Incfile vs. Inc Authority [My Experience]

Starting a business requires careful decision-making, especially when it comes to choosing the right service to help with the formation process.

Both Incfile and Inc Authority are two of the top contenders in the business formation arena, each offering its unique selling points.

Inc Authority vs Incfile

Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed choice.

1. Overview:

Incfile: Founded in 2004, Incfile has assisted with the formation of over 250,000 businesses. The company provides business formation services, compliance assistance, and other related services.

Inc Authority: In business since 1989, Inc Authority offers free business formation services, emphasizing its experience in guiding startups and offering entrepreneurial resources.

2. Pricing and Packages:

Incfile:

• Offers a free Silver package, but customers must pay the state fees. The package includes a year of registered agent services.
• Gold and Platinum packages offer more comprehensive services at additional costs.

Inc Authority:

• Provides a basic business formation package for free, excluding state fees.
• Offers additional packages—Starter, Executive, and Tycoon—with an increasing number of services at varying costs.

3. Registered Agent Services:

Incfile:

• Provides a free registered agent service for the first year. After that, there’s an annual fee.

Inc Authority:

• Offers registered agent services for free for the first year, followed by a yearly charge.

4. Additional Services:

Incfile:

• Provides services like EIN/Tax ID number acquisition, banking solutions, IRS Form 2553 filing, operating agreement, and more, depending on the chosen package.
• Also offers business contract templates, domain and hosting services in its premium packages.

Inc Authority:

• Beyond the free business formation, they offer services like business funding analysis, business license reports, and business plans, with specific services dependent on the chosen package.

5. Customer Support:

Incfile:

• Offers phone and email support, with a reputation for responsive service.

Inc Authority:

• Known for excellent customer service, providing support through phone and email.

6. Turnaround Time:

Incfile:

• Processing times vary based on the state and package. Incfile’s premium package offers expedited filing.

Inc Authority:

• Turnaround is largely dependent on the state of formation and the chosen package. They also offer expedited services at an additional cost.

7. User Experience:

Incfile:

• Offers an easy-to-navigate website with an online dashboard for customers to track orders and access documents.

Inc Authority:

• Features an intuitive website layout, providing educational resources and tools like a business name check tool.

8. Customer Feedback:

Incfile:

• Generally positive reviews with clients praising affordability and efficiency. Some reviews mention occasional communication delays.

Inc Authority:

• Widely recognized for its excellent customer service and the value of its free formation package.

9. Compliance and Ongoing Services:

Incfile:

• Offers a range of compliance services, including annual report filing, and sends timely reminders to clients about due dates.

Inc Authority:

• Provides compliance services and ensures businesses remain in good standing with their Compliance Watch feature.

10. Educational Resources:

Incfile:

• Offers a Learning Center on its website with articles, guides, and FAQs on various business topics.

Inc Authority:

• Provides resources like blogs and articles to assist entrepreneurs in understanding business nuances.

ALSO SEE: Inc Authority vs. LegalZoom

Conclusion:

Choosing between Incfile and Inc Authority comes down to individual business needs. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable formation service with a few additional features, Incfile is an excellent choice.

However, if you value extensive customer service and a broader range of complementary services beyond formation, Inc Authority might be the better fit.

It’s crucial to assess what specific services and features are most essential for your business venture before making a decision.

ALSO SEE: Inc Authority vs. LegalZoom

Inc Authority vs Incfile :Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Incfile?
   • Incfile is a company that offers business formation and compliance services to entrepreneurs and businesses.
2. What is Inc Authority?
   • Inc Authority is a business formation service provider that also offers guidance and resources for startups.
3. How long has Incfile been in business?
   • Incfile was founded in 2004.
4. And Inc Authority?
   • Inc Authority has been in operation since 1989.
5. Does Incfile offer a free business formation package?
   • Yes, Incfile offers a free Silver package, excluding state fees.
6. What about Inc Authority?
   • Inc Authority also provides a basic business formation package for free, excluding state fees.
7. Do both companies offer registered agent services?
   • Yes, both Incfile and Inc Authority offer registered agent services.
8. How long is the registered agent service free with Incfile?
   • Incfile provides free registered agent services for the first year.
9. What’s the duration for Inc Authority’s free registered agent service?
   • Inc Authority also offers registered agent services free for the first year.
10. Does Incfile have packages beyond the free option?

• Yes, Incfile offers Gold and Platinum packages with additional services.

11. How does Inc Authority’s premium packages compare?

• Inc Authority has Starter, Executive, and Tycoon packages that offer a range of additional services.

12. Is customer support good with Incfile?

• Incfile generally has positive reviews regarding its customer support, though some mention occasional delays.

13. How does Inc Authority’s customer support fare?

• Inc Authority is widely recognized for its excellent customer service.

14. Which company has a faster turnaround time?

• The turnaround time for both companies varies based on the state and chosen package, but both offer expedited services for an additional fee.

15. Do either of the companies offer educational resources?

• Yes, both Incfile and Inc Authority provide educational resources on their websites.

16. Are there any hidden fees with Incfile?

• Costs vary based on the state and services chosen, so it’s essential to review the details of any package.

17. What about hidden costs with Inc Authority?

• As with Incfile, it’s vital to check the specifics of any package to avoid unexpected costs.

18. Can I get a refund with Incfile?

• Incfile has a policy where it might deduct a small service fee, but refunds are possible under specific conditions.

19. Does Inc Authority offer refunds?

• It’s essential to check Inc Authority’s current terms and conditions for refund policies.

20. Is an EIN acquisition service available with Incfile?

• Yes, Incfile provides EIN/Tax ID number acquisition among its services.

21. Can Inc Authority help with acquiring an EIN?

• Inc Authority offers EIN acquisition in its premium packages.

22. Does Incfile handle annual compliance?

• Yes, Incfile offers compliance services and sends timely reminders to clients.

23. What about Inc Authority’s compliance services?

• Inc Authority provides compliance services and features like the Compliance Watch to keep businesses in good standing.

24. Which company is more affordable in the long run?

• The long-term costs depend on the specific services chosen and the state fees associated with the business’s location.

25. Do both companies cater to all 50 states in the U.S.?

• Yes, both Incfile and Inc Authority offer services across all 50 states.

26. Can Incfile help with foreign business registration?

• Incfile primarily caters to U.S. business registration. For foreign registration, it’s best to check their current offerings.

27. What about Inc Authority and foreign registrations?

• Inc Authority’s primary focus is on U.S. business formation. For foreign entities, you should consult their services directly.

28. Which company is better for LLC formation?

• Both companies are equipped to handle LLC formations efficiently. The “better” choice depends on specific needs and preferences.

29. Can they assist with corporation formations too?

• Yes, both Incfile and Inc Authority can assist with S-corp and C-corp formations.

30. Do they offer ongoing business management tools?

• Both companies provide tools and services for ongoing business management, but specifics depend on the chosen package.

31. Are there any discounts or promotions offered?

• Both companies occasionally have promotions or discounts, so it’s a good idea to check their websites or contact customer service.

32. Which company has a better user interface for its website?

• Both companies have user-friendly websites, but personal preferences can vary.

33. Are there any services unique to Incfile?

• Incfile offers specific features like business contract templates and domain/hosting services in its premium packages.

34. What unique services does Inc Authority offer?

• Inc Authority provides unique offerings like business funding analysis and business license reports in its premium packages.

35. How do both companies handle customer data security?

• Both companies emphasize data protection and use encryption and other security measures to protect customer information.

36. Do they offer any guarantees on their services?

• Specific guarantees vary, but both companies emphasize their commitment to customer satisfaction.

37. How can I track my order with Incfile?

• Incfile offers an online dashboard for customers to track orders and access documents.

38. Does Inc Authority have a tracking feature?

• Inc Authority’s website provides features to monitor order progress and access services.

39. Which company is more popular?

• Both companies are well-known in the industry, with Incfile having helped form over 250,000 businesses and Inc Authority leveraging its long-standing experience since 1989.

40. Finally, which company should I choose?

• The choice between Incfile and Inc Authority should be based on specific business needs, budget, and the range of services required. Both companies are reputable and offer valuable services to entrepreneurs.

I hope these FAQs provide a clearer picture of both companies and assist in making an informed decision!