ZenBusiness is an online service for preparing and filing LLC formation documents, with plans that begin at $0 plus your state fee. It can be a practical fit when you want a guided filing and dashboard; you can also file directly with your state instead of paying a formation-service fee, although state filing fees still apply, and eligible applicants can obtain an EIN free from the IRS.
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| What you are deciding | What ZenBusiness says |
|---|---|
| LLC formation | It says formation starts at $0 plus state fees and includes Velo AI guidance. |
| Documents and account | It says the dashboard holds orders, business documents, and entity information. |
| Attorney access | NerdWallet notes it does not offer legal advice or attorney access. |
| Product Page | Product Page |
Is ZenBusiness good for starting an LLC?
ZenBusiness is built for the administrative side of getting an LLC filed: gathering your details, preparing formation paperwork, sending it for filing, and giving you a place to track documents and future tasks. ZenBusiness says its Starter package includes preparation and filing of formation documents, a dashboard, lifetime support, Velo guidance, and a first-year Worry-Free Compliance offer.
Check the filing office for the state where you plan to form. For example, the Delaware Division of Corporations says a Delaware registered agent needs a Delaware street address and office open during normal business hours to accept service of process. That is why your state choice and registered-agent choice belong on your checklist before checkout.
NerdWallet says legal counsel is not part of ZenBusiness’s offerings, so its formation plans are document preparation and filing support rather than access to a licensed attorney.
If you are comparing entity types, contracts, and setup decisions before filing, start with these small business legal essentials.
How much does ZenBusiness cost to start an LLC?
Prices below reflect pricing shown on October 28, 2026; check checkout for today’s price and the state fee for your filing. ZenBusiness’ products page advertises LLC formation from $0 plus state fees.
| Plan or service | Listed price | What the listing includes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $0 plus state filing fees | Standard processing, compliance alerts, mobile app, and support |
| Pro | $199 billed annually plus state filing fees | Starter features, EIN filing, operating-agreement template, rush processing, and Worry-Free Compliance |
| Premium | $299 plus state fees; renews at $299/year. | |
| Worry-Free Compliance | ZenBusiness’s contact page says Starter includes Worry-Free Compliance free for the first year; confirm renewal pricing and checkout terms before buying. | Compliance service described in the plan listing |
| Registered agent | ZenBusiness’s products page lists registered-agent service at $199/year; verify any introductory offer at checkout. | Available as an add-on in the listed plan summary |
| EIN filing add-on | $99 | ZenBusiness completes the EIN paperwork and filing |
The service fee is only one part of your startup budget. Your state filing fee is separate, and the amount of operating cash you need depends on the business you plan to run. Keep the one-time formation cost separate from annual renewals and your ordinary business expenses.
Is ZenBusiness free, and can you get an EIN free?
“Free” here means ZenBusiness lists a $0 charge for its basic formation service; the state filing fee still applies. An EIN is different: the IRS EIN application is free, says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN, and can issue one immediately online when approved. The IRS tool requires a domestic organization, a U.S. principal place of business, and a responsible party with an SSN or ITIN, among other conditions.
Using the IRS route yourself can make sense if you are comfortable answering the application questions in one session. Paying a service for an EIN is a convenience choice, not a government charge.
What happens after your LLC is filed?
ZenBusiness says its dashboard lets you check orders, documents, and entity information, and that its registered-agent service is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It says the agent receives official state correspondence during business hours. Its support page says customers who cancel registered-agent service need to show that the agent was removed from state records or that the business was dissolved; Maryland has a separate dissolution condition described on that page.
Put annual-report due dates, renewal dates, and any state correspondence in one place. A legal deadline organizer can help you record the date, the notice, and proof of what you submitted.
ZenBusiness or LegalZoom: which one fits your task?
Both services market LLC formation beginning at $0 plus state fees. ZenBusiness says its Pro plan is $199. NerdWallet says LegalZoom offers a paid plan for ongoing legal support, including attorney consultations and legal-document review, while ZenBusiness focuses on formation and ongoing business tools.
| If your main need is | Useful route to compare |
|---|---|
| Simple LLC filing and a guided dashboard | ZenBusiness’s formation plans and selected add-ons |
| A free EIN | Apply directly through the IRS |
| Advice on a complex legal decision or legal-document review | A service that offers attorney access, or a licensed lawyer |
| A trademark filing | Consider a trademark lawyer before filing |
For a trademark question, consider the USPTO’s guidance on whether to hire a U.S.-licensed trademark attorney.
Is ZenBusiness legit? What should you check before paying?
ZenBusiness presents itself as an all-in-one platform for starting, protecting, and growing a business. Its contact page lists phone and chat support, dashboard sign-in and reset options, and support hours. Its support page says you can contact the company to cancel an account without cancellation fees or penalties, while its terms describe account deletion as subject to applicable early-termination fees. Ask support which term applies to the particular service in your cart before you place the order.
For any online document service, compare the order total with the state fee, identify every recurring service, save the order confirmation, and use the state’s own business-filing site to confirm your entity after filing. For a fuller consumer checklist on recognizing paid filing offers and checking lawyer credentials, see online legal document scams.
What about ZenBusiness reviews, complaints, login, and Money Pro?
Reviews can help you spot recurring questions about support, timing, documents, and renewals, but your own order terms control your purchase. ZenBusiness directs existing customers to its dashboard for orders, documents, status, receipts, subscriptions, and password resets. ZenBusiness’s Terms of Use describe Money Pro as a payment service that lets businesses accept certain card brands from customers.
Mark Cuban affiliation, third-party review-platform listings, and a particular complaint should be checked against the current company page or platform entry before you rely on it for a purchase decision. Keep screenshots or copies of the plan selection, renewal language, and contact record.
Comparing ZenBusiness with other options
Free court self-help, legal aid, and other online legal services are compared in our online legal services guide.
Before you order
- Confirm the state where you will form and the state filing fee.
- Choose only the add-ons you want, then note each renewal date and price.
- Use the IRS for a free EIN if you do not want to pay for filing help.
- Ask ZenBusiness whether the service in your cart has an early-termination fee and how its cancellation terms apply.
- If your facts call for legal judgment rather than form filing, compare the cost of a licensed lawyer or available free legal aid.
By LegalHelpOnline.org Legal Research & Editorial Team