The answer depends on how much you value the convenience, not on the result you get. A service does not get a different or faster filing from the state. The state reviews your paperwork the same way no matter who submits it. What you are buying is the paperwork being handled, plus whatever extras come with the package.

Some of those extras cost nothing if you do them yourself. The IRS's page on getting an Employer Identification Number says an EIN is free when you apply directly with the IRS, and that you should never pay a third party for one. The same page says to form the entity with the state first and apply for the EIN after.

On beneficial ownership, FinCEN's guidance states that companies created in the United States are exempt from federal BOI reporting.

For reference, ZenBusiness lists its tiers on its LLC formation page: Starter at $0 plus the state fee, Pro at $199 per year, and Premium at $299 per year. Its registered agent service is a separate $199 per year on every tier, Premium included, discounted to $99 for the first year when you form with them. State fees vary, and each state publishes its own.

Start here

Pick the situation closest to yours.

  • How Does ZenBusiness Compare to Doing Your Own LLC Paperwork? Start here if you are deciding whether to use a service at all. It walks through what each route asks of you and where the time goes.
  • Is ZenBusiness Legit and Worth it Compared to Filing Directly with the State? Read this if you are unsure the company is trustworthy. It covers what the service is and what it is not.
  • What Are the Benefits of Using ZenBusiness Instead of DIY LLC Filing? Read this if you want to know what you actually get for the money. It lays out what the package handles and what it still leaves to you.

By state

The steps and fees differ from state to state, so each state page covers its own filing office and process.

  • Is ZenBusiness Worth it for a California LLC Compared to DIY?
  • Is ZenBusiness Worth it for a Florida LLC Compared to Doing it Yourself on Sunbiz?
  • Should You Use ZenBusiness or File Your Georgia LLC Directly with the State?
  • Should You Use ZenBusiness or File Your Michigan LLC Directly with LARA?
  • Is ZenBusiness Worth it for a New York LLC Versus Doing it Yourself?
  • Is ZenBusiness Worth it for a Texas LLC Compared to DIY?

How this site is paid

This site earns a commission on some links, including links to providers discussed here. That never changes which option a page recommends. Where one route suits a situation better, the page says so in words and shows the reasoning. There are no ratings, stars or scores anywhere on the site.

Sources

This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and change over time.