ZenBusiness | Reviews by SmallBizGenius
Pros:
Registered agents in all packages- Cheap starter plan
- Custom plan creation
- Great user reviews
- Online document access
- Partnership with Divvy
- Website builder
- Simple user interface
Registered agents in all packagesCons:
- Subscription-based packages
- Huge differences between formation times
Subscription-based packagesTo keep our website running, we partner up with some of the companies featured in our reviews. This means that SmallBizGenius may receive compensation when you sign up for a service or purchase a product using one of our links.
About the Company
Founded in 2015 by current CEO Ross Buhrdorf, ZenBusiness is an LLC formation company. Buhrdorf’s main goal was to create a reliable automated system to help future business owners establish companies online. Over the years, ZenBusiness has raised about $20 million and has helped thousands of companies find their foothold. The company’s current goal is to reach a million clients and come head-to-head with some of the top names in the industry.
Online ZenBusiness reviews have been more than kind towards this company for a number of reasons.
The biggest difference between ZenBusiness and many other similar companies in the industry is its pricing system. While ZenBusiness offers great value to its users, its services can be pretty expensive in the long run. The main advantage ZenBusiness has over the competition is its inclusion of registered agent services in all packages. Besides that, the Premium plan also comes with a fully functional website, together with a registered domain name, and a business address. It’s a luxurious option for users who want an all-in-one package.
Our ZenBusiness review offers a detailed look at its main features, prices, and specifications. We’ll tell you what you need to know about the services and what might be good value for your money.
Pricing Plans
ZenBusiness lets you choose between three different packages. All of them are pretty generous at first glance but there’s one catch. Unlike packages from its competitors, these are priced through annual subscriptions and not one-time payments. This is important but easy to miss.
If none of these options fit your business needs, you can also create a custom subscription plan using the site’s step-by-step wizard. This customer-centered approach is probably why there are so many positive ZenBusiness LLC reviews on the web.
Starter pack – $49 per year + filing fees
This low-end cheap LLC option gives you a lot more than you would expect from a basic package. The company checks whether your name is available, prepares and files your paperwork, creates an operating agreement, and helps you get started. The processing speed in most states is about two to three weeks but you’ll need to refer to our table.
One of the best parts of the Starter pack is that the service comes with a ZenBusiness registered agent free of charge. Since every business has to have one, even the best LLC filing companies sometimes charge over-the-top prices for this service.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, maybe it is. The price you’re seeing is actually a promotion till the end of the year. After that, the service will go back up to $119 a year, which is still not bad considering the services offered. Here is a breakdown of all the features in the package.
Name availability search – This is the basic initial service that is performed within your chosen state.
Prepare and file LLC – ZenBusiness LLC formation is a favorite choice for entrepreneurs because there’s no risk to your personal assets. ZenBusiness does all the paperwork for you and files it to the state officials.
Online document access – While some companies keep you in the dark during the application process, ZenBusiness gives you direct insight into all the documents online.
Free CPA assessment – The package also includes a full tax assessment from the company’s expert consultants and professional accounting services free of charge.
Virtual business guide – ZenBusiness provides you with a free comprehensive guide full of useful tips and important notes for your company’s baby steps.
Operating agreement – A ZenBusiness operating agreement is an essential document that defines various aspects of your company. That is why it’s imperative that it’s properly formed.
Special credit card offer – Thanks to the company’s partnership with Divvy, you can get fast and easy access to business credit cards and, consequently, create a good line of credit.
Registered agent – The star of the show, a professional registered agent, will keep track of your legal notices, organize your documents and, if necessary, provide you with a physical office.
Customer support – ZenBusiness customer support comes in various forms – email, phone, and live chat. However, agents are only available during their working hours.
Pro pack – $179 per year + filing fees
Although it seems like quite a leap from the basic package, the Pro pack is still a reasonable way to get a better deal on some essential features. It includes the crucial EIN, banking resolution template, and an extremely useful Worry Free guarantee that basically puts your compliance requirements on autopilot. ZenBusiness reviews your annual filings and makes sure you don’t lose the LLC protection with the state.
Here is a rundown of the extra features you get with the Pro pricing plan. We’ve also included individual prices in case you want to add some of them to your Starter pack subscription. It is a great way to see just how much money you will be saving with a second-tier plan.
Here are the descriptions of the features:
Expedite filing speed – This option gives your order priority in the queue. In practice, it reduces the waiting time by at least half.
Banking resolution – The banking resolution template is another essential document you need to set up your bank account.
Employer ID number – A ZenBusiness EIN is included in the Pro plan but if you want to add it to the starter pack, you’ll have to give an extra $70. Since you’ll most likely need this number anyway, it is a good deal.
Worry-free guarantee – This subscription-based service handles all of your paperwork and makes sure you’re in compliance with the state’s requirements. It certainly doesn’t pay off to get it as an add-on to the basic package with a price like this.
Feature | Price if added on to starter pack |
|---|---|
Expedite filing speed | $50 |
Banking resolution | $30 |
Employer ID number | $70 |
Worry-free guarantee | $119/year |
Premium pack – $299 per year + filing fees
The Premium pack is all about going the extra mile. ZenBusiness solutions reviews show that users are mostly satisfied with the web design they get in the package. It’s a fairly automated process that creates a functional online presentation suitable for your specific industry. Besides the website-related feature, this package also offers the highest possible speed of LLC formation. Depending on the state, the formation might take as little as one business day.
This pack contains the following features:
Rush filing speed – This is the highest tier filing speed that marks you as a top priority. Note that in some states like Alabama, even with Zenbusiness rush filing, the LLC formation might take up to four weeks.
Business website – The automatically created business website won’t exactly take your breath away but it will do the trick.
Business domain name and privacy – These usually come in packages for every website. You need a registered name for your company online, while the privacy shield keeps you safe from scammers.
Business email address – You get one business account with 5 GB of storage, a personal address book, and an easy-to-use scheduling calendar.
If you choose the Starter pack and would like to add one or more of the features in the Premium pack instead, here are the prices for each one:
Feature | Price if added to Starter pack |
|---|---|
Rush filing speed | $100 |
Business website | $100 |
Business domain name and privacy | $25 + $10 |
Business email address | $25 |
ZenBusiness Refund Policy
Most of the companies in the industry have a refund policy that ensures the return of your payment if you’re not completely satisfied with the service. However, there are some limitations and notes you should take into account. First off, if you ask for your money back once the process has already started, you will be charged the initial fees. Besides that, after the company makes the payment to the state, your money will no longer be refunded. With that in mind, it’s best to cancel your subscription as soon as possible.
ZenBusiness Application Process
On-Site Application
The casual, cartoony style of the website gives off a great vibe that’s user-friendly and simple to navigate. Right on the homepage you can choose your type of business, and the state you want to register it in. Once you pick your package, you need to fill out a few forms and create an account. The process is straightforward with as few distractions as possible. By making an account, you can save your progress and finish the application at your own pace. Your ZenBusiness login information is protected by the site’s firewall so you’re safe from hackers and fraud.
LLC Forming Time
How long it takes to completely establish your LLC depends on your chosen package and the state it’s based in. For example, if you want to create an LLC in Texas with the Starter pack, the process will take about two to three weeks. However, in North Dakota, the same pricing plan will do the work in six to eight weeks. In case you’re not sure which location is the best option for you, here is a full table for every state.
State | Starter Pack | Pro Pack | Premium Pack | State Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks | $178 |
Alaska | 2-3 weeks | 5-6 business days | 2-4 business days | $250 |
Arizona | 12-18 business days | 8-11 business days | 5-7 business days | $85 |
Arkansas | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $45 |
California | 2-3 weeks | 7-10 business days | 4-6 business days | $70 |
Colorado | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 business days | 1-3 business days | $50 |
Connecticut | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $120 |
Delaware | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 3-5 business days | $90 |
District of Columbia | 3-5 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 5-7 business days | $220 |
Florida | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 8-10 business days | $125 |
Georgia | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | $100 |
Hawaii | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 5-7 business days | $50 |
Idaho | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $100 |
Illinois | 2-3 weeks | 7-10 business days | 4-6 business days | $150 |
Indiana | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business days | 1-3 business days | $95 |
Iowa | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $50 |
Kansas | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 3-5 business days | $160 |
Kentucky | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $40 |
Louisiana | 3-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 5-7 business days | $105 |
Maine | 3-5 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 5-7 business days | $175 |
Maryland | 3-4 weeks | 9-12 business days | 6-8 business days | $150 |
Massachusetts | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business days | 1-3 business days | $500 |
Michigan | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 8-10 business days | $50 |
Minnesota | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business days | 1-3 business days | $155 |
Mississippi | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $50 |
Missouri | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 business days | 1-3 business days | $50 |
Montana | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $70 |
Nebraska | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $110 |
Nevada | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business days | 1-3 business days | $425 |
New Hampshire | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 5-7 business days | $100 |
New Jersey | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 business days | 1-3 business days | $125 |
New Mexico | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $50 |
New York | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 business days | 1-3 business days | $200 |
North Carolina | 4-5 weeks | 13-16 business days | 10-12 business days | $125 |
North Dakota | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 3-4 weeks | $135 |
Ohio | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 7-9 business days | $99 |
Oklahoma | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $100 |
Oregon | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $100 |
Pennsylvania | 3-4 weeks | 9-12 business days | 6-8 business days | $125 |
Rhode Island | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $150 |
South Carolina | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business day | 1-3 business days | $110 |
South Dakota | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $150 |
Tennessee | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $300 |
Texas | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $300 |
Utah | 3-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 5-10 business days | $70 |
Vermont | 2-3 weeks | 6-8 business days | 3-5 business days | $125 |
Virginia | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business days | 1-3 business days | $100 |
Washington | 2-3 weeks | 6-9 business days | 3-5 business days | $200 |
West Virginia | delayed | delayed | delayed | $130 |
Wisconsin | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 business days | 1-3 business days | $130 |
Wyoming | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 business days | 2-4 business days | $100 |
User Reviews
There are two ways you can test the company’s reputation – by consulting well-known sources like Better Business Bureau and by checking out user reviews directly.
The ZenBusiness BBB score is an A, just one step away from the perfect score. On Trustpilot, the company has a 4.8 excellent score with more than 2,700 reviews. The biggest problem users complain about seems to be the customer service. Agents have been described as harsh, not caring, and not available on a person-to-person basis.
But, there’s a lot of positive feedback out there about ZenBusiness as well. Users praise the company’s services for its inclusion of a registered agent, its variety of useful features, and the overall efficiency of the ZenBusiness application process. Both beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs recommend this service for its exceptional interface and customization options.
Comparisons
In order to make sure ZenBusiness offers the best services in the industry, you need to take a look at the competition and compare their services. ZenBusiness is often compared to two other companies – LegalZoom and IncFile. So, what are the main differences you should be aware of?
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom
LegalZoom has been a leading force on the market for nearly two decades, which is why users naturally gravitate towards it. However, you can’t judge the best LLC filing service just by the years it’s been in business. ZenBusiness quickly rose in ranks with the quality of its offer and unique features. Compared head-to-head, ZenBusiness is faster, cheaper (although subscription-based), and offers more value for your money. In many ways, this is a company with a superior service.
Zenbusiness vs IncFile
How can you beat a fairly cheap, affordable LLC plan? By offering this service for free – as is the case with IncFile. However, ZenBusiness makes up for it with a free inclusion of a registered agent in all of its packages. When it comes to the quality of the services and the user reviews, both of these companies offer genuine value worth your money.
Similar products/software
Conclusion
Despite the fact that ZenBusiness doesn’t have such a long-standing reputation like some other companies in the industry, it is a great choice for a number of reasons. Quite affordable ZenBusiness pricing plans and a good selection of features give it a great head start. As plenty of user reviews on the web testify, this company is a solid choice for all types of entrepreneurs.
FAQ
Is ZenBusiness legit?
With an A rating on the BBB platform and thousands of positive reviews on websites like TrustPilot, it’s fair to say that ZenBusiness is a legit company.
What do registered agents do?
Registered agents receive service of process notices and handle correspondence with the state officials regarding your company. Because this is such an important role required by many states, LLC formation companies often charge a lot for this service. ZenBusiness reviews often mention this service as the greatest advantage of these packages.
What is the best registered agent service?
Almost all of the companies that offer LLC formation, also offer registered agents. The best way to determine which one is the best is to find the cheapest one that has a good reputation. There are numerous options on the web and ZenBusiness certainly fits the profile.