ZenBusiness vs BizFilings: Which One to Choose (Comparison 2025)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings: When you attempt to start an LLC or any sort of business in the United States, you must do it flawlessly to avoid discrepancies. A business formation service like ZenBusiness or BizFilings makes it easier for you as they have plenty of professional services that help you establish your business smoothly, irrespective of the state you’re in.

This page will explain a comparative guide between ZenBusiness and BizFilings. LLCBuddy editors, with their best possible knowledge, have come up with this comparison to ease your decision on which service to buy. Let’s dig up more on ZenBusiness vs BizFilings guide for the aspiring entrepreneurs around us!

ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings: Quick Review

ServicesZenBusinessBizFilings
LLC FormationAvailableAvailable
Starting Price$0 + State filing fee$99 + State filing fee
Registered Agent ServiceAvailable at $99 per yearAvailable at Included
Legal AdviceNot AvailableNot Available
EIN Available at $99Available at $79
Operating Agreement$125$39
Annual Report$100 + state filing fee$99 + state filing fee
Attorney ServiceNot availableNot available
WebsiteZenBusinessBizFilings
ReviewZenBusiness Review

ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings: Our Take

ZenBusiness is one of the best LLC formation services available today. Their vast packages and diverse services can easily attract businesses. Like ZenBusiness, many other businesses offer LLC formation at $0, however, the company offers quick turnaround time (within 1 business day processing for Pro and Premium members) that no other close competitors offer. Besides, ZenBusiness is known for its 100% accuracy which makes it even more popular among aspiring entrepreneurs.

However, on the other side, when we consider BizFilings, it does not offer elaborate legal services. However, it offers formation services and other business tools to establish and manage businesses. BizFilings does not offer free LLC formation. Hence, for a small budget company, ZenBusiness can be an option.. Now, it is up to your requirements, which one you choose.

We prefer LLC formation packages over subscriptions or memberships. We would also prefer to go with customized packages where you can pick services and make your own package. You must have your own preferences, budget, and requirements. You can explore the best LLC services to get an overall comparison among the top-rated companies in the market.

We prefer LLC formation packages over subscriptions or memberships. We would also prefer to go with customized packages where you can pick services and make your own package. Our main aim is to share insights into the features and prices that both these services offer. We researched the details of ZenBusiness and BizFilings to bring the comparison study for you.

ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings: Price and Packaging

This is the most crucial part you should consider before making a choice between ZenBusiness or BizFilings. Your requirements, your budget, the services they offer, and the price they charge should all be aligned so that you can make a smooth choice. However, the world isn’t that easy. You lose some, you gain some. If you’re looking only for the registered agent service and not the formation, you can explore the best Registered Agent services available. So, here we are with a comparative price and package study for ZenBusiness vs BizFilings.

ZenBusiness Price & Package

  • LLC formation Package starts from $0 and go up till $299 + state filing fees.
  • Add-on services are available that can be purchased without the entire package.,
  • Registered agent is available at $99 a year.,
  • Business name reservation at $50.,
  • Worry-free compliance at $199 a year.,
  • Business document templates library is available at $99 (one-time cost).,
  • New York publication service is available at $200 (one-time cost).,
  • Business license report is available at $99 (one-time cost).,
  • Annual report filing is at $100.,
  • LLC formation document amendment can be done at $100.,
  • Certificate of Good Standing filing costs $100.

Add-ons by ZenBusiness

  • 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

BizFilings Price & Package

  • LLC Kit & Seal: starting from $99 + state filing fee,
  • Operating Agreement: $39, EIN: $79 (One-time),
  • Payroll Tax Registration: $199 a year,
  • Business License Research Package: $99,
  • Compliance DVD: $39,
  • Annual Report Filing: $99 + State filing fee,
  • Expedited Process: $60,
  • Overnight Shipping: $20, 24-hour rush filing: $199

Add-ons By BizFilings

  • Payroll Tax Registration: $199,
  • Business License Research package: $99,
  • Palo Alto’s Live Plan: $99,
  • ADP Payroll Service for Businesses with Employees:
  • Price on Request, Other Add-ons: EIN; Operating Agreement; Annual/Biennial Reports; Business Compliance; Rush Filing;
Starter/Basic Package: Comparison
ServicesZenBusinessBizFilings
LLC formation$0 + State filing fee$99 + State filing fee
Processing time7 to 10 working daysRush filing available at additional cost
Business Name SearchUnlimitedUnlimited
EINAvailable at $99Available at $79
Operating Agreement$125$39
Business Compliance$199 a year$39 a year
Web domain & web hostingAvailable at $129/yearNot available
Pro/Mid-Level Package: 
ServicesZenBusinessBizFilings
LLC formation$199 + State Filing Fees$299 + state filing fee
Processing Time1 business dayRush filing available at additional cost
Business Name SearchUnlimitedUnlimited
EINIncludedIncluded
Operating AgreementIncludedIncluded
Business ComplianceFree for a year ($199/year after)$39
Web domain & web hosting$129/yearNot Available
Domain Name Registration$25/yearNot Available
Business Email$25/yearNot Available
Premium/Top Level Package:
ServicesZenBusinessBizFilings
LLC Formation$299 + State Filing Fees$458 + state filing fee
Processing Time1 business dayRush filing available at additional cost
Business Name SearchUnlimitedUnlimited
EINIncludedIncluded
Operating AgreementIncludedIncluded
Business ComplianceFree for a year ($199/year after)$39
Web domain & web hostingIncludedNot Available

ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings: How They Are Different or Similar

ZenBusiness and BizFilings offer similar yet different services. Both companies have many things in common, while some things are different. Let’s look at the similarities and differences between BizFilings and ZenBusiness. 

Business Formation

business

ZenBusiness offers business formation services, such as LLC formation, filing formation documents with SOS, registered agent services, operating agreement, EIN, worry-free annual compliance, business domain and creating websites, and many more. The processing time in ZenBusiness is incredibly fast compare to the other service.

BizFilings offer 3 packages, Basic, Standard, and Complete Package. All the packages include unlimited name search, registered agent in 51 states, business name verification, and 24×7 business monitoring tool. Besides, BizFilings offer other formation-related services like annual report, EIN, operating agreement, compliance packages, etc.

Legal Support & Attorney Services

corporate law and order

ZenBusiness does not provide attorney consultation of direct legal services. It does provide legal documentation and templates for compliances and such. However, if you’re looking for legal help then ZenBusiness might not be an ideal choice for you.

BizFilings does not offer any legal support. It only offers business formation and related services.

Overall Cost

cost

ZenBusiness offers LLC formation service at $0 + state filing fee. Other services, such as registered agent service are available at $99 a year. On the contrary, obtaining EIN is a bit pricey. ZenBusiness offers EIN at $99. Besides, ZenBusiness offers annual compliance free for a year with the basic package. Hence, in terms of overall cost, ZenBusiness is cheaper compared to any other service. But, EIN and Operating Agreement costs are higher than many other companies.

BizFilings does not offer free LLC formation, hence, the basic cost of LLC formation is definitely more than ZenBusiness. On the other hand, the register agent costs nothing in BizFilings, unlike ZenBusiness. Overall, BizFilings offer much lesser services compared to ZenBusiness at a low rate. However, BiFilings offer all the main LLC formation services at reasonable prices.

Customer Support

ZenBusiness has three main ways for customers to reach them. These three ways are Live Chats, Phone Call, and Email. You can reach out to them during working hours through live chat and phone call. You can also drop a mail anytime via their official email ID. The easiest way to reach out to them is through their live chat during business hours.

Users can contact BizFilings support team in 4 ways. They can directly call on their number (800-981-7183) during working hours, they can email ([email protected]) the team, Chat with them through the official website, and finally, users can check their FAQ section to know the process of filing.

BizFilings Additional Services

There are some services that ZenBusiness might not have expertise in while BizFilings does have dominance over them. Here’s a list of some ‘exclusive’ services that BizFilings offers!

Palo Alto’s Live Plan is a step-by-step guide to prepare a business plan. BizFilings provides this service at $99.

ADP Payroll Service for Businesses with Employees is a payroll solution for businesses that are expanding. It is available with BizFilings. You must request quote to know the price.

ZenBusiness vs. BizFilings: Pros & Cons

As we are talking about forming an LLC or any business, both services, ZenBusiness and BizFilings can be your choice. However, establishing a business is not only about filing the papers; a whole lot of work is involved. Hence, let’s get into the Pros and Cons of each service before you jump to any conclusion.

ZenBusiness: Pros & Cons:

Pros of ZenBusiness👍Cons of ZenBusiness👎
Cost-effective: ZenBusiness offers affordable pricing plans for business formation services, making it accessible for small business owners or entrepreneurs on a budget.Limited customization: While ZenBusiness offers a streamlined process, it may lack in terms of flexibility and customization options. Some entrepreneurs might prefer more personalized solutions tailored to their specific business needs.
Streamlined process: The platform provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the business formation process. It guides users through necessary steps and ensures all required documents are filed correctly and promptly.Upsells and add-on costs: While ZenBusiness offers affordable pricing for its basic services, they have several additional features at an extra cost. Customers need to be mindful of these add-ons and consider their necessity before purchasing.
Additional features: ZenBusiness offers a range of features, such as registered agent services, annual report filings, and ongoing compliance reminders. These services help businesses stay organized and in compliance with legal requirements.Customer support: Some users have reported inconsistent or slow customer support responses. This lack of prompt assistance may cause frustration, especially when urgent matters need to be addressed.

BizFilings: Pros & Cons:

Pros of BizFilings👍Cons of BizFilings👎
BizFilings has been offering LLC formation services since 1996 and has helped form over 500,000 businesses, so they have a wealth of experience and knowledge in this area.BizFilings’ LLC formation service can be more expensive compared to other options available.
24×7 Business monitoring tool is available with all the LLC formation packages.If you are looking to form an LLC as a non-US resident or have complex international business structures, BizFilings’ services do not have much options. It may not be as well-suited to your needs
While their base price may seem attractive, be aware that there may be additional fees for certain services or add-ons that are not included in the initial package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key pricing differences when considering BizFilings vs ZenBusiness?
Both BizFilings and ZenBusiness offer competitive pricing models, but they differ in their fee structures. BizFilings typically charges a higher base fee with additional costs for expedited processing and state-specific filings, whereas ZenBusiness offers bundled packages with transparent monthly subscription options. This makes ZenBusiness appealing for startups looking for cost certainty and BizFilings ideal for users who prefer pay-as-you-go services.
How do the service offerings of BizFilings vs ZenBusiness compare for small business formations?
BizFilings is known for its extensive range of legal document preparation and state compliance services, which are beneficial for new business owners needing comprehensive formation support. In contrast, ZenBusiness focuses on ease of use with streamlined online processes and additional services geared towards small businesses, making it a more user-friendly option for entrepreneurs looking for a guided, digital approach.
What are the differences in customer support between BizFilings vs ZenBusiness?
BizFilings offers personalized support through phone and email, ensuring customers receive expert guidance on complex legal requirements. ZenBusiness, on the other hand, emphasizes a digital-first approach with robust online support, live chat, and extensive self-help resources. This means that while BizFilings may cater better to those who prefer in-depth one-on-one consultations, ZenBusiness is optimal for tech-savvy clients who value quick digital responses.
Can you compare the turnaround times for service completion with BizFilings vs ZenBusiness?
Turnaround times vary between these two providers. ZenBusiness is known for its fast, automated processing system, often completing business formations within a few business days. BizFilings may have longer processing times, primarily due to its thorough review procedures and manual interventions. Entrepreneurs needing rapid results might lean toward ZenBusiness, whereas those requiring detailed compliance checks might favor BizFilings.
Which service, BizFilings vs ZenBusiness, is more suitable for startups on a limited budget?
ZenBusiness typically provides cost-effective bundled packages that include essential formation services, making it especially attractive for startups with tight budgets. BizFilings, though comprehensive, often has a higher upfront cost due to additional consultations and legal checks. Therefore, startups seeking affordable solutions with essential features might find ZenBusiness to be the better choice.
How do BizFilings vs ZenBusiness handle ongoing compliance and business maintenance?
BizFilings offers dedicated compliance packages that include reminders for annual reports, business licenses, and tax filings, ensuring businesses remain legally compliant over time. ZenBusiness also provides ongoing compliance services as part of its subscription model, but with an emphasis on automated reminders and digital alerts. The choice depends on whether a business prefers full-service compliance management (BizFilings) or a streamlined digital solution (ZenBusiness).
What differences exist in the online platforms of BizFilings vs ZenBusiness?
ZenBusiness is celebrated for its intuitive and modern online interface that simplifies the entire business formation process, appealing particularly to digital-native entrepreneurs. BizFilings, while functional, is sometimes seen as more traditional and complex, which can be beneficial for clients needing a deeper, more hands-on approach to legal documentation. This makes ZenBusiness the preferred option for those valuing speed and simplicity, while BizFilings caters to users looking for detailed guidance.
How do additional features and tools compare between BizFilings vs ZenBusiness for long-term business growth?
ZenBusiness offers various digital tools aimed at long-term success, including website creation assistance, business banking recommendations, and ongoing legal compliance features. BizFilings provides more specialized legal tools and a network of professional advisors that can help businesses navigate regulatory challenges. For entrepreneurs focused on rapid growth and digital solutions, ZenBusiness is often more attractive, whereas businesses that require specialized legal oversight may find BizFilings to be the better long-term partner.
What user reviews suggest about the overall experience of BizFilings vs ZenBusiness?
User reviews indicate that ZenBusiness is highly rated for its affordable pricing, ease of use, and efficient online platform, making it a favorite among startups and small businesses. In contrast, BizFilings tends to be favored by users who appreciate thorough legal support and comprehensive compliance services, despite the higher cost. This comparison shows that the decision may come down to whether a business values speed and affordability (ZenBusiness) or detailed, personalized legal support (BizFilings).
When comparing BizFilings vs ZenBusiness, which service better accommodates businesses planning significant growth?
For businesses with plans for significant growth, BizFilings offers robust legal advisory services and personalized support that can scale with the company’s increasing complexity. ZenBusiness, however, excels in providing scalable and cost-effective solutions with its suite of digital tools, making it ideal for rapidly expanding businesses that require agility and streamlined operations. The choice should be based on whether the business anticipates complex legal needs (BizFilings) or prioritizes a scalable, digital-first approach (ZenBusiness).

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Conclusion

ZenBusiness and BizFilings are both popular and top-rated companies that have made a lot of difference in the business world in the past few years. We shared this comparative guide to make your way easier while choosing the right option for yourself.

While doing our research, we have come up with a perspective that brands are not always helpful. You can go for the pricey and most popular company. But it is all about your company’s formation requirements. It is all about what they offer and what you need. Whether their offering is useful for your company or not, no matter how big their company or brand name is. We personally preferred ZenBusiness (LLC formation at $0 + state fees) for its vast services and packages at a very affordable price.

It is worth noting that both companies offer a satisfaction guarantee, so if you are not satisfied with their services, you might get a refund.

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