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: Cost and features

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 multiple options for starting an LLC, with its most popular being free LLC registration – you pay only the required state filing fees.

What’s included with the free LLC service:

  • One year of registered agent service (renewal is $199 per year).
  • Free EIN application assistance with the IRS—a benefit most competitors charge extra for.
  • A custom-built website.

Note: At the time of writing, customers can choose either 24-hour processing or EIN assistance. Both are usually a $49 add-on.

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

  • Starter Bundle: A more comprehensive package that covers many key legal and administrative needs, including an operating agreement and annual compliance notifications. (Note: Some features listed, such as bylaws, 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 custom-built website tailored to your needs. These bundles can only be ordered over the phone and that is also how you learn what the pricing is. The prices aren't listed online, but Inc Authority claims that customers can save “hundreds of dollars.”

Inc Authority LLC formation process work

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

Inc Authority uses a step-by-step online process to guide you through LLC formation for its free LLC 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. While EIN registration and one year of registered agent service are included for free, other services (e.g., an operating agreement for $89) are optional paid extras. Note: Prices for add-ons are not shown upfront but appear during checkout.

Processing times vary by state and package. With the free 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.

Customer feedback is generally positive. On Trustpilot, many reviewers highlight the team’s knowledgeable and helpful service. However, some customers report concerns about aggressive upselling, unclear pricing, and challenges when attempting to cancel services.

Pros and cons of Inc Authority LLC services

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 is included and 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.
  • Other services also offer free LLC formation with more affordable premium packages and transparent pricing.
  • Read both the positive and negative reviews to get a balanced understanding of the services before committing.

How does Inc Authority compare to other LLC service providers

Inc Authority vs. BizFilings

Inc Authority BizFilings
Business focus Budget-friendly LLC formation with emphasis on free services Compliance-focused, backed by CT Corporation (leading legal services brand)
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Transparent tiered packages: Basic $99, Popular $199, Premium $399
Included services One-year registered agent service, free EIN assistance, choice of EIN or 24-hour processing Three months free registered agent service and LLC operating agreement template
Premium options Bundles include operating agreement, faster filing, personalized advice—but must call for details Higher tiers add more features, clearly priced

BizFilings is well-suited for businesses that prioritize ongoing compliance management, specialized filing support, and transparent pricing. In contrast, Inc Authority may attract budget-conscious users with its free formation option, longer initial period for the free registered agent service, and the choice between free EIN acquisition or expedited 24-hour processing.

Inc Authority vs. LegalZoom

Inc Authority LegalZoom
Business focus Budget-friendly LLC formation with emphasis on free 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); registered agent and EIN are additional costs
Included services One-year registered agent service, free EIN assistance, 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 clearly listed

LegalZoom could be a suitable choice for new business owners who expect to require substantial legal support and advice in the future. On the other hand, Inc Authority offers great value and affordability, making it a better option for those who only need basic assistance with forming their LLCs.

Inc Authority vs. Zen Business

Inc Authority ZenBusiness
Business focus Budget-friendly LLC formation with emphasis on free services User-friendly platform with comprehensive business formation and add-on services
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Starter plan offers free LLC formation.
Included services One-year registered agent service, free EIN assistance, 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 Wide range of add-on services integrated into an all-in-one platform; pricing transparent

The decision between ZenBusiness and Inc Authority depends on whether you prefer ZenBusiness's transparent pricing and add-on services or the inclusion of an EIN and one year of registered agent service in Inc Authority's free formation package.

Inc Authority vs. Bizee

Inc Authority Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Business focus Budget-friendly LLC formation with emphasis on free services Well-established online business formation provider with a range of service packages
Pricing model Free formation (plus state fees); premium bundles available by phone only, no pricing listed Three LLC formation packages including $0 basic (plus state fees); add-on pricing clearly displayed on the website
Included services One-year registered agent service, free EIN assistance, choice of EIN or 24-hour processing One-year 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 Add-ons and higher-tier packages clearly priced online, making comparisons straightforward

Start your LLC today

Form an LLC online for as little as $99


Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent Service

Tools to help you choose

We have resources to help you understand your options

A customer may prefer Inc Authority over Bizee for a free EIN included in their basic package, while they might opt for Bizee over Inc Authority due to its clearer and more transparent pricing structure for add-on services and premium packages.

Inc Authority LLC formation service FAQs

Is Inc Authority legit for LLC formation?

Yes, Inc Authority is a reputable 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 popular free LLC formation package. They waive their setup fees, meaning you only need to pay the state fees. The free LLC option also includes one year of registered agent services and 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.

Related resources

Start your LLC today

Form an LLC online for as little as $99


Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent Service

Tools to help you choose

We have resources to help you understand your options

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