If you are ready to form your own LLC, you’re going to need a little help. I have recently been looking for the best way to go about this, and my research keeps pointing me back to IncFile. It’s one of those relatively new companies that has taken the industry by storm; even giving mainstays like LegalZoom a run for their money. And speaking of money, IncFile has some very reasonable pricing that makes them worthy of your consideration. So let’s jump right into my IncFile Review to see why they are so wildly popular.
IncFile Review
IncFile is the ultimate alternative for those who are on a tight budget. If you are trying to get an LLC off the ground for as little capital as possible, IncFile just became your new best friend. If you want to find out how it compares to other LLC registered agent services, check out our Legalzoom vs Incfile review.
Their plans are competitive and compelling, offering options that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
But for a company like IncFile to be a success, they are going to need more than great prices to justify their position as possibly the best LLC formation service. So, let’s start by talking about their pricing structure, and go from there.
If I Decide to Use IncFile, Which Package Should I Choose?
It would be foolish to discount IncFile’s incredible Silver Package. After all, it’s F-R-E-E! Seriously, how do you compete with that? If you have a basic understanding of the ins and outs of forming an LLC, the Silver Package is a great fit.
This plan is a no-frills approach that is very basic in its structure. It’s here to simply get your LLC formed. Looking for more assistance and features? All that glitters is gold, my friends. And IncFile has a nugget for you that is most affordable.
For just $149, the Gold Package provides you with a more comprehensive plan in getting your LLC started. This bargain gets you things like a Federal Tax Identification Number, IRS form, and a whole lot more.
Either of these two plans are great picks, depending on your personal needs. Both will get your LLC formed for a low cost; one just provides you with a lot more support than the other.
How Does IncFile Compare to Other LLC Services?
You can’t talk about LLC formation without including LegalZoom. They’ve been around a few more years than IncFile, and thus are a trusted and well-regarded name in the industry.
But when you start looking into LegalZoom – which is great in its own right, by the way – it becomes evident that IncFile is the more affordable of the two. Not only that, but they are so much more than great pricing. Rocket Lawyer is another comparable and trusted service you should take into consideration. Also, check out how ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom stack against each other.
IncFile amazed me with the incredible service they provide. You’re getting LLC formation that’s easy and straightforward. And regardless of your needs, there’s a package for everyone.
You’re never left without options, giving you plenty of choices to help you decide which plan is the best fit.
Does IncFile Offer Any Discounts?
As I’ve already mentioned, Inc File has a basic plan that is free. I don’t know how much more of a discount one could want. It’s important to note that you will still be required to pay whatever your state charges to file as a new business entity.
This isn’t something IncFile has any control over. Depending on where you live, you could be looking at $50 or $300. These are only a couple of state’s fees. Yours could be less or more.
Does IncFile Have Good Customer Support?
Affordable plans? Check. Excellent features? Check. Everything looks good so far. But what about IncFile customer service?
In trying to reach a support representative, I had a heck of a time getting through. It got to the point where I just decided to leave a message with my information.
To my surprise, I was contacted later on that same day. Wait times can be trying, but at least they are good about getting back in touch with you. And once they did, I was thoroughly pleased with their customer service.
That being said, it’s only fair to take into consideration that IncFile might not be working with a full staff right now. And if this many people are wanting to talk to them, IncFile must be doing something right.
Do They Have a Refund Policy?
They do, but there’s a window of time in which the refund needs to be completed. Once IncFile has submitted your state payment, you’re out of luck.
This usually takes place within the first 24 hours, so be sure to get right on your refund if you get cold feet immediately after signing up for IncFile’s services.
Oh, and you’ll be charged a cancellation fee to the tune of $30. Not exactly the friendliest of refund policies, but at least they have one should you decide to back out at the last minute.
Can I Form an LLC on My Own?
Absolutely. There are many how-to routes online that can point you in the right direction to starting an LLC on your own. But be warned, there’s a lot that goes into it. Be ready to give up a substantial chunk of your time and energy to make it happen.
When IncFile has a free package that includes support in getting your LLC formed, it seems kind of silly to go it alone. But, the option is there if that’s what you’ve resigned to doing.
You might have a really solid understanding of putting your LLC together. You might also have really good connections within your state for making it happen. Even then, you’re still going to be putting in a lot of unnecessary time.
You’d be better off taking advantage of the IncFile LLC know-how that’s yours for the choosing.
Should I Reserve My LLC Name Before Forming an LLC With IncFile?
It would be an unnecessary step, but almost every state has an option to reserve your LLC name beforehand if that’s what you want to do. This is really only a reasonable thing to do if you aren’t quite ready to form your LLC.
Maybe you have some loose ends to tie up before jumping into the formation process, or your state requires it. As long as you’re ready to go all-in and form your LLC with IncFile, you needn’t do anything prior to signing up.
IncFile will take care of your name as part of the normal formation. This means less work and hassle for you to worry about.
Does IncFile Handle New York Publication Requirements?
For those who don’t know, New York Publication Requirements are a necessary part of a new LLC formation (when formed anywhere in New York). This law requires you to have a notice published in two newspapers stating your new LLC.
Unfortunately, this isn’t something that IncFile handles for you. So it will be up to you to ensure that this notice is properly published within the allotted time frame (120 days of formation).
Fortunately, there are only two other states with similar publishing requirements: Arizona and Nebraska. If you live in one of these three states, it’s best to check with your local statutes to ensure that you are compliant with their regulations.
Does IncFile Share My Information With Third Parties?
The short answer would be, “It depends.” If this alarms you, don’t worry. You have to sign up for IncFile’s special offers in order for your personal information to be shared with any third parties.
For example, one such offer allows you to start a bank account with Bank of America. This, of course, is completely optional. Logically, your information would have to be shared if you were to set up a bank account.
But just forming an LLC through IncFile won’t see your personal information shared with other entities. If that were to happen, it would beg the question, is IncFile legit? I can safely say that their practices most certainly are.
Your information is shared only at your approval. There are other offers through IncFile besides the Bank of America one that would ultimately need to share your info. Just ignore these when they are presented and you will have nothing to worry about.
How Quickly Does IncFile Process LLC Formations?
Pretty quick, actually. As mentioned earlier, your information is processed within 24 hours. IncFile will promptly get your LLC formation moving through the proper channels shortly after you have signed up for their services.
However, the state in which you are forming your LLC might move slower than others. Thankfully, IncFile has contingencies in place that allow for faster processing times. These services cost extra, but they can make a big difference in overall wait time of your LLC formation.
Pricing
IncFile offers three pricing options, depending on your needs. I have so far mentioned all but one. Still, to get a better understanding of everything these plans entail, let’s take a closer look at each.
The Silver Package is free and provides basic help in getting your LLC formed. It comes with unlimited name searches, as well as prepares and files the Articles of Organization.
The Gold Package is $149 and provides you with your tax number, IRS form 2553, the operating agreement, lifetime alerts, unlimited email and phone support, a business banking account, and more.
The Platinum Package is $299 and provides you with expedited filing, FedEx delivery, business contract templates, everything included in the Gold Package, and your domain name and business email.
Each package includes a free IncFile registered agent for your first year, which is a big deal. Why is this important? LLCs are required to have a registered agent. After the year of free service is up, it will cost you $119 a year to retain an agent.
Another great perk of having this agent is that they use their address to receive your mail. As a new LLC, you’re going to get an influx of junk mail and special offers from outside sources. Your agent will act as a filter and send you only what is important.