ZenBusiness

Core Services & Offerings

ZenBusiness primarily focuses on business formation and ongoing compliance management, making it a one-stop shop for U.S. entrepreneurs in all 50 states. You can use their platform to set up an LLC or corporation in any state, and they can also provide a registered agent for you in that state.

Even at the Starter level, ZenBusiness covers essential services like business name availability search, Worry-Free Compliance, preparation, and filing of formation documents, backed by a 100% accuracy guarantee.

Higher-tier plans add valuable features such as expedited filing, EIN acquisition, and customizable operating agreement templates. While basic formation services are included in all plans, registered agent services are available for an additional fee or bundled into select packages. ZenBusiness also offers access to tools like a business document template library, website and domain setup, business email hosting, and bookkeeping add-ons, providing a full suite of resources to support business growth and compliance.

LLC Formation Process

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) involves several essential steps, but the process is simpler than forming a corporation. While specific requirements can vary by state, these are the basic steps to forming an LLC with ZenBusiness:

1. Account Creation

• Simple start: Users first go to the ZenBusiness website and follow prompts to begin.
• Initial questionnaire: ZenBusiness asks basic questions, such as your state, desired business name, and type of business (LLC, corporation, etc.).
• Account setup: After a few prompts, you create an account with your email and a password to save your progress.

2. Guided Wizard Experience

• Interactive formation wizard: ZenBusiness walks users through a step-by-step, guided questionnaire.
• Dynamic form filling: Each answer you provide updates the next set of questions, making it feel customized.
• Upsells are built-in (but optional): Along the way, you’ll be offered add-ons like an EIN, operating agreement, worry-free compliance services, etc. These offers are presented — you can opt in or skip them.

3. Filing Process

• Combination of automation and human review:
  • Your form inputs are collected automatically.
  • Before filing with the state, a real human reviews your information for errors or missing fields. (This minimizes rejections or delays.)
• Automated filing: Once approved internally, your documents are electronically filed with your chosen state.

4. Updates and Notifications

• Multiple update channels:
  • Email: Primary method — expect regular status emails.
  • Dashboard alerts: There’s a clear progress tracker when you log into your ZenBusiness account.
  • SMS (optional): If you opt in, you can get important updates via text.
• Typical updates include:
  • Confirmation of submission
  • Filing in progress
  • State acceptance or rejection
  • Document delivery ready

5. Timeline

• Standard filing:
  • Usually 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your state’s processing times.
• Expedited filing (paid upgrade):
  • Depending on the state, processing can be reduced to 2 to 5 business days.

Note: ZenBusiness also offers a “rush” option at checkout if you want priority treatment from them and the state.

6. Real-Time Tracking

• Yes, you can track progress in real-time.
• When you log into your ZenBusiness dashboard, a visual tracker shows:
  • Current step
  • Estimated next milestone
  • Notes if any action is needed from you (like signing an internal document)

Legal and Compliance Tools

These are some of ZenBusiness’s legal and compliance features:

• Annual Report Reminders: Get alerts before deadlines.
• Worry-Free Compliance: Auto-filing of annual reports and two free amendments per year.
• EIN Services: These are included in Pro and Premium packages or are available as an add-on.
• Registered Agent Services: Critical for keeping your LLC compliant, available at an annual fee.
• Security Features: Site and customer portals use SSL encryption for data security.

They do not offer direct attorney consultations but help keep you compliant with state and federal regulations.

Additional Services & Add-ons

ZenBusiness goes beyond LLC formation:

• Business Banking: Partnership with LendingClub for business bank accounts.
• DBA Filings: These are available if you want to operate under a different name.
• Virtual Office Services: Business address and mail forwarding options.
• Trademark Services: They help with trademark filings.
• Accounting and Bookkeeping: Available through partner services.
• Business Website: Hosting, domain, and email in the Premium plan.

They also offer Good Standing Certificates, amendments, and dissolution services if needed.

Ease of Use

ZenBusiness is designed to make starting a business feel as effortless as possible. The platform offers a central dashboard to track your business status and easily access important documents like your EIN and Operating Agreement. Helpful resources, including FAQs, blog articles, and a beginner-friendly glossary, are available to guide you through the process. The mobile-friendly platform allows you to manage your business from virtually any device. With step-by-step guidance at every turn and few barriers to entry, ZenBusiness is especially well-suited for those launching a business for the first time.