Starting an LLC sounds simple until the checkout page starts adding extras. One company says formation is free. Another says filing starts at $0. Then you realize the operating agreement, EIN, registered agent, compliance alerts, business licenses, and annual reports may all cost extra.
That is exactly why Inc Authority gets attention.
Inc Authority promotes a free LLC formation service, where you pay only the required state filing fee. The company says it waives its service charges, labor costs, and overhead for entity setup, so the base formation service starts at $0 plus state fees.
So, is Inc Authority really free?
Yes, but with a practical catch. The basic LLC filing service can be free, but your state filing fee is not free, and many useful business tools are paid upgrades. That does not automatically make Inc Authority bad. It just means you should know exactly what is included before you start clicking through the order form.
In this Inc Authority review, I’ll break down its pricing, free plan, paid bundles, features, pros, cons, competitors, and whether it makes sense for new business owners in [Year].
Quick Verdict: Is Inc Authority Worth It?
Inc Authority is worth considering if you want a low cost way to form an LLC and do not mind reviewing optional upgrades carefully. The free package is useful because it includes basic formation filing, business name checking, document preparation, digital document delivery, support, and one year of registered agent service.
It is not the best choice if you want the most transparent checkout experience, clear bundle pricing on every page, or a simple no sales call process. Some paid packages can get expensive compared with Bizee, ZenBusiness, and Northwest Registered Agent.
Best for: New founders who want free basic LLC filing and one year of registered agent service.
Not best for: Founders who dislike upsells or want every add on price clearly shown before checkout.
What Is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is a business formation service that helps entrepreneurs form LLCs and corporations online. Its main selling point is simple: it offers free entity setup, while customers pay the mandatory state filing fee.
The company also sells related business services such as registered agent service, EIN help, operating agreements, business credit services, funding analysis, tax consultation, websites, domains, and compliance support.
Inc Authority is not a law firm. Its own terms state that it provides business formation and related small business services, but it does not provide legal advice or create an attorney client relationship.
That distinction matters. If you need basic filing help, Inc Authority can be useful. If you need legal strategy, ownership dispute advice, tax planning for a complex company, or custom legal drafting, you should speak with a licensed attorney or tax professional.
Is Inc Authority Really Free?
Yes, Inc Authority’s base LLC setup service can be free, but only the company’s service fee is free. You still pay the state filing fee, because every state charges its own fee to create an LLC.
Inc Authority explains that it waives its setup service charges and that customers pay only the mandatory Secretary of State fees. Its own blog also notes that state filing fees can vary widely, often from around $40 to $500 depending on the state.
Here is the clean way to understand it:
| Cost Item | Is It Free? | Notes |
| Inc Authority basic formation service | Yes | Inc Authority waives its service fee |
| State filing fee | No | Required by the state |
| Registered agent first year | Included | Inc Authority says it includes registered agent service for 1 year |
| Operating agreement | Usually paid upgrade | Included in paid bundles |
| EIN help | Often paid or bundle based | EIN is free if you apply directly through the IRS |
| Compliance tools | May cost extra | Depends on package or add on |
| Business credit coaching | Paid upgrade | Usually part of higher tier bundle |
So, Inc Authority is “free” in the same way several LLC services are free: the filing service fee can be $0, but government fees and upgrades are separate.
What Is Included in Inc Authority’s Free LLC Package?
Inc Authority’s free LLC package is more generous than some basic $0 formation services because it includes a few useful startup features.
According to Inc Authority, the free LLC package includes business name checking, one year of registered agent service, digital document storage and delivery, tax planning consultation, preparation and filing of formation documents, support, and a business credit and funding analysis.
Here is a detailed breakdown.
| Feature | Included in Free Plan? | Why It Matters |
| Business name availability check | Yes | Helps confirm your LLC name is available in your state |
| Articles of Organization preparation | Yes | This is the main state filing document for LLC creation |
| State filing submission | Yes | Inc Authority submits your formation documents |
| Registered agent service | Yes, first year | Helps receive legal and state mail |
| Digital document delivery | Yes | Gives online access to startup documents |
| Tax planning consultation | Yes | Useful for basic tax direction, but not a replacement for CPA advice |
| Business credit and funding analysis | Yes | May help founders explore credit and funding options |
| Phone and email support | Yes | Useful if you want guided filing help |
| Operating agreement | Usually not in free plan | Important internal LLC document |
| EIN | Usually upgrade or bundle based | Needed for banking, taxes, hiring, and credit |
| Business license report | No | Usually included in higher tier bundles |
| Business credit coaching | No | Usually part of premium package |
The strongest part of the free plan is the first year of registered agent service. Many LLC formation services either charge separately for registered agent service or include it only in paid plans.
Inc Authority Pricing: Full Breakdown
Inc Authority’s public pricing can be a little confusing because the free plan is heavily promoted, while premium bundle pricing may not always be shown clearly on the main package pages. Its premium package page lists bundle features such as registered agent service, name availability check, custom state filed articles, operating agreement, record book, ownership certificates, EIN, compliance notifications, tax consultation, and web domain with email addresses.
Several recent pricing references list the paid bundles as follows: Starter at $399 plus state fees, Executive at $499 plus state fees, and Tycoon at $799 plus state fees. You should still confirm the final price at checkout because formation companies can change discounts, bundle names, and add on pricing.
Inc Authority Pricing Table
| Plan | Price | Best For | Main Features |
| Free LLC | $0 plus state fee | Budget focused founders | Business name check, preparation and filing, registered agent for 1 year, digital documents, support |
| Starter Business Bundle | Around $399 plus state fee | Owners who want core legal documents | Free plan features plus operating agreement, EIN help, record book, ownership certificates, meeting minutes, compliance notices |
| Executive Business Bundle | Around $499 plus state fee | Owners who want licensing and web extras | Starter features plus business license report and website or domain related extras |
| Tycoon Business Bundle | Around $799 plus state fee | Owners focused on business credit support | Executive features plus express processing, business credit tools, credit coaching, credit bureau related support |
Registered Agent Pricing
Every LLC needs a registered agent. This is the person or company that receives legal notices, state mail, and service of process for your business.
Inc Authority includes registered agent service for the first year in its free LLC package. Its separate registered agent service page currently lists a 1 year registered agent service add on at $249 and describes it as appointing Inc Authority as your registered agent for 1 year.
This is one area where you should pay close attention. The first year may be included, but after that you need to know the renewal cost, cancellation process, and whether the service renews automatically.
Inc Authority Features Explained
1. Free LLC Filing
This is the headline feature. Inc Authority prepares and submits your LLC formation documents while waiving its service fee. You still pay the state fee.
For a simple single member LLC, this can be enough to get started. You avoid doing the state paperwork yourself, and you get basic support during the filing process.
2. Business Name Check
Inc Authority checks whether your preferred business name is available in your state. This is useful because states usually reject filings when the business name is already taken or does not follow naming rules.
Still, I would also recommend checking your state’s business search tool yourself before placing the order. It takes only a few minutes and gives extra peace of mind.
3. Preparation and Filing of Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization, also called a Certificate of Formation in some states, is the document that officially creates your LLC.
Inc Authority prepares this document and submits it to the state. This is the core service most people need from an LLC formation company.
4. One Year of Registered Agent Service
This is one of Inc Authority’s biggest strengths. The company includes registered agent service for one year in the free LLC package.
A registered agent helps keep your personal address more private and makes sure official mail has a reliable receiving point. This is especially useful if you work from home.
5. Digital Storage and Delivery
Inc Authority provides digital copies of startup documents and stores them for online access.
This is not a flashy feature, but it is useful when you need your formation documents for a bank account, payment processor, tax account, or business license application.
6. Tax Planning Consultation
The free package includes a tax planning consultation.
This can be helpful for basic questions, but do not treat it as a full tax plan. If you are choosing between sole proprietorship taxation, S corporation election, multi member LLC taxation, or non resident ownership, you should speak with a CPA.
7. Business Credit and Funding Analysis
Inc Authority includes a business credit and funding analysis in the free package.
This can be useful if you want to understand financing options. Just remember that business credit services often become paid upgrades, so review any offer carefully.
Inc Authority Pros and Cons
Pros
| Pros | Why It Matters |
| Free basic LLC formation | Good for founders trying to reduce startup costs |
| One year registered agent included | Adds real first year value |
| Simple online process | Easier than filing directly for beginners |
| Business name check included | Helps reduce filing errors |
| Digital documents | Useful for banking and compliance |
| Support available | Helpful for first time business owners |
Cons
| Cons | Why It Matters |
| State fees still apply | The LLC is not completely free |
| Upsells can increase total cost | Paid packages can become expensive quickly |
| EIN is free through the IRS | Paying for EIN help may not be necessary for everyone |
| Package pricing is not always clear upfront | Makes comparison shopping harder |
| Not a law firm | Not suitable for legal advice or complex structuring |
| Registered agent renewal needs review | First year is included, but ongoing cost matters |
Inc Authority vs Competitors
Inc Authority competes with LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Bizee, Northwest Registered Agent, and Rocket Lawyer. Each company has a different angle.
LegalZoom offers LLC formation plans from $0 to $299 plus state filing fees, with higher plans adding attorney related benefits and other features. Bizee lists three formation tiers: Basic at $0, Standard at $199, and Premium at $299 plus state fee. Northwest Registered Agent is often positioned as a privacy focused option, with registered agent service listed at $125 per year.
| Company | Starting Price | Registered Agent | Best For |
| Inc Authority | $0 plus state fee | Included first year | Free filing plus first year RA |
| Bizee | $0 plus state fee | Free first year | Low cost formation with clear tiers |
| ZenBusiness | Starts at $0 plus state fee | Usually separate | Business tools and ongoing services |
| LegalZoom | $0 plus state fee | Paid add on | Legal document and attorney support options |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 plus state fee | $125 per year | Privacy, simple pricing, strong RA service |
| Rocket Lawyer | Subscription based | Paid add on | Legal documents and attorney access |
Where Inc Authority Beats Competitors
Inc Authority is strong when you compare free plan value. Many competitors offer $0 LLC filing, but not all include one year of registered agent service in the base package.
If your goal is to spend as little as possible in year one and get help filing your LLC, Inc Authority can be a smart pick.
It is also useful for founders who want phone support rather than a completely do it yourself state filing process.
Where Inc Authority Falls Short
The biggest issue is pricing clarity.
A founder comparing Inc Authority against Bizee or Northwest may find it harder to see the full cost of every upgrade before going through the funnel. That matters because many new business owners are price sensitive.
The paid bundles are also not cheap. If the Starter bundle is around $399, Executive around $499, and Tycoon around $799, the total cost can quickly exceed what a basic LLC owner actually needs.
For example, a solo freelancer may not need business credit coaching, ownership certificates, a deluxe record book, or a paid EIN service. They may only need filing, registered agent service, an operating agreement, and maybe an EIN.
Who Should Use Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is a good fit for:
| User Type | Why It Fits |
| First time LLC owners | The process is guided and simple |
| Budget focused founders | Base filing service starts at $0 plus state fee |
| Home based business owners | First year registered agent service helps with privacy |
| Simple single member LLCs | Basic filing support may be enough |
| Founders who want phone support | Better than filing alone if you need help |
Who Should Avoid Inc Authority?
You may want another option if:
| User Type | Better Alternative |
| You hate upsells | Northwest Registered Agent may feel cleaner |
| You want cheaper paid bundles | Bizee may be more affordable |
| You need legal advice | LegalZoom or a local attorney may be better |
| You want full pricing transparency | ZenBusiness, Bizee, or Northwest may be easier to compare |
| You already know how to file yourself | Your state website may be cheapest |
Is the EIN Upgrade Worth It?
Usually, not for most US based founders.
An EIN is free when you apply directly through the IRS. If you are comfortable using the IRS website, you can save money by doing it yourself.
However, paying for EIN help may make sense if you are nervous about forms, you are a non US resident, or you want everything handled in one place. Just know that the number itself does not cost money from the IRS.
Is the Operating Agreement Upgrade Worth It?
An operating agreement is important, even for a single member LLC.
It explains ownership, management rules, profit distribution, member responsibilities, and what happens if the business changes. Banks, payment processors, lenders, and partners may also ask for it.
If Inc Authority charges extra for the operating agreement, compare that cost with competitors and attorney drafted options. A basic template may be fine for a simple single member LLC, but a multi member LLC should take this document seriously.
Is the Tycoon Bundle Worth It?
For most basic LLC owners, probably not.
The Tycoon bundle is usually positioned around business credit, express processing, coaching, and higher level startup support. That may sound attractive, but many new founders do not need all of it on day one.
It may make sense if you are actively trying to build business credit, want guided support, and understand exactly what you are buying. But if you are forming a simple online business, local service business, or freelance LLC, you can likely start with the free plan and add only what you truly need.
Real Cost Example
Let’s say you form an LLC in a state with a $100 filing fee.
| Scenario | Estimated First Year Cost |
| Free Inc Authority plan only | $100 |
| Free plan plus paid operating agreement | $100 plus add on cost |
| Starter bundle | Around $399 plus $100 state fee |
| Executive bundle | Around $499 plus $100 state fee |
| Tycoon bundle | Around $799 plus $100 state fee |
The lesson is simple. Inc Authority can be very affordable if you stick to the free plan. It can become expensive if you accept several upgrades.
Final Verdict: Is Inc Authority Really Free?
Inc Authority is really free for basic LLC formation service, but your LLC itself is not completely free because state filing fees are mandatory. The free package is useful, especially because it includes one year of registered agent service, business name checking, document preparation, filing, support, digital delivery, and consultations.
The main thing to watch is the upgrade path. Inc Authority’s paid bundles can add helpful features, but they can also raise your total cost quickly. Before buying any package, ask yourself whether you truly need the operating agreement, EIN help, license report, website extras, express processing, or business credit coaching.
My honest take: Inc Authority is a strong choice if you want free basic LLC filing and first year registered agent service. It is less attractive if you want the clearest pricing, cheapest paid bundles, or no upsell experience.
For a simple LLC, start with the free package, review every add on carefully, and only pay for what your business actually needs.
FAQs About Inc Authority
Is Inc Authority legit?
Yes, Inc Authority is a real business formation company that provides LLC and corporation filing services. Its website promotes free entity setup, registered agent service, document filing, and business support services.
Does Inc Authority really form LLCs for free?
Yes, the company says it waives its setup service fee. You still pay your state filing fee, which is required no matter which service you use.
What does Inc Authority’s free LLC plan include?
The free plan includes business name checking, preparation and filing, one year of registered agent service, digital document delivery, tax planning consultation, support, and business credit and funding analysis.
Does Inc Authority include a registered agent?
Yes, Inc Authority says its free LLC package includes registered agent service for 1 year. Its separate registered agent page lists a 1 year registered agent service add on at $249.
Is Inc Authority better than LegalZoom?
Inc Authority may be better for budget focused founders who want free filing and first year registered agent service. LegalZoom may be better for business owners who want broader legal document services and attorney plan options.
Is Inc Authority better than Bizee?
Inc Authority and Bizee both offer $0 formation options. Bizee has clearer public pricing tiers, while Inc Authority stands out for including one year of registered agent service in its free formation offer.
Should I buy Inc Authority’s paid package?
Only if you need the included extras. Many new LLC owners can start with the free plan, then separately add an operating agreement, EIN help, or compliance service if needed.
What is the biggest downside of Inc Authority?
The biggest downside is that the free offer can lead into paid upgrades, and premium bundle pricing is not always as simple to compare as some competitors. Always review your final checkout total before paying.