★ REAL COST COMPARISON

The Real Cost of “$0 LLC Formation”

ZenBusiness advertises free LLC formation, but what do you actually get for $0? We break down every cost so you can make an informed decision—not one based on marketing headlines.

See What $0 Really Gets You

What “Free” Actually Means

We are not saying ZenBusiness is a bad company. We are saying the $0 price tag does not tell the full story. Here is what is really happening.

The $0 Starter Plan: What You Should Know

Based on ZenBusiness's publicly posted pricing as of April 2026: their $0 Starter plan covers the bare minimum—filing your Articles of Organization with the state. The $0 plan does not include an operating agreement, EIN filing, or expedited processing. Registered agent service is a separate $99/year charge. And in our view, the real catch is that if you want the essentials most businesses need, you will end up on a higher-tier plan—which renews annually. Once you add the services most LLC owners actually need, the price difference between ZenBusiness and Wyoming LLC Service gets a lot smaller than that $0 headline suggests.

Side-by-Side: Every Dollar Compared

We used ZenBusiness's published pricing so you can see exactly what each service costs. No estimates—just verified numbers.

Feature Wyoming LLC Service ZenBusiness
Registered Agent — Renewal $99/yr — same price, every year $199/yr (based on published pricing, April 2026)
Privacy / Organizer Filing Included — we file as organizer so your name is not on the filing we submit Not offered — in our review, your name goes on the filing
Business Address with Mail Scanning $99/yr — real Wyoming street address included Not offered
5-Year Total Cost* $625 + state fees $895+ state fees (based on published pricing)

*Based on formation + registered agent service over 5 years, using published pricing verified April 2026. In our opinion, many clients find they save $270+ with Wyoming LLC Service—plus you get real privacy protection ZenBusiness does not offer. Verify current pricing at zenbusiness.com before deciding.

What You Actually Get for $0

Here is a clear breakdown of what ZenBusiness's free Starter plan includes—and what it does not.

Included in $0 Starter

  • Articles of Organization filing
  • Standard processing speed
  • Online account dashboard

NOT Included (Costs Extra)

  • Registered Agent — $99/yr (renews $199/yr)
  • Operating Agreement — $99 add-on or $199 Pro plan
  • EIN Filing — $99 add-on or $199 Pro plan
  • Expedited Processing — $79 add-on
  • Organizer Filing for Privacy — not available
  • Business Address / Mail Scanning — not available

Already With ZenBusiness?

Switch your registered agent to Wyoming LLC Service for $99/year plus a one-time $39 transfer fee. We handle all the paperwork with the Secretary of State—you don't have to do a thing.

Switch My Registered Agent $99/year registered agent + $39 one-time transfer fee. No long-term contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ZenBusiness pricing and switching to a local Wyoming provider.

Is ZenBusiness really free?
Based on ZenBusiness's publicly posted pricing as of April 2026, their $0 Starter plan covers basic LLC filing only. You still pay Wyoming state fees, and in our view, essentials like an operating agreement, EIN filing, and registered agent service are either add-ons or require upgrading to a higher-tier plan. Most business owners end up spending significantly more than $0.
How do I switch my registered agent from ZenBusiness?
We file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Wyoming Secretary of State on your behalf. The transfer typically completes within a few business days. Our fee is $99/year for registered agent service plus a one-time $39 transfer fee. You don't need to coordinate with ZenBusiness—we handle the filing directly.
Does ZenBusiness offer organizer filing for privacy?
Based on our review of ZenBusiness's publicly posted process as of April 2026, ZenBusiness does not appear to file as the organizer on your Articles of Organization. In our opinion, this means your personal name appears on the filing as the organizer and may be searchable online. Wyoming LLC Service files as the organizer on your behalf so your personal name is not included on the filing we submit to the state.
How much does ZenBusiness registered agent cost after the first year?
Based on ZenBusiness's publicly posted pricing as of April 2026, their registered agent service is $99 for the first year and renews at $199/year. Wyoming LLC Service charges $99/year every year—no price increase at renewal. In our view, over five years that difference alone saves you $400. We recommend verifying current ZenBusiness pricing directly at zenbusiness.com.
Which is better for a Wyoming LLC — ZenBusiness or a local provider?
A local Wyoming provider offers advantages that national services cannot match: organizer filing for true anonymity, a physical Wyoming presence, personal support from people who specialize in Wyoming business law, and consistent pricing that does not increase at renewal time. If privacy, predictable costs, and personal service matter to you, a local provider is the better choice.
All competitor prices verified April 2026 from their published websites. State fees apply equally to all providers and are not included in the comparison totals. ZenBusiness pricing sourced from zenbusiness.com/pricing-formation-plans/ and zenbusiness.com/registered-agent/. ZenBusiness is a registered trademark of ZenBusiness Inc. Wyoming LLC Service is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ZenBusiness.

We are a document preparation service — not a law firm, CPA, or financial advisor. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. We encourage you to consult a licensed professional for advice specific to your situation.