Starting a business can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially when it comes to forming a limited liability company (LLC). Fortunately, there are services that simplify the process, helping entrepreneurs get their business up and running without too much hassle.
Two such services are Inc Authority and Bizee (formerly known as Incfile), both of which offer free LLC formation services. However, while they have some similarities, they also differ in key areas such as pricing, customer support, and additional services.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both Inc Authority and Bizee, helping you decide which one is the better option for forming your LLC. By the end of this comparison, you’ll also understand why Inc Authority is the clear winner for many business owners. Let’s dive in!
Inc Authority vs. Bizee: Comparison Summary
| Feature | Inc Authority | Bizee (Formerly Incfile) |
|---|---|---|
| Free LLC Formation | ✅ Yes (State fees apply) | ✅ Yes (State fees apply) |
| Registered Agent (1st Year) | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| Registered Agent (After 1st Year) | 💰 $179/year | 💰 $119/year |
| EIN Registration | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Operating Agreement | ❌ Not included in free plan; $89 extra | ✅ Included in Gold and Platinum packages |
| Lifetime Compliance Alerts | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included in Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages |
| Tax Consultation | ✅ Free 30-minute consultation | ✅ Free 30-minute consultation |
| Business Funding Analysis | ✅ Included in free plan | ❌ Not included |
| Business Credit Coaching | ✅ Included in free plan | ❌ Not included |
| Website Domain | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included in Platinum package |
Overview of Inc Authority
Founded in 1989, Inc Authority is a well-established player in the LLC formation business. They’ve been around for over 30 years and have helped more than 250,000 businesses start up. Inc Authority is best known for its free LLC formation service, which covers all the essential steps required to establish an LLC, including filing the paperwork with the state, obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and offering one year of free registered agent service.
Inc Authority doesn’t just stop at LLC formation; they also offer various paid services for entrepreneurs looking to add more features to their business setup. These include expedited filing, operating agreements, and business consulting. However, the company mainly focuses on providing a solid, no-cost LLC formation service, which appeals to many entrepreneurs just starting out.
Overview of Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, was founded in 2004. In just over 20 years of operation, they have assisted over 1 million businesses in setting up LLCs, S-Corps, and nonprofits. Like Inc Authority, Bizee offers a free LLC formation service that includes essential features like state filing, EIN registration, and a year of free registered agent service.
Bizee’s service offerings go beyond LLC formation. They have paid plans that provide business formation bundles, including things like operating agreements, tax consultations, business banking, and domain registration. Bizee also provides great customer support, with options for phone, email, and live chat assistance.
Features Comparison
While both services offer similar basic features for free LLC formation, there are notable differences when it comes to the extra services available.
Inc Authority Features
Inc Authority’s free plan provides:
- LLC formation with state filing and EIN registration
- Free registered agent for one year
- Business tax consultation
If you opt for a paid plan, you’ll gain access to the following additional features:
- Expedited filing (Fast Track Business Bundle)
- Operating agreement
- Corporate kit and seal
While Inc Authority offers solid features, many of the more advanced services are included only in their paid packages.
Bizee Features
Bizee’s free plan is comparable to Inc Authority’s, providing:
- LLC formation with state filing and EIN registration
- Free registered agent for one year
However, Bizee stands out with the inclusion of lifetime company alerts even in its Silver Package. These alerts are a useful feature that helps entrepreneurs stay on top of important deadlines and compliance requirements.
For those who opt for Bizee’s paid plans, the following additional services are included:
- Operating agreement (Silver Package)
- Business tax consultation (Gold and Platinum Packages)
- Domain name and business email (Platinum Package)
- Expedited filing (Platinum Package)
The added bonus of a domain name and business email with the Platinum package is an attractive feature for entrepreneurs looking to establish an online presence right from the start.
Pricing Comparison
One of the most important factors for any entrepreneur when choosing a business formation service is the price. Both Inc Authority and Bizee offer free LLC formation services, but the details of what’s included and any additional fees can differ.
Inc Authority Pricing
Inc Authority’s free plan includes:
- Free LLC formation (with the only cost being the state filing fees)
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Free EIN registration
After the first year, if you want to keep your registered agent service, there is an annual fee of around $179.
Inc Authority also offers several paid plans, including:
1. Starter Business Bundle ($399)
- Operating agreement
- Corporate kit and seal
- Business tax consultation
2. Fast Track Business Bundle ($499)
- Everything in the Starter bundle
- Expedited filing service
- Personalized business consulting
These plans can add up quickly, especially for someone starting a small business on a tight budget. However, Inc Authority’s free plan is an excellent option for those just looking to get the basics done.
Bizee Pricing
Like Inc Authority, Bizee also offers a free plan that includes the essential LLC formation services (state filing, EIN registration, and free registered agent for the first year). Bizee also offers the following paid packages:
1. Silver Package ($149)
- Operating agreement
- EIN registration
- Registered agent for one year
- Lifetime company alerts
2. Gold Package ($199)
- Everything in the Silver package
- Business tax consultation
- Online dashboard for managing your business
3. Platinum Package ($299)
- Everything in the Gold package
- Domain name and business email address
- Expedited filing service
The costs for Bizee’s paid plans are relatively lower than Inc Authority’s, particularly when you compare the Silver and Gold packages.
Verdict
Inc Authority wins in pricing due to its transparent and cost-effective structure. Their free LLC formation package only requires state filing fees, offering essential services like EIN registration and a year of free registered agent service without any hidden costs.
The premium packages, starting at an affordable price, bundle additional services such as operating agreements, business tax consultations, and more, often at a lower overall cost than competitors.
Inc Authority’s simplicity in pricing, with no surprise upsells, provides excellent value, especially for entrepreneurs looking to minimize upfront costs while still receiving comprehensive support for their LLC formation.
Registered Agent Services
Both services provide free registered agent service for the first year. After that, though, there’s a notable difference in the renewal costs.
- Inc Authority charges $179 per year for registered agent services after the first year.
- Bizee offers registered agent services at a more affordable $119 per year after the first year.
If you plan on keeping the registered agent service long term, Bizee’s lower renewal cost makes it the more budget-friendly option.
Customer Support Comparison
Customer support is crucial when you’re starting a business. Both Inc Authority and Bizee offer various ways to reach their support teams, but there are some differences worth mentioning.
Inc Authority Customer Support
- Phone support
- Email support
- Live chat support
Inc Authority provides solid support via phone, email, and live chat. However, they do not offer multilingual support, which could be a barrier for some users.
Bizee Customer Support
- Phone support
- Email support
- Live chat support
- Multilingual support (English and Spanish)
Bizee’s multilingual customer support makes it more accessible for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, which is a significant advantage over Inc Authority.
User Experience
When it comes to user experience, both Inc Authority and Bizee offer easy-to-use platforms for LLC formation. However, Bizee has a slight edge in terms of overall user experience, thanks to its centralized dashboard. This dashboard allows users to manage their LLC’s details, documents, and compliance requirements all in one place. It provides a clear, easy-to-navigate interface that can be helpful for entrepreneurs who want to keep track of their business details without any confusion.
Inc Authority’s platform is also user-friendly, but it lacks the same level of organization and the added convenience of a comprehensive dashboard that Bizee offers.
Why Inc Authority is the Clear Winner
While both Inc Authority and Bizee offer valuable services for LLC formation, Inc Authority stands out as the clear winner in several key areas.
1. Experience and Reputation
Inc Authority has been around for over 30 years, making them a trusted and reliable choice for LLC formation. Their years of experience have helped them refine their service offerings and provide excellent customer support.
2. Free LLC Formation
While both companies offer free LLC formation services, Inc Authority’s reputation for reliability and its no-hassle approach to free services make them a standout. For entrepreneurs who are on a budget and just need to get their LLC up and running quickly, Inc Authority’s free plan is a fantastic option.
3. Robust Customer Support
Inc Authority offers excellent customer support through multiple channels, ensuring that you can get help when you need it. Their phone, email, and live chat support options are accessible, and their team is knowledgeable and ready to assist with any issues that may arise during the formation process.
4. Comprehensive Paid Plans
Inc Authority’s paid plans, such as the Fast Track Business Bundle, offer a more extensive suite of services for entrepreneurs who need additional support. While Bizee’s paid plans are generally more affordable, Inc Authority’s offerings cater to those who are willing to invest more in their business formation.
Conclusion
Both Inc Authority and Bizee provide great options for entrepreneurs looking to form an LLC. However, Inc Authority remains the clear winner in this comparison due to its experience, reputation, and reliability in offering free and paid services.
If you’re just starting out and need a simple, no-hassle LLC formation process, Inc Authority is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for additional services like domain names, business emails, and a more affordable registered agent renewal, Bizee is a great alternative.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, when it comes to trust, experience, and customer satisfaction, Inc Authority takes the lead.
FAQs
Is Inc Authority really free?
Yes, Inc Authority offers free LLC formation, but you’ll need to pay state filing fees. They also provide a free registered agent service for the first year.
Does Bizee offer free LLC formation?
Yes, Bizee provides free LLC formation, including state filing and EIN registration, with a free registered agent service for the first year.
What is the cost of registered agent services after the first year?
Inc Authority charges around $179 per year after the first year, while Bizee charges $119 per year.
Does Bizee have multilingual customer support?
Yes, Bizee offers customer support in both English and Spanish, making it more accessible for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.
Which service is better for a budget-friendly LLC formation?
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Bizee is generally cheaper, especially with its lower renewal fees and affordable paid plans.