Inc Authority review
Genuinely free LLC formation with a long track record.
At a glance
- Starting price
- Free + state fee
- Registered agent
- Free first year
- Typical turnaround
- Varies
- Support
- Phone · Email
- Founded
- 1989
What’s included
- Free plan ($0 + state fee)
- Free registered agent (first year)
- EIN service
- Operating agreement
- Expedited filing
- Compliance tools
- Non-US founder friendly
- Money-back guarantee
Overview
Inc Authority stands out for one simple reason: its LLC formation is genuinely free. You pay only your state’s filing fee, with no service charge for the basic filing — and it even bundles a free year of registered agent service, which is unusual at $0. As one of the oldest names in the space (operating since 1989), it has filed for a very large number of businesses.
For cost-sensitive founders who just need the paperwork done correctly and cheaply, that combination is about as inexpensive as formation gets. The free package covers preparing and submitting your formation documents plus that first-year registered agent.
The catch — true of most “free” formation services, but pronounced here — is the upsell experience. The free tier is bare-bones, and checkout pushes hard toward paid bundles. An EIN, an operating agreement, expedited processing, and compliance extras all cost more, and the dashboard and overall experience feel more dated than newer, design-forward competitors.
Inc Authority is a great fit for budget-focused U.S. founders who know what they need and are comfortable declining the upsells. If you want a polished, modern, guided experience — or bundled compliance tooling, or non-US support — you’ll likely be happier paying a bit more elsewhere.
Pros
- Genuinely free formation
- Free year of registered agent
- Long track record
Cons
- Heavy upsells at checkout
- Dated dashboard experience
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 + state fee | Formation filing plus 1 year of registered agent. |
| Add-ons & bundles | paid | EIN, operating agreement, expedited filing, extras. |
Pricing is representative and changes often — confirm current plans and fees on the provider’s website before purchasing.
What you get for free
The free package prepares and files your formation documents and includes a year of registered agent service — you pay only the state fee.
That free first-year registered agent is genuinely rare at the $0 price point and is a real part of the appeal.
The upsell catch
EIN service, an operating agreement, expedited filing, and various bundles are paid, and the checkout flow nudges you toward them.
The interface and experience feel dated next to newer competitors, so set expectations accordingly.
Who it’s for
- Budget-focused U.S. founders who want the lowest upfront cost
- Owners who value a free first-year registered agent
- People comfortable declining checkout upsells
Who should look elsewhere
- Founders who want a modern, guided, polished experience
- Non-US founders (Northwest is usually a better fit)
Best for
Our verdict
On raw price, Inc Authority is hard to beat — free formation plus a free first-year registered agent. Expect heavy upsells and a dated interface; decline what you don’t need and it’s an excellent value for a straightforward filing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — the basic formation filing carries no service charge, so you pay only your state’s filing fee. Optional services like an EIN, operating agreement, and expedited filing cost extra.
Alternatives to consider
Compare all LLC formation servicesThis tool provides educational estimates and general guidance only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Always verify requirements with official government sources or consult a qualified professional before making decisions.