Inc Authority vs Incfile

Inc Authority vs Incfile: Which is Best?

No Comments

Photo of author

By David Borgogni

Last Updated on April 22, 2023 by Ewen Finser

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you

Today we are going to be comparing Inc Authority vs IncFile to see which of these business formation services is better overall. 

Starting a new business is an exciting time, but you will want to make sure that legally everything has been done correctly, which is why sometimes it’s a good idea to have a little help. 

Bottom Line Up Front: The easier to use opition with better value packages is definitely Incfile here with cheaper recurring annual charges (our preferred pick here). If all you need is a free basic LLC right now, Inc Authority is still a good option, just not for all inclusive services.

Main Differences Between Inc Authority vs Incfile  

The main differences between Inc Authority vs Incfile are: 

  • Incfile’s Registered Agent service renewal is slightly more expensive than Inc Authority at $119 per year, whereas Inc Authority is $99 per year
  • Incfile offers better value overall, whereas with Inc Authority you pay for each additional service separately.
  • Incfile’s pricing is completely transparent so you can see exactly what you are paying for before you start the signup process, whereas with Inc Authority you can’t see the pricing for the additional services until you are halfway through the signup process (sneaky!)
Why I Start with Incfile

I've tried a LOT of registered agent services over the years... BUT I've found Incfile to the the Fastest, Cheapest, and most user-friendly.

Business Formation for as little as $0 + State Fee when you incorporate with Incfile.com.

Start with Incfile
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

There are various entity types you can choose from, depending on the type of business you are running, but one of the most popular types of business is in Limited Liability Company, known as an LLC. 

There are many advantages to forming your business as an LLC over other entity types, including: 

  • Privacy Protection for business owners 
  • Tax Advantages 
  • Flexibility with ownership and profit sharing 
  • Limited personal liability for company owners and managers 
  • Less paperwork than a C-Corp or an S-Corp 

All these benefits make an LLC the perfect business formation choice for many small businesses. In this review, we are going to be comparing Inc Authority and Incfile side by side to see what they each have to offer.

We will also be looking at the pros and cons of each service, as well as their customer’s reviews, and the pricing, so you can have a clear picture of which one of these services will be the best option for you and your business. 

Let’s have a look. 

Inc Authority vs Incfile: Inc Authority – In-Depth Overview 

inc authority

Inc Authority is a completely free LLC and Corporation formation service, which also offers a number of other ongoing services to help small and growing businesses. They have been helping small businesses since 1989, and since then have helped form over 130,000 business entities in the United States. 

They offer a full range of services to help you start and grow your business, so you can use them as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all your business legal and tax needs. 

The Main Services Offered by Inc Authority 

  • Business name check 
  • Preparation and filing of legal documents 
  • Registered agent 
  • Digital Storage and Delivery of Documents 
  • Checking and Merchant Services 
  • S-Election form 
  • INC CARE Support (Customer support) 
  • Tax Planning Consultation 
  • Business Funding Analysis 

As well as these main services that are included in their business formation packages, Inc Authority also offer a number of other useful services that can be purchased separately: 

  • Federal Trademark 
  • Revocable Living Trust 
  • Business Credit 
  • Website and Marketing 
  • Business Funding 
  • Business Plans 

How Inc Authority Works 

inc authority services

Inc Authority is very easy to use, and forming your company with them involves a simple 3 step process. 

Firstly you will need to select your business entity type, you can choose from an LLC or Corporation. You will also need to select the state you want to register in. Your state fees will vary depending on which state you are registering, so be sure to check your state’s filing fees beforehand so you don’t get a shock when it comes to payment. 

The next step involves filling out a short form with all the important details of your business. This gives Inc Authority all the important information they need to form your business. 

Once you have provided the required information, you can add and pay for any extra services you want to include. Inc Authority will then check the availability of your chosen business name, and providing it’s available, they will prepare your documents for you.

Once everything is ready Inc Authority will file your documents with the state, and once approved, they will be sent back and you will be able to view them securely online at any time. 

What Other Services Does Inc Authority Offer? 

As well as business formation services, Inc Authority can also provide a range of other services to help you getyour business up and running, including:

  • EIN Number 
  • Operating Agreement 
  • Ownership Certificates 
  • Record Book 
  • Company Seal 
  • Minutes and Resolutions 
  • Express Processing 
  • Domain Registration 
  • INC Protection Advisor 

Having an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is important, particularly if you want to be able to hire and pay employees for your business, or open a business bank account. It can also help protect you from identity theft and personal lawsuits. 

Inc Authority can also provide you with an operating agreement for your business, to ensure that everything for your business is clear from the start. 

The Operating Agreement provides proof of who owns the business, and how the business is shared between many partners. It also helps protect you from any personal liability when it comes to the business, as it clearly separates your business and personal assets. 

They can also provide ownership certificates, and a company seal, as well as a record book, to help you safely store records and certificates for your business. 

Another useful service Inc Authority can provide is the INC Protection Advisor. This service provides you with unlimited phone and online support for the following: 

  • IRS Notifications and Audits 
  • Accounting 
  • Taxes 
  • State and Local Business Licenses 
  • Lawsuit Defense 
  • Business Funding 
  • Payroll  
  • Business Banking and Business credit cards 

Inc Authority Customer Service and Customer Reviews 

Inc Authority has a great track record for customer service. If you want to get in touch with the customer service team for any reason, their contact information is all clearly listed on their website. You can contact them by phone, email, or mail, as well as online chat during office hours if you prefer. Their office hours are Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm PT. 

They have great reviews from their previous customers, with over 3,166 reviews on Trustpilot from happy customers, and an overall rating of 5 stars out of 5 (Excellent). Their reviews say that they are professional, provide good customer service, give good advice, and provide a fast service, so you can be sure you are in safe hands when you use them to form your business. 

Inc Authority vs Incfile: The Benefits of Using Inc Authority 

  • Inc Authority provides a free LLC formation service (plus state filing fees), so it’s a great option for any small business that is getting started on a small budget. 
  • They have excellent customer reviews, with a total of 5 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot. 
  • They provide one year of free registered agent service, and if you wish to continue with the service it’s a renewal of just $99 per year. 
  • There are no hidden fees, everything you pay for is clearly listed and explained when you are signing up. 
  • They can provide support and advice for all areas of your business. 
  • You can access all of your business documents online at any time. 
  • The company has a great reputation and has formed over 130,000 businesses since it began in 1989. 

The Downsides to Using Inc Authority 

Their pricing is not clearly listed on their website, so although you can view the pricing for business start-up bundles on their website, you can’t easily view pricing for individual services.

Once you go through the checkout process for starting your business you are offered the additional services, with the prices listed one by one. The costs for these additional services quickly add up, so it would be good to be able to view these in advance. 

Inc Authority Pricing 

inc authority price plans

Inc Authority offers its LLC setup packages free of charge, so you will only need to pay the state fees. The reason they offer this service free is to hopefully retain your custom so that you purchase future services such as Registered Agent services. The free LLC formation package includes: 

  • Business name check 
  • Preparation and filing of legal documents 
  • Registered agent 
  • Digital Storage and Delivery of Documents 
  • Checking and Merchant Services 
  • S-Election form 
  • INC CARE Support (Customer support) 
  • Tax Planning Consultation 
  • Business Funding Analysis 

The registered agent service is included free for the first year, and following that the renewal is $99/yearly. 

Other Costs: 

They also offer a range of start-up bundles starting from $399 which are a great option for businesses who want to include a lot of the additional services from the start. 

To find out more about Inc Authority and see if they are the right option for your business, you can visit their website here. 

Inc Authority vs Incfile: Incfile – In-Depth Overview 

Incfile specialize in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs form their businesses. They make it quick and easy by handling all of the paperwork so that business owners can focus on growing their business. 

The company was founded in 2004, and since then they have helped form over 250,000 businesses. They are well known for their outstanding customer services and excellent value for money, making their services accessible to business owners of all sizes. 

The Main Services Offered by Incfile 

  • Company name verification 
  • Preparation and filing of business formation documents 
  • Next Business Day processing 
  • One year of free Registered Agent service 
  • Lifetime company filing date alerts 
  • Online order status tracking 
  • Free business tax consultation 
  • Lifetime customer support 
  • Online dashboard with access to all of your business documents 

Incfile’s main service is company formation, but they also offer a range of other services for small businesses to help grow and run smoothly.

Inc Authority vs Incfile: How Incfile Works 

Incfile’s company formation service is very easy to use, and everything can be done online. Before you get started, you will need to choose which state to register your business in.

Each state has its own filing fees which vary from state to state, so you will need to allow for this in your business startup costs. 

The next step is choosing which business entity type you would like to register as. You can choose from: 

  • LLC 
  • Corporation 
  • S-Corporation 
  • Non-Profit 

Incfile offers three different business formation packages, depending on your needs, and once you have decided which package is best for you, Incfile will provide you with an online form to fill out with all of the details of your business. This gives Incfile everything they need to put together the paperwork and documents for your business. 

After you have confirmed and paid for your package, Incfile will check and confirm that the company name you have chosen is available, and draft the documents required to start your business. Once everything is ready, it will be sent to be filed with the state, and your business will become official.

The state will send your incorporation documents back to Incfile, who will upload them online for you to securely view at any time.

What other services does Incfile offer? 

incfile services

Incfile also offers a range of additional services to help your business run smoothly and give you more time to focus on the areas of your business that you love. Their additional services include: 

  • Annual reporting 
  • Foreign qualification 
  • EIN/Tax ID number 
  • Certificate of good standing 
  • Change of registered agent 
  • Trademark name search 
  • DBA/Fictitious business name 
  • Registered agent 
  • Amendment/ Name change 
  • Dissolution 
  • Corporate/LLC Kit 
  • Business license research 
  • File Business Taxes 
  • File S Corp Tax Election 

There is no obligation to purchase these services, however, they are very good value, and will take a lot of stress out of running your business. 

One of Incfile’s most popular services is their Registered Agent service. The Registered Agent service is offered free for the first year when you choose one of the company formation packages, and after that, it’s $119/year.

It’s a legal requirement in the US for all registered businesses to have a Registered Agent, and although you can act as your own Agent, since this option is so affordable it’s well worth paying for, for the peace of mind it brings. 

The Registered Agent service will provide your business with an address that can be used for all legal and business correspondence.

Having a separate address for your business means that not only do you never have to give out your personal address for business purposes, but you never need to worry about being available to accept incoming mail and business documents, as they will all be accepted by the Registered Agent on your behalf, and uploaded to your online portal for you to view at any time.

This also makes the Registered Agent service a great option for anyone who travels a lot for business or isn’t around to accept mail and business documents on a daily basis. 

Incfile can also help your business get set up with an EIN (Employee Identification Number). This is a number assigned to your business by the IRS which works like a social security number for your business and helps protect you as a business owner as it separates your business and personal assets. The EIN also lets you set up a business bank account, and enables you to hire and pay employees for your business. 

If you need to make any changes to your company, such as changing the business name, Incfile can help with this too. They can also help you to dissolve your business properly if you need to, and they can help with all other legal business aspects such as filing your taxes and applying for business licenses. 

Incfile Customer Service and Customer Reviews 

If you would like to get in touch with Incfile’s customer service team, they have phone support available from Monday to Friday, from 9 am-6 pm CST. You can also submit a request on their website and they will get in touch as soon as they can to help you.  

Their website also has a vast learning center where you can find answers to the most common questions. The learning center features guides such as start-up guides to talk you through starting a business, as well as other useful information such as lists of the state filing fees and business checklists so you can make sure you are doing everything right for your business. 

Incfile has a great track record when it comes to customer reviews, with an A+ rating at the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and an overall customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 stars out from an astounding 12,471 customer reviews on Shopper Approved.

The Benefits of Using Incfile 

incfile benefits

  • Incfile provides one year of free registered agent service with all of its company formation packages. 
  • They offer lifetime support to all of their customers, so you can get in touch with the support team at any time if you have any problems. 
  • Incfile has excellent customer reviews, with an A+ rating on BBB and 4.8 stars out of 5 on Shopper Approved. 
  • Incfile provides lifetime customer alerts, so you never have to worry about missing filing deadlines. 
  • All of your documents are stored online, and you can access them securely at any time. 
  • Incfile provides one of the most affordable company formation services around. 

The Downsides to Using Incfile 

There aren’t really any downsides to using Incfile, although during busy periods their customer service team can be a little slower to respond to queries than usual. 

Incfile Pricing 

Why I Start with Incfile

I've tried a LOT of registered agent services over the years... BUT I've found Incfile to the the Fastest, Cheapest, and most user-friendly.

Business Formation for as little as $0 + State Fee when you incorporate with Incfile.com.

Start with Incfile
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Incfile has main packages for its business formation services: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, which start from $0, plus State fees. 

Since there are no fees to pay for the Silver package apart from the state fees, this is a great option for anyone starting a business on a smaller budget. The Gold and Platinum packages include extras to help you run your business such as an EIN and Operating agreement. 

The Silver package costs $0 plus State Fees and includes: 

  • Preparation and filing of your business articles 
  • Name availability search 
  • Free Registered Agent services for one year 
  • Setup of a business banking account with Bank of America ($450 value) 
  • Statement and resignation of the organizer 
  • Unlimited phone and email support 
  • Online order status tracking 
  • Business tax consultation 
  • Next business day processing 
  • Lifetime company alerts 
  • Online access to Incorporation Documents 
  • Electronic mail delivery 

Next up is the Gold package, which costs $149 plus State Fees, and includes everything from the Silver Package, as well as: 

  • Employer Identification Number/Tax ID 
  • Preparation and filing of IRS form 2553 
  • Operating Agreement 
  • Corporation Bylaws 
  • Corporation Organizational Meeting Minutes 
  • Banking resolution 
  • Gold Business formation kit 
  • Express shipping for mail delivery 

The Platinum Package costs $299 plus State Fees and includes everything from the Silver and Gold Packages, as well as:  

  • Business contract templates 
  • The free domain name and email services 
  • Platinum business formation kit 
  • Expedited state filing time 

If you would like to find out more about exactly what Incfile has to offer, you can head over to their website here. 

FAQs

Why should I create an LLC or Corporation?

A Limited Liability Company or LLC is a blend of a partnership and corporation and is considered to be a flexible and adaptable format for a business entity. LLCs offer the same personal and financial security benefits that come with other company types.

What does IncAuthority.com’s Rush Service Do?

If you opt for express delivery, IncAuthority.com will prioritize the creation of your business over that of other customers. If one is available, it will also use the expedited registration service offered by your local state, resulting in a faster turnaround.

Is IncFile better than LegalZoom?

IncFile can save you money over LegalZoom’s base rate, while also including some valuable services like registered agent that LegalZoom makes you pay extra for.

Inc Authority vs Incfile: Which one is the winner? 

Why I Start with Incfile

I've tried a LOT of registered agent services over the years... BUT I've found Incfile to the the Fastest, Cheapest, and most user-friendly.

Business Formation for as little as $0 + State Fee when you incorporate with Incfile.com.

Start with Incfile
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Inc Authority and Incfile are both great companies that offer business formation services at affordable prices, so it’s quite tricky to choose between the two. Both of these companies have excellent customer reviews, so if it’s a great service you’re after, then either one would be a great choice.  

At first glance, it looks like Inc Authority offers better value for money, since although they both offer LLC formation for $0 plus state fees, Inc Authority has a slightly cheaper renewal fee for their Registered Agent service, however, when you look a little closer it turns out that Incfile offers better value overall.

When you look at Incfile’s Gold Package, you will see that it includes an EIN, an Operating Agreement, Corporation Bylaws, Organizational meeting minutes, and more, all for the price of $149.

If you purchased these additional services from Inc Authority it would set you back at least $217, which is quite a considerable amount when you are starting a business. 

And that is why we have chosen Incfile as the winner here! 

Incfile’s website is also much easier to navigate, with transparent pricing so you can see exactly what each package offers before you start the sign-up process, which is a must for us. 

Bottom Line: The easier to use option with better value packages is definitely Incfile here with cheaper recurring annual charges (our preferred pick here). If all you need is a free basic LLC right now, Inc Authority is still a good option, just not for all inclusive services.

If you would like to find out more about Incfile, head over to their website here, and to find out more about Inc Authority and see if they are the right option for your business, you can visit their website here. 

If you’re still undecided, check out our ZenBusiness review. We also compared Swyft Filings and LegalZoom side by side, so head over to find out the verdict! 

Further reading:

Leave a Comment

English