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Our take

Incfile offers LLC formation packages that can help you start a business for as little as $0, plus state fees. Their add-on pricing can be difficult to navigate, but Incfile’s customers give the company excellent ratings.

Pros

  • Plans start at $0.
  • Excellent customer reviews.
  • Live chat and phone support.

Cons

  • Pricing structure can be confusing.
  • Registered agent service is $119 after the first year.
  • No app.

Incfile is an online business formation service that can help you form an S Corporation, C Corporation,  nonprofit or limited liability company (LLC). Their LLC packages range from $0 to $299 (not including state fees) and customers can choose from a long list of paid add-ons to customize each package.

Incfile’s free package includes several of the services you may need to form your LLC, including:

  • Business name search.
  • Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization.
  • Registered agent service ($119 after the first year).

For an Operating Agreement or an Employee Identification Number (EIN), you’ll have to spring for a paid package or an add-on, but the EIN may not be a deal-breaker. 

“EIN applications are certainly an added bonus, though they are easy enough to do for free on your own directly through the IRS,” says Matthew K. Pelkey, program director at the Entrepreneurship Law Center at University at Buffalo.

Incfile overview and facts

Incfile is based in Houston, Texas, and was founded in 2004. Like other LLC services, their primary service is filing documents to help clients form businesses. But unlike some competitors, Incfile provides a long list of add-on services to your LLC formation package, including:

  • Website domains. 
  • Accounting and bookkeeping services.
  • Business insurance.
  • Business banking accounts.

Incfile’s customers give the company high marks. On Trustpilot, Incfile has 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 9,455 reviews, many of which refer to how easy Incfile is to use and the quality of their customer service. 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Incfile 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 2,106 customer reviews, despite having received 273 complaints in the last three years. Recent comments submitted to the BBB almost unanimously refer to how helpful Incfile’s customer service representatives are.

Incfile LLC plans and pricing

Incfile’s LLC plans
CompanyPricing (not including state fees)Registered agent servicesArticles of organizationEINOperating agreement
Silver Package$0Free (first year)XX
Gold Package$199Free (first year)X
Platinum Package$299Free (first year)

If you’re looking for a free LLC formation package, you’ll have several companies to choose from. 

Just like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom and Active Filings, Incfile offers packages that start at $0 (plus state fees). There is, however, a $119 fee for the registered agent service after the first year. By comparison, Active filings’ charges $99 after the first year.

According to Pelkey, the value of the registered agent service and some other features can depend on your state’s requirements. “Typically if you live in the state of your incorporation, having a registered agent is not required so it will end up being an unnecessary cost each year,” he says.

Like other business formation services, you’ll have to choose one of Incfile’s paid plans or buy add-ons if you want a comprehensive suite of LLC formation services, or if you’re looking for access to legal or tax advising. But unlike some competitors, Incfile’s pricier packages deliver higher value. The higher the cost of the package, the faster and more high-touch their services will be. 

Silver package

According to Incfile, the Silver Package is best suited to clients who need “minimal support and service.” This package costs $0 plus state fees, which can range from $50 to around $1,000 depending on your state. You’ll also have to pay a $119 fee if you wish to retain the registered agent service after the first year.

Incfile’s Silver Package includes the following services:

  • Business name search.
  • Preparation and filing of your Articles of Organization.
  • Registered agent service (free for the first year).
  • Live chat and phone support.

This free plan does not include an Operating Agreement or EIN, but an EIN can be added on for $70.

Gold package

Incfile recommends the Gold Package for anyone who needs “moderate assistance” with forming their business. The website values this plan at $385 but customers will pay $199, plus state fees.

The Gold Package from Incfile includes all of the benefits of the Silver Package, plus expedited processing and access to limited tax advising. Additional services that you’ll get when you upgrade from the Silver Package include:

  • Business paperwork is filed within one business day.
  • Tracking of your business filing status.
  • EIN.
  • Operating Agreement and Bylaws templates.
  • 30-minute consultation with a tax expert.

Annual report service is not included in this package but it can be added on for $99 a year.

Platinum package

Incfile’s most comprehensive plan, the Platinum Package, costs $299 plus state fees. According to Incfile, this package is the best choice for customers who need “full, ongoing support and service.”

When you opt for Incfile’s Platinum Package, you’ll get these additional services that don’t come with Silver or Gold: 

  • Business banking account.
  • Operating Agreement.
  • Business website and domain name.
  • Expedited filing.
  • Lifetime customer support.

Expedited filing could be particularly valuable depending on where you live. According to Incfile, the normal processing time in many states is three weeks, however, some states can be much longer, such as Delaware (9 weeks) and Pennsylvania (12 weeks). With expedited filing, you could cut that timeframe down from weeks to just a few days.

Incfile add-ons and optional features

Incfile stands out against competitors for its long list of add-ons that can tailor your LLC formation package. 

While customers may be pleased with all of the available options, it can be difficult to navigate pricing. That’s because some add-ons are available to every customer, while some are available based on your package.

Any customer can purchase annual report filing for $99, or expedited filing  ($50 to $152 depending on your state) and depending on your package, other available add-ons may include web services, professional support, business insurance and business banking accounts.

Silver package add-ons

Customers who use the Silver Package can add on a variety of the services that come with Incfile’s higher paid packages, including:

  • EIN  ($70).
  • Business contract templates ($150).
  • Operating Agreement. 
  • Business tax consultation.
  • Business contract templates.
  • Business website and domain name.

Gold package add-ons

For Gold Package customers, the available add-ons extend beyond LLC formation services. They include:

  • Web domain and design support.
  • Business insurance.
  • Business bank account.
  • Accounting/bookkeeping services.

Incfile customer support and experience

There are multiple  ways to reach Incfile for customer support. Phone support is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST at 1-888-462-3453. You can leave a message after business hours and Incfile will likely return your call the following business day.

Chat support is only available for customers, but you can submit a question or a support request online and Incfile strives to respond within 24 to 48 hours during business hours.

Incfile vs. LegalZoom

Incfile vs. LegalZoom
CompanyFree planRegistered agent serviceAnnual reportWebsite includedArticles of organization
IncfileFree (first year), $119 (renewal)$99X
LegalZoom$299$99 plus filing feesX

If you’re looking for a cost-effective package, Incfile could be a better choice than LegalZoom. While both companies offer $0 plans, only Incfile’s plan includes the preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, as well as free registered agent services for the first year. 

Conversely,  LegalZoom provides a complimentary Wix website with its free plan. LegalZoom also offers refunds for up to 60 days, while Incfile customers may have difficulties getting their money back. 

Incfile vs. ZenBusiness

Incfile vs. ZenBusiness
CompanyFree planRegistered agent serviceOperating agreementExpedited filingMobile app
IncfileYes$119Cost not disclosed$50+X
ZenBusinessYes$199$99+Included in $199 per year Pro plan

For LLC formation, Incfile may be a better choice than ZenBusiness. Unlike Incfile, ZenBusiness charges a fee for each of the following services:

  • Business name search.
  • First year of registered agent services.

ZenBusiness does, however, include business expense and deduction tracking in its $0 package and one year of its worry-free compliance service (renews at $199 after first year).  This service sends alerts to notify you of upcoming filing deadlines and gives you one free annual report filing. While it doesn’t help with business formation, it can be valuable when it comes to preparing your taxes and maintaining your LLC’s good standing. By comparison, QuickBooks charges a minimum of  $15 a month for a similar expense management service.

Is Incfile right for your business?

Incfile can be a great option for any business that needs basic LLC formation services. Their $0 package includes several of the features that your business may need to get started. If you need something extra, Incfile offers a variety of add-ons, with fees that are lower than some of their competitors. Incfile also rates well with customers and their higher-tier packages are reasonably priced for the value they offer.

Methodology: Why you can trust us

We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses. We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with stand-out features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. Our methodology is thorough, so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the Best LLC Services of 2023.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Incfile offers three different formation packages that can all help you start your LLC. Depending on your needs, you could get all of the features you want  for as little as $0 plus state fees, including preparation and filing of your Articles of Organization.

Unlike some other formation services, Incfile does not offer a worry-free annual compliance guarantee. If you’d like to purchase annual report filing services, they’re available as an add-on for $99.

Incfile boasts that it does not have any hidden costs. Their add-on prices can be difficult to locate, however, and with the $0 package, you’ll have to pay $119 if you want to retain the registered agent service after the first year.

It can be challenging to get a refund from Incfile. Orders are refundable until payment is forwarded to the state, which typically happens within 24 hours. Incfile also charges a $30.00 cancellation fee and will not refund any expenses that have already been paid or incurred. If you would like to cancel or change an order you can email support@incfile.com.

 

Incfile offers formation services for LLCs, S Corporations, and C Corporations, and these services are available for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. You can also purchase add-on services from Incfile, including web domains, business insurance, business bank accounts and accounting, and bookkeeping services.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Sarah Brady

BLUEPRINT

Sarah Brady is a personal finance writer and educator who's been helping individuals and entrepreneurs improve their financial wellness since 2013. Sarah's other publications include Investopedia, Experian, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), Credit Karma and LendingTree and her work has been syndicated by Yahoo! News and MSN. She is also a former HUD-Certified Housing Counselor and NFCC-Certified Credit Counselor.

Bryce Colburn

BLUEPRINT

Bryce Colburn is a USA TODAY Blueprint small business editor with a history of helping startups and small firms nationwide grow their business. He has worked as a freelance writer, digital marketing professional and business-to-business (B2B) editor at U.S. News and World Report, gaining a strong understanding of the challenges businesses face. Bryce is enthusiastic about helping businesses make the best decisions for their company and specializes in reviewing business software and services. His expertise includes topics such as credit card processing companies, payroll software, company formation services and virtual private networks (VPNs).