Starting a business is an exciting yet challenging endeavor, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this journey is how to legally structure your business. For many entrepreneurs, the first step is incorporating their business—whether it’s forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. There are various services available that can help you with this process, and one popular option is Direct Incorporation.
But is Direct Incorporation a legitimate service? Does it deliver on its promises? What should you expect when using their services? In this review, we will explore everything you need to know about Direct Incorporation, including its features, pricing, customer support, and how it compares to other incorporation services.
What Is Direct Incorporation?
Direct Incorporation is an online service that helps entrepreneurs set up LLCs, corporations, and other business structures. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company has built a strong reputation in the business formation industry, having helped over 80,000 clients establish their companies.
The company offers a variety of services to help new business owners, including:
- Incorporation Services: This includes filing the necessary paperwork to establish your LLC or corporation.
- Registered Agent Services: A registered agent is someone who acts as your business’s official point of contact with the state and receives legal documents on behalf of the business.
- EIN (Employer Identification Number): Direct Incorporation helps you obtain an EIN, which is essential for tax reporting purposes.
- Compliance Assistance: They provide ongoing services to ensure that your business stays compliant with state laws.
- Additional Services: Depending on the package, they offer features like website design, logo creation, and trademark protection.
If you’re looking to start a business but don’t have the time or expertise to navigate the complexities of incorporation, Direct Incorporation could be the service you need to simplify the process.
Direct Incorporation Review Ratings
Let’s break down the various aspects of Direct Incorporation’s services to give you a clearer picture of what to expect. Here’s how the company stacks up across different categories:
Support – 4.7/5
When it comes to customer support, Direct Incorporation receives strong ratings from its customers. Reviews consistently praise their responsive and helpful support team, which is available via phone and email. Many users appreciate the ease with which they can get assistance with any issues that arise during the incorporation process.
However, some negative reviews suggest that while the support team is generally knowledgeable, there can sometimes be delays in response time, especially during peak business hours. But overall, the company’s customer support seems to be one of its strong suits.
Price – 4.6/5
Direct Incorporation’s pricing is generally considered reasonable, though it’s on the higher end compared to some competitors. Their pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees, which is always a plus for new business owners. The company offers three main packages:
- Standard Package: Priced at $174 plus state fees, this package includes everything you need to form an LLC or corporation, including the preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation, a preliminary name check, and six months of registered agent service.
- Premier Package: For $297 plus state fees, this package includes everything in the Standard Package, plus additional features like a corporate records binder, stock certificates, and an operating agreement.
- Elite Package: The Elite Package costs $429 plus state fees and includes everything from the Premier Package, as well as an embossed seal and more legal resources.
For those looking for a more comprehensive business formation package, there is the Venture Package, which costs $873 plus state fees. This package includes premium services such as website design and trademark protection.
While these prices are certainly not the lowest available, they are competitive for the quality of services offered.
Features – 4.5/5
Direct Incorporation offers a comprehensive suite of features, particularly in its higher-tier packages. With options like website design, logo creation, and trademark protection, the company provides more than just the basic incorporation services.
One standout feature is their Registered Agent Service, which is included in most packages for at least six months. This is important for entrepreneurs who want to ensure their business remains compliant with state regulations. Additionally, Direct Incorporation offers Compliance Alerts, which notify you about important filing deadlines to help keep your business in good standing.
The additional services, such as logo design and trademark protection, make Direct Incorporation an attractive option for entrepreneurs who need a little extra help establishing their brand and legal protections.
Turnaround – 4.6/5
Direct Incorporation has a relatively fast turnaround time compared to many of its competitors. Most users report that their LLC or corporation is formed within 1-3 business days after submitting the necessary paperwork. This is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who want to get their business up and running quickly.
Additionally, Direct Incorporation promises to handle all filings promptly, which is especially important if you’re working with tight deadlines. If you need an expedited service, you may be able to request a faster processing time, though additional fees may apply.
User Ratings – 4.6/5
Customer reviews of Direct Incorporation are overwhelmingly positive. Many users have shared their experiences online, highlighting the ease of use, the thoroughness of the service, and the helpfulness of the customer support team. Users appreciate the convenience of having all business formation needs handled in one place.
On the other hand, there are a few complaints about the cost, with some customers feeling that the higher-tier packages don’t always justify the extra expense. Nevertheless, the majority of users are satisfied with the value they receive from Direct Incorporation.
Ease of Use – 4.6/5
Direct Incorporation is known for its user-friendly website and straightforward process. The website is designed to guide you through each step of the incorporation process, and the forms are easy to fill out. There’s little need for legal expertise—everything is laid out in a simple, easy-to-follow manner.
The incorporation process is also quick, which is another reason why so many customers rate the service highly for ease of use.
LLC Service Features & Prices
Let’s take a closer look at the packages offered by Direct Incorporation:
Standard Package
- Cost: $174 + state fees
- Includes:
- Articles of Incorporation/Organization filing
- Preliminary name check
- Six months of registered agent service
- A digital copy of the formation documents
- Ongoing compliance alerts
This package is a great starting point for those who just need the basics to get their business formed.
Premier Package
- Cost: $297 + state fees
- Includes:
- Everything in the Standard Package
- Corporate records binder
- Stock certificates
- Operating agreement
- Personalized customer support
This package is ideal for businesses that need a little more than the basics, offering additional resources for legal and organizational needs.
Elite Package
- Cost: $429 + state fees
- Includes:
- Everything in the Premier Package
- Embossed seal
- Additional legal resources
- Premium customer support
This package is designed for entrepreneurs who want everything in one bundle, including the added touch of a custom seal and access to advanced legal resources.
Venture Package
- Cost: $873 + state fees
- Includes:
- Everything in the Elite Package
- Website design
- Trademark protection
For those starting a business with a significant budget, the Venture Package offers a complete business solution that includes not only legal formation services but also branding and protection.
Additional Services
In addition to their basic incorporation services, Direct Incorporation offers several additional services that may be beneficial for new business owners:
- Website Design: Having a professional website is essential for most businesses today. Direct Incorporation can create a custom website for your company, saving you time and effort.
- Logo Design: A well-designed logo is a vital part of your company’s brand identity. Direct Incorporation offers logo design services to help establish your brand.
- Trademark Protection: Protect your business name and logo with trademark registration, ensuring that no one else can legally use your brand identity.
These services are available with the higher-tier packages, making them ideal for entrepreneurs who want a comprehensive solution.
Benefits of Using Direct Incorporation
There are several advantages to using Direct Incorporation’s services:
- Comprehensive Services: Direct Incorporation provides a one-stop shop for business formation and legal services, including additional features like website design and trademark protection.
- Fast Turnaround: Most customers report that their business is formed within just a few days, making Direct Incorporation one of the quicker services available.
- Experienced Team: With over two decades of experience, Direct Incorporation has built a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
- Ease of Use: The process is straightforward and designed to be user-friendly, so even those without legal expertise can navigate the steps.
Downsides
No service is perfect, and Direct Incorporation has a few drawbacks:
- Higher Pricing: Direct Incorporation’s pricing is on the higher side compared to some of its competitors, such as ZenBusiness or Incfile.
- Occasional Customer Service Delays: Some users have reported delays in customer service response times, especially during busy periods.
- No BBB Accreditation: Direct Incorporation is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which may be a concern for some customers looking for extra assurance.
Who Should Hire Direct Incorporation?
Direct Incorporation is a great option for business owners who want a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of business formation, from the initial filing to trademark protection. It’s ideal for those who need help with more than just the basics and are willing to invest in additional services like website design and legal resources.
It’s also well-suited for entrepreneurs who prefer a fast, straightforward process and want a service that takes care of everything without requiring them to spend a lot of time researching or filing documents themselves.
Other User Testimonials
Here’s a glimpse of what some other users have had to say about Direct Incorporation:
“I used Direct Incorporation to form my LLC, and I couldn’t be happier with the process. The website was easy to navigate, and the customer service team was there to assist me every step of the way.” – Rachel T., business owner
“I had a rough experience with Direct Incorporation. The team took longer than expected to respond to my questions, and I was charged additional fees that I didn’t know about.” – Mark D., entrepreneur
Comparison To Other Services
Let’s now compare Direct Incorporation to some of its competitors in the business formation industry.
ZenBusiness
- Pricing: Starts at $0 for the basic package, plus state fees
- Features: Includes a free business formation service, ongoing compliance assistance, and registered agent services
- Customer Reviews: ZenBusiness is known for its affordability and ease of use. It receives mostly positive reviews and is one of the most popular services available.
Northwest Registered Agent
- Pricing: Starts at $29 per year, plus state fees
- Features: Offers privacy protection and excellent customer service
- Customer Reviews: Known for its focus on customer support, Northwest Registered Agent receives high ratings from its customers, although it doesn’t offer as many additional services as Direct Incorporation.
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
- Pricing: Offers a free package, plus state fees
- Features: Includes a year of free registered agent service and other business formation tools
- Customer Reviews: Bizee is popular for its low cost and efficiency, but some customers have noted that the customer service isn’t as comprehensive as other providers.
Verdict on Direct Incorporation
Direct Incorporation is a solid choice for entrepreneurs looking to form an LLC or corporation. With a range of packages to suit different needs, excellent customer support, and fast turnaround times, it’s a reliable and comprehensive option for business owners. However, the pricing might not be the most competitive, and there have been occasional concerns about customer service delays.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-inclusive service with the option to add extra services like website design and trademark protection, Direct Incorporation may be a great choice for you. If you’re on a tighter budget, you might want to explore other options like ZenBusiness or Incfile. Ultimately, it’s about finding the service that best fits your business needs and budget.
FAQ’s
What is Direct Incorporation and how does it help with business formation?
Direct Incorporation is an online service that helps entrepreneurs incorporate their businesses by filing LLCs and corporations. They handle the paperwork, offer registered agent services, and provide additional features like EIN acquisition and trademark protection.
How much does Direct Incorporation cost?
Direct Incorporation offers several pricing tiers, with the basic package starting at $174 plus state fees. They also provide higher-tier packages that include additional services, such as website design and trademark protection, ranging up to $873 plus state fees.
Is Direct Incorporation a legitimate company?
Yes, Direct Incorporation is a legitimate and reputable company that has been in business since 2003. It has helped over 80,000 clients form LLCs and corporations across the United States.
How fast can I expect my LLC or corporation to be formed with Direct Incorporation?
Direct Incorporation typically processes business formation documents within 1-3 business days. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.
What customer support options does Direct Incorporation offer?
Direct Incorporation offers customer support via phone and email. Reviews indicate that the support team is generally helpful and responsive, though there may be occasional delays during peak times.