When looking for the best LLC service for your business, it's helpful to weigh the pros and cons of providers like Inc Authority to make the right decision.

Inc Authority formation services review

To officially form an LLC, you must file formation documents, known as Articles of Organization, with your state. But filing these documents is only the first step; you must also meet other obligations to ensure your LLC is legally compliant.  These include:

  • Appointing a registered agent at the time of formation
  • Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) with the IRS
  • Registering with the state’s department of revenue

Inc Authority offers options for starting an LLC, with one option being free LLC registration, where you pay only the required state filing fees.

What’s included with the free LLC service (plus state fees):

  • One year of registered agent service (renewal is $199 per year)
  • EIN application assistance with the IRS
  • A custom-built website

In addition to free LLC formation, Inc Authority offers two paid bundles: Starter and Fast Track.

  • Starter Bundle: Covers some key legal and administrative needs, including an operating agreement and annual compliance notifications. (Note: Some features listed, such as stock certificates and initial meeting minutes, are geared toward corporations rather than LLCs.)
  • Fast Track Bundle: Includes everything in the Starter Bundle, plus the “INC Success Advisor Package,” access to a private banking specialist, personalized business guidance, and expedited filing.

Both bundles come with a web domain, email addresses, and professional tax consultation. Bundle pricing isn't listed online. You have to call to order and to find out what it costs.

* Some states impose additional legal requirements after formation. One example is the publication requirement for LLCs in Arizona, Nebraska, and New York. Some providers, such as BizFilings, offer a publication service to handle this requirement. Inc Authority does not list publication as one of its services for LLCs.

How Inc Authority’s LLC formation process works

Before you begin, it’s helpful to understand the basic requirements for forming an LLC. This ensures you provide the correct information during the formation process and helps you properly evaluate any additional services you might need. Check out this resource to learn more: Guide to forming an LLC.

Inc Authority uses a multi-step checkout process for its default LLC formation service:

  1. Choose your entity type and state (LLC, corporation, or nonprofit).
  2. Provide business details, such as whether this is your first business, if you’ll have employees, whether you’ll accept credit card payments, and your business description/industry.
  3. Review available add-ons. You are then led through a series of add-on offers. You'll be pitched an operating agreement for $89, minutes and resolutions for $99, a web address and email, Inc Authority's compliance service, a business credit card offer, and more. Note: Add-on prices aren't shown upfront in the subtotal; they appear during checkout.

Processing times vary by state and package. With the basic option, you can expect standard turnaround based on state requirements, typically a few business days to several weeks.

Inc Authority customer service

Inc Authority offers U.S.-based phone and email support Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT. 

Pros and cons of Inc Authority LLC services

Category Pros Cons
Pricing Free LLC formation (pay only state filing fees) The free package is attractive, but it’s designed to funnel customers into paid upgrades.

Also, limited transparency on pricing
Services One year of registered agent service and the option for free EIN assistance Aggressive upselling of add-on services

Key considerations

  • Users should be prepared to encounter sales pitches for add-on services and decide if they genuinely need them, as these can be costly.
  • Read both the positive and negative reviews to get a balanced understanding of the services before committing.
The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

How does Inc Authority compare to other LLC service providers

Inc Authority vs. BizFilings

Category Inc Authority BizFilings
Business focus Basic LLC formation and compliance services Compliance-focused, backed by Wolters Kluwer (global leader in legal and information services)
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Transparent tiered packages starting at $99 for the Basic package, $229 for Standard, and $359 for Complete
Included services One-year registered agent service, choice of EIN or 24-hour processing Three months free registered agent service and access to BizComply, BizFilings’ online compliance management tool
Premium options Bundles include operating agreement, faster filing, personalized advice—but must call for details Standard includes a free operating agreement, customizable business forms, and an LLC kit and seal. Complete includes everything in Standard, plus a free EIN. All three tiers offer additional services (such as sales tax and payroll tax registration) on a single screen, with clear pricing.

BizFilings is well-suited for businesses that prioritize ongoing compliance management, specialized filing support, and transparent pricing. In contrast, Inc Authority offers a free formation option (plus state fees), a longer initial period for free registered agent service, and a choice between free EIN acquisition and expedited 24-hour processing. However, the base offer can be narrow, and the overall cost often depends on which packages or add-ons you choose during checkout. Some extras may be presented as recommended or time-sensitive, and certain services involve ongoing fees after the introductory period ends.

Inc Authority vs. LegalZoom

Category Inc Authority LegalZoom
Business focus Basic LLC formation and compliance services Legal support and attorney services in addition to LLC formation
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Three LLC formation tiers, including $0 basic package (plus state fees).
Included services One-year registered agent service, choice of EIN or 24-hour processing Basic package does not include registered agent ($249/year) or EIN acquisition
Premium options Bundles include operating agreement, faster filing, personalized advice, but must call for details Higher-tier packages add more legal support and services; pricing listed upfront

LegalZoom offers business owners the options of trademark registration and ongoing legal support. Inc Authority has a lower entry cost when factoring in the included registered agent service and EIN, and provides basic assistance with forming an LLC.

Inc Authority vs. Zen Business

Category Inc Authority ZenBusiness
Business focus Basic LLC formation and compliance services Online platform that handles business formation and offers various add-on compliance and business services
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Starter plan offers free LLC formation (plus state fees)
Included services One-year registered agent service, choice of EIN or 24-hour processing Free LLC formation starter plan lacks registered agent and EIN.

Offers additional paid services like tax consultation, invoicing, expense tracking, and website building
Premium options Bundles include operating agreement, faster filing, personalized advice, but must call for details Various add-on services offered on one platform, with listed pricing.

ZenBusiness and Inc Authority differ in their offerings. ZenBusiness lists prices upfront and provides bookkeeping and tax filing in addition to compliance services. Inc Authority includes one year of registered agent service and a free EIN option in its basic formation package.

Inc Authority vs. Bizee

Category Inc Authority Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Business focus Basic LLC formation and compliance services Standard LLC formation and compliance services, including DBA registration and annual report filing
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Three LLC formation packages including basic ($0 plus state fees), standard ($199 plus state fees), and premium ($299 plus state fees)
Included services One year of registered agent service and choice of EIN or 24-hour processing One year of registered agent service included in basic package (EIN acquisition costs $70)
Premium options Bundles include operating agreement, faster filing, personalized advice, but must call for details EIN, operating agreement, and other features included in standard and premium offerings. Package and add-on pricing listed online in one chart.

Inc Authority's free formation package includes one year of registered agent service and the option of a free EIN. Bizee offers services such as DBA registration and annual report filing, but EIN acquisition is not included in their basic formation package.

Inc Authority LLC formation service FAQs

Is Inc Authority legit for LLC formation?

Yes, Inc Authority is a provider of business formation services and has been in operation for over thirty years.

Is Inc Authority free?

Inc Authority provides three options for forming an LLC, including a free LLC formation package. They waive their setup fees, but you still need to pay the state fees. The free LLC option also includes one year of registered agent services and the option for an employer identification number (EIN).

For a deeper dive into the top providers, check out our guide to finding the best LLC service for your business.

The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

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