We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Read more
Written by: Natalie Fell
Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Updated on August 22, 2023
Navigating the world of business formation and legal filings can be daunting, but with services like Incfile, the journey becomes more manageable. As an increasingly popular choice among entrepreneurs, Incfile is stepping up to transform this landscape.
This article provides an in-depth review of Incfile, its service offerings, and how it compares to its competitors. From the ease of use to customer support and pricing structures, we dive deep into all you need to know about this platform.
Whether you are considering starting a new venture or looking to streamline your existing business’s administrative tasks, this review could be a pivotal read for you.
Incfile offers a lot of bang for your buck, with many services included in their plans at reasonable prices.
Their Silver package, in particular, is a great value since it costs state fees only and includes registered agent service for a year.
Compared to the competition, Incfile is a great value, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs who are trying to minimize expenses.
Pricing
Turnaround Time
Help and Support
Customer Satisfaction
Ease of Use
Overall Score: 4.2/5
Incfile will assist you with the formation of various entities such as LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, or nonprofits.
Before forming your business, it’s essential to confirm that your preferred business name is not already taken. Incfile offers unlimited business name searches free of charge to assist with this. If you decide to safeguard your business name with a trademark, Incfile can facilitate this process for a service fee of $299, in addition to any applicable filing fees.
The formation of an LLC requires submission of articles of organization to your respective state, which can also be referred to as a certificate of organization or a certificate of formation. These submissions can be completed either online or by mail. Incfile manages this online filing process on your behalf, though the time it takes to get approval for an LLC varies depending on the state.
The state will require a fee to process your business filing, but Incfile won’t levy any additional processing charges. The business formation service provided by Incfile is completely free. However, you have the option to choose from their Premium Packages if you wish to avail of extra services.
If you choose the Gold or Platinum plan, once your LLC is approved and official, you can access your formation documents on the Incfile website at any time.
In most states, when you form an LLC, you need a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or business that is authorized to accept legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business.
If you purchase any Incfile plan (Silver, Gold, or Platinum), you’ll get a free registered agent service for a year.
The cost to renew registered agent service after the first year is $119 annually (with no obligation and no contract).
Incfile can act as your registered agent and handle official correspondence and documents for your business. They will ensure all correspondence is handled on time and keep copies of documents for you. They will keep track of deadlines for you and send you reminders of things you may have to file, such as tax forms and annual reports.
A registered agent service will help keep you in compliance with the law and save you time by keeping track of key documents and filing deadlines. This also frees you up to focus on growing your business. Incfile will also offer support if any issues arise.
Incfile offers an operating agreement template customized for your state. An operating agreement for an LLC is an important legal document that details who owns the business and also provides essential information pertaining to member duties.
An LLC operating agreement establishes the financial relationship between business owners (“members”) and the basics of the working relationships between those owners and the managers who oversee daily operations.
By using the Incfile’s services, you save yourself the hassle of having an attorney draw up the agreement for you from scratch. It’s included in both the Gold and Platinum plans, and it’s a good value compared to the attorney fees you would otherwise pay. Only a handful of states require an operating agreement, but having one is highly recommended.
Incfile includes access to 20+ business contract templates in their Platinum package. However, it also offers nine free (marked by *) document templates you can download after you’ve provided your name and email. If you have the Silver or Gold package, you can gain access to the library (and three other services valued up to $295) for an additional $99. If you opt for the Gold plan, you can purchase two extra services for the same price (up to $190 in value).
Incfile’s business contract templates include:
These document templates can be very valuable for a business and can save a great deal in attorney fees. Other sites offer document templates, but the Incfile documents library is extensive and of good value.
An employer identification number (EIN) is a tax identifying number for your business. It’s required if your LLC has more than one member or has employees. It’s obtained by applying through the IRS.
Incfile will handle the application process for you and send you your EIN as soon as it’s approved. If you go with the Silver (free) plan, obtaining an EIN using Incfile will cost you $70. EIN is included in both paid plans.
As part of the Incfile’s Business License Research Package, a licensing expert will:
Incfile’s fee for this service is $99 + business license and permits cost.
You’ll need to file Form 2553 if you want your LLC to have S Corp status. An S Corporation refers to an LLC’s tax classification. It is a corporation or LLC that, by meeting certain requirements, can be taxed as an S Corporation. With an S Corp, as with an LLC, income passes through the business to shareholders or owners without that income being taxed as corporate income. In contrast, in a regular corporation, also known as a C Corp, the corporation and the dividends shareholders receive are taxed, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
A corporation or LLC can be classified as an S Corp if it has 100 or fewer shareholders or members. Shareholders pay taxes on their pass-through income at their personal income tax rates. S Corp shareholders can only be individuals, specific trusts and estates, or certain types of tax-exempt organizations.
Incfile can take care of your S Corporation tax election for you. If you opt for the free (Silver) plan, there is a processing fee of $50 for this service. The filing of LLC tax status is included without additional charge in both the Gold and Platinum paid plans.
A banking resolution specifies who is authorized to handle banking matters on behalf of the LLC. Incfile offers this service in both paid plans (Gold and Platinum), or you can get it as a part of a $99 Premium upgrade to your free (Silver) plan.
In most states, LLCs are required to file periodic reports, usually annually. Incfile’s service fee for filing an annual report is $99 + state fees.
Incfile provides lifetime company alerts as part of all our state filing packages (included in Gold and Platinum plans), sending out courtesy email reminders to clients about impending filing deadlines.
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document that confirms a company is legally registered and compliant with its state’s regulations and tax obligations.
Should you require a Certificate of Good Standing for your LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit, Incfile offers this service at a cost of $49, in addition to any state-specific fees.
With this service, you’ll get a 30-minute conversation with a business tax expert who will explain business tax basics and answer your questions. They’ll also help you decide between Starter ($90) and Plus ($180) bookkeeping and tax filing packages. Business tax consultation isn’t included in the free plan.
Incfile will assist you with the process of setting up a business bank account over the phone.
| Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plans and Pricing | $0 plus state fee | $199 plus state fee | $299 plus state fee |
| Registered Agent Service | Free for one year and then $119 annually | Free for one year and then $119 annually | Free for one year and then $119 annually |
| Operating Agreement | Not included | Included | Included |
| Annual report service | Not included | Lifetime company alerts | Lifetime company alerts |
| Processing Time | Standard, Expedited | Standard, Expedited | Expedited |
| Customer Support | Chat, email, phone | Chat, email, phone | Chat, email, phone |
| Business Documents Online Library | Nine free templates | Nine free templates | Full package |
| EIN | Not included | Included | Included |
| IRS Form 2553 | Not included | Included | Included |
| Banking resolution | Not included | Included | Included |
| Business bank account | Not included | Included | Included |
| Business tax consultation | Not included | Included | Included |
| Domain name and business email | Not included | Not included | Included |
The Silver Package includes the preparation and filing of the articles of organization and unlimited name searches, with free registered agent services for a year. This plan is a great value and appropriate for entrepreneurs with a limited budget who just want to get their business up and running and plan to handle annual reporting and the operating agreement themselves. They can choose to add additional services at the time of purchase or later.
This plan may also be appropriate for established businesses forming a new business structure or changing their business structure.
The Gold Package includes all the services included in the Silver Package, plus an operating agreement template and a business tax consultation. Lifetime company alerts mean that Incfile will remind you of any reporting due dates based on your state’s requirements.
Incfile’s Gold Package also includes an EIN tax number and the filing of IRS Form 2553, which allows LLCs to reap the tax benefits of an S corporation. You’ll also receive banking resolution services and assistance with setting up a business bank account. Lastly, you’ll get access to a personalized online dashboard and unlimited phone and email support.
This package is appropriate for businesses that want a little more help in terms of the operating agreement, which is a critical document, and the state’s annual compliance requirements, such as annual reports and document addendums. The price offers good value considering the extra services, and there’s no annual fee required.
The Platinum Package includes everything in the Gold Package with the advantage of expedited filing, as well as a domain name and business email. You’ll also receive access to business contract templates, which can be extremely helpful for new business owners. There are over 20 different contracts, all created and reviewed by attorneys.
The main advantages of this plan are the expedited filing and the contract templates. That said, you can easily reserve your own domain name for less by using a web hosting site such as GoDaddy.
This plan, however, would be beneficial for a business owner who seeks a one-stop shop for their business services. Otherwise, it does not seem worth the added cost.
With the Platinum Incfile plan, you get free next-day business processing. This means your LLC formation documents will be sent to the state within 24 hours.
Once Incfile submits your information, you will need to wait for the state to officially file, which can take up to three weeks in some cases. Incfile provides a valuable comparison tool to help you estimate your turnaround time.
However, Incfile’s Silver and Gold plans offer optional expedited filing (usually for $50), meaning that they will utilize your state’s expedited filing option on your behalf. Turnaround times with state expedited filing are usually only a few days.
When you first go to the Incfile site, clicking on the “Start My Business” button will open up a new window. You’ll then see a couple of dropdown menus: one for your business type (choose LLC) and one for the state in which you are filing. Once you choose your state, you’ll see specific pricing.
Each of the three available plans will appear, along with an outline of what’s included in each. The price displayed will include both the package fee and the fees for your particular state. Once you’ve made your decision, click the “Get the Silver/Gold/Platinum Package”. You will then be prompted to enter your contact information and mailing address.
Next, you’ll be asked to choose standard or expedited filing. Incfile also includes the typical processing time in your chosen state so you can make a more informed decision.
Next, you’ll enter your company information, including information on your members or owners, business purpose, industry, and address. After entering these details, you’ll be offered a chance to upgrade to a higher-level package before continuing.
The next series of screens prompt you to enter the information that will ultimately appear on your articles of organization document. Then you’ll be asked if you’d like to use Incfile as your registered agent or act as your own (if allowed in that state). If you choose any package, the service is free for a year and $119 annually afterwards. The service is included in the price of both the Gold and Platinum packages.
From this point onward, depending on which package you choose, you’ll be prompted to provide all the applicable information for each included service. If you choose Silver or Gold, you’ll have opportunities to add various a la carte services.
Once you’re finished making your choices, you’ll have a chance to review your information before you submit payment.
The formation process was quick and easy, making for a nearly seamless user experience. Opportunities to upgrade were more informative than intrusive, and it was made very clear what you were getting with each package.
One downside is that there’s no way to save your progress if you have to leave the page and come back later. However, if you click the back button and move back to the homepage, you will be prompted to either start over or resume.
Overall, the site is easy to use if you’re ready to go and just want to complete the process.
With Incfile, your order is refundable until payment is forwarded to the state. A $30 cancellation fee applies, as well as any expenses that have been paid or incurred with other entities, like state agencies or third-party vendors.
Unfortunately, after payment has been forwarded to the state, Incfile cannot accept any cancellations or changes to state filings. To cancel your order, simply send an email to suppo[email protected]. You cannot make any cancellations via telephone.
We tested all the customer service options by asking real questions through chat, email, and phone.
When we tested the customer service response time through the online chat option, we received a response within two minutes. We asked a question about the cancellation policy and how to cancel an order if we change our mind about the filing. The agent was very helpful and explained the process clearly.
Chat Support Rating:
Response time:
Very quick
We called Incfile to ask a question about registered agent services. Our call was answered almost immediately, and the question was answered promptly.
Phone Support Rating:
Response time:
Immediate
We asked the same question via email about registered agent services and received the same response in under 24 hours.
Email Support Rating:
Response time:
Very quick
The best way to learn about Incfile is to see what real customers thought of their experience. We visited the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
Incfile is not currently accredited with the BBB. They have 4.82/5 stars in customer reviews and have received 229 complaints in three years. A total of 33 complaints have been resolved over the last 12 months.
The following aspects are emphasized as positive in BBB customer reviews:
The following aspects are emphasized as negative in BBB customer reviews:
The Trustpilot score for Incfile is 4.7/5 stars from more than 14,100 reviews. 86% of customers rated the company as excellent.
The following aspects are emphasized as positive in Trustpilot customer reviews:
The following aspects are emphasized as negative in Trustpilot customer reviews:
Use our dropdown calculator and check how much your LLC formation service will cost you using Incfile. Simply choose a plan, a la carte services, and the state where you want to form an LLC to calculate the exact cost based on your needs and preferences.
| Incfile | ZenBusiness | BizFilings | Inc Authority | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plans and Pricing | $0 – $299 | $0 – $349 | $99 – $359 | Free Formation, Starter and Fast Track Business Bundle |
| Registered Agent Service | Included for one year then $119 annually | Not included, $199 annually | Included for 3 months then $220 annually | Included for one year then $179 annually |
| Processing Time | Next day filing plus standard state times | Standard, Rush | Standard, Expedited, Rush | Standard state times, Express processing |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No | 60 days | No | 60 days |
| Our Rating | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4 | 3.4 |
| Our Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | |
| Website | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Incfile and ZenBusiness have similar offerings, including an entry-level plan that costs only state fees. However, all of Incfile’s plans include more services for the price.
All three of BizFilings’ plans are more expensive than Incfile, and they don’t offer as many services.
IInc Authority’s Free LLC plan has more features, but the add-ons are significantly more expensive than Incfile’s. Their customer service was poor in our experience, although their customer reviews are generally positive.
Incfile was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Since they started, Incfile.com has helped more than 1,000,000 entrepreneurs form their businesses. Dustin Ray is the CEO and Chief Growth Officer.
We went through every detail of the Incfile site and examined their offerings closely. We looked at it from a user perspective, putting ourselves in the shoes of a customer.
We asked questions of customer service as potential customers, went through the business formation signup process, and then actually formed an LLC. We got a complete overview of the value the company provides from a customer’s point of view.
A service like Incfile can make the business formation process easy and ensure that it’s done correctly. They provide customer support and additional services to support your business.
Incfile has a starter plan that costs state fees only, and it includes registered agent services for a year. Their two other plans offer a plethora of other services at very competitive prices.
Compared to the competition, Incfile’s prices are excellent. Their Silver plan, in particular, costs state fees only and includes registered agent services for one year.
Incfile has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Customers rave about their great customer service and easy-to-use services.
Published on September 11, 2022
In the ever-evolving world of startups and entrepreneurship, there’s a persistent need for reliable, efficient, and affordable businessservice ...
Read Now
Published on September 8, 2022
If you’re starting a business, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most significant hurdles. This step can be terriblyco ...
Read Now
Published on September 8, 2022
Business entity formation is a crucial element of launching a business, and because it’s often complex and tedious, many entrepreneurs hire aprofe ...
Read Now