Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but services like Zen Business make the process simpler and more accessible for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re forming an LLC, corporation, or need help with compliance, ZenBusiness offers affordable, streamlined solutions. what ZenBusiness is, its key services, pricing, pros and cons, and how it compares to competitors in the business formation industry.
When you’re ready to turn your business idea into a legal entity, ZenBusiness can help you do it quickly and affordably. ZenBusiness is a business formation service that takes the hassle out of setting up and maintaining a business entity. The platform specializes in forming LLCs and corporations while offering additional services like compliance monitoring, registered agents, and tax identification numbers.
What is Zen Business?
ZenBusiness is an online business formation service that helps entrepreneurs form LLCs, corporations, and other business entities. Founded in 2015, ZenBusiness has quickly grown into one of the most popular platforms for new business owners looking for affordable, efficient, and professional support. The company’s focus is on simplifying business formation and making ongoing compliance easy, particularly for small business owners.
Zen Business Services
LLC Formation
LLC formation is one of ZenBusiness’s most popular services. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business structure that provides legal protection for your personal assets. ZenBusiness handles all the paperwork, from filing your Articles of Organization with the state to providing you with a registered agent for legal correspondence.
Corporation Formation (C Corp & S Corp)
ZenBusiness also helps with the formation of C Corporations and S Corporations, which are more complex business structures but offer specific tax and growth benefits. They guide you through the process, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
Registered Agent Service
Every business needs a registered agent to receive legal documents and notices. ZenBusiness includes this service for the first year in all their packages. After the first year, you can continue the service for a small annual fee. This ensures your business stays in good standing and that you don’t miss important filings or lawsuits.
Operating Agreement & Bylaws
ZenBusiness offers customizable operating agreements for LLCs and bylaws for corporations. These legal documents outline the ownership structure and operating procedures of your business, which are crucial for ensuring smooth operations and avoiding disputes between owners.
EIN (Employer Identification Number) Application
If you plan to hire employees, open a business bank account, or file taxes under your business name, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). ZenBusiness can apply for an EIN on your behalf, streamlining the process and ensuring everything is set up correctly with the IRS.
Worry-Free Compliance
One of the standout features of ZenBusiness is their Worry-Free Compliance service. This service helps keep your business in good standing by handling annual filings, ensuring you meet state deadlines, and providing two free amendments per year if your business information changes. If you miss a deadline, ZenBusiness will help restore your business to good standing with no additional fees.
How ZenBusiness Works
Step-by-Step Process
Using ZenBusiness is straightforward. Here’s how the process works:
- Choose Your Business Structure: Select whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other entity.
- Enter Business Information: Provide details such as your business name, address, and ownership structure.
- ZenBusiness Files the Paperwork: ZenBusiness submits your paperwork to the state on your behalf. You can track your filing status through their online dashboard.
- Ongoing Support: After formation, ZenBusiness offers compliance monitoring, registered agent services, and other tools to keep your business running smoothly.
Customer Dashboard
One of the great features of ZenBusiness is its easy-to-use customer dashboard. From this dashboard, you can track the progress of your filings, manage compliance requirements, and access important documents like your operating agreement or EIN confirmation.
ZenBusiness Pricing Plans
ZenBusiness offers three pricing tiers to accommodate different business needs and budgets.
Starter Plan
The Starter Plan is ZenBusiness’s most basic offering and costs $0 plus state filing fees. It includes the basics of LLC formation and registered agent service for the first year. However, it does not include services like compliance monitoring or an operating agreement, which can be added for an additional fee.
Pro Plan
The Pro Plan costs $199 plus state fees and includes everything in the Starter Plan, plus faster filing speeds, an operating agreement or bylaws, and their worry-free compliance service. This plan is a great option for those who want more support throughout the year.
Premium Plan
The Premium Plan costs $299 plus state fees and offers everything in the Pro Plan, but with expedited filing, a business domain name, a business website, and business email services. This is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to create a professional online presence for their business right from the start.
ZenBusiness Pros
Affordable Pricing
ZenBusiness offers some of the most competitive pricing in the business formation industry. Their Starter Plan allows new entrepreneurs to get started with just the state filing fee, and their Pro and Premium plans offer added value at reasonable prices.
Excellent Customer Service
ZenBusiness is known for its top-notch customer service. They offer live chat, email support, and phone assistance to guide you through every step of the process. Their helpful team is one of the reasons why ZenBusiness has such high customer satisfaction ratings.
Worry-Free Compliance Guarantee
ZenBusiness’s worry-free compliance guarantee is a significant benefit. It ensures that you never miss important deadlines for filings, and if you do, they will help reinstate your business without additional fees.
ZenBusiness Cons
Additional Fees for Some Services
While ZenBusiness has affordable base prices, many additional services such as operating agreements, EINs, and faster filing speeds cost extra. This can make the total price higher than expected if you need more than just the basic services.
Limited Customization Options
ZenBusiness offers standardized documents like operating agreements and bylaws. While these are sufficient for most small businesses, those needing more customization may need to consult a lawyer or opt for a more tailored service.
ZenBusiness vs Competitors
ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom
While both companies offer business formation services, ZenBusiness is generally more affordable, especially for LLC formation. LegalZoom offers a broader range of legal services beyond business formation but is more expensive for basic entity formation.
ZenBusiness vs Incfile
Incfile is a strong competitor because it offers free LLC formation services (you only pay the state fees). However, ZenBusiness offers more comprehensive compliance services, which is beneficial for long-term business operations.
ZenBusiness vs Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is known for its premium customer service, but it’s more expensive than ZenBusiness. ZenBusiness is a better option if you’re looking for affordability and a straightforward business formation process.
Is ZenBusiness Right for Your Business?
If you’re looking for an affordable, user-friendly service that makes business formation and compliance easy, ZenBusiness is an excellent choice. Their packages offer flexibility for businesses of all sizes, and their commitment to customer service and compliance support sets them apart from many competitors. For first-time entrepreneurs or small business owners looking for a cost-effective solution, ZenBusiness is a top option.
FAQs
How long does it take to form an LLC with Zen Business ?
The time it takes to form an LLC depends on the state’s processing times and the ZenBusiness plan you choose. Expedited filings are available with the Pro and Premium plans.
What is included in ZenBusiness’s compliance service?
ZenBusiness’s Worry-Free Compliance service includes annual report filings, state deadline tracking, and two free amendments per year if you need to change your business information.
Does Zen Business offer refunds?
Zen Business offers refunds for services not yet completed. However, once the filing process has begun, refund requests may not be granted.
Can I upgrade my plan later?
Yes, you can upgrade your ZenBusiness plan at any time by contacting their customer support team.
Is Zen Business a good option for small businesses?
Yes, Zen Business is an excellent choice for small businesses due to its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive compliance services.
