Are you looking for a great business service provider? If so, then Inc Authority and LegalZoom are both popular options, trusted by thousands of businesses.
However, deciding which one to choose is a bit difficult as both offer unique advantages.
Read this comprehensive Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison to find out which one is a better choice for you.
Inc Authority is a business formation service that helps entrepreneurs start LLCs and corporations for free (you only pay state fees). It also offers other free services.
For example, you get free registered agent services for one year, free tax consultation, and more. It offers paid options for other services like EIN (Tax ID) filing.
Want to learn more about the services it offers? Read the section where we’ve listed those.
Check its Services
Want to find out how much it costs and how it compares to LegalZoom? Check out the pricing plan comparisons.
Compare Pricing
LegalZoom is an online legal service provider that helps people start businesses, create legal documents, and get legal advice. It offers LLC formation, incorporation, trademark registration, and more.
LegalZoom provides ongoing legal support, customizable documents, and attorney consultations. It’s a good choice if you need both business formation and legal help in one place.
Want to learn more about the services it offers? Read the section where we’ve listed those.
Check its Services
Want to find out how much it costs and how it compares to Inc Authority? Check out the pricing plan comparisons.
Compare Pricing
If you’re stuck in the Inc Authority vs LegalZoom dilemma, this quick comparison table can help you get an overall idea of which one you should choose.
Check this out and then read the detailed comparisons to make the final decision.
| Inc Authority | LegalZoom | |
|---|---|---|
| Free LLC Formation | Yes. There are no Service charges, you only pay a state filing fee. | Yes. There are no service charges, you only pay a state filing fee. |
| Free C-Corp Formation | Yes. There are no service charges, you only pay a state filing fee. | No. C-corp formation services cost $149 + state filing fee. |
| Free Registered Agent | Yes. Registered agent services are free for 1 year, with any of its plans. | No. The registered agent service costs $249 per year. |
| EIN (Tax ID) Included | Yes. You only need to pay the filing fee and they’ll get you a tax ID for free. | No. The tax ID or EIN filing service costs $79 plus the filing fee. |
| Legal Advisory Services | No. It only provides business formation and related services. | No. It only provides business formation and related services consultations. |
| Operating Agreement/Bylaws | This service is available with its Starter plan, not with the free one. | This service is available with its Pro plan, not with the free one. |
| Processing Speed | Fast. Offers 24-hour application filing even with the free plan. | Moderate. The processing time varies based on the chosen plan. |
| Customer Support | 7-day US-based customer support via phone and email. | 7-day customer support via multiple channels—phone, email, and chat. |
| Ideal For | Entrepreneurs who want affordable business services. | Entrepreneurs who want business and legal services in one place. |
Do you want to access reliable, yet completely free business formation services?
Choose Inc Authority
Want legal support and access to professional lawyers on an ongoing basis?
Choose LegalZoom
Inc Authority is a leading LLC formation services provider known for offering numerous free business services.
If you want a combination of business and legal services, then LegalZoom wins over Inc Authority. It offers:
Affordability and cost-effectiveness are key factors when choosing a business formation service. Let’s compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom to see which company provides the best value for money for the same services.
Inc Authority stands out by offering free LLC formation, which is a huge advantage for startups. Another advantage it has in this Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison is that it offers a lot more free business services, compared to the latter.
You can get free EIN filing, free registered agent service for the first year, and more. Inc Authority also provides business funding analysis and assistance, adding extra value for entrepreneurs. Overall, it provides a lot of bang for your buck.
LegalZoom’s pricing is more structured, but it does not offer as many free services as Inc Authority, just free LLC formation. Since Inc Authority doesn’t disclose prices, a head-to-head Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison is not possible.
However, given that almost everything LegalZoom offers is paid, we can safely say that Inc Authority is more affordable when it comes to business formation. That said, LegalZoom provides premium legal services, which justifies the cost.
For business formation, Inc Authority takes the win with its numerous free services. Learn more in this Inc Authority review.
LegalZoom offers value for money for long-term, ongoing legal services, but is not an affordable option if you’re looking for business formation services.
Try Inc Authority’s ServicesYou need more than just LLC formation services—trademark protection, tax guidance, and compliance services can all play a role in your success. Let’s see which company provides a more comprehensive range of services.
Inc Authority focuses on business formation services and additional services, helping entrepreneurs get started quickly. Additionally, it offers business credit assistance, funding guidance, tax planning, trademark registration, and more.
However, Inc Authority’s service catalog is not as extensive as LegalZoom’s when it comes to legal services. While it offers trademark registration and trusts, it does not cover personal legal matters like wills, estate planning, or contract reviews.
LegalZoom offers a wider range of legal services beyond business formation, including wills, trademarks, copyrights, and contract drafting. It caters not only to business owners but also to individuals looking for legal support in personal matters.
This makes LegalZoom a one-stop shop for both business and personal legal needs. That said, its pricing is higher than Inc Authority in most cases. However, if you need ongoing legal services, LegalZoom provides more comprehensive options.
LegalZoom wins because of its broader service offerings for business and personal legal needs. Learn more in this LegalZoom review.
However, if you only need business-related services and free LLC formation services, Inc Authority could be the better choice.
Try LegalZoom’s ServicesGood customer service can make all the difference when dealing with legal and business matters. Let’s compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom to see which service offers faster, more reliable, and more personalized support.
Inc Authority prides itself on providing personalized customer service, especially for business formation clients. Many users appreciate that they get a dedicated business specialist to help guide them through the business formation process.
Phone support is responsive, and their team is known for being helpful and knowledgeable. However, live chat and email response times can be slow, especially during peak business hours. Overall, the customer service is strong.
LegalZoom offers multiple customer support channels, including phone, email, and live chat, making it easy to get help. Its customer service team is professional and well-trained, handling a large volume of legal inquiries daily.
Since LegalZoom serves both businesses and individuals, support response times can be inconsistent. Some users report longer wait times during busy periods, While it offers reliable support, it’s not as personalized as Inc Authority’s.
Inc Authority wins this round due to its more personalized approach and strong phone support.
While LegalZoom offers more contact options, response times can be slower, and support may feel less personal.
Choose Inc AuthorityA simple and intuitive platform can save you time and make the business formation process stress-free. Let’s compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom to see which service offers a smoother user experience.
Inc Authority’s website and signup process is user-friendly, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. The step-by-step formation process is straightforward, and its free LLC formation package or corporation formation plan is easy to claim.
However, the website navigation isn't as smooth as LegalZoom's, and some users may find the upsells a bit aggressive during checkout. Overall, though, we didn’t find much to complain about during our Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison.
LegalZoom’s interface is highly polished and professional, whether you want to form a business or access legal services. There are clear explanations for every step, and the process is streamlined with minimal upselling compared to Inc Authority.
That said, LegalZoom’s checkout process includes several optional add-ons, which can make it feel a bit complex if you're unfamiliar with legal services. While it’s user-friendly, some users may feel overwhelmed by the number of options available.
LegalZoom edges out Inc Authority in ease of use due to its clean interface and better navigation.
The service selection process is also smooth. However, if you're looking for a straightforward free LLC formation package, Inc Authority also provides a smooth experience.
Choose LegalZoomHow fast you can form your business depends on processing speed and filing efficiency. In this round of Inc authority vs LegalZoom, we will compare which service gets your business up and running faster.
In this Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison, the former offers a clear advantage. Inc Authority offers free 24-hour application filing, which means its team of experts will prepare, review, and file your application within one business day.
The application processing time depends on the state authorities but Inc Authority doesn’t provide accurate estimates for each application. So, we can only compare LegalZoom vs Inc Authority in terms of filing time, and the former is great.
LegalZoom is transparent about processing times, displaying estimates based on your state before you check out. Standard processing takes around 15–30 days, but they also offer expedited services (7-10 days) and rush filing (1-2 days) for an extra fee.
However, LegalZoom’s standard filing is slower than Inc Authority’s free option, unless you pay for expedited filing. Unlike Inc Authority, LegalZoom doesn’t claim 24-hour filing or mention how long it will take to file your LLC or corporation application.
Inc Authority is the clear winner in this round because it offers free 24-hour application filing to all customers.
Since the state processing times are not dependent on the service provider, the processing time will be similar for both Inc Authority and LegalZoom.
Try Inc Authority’s ServicesInc Authority is a leading business formation services provider most popular for its free services and personalized customer support.
Here are some reasons why you should choose Inc Authority over LegalZoom.
It’s one of the best incorporation services. Its team will help you form your LLC or Corporation for free. This makes it a budget-friendly option for new entrepreneurs looking to launch their businesses without upfront legal costs.
Apart from free business formation, you can also benefit from its other free services. This includes free registered agent services for the first year, a free EIN application, and a free business name search to check name availability.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Inc Authority over LegalZoom is that it offers free 24-hour application filing. This expedited filing service is great for those who want to form a business quickly but don’t have the budget to pay for it.
Inc Authority helps you build business credit and secure funding, which is crucial for growth. Its team of experts will guide you on establishing business credit lines, improving your business profile, and accessing financing options.
Unlike many competitors, Inc Authority assigns a dedicated specialist to help paying customers through the process. This one-on-one guidance ensures you make the right choices for your company’s structure and compliance needs.
The platform is designed for speed, with a streamlined online filing process that helps you submit your paperwork quickly. Many users report shorter turnaround times compared to other services, helping you get started sooner.
Overall, Inc Authority is a great option if you are looking for a free business formation service provider with some added perks.
Start Your Business with Inc Authority
“I want to give a big thank you to David for helping me set up my LLC. His expertise and professionalism made the entire process smooth and stress-free. He was knowledgeable, efficient, and always available to answer my questions. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking to start a business!”
“Great experience! The original business name I wanted had to be changed because of a restricted word. Chelsea followed up with me and helped me to resubmit a new business name promptly. She was very personable and made the process easy! Thanks Inc Authority!”
Since we’re comparing Inc Authority vs LegalZoom, it’s only fair to discuss what makes the latter stand out and why you should choose it.
Here are some of the key advantages of choosing LegalZoom over Inc Authority.
LegalZoom offers more than just business formation. It offers a wide range of business and legal services including trademarks, legal contracts, and tax services. This makes it a one-stop solution for businesses that need ongoing legal support.
LegalZoom provides clear pricing with no hidden fees, allowing you to choose the exact services you need. Its plans and packages are designed for business owners at all stages of growth, from startups to established companies.
If you choose LegalZoom’s Business Legal Plan, you will get direct access to experienced attorneys for legal consultations. This is a huge advantage if you need ongoing professional legal advice without hiring a full-time lawyer.
LegalZoom offers a library of customizable legal forms, including legally binding business contracts, NDAs, and operating agreements. This helps your business stay legally protected without needing expensive legal services.
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known legal service providers, trusted by millions of businesses. The company’s strong reputation ensures reliability and quality service, making it a safe choice for entrepreneurs, both new and experienced.
LegalZoom provides compliance services like annual report filing and tax assistance to help your business stay in good standing with the state. Its ongoing compliance and tax support reduce stress and ensure you avoid costly penalties.
LegalZoom stands out for its comprehensive legal services. It’s a great choice if you need long-term legal support and compliance assistance.
Get Legal Services by LegalZoom
“When you’re ready to launch a business I trust Legal Zoom to get this done quickly & correctly. They will keep you updated with all required documents to file on time.”
“LegalZoom took the burden off my shoulders as a first-time entrepreneur and got all the necessary paperwork filed as well as ensured our compliance. The tax team did a great job with my annual returns.”
Since Inc Authority does not offer legal services, we will compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom on their LLC formation services, starting with the free one.
| Inc Authority | LegalZoom | |
|---|---|---|
| Free LLC Formation | Yes. It offers 100% free LLC formation, with only state fees required. | Yes. It offers 100% free LLC formation, with only state fees required. |
| Free C-Corp Formation | Yes. It offers 100% free C-corp formation, with only state fees required. | No. It doesn’t offer this for free, this service costs $149 + state fees. |
| Registered Agent Service | Includes one year of free registered agent service, then renews at $199/year. | Doesn’t include a free registered agent service, which costs $249/year. |
| Free EIN (Tax ID) Filing | Yes. It has recently started offering this premium service with its free plan. | No. Does not include free EIN filing, and must be purchased separately. |
| Business Name Check | Yes. It offers a free business name availability check before filing. | Yes. It offers a free business name availability check before filing. |
| Processing Speed | Expedited 24-hour filing. The processing speed for the state is not mentioned. | No expedited filing, but clearly mentions estimates for processing time. |
| Website and Domain | Free custom website, web domain, and five business email addresses. | This is not free, but a custom Wix website comes with the Pro plan. |
| Tax Consultation | You will get a brief tax planning consultation with an expert. | With this plan, you’ll get a tax consultation from 1-800Accountant. |
| Customer Support | Provides lifetime customer support, even with the free plan. | Offers customer support, but priority is given to paid users. |
Inc Authority stands out because it offers a plethora of free services, in addition to the best LLC service.
LegalZoom offers only free LLC formation, business name search, and professional tax consultation, compared to Inc Authority’s range of free services.
Get Started with Inc AuthorityNow, let’s compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom on their starting plans and see which one offers more value for money.
| Inc Authority (Starter) | LegalZoom (Pro) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Pricing is not disclosed on the website and is available on request. | The company charges $249, in addition to the state filing fee. |
| Operating Agreement | The team will help you prepare a comprehensive operating agreement. | LegalZoom also provides an operating agreement with this plan. |
| Legal Docs Templates | Inc Authority provides a range of templates for corporate forms. | You will get access to 150+ customizable templates for legal documents. |
| Bookkeeping Tools | Inc Authority doesn’t provide bookkeeping services or tools. | You’ll get tools to track expenses, send invoices, and save on taxes. |
| Compliance Reminders | Its team will send you annual compliance reminders. | This service is available for purchase separately, not free with the plan. |
| E-signatures | Inc Authority does not provide e-signature tools for businesses. | You will get free e-signature tools for one year with this plan. |
LegalZoom has a slight advantage over Inc Authority, mainly because it offers a few more services and tools.
However, Inc Authority offers compliance services with this plan, which LegalZoom only offers as a separate paid service. Still, LegalZoom wins this round.
Get Started with LegalZoomSince Inc Authority does not offer legal services, we will compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom on their LLC formation services, starting with the free one.
| Inc Authority (Fasttrack) | LegalZoom (Premium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Success Advisor | You will get personalized business advice from a specialist. | LegalZoom doesn’t offer this service, even with the top-tier plan. |
| Access to Attorneys | Inc Authority doesn’t provide legal services or access to lawyers. | You get direct access to legal professionals on an as-needed basis. |
| Private Banking Specialist | You will get a dedicated expert who will guide you on business banking. | LegalZoom doesn’t offer any such service with its LLC plans. |
| Business Amendments | Unlike LegalZoom, Inc Authority doesn’t offer this service. | Its team will help you make amendments to documents within the first 30 days. |
If you expect personalized, premium services with dedicated experts taking care of your needs, then Inc Authority is the clear winner.
If you want ongoing legal support, then LegalZoom is the way to go. Strictly in terms of LLC formation, though, Inc Authority wins the round.
Try Inc Authority’s Premium ServicesYes, Inc Authority is a perfectly legitimate business formation service provider that offers 100% free LLC or C-corp formation and other free services. It has helped set up over 250k businesses, so you can trust its free or paid services.
Inc Authority offers expedited 24-hour filing service to all customers, whether they choose a free or paid plan. This means that your application will be submitted to the authorities within one day after you submit the required information and documents.
If you want free, simple, and hassle-free business formation, go with Inc Authority. Its free plan also includes many free services you’ll benefit from when starting a new business.
If you want ongoing legal support, in addition to business services, and have the budget for it, go with LegalZoom. It may not offer as many free services as Inc Authority, but it’s a trusted business and legal services provider with a huge client base and decades of experience.
That completely depends on your specific business needs. Inc Authority is known for its free business formation services while LegalZoom is better for ongoing legal support.
Both Inc Authority and LegalZoom are trusted and reputable companies that offer great services. The ultimate decision depends on whether you need legal services or simple business formation.
Choose LegalZoom for affordable, ongoing legal services and Inc Authority for free business formation.
