Us vs ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness forms and maintains LLCs at scale, with a $0 starting plan and paid add-ons. We answer the state-tax questions that come before and after the filing. Prices from ZenBusiness's pricing page, checked September 2026.
| ZenBusiness | StateDues | |
| Formation | From $0 + state fees (Starter, Pro, Premium) | Not offered |
| Registered agent | $199/yr | Explained (guide) |
| Compliance filings | Worry-Free Compliance $199/yr; annual report filing $100 per report | Deadline calendar + reminders |
| EIN / operating agreement | $99 each if not in your plan | EIN is free from the IRS — how |
| CA LLC fee tiers | Not modeled | Full schedule + calculator |
| Nexus evaluation | Not offered | Free checker |
What ZenBusiness does well
A polished, low-cost way to get an LLC filed and keep its paperwork on schedule. The $0 plan covers the state filing itself; higher plans and add-ons handle the EIN, operating agreement, rush filing, and recurring compliance filings for founders who'd rather not track them.
Adding up year two
With the registered agent ($199) and Worry-Free Compliance ($199), the provider cost is about $400 a year before state fees. Compare that with doing the filings yourself: a California Statement of Information is $20 online, a Delaware LLC's only annual filing is the $400 tax payment, and a Wyoming report takes a few minutes. The add-ons buy convenience, not lower taxes.
Verdict
Want formation and paperwork handled cheaply → ZenBusiness is a legitimate pick. Need to know whether that entity will trigger $6,800 in California fees or a second state's registration → check here before you file. Verify prices at purchase; plans change.
Sources
- zenbusiness.com/pricing (checked September 2026)