Starting a business in the US is very simple now, especially with formation services such as Zen Business. If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or digital nomad, US LLC formation gives you access to a worldwide clientele, an upgraded payment processor, and a reliable business identity. This guide explains everything you need to know about it, including how it compares to LegalZoom, its services, pricing, and both advantages and disadvantages.
What is Zen Business?
Zen Business is a business formation and management tool aimed at helping entrepreneurs successfully start, run and grow their businesses in the US. Business formation services, it’s aim to streamline and simplify the process of forming an LLC or a corporation by taking care of all the paperwork, compliance, and legal requirements that may be too convoluted for an average business owner and may distract them from their business. Zen Business’s goal is to provide an equal opportunity to all businesses by automating the process at an affordable and reasonable price. From becoming an LLC to receiving registered agent services, it is a compliant, fully online service.
Zen Business caters primarily to the following consumer segments:
● Startup entrepreneurs
● Freelancers and freelance consultants
● Owners of e-commerce stores
● Digital nomads and founders who work remotely
● Non-US citizens who want to do business in the United States
What is the process of using Zen Business?
It has a straightforward process that is easy to follow. The entire process can be completed in minutes.
A summary of the steps involved in the process is outlined below:
As a first step, determine the structure of your business.
Decide which of the following business structures you want to operate: an LLC, a Corporation, or a Nonprofit. Most small businesses prefer getting an LLC because of the flexibility and protection from liability.
Step 2: Select a state.
Determine in which state of the United States your business will be legally registered. Delaware, Wyoming, and Texas are the most popular choices for registration due to the high favorability for business as compared to other states.
Step 3: Fill Out Basic Information
Zen Business has a proprietary process of ensuring that your business name, address, and ownership details are provided correctly. It will conduct a name availability check and will also verify that your name complies with the state name regulations.
Step 4: Pick a Plan
Zen Business has several plans from which you can select based on the number of services required, e.g., minimal formation services versus a more comprehensive service, which includes compliance plus growth tools.
Step 5: Zen Business Manages the Paperwork
It processes the order and submits the appropriate paperwork to the state. The platform offers updates and notifications during the process.
Step 6: Receive Formation Documents
Once they secure approval, they send clients the completed formation documents, EIN (if selected), and permit access to the dashboard for management. This process is streamlined so American entrepreneurs can create a US LLC online from abroad without traveling to the United States or paying legal fees to lawyers.
Zen Business Services Overview
Zen Business provides a variety of services to cater to each business’s growing needs.
LLC & Corporation Formation
Zen Business manages the whole formation process, including which formation document to file, Articles of Organization or Incorporation with the state. It guarantees to meet all legal obligations and stores digital versions of the legal documents.
Registered Agent Service
All US businesses require a registered agent to accept legal and tax correspondence. Zen fills this role, so all business legal documents are processes securely and swiftly.
Obtaining an EIN & Compliance Support
Opening a US bank account, hiring staff, and tax filing require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It can secure an EIN and also provides reminders for compliance to assist businesses in remaining compliant.
Annual Reports & Worry-Free Compliance
The Worry-Free Compliance feature also tracks and submits annual reports and alerts users to renewals. This service helps clients avoid penalties and the risk of administrative dissolution due to missed reports.
Business Website & Domain
New businesses can create a more affordable online presence quickly using Zen Business’s tools for building a website, registering a domain, and setting up a professional email.
Financial Tools and Accounting
Zen Business offers integrations to accounting software, bookkeeping, tax prep, and expense tracking. Financial management is made easier for small business owners using these tools.
Zen Business Pricing Plans
Zen Business has three tiers of service to accommodate a range of business services and needs. Below is an overview of the features across tiers. Below is a simplified comparison:
| Plan | Price (Per Year) | Includes |
| Starter | $0 + State Fees | Business name availability search, LLC formation, standard filing speed, and online dashboard access |
| Pro | $199 + State Fees | Everything in Starter + EIN, Operating Agreement, faster filing, and Worry-Free Compliance |
| Premium | $349 + State Fees | Everything in Pro + business website, domain name, email address, and rush filing |
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They also provide services like registered agent and report filing, which can be purchased as add-ons.
It is known for having straightforward pricing, which means no hidden fees. They also provide a 100% accuracy guarantee, which states that all filings will be completed error-free.
Pros and Cons Of Zen Business
Pros
- Formation and compliance pricing are easy to understand and are affordable
- Document and compliance dashboards are easy to understand
- Customer service is responsive and is available through chat, email, and phone
- Different levels of filing are available so that turnarounds can be speedy
- They can assist with formation, compliance, and overall service growth
- They have received many positive reviews overall
Cons
- Some premium features are only available through more costly plans
- Free plans do not include registered agent services
- Some users have reported that they can be more tailored
Who is Zen Business best for?
Zen Business is best for many types of entrepreneurs and business owners, including:
- Global Entrepreneurs: Anyone who needs to have a business in the US to be more credible and to have access to a more global market.
- Non-US Residents: People who want to have a U.S.-based LLC and don’t want to have to come to the country to do that.
- Online Businesses: Companies that operate online, such as e-commerce, SaaS, and digital agencies that need a US business.
- Freelancers and Consultants: People who want to start a business and have a US entity do not have to mix their business with their personal finances.
It makes the LLC formation process very easy. This is what makes them one of the best LLC formation services in the country.
Can Non-US Residents Use Zen Business?
Yes, it enables non-US residents to complete the online formation of a US LLC fully. The steps are the same as for US citizens, but there are some additional requirements, such as:
- Valid passport or government-issued ID
- Use Zen Business’s registered agent address for US official correspondence
- It has obtained an EIN (Employer Identification Number), necessary to open a US bank account and address tax responsibilities.
Zen Business is a valuable service for international founders looking to penetrate the US market, use US payment processors, and gain a legitimate business.
Zen Business vs LegalZoom
LegalZoom and Zen Business are two of the most well-known LLC formation services, but they vary in price and features as well as user experience.
| Feature | Zen Business | LegalZoom |
| Starting Price | $0 + State Fees | $79 + State Fees |
| Registered Agent | $199/year | $249/year |
| EIN Service | Included in Pro Plan | Extra cost |
| Turnaround Time | Fast (1–2 days with Premium) | Slower (up to 15 days) |
| Customer Support | Excellent | Moderate |
| Ease of Use | Very beginner-friendly | Slightly complex |
| Overall Value | High | Moderate |
For new and smaller companies seeking a cost-effective all-inclusive service, Zen Business provides superior overall value.
Is Zen Business safe and legit?
Yes, 100% of Zen Business reviews state that this company is completely legit and safe to use. It’s a registered company in Austin, Texas, with more than 100,000 reviews on the internet, and a 4.5-star rating on TrustPilot and the BBB. Zen Business is a business formation company that is safe to use and uses encryption to keep your information safe. Zen Business has transparent pricing and excellent customer service, so it is safe to use.
FAQ
What is the time frame Zen Business has to complete an LLC?
That all depends on the state and the correct plan that you applied for. Standard filing time is 2-3 weeks, and expedited filing is 1-3 business days.
Do they offer services of a registered agent?
Yes, for an additional fee, it will provide you with a registered agent so that all of your legal documents will be appropriately handled.
Can they help you with your taxes and EIN?
Yes, they will get you an EIN and give you tools to access accounting and taxes to help manage your finances.
Is Zen Business better than LegalZoom?
For most small businesses, it provides better pricing, quicker service, and a more intuitive service than LegalZoom.
Can I form a US LLC if I live outside the United States?
Yes, it allows individuals who do not reside in the United States to create and operate a US LLC entirely online.
Does Zen Business offer refunds?
Refunds are possible depending on the specific conditions and service the business is in, and it has a satisfaction guarantee.
What payment methods does Zen Business accept?
It has partnered with payment systems that accept major credit cards and global payments to service its international users.
Final Verdict – Is Zen Business Worth It?
Zen Business is a trustworthy and inexpensive service to use to create and supervise a US LLC online. Its user-friendliness and a wide range of services make it stand out among business service providers for startups, freelancers, and international entrepreneurs. Zen Business has phenomenal and responsive customer service, and along with their fair and inexpensive services, they deserve to be recognized as one of the best services for US business startups.
Verdict: For anyone looking to efficiently, inexpensively, and reliably manage the formation and upkeep of an online US LLC, Zen Business is definitely worth it.