ZenBusiness | Reviews by SmallBizGenius

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 $275 million and helped thousands of companies find their footing. The company’s current goal is to reach a million clients and go 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 other similar companies in the industry is its pricing system. While ZenBusiness offers great value to its users, this company’s services can be expensive in the long run. 

The main advantage ZenBusiness has over the competition is its inclusion of an accounting consultation and Google Ads credits in all tiers. Besides that, the Premium plan also comes with a fully functional website and a registered domain name, as well as a business address. It’s a luxurious option for users who want an all-in-one plan.

Our ZenBusiness review offers a detailed look at the provider's 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 tiers that are charged through annual subscriptions. All packages come with an online business guide, accounting consultation, and Google Ads credits.

If none of these options fits 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 the first year, $199 when renewed + 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 desired company name is available and prepares and files your paperwork. The processing speed in most states is about two to three weeks, but you’ll need to refer to our table for the specifics.

If you want a ZenBusiness registered agent with the Starter pack or any of the other plans, you’ll have to pay extra, but you’ll get 25% off during your first year. Even the best LLC filing companies sometimes charge over-the-top prices for these types of services, so any discount is welcome here.

Here is a breakdown of all the features in the Starter plan:

• 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.
• Statement of Organizer  – The banks sometimes require this document before opening your business banking account. It identifies the starting LLC members and relinquishes the Organizer’s duties.
• Online business guide  – ZenBusiness provides a free, comprehensive guide full of valuable tips and important notes for your company’s first steps.
• Accounting consultation – The company offers accounting, bookkeeping, and tax-related consultation to help startups.
• Google Ads credit – ZenBusiness gives you $150 worth of credit to spend on Google Ads over 30 days.
• Automatic expense tracking – This feature allows you to easily keep track of your business expenses online.
• Tax deduction tagging – The company will help uncover the tax deductions you’re eligible for.
• Annual worry-free compliance – 
• Customer support – You can reach ZenBusiness customer support via email, phone, or live chat. Working hours are from 08:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Pro package - $199 per year + filing fees

The pricing may seem like quite a leap from the basic package, especially when you’re just starting your business endeavor and trying to stretch every dollar. However, the Pro pack is still a reasonable way to get a better deal on some essential features. 

It includes faster filing that usually takes four to six business days, depending on the state. Additionally, ZenBusiness reviews your annual filings and ensures the LLC’s protection with the state by providing an operating agreement.

Here is a rundown of the extra features you get with the Pro pricing plan. We’ve also included individual prices if you want to add some of them to your Starter pack subscription.

• Expedite filing speed – This option gives your order priority in the queue. In practice, it reduces the waiting time by half.
• Operating agreement – A ZenBusiness operating agreement is an essential document that defines various aspects of your company. That is why it must be properly formed.

Premium package - $299 per year + filing fees

The Premium pack is all about going the extra mile. ZenBusiness solutions reviews show users are fairly satisfied with the web design included in the package. Its creation is an automated process that creates a functional online presentation suitable for any industry.

Besides the website builder feature, this package offers the highest possible speed of LLC formation. Depending on the state, the formation might be done as quickly as one business day.

• Rush filing speed – This is the highest tier filing speed that marks you as a top priority. Note that in some states like Pennsylvania, 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 – You get a registered name for your company and a privacy shield that keeps you safe from scammers. These features are only available in certain plans. 
• Business email address – A business account comes 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:

It should be noted that the employer ID number (EIN) is no longer included in any of the packages, which is a shame. To use the service, you need to cash out $99.

ZenBusiness Refund Policy

Most companies in the industry have a refund policy in case you’re not completely satisfied with the service. With ZenBusiness, there are some refund limitations you should take into account. 

If you ask for your money back once the process has started, you’ll still be charged the initial fees. After ZenBusiness makes the payment to the state, it can no longer refund your money. With that in mind, if you choose to cancel your subscription, make sure you do it as soon as possible.

ZenBusiness Application Process

The first step in starting a business is choosing the right structure for your company and applying for it. Let’s take a closer look at that process when using ZenBusiness services:

On-Site Application

The casual, cartoony website style is user-friendly and simple to navigate. Right on the homepage, you can choose your type of business and the state you want to register in. Once you pick your plan, fill out a few forms and create an account. The process is straightforward, with as few distractions as possible. 

Making an account allows you to save progress and finish the application at your own pace. The site’s firewall protects your ZenBusiness login information, so you’re safe from hackers and fraud.

LLC Formation Time

How long it takes to establish your LLC fully depends on your chosen plan and the state it’s based in. For example, if you want to create an LLC in Texas, the process can take as little as two to three days with the Premium package. 

However, in West Virginia, you are guaranteed to wait several weeks, no matter what you do. If you’re unsure which location is best, here is a full table for every state.

User Reviews

There are two ways you can test the company’s reputation before signing up - by consulting well-known sources like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and by checking out user reviews.

The ZenBusiness BBB score is a solid B+. On Trustpilot, the company has an excellent score of 4.6 based on more than 10,000 reviews. The most significant problem users complain about seems to be the customer service, but the company has been working hard to improve that.

There’s a lot of positive feedback about ZenBusiness among the reviews. Users praise the company’s services for its inclusion of a registered agent, other valuable 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

To ensure ZenBusiness offers the best solutions in the industry, you need to look at the competition and compare their services. ZenBusiness is often compared to two companies: LegalZoom and IncFile. So, what are the differences among these formation service providers?

Conclusion

Although ZenBusiness doesn’t have such a long-standing reputation in the field as it’s a newer company, it is an excellent choice for several 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.