GenZone vs LegalZoom: Pricing and What's Included
Comparing the non-resident formation stack, side by side, on price, the registered agent, the EIN, tax filing, and ongoing service.
LegalZoom's formation is cheaper up front, but the registered agent is a separate $249/year and Form 5472 is not on its LLC price list. GenZone's $999 Advanced plan bundles the agent, a stated 3 to 5 day EIN, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, banking, and a named advisor, one annual number, every year.
*LegalZoom's $249 Pro package is a one-time formation fee, while its registered-agent service is separate at $249 per year. The $498 figure is the core Pro formation package plus the registered agent in year one, before state filing fees and optional services. LegalZoom's international-founder offering also provides services such as a US mailing address, banking setup, and ongoing compliance, so the actual cost depends on the services selected. GenZone's $999 per year includes the registered agent, a stated non-resident EIN turnaround, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, hands-on banking support, and a named advisor together, every year. Figures reflect LegalZoom's publicly listed pricing as reviewed September 2026. Confirm current pricing on LegalZoom's site before deciding.
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Formation, EIN, banking, and compliance for non-resident founders, handled end to end by one team.
- Formation in as little as 48 hours
- Non-resident EIN in 3 to 5 days
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- US and Dubai structures, one expert team
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It took them under two days to get two US LLCs up and running, with the paperwork submitted. Honestly I couldn't have started my business in the UAE and expanded this quickly. I'm still surprised how fast the CEO, Kevin, jumps in when needed, deep into the night. Clearly dedicated, and it shows.
Super fast, no headaches, amazing support. I opened my company in Dubai, got my UAE residency and ID, and opened two more companies in the US. I didn't have to worry about anything, they handled everything from start to finish. Every time I had a question, I got a reply in under five minutes.
I reached out to several companies to set up my US LLC, and the difference with GenZone was night and day. They set up my LLC in just one day, and I had my EIN and everything sorted within a week. Unbelievably quick. The whole team made what I expected to be a complicated process feel effortless.
We chose GenZone after seeing them on YouTube for Dubai setup. They handled our Dubai FZCO and our residency visas, and the whole process was streamlined and effortless. Communication is top notch, often answered within minutes. They then handled our US LLC too, again super easy. Recommend to anybody.
GenZone is everything they claim they are and more. They helped me start my US LLC in almost no time at all. They act fast and they deliver. Wonderful cooperation, pleased to have used their services.
GenZone made setting up my US LLC as a non-resident incredibly smooth. Albert and the team were super helpful throughout, and the LLC was formed quickly with all documents organized neatly. The EIN took a little longer than expected, but the team followed up and got it sorted. Would definitely recommend to other international entrepreneurs.
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The Full Breakdown
Both GenZone and LegalZoom form US LLCs, but only one offers a complete non-resident service package at a single price.
LegalZoom is an online provider of legal and business services, including LLC formation, attorney consultations, trademarks, contracts, wills, and other business products.
Its Pro package is a one-time $249 formation fee plus the state's filing fee, and includes an EIN and operating agreement. Registered agent service is separate at $249 per year.
GenZone's Advanced plan is built for non-resident founders. At $999 per year it includes the registered agent, state fees, non-resident EIN processing, a US address with physical mail forwarding, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, and hands-on banking support.
For international founders, LegalZoom's current pages state its EIN service is available without an SSN and that it files Form SS-4 with the IRS. A US bank account, a US mailing address, and compliance services are also available, depending on what is selected.
The main difference is structure. LegalZoom offers a lower one-time formation cost, with the agent and other ongoing needs added separately. GenZone integrates formation, the agent, compliance, mail, EIN, and banking into one annual plan.
For a non-resident who needs more than basic formation, GenZone's bundled approach makes the total scope of ongoing support clear from the outset, rather than assembled piece by piece.
What LegalZoom's Pro Package Includes, and What It Does Not
LegalZoom's Basic package is $0 plus the state filing fee and covers a business name check, filing of the Articles of Organization, and a digital welcome packet. An EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent are separate.
Its Pro package is $249 plus the state filing fee and adds an EIN, operating agreement, 30 days of 30-minute attorney consultations, one year of legal document library access, and a customizable website.
For international founders, LegalZoom's pages also indicate EIN processing without an SSN and US bank account setup through partner providers may be available. Registered agent service is priced separately at $249 per year.
GenZone's Advanced plan bundles more at $999 per year: a registered agent, a business address with physical mail forwarding, a stated non-resident EIN turnaround, Form 5472 filing, and hands-on banking support, all under one recurring fee.
EIN Support for Non-Resident Founders
LegalZoom's Pro package includes an EIN, and its international pages state one can be obtained without a Social Security Number. LegalZoom confirms it files Form SS-4 with the IRS for international applicants, a documented route for founders without an SSN.
What its international pages do not specify is a turnaround. LegalZoom does not publish the 3-to-5-business-day figure GenZone states for its non-resident EIN service.
GenZone's EIN service is tailored for non-resident founders and states a 3 to 5 business day turnaround, a published timeframe rather than an open-ended estimate.
The Filing That Does Not Appear in LegalZoom's LLC Catalog
Foreign-owned US disregarded entities may have an annual Form 5472 reporting obligation when they have reportable transactions with their foreign owner or related parties. When required, the form is attached to a pro forma Form 1120.
No dedicated Form 5472 service on the LLC catalog
The IRS can impose a $25,000 penalty for failure to file Form 5472 when required. A search across LegalZoom's LLC packages, add-ons, and broader tax pages shows no dedicated Form 5472 filing service.
A non-resident who forms with LegalZoom would source that filing from a separate CPA. GenZone includes Form 1120 and 5472 from the Advanced plan at $999, filed by in-house CPAs, inside the same annual fee that already covers the agent and the address.
New to the surrounding paperwork? The guide to W-8 and W-9 forms for foreign owners explains which one applies and when.
Banking Support
LegalZoom's international pages advertise US bank account setup through partner providers, along with access to US payment platforms. Banking support is available, though its structure differs from GenZone's.
GenZone's banking support, included from the Advanced plan, is specific: documents are prepared and applications supported across providers such as Wise, Mercury, and Slash.
GenZone is not just a US LLC provider. We build and run your full global structure, from companies to residency to banking.
- Dubai company setup and UAE residency for legal tax repositioning and a 0% position.
- Golden visa and long-term UAE residency for qualified high-net-worth founders and investors.
- UAE accounting and bookkeeping that keeps your Dubai company compliant and clean.
- Business banking across many countries, including the US, Dubai, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, Liechtenstein, and the Bahamas, plus digital accounts with Wise, Mercury, Relay, Slash, Stripe, and more.
Pricing, Added Up Honestly
GenZone publishes three fixed annual tiers on its US LLC page: Basic at $499, Advanced at $999, and Done-For-You at $1,999.
State fees, the registered agent, the address, physical mail forwarding, and the non-resident EIN are included from Basic. Form 5472 and 1120 filing, plus active banking setup, are included with Advanced.
LegalZoom's Pro package is a $249 one-time formation fee, while its registered agent is separate at $249 a year. That makes the core Pro package plus the agent $498 in year one, before state fees and optional services.
LegalZoom's international offering adds services such as a US mailing address, banking setup, and ongoing compliance, depending on what is selected. GenZone's Advanced plan bundles the agent, EIN, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, and banking into one recurring package.
Support: General Customer Service, or a Named Advisor
LegalZoom combines customer support with attorney access. Its Pro package includes 30 days of 30-minute consultations with business attorneys, auto-renewing at $49 per month, and its international offering adds support for formation, banking, and compliance.
LegalZoom does not advertise a named relationship manager in the materials reviewed here. GenZone pairs its own platform with a relationship manager on WhatsApp, assigned from the first message and reachable through formation, banking, and every renewal after.
Each Firm Serves a Different Founder
Choose GenZone if you...
- Want the registered agent, EIN, Form 5472 filing, and banking in one price, not a $249 package plus a separate $249 purchase that still leaves gaps.
- Want a published 3 to 5 business day non-resident EIN turnaround.
- Prefer a named advisor on WhatsApp over a 30-day attorney subscription that renews at $49 a month.
- May later pair a US structure with Dubai residency and a UAE company.
LegalZoom may fit if you...
- Prefer a modular structure, with formation and several ongoing services priced separately.
- Value its broader legal ecosystem: attorney consultations, legal documents, and other business services.
- Need its international offering, which includes EIN processing without an SSN and US bank account setup.
- Do not need Form 5472 bundled, which was not listed in the LegalZoom services reviewed here.
The Key Difference
LegalZoom's Pro package is a $249 one-time formation fee plus the state fee, with the EIN and operating agreement included and the registered agent separate at $249 a year. Its international offering supports EIN applications without an SSN and adds banking, a US address, and compliance.
Form 5472 was not listed among LegalZoom's current offerings reviewed here. GenZone's $999 Advanced plan instead bundles the registered agent, non-resident EIN, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, banking support, and a named advisor into one annual package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegalZoom good for non-resident founders?
Its international offering supports non-resident founders, including EIN processing without an SSN and US bank account setup through partner providers. The Pro package is $249 plus the state fee, with the registered agent separate at $249 a year. GenZone's Advanced plan bundles Form 5472 and 1120 filing, banking, and a named advisor into one $999 annual package.
Does LegalZoom include a registered agent?
LegalZoom's LLC formation packages do not include the registered agent. It is purchased separately at $249 per year and renews annually. GenZone includes the registered agent in its annual plan from the $499 Basic tier.
Does LegalZoom's EIN service work for founders without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. LegalZoom's international pages state its EIN service is available without an SSN and that it files Form SS-4 with the IRS. It does not publish the 3 to 5 business day turnaround GenZone states for its non-resident EIN service.
Does LegalZoom file Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs?
No dedicated Form 5472 service appears in LegalZoom's LLC packages, add-ons, or broader tax pages, at any tier or year, in the materials reviewed here. A non-resident would source that filing from a separate CPA each year. GenZone includes Form 5472 and 1120 from its $999 Advanced plan, filed by in-house CPAs.
How much does LegalZoom really cost for a non-resident?
The core Pro formation package is $249 plus the state fee, and the registered agent is $249 per year, totaling $498 in year one before state fees. International founders can add services such as a US mailing address and ongoing compliance, so the final cost depends on what is selected. GenZone's Advanced plan is $999, all-in.
Does LegalZoom help open a US bank account?
Yes. LegalZoom's international pages advertise US bank account setup through partner providers and access to US payment platforms. GenZone's Advanced plan instead includes hands-on banking support, with documents prepared and applications supported across Wise, Mercury, and Slash.
Is LegalZoom cheaper than GenZone?
The core LegalZoom Pro package and registered agent cost less up front than GenZone's $999 Advanced plan, but they do not cover the same scope. LegalZoom prices its international-founder services separately, while GenZone bundles the agent, non-resident EIN, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, banking, and a named advisor into one annual price.
Can I switch to GenZone after forming with LegalZoom?
Yes. An existing LLC can generally change its registered agent and engage a different provider for ongoing compliance and tax services without reincorporating, subject to the applicable state procedures. GenZone can take over the agent, compliance, banking support, and Form 5472 filing.
How does GenZone differ from LegalZoom?
LegalZoom uses a modular model: a $249 Pro formation package with the registered agent, mailing, banking, compliance, and legal services priced separately. GenZone uses a bundled annual model that combines formation, the registered agent, non-resident EIN processing, Form 5472 and 1120 filing, banking support, and a US plus Dubai option in one plan.