Inc Authority has built its name around one big promise: you can start an LLC for free and only pay the state filing fee. That sounds attractive, especially for new business owners who are trying to keep startup costs low. But when a company says “free,” the real question is simple: what is actually free, and where does the cost show up later?
That is where Inc Authority becomes interesting. Unlike many LLC formation services that charge a basic service fee, Inc Authority does offer a $0 formation plan. Its current public LLC package page lists three plans:
You START at $0 plus state filing fees, You GROW at $127 plus state filing fees, and You THRIVE at $247 plus state filing fees. The free plan also advertises LLC registration, one year of registered agent service, EIN help, name check, document preparation, digital delivery, and support.
So yes, Inc Authority can be free at the service fee level. But it is not completely free to start an LLC because every state charges a required filing fee. You would pay that fee whether you used Inc Authority, another LLC service, an attorney, or filed directly with the state yourself.
Inc Authority Review Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners who want low upfront LLC formation cost |
| Starting price | $0 plus state filing fees |
| Paid plans | $127 and $247 plus state fees |
| Registered agent | 1 year included with all listed plans |
| EIN | Listed as free in current package table |
| Operating agreement | Included in You GROW and You THRIVE |
| Express processing | Included in You GROW and You THRIVE |
| Best value plan | You GROW for most small business owners |
| Biggest drawback | Upsells and unclear long term renewal costs |
| Overall rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
What Is Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is an online business formation service that helps people form LLCs and corporations. It prepares and files formation documents with the state, checks business name availability, provides digital storage, offers registered agent service, and sells extra business services like tax support, business credit help, websites, and business planning.
The company markets itself heavily around free LLC formation. That is a strong hook because many first time business owners do not want to spend hundreds of dollars before their business has made a single sale.
The service is not a law firm, and its own legal disclaimer says it does not provide legal advice or create an attorney client relationship. It also explains that its EIN related service is not affiliated with the IRS, and users can apply directly through the IRS for free.
That does not make Inc Authority bad. It just means you should understand what role it plays. It is a filing and business support service, not a replacement for a lawyer, accountant, or tax advisor.
Is Inc Authority Really Free?
Yes, Inc Authority’s basic LLC formation service is free in the sense that the company waives its own service fee on the entry plan. You still pay your state filing fee.
The free plan is not a fake offer. The official Inc Authority page says its setup service is 100% free, and customers only pay the required Secretary of State fee. The same page lists the You START plan at $0 plus state filing fees.
But “free” has a limit. You may still pay for:
| Possible Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| State filing fee | Required by the state |
| Annual report fees | Required in many states |
| Registered agent renewal | First year is included, future years may cost extra |
| Operating agreement | Not included in the $0 plan |
| Faster processing | Included only in higher plans |
| Compliance support | May be included as a trial or paid service |
| Extra business services | Tax, credit, website, license, and marketing services may cost extra |
The free plan works best if you only need LLC filing help and you are comfortable skipping some extras.
Inc Authority Pricing and Plans
Inc Authority currently presents three main LLC package options on its public pricing page: You START, You GROW, and You THRIVE. The prices below are based on its current public package page.
| Plan | Price | Best For | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| You START | $0 plus state fees | Budget focused beginners | LLC registration, business name check, preparation and filing, digital storage, 1 year registered agent, EIN, chat and phone support |
| You GROW | $127 plus state fees | Owners who want essential documents | Everything in START plus operating agreement, 24 hour express processing, unlimited live USA support |
| You THRIVE | $247 plus state fees | Owners who want more setup tools | Everything in GROW plus legal documents, record book, minutes and resolutions, S Corp election, Compliance360, dedicated advisor |
You START Plan
The You START plan is the main reason people search for Inc Authority. It costs $0 plus state fees and includes the basics needed to form an LLC.
You get name availability checking, preparation and filing of formation documents, digital delivery, support, one year of registered agent service, and EIN support. That is a strong package for a free plan because many competitors charge extra for registered agent service or EIN filing.
This plan is best if you are forming a simple LLC and want to avoid paying a service fee. It is especially useful for solo founders, bloggers, freelancers, small ecommerce sellers, consultants, local service providers, and side business owners.
The drawback is that the free plan does not include an operating agreement. An operating agreement is important even for a single member LLC because banks, payment processors, lenders, and partners may ask for it. Inc Authority places that feature in the You GROW plan.
You GROW Plan
The You GROW plan costs $127 plus state fees. This is the plan that makes the most sense for many small business owners because it adds two practical items: operating agreement and 24 hour express processing.
The operating agreement helps define ownership, management rules, profit distribution, and internal procedures. Even if your state does not require one publicly, it is still a useful document for banking and liability separation.
The 24 hour express processing does not mean your LLC is approved by the state in 24 hours. It means Inc Authority submits your order to the state faster. Actual approval time still depends on the state.
For most new entrepreneurs, You GROW is the best balance between price and practical value.
You THRIVE Plan
The You THRIVE plan costs $247 plus state fees. It includes everything in You GROW, then adds legal documents, record book, minutes and resolutions, S Corp election, Compliance360, and a dedicated advisor.
This plan is better for business owners who want more structure from day one. The S Corp election filing can be valuable for certain profitable LLCs, but it is not something every new business needs immediately. You should speak with a tax professional before choosing S Corp tax treatment because it depends on profit, payroll, owner compensation, and future tax planning.
The Compliance360 feature may also be useful, but make sure you understand what happens after any trial period. Ongoing compliance tools can become recurring expenses if you do not cancel or monitor renewals.
Detailed Inc Authority Features
1. Free LLC Formation
Inc Authority prepares and files your LLC formation documents with the state. This is the core service. You provide your business name, owner details, state, and basic information. Inc Authority handles the filing process.
This saves time for people who do not want to deal with Secretary of State forms directly. You are not paying Inc Authority a filing service fee on the free plan, but you still pay the state fee.
2. Business Name Check
Inc Authority checks whether your preferred business name is available in your chosen state. This is a simple feature, but it helps avoid filing delays.
A rejected business name can slow down the process, so the name check is useful for beginners who are not familiar with state naming rules.
3. Preparation and Filing
The company prepares your articles of organization or equivalent formation document and submits it to the state. This is where LLC services create value for first time founders.
You could do this yourself, but Inc Authority gives you a guided process and support.
4. Registered Agent Service
Every LLC needs a registered agent. This is the person or company that receives legal and official mail for your business.
Inc Authority includes one year of registered agent service with its listed plans. That is a strong benefit because many competitors charge separately for this service. Its own package page says one year of registered agent service is included with You START, You GROW, and You THRIVE.
The important thing to check is renewal pricing after the first year. A free first year is nice, but your long term cost depends on the annual renewal rate.
5. EIN Support
Inc Authority lists EIN or Tax ID number as free in its current package table. An EIN is often needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, set up payroll, and file certain tax returns.
However, this is one area where business owners should pay attention. The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free in minutes if eligible.
So if a company includes EIN help for free, that is convenient. If any service tries to charge you separately for EIN filing, compare that cost with the free IRS option.
6. Operating Agreement
The operating agreement is included in You GROW and You THRIVE. This document lays out how the LLC is owned and managed.
For a single member LLC, it proves you are treating the business as a separate legal entity. For a multi member LLC, it becomes even more important because it can prevent disputes between owners.
I would not skip this document if you are serious about the business.
7. Express Processing
You GROW and You THRIVE include 24 hour express processing. This means Inc Authority moves your order faster on its side. It does not override the state’s processing speed.
For example, if your state takes several business days or weeks, express processing may only reduce internal waiting time. Still, it can be useful if you want the filing submitted quickly.
8. Business Credit and Funding Analysis
Inc Authority also promotes business credit and funding analysis. This may be useful for entrepreneurs who want to build business credit, apply for financing, or separate personal and business finances.
Still, be careful with any credit related upsells. Building real business credit takes time, revenue, banking history, vendor accounts, and responsible repayment. No service can magically create strong business credit overnight.
9. Tax Planning Consultation
The free LLC package page mentions tax planning consultation. That sounds useful, but understand what it is likely to be: a general consultation, not full tax planning from a CPA who knows your complete financial picture.
Use it as a starting point. For serious tax decisions, talk to a tax professional.
10. Compliance360
Compliance360 is included in the You THRIVE plan and is described as a compliance support feature with alerts, hotline access, amendments, annual report reminders, and digital compliance documents. Inc Authority also notes it is free for 30 days on the package page.
That is useful, but also a reminder to check renewal terms. Compliance tools can help, but you do not want surprise recurring charges.
Inc Authority Pros and Cons
Pros
| Pros | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| $0 LLC formation option | Strong value for budget conscious founders |
| One year registered agent included | Saves money compared with many competitors |
| EIN listed as included | Helpful for banking and tax setup |
| Simple package structure | Easier to understand than older bundle models |
| Good for beginners | Guided filing and support reduce confusion |
| Phone and chat support | Useful if you need help during setup |
Cons
| Cons | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| State fees still apply | Not completely free overall |
| Operating agreement not in free plan | Many owners will need to upgrade |
| Upsells can increase cost | Extra services may not be essential |
| Renewal costs need checking | First year registered agent is included, later years matter |
| Not a law firm | No legal advice or attorney client relationship |
| Some services can be done yourself | EIN can be obtained free from IRS |
Inc Authority vs Similar LLC Services
For a better view, here is how Inc Authority compares with other popular LLC formation services. Pricing and features can change, so use this as a practical buyer comparison.
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. Bizee lists Basic at $0 plus state fee, Standard at $199 plus state fee, and Premium at $299 plus state fee. LegalZoom advertises a $0 LLC option, while its page notes paid attorney plan renewal details for Pro and Premium related offers. Northwest publicly lists registered agent service at $125 per year.
| Service | Starting Price | Registered Agent | EIN | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inc Authority | $0 plus state fee | 1 year included | Listed as included | Free formation with strong included basics |
| ZenBusiness | $0 plus state fee | Usually paid add on or included in higher plan | Included in paid plans | Clean platform and ongoing tools |
| Bizee | $0 plus state fee | 1 year included | Usually paid or higher plan | Simple budget formation |
| LegalZoom | $0 plus state fee | Paid add on | Paid or higher plan | Legal forms and attorney services |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Often positioned around low cost filing plus RA | $125 per year RA service | May vary | Privacy and registered agent support |
Who Should Use Inc Authority?
Inc Authority is a good fit if you want a low cost way to form an LLC and you like the idea of getting registered agent service included for the first year.
It is especially suitable for:
- First time LLC owners
- Freelancers and consultants
- Online business owners
- Local service businesses
- Single member LLCs
- Founders who want help but do not want to pay a high service fee
- People who want basic filing support without hiring an attorney
The You START plan is good if you only need the LLC filed. The You GROW plan is better if you want an operating agreement and faster internal processing. The You THRIVE plan is better if you want more documents and advisor support.
Who Should Avoid Inc Authority?
Inc Authority may not be the best choice if you want full legal advice, complex tax planning, or a clean no upsell experience.
You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You already know how to file directly with the state
- You want very clear long term renewal pricing before checkout
- You need attorney reviewed legal documents
- You dislike sales calls or extra offers
- You need advanced compliance support for multiple entities
- You want a platform with ongoing bookkeeping, tax, and website tools in one dashboard
For simple formation, it is strong. For complex business planning, it may not be enough by itself.
Is Inc Authority Safe and Legit?
Inc Authority appears to be a legitimate business formation company with a long operating history and a large public review footprint. Its own site displays strong review claims, including 4.9 ratings and tens of thousands of reviews across review platforms.
That said, do not judge any LLC service only by review numbers. Read recent reviews, check refund terms, understand renewal pricing, and review what you are adding during checkout.
The service is legitimate, but you still need to be an alert buyer.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The biggest mistake people make with “free LLC” services is assuming the first checkout total is the total cost of owning an LLC.
Here are the costs to watch:
| Cost | What to Check |
|---|---|
| State filing fee | Required at formation |
| Registered agent renewal | What happens after year one |
| Annual report filing | State requirement in many states |
| Franchise tax | Some states charge this yearly |
| Operating agreement | Included only in paid plans |
| Compliance tools | Check trial and renewal terms |
| Business licenses | Depends on city, county, and industry |
| Tax services | Usually separate from formation |
The free plan can still be a good deal. Just read every checkout screen before paying.
Best Inc Authority Plan
For most people, You GROW is the best plan.
It costs $127 plus state fees and includes the two upgrades that matter most: operating agreement and 24 hour express processing. The free plan is attractive, but many serious business owners will need an operating agreement anyway.
Choose You START if you want the lowest possible upfront cost.
Choose You GROW if you want the best balance of price and practical value.
Choose You THRIVE if you want more paperwork, S Corp election filing, compliance tools, and advisor support.
Final Verdict: Is Inc Authority Really Free?
Inc Authority is really free at the LLC service fee level, but forming an LLC is not completely free because state filing fees are mandatory.
The $0 plan is one of the better free LLC formation offers because it includes one year of registered agent service and EIN support. That gives it an edge over many competitors that advertise free formation but charge extra for key items.
The catch is simple: the free plan is designed to introduce you to Inc Authority’s ecosystem. You may see offers for operating agreements, compliance tools, business credit, tax help, websites, and other services. Some may be useful. Some may not be necessary right away.
My practical take: Inc Authority is a strong choice if you want affordable LLC formation and you are careful with add ons. Start with the free plan if you are on a tight budget, but consider You GROW if you want the operating agreement included from day one.
FAQs About Inc Authority
Is Inc Authority really free?
Yes, Inc Authority offers a $0 LLC formation plan. You still pay your state filing fee, which is required no matter how you form your LLC.
Does Inc Authority include registered agent service?
Yes, its current package table lists one year of registered agent service included with all three plans. You should confirm renewal pricing before checkout.
Does Inc Authority include an EIN?
Inc Authority’s current package table lists EIN or Tax ID number as free. You can also apply directly through the IRS for free if eligible.
Which Inc Authority plan is best?
You GROW is the best value for most small business owners because it includes the operating agreement and express processing at a reasonable price.
Is Inc Authority better than LegalZoom?
Inc Authority is usually better for low upfront cost because it includes more basics in its free formation offer. LegalZoom may be better if you want access to broader legal services and attorney related plans.
Is Inc Authority better than Bizee?
Both are strong budget LLC services. Inc Authority is attractive because of its included EIN and registered agent offer. Bizee is also popular for simple $0 formation and clear package pricing.
Should I use Inc Authority or file myself?
File yourself if you are comfortable using your state’s website and handling paperwork. Use Inc Authority if you want guided filing, support, registered agent service, and a more beginner friendly process.