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Nonprofit Education

BryteBridge vs Legal Zoom: Our Competitive Analysis

Where do we stand as a company compared to our competitors?

We often get asked how we are different than LegalZoom. While we do share some areas of overlap, we are two very different companies. The following information is to help define the differences between our two companies and the services we provide. This comparison can also be used for most online DIY programs that are similar-to LegalZoom.

  • Full-service provider focused on Nonprofits.
  • Nonprofit Consultants who provide advice and recommendations. Dedicated nonprofit professionals who know your business.
  • Custom Tailored Solutions with Clear Pricing. Includes Incorporation and 501c3 work.
  • The relationship continues after formation, including fundraising education, tax prep and filing, and ongoing compliance.
  • Privately owned and operated in the United States.
m-legalzoom-logo.png
  • Nonprofit is one of many types of people/businesses they help. Nonprofit is not core focus.
  • Do not provide advice. Per their website, "We cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion or recommendation."
  • Primarily a Do-it-yourself technology platform. Access to 3rd Party Attorney for separate fee.
  • Services are not bundled. Low cost to incorporate, add 501c3 later. (Costs add-up see pricing breakdown below!)
  • Private equity/venture capital owned.
Services
  • 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).
  • Corporate Minute Form
  • Membership Certificates, Corporate Seal, Binder
    Customized membership certificates, organization binder, and official seal.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Charity Fundraising Registration Prep
    Most states require nonprofits to register with their Division of Charities prior to seeking donations
  • 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

Services
  • Included
  • Included
  • Included
  • Included
  • Included
  • Included
  • Included
  • $99
  • Included
  • Included ($269 value)
  • Included ($149 value)
  • Included ($149 value)
  • Included ($149 value)
  • $99
  • Included
  • $275/$600 depending on recommendation
  • $1372 for 1023EZ or $1772 1023 Long

LegalZoom

Services
  • Not Available
  • $239
  • $79
  • $99
  • Included
  • Not Available
  • Included
  • Included
  • Refer to attorney
  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • $149
  • Included
  • $275 is included, but do not help with 1023 long
  • $1956 for EZ 1023 long not available)

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.

  • Competitor firm pricing and services obtained from their respective websites as of 9/29/2020.
  • Competitor pricing and services 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.

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