in most areas. However, Northwest Registered Agent does prevail in the area in its name—registered agent services. The business was founded on offering this service option and does it really well while also keeping the costs lower than ZenBusiness. ZenBusiness, though, offers a free (plus state fees) option for forming your business.

ZenBusiness vs. Bizee

While ZenBusiness wins this comparison when looking at customer reviews and customer support, Bizee is a very good service provider that is more affordable in a number of ways. It never charges anything but state filing fees to form your LLC, and it typically processes your order within one business day. It also includes registered agent services for one year and it’s more affordable than ZenBusiness after that. ZenBusiness does offer a 60-day money-back guarantee though.

Read more: ZenBusiness vs. Bizee (formerly Incfile)

ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom

ZenBusiness offers more services for business operations, but LegalZoom ties in legal advice if that is important to you. LegalZoom is one of the few registered agent services more expensive than ZenBusiness, and it doesn’t offer a straight money-back guarantee. ZenBusiness is more affordable for add-on services.

Read more: ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom

ZenBusiness is the best LLC service for any business. Although there’s no free plan, there’s a price point that will work for almost any budget when starting a business. The service is easy to use and there are multiple add-on services you can choose to make a plan that fits your needs.

ZenBusiness is typically not a fit for those who are trying to pinch their pennies wherever they can. Even if you go with the free (plus state fees) formation service, you’ll end up paying for add-ons such as obtaining an EIN or getting a registered agent. The more services you need, the more ZenBusiness either becomes a more favorable choice or less of one.

If you need more formation-related services, then it gets expensive, but if you need business operations services such as creating a website, then it becomes the clear front-runner. If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to form an LLC, ZenBusiness is an ideal pick.

Our evaluation of ZenBusiness was guided by a detailed methodology, incorporating both quantitative data and qualitative assessments. Here’s how we approached it:

• Customer Reviews (10%): We analyzed reviews from Trustpilot, G2 and BBB, assigning scores based on a standard formula. These reviews provided insights into customer satisfaction and service quality.
• Service and Support (15%): We assessed ZenBusiness’ support features including phone support, live chat, knowledge base and availability in states, assigning a score for each. The availability and quality of customer support were crucial in this category.
• Pricing (30%): We compared ZenBusiness’ pricing plans, including the lowest and highest published plan prices. The affordability and range of their services were key factors here.
• General Features (35%): Key offerings including Name Availability Search, Online Document Access, Registered Agent Add-On, Articles of Organization and other business services were scored. We evaluated the range and quality of features ZenBusiness provides.
• Expert Score (10%): Our expert team rated ZenBusiness on features, value for money, popularity and ease of use, providing a subjective but informed perspective on the overall service quality.
• Mobile App (0%): While not directly applicable to ZenBusiness, mobile app availability and ratings were considered in the broader market comparison.

Our approach was thorough and balanced, aiming to provide a comprehensive picture of ZenBusiness’ service quality, especially in comparison with its competitors. We looked not only at what services were offered but also at how they were delivered and perceived by users. This multifaceted evaluation allowed us to present an informed and nuanced view of ZenBusiness’ overall value in the company formation market.