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Are you ready to embark on the thrilling entrepreneurship journey but need help determining where to begin? Look no further! We’ve uncovered a hidden gem to help you navigate the world of business formation with ease.
In this in-depth Inc Authority review, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this top-tier platform and reveal how it’s revolutionizing how new businesses are brought to life.
From cost-effective services to expert guidance, get ready to be swept away by the power of Inc Authority and find the key to unlocking your entrepreneurial potential. Buckle up, and let’s dive right in!
>> Explore Inc Authority’s Plans & Start Your Journey! >>
What Is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is an online service that specializes in LLC formation and business ownership assistance, including foundational paperwork and other legal requirements.
Headquartered in Nevada, the company has over 30 years of experience serving small businesses and claims to have helped form over 250,000 LLCs and corporations annually. Their mission is to make the business formation process more manageable, clear, and affordable for entrepreneurs.
Inc Authority at a Glance
Inc Authority is a one-stop shop for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to form a new business entity without the hassle of navigating complex legalities and paperwork. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Inc Authority has earned a reputation for providing top-notch service and valuable guidance to business owners.
Operating in all 50 states, Inc Authority assists with essential tasks such as LLC and Corporation formation, EIN registration, and compliance support. They offer a variety of packages to cater to different business needs, including a free basic service that covers the essential steps of starting a business.
What sets Inc Authority apart is its commitment to customer satisfaction, supported by a team of dedicated business coaches and support professionals. They offer personalized help throughout the formation process, ensuring every entrepreneur receives the right guidance to achieve their goals.
>> Get Your LLC Setup With Inc Authority! >>
How Inc Authority Works?
Inc Authority offers comprehensive bundles of business services, including acting as the business’s registered agent, verifying business name availability, filing articles of formation/incorporation, preparing initial meeting minutes and resolutions, and providing annual compliance notifications.
For an additional cost, customers can also benefit from expedited filings, personalized business advice, and access to a banking specialist.
Getting Started With Inc Authority
Unless you plan to use only the free LLC formation services, starting with Inc Authority requires some legwork. The company doesn’t list pricing on its website, so you must call customer support between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT.
Once you provide the state where you’re forming your company, you’re transferred to a business formation specialist. After a brief hold, you’ll be connected to an account manager who will explain the pricing specific to your state. It’s worth calling a live representative rather than ordering services online, as they can offer various deals or bundled packages.
While the account representatives are friendly and helpful, the pricing still needs to be clarified. Customers should research filing fees for business formation, EIN, and other documents in their state to understand what they would pay if they filed independently.
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Inc Authority Pricing – Inc Authority Review
Inc Authority differentiates itself from many competitors by offering its most basic services completely free. This includes preparing, filing, and storing the documents an LLC needs to get started and providing a registered agent for the business’s first year.
While these basic services are free, you still need to pay the required state fees to the secretary of state. Inc Authority encourages users of its free services to consider its paid offerings, which focus on business aspects such as credit, funding, and web presence.
Besides the free package, Inc Authority offers two additional plans: the Starter Business Bundle and the Fast Track Business Bundle. Pricing for these bundles may vary by state, so you should call an account representative to confirm.
For reference, in Illinois, the Starter Business Bundle costs $472, and the Fast Track Business Bundle costs $672. Higher-tier bundles are available but can only be accessed by contacting customer service.
This updated pricing model resembles common subscription services with free and premium tiers. While premium services are more comprehensive, they aren’t vastly different from the free offerings.
Paying customers can choose individual paid services or smaller, focused package deals à la carte by discussing options with an Inc Authority advisor.
Quotes and pricing information for any of these options, including the Starter Business Bundle, are available only by calling during weekday business hours (6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT) and speaking with a live representative.
>> Check Out the Best Pricing for the Inc Authority >>
Free Basic Services
Inc Authority provides several services at no cost to get you started, with the option to extend some for a fee later on.
- Business Name Availability Check: Before diving in, Inc Authority lets you see if your desired business name is available in your state. Remember also to check domain name availability to ensure a cohesive online presence.
- Entity Formation Help: Inc Authority will create and file your LLC’s formation documents (like articles of organization and operating agreements) based on your information.
- Free Registered Agent Service (for 1 Year): LLCs (and most businesses) need a registered agent in their state to receive legal documents. While you can be your own agent, Inc Authority offers this service for free for the first year ($200 annually thereafter).
- Free Customer Support: Inc Authority provides business owners complimentary phone and email support. Live support has limited hours (6 AM to 5 PM PT).
- Digital Storage of Documents: Important documents like your LLC’s formation paperwork are conveniently stored online in a client portal for easy access.
- Tax Planning Consultation: Inc Authority offers guidance on maximizing your LLC’s income after taxes.
- Business Credit and Funding Analysis: An Inc Authority expert will assess your LLC’s credit and funding needs and suggest potential solutions.
- S Corporation Election Help: If you decide S corporation status is best for your LLC (offering specific tax advantages and requirements), Inc Authority will prepare and file the IRS Form 2553 free of charge.
Paid Services
Inc Authority offers additional services to help you manage your business beyond the complimentary ones, but pricing isn’t available online. These services likely depend on your business’s specific needs.
Starter Business Bundle
Inc Authority’s core paid LLC formation service is the Starter Business Bundle. While the exact price isn’t advertised upfront and depends on your state, it can be around $472 for the first three years in Illinois, with a possible renewal fee of $200. However, this renewal fee may be negotiable.
The bundle includes a variety of other benefits that Inc Authority presents as “free” add-ons. These perks, typically valued between $10 and $200, include things like registered agent service for a year and obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) for your business.
Fast Track Business Bundle
The Fast Track Business Bundle builds on the Starter Business Bundle by adding these premium features:
- Inc Success Advisor Package
- Access to a private banking specialist
- Personalized business advice
- Expedited filings
The cost reflects these additional features. In Illinois, for example, the Fast Track Business Bundle is priced at $672, though this may vary by state.
Additional Services
Inc Authority offers additional services beyond LLC formation, though pricing details are only available after forming your business and speaking with a dedicated advisor. Here’s a breakdown of these services:
- Trademark Protection: Search trademark databases, connect with a specialist to build your application, file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and receive ongoing monitoring for potential infringements.
- Business Credit Building: To improve your LLC’s creditworthiness, get access to Inc Authority’s credit building system, software tools, coaching, and a Dun & Bradstreet business credit report.
- Business Funding: Connect with lenders, receive application help, and get ongoing support through Inc Authority’s BizFunding Express program to secure working capital (loans, credit cards, lines of credit) that meets your business’s eligibility requirements.
- Customizable Business Plans: Inc Authority will research, write, and edit a business plan tailored to your needs, including analysis and projections. An advisor is available for edits, reviews, and consultations.
- Website & Marketing Package: This comprehensive package includes custom website design, consultations with a web designer, SEO optimization, access to a marketing specialist, logo creation, and 500 personalized business cards.
- Revocable Living Trust: Inc Authority can create a revocable living trust for long-term financial planning to help manage your assets and avoid probate upon your passing. This service includes legal forms, the power of attorney designation, and other assistance.
>> Get Your LLC Setup With Inc Authority! >>
Inc Authority Features
Inc Authority positions itself as a one-stop shop for launching your business. They offer a comprehensive suite of services to get your venture off the ground, including essential aspects like LLC formation, website design, trademark protection, and crafting a business plan.
Name Availability Search
Inc Authority offers a free business name availability search when you form your LLC with them. It’s a convenient perk, but remember that checking name availability is also straightforward and free on your state secretary of state’s website. You can easily do a quick search yourself before diving into the LLC formation process.
Formation Service
While Inc Authority advertises free LLC and corporation formation services, it’s important to clarify that these services don’t include the state filing fees. You’ll still be responsible for paying the government fees associated with registering your business.
Registered Agent Services
When forming your LLC or corporation, you must designate a registered agent. This person or service is your business’s official contact and receives legal documents and important notices on your behalf.
Inc Authority offers free registered agent service for the first year you form your LLC with them. This includes searching for names and filing your formation documents. The registered agent is the official point of contact for legal notices and business communications.
However, this service renews for a fee after the first year, so you’ll need to decide whether to keep Inc Authority as your agent or choose another option at that point.
Online Document Access
Inc Authority goes beyond formation with a Client Portal for easy access to your business documents. This portal also provides a gateway to their additional services, many for a fee.
These include help with accounting, business compliance, credit building, funding acquisition, crafting business plans, obtaining business licenses and permits, logo design, payroll processing, tax filing, trademark registration, creating trusts, and even website development.
Articles of Organization
Inc Authority will handle filing the documents with your state’s secretary of state office as part of their “free LLC services.” These documents are articles on organization for LLCs and articles on incorporation for corporations. It’s important to note that you’ll still pay the state filing fees associated with this process.
Website and Marketing Services
In today’s competitive business world, having an easy-to-use website and effective marketing are key ingredients for success, especially if you’re just starting out.
We offer a complete package to help you launch strong, including a one-on-one meeting with a professional web designer, a custom-made website design, a logo that’s uniquely yours, 500 personalized business cards, ongoing support from a dedicated marketing specialist, website content that’s optimized for search engines, comprehensive SEO services to boost your online presence, and listings in relevant directories where potential customers can find you. This all comes at an affordable additional cost.
Business Plan Preparation
Customers can pay extra for professional help with their business plans. This service includes a dedicated advisor who will guide them through the creation process, ensuring the plan meets bank and investor expectations.
The plan itself will cover key areas like a summary of the business, its goals and mission, customer demographics, marketing analysis, and a comprehensive financial plan. Inc Authority will make any necessary adjustments or edits to the plan free of charge within the first three months of development.
Trademark Services
Looking to safeguard your business identity? Inc Authority offers trademark registration services to secure federal protection for your brand. Our program simplifies the process by handling the application with the USPTO on your behalf.
This includes completing the forms, providing status updates, and offering ongoing support through our dedicated Client Success Team. To ensure your trademark is available, we thoroughly search the USPTO records and state databases.
We also expedite the application process with 24-hour e-filing prepared by a trademark specialist. The fee covers registration for one class of goods or services and includes three years of monitoring to alert you of potential infringement.
Additional Services
Inc Authority offers a suite of services to empower your business. Secure funding through our business funding program or build strong credit with our business credit services (additional fees apply). We can also help you plan for the future with revocable living trust services (additional fee).
>> Consider Inc Authority Registered Agent Service >>
Cons
Inc Authority makes it difficult for customers to understand the true cost of their services by not listing prices upfront. Some of the bundled services they offer may be things you can easily do yourself, like creating meeting minutes. Their website pushes customers towards buying bundles, which could lead to paying for unnecessary services.
Doing some research on LLC formation beforehand can help you understand what steps are truly required, what might be recommended by experts, and ultimately, what tasks require professional help.
If you need live customer support, you’ll have to call during weekday business hours and be prepared to order everything over the phone.
There are no guarantees with Inc Authority. All sales are final, with no refunds on products or services (except for canceling recurring subscriptions). Since there are no annual contracts, they can also raise their monthly rates as long as they notify you.
Inc Authority Customer Service & Support
Inc Authority offers phone support with U.S.-based representatives during weekdays from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. While email inquiries can be sent to [email protected] anytime, expect a response to take several hours or even longer. Overall, their customer support team is friendly and helpful.
>> Consider Inc Authority to Form an LLC >>
Inc Authority Reviews From Real Users – How Legit Is It?
We scoured online Inc Authority reviews to see what real customers say about their experiences. This should help you decide if Inc Authority is a legitimate and effective service. Let’s look at Trustpilot user reviews.
Inc Authority secures a start rating of 4.9 out of the 23,246 total reviews posted on the site.
Alternatives to Inc Authority – Inc Authority Review
ZenBusiness helps entrepreneurs and small business owners launch and manage their businesses through online LLC formation services.
Their offerings include affordable LLC formation packages with features like registered agent services, annual report filing, and more. ZenBusiness also provides ongoing support and resources to ensure business compliance and success.
Swyft Filings is a business formation service known for its speed and ease of use in setting up LLCs. They offer a comprehensive package of LLC services, including filing the LLC, ensuring compliance with regulations, and acting as a registered agent.
Swyft Filings also provides personalized help to guide businesses through the LLC formation process and ensure they stay compliant with state and federal regulations.
Tailor Brands is an online platform that assists businesses in building a strong and consistent brand image. They offer various branding packages encompassing logo design, business card creation, and social media branding. Tailor Brands equips businesses with design tools and resources to help them craft and personalize their branded materials.
Inc Authority Review – Frequently Asked Questions
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Bottom Line on Inc Authority Review
Inc Authority is a good option for entrepreneurs seeking a free LLC formation service. They handle the core filing process at no cost, and paid upgrades are available for additional features like federal trademark registration, legal documents, a website, and marketing help.
While you only pay state fees to use Inc Authority’s basic service and the process is quick, keep in mind they’re limited to LLC and corporation formations and lack the legal services some competitors offer.
>> Consider Inc Authority Registered Agent Service >>
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Lauren is a content writer, author, and blogger who explores the realm of business, marketing, and advertising. She is fascinated with technology so she enjoys reviewing software, apps, and gadgets. To energize herself after writing, Lauren chills with her sassy cats, learns new dance steps, and embarks on food trips.
