ZenBusiness
AI-Powered Business Formation & Compliance
Active Filings
Fast & Affordable Business Formation Since 2001
Side-by-side comparison. Data as of 2026-02-16.
Company Background
ZenBusiness
HQ: Austin, Texas
Ownership: Private (VC-backed; Public Benefit Corporation)
Employees: 600+
Formations: 850,000+
Key Milestones
- Founded 2015 in Austin, TX
- Raised significant VC funding
- Became Public Benefit Corporation
- Launched AI assistant 'Navi'
- Surpassed 850k businesses formed
Active Filings
HQ: Dania Beach, Florida (381 E Sheridan St)
Ownership: Private (independent, founder-owned; no VC backing)
Employees: 4
Formations: 100,000+ satisfied customers
Key Milestones
- Founded 2001 by immigrant Roberto Neuberger in Florida
- Expanded from FL-only to all 50 states + DC + PR
- Pioneered online incorporation tech (pre-VC era)
- Developed proprietary compliance review system
- Remained independent (no institutional investors)
Core Services
ZenBusiness Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Nonprofit
- ✓ Foreign Qualification (all states)
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- AI-powered platform (Navi assistant)
- 100% Accuracy Guarantee
- Worry-Free Compliance
- Modern, intuitive dashboard
- Lifetime alerts & tools
Active Filings Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Nonprofit
- ✓ Foreign Qualification (all states)
- ✓ International Incorporation Plan (for non-US residents)
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- More free services than competitors (lifetime support, checklists)
- 19+ years experience; 3rd oldest service
- Error-free filing guarantee
- Proprietary compliance tech
- Dedicated support for law firms & small biz
Both offer nationwide RA coverage. Compare differentiators above to see where each shines.
Pricing & Value
| Category | ZenBusiness | Active Filings | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Total | ~$0 + state fees (Starter); $199 + RA (Pro) | ~$0 + state fees (RA included) | ZenBusiness |
| RA Annual Fee | Free Year 1 (Premium); $99 first year then $199 renewal | Free Year 1 (with formation); $99/year renewal | — |
| Value Score | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | ZenBusiness |
Speed & Performance
ZenBusiness
Avg formation: 1-3 business days (higher tiers); 7-14 days (Starter)
Expedited: Included in Pro & Premium
Active Filings
Avg formation: 2-5 business days standard
Expedited: 2 business days (varies); same-day in select states
Pros & Cons
ZenBusiness — Pros
- ✓ AI-powered modern platform
- ✓ 100% Accuracy Guarantee
- ✓ Excellent support
- ✓ Free Starter plan
- ✓ Worry-Free Compliance
ZenBusiness — Cons
- ✗ RA $199 renewal
- ✗ Add-ons increase cost
- ✗ No free Year 1 RA on lower plans
- ✗ Some billing issues
- ✗ Premium gets expensive
Active Filings — Pros
- ✓ Lifetime free support
- ✓ 3rd oldest; proven track record
- ✓ All 50 states + international
- ✓ Error-free guarantee
- ✓ Strong Spanish support
Active Filings — Cons
- ✗ Small team (less scale)
- ✗ RA renewal after free year
- ✗ Fewer reviews than giants
- ✗ Basic tech vs. AI tools
- ✗ Expedited varies by state
The Verdict
Choose ZenBusiness if: One of the strongest modern players in the space. ZenBusiness excels with its beautiful AI-powered platform, strong guarantees, and top-tier customer support. Highly recommended for founders who want a premium experience without the corporate feel.
Choose Active Filings if: Veteran player with human touch—great for immigrants needing reliable help, but check pricing vs. budget options.
Higher rating: ZenBusiness (8.8/10)