Inc Authority vs IncFile (2023 Comparison – What’s Better?)

Nowadays, business owners seek business formation services to help them set up business entities. But with so many options, deciding which is right for you cannot be easy. This article will compare two popular choices that offer business formation services - Inc Authority and IncFile.

We have years of experience helping business owners quickly and efficiently form their LLCs. After thoroughly comparing the two services, we can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Inc Authority?

Inc Authority is a popular LLC formation service. Inc Authority has been helping entrepreneurs form businesses for the past 32 years, starting in 1989.

During this time, they have assisted more than 130,000 businesses.

Inc Authority assists any business owner in forming their companies with ease, even from the comfort of their homes.

Inc Authority offers various services, including business planning, funding, credit, website, marketing packages, and legal services.

What Is IncFile?

IncFile is an online legal services company specializing in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start and run their businesses.

The company provides various services related to an LLC formation process, including paperwork filing, tax assistance, business banking account formation, and bookkeeping.

Their team of experts can help develop your business idea into a successful venture.

IncFile aims to simplify the legal process for small business owners by providing affordable and accessible services focusing on customer satisfaction.

Since 2004, IncFile has assisted more than 500,000 entrepreneurs establish and maintain their businesses.

At that time, registering a business required a lot of paperwork and the engagement of costly local attorneys who billed hourly. IncFile seeks to inspire you to pursue your business aspirations.

Inc Authority Vs. IncFile Comparison

Inc Authority and IncFile offer a streamlined online process to form your LLC quickly and easily. However, some differences may influence which one you choose for your business formation.

Core Features

Inc Authority

• Business Formation
• Registered Agent Services
• Business Filings
• Business Credit And Funding
• Tax Services
• Customer Support

IncFile

• Business Formation
• Registered Agent Services
• Compliance Management
• Business Filing
• Business Tax Services
• Customer Support

Inc Authority Formation Services

Inc Authority offers a full range of services related to business formation and ongoing compliance. The following are their main features:

Registered Agent Service

Having reliable contact between your business and the state is extremely important. As previously stated, both companies offer their customers free one year of top registered agent service.

After that, Inc Authority charges $99 per year for using their registered agent.

Name Availability Search and Registration

Inc Authority offers a free name availability search and registration for all types of businesses.

Employer Identification Number (EIN) Setup

An EIN number is required for each business in order to file taxes and create business accounts, and Inc Authority can help you create your own for a price of $49.

Customer Support

Inc Authority offers a customer support team through chat, phone, or email during weekdays from 11 am to 8 pm ET. The representatives of Inc Authority are both friendly and knowledgeable, and we have never experienced any long wait times for their responses.

Turnaround Times

IncFile and Inc Authority offer expedited options for customers who need their documents filed as soon as possible. Inc Authority has the edge because it can provide us with same-day processing, while IncFile only offers next-day processing.

IncFile Formation Services

IncFile offers a comprehensive suite of formation services to help small businesses form and grow.

The following are their main features: 

Registered Agent Service

In America, every LLC must assign a registered agent who will receive important documents from the state government, such as the service of process. The registered agent will notify you of the delivery and then send the documents to you. IncFile charges $119 annually for this service. It is included in all business formation packages.

Name Availability Search and Registration

IncFile offers unlimited name availability searches for free. This service is a part of every business formation plan.

Employer Identification Number (EIN) Setup

IncFile offers an EIN number set-up service at a price of $70. However, if you are paying for more expensive business formation packages, this service is already included.

Operating Agreement

IncFile offers free operating agreement filing in more expensive packages.

Trademark Registration

IncFile offers the service to register a trademark for an additional fee of $199 plus state fees. However, trademark registration is not necessary for most businesses.

Business Domain Name and Business Email Address Setup

IncFile offers a platinum subscription that includes email and domain name registration that will help you establish a reliable online presence.

Document Templates

IncFile offers a library of all business contract templates you may need. These templates will cost you $150, but they are included in the price of their highest package.

Tax Consultation

IncFile offers a free tax consultation that can be used without registering for some of their business formation plans. This service is a part of their accounting and bookkeeping programs, but can also be combined with LLC plans.

Customer Support

IncFile's customer support is available through phone or email on weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm ET. Our experience with IncFile found their representatives to be friendly and helpful.

However, their availability is unsatisfactory as they take over 24 hours to respond when contacted. Unfortunately, their email support is even less responsive, as we received no response even after filling out their online contact form multiple times.

Turnaround Times

Processing times can range from a few business days to several weeks. Inc File offers an expedited review with its priority service but only provides next-day processing.

Pricing

Inc Authority

Inc Authority provides an array of basic services free of charge, including document preparation, filing, and storage necessary to establish an LLC and a registered agent for the first year.

Apart from their free package, Inc Authority provides two additional plans, with pricing for the Starter Business Bundle and Fast Track Business Bundle varying by state.

Starter Business Bundle - Authority's flagship paid LLC formation product is known as the "Starter Business Bundle."

The package's pricing may be unclear and requires you to answer specific questions regarding your state's filing to determine the actual cost.

For example, in Illinois, the Starter Business Bundle costs $472 for the first three years, followed by a $200 renewal fee.

However, the renewal fee may be waived or reduced under some circumstances. Thus, it is recommended that you ask the account representative about the best possible deal.

Inc Authority provides a range of additional services worth $10 to $200 as free perks, such as: 

• One year free registered agent service
• Verify business name availability
• Custom state-filed articles
• Complete operating agreement or Bylaws
• Deluxe record book
• Ownership or stock certificates
• Initial meeting minutes & resolutions
• EIN/tax id number
• Corporate forms package
• Annual compliance notifications
• Professional tax consultation

Fast Track Business Bundle - Fast Track Business Bundle includes everything that is in the Starter Bundle, in addition to the following items:

• Inc Success Advisor Package
• Access to a private banking specialist
• Personalized business advice
• Expedited filings

For example, in Illinois, the cost of the Fast Track Business Bundle is $672. However, the price may differ depending on the state.

IncFile

IncFile offers customized pricing plans to suit your unique requirements, so there is a plan for each type of business and budget.

Silver - The Silver plan, priced at $0, is ideal for businesses seeking a low-cost start, as it eliminates complicated legal jargon and fees associated with advanced packages while still offering a free registered agent service for one year, unlimited name searches, and articles of incorporation.

It includes:

• Preparing and filing articles of organization
• Unlimited name searches
• Free registered agent for a year

Gold - For those requiring more than just basic filing services, the Gold package is ideal, providing all the necessary formation documents and an EIN and IRS Form 2553 to streamline the tax filing process.

It lacks some additional services included in the Platinum plan, such as expedited filing, templates, domain names, and business email.

However, this plan should meet your requirements if you operate a small to medium-sized business. The cost of the package is $299 plus the state fee.

It includes:

• Everything in the Silver plan
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) business tax number
• Operating Agreement
• Banking resolution
• Lifetime company alerts
• Online access dashboard
• Unlimited phone and email support
• Business bank account
• Business tax consultation

Platinum -  For comprehensive coverage, the Platinum package is the perfect choice for business entities seeking expedited filing to get up and running quickly; although it's the most expensive plan, it offers great value and includes unlimited phone and email support to answer any questions.

This package costs $399 plus the state fee and includes the following features:

• Everything in the Gold plan
• Expedited filing
• Domain name
• Business email

Customer Reviews

IncFile VS Inc Authority: Final Conclusion

Both Inc Authority and Incfile are reputable options for LLC formation services. Inc Authority offers affordable pricing plans and excellent customer service, while Incfile provides a complimentary registered agent and has a fast turnaround time.

However, potential customers should research and compare the options available to find the LLC formation service that best fits their needs and budget.

After researching and comparing LLC formation services in the market, potential customers may also want to consider ZenBusiness as a comprehensive and socially responsible option.

ZenBusiness offers affordable pricing plans, a user-friendly platform, and additional features, including registered agent service and business website creation.

When choosing an LLC formation service, it's important to carefully research and compare the different options to find the one that best fits your needs, preferences, and budget.