Bizee is a popular LLC formation service known for its free incorporation package and user-friendly approach to starting a business. Founded in 2004, the company has assisted hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs in forming businesses across the United States. With the rise in demand for digital and accessible LLC formation services, Bizee has positioned itself as a reliable option for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore Bizee’s offerings, its pros and cons, customer service quality, pricing structure, and overall usability. Our goal is to provide a thorough evaluation to help entrepreneurs determine if Bizee is the right service for their business needs.
Overview of Bizee
Bizee stands out in the business formation market with its commitment to providing free business formation services. While many competitors charge a fee just for the basics, Bizee offers its Basic package for free, requiring users only to pay mandatory state fees. The company’s focus is on making the formation process smooth and straightforward, ensuring entrepreneurs can focus on building their businesses instead of getting caught up in administrative work.
Since its launch, Bizee has helped over 500,000 businesses get started, making it a trusted name in the industry. But its appeal goes beyond the free package. The service offers a wide range of additional features like lifetime company alerts, a registered agent service for one year (included for free in all packages), and access to a user-friendly dashboard for ongoing business management.
Whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC), S Corporation, C Corporation, or Nonprofit, Bizee has a solution tailored to your business structure.
Key Services Offered by Bizee
a) LLC Formation
LLC formation is the backbone of Bizee’s business. Bizee offers a streamlined process for creating an LLC, and the free Silver plan provides basic formation services without charging for it. Here’s what’s included in the LLC formation service:
- Name Availability Search: Bizee checks the availability of your desired business name in your state.
- Preparation and Filing of Articles of Organization: Bizee prepares and submits your Articles of Organization to your state’s Secretary of State.
- Free Registered Agent Service for the First Year: All LLC formation packages include one year of free registered agent service.
The service is available in all 50 states, making it a flexible and widely applicable option for entrepreneurs across the country.
b) Registered Agent Service
One of Bizee’s key selling points is its registered agent service. A registered agent is required for every LLC or corporation, and Bizee includes this service for free for the first year with all packages. After the first year, the cost is $119 annually. The registered agent service ensures you receive important legal and state documents, such as service of process and compliance notifications, in a timely manner.
Find your next registered agent with Bizee.com for only $119.00 per year.
c) Compliance Assistance
Running a business means staying on top of various compliance requirements. Bizee provides lifetime company alerts that remind business owners of important deadlines such as annual reports and state filings. This feature is highly beneficial for entrepreneurs who may not have the time or expertise to keep track of their business’s legal obligations.
Bizee also offers assistance with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is necessary for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing taxes.
d) Business Tax Consultation
Bizee offers a complimentary business tax consultation with its Gold and Premium Packages. This feature allows new business owners to receive personalized advice on tax strategies and deductions relevant to their business structure. While the consultation is helpful for general tax guidance, it’s not a full-service CPA offering. For more complex tax needs, business owners may still need to seek an accountant.
e) Other Services
In addition to LLC formation and registered agent services, Bizee offers several other services, including:
- EIN/Tax ID Number: Essential for businesses hiring employees or opening a business bank account.
- Operating Agreement: A document that outlines the ownership and management structure of an LLC.
- Foreign Qualification: For businesses that want to expand and operate in additional states outside of their formation state.
- DBA/Fictitious Name Registration: Bizee assists with registering a “Doing Business As” name.
- Amendments and Dissolutions: Bizee helps file amendments or dissolve a business entity if necessary.
Bizee Pricing Plans
Bizee offers three main pricing packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier includes different features, catering to a wide range of business needs and budgets.
a) Basic package (Free + State Fees)
The Basic package is Bizee’s standout offering. It is completely free, with users only needing to cover the state filing fees for LLC formation. Here’s what’s included:
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
- Unlimited name availability searches
- One year of free registered agent service
- Lifetime company compliance alerts
This package is a fantastic deal for entrepreneurs looking to start a business without incurring significant upfront costs.
b) Standard package ($199 + State Fees)
The Standard package includes everything in the Basic package plus some valuable extras, including:
- EIN/Tax ID Number
- Operating Agreement
- IRS Form 2553 for S Corporation tax election
- Banking resolution for opening a business bank account
- Business tax consultation
This package is ideal for entrepreneurs who want additional legal documents and tax guidance without paying a premium price.
c) Premium Package ($299 + State Fees)
The Premium Package is Bizee’s most comprehensive offering. It includes everything in the Standard package, along with:
- Expedited filing service
- Business contract templates
- Free domain name and business email for one year
For those who need faster service and access to additional business tools, the Premium Package is a solid investment.
4. The Formation Process: Step-by-Step
a) Getting Started with Bizee
The process of forming an LLC with Bizee is relatively straightforward and user-friendly. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
- Select Your Business Entity Type: Choose whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit.
- Choose Your State: Select the state in which you want to form your LLC. Bizee provides a breakdown of the state filing fees so you know exactly what to expect.
- Pick a Package: Select from the Silver, Gold, or Premium Packages based on your business needs.
- Enter Business Details: Provide information such as your business name, registered agent details, and member/manager information.
- Review and Pay: Review your information and pay the state filing fees (and the Bizee package fee, if applicable).
b) Document Filing and Processing Times
Bizee offers standard filing as part of all packages, but expedited filing is available with the Premium Package. Processing times vary based on the state in which you are forming your LLC, but most states take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to process formation documents. Expedited service can reduce this time to as little as 1 to 2 business days, depending on the state.
c) State Fees and Transparency
One of the most important things to understand about using Bizee is that state fees are not included in the package prices. Bizee provides clear information about the state fees for each state on its website, so there are no surprises when you reach the checkout page. Additionally, Bizee does not mark up these fees, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
5. Registered Agent Service Review
A registered agent is an essential part of running a compliant business. The agent acts as the official point of contact for receiving legal documents and state notices. Bizee includes this service for free for the first year with all its packages, and the cost afterward is $119 per year.
What sets Bizee apart in this area is the ease of use. Bizee acts as your registered agent and forwards any important legal documents to you promptly. Having a reliable registered agent can help business owners stay compliant with state laws and avoid fines.
Some business owners may already have a registered agent or prefer to act as their own. In that case, you can decline the registered agent service during the checkout process.
6. Compliance and Business Management Tools
One of the standout features of Bizee is its commitment to helping businesses stay compliant over the long term. Bizee provides lifetime company alerts for critical deadlines like annual reports, business licenses, and other state filings.
Additionally, Bizee’s dashboard gives users access to key documents, tax filings, and compliance reminders. Entrepreneurs can manage their business filings from a single, easy-to-use portal, reducing the risk of missed deadlines and penalties.
7. User Experience and Interface
a) Website Navigation
Bizee’s website is modern, clean, and easy to navigate. The process of selecting a package and entering business details is straightforward, and users can find valuable information about state fees, formation processes, and additional services with ease.
b) Dashboard Features
Bizee’s dashboard is another significant advantage. After forming a business, users get access to a secure portal where they can manage all of their documents, filings, and compliance requirements. The dashboard is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who want to keep track of important legal documents and reminders in one place.
c) Mobile Experience
While Bizee does not have a dedicated mobile app, its website is optimized for mobile devices. Users can complete the entire LLC formation process from a smartphone or tablet, which is a convenient feature for business owners on the go.
8. Customer Service and Support
a) Availability and Responsiveness
Bizee’s customer service is available via phone, email, and online chat during business hours. However, some users have reported mixed experiences with customer support, with occasional delays in response times. The company’s website does provide a comprehensive help center with FAQs and guides, which can be helpful for troubleshooting common issues without needing to contact support.
b) Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Bizee has received mostly positive reviews from customers, especially for its affordability and ease of use. The free Basic package is a hit among users who appreciate the ability to start a business without paying upfront fees. However, some customers have noted slower response times from customer service, particularly during busy periods.
9. Bizee vs Competitors
Bizee is just one of many LLC formation services available today. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its main competitors:
a) Bizee vs ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is another popular LLC formation service, known for its affordable plans and strong customer service. While ZenBusiness does not offer a free package like Bizee, its pricing is competitive, starting at $0 (plus state fees) for its basic package. ZenBusiness is particularly well-regarded for its customer service and for including an operating agreement in its basic plan, something Bizee only offers in its higher-tier packages.
Both companies offer registered agent services, but ZenBusiness charges $199 annually compared to Bizee’s $119 after the first year. For entrepreneurs looking for strong ongoing support and a lower registered agent fee, Bizee may be the better option.
b) Bizee vs LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known brands in the business formation space, but it’s also one of the most expensive. LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages start at $79 (plus state fees), making it significantly more expensive than Bizee’s free offering.
LegalZoom does offer a wider range of legal services, making it a better fit for businesses that need ongoing legal assistance. However, for entrepreneurs just looking to start an LLC with minimal upfront costs, Bizee is the more budget-friendly choice.
c) Bizee vs Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is another popular LLC formation service that specializes in providing top-notch registered agent services. Northwest charges $39 for LLC formation (including a year of registered agent service), which is higher than Bizee’s free Basic package. However, Northwest is known for its personalized customer support and privacy protections, which may be important for some business owners.
Pros and Cons of Using Bizee
Pros:
- Free LLC Formation: Bizee’s free Basic package is a major advantage for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.
- User-Friendly Platform: Bizee offers an intuitive platform that simplifies the LLC formation process.
- Free Registered Agent Service: All packages include one year of free registered agent service.
- Lifetime Compliance Alerts: Users receive ongoing notifications about important deadlines, helping them stay compliant.
Cons:
- Customer Support Issues: Some users have reported delays in customer service response times.
- Limited Extras in Free Package: The Basic package doesn’t include an EIN or Operating Agreement, which are critical documents for most businesses.
- Upselling: While the free package is attractive, users may find themselves encouraged to upgrade to more expensive packages for additional features.
11. Who Should Use Bizee?
Bizee is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to start an LLC or corporation without incurring high upfront costs. The free Basic package is ideal for budget-conscious business owners, while the Gold and Premium Packages offer additional services that may appeal to those who want more comprehensive support.
Bizee is particularly well-suited for:
- First-time entrepreneurs who need a low-cost way to form an LLC.
- Business owners who want to stay compliant with minimal effort.
- Entrepreneurs who prefer to handle most of their business formation and compliance tasks online.
However, businesses that require extensive legal advice or personalized customer support may want to consider competitors like LegalZoom or Northwest Registered Agent.
12. Conclusion
Bizee is a standout LLC formation service for its affordability, ease of use, and free registered agent service for the first year. While the free Basic package may not include every document a new business needs, it’s an incredible value for those looking to form an LLC without significant upfront costs.
The company’s lifetime compliance alerts and user-friendly dashboard add long-term value, helping entrepreneurs stay on top of important deadlines and filings. While some customers have experienced issues with customer service responsiveness, overall feedback is positive, especially for the free services.
In conclusion, Bizee is an excellent choice for new entrepreneurs who want to form an LLC or corporation quickly and affordably. Its low-cost approach, paired with useful business management tools, makes it a strong competitor in the business formation space.
