BryteBridge's full-service offering compared to LegalZoom.
We often get asked how we are different than LegalZoom. While we share some overlapping areas, we are two very different companies with different approaches to services and breadth of services. Check out our full BryteBridge vs Legal Zoom analysis below.
The most important takeaway is that BryteBridge is a full-service provider, and the relationship and support are ongoing after your 501(c)(3) is obtained. To meet federal and state compliance, you will need ongoing compliance, education, and 990 tax filings. LegalZoom does not offer these services. We often end up servicing LegalZoom customers, as their support doesn’t cover everything a nonprofit needs to be established appropriately, maintain ongoing compliance, or file the annual 990 tax filing obligation of nonprofits.
If you plan or expect your nonprofit to be eligible for grant funding, LegalZoom does not include 1023 long as part of their pricing quote. This is the 501(c)(3) application type grant funders typically prefer to see filed due to the added transparency provided.
The following information helps define the differences between our two companies and the services we provide. This comparison can also be used for most online DIY programs similar to LegalZoom.
- Full-service Nonprofit service provider.
- We provide advice and support.
- Dedicated nonprofit professionals who know your business.
- Clear Pricing. Includes Incorporation and 501(c)(3) work.
- Custom Tailored Solutions.
- Ongoing relationship, education, and support.
- Privately owned and operated in the United States.
- Serving Nonprofits is not their core.
- Do not provide advice. Per their website, "We cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion or recommendation."
- Do-it-yourself technology platform. Access to 3rd Party Attorney for separate fee.
- Services are not bundled. Low cost to incorporate, add 501(c)(3) later. (Costs add-up see pricing breakdown below!)
- No ongoing charity compliance services
Summary and Disclaimers
BryteBridge provides a comprehensive turn-key service experience to nonprofit organizations. For nonprofits who work with a LegalZoom or other self-help online systems, there are often many gaps in their offering as they are not full-service solutions, resulting in Nonprofits either do the work their own or hire additional professionals to complete all steps to starting a nonprofit and to maintain it going forward.
Additionally, LegalZoom and other online providers do not assist with the 501c3 Long, which is what most grant funders prefer and often require.
- Comparison is to show comparable service. BryteBridge also offers a premium concierge service for $2274, which includes a free year of education, consulting support, and registered agent services.
- Competitor firm pricing and services obtained from their respective websites as of 6/20/2024.
- Competitor pricing and services are subject to change without notice.
- Pricing does not include add-on fees or expediting costs. All pricing is to demonstrate the closest total comparison.
For the Pricing Breakdown, we compared our Complete Compliance Plan vs LegalZooms Standard Plan. LegalZoom does not offer a bundled solution. Everything offered must be purchased as an add on.
Membership certificates, Corporate Seal, Binder* – We have access to the same vendor as LegalZoom if you should need these. In today’s technological world, we feel these are optional and often unnecessary and mainly used to support marketing efforts. We organize your client portal in a similar manner as a binder. You have 24/7 access. Check us out on Verified Reviews!
- Dedicated Nonprofit Specialist
Committed to understanding your organization and help you establish your nonprofit according to best practices - Articles of incorporation
Creation of your Nonprofit and articles “Charter” establishes your nonprofit in your home state. If we need to review existing Articles for accuracy, it will be $79 - EIN
Obtain your Federal Tax Identification Number. - Bylaws
Preparation of state- and IRS-compliant, draft bylaws. - 1023 EZ Option
Application to be submitted for exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3). - 1023 Long Option
Application to be submitted for exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3). - Conflict of Interest
IRS-approved Conflict of Interest Policy to help your board govern conflicts of interest. - Financials
The IRS requires actual or projected financial information (e.g., budget) for three years. - Charity Fundraising Registration Prep
Most states require nonprofits to register with their Division of Charities prior to seeking donations - State Tax Exemption Prep
Some states require the state equivalent to IRS 501(c)(3) status to be corporate tax exempt. California and Texas are especially complex - State Sales Tax
If applicable to your state, this enables you to avoid paying sales taxes on qualified purchases - Registered Agent Services
RA services ensure you do not miss important tax or legal documents mailed to your organization. - Secure Client Portal
24/7 access to your corporate & nonprofit documents and access annual reminders. - IRS Filing Fee
The IRS will require either $275 or $600 depending on which 1023 form is completed. - Total Cost of Services
Total costs assuming you need help with everything
BryteBridge
- Included
- Included
- Included
- Included
- Included
- Included
- Included
- Included ($299 value)
- Included ($299 value)
- Included *Concierge Service ($299 value)
- Included *Concierge Service ($299 value)
- $149
- Included
- $275/$600 depending on recommendation
- $1522 for 1023EZ Value of $2120
LegalZoom
- Not Available
- $239 to $359
- $79
- $99
- $595-$795
- Not Available
- Refer to attorney
- Not Available
- Not Available
- Not Available
- Not Available
- $249
- Included
- $275 is included, but do not help with 1023 long
- $1261-$1461 for EZ 1023. Refer to attorney at additional cost for 1023 long.
