What Is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is a company that focuses on forming LLCs, offering a variety of services in legal and branding fields. The company was established in 1989 by Cort Christie, and it’s noteworthy for its free LLC formation service, which also comes with a year of registered agent service at zero cost.
This unique offering sets Inc Authority apart as a leading provider in the field of affordable business setup, with a focus on user-friendly processes and customer support. The service package they offer includes important features like checking business name availability, preparing and filing the Articles of Organization, and analyzing business funding possibilities, making it a great choice for those starting their entrepreneurial journey.
Packages and Pricing
Inc Authority provides a unique LLC formation package for free. This package includes many key services at no cost, with the only charges being the state fees. However, if you need more than just the basic services, you’ll need to pay for them. The table below shows the services that cost more and their prices, where available:
Feature | One-year registered agent service | Price (if not included) |
---|---|---|
Business name availability check | Yes | N/A |
Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization | Yes | N/A |
Operating Agreement | Yes | N/A (Renews at $199/year) |
Digital storage and delivery of documents | Yes | N/A |
Customer support | Yes | N/A |
Business funding analysis | Yes | N/A |
Operating agreement | No | Varies |
EIN | No | Varies |
Business license report | No | Varies |
The extras such as the operating agreement, and business license report aren’t part of the free package, but you can get them for an extra cost. I also think it’s not worth paying for the EIN, as this is available for free via the IRS website. The exact prices for these services aren’t explicitly stated, suggesting that Inc Authority might adjust pricing based on the specific needs of your business or put these services into tailored packages for a separate fee.
The registered agent service, which is important for legal compliance, is free for the first year but it’ll cost $199/year after that.
Ease of Use
Forming an LLC with Inc Authority is relatively straightforward, involving a multi-step form. However, the process is heavily laden with upsells, and crucial pricing details, such as the renewal price for the registered agent service, are not disclosed upfront. This approach could lead to a lack of transparency for users. Completing the formation process without opting for additional paid services is possible, but the constant upsell attempts can make the journey longer and potentially overwhelming for some.
Registered Agent Service
Inc Authority offers a free registered agent service for the first year with its basic LLC formation package. This is a significant benefit, as a registered agent (also known as a resident agent or statutory agent in some states) is a requirement for all LLCs.
The agent acts as the official recipient of legal and government documents on behalf of the LLC. After the first year, this service renews at $199/year. This price point is on the higher end compared to some competitors, making it important for businesses to consider long-term costs.
Registered Agent Review
The registered agent service provided by Inc Authority is reliable and complies with state requirements, ensuring that your LLC remains in good standing with the state. However, the renewal cost of $199/year after the first free year may be higher than some new business owners expect.
Inc Authority Registered Agent Price
The initial offering of a free registered agent service for the first year is a strong selling point for Inc Authority. This can lead to significant savings during the crucial first year of business. However, the annual renewal rate of $199 is something businesses need to budget for in subsequent years.
Registered Agent Service Cancellation
To cancel the registered agent service with Inc Authority, it’s best to contact their customer support directly. Specific details on the cancellation process are not readily available online, suggesting that the process may require direct interaction with their support team to complete.
Pricing Comparison: Inc Authority vs. Others
To provide a comprehensive pricing comparison, we’ve analyzed Inc Authority against other popular LLC formation services. Below is a comparative table showcasing the starting price for LLC formation excluding state fees, and the cost to renew their registered agent service, highlighting Inc Authority’s unique free formation service offer.
Service | LLC Formation Cost | Free 1 Year of RA | Registered Agent Renewal Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Inc Authority | Free + state fees | Yes | $199/year |
LegalZoom | Free + state fees | No | $249/year |
MyCompanyWorks | $59 | No | $99/year |
Harbor Compliance | $99 | No | $99/year |
Inc Authority offers a notable advantage with its free LLC formation service, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to minimize upfront costs. However, its registered agent service renewal cost is higher compared to some competitors, necessitating a careful consideration of long-term expenses.
I have conducted in-depth research and crafted a comprehensive comparison of the best LLC services which will provide you with a wider range of options.
Customer Support Quality
Inc Authority provides customer support through email and phone, with their support team available from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT. The overall quality of their support is considered good, which suggests that customers can expect reliable assistance when needed.
However, the lack of live chat could be a drawback for those preferring instant online communication. The mix of feedback indicates some variability in user experiences, but the provided contact options and service hours aim to accommodate most inquiries effectively.
Inc Authority Phone Number and Email Address
For direct support, customers can reach Inc Authority via email at [email protected] or by phone at +1-877-462-6366 during their operating hours of 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT. Further contact details and assistance can be found on their contact page, which provides a centralized location for inquiries and support requests.
Turnaround Time
Inc Authority’s turnaround time for LLC formation is described as standard, meaning it aligns with typical processing times that vary by state. They also offer expedited service options for an additional fee, providing flexibility for businesses that require faster formation.
This standard turnaround time ensures that businesses can plan accordingly without unexpected delays, although the exact timeframe can depend on the specific requirements of each state and the chosen service package. The option for expedited processing is valuable for those under tight time constraints, offering a quicker path to formalizing business operations.
Customer Feedback Analysis
Inc Authority enjoys a high reputation among users, as evidenced by its 4.9 overall rating on Trustpilot. This strong rating reflects a generally positive sentiment from customers who have used their services for LLC formation. The feedback indicates that many users are satisfied with the support and services provided by Inc Authority, highlighting the company’s ability to meet customer expectations effectively.
The feedback gathered reveals a mix of experiences, with the majority leaning towards positive. This suggests that while Inc Authority excels in many areas, there may be room for improvement in ensuring consistently high-quality experiences for all users.
Operating Agreement Service
Inc Authority offers an Operating Agreement as part of its package extras. This critical document outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your LLC, ensuring that all business operations are in accordance with state laws and the LLC’s specific requirements.
While the basic LLC formation package provided by Inc Authority is free, the Operating Agreement, along with other additional services such as EIN registration, which can be obtained for free from the IRS site, and a business license report, incurs varying costs. These extras are essential for the comprehensive legal framework of your LLC but come at an additional expense, highlighting the importance of considering these costs when choosing Inc Authority for your business formation needs.
Inc Authority Mobile App
Inc Authority does not currently offer a mobile application for either iPhone or Android devices. This information suggests that users seeking to utilize Inc Authority’s services must do so through their website rather than a dedicated mobile app.
To entrepreneurs who prefer having access to their documents in an app, I would recommend ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, or Rocket Lawyer. Those are some of the few business formation services that provide apps.
The Expert Verdict
Based on the comprehensive analysis of Inc Authority’s services, it’s evident that they stand out because they offer a free LLC formation service that includes a year of registered agent service. This unique approach makes them a good choice for entrepreneurs who want to keep their initial costs low.
However, the heavy upselling and the lack of transparency regarding the renewal costs for registered agent services may detract from the overall experience. While Inc Authority excels in making LLC formation accessible and affordable, potential clients should be prepared for a journey filled with upsell attempts and should carefully consider the long-term costs associated with their services.
The relatively high renewal fee for the registered agent service, compared to some competitors, requires careful budgeting by businesses planning to use their services beyond the first year.
Inc Authority Alternatives
When considering LLC formation services, it’s crucial to explore alternatives to Inc Authority. Each service offers unique features and pricing structures. Below are comparisons with ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and MyCompanyWorks, providing insights into how Inc Authority stands against these options.
Inc Authority vs. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers free LLC formation similar to Inc Authority but includes additional packages for more comprehensive services. Their Pro Plan and Premium Plan cater to entrepreneurs seeking more than just the basics.
Feature | Inc Authority | ZenBusiness |
---|---|---|
LLC Formation Cost | Free | Free |
Registered Agent Service | $199/year | $199/year |
Operating Agreement | Varies | Included in paid plans |
EIN Registration | Varies | Included in paid plans |
Platform User-Friendliness | Good | Best |
Customer Support | Good | Best |
ZenBusiness is noted for its exceptional customer support and user-friendly platform, making it an attractive alternative for those prioritizing ease of use and comprehensive service offerings.
Inc Authority vs. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent emphasizes privacy and personalized service, with a slightly higher initial cost but lower annual registered agent fees compared to Inc Authority.
Feature | Inc Authority | Northwest Registered Agent |
---|---|---|
LLC Formation Cost | Free | $39 |
Registered Agent Service | $199/year | $125/year |
Privacy Protection | Standard | High (Privacy by Default) |
Customer Support | Good | Very Good |
User-Friendliness | Good | Very Good |
Northwest is best known for its comprehensive services and privacy-focused offerings, appealing to businesses prioritizing data security and personalized customer care.
Inc Authority vs. MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks offers a range of packages starting at $59, focusing on transparency and speed in the LLC formation process.
Feature | Inc Authority | MyCompanyWorks |
---|---|---|
LLC Formation Cost | Free | $59 |
Registered Agent Service | $199/year | $99/year |
Turnaround Time | Standard | Fast |
Customer Support | Good | Good |
User-Friendliness | Good | Below Average |
MyCompanyWorks distinguishes itself with its transparency and expedited service options, making it suitable for entrepreneurs seeking quick formation times and straightforward pricing.
Each alternative has its strengths, from ZenBusiness’s comprehensive support to Northwest‘s privacy protections and MyCompanyWorks’s fast turnaround. Your choice depends on what aspects of LLC formation services you value most.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Based on the provided information from Inc Authority’s website, here’s an objective summary of their refund and cancellation policy:
- Refund Policy: Inc Authority offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for product or service purchases, allowing customers to request a full refund within this period, minus any applicable state or third-party fees.
- Cancellation Policy: For month-to-month subscriptions with automatic billing, customers can cancel anytime by calling Inc Authority directly. If canceled within 14 days of the initial order, customers are eligible for a full refund. Post 14 days, the payment is non-refundable, and services continue until the end of the billing period.
- Registered Agent Service Cancellation: To cancel the registered agent service, customers must first appoint a new registered agent for their business. This requirement ensures that businesses remain compliant with legal obligations regarding registered agents. The policy underscores the importance of maintaining continuous registered agent services for legal compliance.
- General Cancellation Conditions: Inc Authority requires that any business entity discontinuing operations or services must be properly dissolved, withdrawn, canceled, or assigned another registered agent to fulfill cancellation conditions. Failure to meet these conditions may result in continued service and associated fees. This stipulation emphasizes the legal and procedural requirements involved in business entity management and service cancellation.
Is Inc Authority’s LLC formation service truly free?
Yes, Inc Authority offers a free LLC formation service that includes filing the Articles of Organization and a year of registered agent service. Additional services and renewals come with charges.
How does Inc Authority make money if they offer free LLC formation?
Inc Authority earns through the sale of additional services and upsells, such as operating agreements, EIN acquisition, and compliance services, as well as the annual renewal fees for registered agent services.
Can I cancel my registered agent service with Inc Authority?
Yes, you can cancel the registered agent service, but you must appoint a new registered agent first. Contact Inc Authority’s customer support for the specific steps involved in the cancellation process.
What is the cost to renew the registered agent service with Inc Authority?
The registered agent service renews at $199/year after the first free year.
Does Inc Authority offer a refund?
Inc Authority provides a 60-day money-back guarantee for their services, excluding any state or third-party fees. For monthly subscriptions, refunds are available if canceled within 14 days of the initial order.
How long does it take for Inc Authority to form an LLC?
The standard turnaround time for LLC formation with Inc Authority varies by state. Expedited processing options are available for an additional fee for faster service.