When starting a business, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right service to help you form your LLC or corporation. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which company offers the best value, customer service, and overall experience. One name that stands out in the business formation world is Incorporate.com. Having been around since 1899, it has a long history and a well-established reputation. But does that mean it’s the right choice for today’s entrepreneurs?

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore all the details you need to know about Incorporate.com, including their pricing, services, pros, cons, and how they stack up against other popular business formation services. By the end of this review, you should have a clear idea of whether Incorporate.com is worth your time and money.

What Is Incorporate.com?

Incorporate.com is a business formation service that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners establish their businesses legally. Whether you’re forming an LLC, a corporation, or a nonprofit, Incorporate.com offers various packages to help you get your company off the ground.

Their services include everything from preparing and filing your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation to offering a range of additional services like registered agent service, annual report filings, and more. In other words, Incorporate.com aims to provide a comprehensive solution to business formation, handling all the legal and administrative tasks so you can focus on growing your business.

With over a century of experience, Incorporate.com has formed over 750,000 businesses, making it one of the more experienced players in the business formation space. However, just because they’ve been around for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for your needs. Let’s break down their offerings and see if they live up to their reputation.

Incorporate.com Review Ratings

When evaluating any service, it’s important to look at a wide range of factors, such as customer support, pricing, ease of use, and turnaround times. Based on numerous user reviews and expert analysis, we’ve broken down Incorporate.com’s performance in these key areas.

Support – 4.6/5

One of the standout features of Incorporate.com is its customer support. Users consistently rate their support highly, with many noting that the staff is knowledgeable and responsive. You can reach them via phone or live chat, making it easy to get assistance when you need it most.

However, like any company, the quality of support can vary depending on the representative you’re dealing with. Some users have mentioned that they had a less-than-stellar experience with certain customer service agents, but these instances appear to be in the minority. Overall, the feedback about Incorporate.com’s support is quite positive.

Price – 4.3/5

Pricing is an area where Incorporate.com gets mixed reviews. While the base prices for their LLC formation packages start at $99 (excluding state fees), additional services quickly add up. For example, their registered agent service costs an extra $235 per year, which is on the higher end compared to some competitors.

Moreover, Incorporate.com offers several upsells, such as business licenses, operating agreements, and annual report filings. While these services can be useful, they can significantly increase the total cost of forming your business.

For entrepreneurs on a budget or those who prefer a more straightforward pricing structure, Incorporate.com’s pricing might feel a bit overwhelming. However, if you’re looking for a full suite of services and are willing to pay for premium offerings, the price might be justified.

Features – 4.4/5

Incorporate.com offers a robust set of features to help you form and maintain your business. Here’s a look at what’s included in their packages:

• Basic LLC Formation: Includes filing Articles of Organization with your state.
• Registered Agent Service: A mandatory add-on, charged at $235 per year.
• Operating Agreement Template: For LLCs, this template helps you define the structure and rules of your company.
• EIN Filing: Helps you obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
• Compliance Dashboard: Helps you stay on top of important filing dates and deadlines.

These features are standard for business formation services, but what sets Incorporate.com apart is the additional services it offers, such as business license research and corporate kits, which can help you maintain the legal standing of your business over time.

However, it’s important to note that many of these features are available as part of higher-tier packages or as add-ons. For those who want a more comprehensive service right out of the gate, Incorporate.com provides excellent options, but they do come at a price.

Turnaround – 4.4/5

Incorporate.com’s processing times are relatively fast, with most formations being completed within 2-3 business days. This is fairly standard in the industry, though some competitors offer expedited processing for a higher fee. Unfortunately, Incorporate.com does not provide an expedited processing option.

While most users are satisfied with the turnaround times, a few have mentioned that the process can be slower in some states, especially if additional documentation is required. Nonetheless, the majority of users report that Incorporate.com delivers on its promise to get your business up and running quickly.

User Ratings – 4.5/5

Overall, Incorporate.com receives solid reviews from users. Many customers praise the ease of use, the comprehensive services offered, and the professionalism of the staff. That being said, some users have complained about the upselling tactics and the lack of transparency regarding pricing.

Incorporate.com does a good job of offering a clear, step-by-step process for forming your business, but the additional services, such as registered agent service and annual report filings, are often bundled into packages, which can make it harder for users to understand the true cost of forming their business upfront.

Ease of Use – 4.5/5

The Incorporate.com website is straightforward and easy to navigate. Users find the process of forming a business simple and intuitive, with clear instructions for each step. This ease of use is a significant benefit for entrepreneurs who may be new to the business formation process.

However, as mentioned earlier, some of the more advanced features (like business licenses and compliance services) require additional purchases, which may feel a bit like hidden costs to some users. Nonetheless, the process itself is generally easy to follow.

LLC Service Features & Prices

Incorporate.com offers several packages for forming an LLC. The pricing starts at $99 for the basic package, but additional services can quickly increase the total cost. Here’s a breakdown of their main packages:

Starter Package ($99 + State Fees)

The Starter Package is the most basic option and includes everything you need to file your Articles of Organization with the state. It’s a good choice for those who just need the essentials and are on a tighter budget.

Essentials Package ($249 + State Fees)

The Essentials Package includes the Starter Package plus additional features like an Operating Agreement and EIN filing. This package is ideal for business owners who want to make sure they have the legal documents in place and avoid potential issues with the IRS.

The Works Package ($349 + State Fees)

The Works Package includes everything from the Essentials Package, plus additional perks like business license research and a corporate kit. This is the most comprehensive option and is recommended for entrepreneurs who want a more complete set of services.

Additionally, Incorporate.com offers several add-ons, including registered agent service ($235 per year), annual report filings ($150 per year), and other essential documents.

Additional Services

Incorporate.com offers a wide variety of additional services beyond LLC formation, including:

• S-Corp and C-Corp Registration
• Nonprofit Registration
• Business Licenses
• Operating Agreements
• Annual Report Filings
• Registered Agent Service ($235/year)
• Certificate of Good Standing ($70)
• Corporate Kits ($99)

These services add value for businesses looking to maintain compliance and ensure everything is in order throughout the life of the business. However, they can quickly add up, which is worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.

Benefits of Using Incorporate.com

• Long-Standing Reputation: With over 100 years of experience, Incorporate.com has built a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy service provider.
• Comprehensive Service Offering: From business formation to ongoing compliance, Incorporate.com offers a full range of services to help you get and keep your business in good standing.
• Helpful Customer Support: The customer service team is knowledgeable and responsive, helping you navigate the often-complicated world of business formation.

Downsides of Using Incorporate.com

• Higher Pricing: Incorporate.com’s services are more expensive than some competitors, particularly when it comes to additional features like registered agent services.
• Mandatory Add-Ons: Many of the useful services come with additional costs, which can add up quickly. The registered agent service, in particular, is mandatory for LLC formations.
• Upselling: Some users have complained about the upselling tactics, where they were encouraged to purchase additional services that they didn’t necessarily need.

Who Should Hire Incorporate.com?

Incorporate.com is best suited for entrepreneurs who are looking for a comprehensive business formation service and are willing to pay a premium for it. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop with a lot of additional services and don’t mind paying for convenience, Incorporate.com could be a great fit.

However, if you’re more budget-conscious or looking for a service with more transparent pricing, you might want to consider other options. Services like ZenBusiness or Northwest Registered Agent may offer similar services at a more affordable price point.

Other User Testimonials

Many users report having a positive experience with Incorporate.com, praising the ease of use and the wide range of services available. However, some complaints revolve around pricing transparency, upselling, and the mandatory registered agent service.

Comparison To Other Services

Incorporate.com stands out for its comprehensive services, but it comes at a higher price. ZenBusiness offers more affordable plans with similar features, including a free year of registered agent service. Northwest Registered Agent focuses on privacy and customer service but at a premium price. Bizee (formerly Incfile) provides a budget-friendly option with basic services included.

ZenBusiness

• Pricing: Starts at $39 + state fees
• Registered Agent Service: Included for the first year
• Features: Offers a comprehensive set of features at a lower cost

ZenBusiness is often seen as a more affordable and user-friendly alternative to Incorporate.com, especially for new entrepreneurs on a budget.

Northwest Registered Agent

• Pricing: Starts at $225 + state fees
• Registered Agent Service: Included for the first year
• Features: Known for excellent customer service and privacy protection

Northwest Registered Agent is a more premium option, with a focus on customer service and privacy, but it comes at a higher price point.

Bizee (Formerly Incfile)

• Pricing: Free for the first year + state fees
• Registered Agent Service: Free for the first year
• Features: Offers a similar set of features at a lower cost

Bizee offers a more budget-friendly option for business formation and is known for its simplicity and affordability.

Verdict on Incorporate.com

Incorporate.com is a solid choice for entrepreneurs who value a comprehensive service with a long-standing reputation. However, its pricing structure, particularly the additional fees for services like registered agent service, can be a turnoff for those on a budget. If you’re willing to invest in a more premium service and need a range of additional features, Incorporate.com may be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for something more affordable and transparent, you might want to explore alternatives like ZenBusiness or Northwest Registered Agent.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the costs against the value you’ll receive.

FAQ’s

Is Incorporate.com Legit?

Yes, Incorporate.com is a legitimate company with over a century of experience in business formation.

Can I Use My Own Registered Agent with Incorporate.com?

No, Incorporate.com requires you to use their registered agent service, which costs $235 per year.

Are There Any Hidden Fees?

Some users have reported unexpected charges for services not clearly outlined during the sign-up process.