Incfile Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives

BY Basma F, Updated on Jul 30, 2023

*Disclosure: We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.


incfile
Review Summary

Service Name:


Incfile

Service Type:


Business Formation Services

Monthly fee:


State fees + $0

Summary:

Incfile is one of the most well-known business formation service providers out there. Incfile provides a registered agent service, LLC formation services, business formation services, business tax consultation, and other services.

Rating:

Business formation services are perfect for many businesses. Incfile is a business formation service provider that offers many benefits like a registered agent service, LLC formation services, compliance, and many others to allow business owners to focus on growing their businesses.

This Incfile review focuses on who would benefit from business formation services, pricing, customers' opinions about Incfile, and answering FAQs. If you're wondering if Incfile is the right choice for your business, this review is for you.

What is Incfile?

Incfile is one of the most well-known business formation service providers out there. Incfile provides a registered agent service, LLC formation services, business formation services, business tax consultation, and other services.

Who Would Benefit from the Services of Incfile?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
  • Corporations
  • Nonprofit Organizations

What are the Services that Incfile Provides?

  • Business formation services like LLCs, corporations, nonprofits
  • Registered agent service
  • Virtual address
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Business License or Permit
  • Business accounting services, bookkeeping, and business tax consultation
  • DBA or Doing Business As
  • Annual report reminders
  • A business address in any state of your choice

So, if you're looking for a service provider to handle your paperwork, a provider of registered service agents along with tax consultation, accounting, and bookkeeping, Incfile is a good choice.

Let's find out more details about the services of Incfile, the pros and cons, and how they differ from their competitors.

Pros

  • Availability of business license research package
  • Quite an informative website that explains processes and paperwork
  • No hidden fees. You know right away how much you're going to pay.
  • Three different packages to fit your various business needs.
  • $0 business formation fees. You pay only state filing fees.
  • Scans, uploads, and forwards important business mail
  • Free of charge business tax consultation
  • Registered agent service is free for the first year
  • A User-friendly dashboard

Cons

  • Regarding customer support, Incfile's customer support is difficult to reach.
  • Incfile is not suitable for those who want PLLC

Incfile Services in Detail

LLC formation service

LLC, or a limited liability company, is suitable for small business owners who choose to protect themselves from liability and debt. Also, it's for those who want to ensure their business and personal assets are separate.

According to Incfile, their LLC formation services are "the most popular choice for business owners." Incfile offers a free LLC formation service. In addition, you only pay the state filing fee with Incfile's business formation services.

In addition to $0 business formation, the Incfile LLC service comes with a registered agent service free for a whole year. You can save money when you form an LLC with Incfile.

C Corporation

C Corporation is a prominent business model best suited for businesses that want to trade shares publicly. A C corporation is a separate business entity that pays taxes directly on its profits. Similar to LLC formation, Incfile offers free C Corp filing.

S Corporation

S Corporation is a business model suitable for businesses that want to operate only in the US. S Corps can't have more than 100 shareholders and don't have to pay federal corporate taxes, so it's a good option for those who want to save money on business taxes. Incfile offers S Corp filing with zero formation fees.

Non Profit

When you form a nonprofit, you must follow many rules and regulations to get tax exemption. Like the C Corp, S Corp, LLC, Incfile takes $0 formation fees. You only pay for state fees. In addition to the zero formation fees, clients said that Incfile took care of everything.

Registered Agent Service

A registered agent, also known as a statutory agent, provides a legal business address. So, you receive critical legal documents and business mail like official government business documents and franchise tax notices.

Incfile's registered agent service is free for the first year of your subscription. A free registered agent service is suitable for those who want to save money, especially at the beginning.

Virtual Address

Incfile offers a virtual address service, which is quite a valuable service for small business owners who don't have a place to receive their mail and want to keep their real addresses private. Incfile offers virtual mailboxes in 24 different states. A prestigious virtual address from Incfile gives the business quite a professional image.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

In addition to LLC, Corp filing, and the registered agent, Incfile gets businesses their Employer Identification Number or EIN in only one business day. LLCs and sole proprietorships need an EIN to file tax returns and to open a business bank account.

The EIN is a unique ID for your business to help your business become a legal business entity. You can file an IRS form SS-4 yourself or get help from Incfile.

Business License or Permit

Your business may need more than one business license, and sometimes you may need permits. In addition, every state has its unique regulations. As a result, finding out which business licenses you may need may be hectic and time-consuming.

Incfile offers a business license research package for $99 for those who want to know the business license required for their business type without exerting an effort on the search.

Annual report reminders

Incfile will remind you before your annual report filing is due.

Business Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Business Tax Consultation

Incfile also offers tax consultations along with accounting and bookkeeping. All packages of Incfile include quarterly bookkeeping and unlimited tax consultations in addition to one free tax consultation at the beginning. In addition, an accountant from Incfile will advise you on the best ways to save money.

They also offer bookkeeping software to help you keep track of your business finances. Part of the services that Incfile offers is a reconciliation of all transactions in your business bank accounts to track how you spend your money.

DBA or Doing Business As

A DBA or "Doing Business As" is a business name different from the registered legal name. DBAs are fictitious business names, assumed business names, or trade names. Mainly, LLCs and other business structures don't need DBAs. They can use one only if they are unhappy about their business name and need to change it.

DBAs are mainly for sole proprietorships. You must file DBAs in every state where your business has a presence. With Incfile, you can file a DBA easily online. Incfile DBAs packages offer location-specific branding, product flexibility, streamlined rebranding, and privacy.

Incfile Services Pricing

Silver = State fees + $0

The Silver package includes the following services:

  • Preparing and filing the articles of organization
  • Unlimited name searches
  • One-year free registered agent service
  • Unlimited phone support and email support

Who is it for?

The silver package is suitable for new business owners who need little help with the business formation process and are interested in saving money.

Gold = State fees + $199

The Gold package includes all the services of the silver package plus the following:

  • EIN Business Tax Number
  • IRS Form 2553
  • Operating Agreement
  • Banking Resolution
  • Lifetime Company Alerts
  • Online Access Dashboard
  • Business Banking Account
  • Tax Consultation

Who is it for?

This package is suitable for those who want more services related to business entity creation. It's suitable for medium-sized businesses or anyone who want their business formed without worrying about paperwork.

Platinum = State fees + $299

As for the Platinum package, it offers the same services as the Gold package in addition to the following services:

  • Business Contract Templates
  • Expedited Filing
  • Free Next-Day Filing
  • Domain Name + Business Email

Who is it for?

Of all the services, the platinum package takes care of the entire process, from the initial business forms to the domain name businesses need. As a result, it's a valuable package for businesses who would pay extra to let Incfile handle all paperwork and also get a professional business website and other perks like a business email.

In addition to the three packages, Incfile offers many different services:

  • Incfile provides a business license research package for $99 to help you know the required licenses.
  • Incfile also offers the Certificate of Good Standing for $49 plus the state fees.

Incfile FAQs

Is Incfile the right choice for you?

It depends on your business needs, but Incfile is among the top business formation service providers who provide formation and LLC formation packages with $0 fees. They offer quite an affordable solution.

Is IncFile legit?

Yes, Incfile has helped around 800,000 business owners, and they have provided formation services since 2004.

Do I need a registered agent to operate a business?

It's not mandatory to have a registered agent for your LLC. However, it's advisable to have one to ensure proper and timely filing of compliance and tax documents. Late filing may attract penalties, and you don't want that. Hiring a registered agent can also help keep your address away from public records since the registered agent's address may be used in place of yours.

Can I use a virtual address for LLC?

Yes, using a virtual address for your LLC is completely legal. A virtual address is a real physical address and is therefore acceptable as your business address, even though you don't have to work from there physically.

Can I use myself as a registered agent?

Yes, being your own registered agent is legal as long as you meet the requirements. However, keep in mind that there are downsides to this. You must be physically present at the address to receive legal and tax correspondence, so if you know you won't be there during normal business hours, you shouldn't take this path. Also, doing so would mean that your address will be listed on all public records. If you are trying to keep things private, hiring a third-party registered agent is your best bet.

Is Incfile worth it for LLC?

Yes. Incfile offers a registered agent for free for the first year and $0 business formation.

Plus, paperwork can be hectic, so busy business owners choose Incfile's services to delegate handling their paperwork.

Does Incfile charge a monthly fee?

No, when you order your package, Incfile states a "one-time transparent payment."

How much is the state filing fee?

The state filing fees depend on the state you'll pick for your business entity. You can check the state filing fees before placing your order. Usually, they range from $40 to $500.

Does Incfile offer free LLC filing?

Yes. Incfile charges $0 for LLC formation, but you'll still pay for the state filing fees.

Does Incfile provide a virtual address?

Yes. In addition to business formation services, Incfile supports many additional services like a virtual address.

Which Incfile package is best?

It depends on your business needs. According to Incfile's website, Gold is their most popular package.

Platinum offers the most value. However, if you want to save money, Silver might be your best option.

Does Incfile have worry-free compliance?

Yes, Incfile offers worry-free compliance. They provide help with filing annual reports required by the state.

Do I need an operating agreement with LLC?

No, it's not a must-have. But it's a "prudent business decision" to have an operating agreement.

How long has Incfile been around?

Incfile has been around 2004. So they have 18 years of experience in business formation services, and they have helped 800000+ businesses.

Can I trust Incfile?

Yes, Incfile has more than 800000+ businesses using their services.

What Do Customers Say About Incfile?

On Trustpilot, Incfile reviews varied from those who loved the service to those who had some issues. One user was fascinated with their business website navigation. Another said that they responded quickly to problems whenever they appeared. Finally, one user was grateful they provided a step-by-step guide throughout the process.

As for the disadvantages, some people complained that the service was expensive compared to competitors. In addition, many people complained that they could not reach customer service.

On yelp, one customer said that the business formation services were perfect with Incfile. Their registered agent service, however, was expensive, and many service providers offered the same service at way better prices.

Various people complained about the customer service team. They said they were slow, unavailable most of the time, or unhelpful. In addition, some complained that the service was too pricey with no support. 

Others had an issue with the slow process, and they had to call the IRS themselves, which was quite a disappointment since they hired Incfile to act on their behalf and finish all the paperwork.

Incfile Alternatives & Competitors

Our Incfile review won't be complete without mentioning how their services compare to their main competitors in the market (Legalzoom, Zenbusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, etc.).

NorthWest Registered Agent logo

In addition to business formation services, Northwest Registered Agent provides other business-related services such as virtual office services, mail forwarding, legal help if needed, and other services.

Pros

  • Data protection is one of the main priorities of Northwest Registered Agent.
  • Mail forwarding is free.
  • Offer virtual office services for $29 per month to give a professional image to your business, especially with their prestigious locations.

Cons

  • Lots of adds-on that can make the service pricey
  • Service is expensive compared to Incfile.
Zenbusiness logo

Zenbusiness, in addition to its packages: Starter, Pro, and Premium, offers many other services not included in the plan for an additional fee: a business license report for a one-time fee of $99, a certificate of good standing with a one-time fee of $100.

As for their packages, their starter package is $49, the Pro costs $199, and the premium is $299 that in addition, of course, to the state filing fees.

Pros

  • Worry free compliance
  • Flexibility to choose one-time services besides your plan
  • Full refund up to 60 days and no cancellation fees.

Cons

  • Reasonable pricing when compared to LegalZoom but more expensive formation fees than Incfile.
  • Registered agent service is not free for the first year as Incfile.
  • Registered agent services of Zenbusiness cost $199 per year. With Incfile, it costs $119 after the first free year.
leglazoom logo

Legal Zoom

3.8

Unlike Incfile, Legalzoom provides many other legal services. For example, they include personal services like divorce, living trust, etc. However, as for their LLC and corp formation services, they are more pricey than Incfile.

LegalZoom charges the following prices for LLCs for their packages: Economy for $79 + state filing fees, Standard for $329 + state filing fees, and Express Gold for $349 + state filing fees. 

Other services included in Legalzoom packages are peace of mind review, customer support for seven days a week, and expedited processing for Express Gold. 

Pros

  • Refund within 60 days if customers are unsatisfied with the service.
  • Peace of mind review to double-check for errors or discrepancies before paperwork is processed

Cons

  • Compared to Incfile, Legalzoom is expensive.
Inc authority logo

Inc Authority

3.5

Like Incfile, Inc Authority offers a free LLC formation service where you only pay the state filing fee. You only fill out an online form with Inc Authority.

In addition to free LLC formation and registered agent services, Inc Authority offers additional services like federal trademark, revocable living trust, business credit, business funding, business plans, and website and marketing.

Pros

  • The additional services that support the business, like business funding and marketing
  • Free LLC Formation

Cons

  • Pricing is unclear. You have to pick the services you need to know how much you'll pay
Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance

4

In addition to the traditional LLC formation services, Harbor Compliance takes its services to the next level by providing other relevant services like software solutions. For example, their compliance software automates repeated tasks and helps businesses organize licenses, registrations, and records.

As for LLC formation, it starts at $99 + state fees with availability to process your LLC fast. Their registered agent services cost from $89 to $99 per year.

Pros

  • The annual fee of the registered service agent is less than Incfile.

Cons

  • LLC formation is not free.
BetterLegal-logo

Unlike Incfile, Better Legal business formation is a bit more expensive. Their LLC formation costs $299 + state filing fee. Their business formation package includes an Employer Identification Number, an operating agreement, banking resolution, a website, tax analysis, and insurance evaluation.

In addition to the original package, there are some services that you can subscribe to, like the registered agent service, which costs $10 per month or $90 per year, and the state compliance services, which also cost $10 per month or $90 per year.

Pros

  • Reasonable cost for the registered agent service.
  • The option to subscribe per month.

Cons

  • Expensive package with no options or various plans for those on a smaller budget
Rocket Lawyer-logo

Rocket Lawyer

3

If you need a professional service that doesn't only handle business formation service but one you can also discuss sensitive information, Rocket Lawyer might be a good fit.

The company offers a host of legal features like attorney consultations. You can get a free LLC formation by opting for Rocket Lawyer's legal services membership. You pay $39.99 monthly as a membership fee. For non-members, Rocket Lawyer gets much pricier than its competitors.

The company formation costs $99.9 + state fees, while registered agent service costs $149.99 yearly.

Pros

  • It's one of the few registered agents that offer a free trial.
  • The option to subscribe per month.

Cons

  • Rocket Lawyer might not be a cost-effective choice if you're a small business on a tight budget.
  • LLC formation service comes with limited features.

Final CONCLUSION

Incfile is one of the leading LLC formation service providers. Incfile has helped thousands and thousands of businesses with company formation and confusing paperwork.

Incfile has a lot of perks, like the free service of the registered agent for a whole year, but some of their main disadvantages are the lack of live chat support and the difficulty of a refund and cancellation. Also, they don't offer PLLC formation.

We hope we have offered you a complete and relevant review of Incfile, their services, and pricing, answered some of the most frequently asked questions about their service and compared Incfile to some of their main competitors.