ZenBusiness LLC Cost

ZenBusiness' LLC formation service starts at $0 plus state fees. But what other costs could you incur with ZenBusiness? Find out here.

Forming an LLC can be daunting and complex, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Fortunately, ZenBusiness can help set up yours for free.

However, using a free business formation service doesn't mean you won't pay anything.

Read on for a complete list of services you may have to pay for.

ZenBusiness' LLC Formation Packages

Like many service providers, ZenBusiness offers three packages for LLC formation. The basic package is free, while the mid- and highest tiers charge an annual fee.

Here's a comparison of ZenBusiness' LLC formation packages:

All packages also include the following:

• Name availability search
  
• Online document access
  
• Statement of organizer
  
• Phone and email support
  
• Free tax savings consultation
  
• Bank of America offer

Not sure what some of the features above mean? Don't worry. All of those are discussed below.

Starter Package: $0 + State Fees

ZenBusiness offers free LLC formation through its Starter package. You just need to pay the state filing fees.

Here's what you get with this plan:

• Standard Filing: $0 + State Fees^[1]
  ZenBusiness will prepare and file your business formation documents, called Articles of Organization in most states. You just need to provide details like the business name, address, and contact number.

• 100% Accuracy Guarantee: FREE^[1]
  You're entitled to ZenBusiness' guarantee policy. If it makes a mistake on your business documents, it will shoulder all fees and do all the rework.

• Worry-Free Compliance: 1 yr free, then $199/yr^[2]
  ZenBusiness will handle your LLC's annual report requirements. In other states, this is called a biennial report, franchise tax report, or statement of information.

  Additionally, ZenBusiness will file up to two amendments per year. That includes changes in business address and contact details. However, you still need to pay the state fees.

Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

Click Here to Learn More

• Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
• Standard filing speed
• 100% accuracy guaranteed
• Other services are available with additional costs

Pro Package: $199/yr + State Fees

Pro is ZenBusiness' mid-tier package. It includes everything in the Starter package, plus the following:

• Operating Agreement: $99^[4]
  With Pro, you get a customizable operating agreement that you can easily sign, store, and access online through your ZenBusiness account.

  An operating agreement is a legally binding document that lists the rules of your LLC. Most states don't require it, but it's recommended to still have one because it helps solve conflicts.

• Rush Filing: $79^[5]
  ZenBusiness will file your business formation documents in as quickly as 1 to 2 business days, depending on your state. For comparison, the standard filing time for the Starter package is 2 to 3 weeks.

  However, ZenBusiness' rush filing only covers the time it takes to file the documents with the state. After receipt, the state can take up to two more weeks to process your documents.

• Employer ID Number (EIN): $99^[6]
  An EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It's used to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

  EIN registration is already included in the Pro package but costs $99 if you get it separately.

Pro - $199/Year + State Filing Fees

Click Here to Learn More

• Employer ID Number (EIN)
• Operating Agreement
• Faster filing speed
• Other services are available with additional costs

Premium Package: $349/yr + State Fees

Premium is ZenBusiness' highest-tier package. It has everything that the Starter and Pro packages have, plus the following:

• Business Document Templates: $99^[7]
  Access over 25 document templates, including liability waivers, employment agreements, and business contracts.

• Website Builder: $15/mo. or $129/yr^[8]
  Build your official business website using professionally designed templates, advanced SEO, and functional widgets. No coding needed.

  Want to buy this a la carte instead? ZenBusiness offers a discounted price if you pay per year.

• Domain Name with Privacy: $35/yr^[9]
  Even if you're not planning to create a business website yet, ZenBusiness can still reserve your domain name. This ensures no one can use your LLC name as their website address.

  If you're getting them separately, it costs $25/yr for domain name registration and $10/yr for domain name privacy.^[9]

• Business Email Address: $25/yr^[10]
  Get one business email account with 5 GB of free storage. This email could be linked to your domain name since the premium package already includes a domain name subscription.

Premium - $299/Year + State Filing Fees

Click Here to Learn More

• Business Documents
• Domain name and email address
• Business website builder
• Faster filing speed
• Other services are available with additional costs

Need something not included in the existing packages? Get it as a paid add-on instead. Read on for the full list.

ZenBusiness' Compliance & Expansion Services

ZenBusiness' comprehensive services go above and beyond the basic needs of a startup business. So, aside from LLC formation, it offers other services that business owners might find useful.

These aren't included in any package, but are offered a la carte:

• Beneficial Ownership Filling: Starts at $149^[11]
  The Beneficial Ownership Information Report is submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. It contains detailed information about the business' beneficial owners, including their names, birth dates, and addresses.

  Depending on when your business was formed, you could have as little as 30 days to submit this report. ZenBusiness can ensure you file it on time for an additional $149.

  You're considered a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of the business or exercise substantial control. ^[12]

• New York Publication: $200 + State and Publication Fees^[13]
  Some states, like New York, require LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a designated newspaper. For a fee, ZenBusiness will take care of this somewhat complex process for you.

• Annual Report Filing: $100/yr + State Fees^[3]
  ZenBusiness will file your LLC's annual report for a yearly fee. In some states, this is called a biennial report, franchise tax report, or statement of information.

• Amendment Filing: $100 + State Fees^[14]
  ZenBusiness can help update your business information filed with the state. This includes changing your business address and contact details.
  Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Worry-Free Compliance service for $199/yr. It includes annual report and up to two amendment filings per year.

• Registered Agent Service: $199/yr^[15]
  A registered agent is responsible for receiving business and legal documents for your LLC. This includes government notices, tax forms, and annual reporting forms.

  As your registered agent, ZenBusiness' name and address will appear in public records instead of yours. This helps protect your personal information.

  ZenBusiness sometimes offers its registered agent and Worry-Free Compliance services as a bundle. The bundle costs $199 for the first year and renews at $398 per year, so you save 50% on the first year.

• Business License Report: $99^[16]
  Depending on your business purpose, you may need to get permits and licenses at the federal, state, and local levels. Unfortunately, there's no single database that lists everything.

  However, for an extra $99, ZenBusiness will research and give a summarized report of the licenses and permits your business needs. You'll also receive the forms to fill out and submit to government offices.

• DBA Registration: $95 + State Fee^[17]
  ZenBusiness can help register a nickname for your business. In some states, a "Doing Business As" name is also called a fictitious name or trade name.

• Business Banking: $5/mo^[18]
  ZenBusiness will open and maintain a digital checking account for your LLC. There's no opening deposit or minimum balance to keep. Plus, same-day fund transfers are free.
  Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card
  If you subscribe to ZenBusiness' business banking service, you could also get a business credit card. Benefits include up to 5% cash back in select business categories.^[19]

• Money Pro with Online Payments: $30/mo^[20]
  When you form an LLC with ZenBusiness, you'll have the option to add Money Pro bookkeeping. This tool lets you manage your income, track expenses for maximum tax deductions, and send custom invoices—all in one place.

• Tax Services: $49 or $99/mo^[21]
  This is a third-party service by 1-800Accountant. Get year-round tax advice, tax preparation, and filing depending on your tax service plan.

• Business Logo: $60^[22]
  Create your business logo using ZenBusiness' logo kit. Get unlimited versions, which you can download and print to use.

• Certificate of Good Standing: $100 + State Fee^[23]
  A Certificate of Good Standing verifies that your business meets all state regulations and can legally conduct business within the state.

  You might need this if you're expanding your business to another state, opening a bank account, or seeking a loan.

What Is ZenBusiness?

ZenBusiness is an online business formation service. It helps entrepreneurs with legal and administrative tasks. Its services include LLC formation, registered agent, and compliance filing.

It's a good option if you want affordable business formation and assistance with some ongoing compliance needs.

How ZenBusiness Works

To form an LLC with ZenBusiness, get started by choosing an LLC formation package—Starter, Pro, or Premium.

Then follow these steps:

1. Provide basic information about your business
   
2. Select recommended add-on services (optional)
   
3. Review and pay for the services
   
4. Create a ZenBusiness account

If you already have an LLC, you can still subscribe to ZenBusiness' services, like its registered agent and Worry-Free Compliance.

However, other a la carte services, like business banking and BOI filing, are only available if you form an LLC with ZenBusiness.

Bottom Line

ZenBusiness' Starter package is best for entrepreneurs looking for free business formation. However, if you want more features, it's better to upgrade to the Pro or Premium packages.

With Pro, ZenBusiness will file your annual reports and provide a customizable operating agreement. Meanwhile, you'll also get a business website, domain, and email address with Premium.

If you want to know more about ZenBusiness' features, services, and how it compares to competitors, read this in-depth review.

References