Pricing note: Inc Authority’s current public pricing shows three LLC formation packages: You Start at $0 plus state fees, You Grow at $127 plus state fees, and You Thrive at $247 plus state fees. Its site also says the free package includes LLC registration, EIN, 24 hour processing, a custom website, and one year of registered agent service. Pricing can change at checkout, so always confirm before paying.
Quick Verdict: Is Inc Authority Really Free?
Yes, Inc Authority can be free for the basic LLC filing service, but it is not the same as starting an LLC for zero dollars. You still pay the required state filing fee, which every LLC owner must pay no matter which service they use. Inc Authority says it waives its own setup service charge and only requires the mandatory Secretary of State fees for the free formation option.
The better question is not “Is Inc Authority free?” The better question is, “What will I pay after I add the services most business owners actually need?”
That is where the answer becomes more practical. The free plan is useful because it includes formation filing, name check, digital document delivery, EIN help, and one year of registered agent service. But once you need an operating agreement, faster processing, business records, compliance tools, S Corp election support, or continued registered agent service after the first year, your total cost can rise.
Who Should Use Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is a good fit for new founders who want a low upfront cost and want someone else to handle the basic filing work. It is especially attractive if you want LLC filing, registered agent service for the first year, and EIN assistance without paying a service fee upfront.
It may not be the best fit if you dislike checkout upgrades, want long term pricing that is simple from day one, or already know how to file directly with your state. The EIN part is also worth understanding. The IRS lets business owners apply for an EIN directly for free, so the real value of Inc Authority’s EIN service is convenience, not access to something you cannot get yourself.
What Is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is an online business formation service that helps entrepreneurs form LLCs and corporations. Its core service includes checking business name availability, preparing formation documents, submitting those documents to the state, storing digital copies, and providing support during the setup process.
The company heavily promotes its free LLC formation offer. That offer is real in the sense that Inc Authority does not charge its own filing service fee on the entry level package. The required state filing fee still applies. Inc Authority also promotes free registered agent service for the first year and free EIN assistance with its LLC packages.
Inc Authority Pricing Table
| Plan | Service Price | State Fee | Best For | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You Start | $0 | Extra | Budget conscious founders | Company registration, name check, filing preparation, digital delivery, EIN, one year registered agent service, support |
| You Grow | $127 | Extra | Founders who want operating documents | Everything in You Start, operating agreement, 24 hour express processing, unlimited live USA support |
| You Thrive | $247 | Extra | Founders who want more compliance and records support | Everything in You Grow, legal documents and record book, minutes and resolutions, S Corp election, Compliance360 trial, dedicated advisor |
Inc Authority’s current package table lists the pricing as $0, $127, and $247 plus state filing fees. It also shows registered agent service included for one year and EIN included across the plans.
Detailed Feature Breakdown
1. LLC Formation Filing
This is the main reason people choose Inc Authority. The company prepares and files your LLC documents with the state. That saves you time if you do not want to deal with state forms, naming rules, and filing steps yourself.
The free filing service is strong because Inc Authority does not charge a service fee on the You Start plan. You still pay the state fee. State fees vary widely. Inc Authority’s own cost guide says LLC state filing fees can range from $35 to $500, depending on the state.
2. Business Name Check
Before filing an LLC, your business name needs to be available in the state where you form. Inc Authority includes a name availability check with the formation process. This is a basic feature, but it matters because a rejected filing can waste time.
For most simple LLCs, this feature is enough. If you need trademark protection, that is a separate issue and should not be confused with state level name availability.
3. Registered Agent Service
A registered agent receives legal notices and official state documents for your business. The SBA says LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofit corporations need a registered agent in the state before filing.
Inc Authority includes one year of registered agent service with its LLC packages. After that, the service renews annually. Inc Authority’s registered agent service page lists the service at $249 for one year, and its terms say the registered agent service automatically renews each year. The terms also mention a $50 late penalty if the registered agent subscription fee is not paid by the renewal date.
This is one of the most important cost points in the whole review. The free first year is valuable, but the renewal price matters if you keep using Inc Authority as your registered agent.
4. EIN Assistance
Inc Authority currently promotes free EIN or Tax ID support with its LLC packages. An EIN is usually needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, file certain taxes, and separate business activity from personal activity.
The important detail is that the IRS itself provides EINs for free. The IRS specifically warns that you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. So, Inc Authority’s EIN support is mainly a convenience feature. It can save time, but it is not required if you are comfortable applying directly through the IRS.
5. Operating Agreement
The operating agreement is included in the You Grow and You Thrive packages. This document explains how your LLC is owned and managed. It can cover ownership percentages, voting rights, profit distribution, member responsibilities, and what happens if someone leaves the company.
Even if your state does not require an operating agreement, banks and partners may ask for one. For a single member LLC, it can also help show that the business is separate from the owner.
6. Express Processing
The You Grow plan adds 24 hour express processing. Inc Authority explains that express processing means it will submit your LLC to the Secretary of State within 24 hours. This does not always mean the state approves your LLC within 24 hours, because state processing time depends on the state office.
This feature is useful if you want the filing submitted faster. It is less important if you are not in a rush.
7. Legal Documents And Record Book
The You Thrive plan includes legal documents and a record book. This is mainly for keeping business records in one place. For some founders, this may feel unnecessary at the beginning. For others, especially those who like clean documentation, it can be useful.
A record book is not the same as legal advice. It is an organization tool. The real value depends on how much you care about formal documentation from the start.
8. Minutes And Resolutions
Minutes and resolutions help document major business decisions. For a small single member LLC, this may not feel urgent. For a multi member LLC, it can help keep ownership and decision making cleaner.
This feature becomes more useful when your business has partners, investors, loans, or major decisions that should be recorded properly.
9. S Corp Election
The You Thrive plan includes S Corp election support. An S Corp election is a tax classification, not a separate business entity. Some LLC owners choose it because it may reduce self employment taxes in the right situation.
This should be handled carefully. S Corp status can add payroll, tax filing, and compliance work. It can be valuable, but it is not automatically right for every LLC.
Inc Authority Pricing Compared With Similar Services
| Service | Starting LLC Price | Higher Plans | Registered Agent Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inc Authority | $0 plus state fees | $127 and $247 plus state fees | First year included, listed at $249 for one year separately | Free formation with strong first year value |
| Bizee | $0 plus state fee | $199 and $299 plus state fee | Varies by package and renewal | Simple formation with one time package pricing |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 plus state fees | One main formation offer | $125 per year | Privacy, clear pricing, strong registered agent service |
| ZenBusiness | $0 plus state fee | $199 per year and $399 per year plus state fee | Included in Premium, not Starter or Pro | Ongoing business tools and subscription style support |
| LegalZoom | $0 plus state filing fees | $249 and $299 plus state filing fees | Sold separately | Brand recognition and attorney related extras |
Bizee lists Basic at $0 plus state fee, Standard at $199 plus state fee, and Premium at $299 plus state fee. Northwest lists LLC formation at $39 plus state fees and registered agent service at $125 per year. ZenBusiness lists Starter at $0 plus state fee, Pro at $199 per year plus state fee, and Premium at $399 per year plus state fee. LegalZoom lists Basic at $0, Pro at $249, and Premium at $299, all plus state filing fees.
Pros And Cons Of Inc Authority
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free LLC filing service on the entry plan | State filing fees still apply |
| EIN assistance included | EINs are free directly from the IRS |
| One year registered agent service included | Registered agent renewal can become a major ongoing cost |
| Good for beginners who want guided filing | Checkout extras may increase total cost |
| Paid plans are cheaper than some competitors | Long term cost needs careful review |
| Useful bundle for formation, documents, and support | Not a replacement for legal or tax advice |
Is Inc Authority Worth It?
Inc Authority is worth it if your main goal is to start an LLC with the lowest possible service fee. The You Start plan gives you a lot for $0 plus state fees, especially when you consider the first year registered agent service and EIN assistance.
The value becomes less clear after year one. If you continue with Inc Authority’s registered agent service, the annual renewal cost matters. If you add extras during checkout, the free offer can turn into a paid order quickly.
For a simple LLC, I would look at Inc Authority this way:
- Choose You Start if you want the lowest upfront cost and can review optional extras carefully.
- Choose You Grow if you need an operating agreement and faster filing submission.
- Choose You Thrive if you want more documentation, S Corp election help, and guided support.
Final Verdict: Is Inc Authority Really Free?
Inc Authority is really free for the basic LLC service fee, but your LLC is not completely free. You still pay state filing fees, and you may pay more for operating documents, compliance tools, registered agent renewal, or other services.
The free package is not a gimmick, but it is also not the full long term cost of running an LLC. For many beginners, Inc Authority is a strong starting point because the entry plan includes more than many $0 competitors. Still, the smart move is to check the checkout page carefully, understand renewal pricing, and only pay for services you actually need.
FAQs About Inc Authority
Is Inc Authority really free?
Yes, the entry level LLC formation service is free, but state filing fees still apply. Optional services and renewals can increase the total cost.
Does Inc Authority include registered agent service?
Yes, Inc Authority includes registered agent service for the first year with its LLC packages. Its separate registered agent service page lists the service at $249 for one year.
Can I get an EIN for free without Inc Authority?
Yes. The IRS provides EINs directly for free. Inc Authority’s EIN help is mainly a convenience feature.
Which Inc Authority plan is best?
The You Start plan is best for most budget focused beginners. You Grow makes sense if you need an operating agreement and express processing. You Thrive is better for founders who want more records, resolutions, S Corp election support, and guided help.
What is the biggest downside of Inc Authority?
The biggest downside is that the free offer can lead to paid extras and future renewal costs. The registered agent renewal is the main cost to watch.
Is Inc Authority better than LegalZoom?
Inc Authority is usually better for founders focused on free formation value. LegalZoom is better for people who want a large legal services brand and attorney related extras, but its Pro and Premium packages cost more upfront than Inc Authority’s current paid LLC packages.
Is Inc Authority good for a first time business owner?
Yes, especially if you want guided filing and low upfront cost. Just read the pricing screens carefully and understand what renews later.