What Is ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness, established in 2015 by Art Flores, JC Glancy, Rafael Lopez, Ross Buhrdorf, Ryan Pitylak, and Shanaz Hemmati, is a company that assists entrepreneurs in forming their LLCs. It offers a variety of services beyond LLC formation, including registered agent services, compliance services, and more, aimed at making the business startup process easier for its clients.
Packages and Pricing
ZenBusiness offers three main packages for LLC formation, catering to various needs and budgets. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Feature | Starter Plan ($0 + State Fee) | Pro Plan ($199/year + State Fee) | Premium Plan ($349/year + State Fee) |
---|---|---|---|
Worry-Free Compliance | Optional first year free, $199/year thereafter | Included | Included |
Operating Agreement | $99 one-time fee | Included | Included |
Registered Agent Service | $199/year | Included | Included |
EIN | $99 one-time fee | Included | Included |
Fast Filing Speed | $79 one-time fee | Included | Included |
Domain Name & Email | Not available | Not available | Included |
Business Website Builder | Not available | Not available | Included |
Additional services such as Business Document Templates, New York Publication, Business License Report, Annual Report Filing, and Amendment Filing are available with specific costs ranging from $10 to $200, depending on the service. This table provides a clear overview of what each package includes and the additional services available for an extra fee.
Worry-Free Compliance
One of the services ZenBusiness offers is Worry-Free Compliance, which is designed to keep the business in good standing with state requirements. For an annual fee of $199 after the first year—which is initially optional and free—this service includes the handling of annual reports and amendment filings. I appreciate how this feature aims to reduce the administrative burden on business owners by managing essential paperwork and deadlines. This service can be particularly beneficial for those of us looking to avoid penalties and ensure our LLC maintains its legal status without having to micromanage these processes ourselves.
Ease of Use
ZenBusiness is recognized for its user-friendly platform, which utilizes a conversational chatbot to assist customers through the LLC formation process. The initial steps of this process reportedly can be completed in less than 10 minutes. Research and personal testing have revealed some concerns regarding upselling and instances where customers were signed up for services they did not explicitly choose. However, feedback indicates that reversing unwanted charges is straightforward, and the service’s overall simplicity and effectiveness are frequently commended.
Registered Agent Service
ZenBusiness offers a Registered Agent Service, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent in some states, essential for maintaining privacy and compliance with state regulations. This service is vital for receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC and ensuring that the business remains in good standing with the state.
Registered Agent Review
ZenBusiness is highly regarded for its Registered Agent Service, providing reliable and efficient handling of legal documents. The service ensures that all important legal notices, including lawsuits and state correspondence, are received and processed promptly, offering peace of mind to business owners.
ZenBusiness Registered Agent Price
The Registered Agent Service with ZenBusiness costs $199 per year. While the Starter Plan does not include this service for free, the Pro and Premium Plans incorporate the Registered Agent Service. It’s not the most affordable Registered Agent Service, but it’s regarded as one with the best support and value.
Registered Agent Service Cancellation
Customers can contact ZenBusiness support directly via email or phone to request cancellation. The process is user-friendly, ensuring that you can make changes to your services as needed without unnecessary complications.
Pricing Comparison: ZenBusiness vs. Others
Let’s take a look at how ZenBusiness stacks up against other services such as LegalZoom, MyCompanyWorks, Northwest Registered Agent, and Tailor Brands. This comparison focuses on the most affordable LLC formation prices—excluding state fees—the cost of registered agent services, and the standout features included in each package. This provides a clear snapshot of what you can expect from each service.
Service | Cheapest LLC Formation Price | Registered Agent Service Cost | Notable Inclusions |
---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness | $0 + State Fee | $199/year | Worry-Free Compliance, Operating Agreement |
LegalZoom | $0 + State Fee | $249/year | Operating Agreement, EIN |
MyCompanyWorks | $59 + State Fee | $99/year | Lifetime customer support, Same-day business processing |
Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + State Fee | $125/year | Privacy by Default, Mail Scanning |
Tailor Brands | $0 + State Fee | $199/year | DIY Website Builder, Social Media Post Maker |
This table showcases the diversity in pricing and service offerings among different LLC formation services, highlighting the unique features that each brings to the table. ZenBusiness stands out for its balance of cost-effectiveness and comprehensive service provision, including free registered agent service for the first year in higher-tier packages.
I have thoroughly researched, analyzed, and written a comprehensive comparison of the best LLC services, which will provide you with a wide range of options to choose from.
Customer Support Quality
ZenBusiness is well-regarded for its customer support quality. A large majority of users have shared positive experiences, reflected in a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 based on more than 13,000 reviews. Although there are a few complaints on online review platforms, the dominant narrative is one of appreciation for ZenBusiness’s responsive and helpful customer service.
Some customers have mentioned a few challenges, such as needing to reach out to customer support to stop renewals and instances of being offered additional services. However, any issues where customers were billed for services they didn’t request were swiftly resolved, with refunds being processed on the same day.
ZenBusiness Phone Number and Email Address
For direct support, customers can reach ZenBusiness through various channels:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: +1-844-493-6249
- Support Availability: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM CST, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST
- Contact Page: https://www.zenbusiness.com/contact-us/
Turnaround Time
ZenBusiness offers varying turnaround times for LLC formation, depending on the chosen package. The Starter Plan, available at no cost besides state fees, typically processes filings within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the state. This duration is notably longer when compared to some competitors, such as Northwest Registered Agent, which can offer faster processing times even for their basic services. The Pro and Premium plans from ZenBusiness propose expedited service, claiming to reduce the wait to between 1 to 5 days.
Customer Feedback Analysis
ZenBusiness garners positive reviews for its customer support, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 based on over 13,000 reviews. Users frequently commend the ease of use and responsive customer service. Highlighted strengths include a smooth and efficient LLC formation process, as well as prompt reversal of charges for unwanted services.
However, some pain points include the need to contact customer support for cancellation of renewals and experiences of upselling. A few reviews mentioned being signed up and charged for services like the registered agent without their consent. Despite these issues, many customers report satisfaction with the swift resolution of their concerns.
Operating Agreement Service
ZenBusiness provides an Operating Agreement template for a one-time fee of $99. This service offers an interactive template designed to create a personalized operating agreement, which is a critical document for an LLC. It outlines the ownership structure, and operating procedures, and provides a framework for the business’s internal management.
The provision of this template simplifies the process of drafting a comprehensive operating agreement, ensuring that the LLC’s governance is clear and agreed upon by all members.
ZenBusiness Mobile App
ZenBusiness is one of the two services I’ve reviewed which offers a mobile app for both Android and Apple users.
The app receives generally good reviews, with Android users rating it 3.9/5 and Apple users rating it 4.5/5.
However, some users have mentioned a lack of certain features, such as basic business functions like recording time, expenses, and mileage, which means the app may not serve as a mobile productivity solution on its own. Despite this, the presence of a mobile app is a significant convenience, allowing customers to manage aspects of their business on the go.
The Expert Verdict
Based on the analysis, ZenBusiness is a viable option for entrepreneurs looking to form their LLC. The service covers a broad range of legal compliance needs, potentially saving users time. This aspect may benefit both new entrepreneurs and established business owners who are seeking to streamline their operations or opt out of unnecessary services.
While ZenBusiness offers a combination of affordability and a wide array of services, it’s important to compare its offerings with those of other providers to ensure it meets specific business needs. The value it provides comes from a blend of service options designed to cater to diverse client requirements.
Cancellation Policy
ZenBusiness provides a 60-day money-back guarantee, which allows customers to request a full refund within this period if they are not satisfied with their purchase, excluding any state or third-party fees. For cancellations after the 60-day window, the company will terminate the subscription or service, but no refunds will be provided. This policy applies to both subscription services and any add-on services purchased. Customers can contact ZenBusiness’s customer support for more information on how to initiate a cancellation.
What services does ZenBusiness offer?
ZenBusiness offers LLC formation, registered agent services, compliance services through its Worry-Free Compliance package, operating agreements, EIN registration, and more. Additional services include website building and domain registration.
How does ZenBusiness compare to competitors?
ZenBusiness stands out for its affordability, especially with the free Starter Plan. It also offers comprehensive service packages, including Worry-Free Compliance and registered agent services. Compared to competitors like LegalZoom, ZenBusiness provides better value for its pricing and services.
Does ZenBusiness offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, ZenBusiness offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. Customers can receive a full refund within 60 days of purchase, excluding any state or third-party fees.
What is Worry-Free Compliance?
Worry-Free Compliance is a service offered by ZenBusiness to help keep your business in good standing with the state. It includes annual report filing and two amendments per year, ensuring that your business meets state requirements.
Does ZenBusiness offer website and domain services?
Yes, ZenBusiness offers services for website building and domain name registration. These services are included in the Premium Plan, helping businesses establish an online presence.
How do I make changes to my business information?
To make changes to your business information, you can utilize the ZenBusiness dashboard or contact customer support for assistance. Certain changes may require filing amendments with your state, which ZenBusiness can help facilitate.
How do I cancel ZenBusiness services?
To cancel ZenBusiness services, contact their customer support via email, phone, or live chat. Remember, you can request a full refund within 60 days of purchase, excluding state or third-party fees. After 60 days, services can be canceled, but refunds are not issued.