Starting a business can be both thrilling and daunting, especially when it comes to legal structures and paperwork. Setting up an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a popular choice among new business owners, as it provides personal liability protection and tax advantages. But forming an LLC can be confusing and time-consuming. That’s where services like Inc. Authority come in, promising to simplify the process and help entrepreneurs navigate the maze of legal requirements.
In this comprehensive review, we will take a deep dive into Inc. Authority, exploring its features, pricing, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against competitors like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, this review will give you everything you need to know before deciding if Inc. Authority is the right fit for your business needs.
Our Verdict
Pros
- Free LLC Formation: Inc. Authority offers a basic package that allows you to form an LLC for free, which only requires payment of the state’s filing fees.
- No Hidden Fees: Unlike some competitors, Inc. Authority is transparent about pricing. There are no surprise fees or hidden charges in their basic plan.
- Comprehensive Services: While the free package includes the essentials, Inc. Authority also provides additional services such as registered agent services, business credit analysis, and trademark registration.
- Experience: With over 30 years in the business, Inc. Authority has helped over 250,000 businesses form LLCs, making it a trusted name in the industry.
- Simplicity: The platform is easy to navigate, and the entire LLC formation process can be completed online in just a few steps.
Cons
- Upselling: While the basic LLC formation package is free, you will be upsold on additional services like business credit analysis, registered agent services, and trademark registration.
- Limited Refund Policy: Refunds are only available within 14 days of the initial order, which might be restrictive for some users.
- Customer Support Limitations: Although Inc. Authority provides customer support, it can sometimes be challenging to reach someone quickly for urgent inquiries.
- State Filing Fees: While the LLC formation is technically free, the state filing fees can vary depending on the state in which you are forming your LLC, and these fees can sometimes be substantial.
Table of Contents
- What Is Inc. Authority?
- How Inc. Authority Works
- 9+ Services Offered by Inc. Authority
- Inc. Authority Pricing and Plans
- How to Get Started with Inc. Authority
- Customer Service and Support
- Inc. Authority Alternatives & How They Compare
- Who Is Inc. Authority Best For?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Inc. Authority?
Inc. Authority is an LLC formation and business services company that helps entrepreneurs establish their businesses without the hassle of dealing with complex paperwork. It was founded in 1989 and has since served over 250,000 customers. Inc. Authority is best known for offering free LLC formation services, although there are additional services and packages available for those who need more support.
In addition to LLC formation, Inc. Authority also provides services like registered agent services, business credit analysis, and trademark registration. These offerings make it a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurs who need help not just with forming their LLCs, but with managing various aspects of running a business.
Pros:
- Free LLC Formation: The free formation package is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to save money during the startup phase.
- Experienced Team: Inc. Authority’s long-standing experience in the industry ensures that their services are reliable and trustworthy.
- Additional Services: The company offers services beyond LLC formation, such as business credit analysis and trademark registration, which are helpful for growing your business.
Cons:
- Upselling: While the LLC formation is free, additional services can become expensive quickly.
- Limited Refund Window: If you’re unhappy with your service, the refund policy is restrictive, as it only covers cancellations within 14 days.
How Inc. Authority Works
Inc. Authority works by simplifying the LLC formation process, making it as easy as possible for entrepreneurs to file the necessary documents and comply with state regulations. The process is straightforward and can be done online in just a few steps.
1. Choose Your State
First, you select the state where you want to form your LLC. You can do this directly on the Inc. Authority website.
2. Enter Business Details
Next, you provide the required information about your business, including the business name, address, and details of the owners.
3. Select Services
You can choose from a variety of additional services, including registered agent services, business credit analysis, and trademark registration. These are optional and will incur extra costs.
4. Review and Submit
Once you’ve filled out the necessary details and selected your services, you’ll review everything to make sure all the information is correct.
5. Formation Process
After submitting the application, Inc. Authority takes care of the rest, filing the necessary documents with the state to officially form your LLC.
6. Confirmation
Once the LLC is formed, you will receive confirmation, and your business will be legally established.
9+ Services Offered by Inc. Authority
Inc. Authority doesn’t just help you form an LLC – it offers a wide range of services to support your business as it grows.
Name Availability Search
Before you can officially form your LLC, you need to ensure that your desired business name is available. Inc. Authority performs a name availability search to ensure there are no conflicts with existing businesses in your state.
Formation Service
The core service of Inc. Authority is LLC formation. This includes preparing and filing the necessary documents with the state to officially register your LLC.
Registered Agent Services
A registered agent is a person or entity that receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. Inc. Authority provides free registered agent services for the first year, which is a valuable offering.
Online Document Access
Inc. Authority gives you access to your LLC formation documents online, making it easy to manage your business records and stay organized.
Articles of Organization
One of the key documents required to form an LLC is the Articles of Organization. Inc. Authority helps prepare and file this document on your behalf.
Website and Marketing Services
If you want to establish a strong online presence, Inc. Authority offers website development and marketing services to help promote your new business.
Business Plan Preparation
A solid business plan is essential for securing financing and guiding your company’s growth. Inc. Authority offers business plan preparation services to help you create a roadmap for success.
Trademark Services
Inc. Authority can assist with trademark registration, which helps protect your brand and intellectual property.
Additional Services
Other services include tax consultation, business credit analysis, and more. These services are optional and can be added to your package as needed.
Inc. Authority Pricing and Plans
One of the standout features of Inc. Authority is its free LLC formation package. However, while the formation itself is free, you will still be responsible for paying state filing fees. These fees vary depending on the state in which you are forming your LLC. Additionally, many of the services provided by Inc. Authority come at an extra cost.
Basic Services
- Free LLC Formation: The free package includes name availability search, LLC formation document preparation, and filing with the state. It also includes one year of free registered agent service.
- State Filing Fees: You will need to pay the state’s filing fees, which vary depending on the state.
Paid Services
- Registered Agent Service: After the first year, the cost for registered agent services is $179 per year.
- Business Credit Analysis: This service helps you understand your business’s credit score and get advice on how to build business credit. The pricing for this service varies.
- Trademark Registration: Protecting your business name, logo, or slogan through trademark registration is an essential step for many business owners. Inc. Authority offers trademark registration services at an additional cost.
- Business Plan Preparation: Inc. Authority offers a business plan preparation service to help you craft a solid plan for your business. Pricing varies for this service.
How to Get Started with Inc. Authority
Starting an LLC with Inc. Authority is a simple, straightforward process. Follow these steps to get your business up and running:
1. Visit the Inc. Authority Website
Go to the official Inc. Authority website to begin the LLC formation process.
2. Select ‘Start My LLC’
Click on the button to start the LLC formation process. You’ll be guided through the steps one by one.
3. Enter Business Details
Provide your business name, contact information, and other required details.
4. Choose Additional Services
Select any additional services you want, such as registered agent services, business credit analysis, or trademark registration.
5. Review and Submit
Double-check your details and services, then submit your application.
6. Payment
Pay the necessary state filing fees. These fees vary by state.
7. Confirmation
You will receive confirmation of your LLC formation, and your business will officially be registered.
Customer Service and Support
Inc. Authority offers customer service through phone and email. While their support team is generally knowledgeable, some users have reported that reaching a representative can be slow at times. Nevertheless, Inc. Authority’s customer service is praised for being responsive and helpful when inquiries are addressed.
How to Cancel Your Service
If you decide to cancel your service with Inc. Authority, you can contact their support team. Note that refunds are only available if you cancel within 14 days of placing your order.
Inc. Authority Alternatives & How They Compare
When considering LLC formation services, it’s important to look at other options available in the market. Let’s compare Inc. Authority with a few competitors.
Inc. Authority vs. ZenBusiness
- Pricing: Both services offer free LLC formation, but ZenBusiness’s paid plans start at $49, which may be more affordable for some users.
- Services: ZenBusiness includes registered agent service, operating agreement, and more in their packages, which can be a more comprehensive offering.
- Customer Support: ZenBusiness provides live chat support, which can be a more convenient option for customers.
Inc. Authority vs. LegalZoom
- Pricing: LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages start at $79, which is higher than Inc. Authority’s free offering.
- Services: LegalZoom offers a broader range of legal services, including ongoing legal advice, which may appeal to businesses that need continuous support.
- Reputation: LegalZoom has been around longer than Inc. Authority and has a larger customer base, giving it a more established reputation.
Inc. Authority vs. Rocket Lawyer
- Pricing: Rocket Lawyer operates on a subscription-based model that provides ongoing legal services, which might be ideal for businesses needing regular legal advice.
- Services: Rocket Lawyer offers access to legal documents and attorney consultations, which Inc. Authority doesn’t.
- Flexibility: Inc. Authority’s pay-as-you-go model offers more flexibility for businesses that don’t need continuous legal support.
Who Is Inc. Authority Best For?
Inc. Authority is an excellent choice for new business owners and entrepreneurs who want to form an LLC without breaking the bank. Its free LLC formation package is perfect for startups, and its pay-as-you-go services allow businesses to select the services they need. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to start your LLC, Inc. Authority is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Inc. Authority truly free?
Yes, Inc. Authority offers free LLC formation services, though you’ll need to pay the state filing fees.
What services are included in the free package?
The free package includes name availability search, LLC formation, and one year of free registered agent service.
Are there any hidden fees?
No, Inc. Authority is transparent about its pricing. The only fees you’ll need to pay are the state filing fees and any additional services you select.
How do I cancel my service with Inc. Authority?
You can cancel your service by contacting their customer support team. Refunds are only available within 14 days of the initial order.
Does Inc. Authority offer customer support?
Yes, Inc. Authority provides customer support via phone and email. Response times may vary, but the support team is generally helpful.
In conclusion, Inc. Authority provides a strong service offering for those looking to form an LLC without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal solution for cost-conscious entrepreneurs who need a simple and efficient way to start their businesses. However, be aware of potential upselling and additional costs for extra services. If you’re looking for a free and straightforward LLC formation process, Inc. Authority is definitely worth considering.