What Is Bizee?
Bizee, previously known as IncFile, rebranded itself at the end of 2023, offering a blend of LLC formation services and other legal or branding solutions. Founded in 2004 by Jason Pearsall, the company has established itself as a leading provider in the industry, making the process of starting a business straightforward and affordable for entrepreneurs. With its primary service being LLC formation, Bizee stands out for its free registered agent service for the first year, among other features, which can be very appealing to small businesses and startups.
Packages and Pricing
Bizee offers three packages for LLC formation, catering to different needs and budgets. Their packages range from a basic free option, only requiring you to pay state fees, to more comprehensive packages that include additional business services. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Feature | Silver ($0 + State Fee) | Gold ($199 + State Fee) | Platinum ($299 + State Fee) |
---|---|---|---|
Preparing & Filing the Articles of Organization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited Name Searches | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free Registered Agent Service for a Year | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited Phone & Email Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EIN Business Tax Number | No | Yes | Yes |
Operating Agreement & Banking Resolution | No | Yes | Yes |
Business Contract Templates & Domain Name | No | No | Yes |
The Silver package, while free, offers the essentials for forming an LLC, including a free registered agent service for the first year. The Gold package adds important business services like an EIN, operating agreement, and banking resolution. The Platinum package, the most comprehensive, includes additional features such as business contract templates and a domain name, aiming to provide a more rounded set of tools for new businesses.
Ease of Use
Bizee’s platform is known for its user-friendliness and simplicity in forming an LLC. Their innovative multi-step form approach minimizes overwhelm, featuring a progress bar that enhances transparency by showing the total price upfront. Despite upselling tactics, users can still select the free version.
Their registration process is designed to prioritize paid options, making free options less visible on the page, but the process remains straightforward for those determined to bypass upsells. Completing the form can take as little as 10 minutes if you’re prepared with the necessary information.
Registered Agent Service
Registered agent services ensure compliance with state regulations by handling official correspondence and legal documents. This service is also known as a resident agent or statutory agent in some states.
Bizee Registered Agent Price
The registered agent service by Bizee is free for the first year when signing up for any of their LLC formation packages. After the first year, the service renews at $119 per year. Bizee claims that this flat renewal rate is guaranteed for life, providing predictable costs for businesses.
Pricing Comparison: Bizee vs. Others
To provide an objective comparison of Bizee’s pricing against its competitors, I’ve compiled data on Bizee (formerly IncFile), ZenBusiness, and LegalZoom. This table helps in understanding how Bizee stands in terms of affordability and service offerings compared to other notable providers in the industry.
Feature | Bizee (IncFile) | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
---|---|---|---|
Basic Formation Service | Free + State Fee | $0 + State Fee | $0 + State Fee |
Registered Agent Service | Free for 1st year, then $119/year | $199/year | $249/year |
EIN Registration | Included in Gold ($199) and Platinum ($299) Packages | Included in Pro Plan ($199/year) | $79 (Separate Service) |
Operating Agreement | Included in Gold ($199) and Platinum ($299) Packages | Included in Starter Plan | $99 (Separate Service) |
Annual Compliance | $99 + State Fee | Included with Worry-Free Compliance package ($199/year after first free year) | Not explicitly included; separate services at various prices |
Bizee offers an attractive starting point with its free basic formation service and a free year of registered agent service, positioning itself as a cost-effective choice for entrepreneurs. ZenBusiness presents a slightly higher ongoing cost for registered agent services, while LegalZoom‘s higher registered agent fee and separate charges for additional services may accumulate costs for users looking for a comprehensive package.
For more options and a broader understanding, I have carefully researched and written a comprehensive comparison of the best LLC services that you might find beneficial.
Customer Support Quality
Based on comprehensive research, I’ve decided to rate Bizee’s customer support quality as “Very good” in my analysis. They offer support via live chat, email, and phone, providing multiple channels for clients to get assistance.
Bizee’s Phone Number and Email Address
Bizee ensures support is readily accessible:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +1-844-830-8267
- Support Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST, Monday-Friday
- Contact Page: Bizee Contact Us
Turnaround Time
Bizee’s turnaround time for LLC formation varies by state, ranging from a few business days to 3-4 weeks. They offer expedited service options in states that allow for quicker processing.
However, their practice of offering expedited services in states like Wyoming, where such options are not officially recognized, raises transparency issues. For example, Bizee advertises a $50 expedited fee in Wyoming for 1 business day processing, which is misleading since the state does not offer expedited processing, and all filings are processed in the order received. This discrepancy highlights a lack of clarity in Bizee’s service presentation, potentially misleading customers about the actual benefits of paying for expedited service.
Customer Feedback Analysis
Bizee receives mixed feedback from its users. Customers appreciate the affordability and the free registered agent service for the first year, highlighting it as a great option for entrepreneurs starting a small business. However, there are notable concerns:
- Communication Issues: Some customers reported receiving excessive emails post-formation, which they found overwhelming and confusing, especially with the Bizee/IncFile rebranding.
- Service Limitations: Feedback indicates that while forming an LLC is straightforward with Bizee, those requiring more comprehensive legal support or additional services might need to look elsewhere.
- Upselling and Hidden Costs: There’s frustration regarding upselling tactics and the perceived lack of transparency in service offerings. For instance, additional services like EIN registration are highlighted as unnecessary costs, given that these can be obtained for free or completed independently.
- Customer Service Experiences: While some users had positive interactions, others struggled to access the free tax consultation promised, suggesting gaps in service fulfillment.
- Pricing Concerns: Some users felt the costs for additional services or changes, such as address updates or LLC dissolution, were excessive.
These insights suggest that while Bizee is effective for basic LLC formation needs, potential customers, should carefully consider their full range of legal service requirements and be mindful of the service’s upselling strategies and communication practices.
Operating Agreement Service
The Operating Agreement is an optional, but important document for any LLC, outlining the ownership and operating procedures. Bizee includes this service within their Gold ($199 + State Fee) and Platinum ($299 + State Fee) packages. Though optional, it’s an important component for establishing clear rules and avoiding future disputes among members. Bizee includes this service in its Gold and Platinum packages. Entrepreneurs should weigh the necessity of this document against their budget when selecting a package.
Bizee Mobile App
Bizee does not have a mobile app for either iPhone or Android platforms. For entrepreneurs seeking LLC formation services with mobile app accessibility, alternatives like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom may offer a more suitable solution. These competitors provide apps that can enhance the user experience through convenient access to services and support directly from a mobile device.
The Expert Verdict
Our legal expert analysis suggests that Bizee is a strong option for entrepreneurs prioritizing affordability when starting a small business. Notably, Bizee’s offer of a free registered agent service for the first year and a free package to initiate an LLC distinguishes it as an exceptionally cost-effective solution.
This setup is particularly beneficial for small businesses where budget constraints are a significant consideration. However, for those needing comprehensive legal support or services beyond basic LLC formation, exploring alternative solutions such as LegalZoom or ZenBusiness is advisable.
Bizee Promo Codes and Coupons
Bizee does not offer promo codes or coupons. However, the absence of a promo code does not diminish the value they offer, particularly their free registered agent service for the first year and their complimentary LLC formation package. These features provide significant savings without the need for additional discounts, making Bizee an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to minimize startup costs.
Bizee Alternatives
When considering LLC formation services, it’s crucial to explore alternatives to Bizee to ensure the best fit for your business needs. Let’s compare Bizee with ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent to provide a comprehensive view.
Bizee vs. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is recognized for its user-friendly platform and competitive pricing, making it a popular choice among entrepreneurs.
Feature | Bizee | ZenBusiness |
---|---|---|
Basic Formation Service | Free + State Fee | Free + State Fee |
Registered Agent Service | Free for 1st year, then $119/year | $199/year |
EIN Registration | Included in Gold and Platinum packages | Included in Pro Plan |
Operating Agreement | Included in Gold and Platinum packages | Included in Starter Plan |
Annual Compliance | $99 + State Fee | Included with Worry-Free Compliance package ($199/year after first free year) |
ZenBusiness stands out with its higher user-friendliness score and comprehensive approach to compliance services, offering significant value through its Worry-Free Compliance package.
Bizee vs. LegalZoom
LegalZoom, known for its wide range of legal services, offers a different approach compared to Bizee’s streamlined LLC formation process.
Feature | Bizee | LegalZoom |
---|---|---|
Basic Formation Service | Free + State Fee | Free + State Fee |
Registered Agent Service | Free for 1st year, then $119/year | $249/year |
EIN Registration | Included in Gold and Platinum packages | Separate service fee |
Operating Agreement | Included in Gold and Platinum packages | Separate service fee |
Annual Compliance | $99 + State Fee | Offered at various prices |
LegalZoom‘s broader legal support might appeal to those needing extensive legal services, but Bizee offers a more budget-friendly solution for basic LLC formation and registered agent services.
Bizee vs. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent focuses on privacy and comprehensive services, with a unique offer in the LLC formation market.
Feature | Bizee | Northwest Registered Agent |
---|---|---|
Basic Formation Service | Free + State Fee | $39 + State Fee |
Registered Agent Service | Free for 1st year, then $119/year | Free for 1st year, then $125/year |
EIN Registration | Included in Gold and Platinum packages | Additional fee |
Operating Agreement | Included in Gold and Platinum packages | Included with LLC formation |
Annual Compliance | $99 + State Fee | Free + State Fee |
Northwest Registered Agent‘s emphasis on privacy and their all-inclusive package, including a free year of registered agent service, presents a compelling option for businesses prioritizing comprehensive support and privacy.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Here are the key points of Bizee’s cancellation policy. This summary condenses Bizee’s cancellation and refund policy into a digestible format, highlighting the critical aspects that everyone should be aware of when considering this service.
- Cancelling Your Order: You can cancel your order with Bizee within about 24 hours before they pay any fees on your behalf. If you do, you’ll be charged a $30 cancellation fee plus any costs they’ve already paid out.
- Getting a Refund: You’re eligible for a refund only before Bizee makes any payments to government entities or third parties, or conducts a trademark search. Once those payments are made, you can’t cancel or change your order.
- Making Changes: If you need to modify or cancel your order, you must do so through the link in your order confirmation email. You can’t make changes over the phone or by email.
- Dealing with Chargebacks: If you initiate a chargeback that Bizee considers legitimate, they won’t challenge it. However, if they view the chargeback as unjustified, they may cancel your services or dissolve your business entity.
- Service Renewals: Bizee’s services automatically renew to keep you legally compliant. If you don’t want this, you can cancel by informing Bizee and updating your state’s registered agent info accordingly.
- Price Changes: The cost of Bizee’s services can change at any time without warning, so it’s good to stay informed about current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hidden fees associated with any of Bizee’s packages?
Bizee packages are generally straightforward about the costs. However, be aware of upselling tactics that may increase your total expenses.
Can Bizee help me obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?
Yes, Bizee offers assistance with obtaining an EIN as part of their premium service packages.
Does Bizee provide ongoing compliance and annual report filing services?
Bizee provides annual reporting services for a fee, ensuring your business remains compliant with state requirements.
What are Bizee’s customer service hours?
Bizee’s customer support is available from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST.
Does Bizee have live chat support or just phone and email?
Bizee provides live chat support in addition to phone and email assistance, offering multiple channels for customer inquiries.
Is customer support included in all packages?
Yes, unlimited phone and email support are included in all Bizee packages.
How long does the business formation process typically take with Bizee?
The business formation process with Bizee varies by state but can be expedited in states that allow it.
Does Bizee have a good reputation and positive customer reviews?
Bizee (formerly IncFile) is generally well-regarded for its affordability and free registered agent service for the first year. However, some reviews mention upselling tactics and service limitations.