Inc Authority is an online business formation service that helps entrepreneurs form LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), corporations, and other business structures. Based in Reno, Nevada, it has been operating since 1989, offering entrepreneurs an easy and cost-effective way to establish their businesses legally.
Inc Authority stands out by providing free LLC formation services, where clients only need to pay the state filing fees. They also provide additional services like Registered Agent services, business name availability checks, and EIN (Employer Identification Number) filing, helping you navigate the complex world of business registration without the hefty price tag.
- Free LLC formation with no hidden fees.
- One year of free Registered Agent service.
- Easy and step-by-step business setup.
- Additional services like EIN filing cost extra.
- Registered Agent renews at $179/year after the first free year.
Inc Authority is a service that helps start businesses, offering free LLC formation.
Who Should Use Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is ideal for a wide range of entrepreneurs and business owners. Let’s break down who could benefit most from using this service:
- First-time Entrepreneurs: If you’re new to business formation and don’t want to deal with all the legal paperwork, Inc Authority offers a hassle-free way to form an LLC or corporation. The platform guides you step-by-step, ensuring you don’t miss any important details like Articles of Organization and state filings.
- Small Business Owners: Small business owners looking for an affordable way to form their LLCs will find Inc Authority’s free LLC formation service a major advantage. You can get started with just the state filing fee, keeping costs low while ensuring your business is legally recognized.
- Those Who Need Registered Agent Services: If you’re working from home or out-of-state, Inc Authority’s Registered Agent services come with your LLC formation package, which can help protect your privacy by receiving legal documents on behalf of your business.
Inc Authority Features & Benefits
Inc Authority offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to help entrepreneurs successfully launch and maintain their businesses. These services cover everything from LLC formation to ongoing compliance and business management. Let’s dive deeper into the key features and the benefits each one provides to business owners.
Free LLC Formation
One of the biggest selling points of Inc Authority is its free LLC formation service. Unlike many other business formation companies that charge substantial fees for their basic packages, Inc Authority only requires you to pay the state filing fees. The service includes the preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization, which are the official documents that establish your LLC with the state.
Benefit:
- Cost Savings: For entrepreneurs just starting out, keeping costs low is crucial. Inc Authority’s free formation package helps you avoid the usual high upfront costs that come with setting up a business.
- Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly and walks you through the LLC formation process step-by-step, making it accessible even for first-time business owners.
Free Registered Agent Service for One Year
Every LLC in the U.S. is required by law to have a Registered Agent. This agent acts as a designated point of contact for legal documents, government correspondence, and tax notices. Inc Authority provides free Registered Agent services for the first year with the LLC formation package. After that, the service is renewed at a reasonable rate of $179 per year.
Benefit:
- Privacy Protection: The Registered Agent receives official mail on behalf of your business, which helps protect your personal address from becoming public.
- Convenience: Having a professional Registered Agent ensures that legal documents are handled efficiently, reducing the risk of missing important paperwork like lawsuits or tax notifications.
- No Hidden Fees for the First Year: Unlike many competitors that charge for Registered Agent services immediately, Inc Authority gives you a full year of service at no extra cost.
EIN Filing Service
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security number for your business. It’s essential for various activities, such as hiring employees, filing taxes, opening a business bank account, and applying for business licenses. Inc Authority offers an EIN filing service for an additional $49.
Benefit:
- Time Savings: Instead of spending time navigating the IRS website and filling out forms yourself, Inc Authority handles the entire process, making it quick and easy to get your EIN.
- Business Compliance: Obtaining an EIN is mandatory for most businesses. Using Inc Authority to handle this step ensures you’re meeting all federal tax requirements and staying compliant with the law.
Operating Agreement Drafting
An Operating Agreement is a crucial document for LLCs, outlining the ownership and organizational structure, as well as the rules and procedures for running the company. Inc Authority provides Operating Agreement drafting for $89. This document can be customized to fit the specific needs of your LLC.
Benefit:
- Legal Protection: An Operating Agreement helps establish clear expectations among LLC members (owners) and ensures that your business is governed according to the terms agreed upon. It also protects your LLC’s limited liability status by proving that the company is a separate legal entity.
- Peace of Mind: With a professionally drafted Operating Agreement, you avoid potential conflicts between members down the line, as the document clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
Tax Planning Consultation
Starting and running a business involves various tax considerations. Inc Authority offers a tax planning consultation to help entrepreneurs understand their tax obligations and develop strategies for minimizing taxes. This service provides valuable insights into managing your business finances and planning for future growth.
Benefit:
- Informed Decisions: Tax planning can be overwhelming for new business owners. Inc Authority’s consultation service helps demystify the process, ensuring that you understand which taxes you owe and how to optimize your financial strategy.
- Financial Efficiency: By getting expert advice early on, you can set up your business in a way that minimizes your tax liability and helps your business thrive financially.
Business Credit & Funding Services
Inc Authority goes beyond just business formation by helping entrepreneurs secure funding for their businesses. Their business credit and funding analysis service helps evaluate your business’s creditworthiness and offers guidance on how to improve your credit profile. This service is ideal for business owners looking to grow their operations and secure capital.
Benefit:
- Access to Capital: For entrepreneurs looking to expand, understanding how to build business credit and access funding is key. Inc Authority provides you with the tools and knowledge to strengthen your credit rating and increase your chances of obtaining business loans.
- Expert Advice: Their funding analysis and business credit services provide you with insights that you might not have otherwise known about, giving you a competitive edge when applying for loans or other financial assistance.
Business Legal Documents & Compliance Assistance
Inc Authority also offers various legal documents packages, including Minutes and Resolutions, LLC Membership Certificates, and a business seal. These documents help ensure that your business is in compliance with both state and federal laws, as well as industry regulations.
Benefit:
- Complete Compliance: Inc Authority’s legal document package ensures that your LLC is fully compliant with legal requirements, which helps protect your business from potential penalties or legal issues.
- Professional Image: Having official legal documents such as a business seal, LLC Membership Certificates, and other corporate documents can enhance your business’s professional image when dealing with partners, clients, or investors.
Foreign LLC Registration
If you plan on operating your LLC in multiple states, you may need to register your business as a Foreign LLC in each additional state where you do business. Inc Authority provides Foreign LLC registration services to help you navigate the complexities of operating in multiple states.
Benefit:
- Legal Clarity: Foreign LLC registration ensures that your business is legally recognized in every state where you operate, which is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.
- Expanding Your Reach: As your business grows, being able to register as a Foreign LLC in multiple states makes it easier to expand your operations without worrying about legal issues.
Mail Forwarding Services
Inc Authority provides mail forwarding services to businesses that don’t have a physical office address. If your business receives mail at its Registered Agent address, it will be forwarded to your preferred address, whether that’s your home or an office location.
Benefit:
- Privacy: Protecting your personal address from public exposure is crucial for many entrepreneurs, especially those running home-based businesses. Mail forwarding ensures that sensitive documents are safely sent to you without revealing your home address.
- Convenience: It provides flexibility for business owners who may not have a fixed physical location, ensuring that all important correspondence reaches them no matter where they are located.
Inc Authority Pros and Cons
When considering Inc Authority for your LLC formation and business services, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it aligns with your needs and expectations. Below, we’ll explore the advantages and drawbacks of using this service, helping you make an informed decision.
Pros:
Free LLC Formation Package:
Inc Authority offers a free LLC formation package, requiring only the state filing fees. This package includes business name availability checks, preparation and filing of LLC formation documents, one year of free Registered Agent service, a tax planning consultation, and a business funding analysis.
One Year of Free Registered Agent Service:
The free LLC formation package includes one year of Registered Agent service, which is beneficial for businesses without a physical address in the state of formation.
No Hidden Fees:
Inc Authority’s basic package is free, with no additional fees beyond the state filing costs. This transparency is advantageous for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Optional Add-Ons:
Inc Authority offers optional services such as EIN filing and Operating Agreement drafting for additional fees, allowing businesses to customize their formation package based on specific needs.
Cons:
Auto-Renewal of Registered Agent Service:
After the complimentary first year, the Registered Agent service auto-renews at $179 per year, which may be higher than some competitors.
Additional Service Fees:
Services like EIN filing ($49) and Operating Agreement drafting ($89) are not included in the free package and come with additional costs. Notably, obtaining an EIN directly from the IRS is free, and Operating Agreement templates can be found for free elsewhere.
Processing Time:
Inc Authority’s standard processing time is 5-7 business days, which some customers have found to be slower compared to other providers. Expedited processing is available for an additional $49, but this does not cover state expedited filing fees.
Aggressive Upselling:
During the formation process, Inc Authority presents upsell offers for additional services, which some users may find intrusive. The placement of the Registered Agent service upsell in the walkthrough is particularly noteworthy, as there is no option to decline this add-on service.
Customer Support:
While knowledgeable, some users have reported slow response times from Inc Authority’s customer support, which could be a concern for businesses requiring prompt assistance.
Inc Authority Pricing
Inc Authority provides a transparent pricing structure, with most basic services included in the free LLC formation package. The additional services such as EIN filing and operating agreement drafting come with separate fees, so be prepared for some extra charges.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free LLC Formation | State Filing Fee |
| Registered Agent Service | Free for the First Year, $179/year after that |
| EIN Filing Service | $49 |
| Operating Agreement Drafting | $89 |
| Tax Consultation | Varies |
Inc Authority’s pricing model is distinctive in the LLC formation industry. The basic LLC formation package is free, requiring only the state filing fees. This package includes:
- Business Name Availability Check: Ensures your desired LLC name is available in your state.
- Preparation and Filing of LLC Formation Documents: Assists in preparing and filing the necessary documents to establish your LLC.
- One Year of Free Registered Agent Service: Provides a year of Registered Agent service at no additional cost.
- Tax Planning Consultation: Offers guidance on tax planning strategies for your new LLC.
- Business Funding Analysis and Business Credit: Assists in evaluating funding options and building business credit.
After the first year, the Registered Agent service auto-renews at $179 per year. Additional services are available for extra fees:
- EIN Filing Service: Offered at $49. Note that obtaining an EIN directly from the IRS is free.
- Operating Agreement Drafting: Available for $89. Free templates are available elsewhere.
It’s important to be aware of these additional costs when considering Inc Authority’s services.
Inc Authority Alternatives
While Inc Authority offers a great deal for business owners, it’s always a good idea to explore alternatives. Here are some popular options:
- ZenBusiness – Known for its simple pricing and comprehensive services, including Registered Agent services and tax consultation.
- LegalZoom – A well-established brand offering a wide range of legal services in addition to LLC formation.
- IncFile (Incfile is now Bizee) – Another affordable option with free LLC formation and a year of free Registered Agent service.
- Northwest Registered Agent – Specializes in Registered Agent services and offers excellent customer support.
- MyCorporation – Offers LLC formation, tax services, and legal documents, focusing on small business owners.
- Rocket Lawyer – Great for ongoing legal needs and offers a range of legal services beyond LLC formation.
Inc Authority Customer Service
Customer service plays a critical role in any service-based business, and Inc Authority is no exception. The company has a solid reputation for offering helpful and responsive customer support. Whether you’re new to the business formation process or running into some challenges down the road, Inc Authority’s support team is ready to assist. They are available via both phone and email, ensuring that users have multiple avenues for communication. Their customer service representatives are knowledgeable, and many customers report receiving detailed answers to their questions in a timely manner.
The company’s customer service is particularly beneficial for first-time entrepreneurs, who might find the LLC formation process a bit overwhelming. Inc Authority provides personalized support to guide users through the paperwork, from Articles of Organization to Operating Agreements. The team helps demystify legal jargon, ensuring that clients are clear on each step of the process. This level of customer service helps reduce the stress that often comes with starting a new business, making the entire experience smoother.
However, while many reviews praise their customer service, some customers have mentioned occasional delays in response times, particularly when contacting the support team during peak hours. Nonetheless, Inc Authority’s team is known for resolving issues effectively once they connect with clients. Overall, their customer service is a strong asset, providing business owners with the support they need to navigate their formation journey and stay compliant.
Is Inc Authority Good for LLC & Registered Agent Services?
Yes, Inc Authority is an excellent choice for both LLC formation and Registered Agent services. The company’s LLC formation service is one of its strongest selling points, particularly because it offers free LLC formation for the basic package. You only pay the state filing fees, which is a significant cost-saving feature for entrepreneurs. This can be especially valuable for those starting their businesses on a tight budget. Along with filing your Articles of Organization, Inc Authority also includes a business name availability check to ensure that your chosen name complies with state regulations.
The Registered Agent service is another area where Inc Authority excels. Every LLC needs a Registered Agent to receive legal documents on behalf of the business. This service helps maintain privacy by ensuring that important documents do not go to your personal address. Inc Authority offers a free Registered Agent service for the first year, which is a great perk for new businesses. After the first year, the service renews at a reasonable price of $179 per year. Many other formation companies charge more for this service, making Inc Authority’s offer more affordable.
Additionally, Inc Authority’s Registered Agent services are highly reliable. The company ensures that legal documents are promptly forwarded to you, so you don’t miss anything important, such as court summons or tax notifications. Their mail forwarding feature adds extra convenience for businesses that operate from home or don’t have a physical office. The comprehensive nature of Inc Authority’s LLC and Registered Agent services makes it a solid choice for business owners who need reliable, cost-effective support.
Is Inc Authority Legit?
Yes, Inc Authority is a legitimate and trustworthy business formation service provider. With over three decades of experience in the industry, the company has built a solid reputation and garnered positive feedback from many clients. Inc Authority is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which adds a layer of trust to its services. It has maintained a strong BBB rating, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable service. The company’s longevity in the market also speaks volumes about its credibility, as it has continued to serve business owners without any significant legal issues or red flags.
The company’s services are transparent with clear terms and conditions. There are no hidden fees in the basic LLC formation package, as you only pay the state filing fees. Inc Authority is upfront about its pricing structure, so business owners know what to expect. However, it’s important to note that additional services like EIN filing, operating agreement drafting, and expedited processing come at an extra cost, which is something to be mindful of when choosing your package. This transparency helps build trust with clients and eliminates the confusion that can sometimes arise when working with other formation companies.
Furthermore, customer reviews consistently affirm that Inc Authority is a reliable partner for LLC formation and business services. Most clients have positive experiences with the company’s platform, user-friendly website, and helpful customer support. While some customers have reported slower processing times and occasional upselling, the overall consensus is that Inc Authority is both reputable and legitimate. If you’re looking for an affordable, effective way to form your LLC and maintain compliance, Inc Authority is a trusted option that delivers on its promises.
Frequently Asked Questions for Inc Authority
As you navigate the process of forming your LLC with Inc Authority, you may have some lingering questions. In this section, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions to help clarify common concerns and ensure you’re fully equipped to get started.
How long does it take for Inc Authority to form my LLC?
Processing times vary, but it typically takes about 5-10 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
Do I have to pay for Registered Agent services?
Inc Authority includes free Registered Agent services for the first year. After that, it costs $179 per year.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Refund policies vary by service. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions before making a purchase.
Is Inc Authority better than LegalZoom?
Inc Authority is more affordable and includes free services like Registered Agent for the first year. LegalZoom, however, offers more comprehensive ongoing legal services.
Can Inc Authority help with business taxes?
Yes, they offer tax planning consultations, although you may need to pay extra for specialized tax services.
- Free LLC formation with no hidden fees.
- One year of free Registered Agent service.
- Easy and step-by-step business setup.
- Additional services like EIN filing cost extra.
- Registered Agent renews at $179/year after the first free year.
Inc Authority is a service that helps start businesses, offering free LLC formation.
Conclusion
Inc Authority is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and easy way to form an LLC. With its free LLC formation service, free Registered Agent for the first year, and comprehensive features like EIN filing and tax consultations, Inc Authority provides great value for new business owners. Although there are some additional costs for extra services, the overall package is solid. If you’re seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly way to start your business, Inc Authority is certainly worth considering.
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