Business formation services like Bizee (formerly Incfile) attract entrepreneurs with low-cost LLC formation, but small businesses often discover gaps in ongoing compliance support, limited multi-state capabilities, or pricing that increases significantly after the first year. Whether you're managing a single LLC or coordinating compliance across multiple entities, finding the right registered agent and formation service matters for long-term business health.
This guide examines the top Bizee alternatives based on pricing transparency, compliance automation, multi-state capabilities, and ongoing support quality.
Bizee offers competitive initial pricing with free LLC formation (plus state fees) and a free first year of registered agent service. However, several factors drive businesses to seek alternatives:
Pricing increases after year one: Bizee's registered agent service costs $119 annually after the free first year, which is competitive but not the lowest available. More significantly, businesses often discover that essential compliance services require additional purchases.
Limited compliance automation: While Bizee provides compliance reminders, automated filing capabilities are limited. Businesses managing ongoing state requirements often need to handle filings manually or purchase additional services.
Multi-entity limitations: Companies operating multiple LLCs or expanding across state lines find Bizee's platform designed primarily for single-entity management, creating coordination challenges as businesses grow.
Customer support concerns: Despite serving over one million businesses since 2004, Bizee has received mixed reviews regarding customer support responsiveness, particularly for complex compliance questions.
Discern offers a modern approach to registered agent services and compliance management, designed specifically for businesses managing multiple entities across jurisdictions.
Key features:
Pricing: $3.50 per state registration per year for registered agent service; $99 for formations, foreign registrations, and amendments. State fees additional.
Best for: Businesses managing multiple entities, companies expanding across state lines, and organizations seeking comprehensive compliance automation rather than à la carte services.
Limitations: Designed for businesses seeking full compliance management; may offer more features than single-entity startups need initially.
ZenBusiness positions itself as an affordable, user-friendly formation service with tiered pricing packages.
Key features:
Pricing: Formation packages range from $0 (Starter) to $349 (Premium) plus state fees. Registered agent service costs $99 for the first year, then $199 annually.
Best for: New entrepreneurs wanting straightforward formation with optional add-on services.
Limitations: Compliance features require higher-tier packages or additional purchases. The $199 annual registered agent renewal is higher than some competitors. Some users report difficulty canceling services when no longer needed.
Northwest Registered Agent emphasizes privacy protection and straightforward pricing for registered agent services.
Key features:
Pricing: $125 per year for registered agent service after the first free year. LLC formation starts at $39 plus state fees. Annual report filing (Renewal Service) costs $100 plus state fees and is added by default for businesses Northwest forms or serves as registered agent for.
Best for: Privacy-conscious business owners and startups seeking reliable, straightforward registered agent service with automated compliance filing included.
Limitations: Multi-entity management tools remain minimal, and foreign registration requires manual processes rather than one-click automation. The platform is designed primarily for straightforward single-entity needs rather than complex multi-state operations.
Harbor Compliance specializes in comprehensive compliance services, particularly for businesses with complex licensing requirements.
Key features:
Pricing: Registered agent service starts at $99 for the first year, renewing at $149 annually. Multi-year discounts of 5-10% available. Other services priced separately.
Best for: Businesses requiring licensing support alongside registered agent service, nonprofits, and companies needing comprehensive compliance consulting.
Limitations: À la carte pricing means costs add up quickly for businesses needing multiple services. Less focus on automation compared to newer platforms.
LegalZoom offers registered agent services as part of a broader legal services platform.
Key features:
Pricing: Registered agent service costs $249 per year. Formation packages range from $0 to $349 plus state fees.
Best for: Businesses wanting access to broader legal services beyond formation and registered agent needs.
Limitations: Higher pricing than competitors for comparable registered agent services. Platform complexity can overwhelm users seeking simple compliance solutions. Customer reviews cite concerns about billing clarity and auto-renewal practices.
Consider these factors when evaluating alternatives:
Current and future entity count: Single-entity businesses may find basic services sufficient, while companies planning expansion benefit from platforms designed for multi-entity management.
Compliance automation needs: Determine whether you want to handle state filings manually, receive reminders only, or have filings completed automatically.
Geographic scope: Businesses operating in multiple states need providers with consistent service and pricing across all jurisdictions.
Budget structure: Compare total annual costs including registered agent fees, compliance services, and any per-filing charges rather than focusing solely on formation pricing.
Support requirements: Consider whether you need basic customer service or access to compliance expertise for complex questions.
Managing business compliance across multiple states creates an administrative burden that grows with each new entity or jurisdiction. Discern eliminates this complexity through automated filing, comprehensive registered agent service, and real-time compliance tracking designed for businesses that need reliability at scale.
Ready to simplify your business compliance? Book a demo with Discern to see how automated compliance management can reduce administrative overhead while ensuring your entities maintain good standing across all jurisdictions.
Switching registered agents requires filing a change of agent form with each state where your business is registered. Most professional registered agent services handle this paperwork as part of onboarding. There's typically a brief transition period, but your business remains in compliance throughout the change.
Yes, but managing multiple providers creates coordination challenges and increases the risk of missed deadlines or communications. Most businesses find that using a single provider across all jurisdictions simplifies compliance management.
Basic registered agent service typically costs $100-$300 per state annually. Comprehensive services including compliance automation and multi-entity management may cost more but often provide better value for growing businesses by reducing administrative time and compliance risk.
Yes. Every LLC and corporation must designate a registered agent, even if you have a physical presence in the state. Using a professional service provides privacy protection, ensures availability during business hours, and prevents service of process from being delivered at your place of business in front of employees or customers.
Registered agent service provides a legal address to receive official documents and service of process. Compliance service typically includes tracking filing deadlines, preparing and submitting required reports, and maintaining your business's good standing with state authorities. Some providers bundle these services while others charge separately.
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