I'm starting an LLC in Texas and I keep seeing ads for LegalZoom's $0 plus state fee and ZenBusiness's $0 plus state fee. But when I actually go through the checkout, the total prices are way higher with add-ons. I don't need a registered agent or a business license. I just want the cheapest total to file the formation documents. Has anyone compared the actual final price after removing all the extras? I don't care about promotional offers, just the bottom line.
LLC Services
Legalzoom vs zenbusiness: i care more about the total price than the advertised offer
I did this last year for a Wyoming LLC. LegalZoom's base package was $89 plus state fee, but they tried to add $249 for registered agent. ZenBusiness was $49 plus state fee, and their registered agent was included for the first year. So ZenBusiness was cheaper for me because I didn't have to pay extra for the agent. But if you're not using thwir agent, LegalZoom might be lower if you decline everything.
I've used both. LegalZoom's total ended up being around $200 more than ZenBusiness by the time I checked out, even after removing the upsells. But their customer service was better. ZenBusiness had hidden fees for the annual report reminder. Just read the fine print.
Have you looked at your state's website? In many states you can file the LLC yourself for just the state fee. Texas is $300. Neither comp any is going to beat that.
This is the right answer. If you truly don't need any any extras, filing directly with the Texas Secretary of State is the cheapest total price. You're paying these companies for convenience, not because they have some secret access.
But some people want the help. If you're set on using a service, ZenBusiness's total came out lower for me after I removed all the optional stuff. LegalZoom's checkout process is more confusing, which can lead to accidental add-ons.
Wait, the OP said they don't need a registered agent. But in Texas, you're required to have one. You can be your own registered agent if you have a physical address in the state. So you can decline that service with either company.
i just checked both sites. For Texas, LegalZoom's base package is $99 + $300 state fee. ZenBusiness is $49 + $300 state fee. That's the total if you decline everything else. But LegalZoom's checkout tries to add compliance and registered agent services multiple times.
So ZenBusiness is cheaper by $50 if you can resist the upsells. But honestly, $50 isn't much compared to the $300 state fee. I'd just file directly and save the $49 too.