BizFilings LLC Review
Looking for the best service to help start your business?
In this review, we’ll go over the details of Bizfilings’ LLC formation services and explain how it compares to others on the market. Read on to find out if BizFilings is the right choice for you.
Recommended: Check out our article for the Top 5 LLC Formation Services.
Recommended Step Before Using Bizfilings to Form an LLC
It’s important to name your business before going through the LLC formation process with a service provider. TRUiC’s Free LLC Name Generator will help you to do the following:
- Discover the perfect business name for your company.
- Conduct a business name search to make sure your desired name is available in your state and not already taken.
- Help verify the availability and secure a domain name for your LLC.
BizFilings: Key Considerations
BizFilings was founded by entrepreneurs in 1996. They are one of the pioneers of the online incorporation space and have helped over 500,000 businesses since they opened their doors. BizFilings is backed by CT, part of Wolters Kluwer Corporate Legal Services – the industry’s premier legal services brand.
BizFilings can help with the formation of a wide range of business types, including LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits.
In this section, we’ll explore whether BizFilings is a good deal, the experiences of other customers using the service, and whether there’s a better deal out there.
Is It a Good Deal?
BizFilings has been around a long time, relative to many of the other LLC formation services out there. Their pricing reflects their strong position in the industry – they charge a premium compared to many other companies and do not offer a lot of extras to justify the prices they charge. However, plenty of business owners have been using BizFilings for years and seem satisfied with their services.
Some of the things that make BizFilings stand out include:
- A Basic package fee of $99, plus state fees, for filing your LLC
- Mostly positive online reviews
- All LLC formation packages include 6 months of free registered agent service
- Packages can be ordered online or over the phone
- No hidden fees
Who Uses BizFilings?
Entrepreneurs who want to start their own business or need a new registered agent use BizFilings.
Here are two reviews posted on the Better Business Bureau website by users of BizFilings:
“I've registered multiple businesses with BizFilings over the years and have experienced nothing but success with them. They're quickly available to help answer any questions I have along the way. Reading the other review, it's clear the individual doesn't understand that BizFilings offers a service to streamline registration and compliance activities. Of course, this is a service you pay for and personally, I'd rather let the experts do it so I may focus on the core of my business. Keep up the great work. -EB”
“I used this service to create my LLC 10 years ago. I was happy with this service until I relized [sic] I could update the status of my LLC using the State of Virginia's online server for 1/3 the cost. I canceld [sic] my service with BizFilings and serveral [sic] months later got an email from a collection agency (********) demanding that I pay BizFilings for services I had canceled. I contacted BizFilings and they confirmed that I had canceled the service.”
Is There a Better Deal to Start My LLC?
There are certainly better deals out there than BizFilings, such as our favorite, ZenBusiness. However, it is reasonable to assume that since the company has been offering LLC formation services for decades, their services have proven satisfactory for many, many entrepreneurs. With the basic package at $99, you do get six months of registered agent service, so you can get assistance when you need it.
Takeaway
BizFilings is a reputable company with decades of experience in the industry. They do charge a premium for their services, so if you are looking for the best deal, look elsewhere.
Best LLC Formation Services
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($0 + State Fees)
ZenBusiness ($0 + State Fees)
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
Bizee ($0 + State Fees)
Swyft Filings ($0 + State Fees)
Rocket Lawyer ($99 + State Fees)
Learn how to cost-effectively start your LLC on our How to Save Money Forming Your LLC page.
BizFilings: Rating Highlights
Value - 3/5
BizFilings Basic package is more expensive than those offered by newer companies and offers 6 months of registered agent service – less than the 12-months of service that many other companies offer. If you spend more and get the Complete package ($400+ in some states), you do get some useful services like a Certified Copy of State-Filed Documents. However, in the end, it is difficult to give BizFilings a high ranking for value when so many other companies offer more for less.
Customer Service - 4/5
The reviews available for BizFilings indicate that the company offers dependable customer service. They have a dedicated number for customer service calls and offer an online chat feature. The included 6-months of registered agent service can also come in quite handy when you need the kind of assistance that only a registered agent can provide. BizFilings is there to answer questions when you need them answered, which gives them a boost in their customer service score.
Ease of Use - 2/5
One of the main selling points of BizFilings is how long they have been in business. Unfortunately, their age shows in their website design. While the website and ordering process is functional, it is not pretty nor is it particularly user-friendly. It is also difficult to determine the finer details of what is offered with each package. You can get a general idea of what you are buying, but you will likely need to talk to a customer service representative on the phone to get the details you need to make a fully informed purchasing decision.
Included Features - 3/5
The included features for each package vary considerably, so whether you get a lot for what you pay will depend on what package you choose. The Basic package only includes an LLC kit and Seal, along with 6-months of registered agent service. In contrast, the Complete package includes a variety of useful features, particularly when it comes to your state filing needs.
BizFilings: Pricing
Similar to most other LLC formation services, BizFilings offers multiple tiers of service: Basic, Standard, and Complete.
The packages offered by BizFilings are priced relatively high compared to those offered by other companies. For example, the $99 Basic package is nearly twice the price of the Basic package offered by others. The features of each package are relatively competitive with other companies, with the exception of the registered agent service. While many other companies will give you a full year of service, BizFilings only gives you 6 months.
We give a full break-down of the differences between each package below:
Basic: $99 + State Fees
- LLC Kit & Seal
- 6-months of Registered Agent Service
Who should purchase the Basic package?
The Basic package is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to save money and are comfortable creating an Operating Agreement and filing an EIN themselves.
Standard: $229 + State Fees
- LLC Kit & Seal
- Sample LLC forms
- 6-months of Registered Agent Service
- Expedited Processing Service
Who should purchase the Standard package?
The Standard package is right for entrepreneurs who want some guidance on the LLC formation process and faster processing, but still want to keep costs down as much as possible.
Complete: $359 + State Fees
- LLC Kit & Seal
- Sample LLC forms
- 6-months of Registered Agent Service
- Expedited Processing Service
- Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
- Compliance DVD: Now that You’re Formed
- State LLC Formations – First Report
- Certified Copy of State-Filed Documents
- State Tax ID Form
- Overnight Shipping
Who should purchase the Complete package?
The Complete package is right for entrepreneurs who are willing to pay more to have BizFilings take care of as much as possible. The state-specific services that come with the package will streamline the business formation process so you can focus on your business now rather than later.
