Who Uses Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides business formation and registered agent services, which are typically utilized by individuals and businesses that are looking to start a new company or establish a legal presence in the United States.
The primary customer base of Inc Authority consists of entrepreneurs, startups, small business owners, and individuals who want to establish various types of entities, such as corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs).
Here are some characteristics of the customers who use the services of Inc Authority:
1. New Entrepreneurs: Inc Authority serves as a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs who are venturing into the business world for the first time. These individuals often lack the knowledge and experience of setting up a business and rely on the expertise and guidance provided by Inc Authority.
2. Small Business Owners: Established small business owners who want to expand their operations or change their business structure may turn to Inc Authority for assistance. They may need to form a new corporation or LLC to meet their evolving business needs.
3. Startups: Startups, particularly technology-based ventures, frequently seek the services of Inc Authority. These emerging companies need to establish a legal entity to protect their assets, attract investors, and lay a strong foundation for growth.
4. Freelancers and Independent Contractors: Self-employed individuals, such as freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors, may utilize Inc Authority’s services to create a legal entity for their business. This allows them to separate their personal and business finances while providing a more professional image to clients.
5. Individuals Expanding into the US Market: International entrepreneurs or companies looking to establish a presence in the United States often rely on business formation services like Inc Authority. These customers may need assistance with forming a US-based subsidiary or branch office.
6. Nonprofit Organizations: Inc Authority also caters to nonprofit organizations that need assistance in forming and registering as a tax-exempt entity. These organizations include charities, foundations, and other nonprofit entities.
Overall, the customers who use Inc Authority’s services vary in their backgrounds, industries, and goals. However, they all share a common need to navigate the complex process of business formation and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Inc Authority’s services provide a convenient and reliable solution for these customers to establish their businesses efficiently and effectively.
Inc Authority Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Inc Authority:
Pros:
1. Cost-Effective: Inc Authority offers a free business formation package, where customers only need to pay the required state fees. This can be a significant cost-saving benefit for entrepreneurs and small business owners on a tight budget.
2. Comprehensive Services: Inc Authority provides a range of services beyond business formation, including registered agent services, document preparation, and ongoing compliance support. This allows customers to handle multiple aspects of their business needs in one place.
3. User-Friendly Platform: Their online platform is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for customers to navigate and complete the necessary steps for business formation or compliance requirements.
4. Knowledge and Expertise: Inc Authority has a team of professionals who are well-versed in business formation and compliance regulations. They can provide guidance and assistance throughout the process, ensuring that customers meet the necessary legal requirements.
5. Positive Reputation: Inc Authority has generally received positive reviews from customers who have used their services. Their reputation within the industry suggests reliability and customer satisfaction.
Cons:
1. Upsells and Additional Fees: While Inc Authority offers a free business formation package, they do have optional upsells and additional services that come with associated fees. Customers should carefully review the pricing structure and be aware of any potential additional costs.
2. Limited Customer Support: Some customers have reported experiencing challenges with customer support, such as delays in response or difficulty reaching a representative. This can be frustrating for customers who require immediate assistance or have pressing questions.
3. State Limitations: Inc Authority’s services are primarily focused on the United States. If you are looking to form a business outside of the U.S., their services may not be suitable for your needs.
4. No Legal Advice: While Inc Authority can provide guidance on the business formation process and compliance requirements, they are not law firms and cannot offer legal advice. If you require legal advice specific to your situation, it is recommended to consult with a qualified attorney.
5. Limited Online Reviews: While Inc Authority has received generally positive reviews, there is a limited number of online reviews available compared to some of their competitors. This may make it more difficult to gauge customer experiences and feedback.
It’s important to note that the pros and cons mentioned above are based on general observations and customer feedback. Your individual experience with Inc Authority may vary, and it’s always a good idea to conduct your own research and carefully evaluate their services before making a decision.
Is Inc Authority Legit?
Yes, Inc Authority is a legitimate business formation and registered agent service provider. They have been in operation for several years and have helped thousands of individuals and businesses form their companies and handle their ongoing compliance requirements.
Inc Authority offers a range of services, including business formation, registered agent services, and assistance with filing necessary documents and paperwork with the appropriate state authorities. They provide a user-friendly online platform that guides customers through the process and ensures that all necessary steps are completed accurately and efficiently.
While it’s always a good idea to conduct your own research and due diligence before engaging with any service provider, Inc Authority has a positive reputation within the industry and has received generally favorable customer reviews. Their services have been used by a wide range of entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners, indicating their legitimacy and reliability as a service provider in the business formation space.
If you are considering using Inc Authority or any other similar service, it’s recommended to review their offerings, pricing, and customer feedback to determine if they align with your specific needs and preferences.
Inc Authority Pricing
Basic Services Free
Inc Authority will provide the following services free, but some may require payment to continue for a certain time.
- Check your business name. The search function of Inc Authority allows you to see which business names are available for your state. Business founders need to check whether any web domain names available could be suitable or supportive of their potential business names.
- Entity creation documents. In Authority will prepare documents such as an LLC’s articles and operating agreement, based on the information provided by customers. These documents will be filed with the appropriate state offices by the company on behalf of the customer.
- One-year registration as a registered agent. All types of businesses, including LLCs, must designate “registered agents” in the state where the business is being filed. This person, or often a service, is the official recipient of paperwork and legal documents for the business. Although LLC members can act as their own registered agents, there are many advantages to using a registered agent service. Inc Authority automatically registers for this role free of charge for a year. After that, it charges $200 per annum to continue. The service can be canceled before the end of the second year.
- INC CARE. In Authority offers free customer support to business owners via phone or email.
- Delivery and digital storage for LLC startup documents. The client portal stores digital copies of all important documents, including articles of organization and operating agreements.
- Consultation on tax planning. Inc Authority provides advice on how LLCs can possibly preserve more of their income.
- Funding and Credit Analysis for Businesses An Inc Authority expert can look at an LLC’s credit and financing needs and suggest possible solutions.
- Selection. In Authority provides free preparation of the SElection form ( Form 2553) and will file it with IRS if the LLC prefers S-corporation status. This optional tax classification comes with certain benefits and requirements.
Paid Services
Inc Authority provides services in the following areas for a nominal fee. Inc Authority does not advertise pricing; prices will vary depending on the details of each business.
Starter Business Bundle
This $369.95 service package is known as the “Intro Business Bundle”, Inc Authority’s most popular paid LLC formation product. The value breakdown of the package is as follows: a state filing costs $50, an operating agreement, an ownership certificate, and “separation papers” cost $300 and $19.95 shipping and handling fees.
Inc Authority offers various services between $10 and $200 as “free” perks. These include a year of registered agent support, an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and a tax consultation.
- Federal trademark. In Authority will assist you in searching trademark and other name databases. They will also connect you with a trademark specialist who will assemble your trademark and submit your application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Inc Authority can also monitor your trademark for possible infringements and alert you.
- Business credit. Customers have access to Inc Authority’s “multitiered credit building system”, its proprietary credit development software, and 90 days of assistance from a business credit coach. They also get a report from Dun & Bradstreet’s business credit reporting bureau.
- Business funding. Inc Authority offers assistance, connections to underwriters, and application filing to assist business owners looking for working capital. The eligibility requirements for funding include unsecured personal loans, credit cards, and credit lines.
- Business plans. In Authority will research, create, and edit a customized business plan for any company, including analysis and projections. The company offers a one-on-1 advisor to assist in the creation of a plan. This advisor is available for reviews, edits, and any other questions.
- Website and Marketing. This package includes a website and a marketing package. It also includes a private consultation with the web developer, full SEO (search engine optimization), access and support from a marketing specialist, 500 customized business cards, and a professionally designed logo.
- Revocable trust. Inc Authority can create a trust to assist customers in financial planning and legal forms. This allows the assets of a deceased person to be protected from probate.
Executive and Tycoon Business Bundles
These are no longer available on Inc Authority’s website. However, a call to the customer service number will reveal that other bundles include additional services. The Executive bundle contains everything in the Starter package plus website registration and access to a report on business licenses for your state.
The Tycoon bundle contains everything from the other packages but includes some additional bonuses. Express processing will be available to speed up your paperwork. BizCredit Express will also be available to you, which provides tools and resources to assist with your business credit building. You will receive 90 days of one-on-one business credit coaching. You can also register with Dun & Bradstreet for business credit reporting. However, a DUNS number costs nothing, and you mostly only pay for convenience.
Additional Benefits
The online client portal of Inc Authority makes it easy for customers returning to the company to access their services and resources. Inc Authority clients have access to free and paid customer support. The company’s blog offers useful information about business formation and legal issues relevant to small businesses.
Customers also benefit from Inc Authority’s Partner Offers, which offer discounts on services from partnering companies like ADP, Bank of America, and PayPal.
Fine Print
Like any other business that relies upon free products to attract customers, Inc Authority has strong incentives to encourage its users to purchase paid services options. It has information on its website to help users make informed decisions and have open dialogue with advisers and company representatives. Depending on your situation, some upgrades may be worth it.
However, LLC formation is relatively affordable and requires no paid services. To become an official, one must submit only the required filing fees to the state.
Inc Authority may charge for some services or include as a no extra-charge perk with bundled services. However, in some cases, customers simply pay for the convenience that the company completes a task.
This may not be obvious in Inc Authority materials. Customers might benefit from conducting research on LLC formation issues on their own to determine what actions are necessary and what steps are recommended by experts. Then, decide which actions should be delegated to professionals.
Inc Authority cannot offer any guarantees. All sales are final. This means that except for canceling a subscription to avoid future fees there is no refund on products or services. Inc Authority reserves all rights to modify monthly rates as long as customers are notified.
Inc Authority’s free services are virtually unrivaled in the marketplace. This makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to start up with the lowest possible start-up cost and not need support. Inc Authority’s competitors offer cheaper paid services packages than the “Starter Bundle”, which is roughly $369.95.
What do I need to do to get an LLC service?
An LLC service is not required for business owners to use. However, the fees must still be paid to the state and other entities for filing. Other costs will be incurred but the fees will be less than paying someone else. Business owners who are unable to file their own paperwork can use LLC services.
They can also access other legal services that could be of benefit to them. An experienced local lawyer can help you form an LLC. Although this service may be more expensive than an online one, it can still provide you with the opportunity to have a close relationship with someone who can assist you with many legal issues.
How can I get an EIN?
The IRS issues employee identification numbers and uses them for tax administration purposes. The EIN Assistant page of the IRS allows business founders to apply for one free. Inc Authority offers business formation services that include an EIN application service. However, customers need to remember that it is still free and simple to complete on their own.
Is Inc Authority reliable?
Although Inc Authority did not make our list of best LLC services, overall we consider it to be trustworthy. Depending on which review source, the company received different customer reviews about its trustworthiness and approval.
The Better Business Bureau gives the company an F because it failed to respond to two complaints, but the company does not have enough customer feedback to give a useful aggregate score. Trustpilot has over 10,000 Inc Authority reviews and awards the company a very high score, 4.8 out 5.