Considering starting a business but find the process too daunting and confusing?
This blog post on Inc Authority vs. IncFile (now Bizee) takes a close look at two of the most popular business formation services that make the process easy.
Inc Authority is one of the oldest business formation services known for its good customer service. It’s been in business for over 30 years and has assisted 250k+ small businesses to get started.
IncFile (now Bizee), on the other hand, has worked with over 1 million businesses since its inception in 2004.
Both IncFile (now Bizee) and Inc Authority offer free LLC formation packages as well as a wide range of valuable additional services.
Go through our Inc Authority vs IncFile (now Bizee) comparison to decide which is the better choice for you in 2024.
Inc Authority vs. Incfile (now Bizee): The Summary Box
| Inc Authority | Incfile (now Bizee) |
|
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| As one of the oldest LLC formation companies, Inc Authority offers a variety of services that can help you get your business entity off the ground. Whether you need help with marketing, financing, or credit coaching, Inc Authority is a great resource to consider. | IncFile (now Bizee) has a powerful presence in the LLC formation niche, having assisted over 800,000 businesses since 2004. Known for its transparent pricing and a wide range of additional services, IncFile (now Bizee) offers great value for your money. |
Inc Authority
- As one of the oldest LLC formation companies, Inc Authority offers a variety of services that can help you get your business entity off the ground. Whether you need help with marketing, financing, or credit coaching, Inc Authority is a great resource to consider.
Incfile
- IncFile (now Bizee) has a powerful presence in the LLC formation niche, having assisted over 800,000 businesses since 2004. Known for its transparent pricing and a wide range of additional services, IncFile (now Bizee) offers great value for your money.
Ratings (Out of 5-stars)
| Inc Authority | Incfile (now Bizee) | |
| Overall | ||
| Support | ||
| Features | ||
| User-Friendliness | ||
| Value for Money |
Inc Authority
- Overall:
- Support:
- Features:
- User-Friendliness:
- Value for Money:
Incfile (now Bizee)
- Overall:
- Support:
- Features:
- User-Friendliness:
- Value for Money:
Pros and Cons: Inc Authority
| Pros | Cons |
| Free LLC formation package | Pricing information is not available on the website |
| Comprehensive business formation services | Does not offer annual compliance or lifetime company alerts |
| Positive customer reviews | |
| Fast LLC formation process |
Pros
- Free LLC formation package
- Comprehensive business formation services
- Positive customer reviews
- Fast LLC formation process
Cons
- Pricing information is not available on the website
- Does not offer annual compliance or lifetime company alerts
Pros and Cons: Incfile (now Bizee)
| Pros | Cons |
| Free LLC formation package | Customer service is not responsive |
| Transparent pricing, including state fees | No marketing or business planning assistance |
| User-friendly website and centralized dashboard for managing business documents | |
| Advanced compliance services and lifetime company alerts |
Pros
- Free LLC formation package
- Transparent pricing, including state fees
- User-friendly website and centralized dashboard for managing business documents
- Advanced compliance services and lifetime company alerts
Cons
- Customer service is not responsive
- No marketing or business planning assistance
Pricing Details: Inc Authority
| Pricing Plan | Price |
| Free LLC package | $0 |
| Starter Business Bundle | Contact sales for pricing information |
| Fast Track Business Bundle | Contact sales for pricing information |
- Free LLC package: $0
- Starter Business Bundle: Contact sales for pricing information
- Fast Track Business Bundle: Contact sales for pricing information
Try Inc Authority for Free
Pricing Details: Incfile (now Bizee)
| Pricing Plan | price |
| Basic (formerly Silver Package) | $0 |
| Standard (formerly Gold Package) | $199 (+filing fee) |
| Premium (formerly Platinum Package) | $299 (+filing fee) |
- Basic (formerly Silver Package): $0
- Standard (formerly Gold Package): $199 (+filing fee)
- Premium (formerly Platinum Package): $299 (+filing fee)
Try Incfile (now Bizee) for Free
Features Comparison: Inc Authority vs Incfile (now Bizee)
| Inc Authority | Incfile (now Bizee) | |
| Free LLC formation | ☑ | ☑ |
| Free Registered Agent service | ☑ | ☑ |
| Unlimited phone and email support | ☑ | ☑ |
| Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization | ☑ | ☑ |
| Tax planning consultation | ☑ | ☑ |
| Centralized dashboard | – | ☑ |
| Digital storage of documents | ☑ | ☑ |
| EIN/Tax ID number | ☑ | ☑ |
| File S Corp Tax Election | ☑ | ☑ |
| Trademark name search | ☑ | ☑ |
| Certificate of good standing | – | ☑ |
| Foreign qualification | – | ☑ |
| Business Funding Analysis | ☑ | – |
| Business credit coaching | ☑ | – |
| Business planning | ☑ | – |
| Accounting and bookkeeping | – | ☑ |
Inc Authority
- Free LLC formation
- Free Registered Agent service
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
- Tax planning consultation
- Centralized dashboard
- Digital storage of documents
- EIN/Tax ID number
- File S Corp Tax Election
- Trademark name search
- Certificate of good standing
- Foreign qualification
- Business Funding Analysis
- Business credit coaching
- Business planning
- Accounting and bookkeeping
Incfile (now Bizee)
- Free LLC formation
- Free Registered Agent service
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
- Tax planning consultation
- Centralized dashboard
- Digital storage of documents
- EIN/Tax ID number
- File S Corp Tax Election
- Trademark name search
- Certificate of good standing
- Foreign qualification
- Business Funding Analysis
- Business credit coaching
- Business planning
- Accounting and bookkeeping
Detailed Review: Inc Authority
Image via Inc Authority
Based in Reno, Nevada, Inc Authority is known for its free LLC formation service and good customer support. Here is an in-depth Inc Authority review:
Free LLC Bundle
The free bundle is ideal for small businesses and startups who are looking to incorporate their business entity for free anywhere in 50 states in addition to getting a host of value-adds. Here are the services included in Inc Authority’s free LLC bundle:
Business Name Search
Inc Authority provides a user-friendly search feature to quickly check if your chosen business name is available.
Free Registered Agent Service
Inc Authority provides free registered agent service for the first year. They will act as your official correspondent for all legal documents from the state and will forward them to you.
This can save you a significant amount of hassle and money.
Preparation and Filing of Articles of Organization
Inc Authority assists you with preparing and filing the Articles of Organization for your LLC formation process with the state in which you intend to do business.
Tax Planning Consultation
When you sign up for Inc Authority’s free package, you will get an hour’s free tax planning consultation with a professional. This helps you understand the deductions and credits you’re eligible for and how you can minimize your tax liability.
Free Analysis of Business Credit and Funding
Inc Authority’s experts offer free business funding analysis as well as a wide variety of financing options to meet your needs.
They will also help you rebuild your credit if necessary.
Digital Storage of Documents
Inc Authority makes it easy to store, access, and share business documents through its online support service. This way you get to keep track of everything from a single platform.
Free Preparation of the S-Election Form
Inc Authority’s free LLC package offers free preparation of S-Election Form 2553 and filing it with the IRS. This is for businesses that want to be taxed as S-corporations.
Inc Care Support
Customer support is one of Inc Authority’s strong points. Their basic free package gives you email and phone access to a customer service representative on all business days.
Image via Inc Authority
Premium Bundles
The premium bundles include the Starter package and the Fast Track bundle that offer these services:
Image via Inc Authority
Complete Operating Agreement and Bylaws
Inc Authority offers complete assistance in drafting an operating agreement for LLCs or corporate bylaws for Corporations.
New businesses need these business formation documents to give them a sense of direction, for instance, by outlining owner responsibilities, setting conflict resolution rules, and more.
Sometimes it can be hard to develop these drafts, and Inc Authority helps with this.
An operating agreement or bylaws can include these details:
- The ownership structure of your limited liability company
- The roles and responsibilities of each member
- The rules for decision making
- How profits and losses will be distributed
- Procedures for admitting new members
Employer Identification Number and Tax ID
To form an LLC, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It’s a nine-digit number that helps your state and the IRS identify your business entity for tax purposes.
You can use Inc Authority’s EIN and Tax ID assistance service to obtain your EIN quickly and easily.
Deluxe Record Book
Inc Authority’s Deluxe Record Book makes it easy to store and access key business documents from a single location.
Professional Tax Planning Consultation
The premium bundle includes a consultation with a tax expert who helps you with exemptions, deductions, and other tax obligations.
This way, you can find the best ways to take advantage of tax breaks to minimize your expenses and maximize profit.
Corporate Forms Package
Starting a new business involves lots of paperwork and businesses need to keep track of many documents. Inc Authority offers a corporate forms package that includes all the LLC formation documents you need to get started with your LLC or corporation.
Membership or Stock Certificates
Signing up for Inc Authority’s premium bundle will allow you to get personalized stock certificates with the name of your company as well as the number of shares or units.
If you own an LLC, you can get personalized ownership certificates for your members.
INC Success Advisor Package
The INC Success Advisor Package is designed to help you quickly and easily get the most out of your premium membership with expert advice on multiple aspects of your business. This package includes a dedicated protection advisor who can guide you through various business challenges.
Expedited Processing
When you opt for the Fast Track Bundle, Inc Authority will prioritize your order and have it processed within 1-2 business days.
You’ll also get free unlimited revisions to your business plan within the first three months, adding more features to your package.
Private Banking Specialist
Inc Authority’s Fast Track bundle gives you access to their team of private banking specialists who are dedicated to providing you with the personalized attention and tailored solutions you need to help manage your business bank account and finances.
Personalized Business Advice
Their team of business experts will work with you to understand your unique situation and needs, and provide customized advice to help you reach your goals.
Add-On Services
Inc Authority offers a variety of additional services to help you protect your intellectual property and grow your business.
Business plan: Inc Authority offers a dedicated advisor and comprehensive business plan services that include market research, financial planning, and business model development.
Website and marketing: Right from consultation with a web designer and dedicated marketing specialist to SEO services and custom logo design, Inc Authority offers a range of useful marketing services. They also provide a free domain name for your business website.
Image via Inc Authority
Business funding: Inc Authority leverages its network of lenders and financial partners to help you identify the best low-interest personal loans in addition to pre-qualifying you for a loan within minutes.
With this business funding service by Inc Authority, you can get between $30,000 and $100,000 in business loans. They’ll help you submit your application with the best chances of approval. You also get business credit assistance to boost your credit ratings to improve approval rates.
This is an important aspect you should consider when conducting an Inc Authority vs IncFile (now Bizee) comparison.
Revocable living trust: If you’re concerned about probate and want to plan for your funds as soon as possible, Inc Authority can help. If the majority of your assets are in real estate, a revocable living trust is preferable to a Last Will and Testament.
This is because it eliminates the need for an executor to sell the property at reduced prices or insurance money to pay for probate costs.
Federal trademark: In addition to a trademark specialist, you can leverage Inc Authority’s expedited e-filing, and trademark registration assistance.
Image via Inc Authority
Detailed Review: Incfile (now Bizee)
Image via Inc Authority
IncFile (now Bizee) offers a host of services under one roof so you can get your new business up and running with less hassle. Their plans are divided into Basic, Standard, and Premium packages.
In this section of our Inc Authority vs Incfile (now Bizee) comparison, we’ll give you a look at each package offered by the latter.
Basic (Formerly Silver Package)
The Basic plan is similar to Inc Authority’s free LLC package and offers these services free of charge:
Unlimited Business Name Search
With Incfile’s (now Bizee) Business Name Lookup Tool, you can easily find out if your chosen business name is available.
Image via Incfile (now Bizee)
Preparing & Filing the Articles of Organization
IncFile’s (now Bizee) professionals prepare and submit your Articles of Organization in the state of choice, a crucial step in LLC formation.
Registered Agent Service Free For One Year
Irrespective of the package you choose, Incfile (now Bizee) gives you Registered Agent services free of charge for the first year.
After one year, it will cost $119 each year to renew the Registered Agent Service.
Unlimited Phone and Email Support
In addition to phone and email support, IncFile (now Bizee) also has an online support center that can help you quickly find answers to commonly asked questions.
Standard (Formerly Gold Package)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive service for starting a business, Incfile’s (now Bizee)Standard package has everything you need. For just $199 + state fees, you’ll get registered agent service, a year of corporate compliance, and much more.
EIN Business Tax Number
Once you sign up for the Standard or Premium package, a representative will contact you to get the details needed to file the EIN in the state of incorporation. This is an essential step in the LLC formation process.
IRS Form 2553
IncFile (now Bizee) handles all the steps involved in filing this form when you opt for its paid services. This is the form you fill out if you’re an LLC or corporation and you want your business entity to be treated as an S-corp for your tax obligations.
Operating Agreement
IncFile’s (now Bizee) experts help create a custom Operating Agreement, a service that’s included in both Premium and Standard packages.
You can also choose to add this service for $40 to your Basic package.
Banking Resolution
IncFile’s (now Bizee) team prepares this document, clearly defining the obligations, privileges, and roles of each member related to your company’s banking activities.
This ensures that the financial institution where your business bank account is held knows who is authorized to manage it.
Lifetime Company Alerts
IncFile’s (now Bizee) lifetime company alerts through email reminders are designed to keep you informed of upcoming filing requirements, ensuring you file them on time. This includes various alerts, such as one for filing your state annual report, if it’s a requirement.
Inc Authority also offers annual compliance notifications on their starter package, which is an important consideration in the Inc Authority vs IncFile (now Bizee) comparison.
Online Access Dashboard
The Online Access Dashboard is one of the best features of Incfile (now Bizee). It allows you to track your company’s progress and access all of your business documents in one place. You can also get a quick view of the compliance and renewals that are due in the dashboard.
Image via Bizee
Tax Planning Consultation
IncFile (now Bizee) offers a 30-minute free tax planning consultation where a tax expert will discuss:
- The types of taxes you need to pay
- The forms you’ll need to file
- The timeline for paying estimated taxes
Premium (Formerly Platinum Package)
In addition to the services included in IncFile’s (now Bizee) Standard (formerly Gold package), the Premium plan gives you access to the following features:
Business Contract Templates
IncFile (now Bizee) offers over 25 legal document templates that you can quickly edit and customize. This is similar to what Inc Authority offers with its corporate forms feature, making it another point to consider in your IncFile (now Bizee) vs Inc Authority comparison.
Expedited Filing
Just like Inc Authority, IncFile (now Bizee) offers express processing, helping you jump the line and form your business faster. This is especially useful for entrepreneurs who want to start their limited liability company right away.
Add-On Services
IncFile (now Bizee) also offers a wide range of add-ons as part of its LLC formation service that you can take advantage of. These additional services, just like Inc Authority’s additional services, are crucial to the growth of your business. Make sure you compare the add-on services offered by IncFile (now Bizee) vs Inc Authority to make a fair comparison.
Here are the add-ons offered by Incfile (now Bizee).
Articles of Amendment: You can leverage Incfile’s (now Bizee) Articles of Amendment filing services to update the Secretary of State of any changes to your business entity.
Certificate of Good Standing: Incfile (now Bizee) helps you obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, a document that shows that your business is incorporated in good standing with the state.
Certain institutions and people may ask for this certificate within the course of your business, e.g. investors, banks or lenders, other state governments, etc.
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As): Incfile (now Bizee) handles the complex steps of DBA filing and name verification to make the process hassle-free. This makes it easy for businesses to operate with a different name from their registered names. Make sure you understand the difference between DBA and LLC before you file for one.
Business license research: Incfile’s (now Bizee) business license package includes the services of a licensing expert who will determine the permits and licenses required at different levels.
This is a useful feature that Inc Authority lacks, so consider that for your Inc Authority vs Incfile (now Bizee) comparison.
Trademark registration: For $299 (plus filing fee), you can get trademark assistance from Incfile (now Bizee). This includes thorough trademark research by a qualified trademark attorney, who will then file your trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Accounting and bookkeeping: In addition to being a qualified bookkeeper, IncFile (now Bizee) offers monthly financial reports, unlimited tax planning consultation, business tax filing, and bookkeeping software.
Image via Bizee
These additional services make IncFile (now Bizee) a comprehensive service provider for all your business needs, from LLC formation to ongoing business management.
Inc Authority Pricing Plans
Inc Authority has three different packages: the Free LLC package, the Starter bundle and the Fast Track bundle.
Here’s a quick recap of what Inc Authority offers for free:
- Registered Agent for one year
- Business name search
- Digital storage and delivery of business formation documents
- Business formation filing
- S-Election form filling
- INC CARE support
- Tax planning consultation
- Business funding analysis
Image via Inc Authority
The Premium bundle is divided into two packages: the Starter bundle and the Fast Track bundle. Both packages offer these services:
- Registered Agent for one year
- Business name check
- Deluxe record book
- Custom state filed articles
- Corporate bylaws or operating agreement
- Tax ID or EIN
- Stock or ownership certificates
- Professional tax planning consultation
- Corporate forms package
- Annual compliance notifications
- Free domain
Inc Authority has not displayed the pricing information for the Premium packages. You can get in touch with their representative to get the pricing information and book one of the packages.
Incfile (now Bizee) Pricing Plans
Whether you are looking to incorporate an LLC, S-Corporation, or C-Corporation, Incfile (now Bizee) has a range of pricing plans to suit your needs.
You get the Basic package for free (plus state fees) and it comes with services like preparation and planning, name search, free registered agent services for a year, and unlimited phone and email support.
Here is the list of services offered under the Standard and Premium packages:
- Preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization
- Registered Agent Service free for one year
- IRS Form 2553
- EIN/Business Tax Number
- Business bank account
- Online access dashboard
- Corporate Bylaws
- Tax planning consultation
- Lifetime company alerts
- Banking resolution
The pricing varies based on the state where you are looking to incorporate your business.
If you want to set up an LLC in Alabama, for instance, these are the pricing points for Basic, Standard, and Premium packages:
Image via Bizee
When you exclude the state fee ($236) in Alabama, the package fee for the Basic, Standard, and Premium plans is $0, $199, and $299, respectively.
What Do Their Customers Say About Them?
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Inc Authority |
Incfile (now Bizee) |
| I looked at a handful of companies to help form my LLC. What I liked the most about Inc Authority was the competitive pricing and the ability to pick and choose which items I needed. A lot of the other companies were a ‘one size fits all’ package, and that just didn’t work for my business needs. Once I decided to go with Inc Authority, the selection and check-out process was easy and fast!
– Ebony Brewer |
The process to set up a business with Incfile is very easy to understand. The steps are to follow make the process seamless. I love the fact that they also provide several options (packages) to make your experience even easier. The different product offers are great for people that are just getting started for the first time. Will use this service again. Thanks!
– Marie-Michelle |
| Inc Authority is a one-stop shop! You can fill out an application for your LLC, get your business email and website domain, set up your new business bank account with Bank of America, and have a free agent for a year to help you with your new business. You can’t go wrong applying for your LLC through the company.
– Ramona Hicks |
There was an ample amount of information to help me decide what type of corporation to set up. Then the actual process was very easy to go through, understand. I appreciate the clear and intuitive layout!
– Wade Licup |
FAQs
1. Is Incfile (now Bizee) credible?
Incfile (now Bizee) has been in business since 2004, and they’ve helped over 800,000 businesses get started. It also finds a place in Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the US.
In addition to a wide range of services, Incfile (now Bizee) has earned thousands of positive reviews, making it one of the credible online LLC formation services.
2. How long has Inc Authority been around?
Being founded in 1989, Inc Authority is one of the oldest business formation companies in the US, making it a trusted brand service provider.
3. What are some Incfile (now Bizee) and Inc Authority alternatives?
There are many Incfile (now Bizee) and Inc Authority alternatives out there that you can explore. These include BizFilings, LegalZoom, and ZenBusiness, all of whom offer business formation services, including LLC formation, incorporation, and trademark registration.
4. Inc Authority vs. ZenBusiness: Which is better?
In terms of experience, Inc Authority scores over ZenBusiness, which was founded in 2015. If you want completely free LLC formation services, including free Registered Agent services, opt for Inc Authority.
However, if you are looking for annual compliance and web domain services in the basic plan comparison, ZenBusiness is the ideal choice.
5. How do I start an LLC for free?
You can explore companies such as Inc Authority and IncFile (now Bizee) that offer free business formation services in their basic packages. You will only need to pay the state fees in the state where you want to incorporate your business.
6. Is IncFile now Bizee?
Yes, IncFile has been rebranded to Bizee in 2023. The company offers the same LLC formation services and features under the new name Bizee.
7. Are IncFile (now Bizee) and Inc Authority free?
Both IncFile (now Bizee) and Inc Authority offer free LLC formation packages that include basic services like preparing and filing Articles of Organization and one year of free registered agent service.
However, you’ll still need to pay state fees, and premium features come at an additional cost.
8. Which is better for business funding, IncFile (now Bizee) or Inc Authority?
Inc Authority has a slight edge when it comes to business funding options. It offers a comprehensive business funding analysis and credit coaching services, which aren’t available on IncFile’s (now Bizee) basic packages.
Inc Authority vs Incfile (now Bizee): The Final Verdict
Inc Authority and IncFile (now Bizee) are two of the most popular LLC services on the market.
They offer a lot of features and benefits, but there are some key differences between the two. Both IncFile (now Bizee) and Inc Authority offer free LLC formation services in their basic packages.
The major difference is that IncFile’s (now Bizee) pricing is transparent, while Inc Authority has not displayed its premium pricing information. However, Inc Authority offers a faster turnaround time in addition to being rated highly for good customer service.
Each of them also offers certain services that the other does not. For instance, Inc Authority is the right choice if you are looking for comprehensive business funding, credit coaching, marketing, and business planning services.
If you are looking for assistance with DBA, Certificate of Good Standing, bookkeeping, accounting, foreign qualification, and business dissolution, opt for IncFile (now Bizee)
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the right provider for your business will depend on a number of factors.
However, we hope that our comparison of Inc Authority vs IncFile (now Bizee) has given you a better idea of what each LLC service offers and helped you narrow down your options to find the best LLC service for your business.
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