Detailed Review of Inc Authority
As a product review expert and a professional business registration consultant, this comprehensive review of Inc Authority will explore the service in depth. It will include what Inc Authority is, its pros and cons, LLC formation costs, best features, turnaround times, customer reviews, customer service, alternatives, a comparison table with competitors, and common questions. A Chinese translation follows.
What is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is an online platform that specializes in helping entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses form legal entities such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations in the United States. Its key attraction is the free LLC formation service, which only requires users to pay for the state filing fees. Additionally, it provides a variety of other business-related services like tax planning, compliance support, and registered agent services, all aimed at making business management easier and more accessible.
Having operated for over 30 years, Inc Authority has built a strong reputation for simplifying the business registration process and offering lifetime customer support for its users.
Pros and Cons of Inc Authority
Pros:
- Free LLC Formation: One of the few companies offering LLC formation at no cost beyond the state filing fees, which makes it ideal for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
- Wide Range of Services: In addition to business formation, Inc Authority provides services like tax planning, registered agent services, business credit building, and more.
- Free Registered Agent Service (First Year): Registered agent services are free for the first year, which is a valuable feature for new businesses.
- Lifetime Customer Support: Every customer receives lifetime access to Inc Authority’s customer support team.
- Established Trust and Experience: With over three decades in business, Inc Authority has proven its reliability.
Cons:
- Upselling of Services: Inc Authority tends to push additional services during the formation process, which some customers find overwhelming.
- Limited International Support: The platform is focused on U.S. businesses, so it offers limited services for international businesses.
- Extra Fees for Essential Services: While basic LLC formation is free, other key services such as obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and operating agreements come with additional fees.
- Refund Policy: The refund policy is limited, with refunds difficult to obtain once the process has started.
Cost of Forming an LLC with Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides free LLC formation, but additional services are charged. Below is a breakdown of potential costs:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| State Filing Fees | $50 – $500 (Varies by State) |
| EIN Registration | $49 |
| Operating Agreement | $89 |
| Registered Agent Service | Free for 1st Year, $99 annually afterward |
| Expedited Filing | $49 – $199 |
While the upfront LLC formation is free, additional services can accumulate and raise overall costs.
Best Features of Inc Authority
- Free LLC Formation: The ability to form an LLC without paying fees beyond state filing charges.
- Free Registered Agent Service for the First Year: Saves initial costs for businesses needing a registered agent.
- Lifetime Customer Support: Ongoing access to professional support ensures that business owners always have someone to turn to for help.
- Business Credit Assistance: They offer tools and support for building business credit, a vital aspect of growing a small business.
- Tax Planning Services: Inc Authority also offers business tax planning, helping companies stay compliant with tax regulations.
Turnaround Time for Inc Authority LLC
The turnaround time varies based on the state and the service package chosen. Standard filing can take 7 to 10 business days, while expedited services reduce this to 1 to 3 business days, depending on the specific state’s processing time.
Inc Authority Reviews
Inc Authority has generally positive reviews on platforms like TrustPilot and Google Reviews, with an overall rating of approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most users appreciate the ease of use, free LLC formation, and strong customer support.
Positive feedback often highlights:
- The simplicity of the LLC formation process
- The cost-effectiveness of free services
- Excellent customer support
Negative feedback usually mentions:
- Aggressive upselling of additional services
- The additional costs of necessary services like EIN registration
Inc Authority’s Customer Service
Inc Authority’s customer service is generally praised for being responsive and supportive. Their lifetime customer support ensures that users can reach out anytime they need assistance. However, some users have reported that customer service representatives sometimes focus more on upselling other services than addressing specific concerns.
Alternatives to Inc Authority
Several other companies provide similar services to Inc Authority, including:
- ZenBusiness: Known for its affordable and transparent pricing, with packages starting as low as $49.
- LegalZoom: Offers a wider range of legal services beyond business formation, but is more expensive than Inc Authority.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Focuses on privacy and premium customer service, with a transparent pricing model but higher fees for formation services.
Comparison Table: Inc Authority vs. Alternatives
| Feature | Inc Authority | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom | Northwest Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free LLC Formation | Yes (State fees only) | No (Starting at $49) | No (Starting at $79) | No (Starting at $225) |
| Registered Agent Service | Free for 1st year | $99 per year | $299 per year | $125 per year |
| Customer Support | Lifetime | 1 Year (Extended with Plans) | Limited | Lifetime |
| Business Credit Support | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Expedited Filing | Yes (Paid Option) | Yes (Paid Option) | Yes (Paid Option) | Yes (Paid Option) |
| Privacy Protection | No | No | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is LLC formation with Inc Authority really free? Yes, the LLC formation service is free. However, you will still need to pay the state filing fees, and other necessary services like EIN registration may come at an additional cost.
- Do I need a registered agent? Yes, most states require LLCs to have a registered agent, which Inc Authority provides for free during the first year.
- What if I want a refund? Inc Authority has a limited refund policy. Once the formation process has begun, it can be difficult to obtain a refund.
- Can Inc Authority help with taxes? Yes, Inc Authority offers tax planning and advisory services, which can help businesses stay compliant with tax laws.
- How long does it take to form an LLC? Standard processing typically takes 7-10 business days, but expedited services can shorten the time to 1-3 business days, depending on your state.
