Starting a business involves important early decisions, including choosing the right structure. Many entrepreneurs opt for a Limited Liability Company, or LLC because it protects their personal stuff (like their house and car) if their business gets into trouble. However, setting up an LLC involves paperwork and understanding complicated rules that vary by state. That’s where services like Bizee (also known as Incfile) and ZenBusiness come in—they handle the heavy lifting. Let’s compare these two services to help you decide which one might best fit you.
Why Use an LLC Formation Service?
Think of LLC formation services as a helping hand that guides you through officially starting your business. They take care of the paperwork, make sure you meet all the legal requirements and often continue to help you manage important business tasks. This saves you time and can even save you from costly mistakes.
ZenBusiness: User-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
ZenBusiness is a favorite among first-time business owners because it makes the process straightforward and inexpensive. Here’s what they bring to the table:
Key Features of ZenBusiness:
- User-Friendly Online Platform: Their website is really easy to use. You’ll find the process simple even if you need to improve your computer skills.
- Affordable Plans: They offer several packages, ranging from basic to more advanced. This means you can choose one that fits your budget and needs.
- Fast Processing Time: ZenBusiness works quickly to set up your LLC so you can start your business as soon as possible.
- Worry-Free Compliance Service: This service helps you keep up with important legal stuff like filing reports on time, so you don’t get in trouble with the state.
- 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re unhappy with their service, you can get your money back within 60 days.
- Helpful Customer Support: They have a team that’s ready to answer your questions and help solve any problems you might have.
Pros of ZenBusiness:
- User-Friendly Website: It’s easy for anyone to use, even if you’re not great with computers.
- Worry-Free Compliance: They keep track of your legal deadlines and make sure you don’t miss them.
- Quick Service: They set up businesses fast so you can start your business sooner.
- 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re unhappy with their service, you can get your money back within 60 days.
- Affordable: They offer good service without breaking the bank, which is great for anyone starting with a tight budget.
Cons of ZenBusiness:
- Limited Legal Services: They handle basic setup and compliance well but don’t offer many other legal services.
- Relatively New: They started in 2015, so they don’t have as long a track record as some other services.
Join over 700,000+ small business owners with ZenBusiness.
Starting at $0 + state fees
Key Features
Business Formation Services: ZenBusiness offers LLC and corporation formation starting at $0 plus state fees, providing a streamlined process to officially establish your business.
Worry-Free Compliance: The platform provides compliance alerts, annual report filing, and amendment services to help maintain your business’s good standing with state requirements.
Integrated Business Tools: ZenBusiness includes features like business banking, expense tracking, invoicing, and tax filing assistance, all accessible through a user-friendly dashboard.
Why We Recommend It
ZenBusiness simplifies the process of starting and managing a business by offering comprehensive services in one place. Its affordable pricing, combined with tools for compliance and financial management, makes it a practical choice for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and support.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable Entry Point: Offers a free Starter plan (excluding state fees), making it accessible for new business owners.
- Comprehensive Services: Provides a range of tools beyond formation, including compliance assistance and financial management.
- User-Friendly Platform: Features an intuitive dashboard for easy navigation and management of business services.
- Auto-Renewal Fees: Some services, like the Worry-Free Compliance, auto-renew at higher rates after the first year.
- Potential Upselling: Users may encounter additional offers and services that can increase overall costs.
- Limited Free Features: The free plan has basic features; advanced tools require upgrading to paid plans.
Bizee/Incfile: Experienced and Complete
Bizee, also known as Incfile, has been around since 2004, making it one of the more established LLC formation services. It is known for its experience and range of services.
Key Features of Bizee/Incfile:
- Free Registered Agent Service for One Year: This is a standout feature. Your LLC requires a registered agent, and getting this service free for the first year is a big plus.
- Experience: They’ve been helping people start businesses for long, so they know what they’re doing.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Most people who use Bizee/Incfile are happy with the service they get, especially when it comes to customer support.
- Range of Services: They offer many additional services, so if you need more than just basic LLC formation, they’ve got you covered.
- Educational Resources: Bizee/Incfile provides a lot of helpful articles and tools that can guide you through setting up and running your business.
Pros of Bizee/Incfile:
- Free Registered Agent: They offer a year of free registered agent service. A registered agent accepts legal documents on behalf of your company.
- Lots of Experience: They’ve been helping people start businesses for over a decade.
- Good Customer Service: Most people have great things to say about their support team.
Cons of Bizee/Incfile:
- Inconsistent Filing Speeds: Some customers say they’re quick, but others have had to wait longer than expected.
- Too Many Options: They offer many extra services, which can be confusing if you’re not sure what you need.
- Pricing Can Be Unclear: Some customers find pricing confusing, especially about what’s included and what costs extra after the first year.
Starting from $0 + State Fee
Start Your LLC for $0 (+State Fees)
Key Features
Streamlined LLC formation and compliance services
Business license registration and management
Registered agent services for ongoing compliance
Why We Recommend It
- Provides a free LLC formation service (state fees still apply)
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Ensure that all your contracts, documents, and forms are solid without the expense of hiring a lawyer
- Fast filing process that can be completed in as little as a few minutes
Pros & Cons
- Quick and easy LLC formation process
- Comprehensive compliance tools
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Limited additional services compared to larger competitors
- Some services may require additional fees
Conclusion: Which Service Should You Choose?
Deciding between ZenBusiness and Bizee/Incfile depends on what’s most important to you:
- Go with ZenBusiness: if you want something simple, quick, and budget-friendly. They’re especially good for newcomers who need extra help navigating the LLC setup process.
- Go with Bizehese/Incfile: If you value experience and free extras like the registered agent service. They’re a solid choice if you don’t mind navigating a few more options and potentially paying more for comprehensive service
ZenBusiness and Bizee/Incfile offer great services that make setting up an LLC much easier, so your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider how much support you’ll want, how tight your budget is, and how much value you place on experience to make the best choice for your new business.
