If you’re looking to form an LLC for your business, you have several options available that can simplify and streamline the process. Two popular companies that specialize in helping customers form LLCs are ZenBusiness and LegalZoom. While both companies offer excellent services, they cater to different types of business owners. Based on our ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom review, we found that LegalZoom provides more comprehensive legal service coverage for small business owners, while ZenBusiness is the better option for straightforward LLC filing. Our team of lawyers has compared the two online services to help you choose the best LLC service for your unique needs to start a business in the USA and as a non-resident.
A variety of additional services is available
Fast & Simple Business Formation Guaranteed
Affordable formation packages for small business
Cheapest LLC & Registered Agent Service
Responsive customer support
Long-established and well-trusted company
Extended customer support hours
Lots of additional legal advice options
Reasonable pricing model
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: A Detailed Comparison
Starting a business can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. Fortunately, there are companies like ZenBusiness and LegalZoom that offer services to help entrepreneurs navigate the process. Specifically, if you are looking to start an LLC, both of these companies can provide valuable assistance. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to consider before forming your LLC.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness
Starting a new business can be an overwhelming task, but with ZenBusiness, the process is made simple and easy. Not only will they help you acquire your desired business LLC name search, but they will also handle the filing of important documents and submit your Articles of Organization to the state. What’s more, ZenBusiness boasts a knowledgeable and friendly customer service staff that will help guide you in the right direction, providing answers to state-specific questions to get you up and running quickly.
ZenBusiness Features:
ZenBusiness Related Pages:
- Formation Services
ZenBusiness, one of the best LLC services offers three formation plans, including the Starter package, Pro package, and Premium package. The Starter package costs $0* plus state fees, but it renews at $199 after the first year. The Pro package is priced at $199 plus state fees, while the Premium package costs $299 plus state fees. Each plan offers its own unique set of features and benefits, making it easy for entrepreneurs to choose the one that best meets their needs and budget.
- Name Availability Search
One of the most important services provided by ZenBusiness is its name availability search. This service allows formation agents to check the state database and verify that the chosen business name is unique and available. If the name is not available, ZenBusiness will work with the entrepreneur to find an acceptable alternative before filing.
- Phone and Email Support
ZenBusiness offers phone and email support to its clients, with agents available by phone from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. The company guarantees that agents will respond to emails within one business day. Based on our experience, we found the company’s web chat feature to be a super helpful tool, with a representative responding to our question within three minutes.
- Online Document Access
Access to important legal documents, such as operating agreements and banking resolutions via a personalized online dashboard.
- Virtual Business Guide
A guide to help customers better market themselves online and stay up to date with the latest trends.
- Registered Agent
ZenBusiness acts as the registered agent for your business, accepting tax and legal documents on your behalf and many more. Here is our top best registered agent service provider list with detailed reviews.
- Guided Operating Agreement:
ZenBusiness includes a guided operating agreement in its Pro and Premium business formation plans to protect the business owner’s personal assets and create a succession plan.
- Google Ads Credit:
Up to a $150 Google Ads credit is offered to all business formation customers.
- Banking Resolution Template:
ZenBusiness offers a banking resolution template to quickly and easily complete the resolution to open your business bank account.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN):
ZenBusiness can add EIN to all packages for an additional $99. Also, you can check how to get an EIN as Foreign National.
- Worry-Free Compliance:
ZenBusiness’ Worry-Free Compliance service sends alerts for important compliance and filing events, supports annual filings and up to two yearly amendments, and provides expert support.
- Website and Email Set-up:
ZenBusiness can set up a business website, secure a domain name, register a domain name, and set up a business email address. These features are included in the Premium package and can be added to Basic and Pro packages for additional fees.
LegalZoom
Legal Zoom
LegalZoom LLC is a trusted and reliable provider of LLC formation and legal services for small business owners. LegalZoom’s LLC formation services are designed to be affordable, efficient, and easy to use. They offer a range of packages that cater to the unique needs of different businesses, including a comprehensive LLC package that includes registered agent services and annual report filing, and online incorporation services.
Legal Zoom Related Pages:
LegalZoom Features
Various Formation Services
- LegalZoom offers LLC formation services as well as options for filing a corporation, nonprofit, or DBA through its online site.
- LegalZoom offers three LLC formation tiers: Economy, Standard, and Express Gold, with prices starting at $79.
- LegalZoom agents will complete your business formation paperwork and file it for you with its Peace of Mind™ review.
- LegalZoom provides step-by-step instructions for how to review your LLC documents and get your business started with its LLC Next Steps Guide.
Name Check and Business Filing
- LegalZoom agents will verify the availability of your business name and complete all necessary paperwork to form your business.
Lifetime Customer Support
- LegalZoom offers lifetime customer support by phone seven days a week and promises to get back to you by email “as soon as possible.”
- LegalZoom also offers an online chat feature for customer support.
LegalZoom Offers Comprehensive Business Services
LegalZoom not only offers business formation services but also provides additional features to help entrepreneurs run their businesses. One of these features is a newsletter that provides professional information to assist with running a successful company.
Additional Services for Established Businesses
For entrepreneurs who have already established their businesses, or those who want to take advantage of LegalZoom’s services to keep their businesses running smoothly, there are a variety of other features available. These include registered agent services, operating agreements, business advisory plans, annual reports, compliance calendars, tax help, minutes manager, business banking and insurance partners, as well as contracts and agreements.
Access to Attorneys and Legal Advice
Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom also offers connection services with attorneys who specialize in various fields and locations. This means that users can seek legal advice not only on business-related matters, but also on unrelated issues such as family law, criminal law, estate planning, and more.
Flexible Pricing Options
LegalZoom’s pricing ranges from flat fees to monthly or annual memberships, depending on the services you require. For more information about their extensive legal services, please refer to their other offerings.
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Pricing Plan
When it comes to the pricing of their formation services, ZenBusiness and LegalZoom both offer three plans to choose from. However, it’s important to note that the plans from these companies do not necessarily offer the same services, and the pricing structure differs between the two businesses.
ZenBusiness offers three annual plans that come with a variety of services included. On the other hand, LegalZoom offers three one-time fee plans. Which pricing setup is better for you depends on your preferences and business needs.
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Basic Level Plan
| Compare Section | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
| ORDER PROCESSING TIME | 2-3 weeks | 30 days |
| REGISTERED AGENT | $199 per year | $159 extra per year |
| OPERATING AGREEMENT | $125 | $99 extra |
| EIN REGISTRATION | $99 extra | $60 extra, must be bundled with Operating Agreement for a total of $159 |
| ANNUAL COMPLIANCE | Included in the first year | 10 days free, $280/year after |
| WEB DOMAIN | Included in Online Tools Bundle (Domain, Privacy, Email, Website) for $149 | No |
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Mid Level Plan
| Compare Section | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
| ORDER PROCESSING TIME | 3-9 business days | 15 days |
| REGISTERED AGENT | $199 per year | $159 extra per year |
| OPERATING AGREEMENT | Yes | $99 extra |
| EIN REGISTRATION | $99 | $60 extra, must be bundled with Operating Agreement for a total of $159 |
| ANNUAL COMPLIANCE | Yes | One month free, $320/year after |
| WEB DOMAIN | Included in Online Tools Bundle (Domain, Privacy, Email, Website) for $149 | No |
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Top Level Plan
| Compare Section | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom |
| ORDER PROCESSING TIME | 2-5 business days | 15 days |
| REGISTERED AGENT | $199 per year | $159 extra per year |
| OPERATING AGREEMENT | Yes | $99 extra |
| EIN REGISTRATION | $99 | $60 extra, must be bundled with Operating Agreement for a total of $159 |
| ANNUAL COMPLIANCE | Yes | One month free, $320/year after |
| WEB DOMAIN | Included in Online Tools Bundle (Domain, Privacy, Email, Website) | No |
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Which business formation service should choose?
Deciding on the best LLC service provider for your business between ZenBusiness and LegalZoom depends on your specific needs and situation. Both companies offer services that can help you form a business, and they have positive reviews from customers. However, there are some differences between the two providers.
For instance, you may prefer ZenBusiness if you want an ongoing suite of services that can assist you in establishing and running your business from year to year. ZenBusiness plans are paid annually and include many of the services you might require for your business, such as annual reports, operating agreements, and free accounting consultation.
Moreover, you have the option to add more services to your plans as needed and at an additional cost. These upsell can include registered agent services or specific services (if your plan doesn’t already include them) such as worry-free compliance or a business website.
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom: Conclusion
When comparing ZenBusiness vs. LegalZoom, there is no clear winner as the two businesses offer different services that cater to different types of businesses and individuals. While both companies offer LLC formation services, you’ll find that they differ in terms of their pricing structure and the specific services they offer.
To determine which service is the best fit for your entrepreneurial goals, it’s important to research both companies and compare their services based on your specific needs. The information outlined above can provide insight into which company might be the better fit for your business.
ZenBusiness vs Legal Zoom (FAQs)
Which is better LegalZoom between ZenBusiness?
Determining the better LLC service provider between LegalZoom and ZenBusiness depends on your business needs. While both companies can assist you in forming and running a business, they differ in the services they offer and their pricing structure.
For instance, ZenBusiness includes a free accounting consultation with each of its annual plans, which can be beneficial if you require accounting support for your business. On the other hand, LegalZoom does not include this service, but it offers both business-related services and personal legal services that may be useful for your business. Additionally, LegalZoom charges for many of its services based on one-time fees rather than an annual basis.
How do I cancel my ZenBusiness account?
If you’ve decided to cancel your ZenBusiness account, you can do so easily by following these steps:
Visit the ZenBusiness website and log in to your account.
Navigate to the “Account” section and click on “Settings.”
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Cancel My Subscription.”
Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Is LegalZoom a good company for LLC formation?
Yes, LegalZoom can be a valuable resource for businesses seeking a professional LLC registration service. Although it may not be the most affordable option available, it provides peace of mind through its money-back guarantee and a broad range of legal services for LLCs.
LegalZoom has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality legal services to businesses of all sizes. It has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with the process of forming an LLC, providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.
How do I Open an LLC on my own?
The procedure to register an LLC can differ from state to state, but it generally involves submitting the appropriate registration documents along with the required fees to the Secretary of State in your locality. For detailed guidance on how to register your LLC, you can access step-by-step instructions.
Is LegalZoom Cheaper Than Common Lawyer?
The cost of legal services depends on the nature and complexity of the required services. In case you need a straightforward consultation to address a specific legal matter, LegalZoom could be a more affordable option as compared to hiring a local attorney.
