Our Inc Authority review covers the services offered by this LLC formation service and how they compare to the other business formation companies.
Starting a new business venture seems daunting, and researching establishing an LLC (limited liability company) is overwhelming. It’s a virtual minefield of information on the web.
Perhaps you’ve discovered this review because you stumbled across a plethora of advice about Inc Authority’s free service or typed ‘inc authority LLC reviews’ and discovered our service. Free is good if it means free and doesn’t send you down a rabbit hole and ask for your credit card information.
As a business start-up, you already have so much on your to-do list; your time is precious.
Understanding the complexities of a business start-up, we’ll guide you through the pertinent information, what is important, what makes sense, how to read and manage company reviews, and the primary factor: Is Inc Authority the right partner and solution to your business set up?
About Inc Authority
Inc Authority has a strong claim on their success. Established in 1989 and still assisting clients today, Inc Authority has guided well over 130,000 businesses since its inception in the business formation process.
In today’s world, where companies come and go, that is a stellar achievement.
Inc Authority may have had you at “Free.” Every business start-up has a ton of bills coming in, and free, if genuinely free, is a nice change from having to pay for another service in a never-ending cycle.
The caveat here is that your company is still responsible for applicable state permit fees. What Inc Authority offers you is the basics of LLC and how to get started.
Since Inc Authority has little competition in the “free” segment, they’re a great option to consider once you understand all aspects of what they offer in the business formation service.
All packages include the following:
- Business name verifications
- Preparation and filing of all documents
- BizComply, a 24/7 Business Monitoring Tool and Document Library
Special Features That Support Inc Authority As a Good Choice
The internet is full of products and services that offer something for free, yet your credit card is required as soon as you click on the tab.
Inc Authority has a proven track record. It’s proud of surviving 32 years in the industry and receiving thousands of positive Inc Authority Reviews available on Trustpilot reviews. (9000 posts at the time of this article).
Pros:
- Basic LLC service includes business name check, document filing ideal for uncomplicated business requirementsSample Operating Agreements and other customizable LLC forms
- 1-year supporting agent (a $99 value)
- Excellent client reviews supporting their services with high star ratings
- Value off coupon for premium services (allow cursor to hover, and it will pop up or ask)
- Free means free (only one other LLC company offers a free service option)
Cons:
- Slow and or delayed filing of essential documents
- Offer no refunds for paid services
- Premium service is costly and includes unnecessary components
- Website cost transparency is vague
Overall Scoring
Inc Authority can rest assured that their free standard service has been helpful to many satisfied business owners. Their pricing seems fair; though their fees may seem high to some, the overall cost is still lower than hiring a lawyer or professional for the same task.
Perusing other web reviews, they rate Inc Authority low on customer service. However, that is a contradiction to their 5-star reviews.
The maneuverability of their services on their website deserves a low grade. While the free information is readily available, digging into their other paid packages requires a shovel.
There are other rumors that Inc Authority is slow in document filing procedures. If you choose the free option, allow yourself plenty of time to get the proper permits and documents filed.
However, client satisfaction is high, as noted in their Trustpilot reviews. If Inc Authority seems like a good option so far, here is a quick link to their 100% Free online LLC setup service.
Inc Authority LLC Service Packages Explained
Here is a summary of Inc Authority Services to help you make an informed decision without navigating away from this page.
Free or Standard Package Details (Applicable State Fee Not Included)
Free translates into zero dollars for Inc Authority other than the state fees incurred in the LLC formation as outlined in its free or standard package.
This standard package is ideal for business start-ups who know the rules or want a simple LLC service.
Register Agent:
A registered Inc Authority agent will assist and ensure that you’re aware of all legal notices that require your attention. This agent becomes your assigned helper for a year.
Tax Consultation:
Part of the standard packages offers tax consultation and planning advice to allow businesses to maneuver the complicated tax system and helps them reverse taxes back into usable business income.
Business Name Search:
Your business name may launch your business onto a success trajectory or cause many avoidable problems down the road. Inc Authority searches government databases for your business name availability in your state.
Document Storage:
Inc Authority manages, stores, and offers easy accessibility to start-up documents in digital formats always available with a click.
Prepare and Submit:
Prepared documents involving your business entity formation are submitted to proper state authority on your behalf.
S-Election Form 2553:
Inc Authority prepares and files this IRS document to declare your business as S-corporation if needed. (Default is C-Corporation).
Business Credit and Funding Assessment:
A credit and fund expert will assess your business and provide financing solutions based on your business potential.
Support:
Inc Authority provides clients with ongoing assistance via telephone or email.
Access to a Free Checking Account:
A Bank of America checking account includes inclusive incentives and expert advice from a bank specialist.
Zero Fees:
The corporate processing fee and LLC processing fee are free. Competition charges anywhere from a $79 & $149 fee.
Starter Package Service Details (Applicable State Fee Not Included)
In addition to the free service, the $399 starter package supports clients on more challenging business ventures as they arise during business operations.
Operating Agreement
A qualified Inc Authority specialist drafts and prepares a detailed internal document relating to your business conduct and operation.
Company Seal And Record Keeper
This is a token tool to help a business tackle organization and record-keeping duties.
Ownership Certificates
Inc Authority issues membership certificates for each owner participating in the venture. Though they are not legally required to manage your business.
Federal Tax Identification (EIN)
This employer identification number is necessary to file taxes, hiring, and business banking accounts; Inc Authority applies for this number on your behalf with the IRS.
Protection Advisor
As your business progresses, Inc Authority provides you with specialized support staff who can tackle complex concerns like audits, daily interaction, and licensing applications, lawsuits, payroll, and other involved business duties.
This package has a reasonable price tag considering that a business lawyer or expert will charge at least this amount to prepare your documents and file them for you. The best way to determine if you need these extras is to speak to one of their consultants and collect the information to make the right decision for your business.
The caveat here is that they are not a legal or accounting firm and cannot provide you with legal advice.
The Executive Package (Applicable State Fee Not Included)
The Inc Authority Executive package costs $499 and includes all the valuable free service features, starter accessory features, and their business licensing software.
Business License Report
This unique software access allows you to determine which business licenses and or permits are required for your business to operate in its location for its business category.
With a bit of research and visiting your county or municipal office to educate yourself about the regulations and or bylaws concerning your business may save you $100 instantly
The Tycoon Package (Applicable State Fee Not Included)
This package is for the investor who can afford to hire an LLC company to manage the details required to operate a bigger picture business. The steep $799 Tycoon package prices include all the above packages’ features and these highly specialized extras.
Express Processing:
Inc Authority will place your needs and applications ahead of every other applicant for this inclusive fee.
Business Credit Score:
A multi-layered approach to raise your business credit score value.
BizCredit Express:
This tailor-made package grants clients software support tools to access and develop business credit.
Credit Coach:
On hand, 90-day training guides the client through the complexities of business credit solutions, managing and receiving this invaluable resource.
Credit LaunchPad:
A guided tour through the intricate maze of the business credit development process is part of the package.
Credit Bureau Registration:
Inc Authority provides you with a Dun and Bradstreet Credit Bureau Registration number.
Is this exorbitant Tycoon package worth the hefty price tag? Only you can answer that question. Any business venture is a gamble and an investment. If having a qualified person with a strong company brand supporting them is vital to you, then the cost may be of little consideration.
Digging into all the complexities of starting a business yourself is an education that requires time and effort. The time that perhaps is better spent on other, more critical segments of your industry. Delegation is one of those skills.
Who Stands Behind the Inc Authority Brand?
Branding is crucial in any industry. Inc Authority has an established brand supporting entrepreneurs navigating the complex world of forms, permits, licenses, and questions about credit and taxes.
Inc Authority has filed over 250K entities and has survived 32 years in providing business formation specialists who help people achieve their dream of owning and operating a business.
Their highly recognizable spokesperson and entrepreneur Daymond John from Shark Tank’s television series lends credibility.
Their highly qualified staff of 25 partners your business concerns with equally qualified experts in the LLC business service sector so that you can run, grow and manage your business on your terms.
Business Funding:
This invaluable connection allows your business to gain instant network opportunities for lending options.
Website and Marketing Team:
In today’s business environment, you need a solid webpage and a marketing vision to help you realize your potential. Inc Authority provides you with access to a team of professional web designers who can translate your vision into web lingo and build you a marketable platform to launch your creative side of the business and market it to the whole world.
Federal Trademark:
A trademark is as important as your individual fingerprint. A trademark helps clients identify not only who you are but also build a connection.
Pricing for these services is available from an Inc Authority contact agent.
Managing a business from start to finish is an arduous task. Inc Authority lends you the tools and opportunities to make that task more approachable and definitely achievable.
The Competition
The LLC business is just as competitive as anything else and choosing what is right for your business is not an easy decision. Information is always the best tool.
Inc Authority has an established reputation in the industry, a great review score that is always a great resource to pursue to understand if other clients have had the same questions and experiences that want answering.
Though relatively small as a company, Inc Authority has 25 staff and farms out services to other expert partners in the industry that have a sound understanding of the LLC business.
According to Forbes Advisor, there are several great options to consider when reaching out to an LLC service company.
Forbes review compares ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom, and Inc Authority on several key features. However, none of these offered a free service package.
ZenBusiness received a Forbes Advisor rating of 4.8 stars, while Inc Authority rounded out their list with a competitive 4-star rating. Based on their review, they compared the competition, who all charged a fee to the Inc Authority free package.
The most favorable comparison of an LLC business formation company from other web resources suggests that ZenBusiness and Northwest Register Agent offer similar services for $39.
The qualifier here is to investigate and speak with a representative for each LLC service company and get a feel for their staff and how efficiently they manage your inquiry.
Opportunities for Inc Authority
Not every business is perfect, and Inc Authority has room for improvement.
Delayed Filing:
A consistent voice echoes that their document filing process needs improvement. Several complaints against them are that documents are either slow in being filed or delayed altogether. (As mentioned in other web reviews.)
While it would be easy to speculate and suggest that this delay encourages clients to purchase their expedited service for $49, it isn’t substantiated. There is no physical proof other than hearsay, and their happy clients suggest otherwise.
Website Pricing Transparency:
Managing a business requires budgeting know-how. When a company fails to disclose its pricing strategy, that’s always an uncomfortable sign. As experts in business development, their website leaves room for improvement.
Why not create a portal for potential clients to pick and choose the service they need, including pop-up suggestions, and voila, the client has an instant quote for what they’ll need to spend on the LLC package.
Unnecessary Extras:
Inc Authority likes to upsell clients and suggests additional features that may not be necessary for a business start-up. However, it’s up to any LLC service client to inform themselves about what they need to establish and maintain their business. It’s debatable if this is negative and is perhaps the same approach as, “would you like fries with that?”
Inc Authority Website Navigation:
Navigating a convoluted website is annoying and a waste of time. However, Inc Authority relies heavily on its contact portal to connect potential clients with a live person instead of offering the information with the click of a button. It’s almost too bare.
In Conclusion
Research and internet feedback suggest that Inc Authority is a solid choice for accessing their free solution. According to reviews, this free option is rare and supported by 9000 clients who rank them highly. However, there are other and perhaps better, more personalized LLC solutions to help you along the journey.
Inc Authority is a good choice. Its paid-for service packages aren’t unreasonable when you research the cost of hiring someone to fill out the required forms and submit paperwork.
It’s all relative, and as a start-up enterprise, your time and effort may have a more productive outlet elsewhere.