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Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Which One is the Better Option?

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Which One is the Better Option?

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.



What is Inc Authority?

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.

Want to find out how much it costs and how it compares to LegalZoom? Check out the pricing plan comparisons.

Why We Recommend Inc Authority

  • 01 100% Free Formation
  • 02 30+ Yrs of Experience
  • 03 250k+ Entities Formed
Choose Inc Authority

What is LegalZoom?

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.

Want to find out how much it costs and how it compares to Inc Authority? Check out the pricing plan comparisons.

Why We Recommend LegalZoom

  • 01 Expert Legal Services
  • 02 20+ Yrs of Experience
  • 03 4M+ Entities Formed
Choose LegalZoom

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Quick Comparison

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.

Swipe horizontally to view the full table
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?

Want legal support and access to professional lawyers on an ongoing basis?

Services Offered
by Inc Authority

1. Free LLC Formation

2. Corporation Formation

  • You can set up an S-Corp or C-Corp based on your business needs.
  • Its team will guide you through the legal and tax benefits of each option.
  • They’ll prepare, review, and file your documents quickly and accurately with the state.
  • It’s one of the best incorporation services in the US and is completely free.
  • This makes it perfect for businesses that are on a tight budget.

3. Registered Agent Services

  • Inc Authority acts as your registered agent for free for the first year.
  • They receive official government and legal documents on your behalf.
  • You’ll get notifications and secure online access to important paperwork.
  • Using their registered agent service keeps your home address private and secure.
  • After the free year, you can renew the service, if you like it, for an affordable fee.

4. EIN (Tax ID) Registration

  • Its team helps you get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
  • You need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account, and file taxes.
  • Its simple process saves you time by handling the IRS paperwork for you.
  • You receive your EIN quickly via email, which is simple and convenient.
  • EIN registration is included in the paid plans or available as an add-on.

5. Business Credit Assistance

  • Inc Authority helps you build business credit separate from your personal credit.
  • Its experts will guide you in applying for business credit cards and loans.
  • You’ll learn how to establish trade lines with vendors to boost your credit score.
  • Its experts connect you with lenders who fund small businesses.
  • You will also get customized funding solutions based on your business needs.

6. Operating Agreement & Bylaws

  • Inc Authority helps draft a custom, comprehensive operating agreement for LLCs.
  • An LLC agreement outlines ownership, management, and decision-making rules.
  • Corporations can get bylaws that define their structure and legal guidelines.
  • These documents help protect your business from legal disputes and internal conflict.
  • You can use this service when you form your business or later, if you are on a paid plan.

7. Business Banking Services

  • Inc Authority has banking experts who will help you open a business bank account.
  • You get recommendations for the best banks and accounts for your business.
  • A business bank account keeps your personal and business finances separate.
  • Some banks offer exclusive perks for Inc Authority customers, so that’s great.
  • Their team guides you through the paperwork and approval process for getting an account.

8. Corporate Forms Package

  • Inc Authority provides essential legal forms to keep your business compliant.
  • You get customizable templates for business agreements and resolutions.
  • These business documents help you stay legally protected and organized.
  • Their forms and templates are customized for LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps.
  • This corporate forms package saves you time by eliminating guesswork.

9. Annual Compliance Notifications

  • The team at Inc Authority reminds you of key filing deadlines to avoid penalties.
  • They’ll send you timely alerts for annual reports, state filings, and tax deadlines.
  • This service by the Inc Authority helps you maintain good standing with the state.
  • These notifications keep you compliant without stress or last-minute rushes.
  • This service by the Inc Authority prevents costly fines and business dissolution risks.

10. Professional Tax Consultation

  • Tax experts at Inc Authority help you understand your business tax obligations.
  • You’ll get advice on deductions, write-offs, and tax-saving strategies.
  • The experts at Inc Authority will guide you on LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp tax benefits.
  • Tax consultations help you maximize savings and stay IRS-compliant.
  • This service by Inc Authority prepares you for tax season with expert insights.

11. Web Domain & Business Email

  • Inc Authority helps you secure a custom web domain for your business website.
  • A branded domain makes your business look credible and trustworthy.
  • Inc Authority will also provide you with five professional email addresses for your team.
  • Emails are hosted securely and are easy to access from any device.
  • This service by Inc Authority sets up your online presence with a professional touch.

12. Initial Meeting Minutes

  • Inc Authority creates detailed minutes for your first shareholder meeting.
  • These records help establish leadership roles and company policies.
  • Proper documentation shows compliance with corporate regulations.
  • Inc Authority also provides ready-to-use templates tailored to your business.
  • This service sets a strong foundation for running a successful corporation.

13. Federal Trademark

  • Inc Authority helps you register a federal trademark to protect your brand.
  • The team will handle the paperwork and guide you through the filing process.
  • The service includes an expanded search of the USPTO’s records for matches.
  • Inc Authority also offers an expedited 24-hour filing of your application.
  • When we compared Inc Authority vs LegalZoom we found that both offer this.

14. Revocable Living Trust

  • The team at Inc Authority will create a legally binding trust to protect your assets.
  • Once done, you can manage and update your trust anytime without hassle.
  • This service helps your loved ones avoid probate delays and legal fees.
  • You will get step-by-step guidance to ensure everything is set up correctly.
  • Forming a revocable trust keeps your estate secure while giving you full control.

15. Business Plans

  • In our Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison, this is where the former differs.
  • Unlike LegalZoom, Inc Authority helps entrepreneurs create business plans.
  • These business plans will outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
  • You will also get customized templates that meet investor and lender requirements.
  • Its expert guidance makes planning simple for small business owners.

Why Choose Inc Authority for Business Services

Inc Authority is a leading LLC formation services provider known for offering numerous free business services.

  • Free LLC Formation
  • Free EIN/Tax Id Filing
  • Free Registered Agent
  • Free Name Search

Choose Inc Authority’s Services

Services Offered
by LegalZoom

1. LLC Formation

  • Similar to Inc Authority, LegalZoom helps you form an LLC online quickly and easily.
  • You can choose its free LLC formation plan and paid plans for additional services.
  • The team at LegalZoom will handle state filings, business name checks, and paperwork.
  • You can add an EIN, operating agreement, and more to the mix, for a cost.
  • When comparing Inc Authority vs LegalZoom, the former offers more with its free LLC plan.

2. Corporation Formation

  • When comparing Inc Authority vs LegalZoom, cost comes out as a key differentiating factor.
  • While Inc Authority offers free corporation formation, LegalZoom does not.
  • You need to pay $149 plus state filing fees for this service by LegalZoom.
  • The experts at LegalZoom will review and file your application with the state.
  • LegalZoom also includes a free Wix website with its C-corp or S-corp formation plan.

3. Nonprofit Formation

  • This is another difference we found when comparing Inc Authority vs LegalZoom.
  • Inc Authority doesn’t mention if it offers nonprofit formation and for how much.
  • LegalZoom, on the other hand, clearly mentions a price of $99 plus a state fee.
  • It also offers premium packages—Standard ($239) and Express Gold ($359).
  • These include extras like corporate minutes forms and expedited application filing.

4. DBA Registration

  • Our Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison revealed that only the latter offers this.
  • LegalZoom will help you register a DBA to operate under a different name.
  • A Doing Business As (DBA) secures a business name without forming a new entity.
  • You can also opt for multiple DBAs to use different names for brand or product lines.
  • This is a great option for using different brand names without multiple LLCs.

5. Registered Agent Services

  • When we compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom, the former wins in this aspect.
  • Unlike LegalZoom, Inc Authority offers this service for free for the first year.
  • LegalZoom charges $249 per year for its local registered agent services.
  • LegalZoom will receive legal documents, such as tax notices and state filings.
  • LegalZoom’s team will send you real-time alerts and store your documents safely.

6. EIN (Tax ID) Registration

  • Our Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison shows that both offer this service.
  • The difference is that Inc Authority offers this for free while LegalZoom does not.
  • LegalZoom charges $79 for this service, in addition to the state filing fee.
  • The team at LegalZoom will file the required paperwork and EIN application on your behalf.
  • You will receive your EIN quickly via email for immediate use, saving you time and effort.

7. Operating Agreements/Bylaws

  • When comparing Inc Authority vs Legalzoom, we found that both offer this service.
  • If you form an LLC with LegalZoom, this is a part of its Pro plan.
  • The experts at LegalZoom will help you prepare a detailed LLC operating agreement.
  • If you form a corporation, then you can get corporate bylaws at an extra fee of $99.
  • LegalZoom’s team will help you create bylaws and resolutions for your new business.

8. Business Licenses and Permits

  • LegalZoom helps you find and apply for required business licenses.
  • The team at LegalZoom will research federal, state, and local legal requirements.
  • They’ll then help you get the licenses by providing filing assistance.
  • Acquiring the required permits will help you avoid costly fines and compliance issues.
  • In this round of Inc Authority vs LegalZoom, the latter wins for providing this service.

9. Annual Report Filing

  • This is another win for LegalZoom in this Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison.
  • Inc Authority doesn’t offer annual report filing services, only LegalZoom does.
  • LegalZoom’s team will file your annual reports to keep you in good standing.
  • LegalZoom also sends annual reminders to ensure you meet state deadlines.
  • This helps you stay compliant without the hassle of managing filings yourself.

10. Trademark Registration

  • We compared Inc Authority vs LegalZoom and found both offer this service.
  • Another similarity is this is a separate paid service for both Inc Authority vs LegalZoom.
  • Experts at LegalZoom will help you register a trademark for $649 plus state fees.
  • LegalZoom’s attorneys will handle the entire filing process with the USPTO.
  • LegalZoom will also do a comprehensive trademark search starting at $199.

11. Legal Services

  • Unlike Inc Authority, LegalZoom also provides a copyright registration service.
  • LegalZoom charges $114 for this service, in addition to the state filing fee.
  • This includes an online filing of the copyright application with the US Copyright Office.
  • This service by LegalZoom helps protect your content from unauthorized use.
  • LegalZoom wins this round of the Inc Authority vs LegalZoom battle for offering this service.

12. Contracts and Agreements

  • LegalZoom offers custom business contracts drafted by professional lawyers.
  • This is why it wins the Inc Authority vs LegalZoom battle in this business aspect.
  • Unlike Inc Authority, LegalZoom has a team of lawyers to draft legal contracts.
  • The templates offered by LegalZoom are legally binding and easy to customize.
  • You can even get contract reviews by a legal attorney for added protection.

13. Legal Subscription Plans

  • In this Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison, the latter wins by a huge margin.
  • The key reason for you to pick LegalZoom is the legal services it offers.
  • LegalZoom offers monthly legal plans for ongoing business support.
  • The personal plan starts at $16.59 per month and the business plan at $39.09 per month.
  • The plans include contract reviews, document creation, and consultations.

14. Business Dissolution

  • LegalZoom handles all the required paperwork for a fee of $129.
  • Experts at LegalZoom ensure state compliance by filing the correct dissolution forms.
  • This service by LegalZoom helps protect you from future legal and tax liabilities.
  • Optional legal assistance is available for complex cases or partner disputes.
  • In this round of Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison, the latter wins again.

15. Estate Planning

  • LegalZoom’s experts will help you set up a business-friendly estate plan.
  • They’ll create wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents for your estate.
  • Creating a basic will cost you $99 while a premium will cost around $249.
  • Starting a basic trust costs $399 while the premium services cost $549.
  • Again, LegalZoom wins in this area of Inc Authority vs LegalZoom comparison.

Why Choose LegalZoom for Legal Services

If you want a combination of business and legal services, then LegalZoom wins over Inc Authority. It offers:

  • Free LLC Formation
  • Paid C-Corp Formation
  • Online Legal Services
  • Other Business Services

Choose LegalZoom’s Services

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Value for Money

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

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

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.

The Verdict: Which Offers More Value for Money?

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 Services

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Services Offered

You 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

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

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.

The Verdict: Which Offers More Comprehensive Services?

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 Services

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Customer Support

Good 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

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

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.

The Verdict: Which Offers Better Customer Support?

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 Authority

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Ease of Use

A 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

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

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.

The Verdict: Which is More User-Friendly?

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 LegalZoom

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom Turnaround Times

How 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.

Inc Authority

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

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.

The Verdict: Which Has Faster Turnaround?

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 Services

Why Choose Inc Authority: Key Advantages

Inc 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.

Free LLC or C-Corp Formation

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.

Other Free Services

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.

Expedited 24-Hour Filing

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.

Credit and Funding Assistance

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.

Personalized Business Support

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.

Quick and Easy Filing

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

What Customers Say About 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!”

– Jay Perez *****

“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!”

– Kerry Hill *****

Why Choose LegalZoom: Key Advantages

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.

Wide Range of Services

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.

Transparent Pricing

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.

Access to Legal Professionals

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.

Customizable Legal Documents

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.

Recognition and Trust

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.

Ongoing Compliance Support

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

What Customers Say About 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.”

– Theresa Jones *****

“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.”

– Bernard Schweizer *****

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Free Plan Comparison

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.

Swipe horizontally to view the full table
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 vs LegalZoom: Which Has a Better Free Plan?

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 Authority

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Basic Plan Comparison

Now, let’s compare Inc Authority vs LegalZoom on their starting plans and see which one offers more value for money.

Swipe horizontally to view the full table
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.

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Which Has a Better Starter Paid 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 LegalZoom

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Premium Plan Comparison

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.

Swipe horizontally to view the full table
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.

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Which Has a Better Premium Plan?

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 Services

FAQ

  • 1. Is Inc Authority a legit site?

    Yes, 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.

  • 2. How long does Inc Authority take for LLC filing?

    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.

  • 3. Why should I choose Inc Authority over LegalZoom?

    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.

  • 4. Why should I choose LegalZoom over Inc Authority?

    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.

  • 5. Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: which is better?

    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.

Inc Authority vs LegalZoom: Which One Should You Choose?

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.

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