Our BizFilings review compares the pricing. pros and cons, compared to the top LLC services on the market.
Co-founded by entrepreneur Brian Wiegand with his business partner, Rick Oster, Bizfilings was established in 1996 and became an immediate pioneer of online incorporation.
Six years later, in 2002, Bizfilings partnered with CT, an organization with 125 years of experience in governance, compliance, regulation, and more. CT has strong relationships with both federal and state legislatures. They have a hefty amount of knowledge that helps small businesses benefit from their expertise.
This partnership meant that Bizfilings could get backing from a company with quality legal services and manage the most critical compliance responsibilities.
Lastly, Bizfilings’ singular mission is to assist entrepreneurs and owners with their businesses, then guide them down the path to growth and success. They tackle any business size, offering products, services, and tools that provide feedback owners need to reach their goals.
View the complete list of LLC service providers here.
Pricing and Services
In this Bizfilings review, we will take a general look at the various packages and services that Bizfilings provides. No matter if your company is an LLC, an S or C corporation, a nonprofit, a limited partnership, or a limited liability partnership, you will undoubtedly find assistance in their vast array of services.
All packages include the following:
- Business name verifications
- Preparation and filing of all documents
- BizComply, a 24/7 Business Monitoring Tool and Document Library
Complete Package – Best Value
This package costs a total of $560.00, plus the necessary state fees, and fulfills all the additional state and federal requirements. In this purchase, you will receive:
- LLC Kit/Seal
- Sample Operating Agreements and other customizable LLC forms
- Federal Tax ID (EIN) obtainment service
- Compliance DVD
- Sales and payroll tax registration
- A business license application package
- Live Plan
- ADP payroll services for businesses with employees
- Registered agent service
- Certified copy of state-filed documents
- Published notice of formation
- Expedited processing service
- Overnight shipping
Bizfilings’ other options, Standard ($414.00) and Basic ($184.00) are less expensive; however, they have only a limited selection of the previous. You have to manually add whatever other features you want. The elements can be purchased individually, as part of the complete package, or bundled with other services that we will describe in the next several sections.
Learn how to start an LLC on your own here.
Registered Agent Service
This service is $199 for the first year, and can be renewed for an additional $199; you can opt for two years ($299) or three years ($399). With a registered agent from Bizfilings, you will be able to reap these benefits:
- Franchise tax and annual report filing alerts
- BizComply online compliance monitoring tool
- Prompt and discreet handling of important legal and tax documents
- Electronic service of process delivery
- Managed filing services
Business License Research Service
A standard order of this service is $99; a multi-jurisdiction option is the same plus an additional $66 for each location. You need a license or permit to run a business, and comply with the government regulations for safety. Having no legal protection can cost you more later on.
After providing some basic information, Bizfilings researches all the licensing requirements and registrations. Once finished, they email you a customized package.
In addition, Bizfilings can provide a managed annual report. After creating your account, you will be notified when the report is due, and Bizfilings will automatically update your company information. They will notify you when the information is processed and when it is filed successfully. However, this service requires a completed form before receiving an accurate quote.
Compliance Kit and Seal
For $99 total, this package includes:
- A binder
- A seal
- Ownership certificates
- An ownership transfer ledger
- A digital download
The certificates are full-sized, numbered, and detail the company’s name and can be purchased for $1.25 each.
Bizfilings helps you create and regularly update necessary information for your company type. They can properly document meetings with directors, shareholders, partners, etc., and record any changes in ownership or add new owners if necessary.
Foreign Qualification
Foreign qualification is necessary for companies who plan on transacting business in one or more states other than the one they reside in. With this package, Bizfilings will help you register for a certificate of authority, apply for a certificate of good standing, pay applicable fees, then file the respected tax and annual reports.
For $219 plus the required fees, this package includes:
- Preliminary state name check
- Preparation and filing of qualification documents
- Obtainment of a home state-certified copy or good standing, if required
- A free registered agent for six months
- Shipping documents to you
Business Dissolution Filing Service
Bizfilings can take care of preparing and filing the articles of dissolution. Once completed, they ship the paperwork to you. Dissolution can happen to any business, whether that’s the failure to file annual reports, pay taxes, bankruptcy, etc.
After a fee of $179, Bizfilings helps you through this process by checking the documentation, paying, requesting authorization, and submitting the signed documents to the state. They will send you an additional copy as well.
Name Amendment Filing Service
Bizfilings can help change your company name within the state for a total of $149 for home state locations, and $199 for out-of-state locations. You can expedite this process for an additional $200 if necessary. They will check for the approval of the chosen name, and prepare, file, and ship the documentation back.
It’s important that the name is unique and not similar to the previous name or used by other companies because the state could reject it. An amendment is crucial because it shows that all parties consented to this change and obeyed legal requirements.
Similarly, Bizfilings also has an amendment filing service, where you can update the information included in your incorporation, add any foreign qualification, or change your company’s purpose. This service has the same pricing as the previous one mentioned.
Business Reinstatement Service
Bizfilings can assist you with identifying the steps you must take for returning an inactive or non-compliant company to good standing. They will determine fees, obtain forms, and more. Companies must undergo formalities and annual reports; if not, they fall out of good standing and even risk being rejected by the state.
For $179, Bizfilings will confirm that your business stays in good standing and you receive all the benefits of your chosen business type.
Obtaining a Federal Tax ID (EIN)
This number is important since the IRS uses it to identify your business. It must be included in taxes and even to open a business bank account. Once you purchase this service for $79, your federal tax identification will be available within 2-3 days or online.
Sales Tax Registration Services
Bizfilings can prepare the required applications for sales tax registration and file these documents with the respective jurisdiction, starting at $199. Since tax systems differ, your business may need to obtain sales permits or other registrations.
Bizfilings will:
- Review your application
- Provide overview
- Prepare and submit tax registrations
Moreover, Bizfilings can assist in your payroll tax registration services, with a similar process and the same pricing as above.
Filing a Doing Business As (DBA)
For $139 and any additional fees such as publication or name checks, Bizfilings will conduct a preliminary name check, prepare and file all of the necessary documents, then deliver said documents to you.
Filing a DBA is an official and public way to register a name with local jurisdiction. A few other common terms for DBAs are assumed names or fictitious business names. These are often used to distinguish one business as two different names. Once you have a DBA established, it’s easier to make business transactions and create more activity for your business.
Certified Business Formation Documents
With this affordable Bizfiling service, you can get an official copy of your incorporation or other state-filed documents. You don’t have to worry if you lost or misplaced the original and can have additional proof of authenticity of your business.
In addition, Bizfilings can help you with a certificate of good standing as well. As previously mentioned, this paperwork provides evidence that your company exists and is authorized to do business within the state.
A certificate of good standing shows that your company satisfies all the requirements. For example, taxes have been paid, and you report annual income.
It can take up to 4-6 weeks to process this certification for $39, however, with an expedited service (that costs $60), you can receive it within 7-10 business days.
Foreign Business U.S. Incorporation
The United States prides itself in being a country of immigration, with plenty of businesses opening from non-native residents. This package, costing $389, highlights this notion, including:
- Free registered agent service for six months
- Business name availability
- Filing of incorporation documents
- International shipping
- Unlimited phone support
- And more
Owners from another country can benefit by earning credibility with customers and meeting potential investors. They can determine what business type suits them and take off with Bizfilings’ support.
Furthermore, Bizfilings can certify documents to use in another country, also called Apostille or Gold Seal service, for $35. These are necessary if you need to open a bank account or have recognition in a different country.
Pros and Cons
Here we’ll discuss a few advantages and disadvantages of using Bizfilings’ services.
Pros:
- Provides tools and resources to understand your options
- Guides you through the steps and makes sure the process is done correctly
- Incorporation specialists can answer your questions and explain
- Order is reviewed for errors, warranty against filing issues
- Easy process, online or over the phone
- No hidden fees
- Experienced team
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially in specific services and expedited transactions
- Reviews are limited
- You can only create an account when you’re ready to purchase a service
Security and Payment Methods
Bizfilings accepts credit cards (such as American Express, MasterCard, and Visa). Additionally, they take checks, money orders, and wire transfers (for an additional fee of $30). You can also pay with PayPal.
They take your security seriously and are a Norton Secure and VeriSign Secured site. They also participate in the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program.
Bizfilings will collect personal information from you depending on what service you purchase. Bizfilings collect this based on interactions (when you register for a specific service or place an order) or data from third parties. This can include:
- Your name
- Email address
- Address
- Telephone number
- Job title
- Education
- Passwords and security
- Financial information
When Bizfilings no longer needs this information, they take the proper steps to ensure that your security is still intact and you will no longer be identified through the previous details. They not only provide exceptional service but are an ideal partner for your business journey.
Refund Policy
Bizfilings’ refund policy is relatively easy to follow.
If you cancel an order after the payment has been processed by Bizfilings, but before the preliminary name check is completed, then they will refund your order, minus a $50 processing fee.
If you cancel an order after the preliminary name check is completed, but before the incorporation documents have been sent to the state, they will refund the order, minus $70. Otherwise, the money sent for state fees is not refundable.
Check out our guide on BizFilings vs IncFile here.
Customer Support and Reviews
Bizfilings handles all the tasks and delivers a quality experience. They are trusted and recommended by countless customers. Over 500,000 business owners and striving entrepreneurs incorporate online and maintain compliance with Bizfilings.
Many of their representatives go out of their way to deliver high-class customer service. They make the experience memorable and straightforward. Bizfilings uses a language that’s understandable and clear that gives hope to future entrepreneurs.
Bizfilings has an educated staff who is confident to handle any issue brought to their attention. Regardless of whether they’re communicating over the phone or virtual, they aim to deliver the best knowledge.
Other Resources
Bizfilings has multiple different interactive tools and resources on their website, such as the Incorporation Wizard and Business Type Comparison Chart.
The former allows starting business owners to decide on a type of corporation before requesting services from Bizfilings. This survey goes through different sections, broken down into easy-to-understand questions, such as basics, funding, industry, income, taxes, and plans.
The Business Type Comparison Chart is ideal to compare common business types. This chart deciphers what it means to be a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, or a corporation. The main contrasting categories include business formation and management, benefits, and taxation.
Additionally, you can explore the guides, articles, and podcasts posted. The business owner’s toolkit addresses crucial areas to address for start-up business owners, such as what to expect when launching and running your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may still have questions about Bizfilings and its services. Here are the most common questions other people have.
Final Thoughts
Bizfilings can be expensive, but their services are extensive. They provide support in countless areas that owners need when managing their company.
After reading this Bizfilings review, you have a better understanding of what Bizfilings offers, what they do, their history, and how they can help your company in the long run. Their website breaks down everything in this article more. They have helpful staff willing to assist you if you encounter any issues while navigating or need clarification about anything specific.
Regardless of if you’re a new business owner just starting off or if you’ve been running a company for years but need more insight into a certain element, Bizfilings can guide you through the steps needed to get lasting results for the future. They are there for support and give a wide variety of solutions tailored to every company’s needs.
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