Starting a business can be one of the most exciting ventures of your life. However, it’s also one of the most complex ones. From registering your company name to setting up a legal structure, the process is filled with choices that can have a lasting impact on your business’s success. One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make early on is choosing the right service provider to handle your LLC formation and registered agent services.
InCorp Services, Inc. is one of the most well-known and respected names in the LLC formation industry. Established in 1998, InCorp has been helping entrepreneurs and companies across the U.S. with a variety of essential services that include business formation, registered agent services, compliance assistance, and more. As of today, InCorp serves over 250,000 clients, including both small startups and large corporations.
This review will give you an in-depth look at InCorp’s offerings, pricing structure, customer feedback, and its standing in comparison to other similar services available on the market. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or looking to switch service providers, this guide will help you determine if InCorp is the right fit for your business.
1. About InCorp Services
InCorp is a business service provider specializing in LLC formation and registered agent services. The company has been around for over 25 years, and in that time, it has developed a reputation for providing efficient, reliable, and affordable services to businesses of all sizes.
InCorp is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, but it operates nationwide and serves clients in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The company prides itself on its comprehensive approach to helping clients incorporate their businesses, offering everything from basic LLC formation to more complex services like foreign qualification and trademark registration.
One of the main reasons InCorp stands out in the crowded world of LLC formation services is its emphasis on compliance. The company not only helps businesses form their entities but also provides ongoing services like registered agent support, compliance tracking, and document storage. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to stay on top of their legal obligations and avoid potential penalties.
2. Key Services Offered by InCorp
InCorp provides a broad range of services to assist businesses with their incorporation and ongoing legal requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the core services they offer:
a. LLC Formation
InCorp helps entrepreneurs form Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) by preparing and filing the necessary paperwork with the relevant state authorities. The LLC formation service includes the following key features:
- Articles of Organization: InCorp will prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the state of your choice. This document is a vital part of the LLC formation process, as it officially creates your business entity in the eyes of the law.
- Company Name Availability Search: InCorp checks to ensure that your chosen company name is available for use in your state. This helps avoid any delays in the formation process and ensures your business name is unique.
- Expedited Services: InCorp offers expedited processing for an additional fee if you need your LLC formed quickly. The standard processing time can take up to several weeks, but expedited services can get your formation done in as little as 24-48 hours.
- Two-Day Document Shipping: Once your LLC is formed, InCorp will send you the official formation documents within two days of approval, ensuring you have everything you need to start operating.
InCorp also offers additional services that can be added to the LLC formation package, such as EIN registration, operating agreements, and banking resolutions. However, these services are not included in the base price and require an additional fee.
b. Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services are another core offering from InCorp. A registered agent is a third-party entity that receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC, such as court papers, government notices, and tax forms. Having a registered agent is required by law in most states.
InCorp’s registered agent service includes the following benefits:
- Document Forwarding: InCorp will receive and forward any legal documents, notices, or official correspondence to you promptly.
- Online Access: Through InCorp’s EntityWatch® portal, you will have 24/7 online access to all the documents and legal notices that have been forwarded to you. This makes it easy to track your important documents and stay on top of your business’s legal requirements.
- Compliance Tools: InCorp’s compliance calendar helps track important filing deadlines, such as annual report filings or tax filings. This ensures that you never miss a critical due date that could result in penalties or legal trouble.
- Free Annual Report Reminders: As part of its registered agent service, InCorp provides free reminders about your annual report filing due dates. Some states require LLCs to file an annual report to maintain good standing, and failing to do so can result in fines or even dissolution.
c. Additional Services
While LLC formation and registered agent services are InCorp’s main offerings, the company provides several other services that are useful for growing businesses:
- Foreign Qualification: If you plan to operate in multiple states, you may need to register your LLC in each state where you do business. InCorp can assist with this process, ensuring your LLC is properly registered in each state.
- EIN Registration: InCorp can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) on your behalf. An EIN is required for tax purposes, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account.
- Corporate Dissolution: If you need to close your business or dissolve your LLC, InCorp can handle the filing and paperwork to officially dissolve your company with the state.
- DBA (Doing Business As) Filings: If your LLC is operating under a name other than its legal name, you may need to file for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. InCorp can assist with the filing and paperwork.
- UCC Filings: InCorp offers assistance with Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, which are often required when securing business loans or financing.
- Trademark Registration: InCorp provides trademark and copyright services to protect your intellectual property and ensure your business name or logo is legally protected.
3. Pricing and Plans
InCorp offers competitive pricing for its services, particularly for registered agent services. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing:
a. LLC Formation
- Base LLC Formation: The basic LLC formation package costs around $117, which includes the filing of your Articles of Organization and shipping of your official documents. This price does not include the cost of state filing fees, which vary depending on your state.
- Add-Ons: You can add additional services like EIN registration ($69), operating agreements, or banking resolutions for an extra fee.
b. Registered Agent Services
- 1-Year Registered Agent Service: The standard price for registered agent services is $129 per year.
- Multi-Year Discounts: If you opt for a multi-year plan, you can receive discounted pricing. For example:
- 2-Year Plan: $117 per year
- 3-Year Plan: $105 per year
- 5-Year Plan: $87 per year
These multi-year plans can help you save money in the long run if you know you’ll need registered agent services for an extended period.
c. Additional Services
- Foreign Qualification: $149 per state.
- EIN Registration: $69.
- Corporate Dissolution: $99.
- DBA Filing: $99.
- Trademark and Copyright Services: Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the filing.
InCorp’s pricing is considered reasonable, especially for businesses that want to take advantage of multi-year discounts for registered agent services. However, it’s important to note that these prices do not include state-specific filing fees, which can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the state.
4. Customer Feedback
InCorp has received generally positive feedback from customers, particularly for its reliable registered agent services and user-friendly online portal. Many business owners appreciate the ability to access their legal documents online, which makes staying organized and compliant much easier.
That said, some customers have expressed concerns about InCorp’s customer service and billing practices. A few have reported issues with unauthorized charges or difficulty canceling services, though these types of complaints are relatively rare.
Here’s a quick summary of the common positive and negative feedback:
Positive Reviews:
- Efficient Service: Many customers praise InCorp for its fast and reliable service, especially when it comes to LLC formation and document forwarding.
- User-Friendly Portal: The EntityWatch® portal is frequently mentioned in positive reviews, with users noting that it’s an easy and convenient way to stay on top of important documents and deadlines.
- Reasonable Pricing: InCorp’s pricing, particularly for multi-year registered agent services, is viewed as a good value compared to competitors.
Negative Reviews:
- Customer Service Issues: Some users have reported difficulty reaching InCorp’s customer service team or receiving prompt responses to their inquiries.
- Billing Concerns: A few customers have had issues with unexpected charges or difficulty canceling services after they were no longer needed. However, these complaints are not as common as the positive reviews.
5. InCorp vs. Competitors
To get a better understanding of InCorp’s value, it’s useful to compare its offerings with other LLC formation and registered agent service providers. Let’s take a look at how InCorp stacks up against two of its main competitors: Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness.
InCorp vs. Northwest Registered Agent
- Pricing: Northwest Registered Agent is one of the most affordable options for LLC formation, starting at just $39 plus state fees. This is cheaper than InCorp’s $117 base price for LLC formation. However, Northwest charges $125 per year for registered agent services, which is slightly lower than InCorp’s $129 standard price.
- Customer Service: Northwest is often praised for its exceptional customer support, whereas InCorp’s customer service has received mixed reviews.
- Additional Features: Both companies offer a similar range of services, but InCorp’s EntityWatch® portal and compliance calendar give it a slight edge in terms of ongoing support.
InCorp vs. ZenBusiness
- Pricing: ZenBusiness offers a free basic LLC formation package (you only pay state fees), which is significantly cheaper than InCorp’s $117 base price. However, ZenBusiness’s free package doesn’t include registered agent services, which cost $199 per year.
- Features: ZenBusiness is known for offering a more comprehensive suite of business services, including accounting and tax filing assistance, which InCorp does not provide.
- Customer Reviews: ZenBusiness has generally received higher customer satisfaction ratings than InCorp, but InCorp’s multi-year discount for registered agent services makes it more affordable for long-term users.
Final Verdict: Is InCorp Right for You?
InCorp is a reputable and affordable option for business owners who are looking for reliable LLC formation and registered agent services. The company’s pricing is competitive, particularly for businesses that want to lock in long-term savings with a multi-year registered agent plan. Additionally, InCorp’s user-friendly online portal and compliance tools set it apart from many competitors in terms of convenience and ongoing support.
However, there are a few areas where InCorp could improve, particularly in terms of customer service and resolving billing issues. If you’re looking for a service that offers additional features like accounting or tax filing, you may want to consider ZenBusiness. For those on a budget, Northwest Registered Agent may offer a more affordable entry point for LLC formation.
In conclusion, InCorp is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking for no-nonsense LLC formation and registered agent services with robust compliance tools. If you’re willing to pay a little extra for peace of mind and don’t mind the occasional hiccup in customer support, InCorp is a solid option to consider.
FAQ’s
Is InCorp suitable for international clients?
Yes, non-U.S. residents can form an LLC with InCorp as long as they meet state requirements.
Does InCorp offer a money-back guarantee?
No, InCorp does not offer a money-back guarantee but provides transparent pricing.
Can I switch to InCorp’s services after starting my LLC elsewhere?
Yes, you can transfer your registered agent services to InCorp at any time.
Does InCorp provide customer support?
Yes, InCorp offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat.
How long does LLC formation take with InCorp?
Standard LLC formation takes several weeks, but expedited services can complete it in 24-48 hours.
Are there any hidden fees with InCorp’s services?
InCorp’s pricing is transparent, though additional services beyond the basic LLC formation may incur extra charges.