ZenBusiness Review 2024 – Do NOT Buy Before Reading This!


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
zenbusiness-logo

ZenBusiness Review: If you want to start your business at $0, then ZenBusiness is for you. ZenBusiness is one of the most popular business formation services. This Texas-based company offers from top to toe services at $0 when it comes to forming your Limited Liability Company. From naming your LLC to filing your LLC annual reports, it provides 360-degree services. In my ZenBusiness Review, I will elaborate on why one should go for this service even when other free LLC formation services are available in the market.

When you compare the best LLC services available, you will find other services that also provide zero-cost LLC formation. Apart from the mandatory state filing fees, no other money is needed to form your LLC. However, if you ask me, I would prefer ZenBusiness over other free services.

“100% accuracy” and “Transparency” are the main key features of ZenBusiness. There is no hidden charges or delay in work, or compromise in service quality. ZenBusiness is a one-stop solution for you when forming an LLC. This company’s Premium Plan offers almost all the services, but it is lighter on your wallet than other competitors. A mid-sized to large LLC will benefit from its premium plan.

If I have to enlist the best LLC Services, then for me, ZenBusiness will be number one. Read this review further to know why.

ZenBusiness Review: A Quick Summary

The Good👍

  • Low-cost formation services
  • 100% accuracy in forming an LLC
  • Hassle-free, fast & simple formation
  • User-friendly services
  • Finest, trustworthy & dedicated customer service
  • Exceptional Customer Reviews (Trustpilot)
  • More than 2,00,000 new businesses formed
  • Personalized Service
  • Customizable Dashboard
  • BBB accredited since 2019, with an “A+ rating”

The Bad👎

  • No Non-profit formation
  • EIN is included in the Pro and Premium packages but not in the Starter Pack
zenbusiness-logo
  • Service Quality: 5/5
  • Turnaround Time: 4.5/5
  • Pricing: 5/5
  • Customer Feedback: 5/5
  • User Friendly: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

star-rating
ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness: About The Company

Ross Buhrdorf founded ZenBusiness in 2015 in Austin, Texas. In November 2017, the company declared that it had raised $200 million. Even if the company is fairly new in the market, it still stands out with its consistency & services.

The core values of ZenBusiness are “Transparency, Protection, & paying it forward.” ZenBusiness promises that they operate with transparency, honesty, & integrity. By the word protection, the company means that it helps your business to remain in good standing. What this company earns pays it forward – by awarding small business grants to prospective entrepreneurs. ZenBusiness boasts having formed over 2,00,000 businesses & receiving numerous positive reviews from users. You will see many online business formation services, but for me, ZenBusiness surpasses them all.

With ZenBusiness, you will get three Plans: Starter Plan, Pro Plan, & Premium Plan. It is perhaps the only formation service company that offers the three important features in all its Plans. Those three important features included in every Plan are LLC (Limited Liability Company) formation, free registered agent & a free operating agreement draft.

Note: The credit for ZenBusiness being in the top position can be attributed to its 100% accuracy in forming an LLC & its best budget service.

Packages Offered by ZenBusiness

As mentioned above, ZenBusiness offers three Plans; Starter Plan, Pro Plan, & Premium Plan. Even the starter Plan has essential services like free registered agents & free operating agreement templates.

Starter Plan

$0 + Additional State Fees (Tax deduction may apply)

The Starter Plan has all the essential services required to form an LLC. It is a suitable plan for you if you want a budget-friendly LLC formation plan. The Starter Plan is available at $0. However, the mandatory state filing fees must be paid to the State.

zenbusiness started pack

Turnaround Time: 2-3 Weeks

The Services included in this plan are,

  • Name Availability Search
  • Prepare and File LLC
  • Phone and Email Support
  • Online Document Access
  • Statement of Organizer
  • Free Accounting Consultation
  • Virtual Business Guide
  • Google Ads Credit
  • Standard Filing Speed

Starter Plan Beneficieraies

The ZenBusiness starter plan is beneficial for small businesses & startups with comparatively tight budgets. It is cost-effective & offers all the essential services, e.g., formation document filing and operating agreement draft. With Starter Plan, you must pay an additional cost to get an Employer Identification Number.

Pro Plan

$199 + Additional State Fees (Tax deduction may apply)

The Pro Plan offers some essential additional services along with all the main services offered in the Starter Plan. Also, in Pro Plan, it takes lesser time to form your LLC.

zenbusiness pro pack

Turnaround Time: 1-5 Days

The additional services included in the Pro Plan are,

  • Advertising Consultant LLC filing – ZenBusiness does everything needed to file your application to become an advertising consultant business and communicates with the state until your LLC is formalized.
  • Advertising Consultant Operating Agreement
  • Advertising consultant Annual Compliance service – ZenBusiness takes care of everything needed each year in your state to operate legally within your industry
  • Rush Filing Service

Pro Plan Beneficieraies

The Pro Plan is suitable for mid-sized businesses looking for an expedited process & filing of an Employer ID Number. It is the best fit for companies; that may not be able to handle the compliance part on their own. Startups or Small business owners may regret choosing this plan because they may be paying extra for services that are not required for their businesses.

Premium Plan

$299 + Additional State Fees (Tax deduction may apply)

The Premium Plan is the costliest plan offered by ZenBusiness. Premium Plan offers almost all the services related to the formation of an LLC. In addition to the services mentioned in the first two plans, i.e., the Starter Plan & Pro Plan;

zenbusiness premium pack

Turnaround Time: 1-2 Days

Premium Pan has the following additional offerings,

  • Fastest /Rush Filing Speed
  • Business Website
  • Business Domain Name
  • Business Email address

Premium Plan Beneficieraies

The premium plan is all-inclusive; hence, it is suitable for bigger businesses. These companies would require an agency to manage almost everything related to the formation, Banking Procedures, Websites, Email Addresses, etc. So, the LLCs who do not want these additional services should not opt for this plan.

Add-ons Offered by ZenBusiness

Along with the standard services offered within each plan, ZenBusiness offers several other a-la-carte services. While some of these services are offered within the plans (at an additional cost), some services must be bought individually. In short, for the services offered individually, you don’t have to buy any plans. For further assistance on pricing & services, you can mail them or chat with the customer associate.

The individual services (Services that you can buy without buying the plan) are,

  • Standalone Registered Agent Service – $99
  • Business Name Reservation- $50
  • Annual Report Filing- $100 + state fees
  • New York Publication- $200 + publication cost
  • Filing Amendment- $100 + state fees
  • Certificate of Good Standing- $100 + state fees
  • Business License Report- $99
  • Business Document Templates Library- $99
Zenbusiness review

As mentioned above, ZenBusiness offers services you can add to the plan; at checkout as an upgrade. Those services are

  • Expedite Filing Speed- $50
  • Rush Filing Speed- $100
  • Banking Resolution Template- $30
  • Employer ID Number- $99
  • Worry-free Compliance- $199 yearly
  • Business Website- $129 yearly
  • Business Domain Name- $25 yearly
  • Business Domain Name Privacy- $10 yearly
  • Business Email Address- $25 yearly
  • Google Ads Credit- $150 value

ZenBusiness Service Plans: At a Glance

ServiceStarter PlanPro PlanPremium Plan
LLC formationAvailableAvailableAvailable
Name Availability SearchAvailableAvailableAvailable
Phone & Email SupportAvailableAvailableAvailable
Online Document AccessAvailableAvailableAvailable
Virtual Business GuideAvailableAvailableAvailable
Registered AgentAvailableAvailableAvailable
Operating Agreement TemplateAvailableAvailableAvailable
Google Ads CreditAvailableAvailableAvailable
Standard Filing speedAvailableAvailableAvailable
Accounting ConsultationAvailableAvailableAvailable
Rush Filing speed$100AvailableAvailable
Banking Resolution Template$30AvailableAvailable
Employer ID Number$99AvailableAvailable
Worry-free Compliance$199 yearly
(first year free)
AvailableAvailable
Business Website$129 yearly $129 yearlyAvailable
Business Domain Name$25 yearly$25 yearlyAvailable
Domain Name Privacy $10 yearly$10 yearlyAvailable
Business Email Address$25 yearly $25 yearlyAvailable

Verdict: Should You Choose ZenBusiness or Not?

Choosing ZenBusiness service for your business depends on a few things. First, if you want to spend even a penny to form your LLC if yes, then go for it. If not, go for the free LLC service formation (Incfile or Inc Authority). Now, the thing is, forming LLC does not only mean filling your Articles of Organization; it includes other steps like an operating agreement, EIN, registered agents, and so on. Get a full insight into how to form an LLC from this site.

With ZenBusiness, if you go for the Starter Plan, you will get your formation documents filed, operating agreement draft, and other benefits at $0. Besides, all the plans have free accounting consultations as well. So, I would choose ZenBusiness over any other free LLC service provider any day. If you can spend more to form your LLC, you can go for the Premium Plan, which has everything under one roof. The Premium plan has services like a website, rush filing speed, and domain name for free, which otherwise costs $225 extra in other plans.

For some, ZenBusiness would not be a favorable choice. Because if you choose the Started Plan ($0), you will have to carry the cost of obtaining EIN. This additional cost can be waived if you directly apply to the IRS. On the other hand, many people are skeptical about the hidden charges that the Premium Plan has, even though the company claims that it is “Transparent” when it comes to its pricing.

When Should You Choose ZenBusiness?

ZenBusiness is a kind of company anyone can choose over any competitors. Their starter pack is available at $0. Unlike other free services, ZenBusiness has much more facilities. Especially small and mid-sized businesses, start-ups, and businesses with a limited budget can go for ZenBusiness. If you are a large business, then their Premium Plan would be the best choice. As it offers everything, you can form an LLC at a reasonable price.

When Should You Not Choose ZenBusiness?

A very small LLC looking for only the essential services may find it difficult to choose ZenBusiness. The starter plan is a more suitable option for them, but there is an additional cost even for the basic service like filing an EIN. So, one can not rely upon the starter plan alone to cover all the essential services.

ZenBusiness Alternatives

Honestly speaking, with the range of prices and services ZenBusiness offers, there is no alternative to this company. However, you can still go for other options available in the market and explore their prices and quality before you choose anything for your business. At the end of the day, it is your money that is going to be invested. To explore other competitors in the market, look at the list of best LLC services available.

ZenBusiness Review: Summary

ZenBusiness is one company that takes care of everything when it comes to forming a business. Zen has everything for you, whether a corporation or a limited liability company. If you go and check the ZenBusiness review on the internet, you will find almost all the positive customer reviews, especially TrustPilot. Apart from the government fee, their own charges are comparatively lower than other registered agent service providers.

The pricing and the services it has are user-friendly. Their premium plan offers everything at a much more reasonable price compared to other services. Be it a registered agent service, bank, insurance, or any other LLCs related services, ZenBusiness is there to guide you through. My experience researching this company is incredible, as I have received impeccable customer reviews. Also, Zenbusiness focuses on the privacy of their customer.

As users share sensitive information with the company, Zen makes sure the information does not get breached. Their minimum package starts from $0 + State fee. The customer would know about the money added to their final bill.

Some users complain that ZenBusiness has hidden charges, which shows on the final billing page. In that case, it is recommended to check your final bill page before you make any payments through a credit card or any other mode of payment. If you are wrongly billed, immediately contact their customer portal or mail them to their official address. You can email them as well at their company email address. You will get an immediate response as their customer service is extremely swift. LLC formation is not easy as it involves preparing a filing document, filing a DBA, obtaining an employer identification number, and other corporate services. Zen is there to serve you with everything at reasonable pricing.

How to Use ZenBusiness: Unlocking the Full Potential for Your Business

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly competitive business world, entrepreneurs need a partner they can rely on to navigate through complex legal and bureaucratic hurdles. Setting up and managing a business is no easy task, and that’s where ZenBusiness comes in. This innovative platform is designed to simplify the process, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what really matters – running their business. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of ZenBusiness and unlock the full potential for your business.

Firstly, one must understand ZenBusiness’s core offering – LLC formation services. Whether you’re starting a small business or seeking to change your business entity, ZenBusiness provides a seamless experience to get your LLC up and running. Their user-friendly platform eliminates the need for countless hours spent researching processes, tools, and legal jargon. With straightforward step-by-step guidance, ZenBusiness significantly reduces the stress and confusion that often accompanies setting up an LLC.

One of the standout features of ZenBusiness is its exceptional customer support. From the moment you sign up, their experienced team of professionals is readily available to answer any questions or concerns, providing the necessary assistance throughout your journey. Over and above, ZenBusiness offers advanced services, like worry-free compliance, registered agent access, and federal tax ID number (EIN) acquisition. These comprehensive features give entrepreneurs peace of mind, knowing that their business’s legal obligations are in capable hands.

Furthermore, ZenBusiness maintains an impeccable track record of customer satisfaction. Countless positive reviews and testimonials from their user base speak volumes about the quality and efficacy of their services. Whether you are an experienced business owner or venturing into entrepreneurship for the first time, artisan customer support and testimonials assure you that you are not alone in this process. Building trust and credibility is vital, and ZenBusiness delivers it exceedingly well.

Another key aspect that sets ZenBusiness apart from its competitors is its affordability. Starting and maintaining a business requires vigilance over expenses, making cost-effective services invaluable to entrepreneurs. ZenBusiness provides a streamlined pricing structure that fits numerous budgets, ensuring everyone can access their comprehensive suite of services. Unlocking the potential of your business shouldn’t break the bank, and ZenBusiness makes sure of that.

What makes ZenBusiness truly stand out among its peers is its dedication to social responsibility and community impact. Through their guiding principles of altruism, the company actively participates in initiatives that support ethical business practices, fair wages, economic empowerment, and philanthropy. This commitment to corporate social responsibility establishes ZenBusiness as a true hero in the business world, advocating for positive change.

In conclusion, ZenBusiness provides entrepreneurs with an all-encompassing platform to start and manage their business successfully. With its user-friendly interface, extensive service offerings, exceptional customer support, unmatched affordability, and dedication to social responsibility, ZenBusiness proves to be the ultimate partner for any business owner. So, why venture into the complexities of business setup on your own when ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive solution at an affordable price? Empower your business and optimize your success with ZenBusiness – your trusted partner on the path to entrepreneurial triumph.

ZenBusiness Vs Others

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

F.A.Qs

Is ZenBusiness Legit?

Yes, ZenBusiness is a trustworthy & legitimate business, formed in 2015. It is BBB accredited since 2019 with an “A+ rating.”

Is it Essential to have a registered agent?

It is not mandatory to have a registered agent for your LLC. But, it is highly advisable to have one for proper & timely filing of various documents & taxes so that you don’t have to bear late fees or penalties.

How Do I discontinue the ZenBusiness service?

You can cancel your account with ZenBusiness without any penalties or fees. You can chat with customer service during the prescribed hours.

What is ZenBusiness’s refund policy?

ZenBusiness offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on its offerings. You get a refund after deducting State-fees or any other third-party fees for cancellation.

How much does it cost to form an LLC with ZenBusiness?

The ZenBusiness starter plan costs you $0, which includes all the essential services in addition to LLC formation. The other two plans cost $199 and $349, respectively.

How to Use ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a range of services designed to simplify the process of starting a business. They provide resources for incorporating your business, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, managing taxes and finances, and much more. With their easy-to-use platform, ZenBusiness makes it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to get their businesses up and running.

One of the key features of ZenBusiness is their ability to help entrepreneurs form and register their businesses with the state. By guiding users through the process step by step, ZenBusiness takes the guesswork out of this crucial step. They also offer assistance in obtaining business licenses and permits, ensuring that new business owners are on the right side of the law from day one.

In addition to helping new businesses get off the ground, ZenBusiness also provides ongoing support for existing businesses. They offer services to help with tax filings, annual reports, and other ongoing maintenance tasks. This can be a huge relief for busy entrepreneurs who may not have the time or expertise to handle these tasks themselves.

Another valuable service provided by ZenBusiness is their registered agent service. Every business in the United States is required to have a registered agent, who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the business. ZenBusiness acts as a registered agent for thousands of businesses, ensuring that important documents are received and processed in a timely manner.

Overall, ZenBusiness is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs at every stage of the business lifecycle. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to streamline your existing business operations, ZenBusiness has the tools and resources to help you succeed. By taking advantage of their services, business owners can focus on what they do best – running their businesses – while ZenBusiness takes care of the rest.

In conclusion, ZenBusiness is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. With a wide range of services designed to simplify the process of starting and running a business, ZenBusiness takes the guesswork out of the more complex aspects of entrepreneurship. By utilizing their services, business owners can focus on what they do best while ZenBusiness handles the details.

In Conclusion

ZenBusiness services are the best of all available in the market. In my ZenBusiness review, I have justified why one should choose it. It is priced reasonably & offers a plethora of services. The starter plan can have one or two additional services at the same cost, e.g., EIN or Business Resolution template. With the addition of these two services in the plan, it will be the best fit for start-ups or small LLCs.

I would appreciate your feedback on the same. Leave your comment below and tell me your take on ZenBusiness as well as this review article.

2 thoughts on “ZenBusiness Review 2024 – Do NOT Buy Before Reading This!”

Leave a Comment