Starting a business is an exciting yet overwhelming process. Entrepreneurs face many challenges, from choosing the right business structure to filing the necessary paperwork. One company that has helped millions of individuals navigate the complexities of business formation is Bizee, formerly known as Incfile.
Bizee offers a comprehensive range of services to streamline the process of forming a business. Whether you’re looking to establish an LLC, an S-Corp, a C-Corp, or even a nonprofit organization, Bizee provides the tools and support needed to get your business off the ground. Founded in 2004, the company has gained a solid reputation for being a cost-effective option for business formation, particularly with its enticing offer of free LLC formation, where you only pay the state filing fee.
The rebranding from Incfile to Bizee in 2023 marks a new chapter for the company, with a refreshed identity but no changes to its core services. Over the years, Bizee has helped over a million entrepreneurs start and manage their businesses, earning a reputation for reliability, affordability, and customer support. With a simple, user-friendly platform, Bizee allows individuals to easily navigate through the business registration process and handle ongoing business compliance tasks like annual report filings, registered agent services, and more.
What sets Bizee apart from other business formation services is its affordability. The company offers a free LLC formation service (you just need to pay the state filing fee), which is a rare offering in the industry. Additionally, Bizee includes one year of free registered agent service, which helps new business owners avoid paying for this service elsewhere in their first year.
However, like any service, Bizee has its strengths and weaknesses. Some users appreciate its low-cost packages, while others have mentioned that add-on services can add up quickly. Customer support is another area where Bizee could improve, as there have been mixed reviews regarding response times. Nevertheless, Bizee remains a popular choice for those seeking an affordable, straightforward approach to starting a business.
In this review, we will dive deeper into Bizee’s services, pricing, customer support, and more, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for your business needs.
Our Verdict
Pros
- Affordable Business Formation: Bizee provides a free LLC formation service, charging only for state fees.
- Free Registered Agent Service for One Year: A helpful feature, saving you up to $119 annually.
- Comprehensive Services: Beyond LLC formation, Bizee provides additional offerings like EIN acquisition, trademark registration, and annual report filings.
- User-Friendly Interface: The website and dashboard are intuitive, making it easy to manage and track your business formation and compliance tasks.
- Fast Processing: Bizee offers a quick turnaround on LLC formation, often processing documents faster than competitors.
Cons
- Additional Fees for Add-Ons: Some services, such as obtaining an EIN or drafting an operating agreement, are not included in the free LLC formation plan.
- Customer Service: Some customers have reported mixed experiences, particularly regarding slow response times.
- Aggressive Upselling: During the registration process, Bizee frequently offers additional services that may not be necessary for every user.
Table of Contents
- What Is Bizee?
- How Bizee Works
- Bizee Services
- Bizee Pricing and Plans
- Getting Started with Bizee
- Bizee Customer Service and Support
- Compare Bizee Alternatives
- Summary: Is Bizee Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Bizee?
Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is a platform that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners set up their companies. The service offers a variety of legal and administrative services, including LLC formation, obtaining an EIN, drafting operating agreements, and even trademark registration. Bizee has been in the business for over two decades, helping over a million entrepreneurs start their businesses. The name change to Bizee in late 2023 reflects a rebranding initiative to freshen up the company’s image, but the service offerings have remained the same.
Bizee has earned a reputation for being a low-cost alternative for individuals looking to form a business. While it provides competitive pricing, it does so without sacrificing essential services. However, while Bizee provides a straightforward and simple approach, it is essential to weigh its pros and cons before deciding if it’s the best fit for you.
Pros
- Years of Experience: Bizee has been helping individuals form businesses since 2004, which means it has extensive experience in the field.
- Affordable: Many of Bizee’s services, such as its free LLC formation package, are among the most affordable on the market.
- Wide Range of Services: The platform offers everything from EIN registration to annual report filings and foreign qualification, making it a one-stop shop for most business needs.
Cons
- No International Services: While Bizee serves customers throughout the U.S., it doesn’t offer services for international business formation.
- Mixed Customer Support: Some customers report slow responses from Bizee’s customer support team, which could be a dealbreaker for those who need immediate assistance.
How Bizee Works
The process of using Bizee for your business formation is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, Bizee has created a process that guides you step-by-step through setting up your LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or nonprofit. Here’s how it works:
- Choose Your Business Entity: Whether you want to form an LLC, an S-Corp, a C-Corp, or a nonprofit organization, Bizee will guide you through the necessary paperwork for your specific entity.
- Select Your State: Business formation rules differ by state, so Bizee allows you to select the state where you want to register your business. This step is crucial since it affects everything from your taxes to your legal obligations.
- Choose a Package: After selecting your entity and state, you’ll choose between Bizee’s different packages: Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The Silver plan is free (you only pay the state filing fee), while the Gold and Platinum packages come with additional perks like EIN registration and expedited filing.
- Enter Your Business Information: After choosing a package, you’ll be asked to enter details about your business, such as its name, owners, and management structure.
- Review and Submit: Finally, you’ll review your information, pay any necessary fees, and submit your application. Bizee will then take care of the rest by preparing and filing your formation documents with the appropriate state agency.
The process is designed to be quick, with most documents prepared and filed within a few days. However, you can always add more services during the registration process for an additional fee.
Bizee Services
Bizee provides a wide array of services, not just business formation. These include both essential services and add-ons that can help ensure your business runs smoothly long after formation.
- LLC Formation: Bizee’s primary service is LLC formation. Their system will help you file the appropriate documents with your state to make your business official.
- Registered Agent Service: Included for one year with any package, Bizee’s registered agent service ensures that your business complies with state regulations by receiving official correspondence on your behalf.
- EIN Acquisition: For $70, Bizee can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your LLC, which is required for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing taxes.
- Operating Agreement: For $40, you can get a customized operating agreement, which lays out how your business will be governed.
- Annual Report Filing: After you form your LLC, you’ll need to file annual reports with your state to maintain your business’s active status. Bizee offers this service for $99 plus any applicable state fees.
- Trademark Registration: Protect your brand by registering your business’s name or logo as a trademark. This service is priced at $199, plus filing fees.
- Foreign Qualification: If you plan to do business in more than one state, Bizee offers foreign qualification services for $149 plus state fees.
- Business License Research Package: This package helps you identify which business licenses are required for your business at a cost of $99.
- Corporate Kit: A corporate kit, which includes essential documents like a stock certificate and an operating agreement, is available for $99.
These services make Bizee a great option if you’re looking for more than just basic business formation. While additional services can increase costs, they ensure that your business is fully compliant and protected from legal issues down the road.
Bizee Pricing and Plans
Bizee offers three main service packages, each with a different set of features. Here’s a breakdown of what each package includes:
Silver (Free)
- Cost: Free, but you’ll need to pay state filing fees.
- Includes: LLC formation, unlimited name searches, and one year of registered agent service.
Gold ($199)
- Includes: All Silver package features, plus EIN acquisition, operating agreement, and IRS Form 2553 (for S-Corp election).
- Additional Benefits: With the Gold package, you get everything from the Silver package, plus additional compliance and operational features.
Platinum ($299)
- Includes: All Gold package features, plus expedited filing and a business contract template.
- Additional Benefits: The Platinum package is ideal if you need things done quickly. It guarantees that your documents are processed in less than 24 hours.
While the Silver package is free, you’ll need to pay state filing fees. Depending on your state, this can range from $50 to $500 or more. The Gold and Platinum packages provide additional services, but they come at an extra cost.
In addition to these packages, Bizee offers add-ons such as EIN acquisition, operating agreements, trademark registration, and more. These can be added to any package as needed.
Getting Started with Bizee
Getting started with Bizee is easy. Visit the Bizee website, choose your business structure, state, and package, and begin entering your business information. The platform is intuitive, with a simple form that guides you through the process. Once you’ve completed the form, Bizee will take care of the rest by preparing and filing your paperwork with your state. Within a few days, you should receive your approved LLC formation documents.
Bizee Customer Service and Support
While Bizee provides several methods to contact customer service, including phone and email, the feedback regarding their support team is mixed. Some customers have reported a smooth experience, receiving quick responses to their inquiries. However, others have experienced delays, particularly when dealing with more complex issues.
It’s worth noting that Bizee’s website has a knowledge base and support section that can help with common issues, so you might find what you need without having to reach out to support.
Compare Bizee Alternatives
If you’re considering Bizee but want to compare it with other options, here’s how it stacks up against a few top competitors:
Bizee vs. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is another popular LLC formation service. Like Bizee, ZenBusiness offers affordable plans and services. However, ZenBusiness has a stronger reputation for customer support and offers a more extensive range of services, particularly in the areas of compliance and business management.
Bizee vs. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a more established name in the industry and offers more comprehensive legal services, but its pricing can be significantly higher than Bizee’s. LegalZoom’s plans typically include consultations with attorneys, which Bizee doesn’t offer.
Bizee vs. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent specializes in registered agent services and offers excellent customer service. However, they are more focused on compliance and legal support than on providing complete business formation services like Bizee.
Summary: Is Bizee Right for You?
Bizee is an excellent option for anyone looking to form an LLC quickly and affordably. If you are on a budget and need basic LLC formation services, the Silver package is a great choice. If you want more features and quicker processing, the Gold and Platinum packages offer additional benefits, including EIN acquisition and expedited filing.
However, if you need more comprehensive legal support or if you want a service with stronger customer support, Bizee might not be your best choice. For most users, Bizee is a reliable and affordable solution, particularly for first-time business owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bizee really free?
Yes, Bizee’s Silver package is free, but you will still need to pay state filing fees, which vary by state.
What services are included in the free package?
The free Silver package includes LLC formation, unlimited name searches, and one year of registered agent service.
Can I cancel my service with Bizee?
Yes, you can cancel your service, but it’s best to review the cancellation policy on their website or contact customer support for more details.
Does Bizee offer expedited filing?
Yes, Bizee offers expedited filing through the Platinum package for an additional cost.