Key Takeaways
- Bizee is a rebrand of IncFile, expanding its services beyond business formation.
- The Silver Package offers free business filing, with only state fees required.
- Bizee offers a business grant, offering $2.5K and free services to new entrepreneurs.
- They offer registered agent services, but you can also serve as your own agent to save money.
- Bizee’s compliance services include annual reports, amendments, and reinstatements.
- Customer reviews on Trustpilot are positive, with an overall score of 4.7 out of 5.
- Bizee has an F rating with BBB, which raises complaint response concerns.
- Bizee could be a solid option for business formation, but watch for upsells.
When building business credit, one of the foundational steps is to set your business up so that it’s lawful and “business credit-ready.” Historically, IncFile has been a popular registered agent to help facilitate this process a bit more easily. A couple of years ago, IncFile re-branded to become Bizee.
Now, Bizee offers a way for you to presumably start a business in minutes and establish essentials like a virtual address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licensure, and more. They’re also known for their entrepreneur grant. Here, learn exactly what Bizee might be able to help you with and whether or not it’s right for you.
This is what’s in store:
Now, let’s dive in!
What is Bizee?
Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is a company that helps entrepreneurs start and manage their businesses. They offer services like forming LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. They also provide registered agent services, which means they handle official documents for your business.
Their goal seems to be to make starting a business easy and affordable. They even offer a basic package that only requires you to pay the state’s filing fee.
Since starting in 2004, the company has reportedly assisted over a million entrepreneurs. In December 2023, they changed their name from Incfile to Bizee to better reflect a wider range of services including grants to start a business.
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Company Overview
Maybe because it’s a newer name in the registered agent world, a lot of people ask if Bizzy is a legitimate company. And, the answer is yes. IncFile.com LLC is a Texas-based company that has been registered with the state of Delaware (they have the most corporate-friendly laws) since 2006.
Curiously, Bizee.com LLC has been registered in Delaware since 1999, but in a separate county.
The current co-CEO at Bizee, Dustin, is the former Monster Energy Music Deal Maker and has held this position with IncFile and Bizee since 2014, when the company launched. If nothing else, Ray’s leadership is consistent.
Customers tend to love Bizee, evident by the fact that 86% of them give them a 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Their overall Trustscore on the platform is 4.7 out of 5. Customers generally praise Bizee for its efficient and user-friendly business formation services.
With the Better Business Bureau (BBB), their track record isn’t nearly as positive. IncFile.com LLC, despite maintaining 4.86 stars out of 5, has an F BBB rating (this is the worst possible rating a company can have. In the past three years, they’ve received 95 platform complaints and only closed out 25 of them.
An F-rating and 4.86 stars don’t line up very well, so I decided to explore what the Reddit community thinks about Bizee.
In general, Redditors say Bizee is a decent option for LLC formation, with quick turnaround times and a user-friendly process, but they caution against purchasing unnecessary upsell services like obtaining an EIN through Bizee, as this can be done faster and more cheaply on your own (if you can navigate your state’s system). And, one commenter did warn of potential issues with compliance and service quality.
Overall, Bizee has a mixed reputation, but it’s a viable option for more than just business registration. Beyond LLC formation, Bizee offers a range of services. While the upsells might not always be necessary, many customers appreciate the convenience and efficiency Bizee provides—just make sure to weigh the pros and cons before diving in head first.
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How Does Bizzy Work?
Bizee has a comprehensive suite of services to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses. From free LLC filing to ongoing support and compliance management, Bizee may be able to simplify starting and running your business.
Here’s a breakdown of their offer.
1. Free LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, and Nonprofit Filing
Bizee provides “free” business formation filing, which can enable you to establish your business with minimal costs. It’s not actually free because you need to pay your state’s filing fee. The cost tends to range from $50-250 nationwide. And, some states’ Secretary of State websites are complicated to maneuver, while Bizee’s questionnaire is straightforward.
So, this could be an attractive option if you want to save time and avoid hiring a legal representative to help you file.
Bizee supports the formation of different business structures, including:
- LLC
- S-Corporation
- C-Corporation
- Nonprofit
- Doing Business As (DBA)
Business formation alone is free. Note that competitors like Zen Business also offer free LLC filing services, but don’t historically offer free S-Corp or C-Corp filing. Most of these companies make their money on upselling.
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2. EIN Application
Bizee offers to help you apply for an EIN, which you will need to open a business bank account and use for tax purposes in the United States. And, in their case, this is one of the most commonly-complained about services. Particularly, foreign business owners were disappointed that Bizee’s EIN applications weren’t as seamless as they expected.
So, in the brand’s defense, EIN filing is managed through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is not traditionally known for their speed and communication.
With that said, applying for an EIN is actually super simple, so I don’t usually recommend business owners pay for this service. Instead, if you’re sure you can correctly enter your business information during U.S. business hours, on a Monday through Friday, do it yourself.
To apply, go to the IRS website’s Get an employer identification number page and click “Apply Now,” enter your information, submit your application, and wait for the IRS to contact you. If you get an error page when you get to the application page, come back during normal business hours.
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3. Registered Agent Services
Bizee offers registered agent services to manage important legal documents and compliance notices. This service helps make sure your business remains in good standing with the state and helps you avoid missing critical filings.
Bizee’s advertising claims that “a registered agent is required by law,” which is somewhat misleading. While most states require an agent to be registered on business formation documents, you do not have to hire a registered agent to own a business. You may list yourself or another owner of your company on business documents.
In short, you don’t have to hire a registered agent to own a business—you can list yourself or another owner. However, using a service like Bizee can make managing legal documents and compliance easier, especially if you want to avoid the hassle.
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4. Business Compliance Services
Bizee can help keep your business compliant with state requirements through:
- Annual report filing
- Amendments and change of registered agent
- Foreign qualification
- Form 2553 (S-Corp tax)
- Dissolution and reinstatement services
You may be able to leverage these services to maintain good standing with the state and make updates to your business documents when needed. They can also help you register to do business in another state or simplify the process of updating your business’s registered agent.
They can assist with tax elections and help revive your business if it has been dissolved or properly close your business when needed.
5. Business Tools and Services
Bizee offers a variety of tools and services to support business operations, like:
- Virtual address
- Business license/permit help
- Trademark registration
- Beneficial ownership information (BOI) report services
- Certificate of good standing
- Corporate LLC kit
Maintain a professional image with a business address. Ensure compliance with local and state requirements. Protect your brand and intellectual property. Maintain compliance with ownership reporting regulations. Organize important business documents. Get a certificate of good standing when you need it for a loan or contract.
These tools and services can be helpful, and, in some cases, they’re necessary to do business.
6. Fresh Start Business Grant
Bizee grants aim to support aspiring entrepreneurs by offering $2.5K toward startup costs and complimentary business formation services. Recipients can receive Bizee’s Standard plan for free, which includes incorporation services in their state, one year of registered agent services, and a tax consultation.
Their advertising claims this is a $385 value, but current pricing is $199 (their pricing is covered in full in the next section).
Applicants must be U.S. residents aged 21 or older who plan to start a new business or significantly grow an existing one.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete an online form
- Submit a two-minute video detailing how entrepreneurship will impact your life
- Provide a sample business plan
This grant offer indicates that Bizee is committed to empowering people to achieve entrepreneurial dreams. However, future dates are still in the works, so we have yet to see if they continue this tradition.
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7. Bizee Pricing
Bizee’s pricing does stand out from some of their competitors (who tend to charge for each added service beyond LLC formation).
Bizee offers a transparent pricing structure with three main packages:
- Silver Package: Free formation service; you only pay the state’s filing fee.
- Gold Package: Priced at $199 plus state fees, it includes additional services like an EIN and operating agreement.
- Platinum Package: Ar $299 plus state fees, this package offers all Gold features plus expedited filing and domain name services.
Notably, Bizee provides a free first year of registered agent service, with an ongoing annual fee of $119 thereafter. This straightforward approach contrasts with competitors that may have hidden fees or subscription-based models.
*Check Bizee.com for up-to-date pricing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is IncFile now Bizee?
IncFile rebranded to Bizee to better reflect their expanded range of services beyond just business formation. The new name aligns with their goal of offering more comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, including grants, registered agent services, and business management tools.
What is Bizee used for?
Bizee helps entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses. Their services include business entity registration (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Nonprofit), registered agent services, compliance tools, and even a “Fresh Start Business Grant” for new businesses.
Is Bizee really free?
Bizee offers free business formation services with its Silver Package. You only need to pay the state’s filing fee, making it a budget-friendly option for starting a business. However, additional services and packages do come with fees.
How do I cancel my Bizee subscription?
To cancel your Bizee subscription, you need to contact their customer support directly. It’s recommended to review your service agreement to understand any cancellation terms or fees that might apply.
Is Bizee or LegalZoom better?
Bizee and LegalZoom both offer business formation services, but Bizee stands out with its free LLC filing and lower-priced registered agent services. LegalZoom, however, offers a broader range of legal services. The better choice depends on your specific business needs and budget.
Conclusion: Is Bizee Legit?
Bizee is a legitimate company with a solid track record in helping entrepreneurs start and manage their businesses. The company offers a range of services beyond business formation, including registered agent services, compliance tools, business grants, and more. Customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot are generally positive, but the company has a mixed reputation with the BBB.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to form a business and want the convenience of additional business management tools, Bizee could be a good option. Just be mindful of potential upsells and evaluate whether their extra services are worth the cost based on your specific business needs.
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