Learn how ZenBusiness helps entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow businesses with LLC formation, registered agent services, compliance support, and more.
ZenBusiness is an online business services firm that offers its customers help in starting, managing, and growing their business. The firm offers services in various stages of the business lifecycle, ranging from forming a limited liability company (LLC) or incorporation up to compliance and business finance management.
In 2015, ZenBusiness was co-founded by Ross Buhrdorf and Shanaz Hemmati. This firm is founded on the concept of bringing business ownership to all through integration of technology, customer service, and education.
As opposed to the need for an entrepreneur to source separate firms for each aspect of administration, ZenBusiness provides numerous services through one platform.
For instance, the entrepreneur can use ZenBusiness to:
- Perform searches on business name availability
- Incorporate the business (LLC or corporation)
- File business incorporation forms
- Apply for an EIN
- Draft an operating agreement
- Arrange for registered agent services
- Handle annual compliance tasks
- Get access to business document templates
- Construct a business website
- Get a domain name registration
- Perform some financial tasks
- Get business assistance
According to ZenBusiness, their service helps in forming businesses across all 50 U.S. states.
How Does ZenBusiness Work?
The ZenBusiness website makes certain business administration tasks easier using an online dashboard. First, the basic process begins with an entrepreneur choosing the type of business they want to form and the state in which they would like to form their business. ZenBusiness can then assist with the preparation and filing of necessary formation documents to the state.
With respect to an LLC, according to ZenBusiness, the customers have the freedom to select a business formation plan, enter the name of the business, select the state where the business is located, fill out all the information, and then ZenBusiness will draft and file the Articles of Organization.
Once the process of forming your business is completed, you can then consider using the various services offered by ZenBusiness for any future administrative purposes that may arise.
A Simple ZenBusiness Process
- Determine the type of business structure. Determine if your business will benefit from being an LLC or a corporation.
- Determine which state your business will be based on State-specific formation requirements and government fees differ.
- Choose a plan offered by ZenBusiness. Pick a service based on your real needs.
- Provide details about your business. Include your preferred business name and owner information.
- Submit the formation order. ZenBusiness will prepare and submit the necessary paperwork.
- Receive documents related to your business. After processing, access documents through your online account.
- Maintain ongoing requirements. Based on the selected services, ZenBusiness can help with various aspects of your business.
This way, you can minimize the burden of handling administrative tasks yourself.
What Services Does ZenBusiness Offer?
There are various services that ZenBusiness offers to assist entrepreneurs at different stages of doing business.
Business Formation
The first reason that entrepreneurs think about using ZenBusiness is because of business formation. This platform could assist individuals in forming some kinds of business structures, such as LLCs. Requirements for business formation vary according to state, and business owners should study their states’ requirements before filing.
Registered Agent Services
A registered agent gets some types of documentation and notices on behalf of the business. The registered agent service could be useful for business owners who require a service to take care of certain official documentation.
Compliance Support
Businesses might have continuous state requirements after being formed. These compliance services could assist entrepreneurs in tracking certain filings and deadlines. However, business owners are still responsible for knowing their legal and tax requirements.
Business Administration Tools
Depending on the services provided by ZenBusiness, it is possible that there might be some tools or assistance available to assist entrepreneurs in managing the administrative needs of their businesses.
Who Can Use ZenBusiness?
There are many types of entrepreneurs to whom ZenBusiness can be helpful:
- First-time business owner
- Small business entrepreneur
- Freelancer becoming a business owner
- Online business owner
- Consultants/Independent professional
- Entrepreneurs setting up an LLC
- Entrepreneurs wanting help in managing administrative needs
For those preferring to complete formation procedures through an online process, ZenBusiness will be very useful.
What Are the Benefits of ZenBusiness?
The biggest benefit of using an online platform for the establishment of businesses is convenience.
Simple Online Process
An online platform can help make the process of business formation simple and understandable, as all information is organized in a process.
Time Savings
Business owners may save some time by having help with filling out documents and dealing with administrative work.
Centralised Business Services
It might be more convenient to have all of the business-related services available in one place.
Helpful for New Entrepreneurs
Some people may find it easier to use an online service than to study all the requirements themselves.
How Much Does ZenBusiness Cost?
Pricing for ZenBusiness depends on the type of formation package and extra services provided. The cost of state filings is not included in ZenBusiness’s fees. According to the published prices for its formation packages, ZenBusiness currently has three primary formation packages:
| Plan | Current Starting Price | General Positioning |
| Starter | $0 + state fees | Basic business formation |
| Pro | $199/year + state fees | Formation plus additional tools |
| Premium | $399/year + state fees | Formation plus advanced services |
The Starter package starts from $0 with state fees. The Pro package is priced at $199 annually with state fees, and the Premium package is priced at $399 annually with state fees. There is much variation in the state fees.
Is ZenBusiness a Good Choice for New Entrepreneurs?
ZenBusiness can be considered an appropriate choice for entrepreneurs who desire to ease the process of formation and management of businesses. The main benefit is its convenience. An entrepreneur will no longer have to handle all kinds of services through different firms but rather through one firm.
ZenBusiness could prove to be particularly beneficial for:
- First-time entrepreneurs
- Freelancers setting up an LLC
- Owners of small business
- Owners of online business
- Owners of home business
- Entrepreneurs seeking administrative help
- Owners seeking online business management tools
However, ZenBusiness may not be the most optimal choice for all kinds of businesses. A business owner who has a complex ownership structure, high legal liability, unique tax questions, or complicated agreements will definitely need to talk to an attorney, accountant, or tax advisor.
FAQs
Is ZenBusiness an LLC?
No. ZenBusiness is a business services company and an online platform. The company helps its customers create LLCs and corporations; however, it cannot be considered an LLC that is created by the customer.
Does ZenBusiness form LLCs?
Yes. ZenBusiness has services that will help you set up your LLC. ZenBusiness will help prepare and submit the formation papers to the state.
Can ZenBusiness help after I form my business?
Yes. ZenBusiness has services intended for the management of the business, such as compliance, registered agent service, financial solutions, website solutions, business paperwork, and more.
Do I still need an accountant or lawyer if I use ZenBusiness?
You can. ZenBusiness assists in administrative tasks and formation of the business, but it does not remove the necessity of consulting professional legal and tax advice when needed.
Conclusion
The ZenBusiness platform gives entrepreneurs an easy-to-use online solution to assist in launching, running, and growing a company. From business formation to compliance and business tools services, it makes many administrative procedures easier. Despite the benefits it brings, entrepreneurs should take into account such aspects as price, state requirements, and consultation with legal or tax experts, if necessary.