Establishing a business entity and navigating the legal complexities can sometimes be challenging. However, two prominent players in the industry that can help you with this are ZenBusiness and LegalZoom.
These companies offer services to entrepreneurs and individuals looking to overcome the business formation process without requiring extensive legal expertise.
Given our years of experience in business formation service, we will provide you with all the information you need about these companies to make the right decision.
What Is ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness is a business formation company founded in 2015 to empower individuals to own businesses.
They provide a comprehensive platform with tools and educational programs to support aspiring business owners.
ZenBusiness offers a streamlined process to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams, from LLC formation to registered agent services.
They have also shown their commitment to social impact by being a Public Benefit Corporation and actively giving back to communities.
Our #1 Recommendation
What Is LegalZoom?
LegalZoom is a trusted legal technology and services company that has been in the industry for over 20 years.
They offer an array of legal services, including the creation of legal documents without the need to hire a lawyer.
With millions of estate planning documents and business formations completed, LegalZoom has established itself as a reliable and affordable option for individuals and businesses seeking legal help.
WE RECOMMEND ZENBUSINESS
ZenBusiness Vs LegalZoom Comparison
Core Features
ZenBusiness
- Business Formation Services
- Registered Agent Services
- Compliance Assistance
- Website Design and Hosting
LegalZoom
- Legal Document Templates
- Business Formation Services
- Trademark Services
- Legal Advice and Consultation
ZenBusiness Formation Services
ZenBusiness offers different formation packages, and their main features include:
Registered Agent Services
ZenBusiness offers professional registered agent services to help businesses meet their legal obligations. Their registered agent service costs $199 annually, making it a very affordable option.
By appointing ZenBusiness as your registered agent, they will receive legal and government documents on your behalf.
This includes essential notifications, tax forms, and legal notices, ensuring you comply with state requirements.
Name Availability Search
ZenBusiness offers name availability searches as part of its services to help businesses secure their desired names. When searching, the goal is to determine the availability of the chosen business name.
Name Reservation
ZenBusiness offers name reservation services to help businesses secure their chosen name while preparing for formal registration.
The pricing for name reservations varies based on the specific state’s requirements.
DBA Name
ZenBusiness supports businesses in filing DBA/business names. For specific pricing and details, it’s advisable to consult ZenBusiness directly or refer to their website.
Domain Registration
ZenBusiness provides domain registration services for businesses. They offer domain registration starting at $3.99 monthly for the standard plan and $12.99 monthly for the premium plan. Upgrading to a Standard or Premium Annual plan includes a free domain for the first year.
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Filing
ZenBusiness offers EIN acquisition services to help businesses get an Employer Identification Number. The price for this service is $99.
Annual Report Services
ZenBusiness supports businesses with annual report filing requirements. The cost for yearly report services starts at $100 plus state fees.
Trademark Registration
ZenBusiness does not provide specific information about trademark services on its website. They recommend direct consultation when considering using other specialized trademark service providers.
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for business formation services with ZenBusiness varies based on the state or packages selected. They provide a tool on their website to show state-specific processing times and expedited filing fees.
Customer Support
ZenBusiness offers customer support in English through phone, live chat, and email. They aim to respond to emails within one business day.
Additional Features
ZenBusiness offers Worry-Free Compliance, eliminating annual filing stress and ensuring deadline compliance.
They monitor your state status and assist in cases of business failure, including financial damages.
The website builder offers customizable templates, SEO tools, and a user-friendly interface, eliminating the need for coding knowledge.
ZenBusiness also provides informative guides for securing funding, growing, and expanding to new locations.
LegalZoom Formation Services
LegalZoom offers different formation packages, and their main features include:
Registered Agent Services
LegalZoom provides registered agent services and unlimited half-hour consultations with attorneys, reviewing contracts and guiding clients.
The platform also offers a $299 annual registered agent service, additional plan options, and support for tailored needs.
Business formation turnaround time with LegalZoom depends on state and package, with expedited processing options for faster service.
Annual Report Services
LegalZoom assists businesses with annual reports for an additional fee, which varies depending on the state. The price for yearly report filing starts at $75 plus state fees.
Trademark Registration
LegalZoom offers trademark search services starting at $199. They assist businesses in conducting direct hit searches, filing electronically, and providing dedicated support.
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Filing
LegalZoom assists businesses in obtaining an EIN, which is required for tax purposes and for opening a business bank account. They offer EIN filing services for $79.
Domain Registration
LegalZoom provides domain registration guidance through third-party registrars, not business formation packages.
DBA Name
LegalZoom offers services for filing DBA (Doing Business As) registrations. The cost for filing a DBA name starts at $99, plus state filing fees.
Name Availability Search
LegalZoom provides name availability searches to help businesses ensure that their desired business name is not already in use. The availability search for the business name comes in their Economy package.
Name Reservation
LegalZoom offers business name reservation services, starting at $50 plus state fees.
Legal Advantage Plus
Starting at $31.25 per month, it provides access to legal advice, attorney consultations, legal document review (up to 10 pages), and discounted attorney fees.
Business Advisory Plan
Starting at $9.99 monthly, it offers access to business advice, attorney consultations, and discounted attorney fees.
Additional Features
LegalZoom ensures unique business names without copyright or trademark infringement during formation. They provide a comprehensive look with operating agreements, business documents, minutes, and bylaws.
They also offer registered agent services, provide a legal address for non-residents, help file annual reports, and maintain a compliance calendar.
LegalZoom’s services help businesses stay on top of important deadlines and maintain a legal presence.
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Pricing
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness also offers three different price plans, which are clearly stated below:
- Starter Plan ($0 + State Fees): includes business filing, name availability search, and ZenBusiness dashboard access. Additionally, enjoy the benefits of worry-free compliance free for the first year (optional, $199/yr upon renewal if accepted), a 100% accuracy guarantee, and standard filing speed that delivers your LLC formation in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. With this package, you'll also take advantage of a 1-month free trial for Banking, Bank Account, Website Builder, and Money Pro Bookkeeping, followed by competitive monthly rates.
- Pro Plan ($199 + State Fees): Zen Business offers a comprehensive package at $199/year plus state fees, encompassing all the features from the Starter plan and additional enhancements. It also includes an operating agreement template and an Employer Identification Number for your LLC. You'll also get an expedited "rush" filing speed with an average turnaround of 1-2 business days.
- Premium Plan ($349/year + State Fees): The plan includes all Pro plan features, business document templates, website, domain name registration, and privacy.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom offers three price packages, which are clearly outlined below:
- Economy Package: $79 + state filing fee, includes name check, business filing, articles of organization, LLC Next Steps Guide, “Peace of Mind” review, lifetime customer support, and financial account authorization letter.
- Standard Package: $329 + state filing fee, includes all features of the Economy package, plus deluxe organizer, official certificates and seal, and LegalZoom VIP processing.
- Express Gold Package: $349 + state filing fee, includes all features of the Economy and Standard packages, rush processing with the Secretary of State, and express shipping.
Customer Reviews
ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom: Which Is Best?
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom are two of the very best business formation services. Their offerings are affordable, and thousands of businesses patronize them globally.
While both platforms offer excellent LLC formation services, we recommend ZenBusiness.
ZenBusiness offers cost-effectiveness, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners with limited budgets to access quality services.
Their commitment to worry-free compliance ensures businesses stay on top of critical deadlines.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness
- Diverse LLC formation services
- Expedited registration services
- Affordable legal services
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of October
- No registered agent service
