The IncFile (Bizee) vs ZenBusiness dilemma is one most new entrepreneurs face before settling on a business formation partner. So if you’re torn between the two LLC formation services, you’re in the right place.
Starting a small business involves lots of paperwork, especially for corporations and LLCs, both during formation and after. Having an online incorporation service with the right experts makes it easier.
IncFile (rebranded as Bizee)and ZenBusiness are both great online services, and your choice will depend on what your new business entity needs.
We have compared both tools based on their features, user experience, price, and customer support to help you make a decision. Read on to get the full details.
| Incfile (Bizee) | ZenBusiness |
| Founded in 2004, IncFile (Bizee) has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs start their businesses. At zero costs, this online legal business takes away all the stress of filing lots of paperwork during and after formation, giving you the peace of mind you need to focus on your small business. All you’ll need to pay for are the state filing fees. Plus you’ll get registered agent services for free for a year. | ZenBusiness is known for its inexpensive yet reliable business filing services. It was founded in 2015 in Austin, Texas, to help small business owners get started. At zero fees, you can incorporate your business and only pay state filing fees and an extra $199 annual fee for registered agent services. You can rely on their services even after formation to grow your small business and keep it compliant with their worry-free compliance service. |
| IncFile (Bizee) | ZenBusiness | |
| Overall | ||
| Support | ||
| Features | ||
| User-Friendliness | ||
| Value for Money |
| Pros | Cons |
| Free package and you only pay filing fees | No live support |
| You can conduct unlimited name searches | Customer support team needs to be more |
| Free registered agent services for a year. | |
| Unlimited phone support and email support | |
| Quick service turnaround |
| Pros | Cons |
| Has affordable plans | EIN services are costly |
| You get annual report compliance services on all plans | You pay for registered agent services |
| Expedited LLC formation services on paid packages | |
| Domain name, email address, and customizable website are available in the Premium package | |
| Get customer support beyond regular business hours | |
| Great customer reviews |
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Basic | $0 + state filing fees |
| Standard | $199 + state filing fees |
| Premium | $299 per year + state filing fees |
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Starter Plan | $0 + state filing fees |
| Pro Plan | $199 billed annually + state filing fees |
| Premium Plan | $299 billed annually + state filing fees |
ZenBusiness vs Incfile verdict: IncFile (Bizee) wins this round as it offers free registered agent services to their customers for a year.
| IncFile (Bizee) | ZenBusiness |
| Businesses that want to enjoy free registered agent service for 1 year. | Businesses that want to enjoy free accounting consultations. |
| Small business owners looking to get more value for their money. | Businesses that don’t need that many services during formation. |
| If you want to package all services together. | If you don’t mind paying for some additional services separately from time to time. |
| Category | IncFile (Bizee) | ZenBusiness |
| Free business formation | ☑ | ☑ |
| Free registered agent service | ☑ | ☑ |
| EIN number application | ☑ | ☑ |
| Annual report | ☑ | ☑ |
| Operating agreement template | ☑ | – |
| Business license report | ☑ | ☑ |
| Unlimited phone and email support | ☑ | ☑ |
| Free accounting and tax consultation | ☑ | ☑ |
| Certificate of good standing | ☑ | ☑ |
| Trademark registration | ☑ | ☑ |
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
IncFile (rebranded as Bizee) makes your LLC formation process easier, relieving you of the otherwise tedious paperwork involved. This online LLC formation company will help with application filing, annual report service, registered agent services, and more.
This detailed review discusses the services offered by IncFile (Bizee), their process, and pricing.
Pricing plans are designed to meet the needs of different types of clients. IncFile (Bizee) offers three packages—Basic, Standard, and Premium.
The Basic package is free but you’ll have to pay the state fees, which vary by state. The Standard package costs $199 plus state filing fees, while the Premium package costs $299 plus state filing fees.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
Below is a summary of the services you get on each plan.
| Plan | Features |
| Basic |
|
| Standard (Everything on Basic Plus) |
|
| Premium (Everything on Standard Plus) |
|
Here’s an in-depth review of Incfile’s (Bizee) services and how much they cost.
Forming a limited liability company can be difficult. From sorting out the paperwork to abiding by state regulations, there’s a lot to do. If you’re doing it yourself, you can get overwhelmed, especially if it’s your first time.
Luckily, IncFile’s (Bizee) team of experts helps you through the process. With their basic plan, you get the service for free and all you have to do is pay for the state filing fees. Filing fees vary by state and they range anywhere from $0 to $500.
You won’t need to research your state filing fee, as the IncFile (Bizee) website automatically fills out this information before you get started. Business formation costs $199 with the Standard plan and $299 with the Premium plan.
With Incfile (Bizee), you’ll be able to register your LLC entirely online in a matter of days. The processing time also varies by state and could take up to 3 weeks.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
As a newly formed LLC, your business will need a registered agent to receive legal documents on its behalf. Their role will be to receive legal and tax documents, send important notices, and forward important business documents to you.
Unlike ZenBusiness, IncFile (Bizee) offers free registered agent services for a year with all their plans, including the free plan. This reduces your initial business expenses.
As your registered agent service, IncFile (Bizee) will preserve your privacy and respond on your behalf in the case of any non-compliance notice, lawsuits, fines, etc.
This reduces your paperwork workload, letting you focus on your business without any worry.
While you can act as your own registered agent, it’s easier to have the experts do it for you. This is especially true if you don’t have a permanent local address or if you keep moving and may not be at your registered address when you receive notices.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
During your LLC formation process, you’ll need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or Tax ID. This is the number that the IRS uses to track your LLC business entity for tax purposes.
This acts as your business’s social security number and is required if your company plans on hiring employees. Sometimes, your business will be required to have an EIN to open a bank account.
IncFile (Bizee)provides this service in their Standard and Premium paid packages. However, users of the Basic plan can get this service for $70.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
After registration, you’ll be required to submit annual compliance reports to your Secretary of State every year. These are mostly meant to help your state monitor the businesses operating legally in their locality.
Each state has different rules for filing these reports. IncFile (Bizee)helps you track these filing events, ensuring you keep up with the deadlines and remain compliant.
This way, you won’t have to worry about remembering these dates and you’ll avoid penalties.
Most states charge penalties of as much as $100. Sometimes failing to file annual reports can lead to your business losing its good standing and eventually getting dissolved. While it may seem like a simple process, failing to stay compliant can have serious consequences.
It, therefore, makes sense to let experts like IncFile (Bizee) take this role off your plate. You’ll only pay $99 for this service.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
Besides the standard requirements for LLC formation, your business may also need licenses and permits to operate. These could be federal, local, or state requirements, depending on the industry you operate in or your business type.
IncFile’s (Bizee) Business License Search helps you understand which licenses and permits you need for your business.
This helps you keep up with state, federal, and local regulations. Once you’ve received the relevant information, however, you’ll still need to file for these licenses and permits on your own.
The search only helps you find relevant information so you’re not missing anything in your formation process.
The Business License Search flat fee is $99.
This service is included in IncFile’s (Bizee) Standard and Premium plans.
Every LLC needs an Operating Agreement especially those with more than one member. While it may not be a legally required document in every state, it’s a crucial document for every LLC.
An LLC Operating Agreement is a document that spells out each member’s responsibilities and rights and states how the LLC will be run.
It contains items like:
The document can help you protect the limited liability status of your LLC and help you prepare for any unexpected events in the future.
This service costs $99. You’ll need business amendment services if your business wants to:
IncFile (Bizee) helps you file an amendment to your Articles of Organization with your Secretary of State to make these changes. You’ll enter the information you want to be changed, and IncFile (Bizee) will send the documentation to the relevant authority.
Name change amendments take time and you may be required to wait up to several weeks before getting a response from your state.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
You’ll need to file for a fictitious name, commonly known as a DBA, if you want to do business under a different name than your legal business name.
LLCs apply for a DBA name for various reasons, such as:
For $99, IncFile (Bizee) takes care of your DBA application paperwork and files it with the relevant authority, making your work much easier.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
This is a certificate issued by your state stating that you’re compliant with all requirements, updated with all filings, and have paid all fees.
Your business may need this certificate if you’re planning on expanding your operations to other states. You’ll also need this document before you can dissolve your LLC.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
IncFile (Bizee) charges $49 to file for a Certificate of Good Standing on your behalf.
IncFile (Bizee) charges a one-time fee ($199 plus federal fees) to help you with a single trademark registration.
Trademarks are a company’s intellectual property that gives them a competitive advantage in the market. You can trademark logos, taglines, designs, words, etc.
The process can be tedious and letting a specialist do it for you is a good decision.
IncFile (Bizee) will take care of your trademark registration within 3–7 business days, and then you can wait for a few months for federal approval.
If you’re dissolving an LLC, you’ll need to file for a Certificate of Dissolution with your Secretary of State. This lets you declare that your business will no longer be in operation.
You’ll also need to notify the IRS that you’re dissolving your business.
IncFile (Bizee) offers to conduct this process on your behalf for a $149 flat fee, letting you know about the necessary requirements and taking care of the paperwork.
Image via IncFile (Bizee)
Image via ZenBusiness
Besides business formation, ZenBusiness offers many other services to entrepreneurs to ensure the growth and smooth running of their businesses.
Here’s a comprehensive review of this platform, its pricing, and features.
ZenBusiness is known for its affordability and ease of use. It offers three pricing plans for business entity formation.
The starter package is free (plus state fees) and includes basic LLC filing. All you have to do is fill out an online form and ZenBusiness will take care of it from there.
Unlike IncFile (Bizee), ZenBusiness does not offer free registered agent services along with its plans. You’d have to pay an annual fee of $199 for this service.
The Pro plan costs $199, while the Premium plan costs $349 per year, plus state fees.
Image via ZenBusiness
Both paid plans come with useful extra features, as stated below.
| Plan | Top Features |
| Starter |
|
| Pro (Everything on Starter plus) |
|
| Premium (Everything on Pro plus) |
|
Below is a deep dive into each of ZenBusiness’s services including the prices of each service not included in the plans.
This is ZenBusiness’s primary service and is included in all packages for free. It includes a free name search to make sure your new business name isn’t already in use.
ZenBusiness has a team of experts that will prepare your Articles of Organization, and forward your application to your state’s Secretary of State. They’ll then track your application and update the approval status on your dashboard.
You’ll need to pay the state filing fees though. These vary heavily by state and range anywhere from $0 to $500.
This makes your work much easier as you won’t have to struggle to apply on your state website. The time within which you get your response varies. However, the ZenBusiness paid plans offer expedited business formation services.
Image via ZenBusiness
Unlike IncFile (Bizee) which offers this service for free for a year, ZenBusiness offers it as a separate paid service.
For $199 per year, ZenBusiness will handle all your correspondence with your state, the IRS, and other authorities. They’ll handle all your legal documents, and ensure your notices are received and responded to and that they remain confidential.
This way your business will always remain compliant and your documents will be kept safe.
Image via ZenBusiness
You’ll need to file a compliance report with your state every year as a requirement. For most small business owners, this is an easy thing to forget.
Failure to keep up with your filings often has consequences, including penalties, losing your good standing, and, in the worst-case scenario, dissolution.
ZenBusiness’s worry-free compliance service audits your documents to find out what you need and files all the necessary annual reports for you. They’ll also keep you posted when it’s time to file any documents and tell you about any other notice from the state.
Worry-free compliance costs $199 every year.
Image via ZenBusiness
The IRS assigns a tax ID number or EIN to every business to help them track its financial operations.
You can let the ZenBusiness expert team help you get your EIN for your LLC for a one-time fee of $99.
Having a tax ID also helps you seamlessly:
Image via ZenBusiness
Included in the Pro and Premium plans, this is an essential service for LLCs. It’s a document that determines your LLC’s rules of operation.
ZenBusiness provides you with an operating agreement template you can customize to fit your specific business.
If you opt for the free Starter plan, a customizable Operating Agreement will cost you $125.
Image via ZenBusiness
You can pay more to have your business formation application pushed to the front of the line. Expedited and rush filing options are provided in the higher-tiered plans.
Regular applications take up to 3 weeks to process, expedited ones take up to 10 days, and rush filings take less than a week. Expedited filing is useful if you need your business formation done faster for an upcoming launch date, etc.
If you choose the Starter package, you can get expedited filing for a one-time fee of $79.
Image via ZenBusiness
Businesses need an online presence, whether it’s for ecommerce, providing information, or for further contact.
ZenBusiness can help you create a website for your business, get a domain name, and get a professional email address. A professional website and email address make your new business entity appear more credible.
Here are the costs of each service:
Image via ZenBusiness
Just like IncFile (Bizee), ZenBusiness also offers license research for your business. This helps you find out which permits and licenses you need to comply with your city, state, or federal government.
You’ll get a comprehensive list of every other license or certificate application you should make besides the basics.
This service costs $99.
Image via ZenBusiness
Other services that ZenBusiness offers include:
| IncFile (Bizee) | ZenBusiness |
| “The process to get my LLC was extremely easy. I had a few questions prior to starting the process and I contacted customer service. All my questions were answered, and I was able to get everything I needed done quickly. I will recommend Incfile.com to others.” – Cynthia Adams | “I appreciate the speed in which I was able to set up my LLC. It was easier than when I first formed a company more than 25 years ago. I most appreciated the “one-stop” shopping for my EIN, my registered agent, email, and web domain. Can’t wait to see how setting up my van account and other fiduciary services unfold! Thank you ZBiz!!!” – Larry M |
| “We did the basic package and it was so affordable. FREE registered agent for 1 year. very easy to fill out and easy to ask questions / actually get responses. highly recommend.” – William & Angel Baird | “Easy to sign up for and manage all my business needs. The customer service chat portal is THE BEST. People are so nice, knowledgeable, and quick to help with all my questions and concerns.’ – Heather Shapiro |
1. Is IncFile (Bizee really free?
A. Yes, the Basic plan offered by IncFile (Bizee) is free. You’ll get free unlimited name searches and free registered agent services for a year.
You’ll just need to pay the state filing fee. The package, however, lacks other fundamental services you may need.
2. How much does it cost to form an LLC with Incfile (Bizee)?
A. IncFile (Bizee) provides three LLC formation packages and the basic one is free, but you’ll pay state filing fees. The other two packages, Standard and Premium, cost $199 and $299, respectively.
3. How long does it take to form an LLC with Incfile (Bizee)?
A. It takes Incfile (Bizee) one business day to file your paperwork with your state. However, from there, it depends on how long your state takes to process your application. Some take days while others take weeks.
4. How much does ZenBusiness cost for an LLC?
A. ZenBusiness has a Starter package that’s free. This only includes basic LLC filing. The Pro package costs $199, while the Premium package costs $349. These paid packages offer all the business formation services that you’ll need.
5. Which LLC package is the best for ZenBusiness?
A. The ZenBusiness Pro plan is the most popular, as it offers most of the services you’ll need for your LLC formation at a fair price. It includes features like expedited filing, worry-free compliance, and a custom operating agreement, making it a comprehensive option for many small business owners.
6. What is the difference between IncFile (Bizee) and ZenBusiness?
A. Both companies offer similar core LLC services. But the main differences between IncFile (Bizee) vs ZenBusiness lie in their pricing structures and additional services
IncFile (Bizee) offers free RA service for the first year with all packages, including their free plan. ZenBusiness, on the other hand, charges separately for registered agent service but includes worry-free compliance in their higher-tiered plans.
7. Do IncFile (Bizee) and ZenBusiness offer ongoing support after LLC formation?
A. Yes, both IncFile (Bizee) and ZenBusiness provide ongoing customer support for your business entity after formation. They offer services such as annual report filing, registered agent services, and compliance assistance.
ZenBusiness includes their worry-free compliance service in their Pro and Premium plans, while IncFile (Bizee) offers similar services à la carte.
8. Do IncFile (Bizee) and ZenBusiness offer refunds if I’m not satisfied with their services?
A. Both business formation companies have refund policies, but they differ slightly. IncFile (Bizee) offers a refund if requested within 24 hours of placing your order, minus a $30 cancellation fee. ZenBusiness, on the other hand, has a 60-day money-back guarantee for its formation services.
However, it’s important to note that state filing fees are typically non-refundable for both services. Always check their most current refund policies before making a purchase.
IncFile (Bizee) vs ZenBusiness: which one is the best for LLC formation?
Both companies offer great business formation services as well as follow-up solutions to help your business run smoothly. Both have a free service offering and both paid plans have the same costs.
Each of these two platforms, however, has its own distinct perks. IncFile (Bizee), for instance, offers free registered agent services for a year on all their plans.
The bottom line is that while both tools have the same cost, you can get more value for your money with ZenBusiness’s paid packages. However, IncFile’s (Bizee) free plan offers more for companies that need just the LLC formation service.
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