“Free” LLC formation sounds great until the essentials stack up — registered agent service, operating agreement, EIN, and year-two renewals. Below is the real, three-year cost picture for LegalZoom and ZenBusiness so you can pick the better long-term value. Before you file, check Groupon’s LegalZoom discount codes to trim your upfront cost.
GROUPON DEAL ALERT: Start for $0 + State Filing Fees — And Get a $30 Gift Card
True Cost Breakdown: Years 1–3
Sticker prices only tell year one. The bigger story is years two and three, when renewals kick in — especially your registered agent (RA).
Year 1 (Formation + Setup)
- State filing fee: Typically $50–$500 (varies by state; paid regardless of provider).
- LegalZoom Pro ($249): Includes operating agreement + EIN; RA often included for year one on higher-tier plans or as an add-on. See our LegalZoom pricing breakdown for what’s bundled.
- ZenBusiness Pro ($199): Includes operating agreement + EIN; first-year RA commonly included with paid tiers.
Years 2–3 (Renewals & “Surprise” Costs)
- Registered agent: LegalZoom renews at $249/year. ZenBusiness renewal is typically lower (not always disclosed upfront; verify current pricing at checkout).
- Other renewals: watch for compliance tools, domain/website bundles (ZenBusiness Premium), and legal plan add-ons (LegalZoom).
- To avoid charges you don’t need, learn how to cancel LegalZoom subscriptions the right way.
3-Year Snapshot (Typical “Pro” Scenario, excluding state fees)
| Provider | Year 1 | Year 2 (RA) | Year 3 (RA) | 3-Year Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LegalZoom Pro | $249 | $249 | $249 | $747 |
| ZenBusiness Pro | $199 | Typically < $249 | Typically < $249 | $199 + RA renewals |
*Excludes state filing fees. RA pricing and inclusions can change; confirm at checkout.
Package-by-Package: What You Actually Get
Basic Plans (Free + State Fees)
Both offer $0 formation plus your state fee. These tiers are bare-bones: filing only. Expect to add (and pay for) RA, operating agreement, and EIN if you need them.
Pro Plans (Most Popular)
- LegalZoom Pro — $249: Operating agreement + EIN; RA commonly included for year one on higher tiers or purchasable as an add-on.
- ZenBusiness Pro — $199: Operating agreement + EIN; faster filing; first-year RA typically included.
Difference: ZenBusiness is usually $50 cheaper upfront on Pro, and tends to have a lower RA renewal, which compounds savings over time.
Premium Plans (Add Legal Help vs. Business Tools)
- LegalZoom Premium — $299: Emphasis on legal support (e.g., attorney consultations) — good if you expect early legal questions.
- ZenBusiness Premium — $349/year: Emphasis on business tools (site + domain + extras).
Choose legal guidance (LegalZoom) vs. marketing stack (ZenBusiness) based on what you’ll actually use.
Key Inclusions (and What Costs Extra)
- Registered agent (RA): Required for compliance. LegalZoom renews at $249/year; ZenBusiness is typically lower — verify the renewal at checkout.
- Operating agreement & EIN: Included in both Pro/Premium tiers. Crucial for banking, taxes, and partner rules.
- Legal support: LegalZoom leans into attorney access. ZenBusiness leans into business-ops tools.
Which Saves You More?
Best for Solo Entrepreneurs
ZenBusiness Pro usually wins on price-to-features (lower upfront, faster filing, and typically cheaper RA renewals).
Best for Multi-Member LLCs
If you want early legal guidance to set partner rules and avoid disputes, LegalZoom Premium (with attorney consults) can be worth the extra cost.
Best Long-Term Value
Over three years, ZenBusiness generally offers better total cost for straightforward formations, largely due to lower Pro pricing and RA renewals.
FAQs
What’s the first-year total for Pro tiers (before state fees)?
ZenBusiness Pro: $199. LegalZoom Pro: $249. Both include operating agreement and EIN; RA is commonly included for year one with paid tiers.
Is registered agent included in the free plans?
No. Free plans are filing-only; you’ll add and pay for RA separately.
How do renewals compare after year one?
LegalZoom RA: $249/year. ZenBusiness RA: typically lower (confirm current price; it’s not always listed upfront).
Need to avoid future charges?
Use our step-by-step guide to cancel LegalZoom subscriptions.
Want a deeper LegalZoom cost breakdown?
See LegalZoom LLC costs for packages, upsells, and how to save.
Quick Cost Checklist
- ZenBusiness Pro: $199 first year; operating agreement + EIN; first-year RA typically included; faster filing.
- LegalZoom Pro: $249 first year; operating agreement + EIN; RA available (often included on higher tiers).
- RA renewal: LegalZoom $249/year; ZenBusiness typically lower — verify exact renewal.
- Your use case: Need legal consults? Lean LegalZoom. Need business tools + lower cost? Lean ZenBusiness.
Next Steps
For most straightforward LLCs, ZenBusiness usually offers the lower three-year cost. If legal guidance is worth the premium, LegalZoom can make sense — just budget for renewals. Either way, check Groupon’s latest LegalZoom discount codes before you pay. Every dollar saved is one you can invest back into your business.
