Inc Authority Review
Inc Authority offers free LLC formation, but is this benefit worth getting? Find out if it's the best choice to launch your business.
Overall Score | 3.6 | ||
Price | 3.0 | ||
Order Processing Time | 3.0 | ||
Customer Service | 4.0 | ||
Ease of Use | 4.5 | ||
Quality | 3.5 | ||
Pros and Cons
- Free business formation
- Free 1 yr. registered agent
- Live support
- Pushy upsells
- Mandatory registered agent services
- Doesn't show prices
Bottom Line
Low-cost business formation service for entrepreneurs with a tight budget
Inc Authority offers free LLC formation. This may sound tempting, but you can't be swayed by "free" alone. There's more to consider when choosing the right provider.
In this in-depth review of Inc Authority, you'll learn about the noteworthy benefits and the strongest deal-breakers.
After reading, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether Inc Authority is the right fit for you.
What Is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is primarily a business formation service initially based in Nevada. Since its formation in 1989, it has expanded to all 50 states and has helped form over 250,000 businesses.[1]
Inc Authority's mission is "to take the fear, confusion, and high cost out of business formation."[1] It's done by providing a full-service business formation specialist to its clients.
That said, Inc Authority also offers additional services to help you start, run, and grow your business. You'll learn more about these services later.
Yes, Inc Authority is a legitimate business formation company. It's helped form over 250,000 companies in the past 30 years.
Who Should Use Inc Authority?
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Inc Authority is an affordable LLC formation service provider. So, it's recommended for small businesses with a tight budget.
Additionally, Inc Authority's customer support by phone makes it best for anyone who prefers live conversation with a real person.
Inc Authority isn't recommended for people who need a more comprehensive business formation package. Inc Authority provides add-on services, but you sometimes have to pay a premium price.
Why Choose Inc Authority?
Inc Authority's biggest benefit is its free business formation package. You won't have to pay extra other than the state fees.
Other noteworthy benefits include:
- Free Registered Agent
When you hire Inc Authority to form your business, you'll also receive free registered agent services in your first year of doing business. A registered agent receives important legal documents for your LLC. - Inc Care Support
Inc Authority provides live customer support by phone or email. You can ask them questions about your business formation. - A la Carte Services
If you form a business with Inc Authority, you won't pay for services you won't use. You can order add-ons as needed.
Unfortunately, the benefits listed above could end up being a deal-breaker for you. Why? Find out below.
Why Look Elsewhere?
Although Inc Authority's free LLC formation service is certainly a benefit, some of its features pose potential downsides too.
Here's why:
- Mandatory Registered Agent Services
Inc Authority's LLC formation packages automatically add registered agent services to your account. There's no way to opt out of it when you register.It's free for one year. Remember to cancel it before the free period ends; otherwise, you'll be charged annually.
- Limited Availability for Customer Support
You can only talk to Inc Authority's live support on weekdays, 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time. This may pose disadvantages for people not living in the same time zone. - Lack of Pricing Transparency
If you want to order Inc Authority's add-on services, you must call customer support. Prices are not posted online. - Pushy Upsells
Inc Authority is known for its pushy upsells. If you call customer support to inquire about prices, you might receive several sales calls in return.
Inc Authority could be worth it if you're looking for free business formation services. But if you're looking for the cheapest registered agent services, consider looking for other options.
Pricing and Services
Inc Authority's Basic Business Formation Service is 100% free. Upon checkout, you won't have to pay for anything other than the state fee.
The free business formation package includes these services:[2]
- Business name check
- Preparation and filing of business formation documents
- Registered agent service (free for 1 year)
- S-election tax form (optional)
- Digital storage of formation documents
- Customer support (via email and phone)
- State and federal tax planning consultation
- Business credit and funding analysis
Some of the services above are limited. This means you'll have to start paying for them after some time. However, Inc Authority doesn't reveal the prices until you call customer support.
When you sign up for a free business formation service, you'll also be asked if you want add-ons, including:
| Add-on Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Employer Identification Number | $49 |
| Operating Agreement | $89 |
| Open Business Bank Account | $49 |
| Minutes and Resolution Forms | $99 |
| 24-Hour Express Processing | $49 |
The add-on services above can be cheaper with Inc Authority's premium service bundles—the Starter Business Bundle and the Fast Track Business Bundle.
However, the prices of Inc Authority's bundles are not posted online. You'll have to call customer support. Inc Authority reserves the right to change its pricing as long as it informs customers.[3]
Inc Authority doesn't say how long it takes to submit your business formation documents to the state. But there is a 24-hour expedited service.
However, this processing time excludes government processing times. Depending on the state where you want to do business, it could take a few days to weeks to form your business, even with expedited service.
Other Services
Aside from business formation, Inc Authority also offers several services to help run and grow your business:
- Business and Personal Tax Preparation
Book a one-on-one conversation with an accountant or tax specialist to discuss your concerns. Your business or personal tax returns will also be prepared and filed on your behalf. - Federal Trademark
Inc Authority will research all trademark databases before it files your trademark application. Then, you'll receive notice of all renewal dates for your trademark registration. - Website and Marketing
Get a custom website design based on your business needs. This includes a professionally designed logo, maps, directory, and even reviews. - Business Credit
You'll go through a 90-day, one-on-one coaching with a Business Credit Coach. The goal is to help you get an A+ credit rating.
Inc Authority doesn't show prices for its additional services. Call customer support (877-462-6366) to inquire about them.
If you're not satisfied with Inc Authority's online services, you can request a refund within 60 days after your purchase.[3] However, the refund doesn't include any filing fees paid to state agencies or third-party service partners.
How to Get Started with Inc Authority
Getting started with Inc Authority is relatively easy. On its website, click the "Get Started" button to begin the following steps:
- Provide your desired business name
- Select your business type (LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit)
- Choose a state
- Answer questions about your business
- Read each upsell, then add to cart if you like any
- Enter your credit card details
If you don't choose any add-on services, the total amount upon checkout should be equal to the state filing fees.
Depending on the information you provided about your business, you could go through as many as 11 add-on upsells before reaching checkout. You can click "No thanks" to each upsell, except for the registered agent service.
Inc Authority is offering its registered agent services free for one year. You must cancel this service before the free period ends so you don't get charged.
Inc Authority Customer Reviews
| RATINGS SOURCE | AVERAGE RATING |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.8 out of 5 ★ from an average of 31,692 reviews |
| Better Business Bureau | F (A+ is the highest rating) |
Inc Authority has thousands of positive reviews online—specifically on Trustpilot. Recent reviews like the one below praise Inc Authority's customer support. It's not uncommon for reviews to mention the name of the staff who helped them.
However, poor reviews suggest that Inc Authority's customer support is not consistent. Some customers complained that the staff weren't at all helpful and seemed to care more about pushing upsells than providing actual support.
I will be filing a complaint with the BBB here in MA and wherever else, along with reviews in every outlet I can find." (from Trustpilot)
It's worth noting that Inc Authority is not BBB accredited. It has received numerous complaints, ranging from refund issues to unauthorized charges.[4]
Worried about Inc Authority's downsides and negative reviews? The three alternatives below might be a better choice for you.
How Inc Authority Compares
The reputable providers below all offer business formation services. Depending on the additional services you need and your budget, one of them may be a better option for you.
See how each compares against Inc Authority, starting with Bizee, one of the most affordable business formation services.
Inc Authority's business formation service is free. You only have to pay the state fees. However, other providers offer the same free services.
Inc Authority vs. Bizee
Bizee, formerly Incfile, is an online business formation company known for its quick and affordable services. Like Inc Authority, Bizee can help you form an LLC for free.
This table compares Bizee's and Inc Authority's free business formation package:
Inc Authority | Bizee | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic) | |
| Registered Agent | Free for the 1st year then renews at $179/year | Free for the 1st year then renews at $119/year |
| Order Processing Time | ||
| Expedited Processing | ||
| Cancellation | 60-day money-back guarantee; Minus filing fees and other incurred expenses | Refundable until payment is forwarded; Minus $30 cancellation fee + other incurred expenses |
| Compliance Alert | ||
| Operating Agreement | ||
| Customer Service | Email: info@incauthority.com Phone: (877) 462-6366; (775) 333-5902 Monday - Friday: 6AM - 5PM PT Online chat Web form | Phone: (844) 830-8267 Fax: 877-919-2613 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 6PM CST Web form |
While both Bizee and Inc Authority are comparable, Bizee seems like a cheaper option if you want more add-on services.
Additionally, Bizee's free plan includes lifetime compliance alerts. You'll get annual reminders for state requirements so your LLC stays compliant.
Basic Package - $0 + State Fees
- Preparing and filing the Articles of Organization
- Unlimited name searches
- 1 year registered agent service included
- Unlimited phone and email support
Inc Authority vs. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a Texas-based business formation service. Like Inc Authority, ZenBusiness has a basic plan with free business formation services included.
Here's a comparison of the two:
Inc Authority | ZenBusiness | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | Starts at $0 + state fees (Starter) | |
| Registered Agent | Free for the 1st year then renews at $179/year | |
| Order Processing Time | ||
| Expedited Processing | ||
| Cancellation | 60-day money-back guarantee; Minus filing fees and other incurred expenses | 60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state |
| Compliance Alert | ||
| Operating Agreement | ||
| Customer Service | Email: info@incauthority.com Phone: (877) 462-6366; (775) 333-5902 Monday - Friday: 6AM - 5PM PT Online chat Web form | Phone: 844-493-6249 Monday - Friday: 8AM - 8PM CT Saturday - Sunday: 9AM - 6PM CT Online chat Web form |
| Learn More | Visit Site |
Although both providers offer business formation services, Inc Authority offers cheaper add-on services. But if you're looking for a comprehensive list of business services, ZenBusiness might be the better option.
ZenBusiness offers services that Inc Authority doesn't have, including the new federal requirement to submit a Business Ownership Report.
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
Inc Authority vs. Northwest
Northwest Registered Agent has been offering business formation services since 1998. However, unlike Inc Authority, Northwest has no free business formation.
Instead, Northwest offers a basic formation package and add-on services. See how both compare below.
Inc Authority | Northwest Registered Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | ||
| Registered Agent | Free for the 1st year then renews at $179/year | |
| Order Processing Time | ||
| Expedited Processing | ||
| Cancellation | 60-day money-back guarantee; Minus filing fees and other incurred expenses | 90-day money-back guarantee; State fees are non-refundable |
| Compliance Alert | ||
| Operating Agreement | ||
| Customer Service | Email: info@incauthority.com Phone: (877) 462-6366; (775) 333-5902 Monday - Friday: 6AM - 5PM PT Online chat Web form | 24/7 Phone: 509-768-2249 Online chat Web form |
| Learn More | Visit Site |
Inc Authority seems like a better option because it offers free business formation. However, unlike Inc Authority, Northwest Registered Agent displays all its prices upfront. And it never raises or changes the price.
Additionally, Northwest's tagline is "We're Just Not Annoying."[5] This might be more appealing to those who prefer not to go through aggressive upsells.
Business Formation Service - $39 + State Fees
- Form Your LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit Today
- A Fully-Formed Business
- Registered Agent Service
- Business Address
- Mail Forwarding
- Privacy by Default
Bottom Line
Overall, Inc Authority is a good option if you're looking for affordable professional help. Just remember that "free" isn't always the best choice.
If you don't like pushy upsells or if you need more comprehensive LLC packages, consider other options. Find time to explore more alternatives that might better suit your needs.
References
- ^ Inc Authority, LLC. About Us, Retrieved 03/26/2024.
- ^ Inc Authority, LLC. Create Your Free LLC or INC Today, Retrieved 03/26/2024
- ^ Inc Authority, LLC. Terms & Conditions, Retrieved 03/26/2024
- ^ Better Business Bureau. Inc for Free, Retrieved 03/26/2024
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Our Manifesto, Retrieved 03/26/2024
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
Economy Package at $149 + State Filing Fees
- Name check service
- Business consultation
- Digital welcome packet
- Customizable WIX website
Set Up Your LLC - $0 + State Fees
- Free business plan included (no credit card required)
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Comprehensive name check
- Lifetime customer support via email and phone
Business Formation Service - $39 + State Fees
- Form Your LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit Today
- A Fully-Formed Business
- Registered Agent Service
- Business Address
- Mail Forwarding
- Privacy by Default
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