Starting a business can be one of the most exciting, yet challenging experiences of your life. A significant part of the process is choosing the right service to help form your LLC (Limited Liability Company). With the growing number of LLC formation services available, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each one before making a decision.
One service that has gained considerable attention is Inc Authority. Known for its free LLC formation offer, it promises to make the business formation process accessible to anyone looking to start a business. But is it really as good as it sounds? Are there hidden fees or upsells lurking in the background?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Inc Authority’s offerings in 2025, including its free and paid packages, additional services, and customer feedback. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur looking to get started on a budget or a seasoned business owner seeking additional support, understanding the ins and outs of Inc Authority will help you make an informed choice.
This review will cover everything from the company’s history and customer service to the specifics of its pricing plans and packages. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether Inc Authority is the right choice for your business needs or if you should consider other options. Let’s dive in!
Inc Authority Review: At a Glance
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at the key points.
The Good
- Free LLC Formation: Inc Authority offers a truly free LLC formation service where you only pay the required state filing fees.
- Free Registered Agent Service for 1 Year: The company provides free registered agent services for the first year, which is often a recurring cost with other LLC formation services.
- Various Package Options: Inc Authority provides several service packages, including premium options that offer extra features and resources for businesses that need more support.
- Strong Customer Support: Many reviews highlight their customer service as responsive and helpful, making the LLC formation process easier to navigate.
The Bad
- Additional Costs: Although the basic LLC formation is free, many essential services (like expedited processing and business licenses) come with additional fees.
- Auto-Renewal of Registered Agent Service: After the first year, the registered agent service auto-renews at a higher rate than many competitors, which could be a downside for businesses on a tight budget.
- Processing Times Can Vary: Some users have reported slower processing times, especially for states that have a longer wait time for LLC formation.
Inc Authority: About The Company
Inc Authority has been around for quite some time and has helped form over 250,000 businesses since its inception. Founded in 1989, the company has become a well-known name in the world of LLC formation services. Their mission is to simplify the business formation process, making it accessible and affordable for entrepreneurs. With decades of experience, Inc Authority positions itself as an industry leader by offering a streamlined process for forming an LLC or corporation.
The company is also known for its customer-centric approach. With various packages to suit different business needs, Inc Authority offers flexible solutions for both novice entrepreneurs and more established businesses looking to grow and scale.
Packages Offered by Inc Authority
One of the major selling points of Inc Authority is the variety of service packages they offer, which cater to businesses at different stages and with varying levels of needs. Here’s a closer look at the different packages provided:
1. Entry Package – Free LLC Formation
The standout feature of Inc Authority’s service is its free LLC formation package. While this is not entirely unique in the industry, it’s definitely one of the most popular options for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and don’t want to pay excessive fees upfront.
What’s Included:
- LLC Formation: The company will prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the state.
- Free Registered Agent Service for 1 Year: A registered agent is required for all LLCs, and Inc Authority provides this service at no additional cost for the first year.
- EIN (Employer Identification Number): Obtaining an EIN is necessary for tax purposes, and Inc Authority handles this as part of the free package.
- Digital Storage of LLC Documents: Your formation documents will be stored securely online for easy access.
- Tax Consultation: Inc Authority includes a consultation with a tax expert to guide you on the basics of taxes for your new LLC.
- Business Credit Evaluation: Inc Authority also offers an initial evaluation to help you understand your business credit options and how to build credit.
This free LLC formation package is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to get their business started without paying a hefty price. However, you should be aware that many additional services come at an extra cost, which we will cover in the next section.
2. Premium Packages
If you need more comprehensive support or want additional services to help you grow your business, Inc Authority offers premium bundles. These packages are designed to offer everything from expedited processing to advanced business tools.
Starter Business Bundle
The Starter Business Bundle is an entry-level premium package designed to provide more value for your LLC than the free package.
What’s Included:
- All Free Package Features: This bundle includes everything from the free package.
- LLC Operating Agreement: An LLC Operating Agreement is a key document that outlines the internal rules for your business. It’s important for protecting your LLC’s limited liability status.
- Record Book and Ownership Certificates: These documents are important for maintaining your LLC’s legal status and for providing proof of ownership.
- Annual Compliance Notifications: Inc Authority will notify you about annual requirements to maintain good standing with the state.
- Website Domain & 5 Email Addresses: This feature is particularly useful for small business owners looking to establish an online presence.
This bundle is ideal for entrepreneurs who want additional tools for organization and a basic online presence for their business.
Business Executive Bundle
The Business Executive Bundle is designed for more serious entrepreneurs who want additional services to speed up the LLC formation process and provide guidance on growing their business.
What’s Included:
- All Features of the Starter Business Bundle: This includes everything mentioned in the Starter package.
- Expedited Processing: This service helps speed up the filing process, which can be especially useful if you’re in a rush to get your LLC up and running.
- Business Success Advisor: You’ll have access to a professional advisor who can provide guidance on growing and managing your business.
- Business Plan Creation Assistance: If you’re struggling with drafting a solid business plan, this service can be invaluable. Having a well-thought-out business plan is often necessary for securing funding or building partnerships.
This bundle is perfect for entrepreneurs who are looking for extra guidance and want to start their business quickly.
Tycoon Business Bundle
The Tycoon Business Bundle is the most comprehensive option offered by Inc Authority and is aimed at businesses that are ready to expand and need full support to scale.
What’s Included:
- All Features of the Business Executive Bundle: This includes everything from the previous premium packages.
- Dedicated Business Credit Coach: Building and maintaining strong business credit is crucial for long-term success. With this service, you’ll receive personalized assistance in improving your business credit.
- Business Funding Assistance: Inc Authority helps connect you with potential funding sources to help you grow your business.
- Trademark Protection Services: Protect your brand with trademark services, which are critical for securing your company’s identity.
This bundle is ideal for established businesses looking to expand, protect their brand, and secure funding for future growth.
Other Benefits (Services) Offered By Inc Authority
Aside from LLC formation, Inc Authority provides a range of other services to help businesses thrive. These services are especially useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to get more involved with their LLC or corporation on an ongoing basis.
- Business License Research: This service helps entrepreneurs navigate the sometimes complicated world of business licenses, ensuring you comply with all state and local requirements.
- Trademark Protection: As your business grows, securing your brand becomes crucial. Inc Authority offers trademark protection to help you safeguard your intellectual property.
- Website and Marketing Services: To help you establish an online presence, Inc Authority provides website domain registration and email addresses, along with additional marketing services.
- Business Funding Analysis: Inc Authority works with business owners to find potential funding sources and guide them through the application process.
- Tax Planning Consultation: Tax planning is an ongoing concern for any business. Inc Authority provides expert consultations to help you minimize tax liabilities and stay compliant.
Inc Authority Service Plans: At a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the services offered under Inc Authority’s various plans:
| Plan Name | Free LLC Formation | EIN Acquisition | Registered Agent | Operating Agreement | Record Book | Website & Email | Expedited Processing | Business Advisor | Business Credit Coach | Trademark Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Package | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starter Business Bundle | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Business Executive Bundle | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tycoon Business Bundle | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Final Verdict: Should You Use Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is a solid choice for entrepreneurs looking to start their LLC without paying hefty upfront fees. Their free package is especially appealing for small business owners and startups who need to get their business off the ground with minimal investment. However, as with most services, there are potential drawbacks.
Pros:
- The free LLC formation is an attractive offering.
- Free registered agent service for the first year is a helpful bonus.
- Several packages provide flexibility depending on your business’s stage.
- Their customer service is well-regarded, and their team can help guide you through the process.
Cons:
- Upselling of additional services, like trademark protection and expedited processing, can be frustrating.
- The auto-renewal of registered agent services could be costly after the first year.
- Processing times may vary, and some customers have reported delays.
Who Should Choose Inc Authority:
- Entrepreneurs who want to start an LLC at minimal cost.
- New businesses that require basic LLC formation services with no frills.
- Small business owners who value customer support and want a reliable service.
Who Should Consider Alternatives:
- Entrepreneurs who are looking for faster processing times or more transparent pricing.
- Business owners who require additional ongoing support or are in need of advanced services from the get-go.
In conclusion, if you’re just starting out and are looking for a cost-effective way to form your LLC, Inc Authority is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more premium experience or require faster processing, you may want to explore other services.
FAQs
Is Inc Authority’s LLC formation really free?
Yes, Inc Authority offers free LLC formation, but you’ll still need to pay state filing fees.
What’s included in the free package?
The free package includes LLC formation, an EIN, and a year of registered agent service.
Are there any hidden fees with Inc Authority?
While the LLC formation is free, many additional services, like expedited processing, come with extra costs.
How long does it take to form an LLC with Inc Authority?
The formation time varies depending on your state, but it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Can I cancel my registered agent service after the first year?
Yes, you can cancel the registered agent service before the renewal, but it will automatically renew at a higher rate if not canceled.
