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Incfile Review 2022: Is Incfile Right for Your Business?
There are many companies that provide business formation services, but Incfile has separated itself as a leader in this highly competitive industry.
In this Incfile review, we outline the company’s services, rates, and customer satisfaction ratings.
Keep these factors in mind when considering whether to use its services to form an LLC.
Incfile Review: Quick Background InfoTEST
Incfile is a popular business formation website headquartered in Houston that helps you form an LLC quickly and efficiently.
It has created more than 500,000 businesses since it opened in 2004.
Incfile Review: The Company’s Assistance with LLCs and Incorporations
There are a number of Incfile review posts on the web, but we have found much of the available information to be incomplete.
Our goal with this Incfile review is to provide all of the information needed for you to make a decision about which LLC formation service platform is best for you.
Incfile Review: Pros and Cons
Pros of Incfile
This Incfile review would be incomplete without mentioning the pros of this business formation service company.
- Incfile has a free package that is free, except for the state administration fee. Each state has their own LLC or Corporation filing fee, and all business formation services will charge the state filing fee. Other competitors charge an additional filing fee on top of the state fee. For example, LegalZoom charges $79 plus your state’s filing fee.
- Incfile offers one year of registered agent services with every LLC formation package. Registered agent services are required for all LLCs and can cost upward of $100 from other services.
- Incfile sends emails to members alerting them when they should file annual reports and business license paperwork.
- Incfile offers good value to customers. It provides many benefits and services for a lower price than competitors.
Cons of Incfile
As you’ll see in this Incfile review, the company has a few shortcomings, but they are not unmanageable.
- Even though Incfile offers a free LLC formation package, prepare to be inundated with sales pitches and emails to upgrade to a more expensive plan.
- There are lots of negative customer reviews about the length of time it takes Incfile’s customer support staff to respond to emails. Waiting days or weeks for a response is not uncommon. The company’s phone support is better but still inconsistent, and wait times can be extended.
Incfile Features
Here’s the complete review of the services offered by Incfile and their features.
Review of the Value Provided
We start this Incfile review of its features by looking at the excellent value it provides at little cost.
You can form your business entity for $0, and all you have to pay is the state filing fees.
Its basic and standard packages also include features that other business formation service providers offer at a higher price.
The packages of Incfile are not bloated with features you do not need, as we’ll see in this Incfile review. Instead, you’ve got the most essential features included in them.
The best part here is that Incfile will not just prepare the documents for you. They’ll also file the necessary documents with the concerned state department.
Incfile Review on Provision of Custom Internal Documents
Another aspect we must mention in this Incfile review is the essential custom business documents that the company provides its customers.
For instance, Incfile creates the Operating Agreement on your behalf. This, in turn, plays an important role in outlining the rules, regulations, and provisions of the business entity.
An Operating Agreement also governs the internal operations of the business to avoid conflicts among the entity’s owners.
Business owners also get a Statement of the Organizer that states the initial members of the entity.
They also get a Banking Resolution that officially authorizes the opening of a business bank account.
The documents are customizable to allow for members to make changes as per the business’s needs.
Incfile’s Documents Backup System
Incfile keeps copies of important documents of every filing in digital format. So, in case you misplace the documents or they’re accidentally destroyed, copies are always available in the client dashboard for your reference.
Review of Customer Service
You can reach the customer support team by phone from Monday to Friday anytime between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST.
You can also submit a question through the website.
However, as we’ll see later in this Incfile review, the best way to get to the customer support team is through the phone.
When you get in touch with them, they offer professional services to resolve your problems.
The website is also rich with helpful resources that can answer most of your questions and help you get started with creating a business in your preferred state.
Ease of Use
Incfile is pretty easy to use and convenient for the average entrepreneur.
If you have all your business information ready, your order will take 10 to 15 minutes to make. You’ll only need to enter basic information. This leads to great time savings.
If you don’t complete the order process, you can always pick it up from where you left it.
Incfile also provides a client dashboard where you can:
- Check the status of your order in real-time
- Access digital copies of all your documents and download them if need be (the original physical documents are shipped to you)
- Check upcoming filing deadlines
- Choose to expedite your order
- Review the accuracy of your order
Review of the Turnaround Time
Once you create your order, Incfile will process it in one business day and send it to the relevant state agency.
From there, the time it takes to form your company will depend on your state and whether you choose an expedited process or not.
Incfile also provides a resource page where you can check the estimated normal and expedited time it’ll take to file in your state. This serves as a great guide to help you decide how to proceed.
Other Services You Can Get from Incfile
The next section of this Incfile review deals with the various other services that this platform provides entrepreneurs.
Here’s a review of some of the services your business may need.
Name Change or Amendment
You are required to file an Articles of Amendment form in the event of a significant change in your business, such as:
- A change in the business address of the company
- A director, officer, or member of an LLC is added or removed
- The number of authorized shares in your Corporation changes
- There is a change in the business activities your company conducts
For this service, Incfile charges $99 plus state fees.
Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing shows that your company is compliant with the laws of its state of incorporation.
It gives customers, suppliers, and investors the assurance that they’re dealing with a legitimate company that is registered and authorized to operate in its home state.
To get your Certificate of Good Standing, Incfile can file the appropriate form with your state at $49 plus state fees.
However, to qualify for a Certificate of Good Standing, you need to have:
- Filed your annual or biennial reports as required by your state
- Paid all franchise fees required by your state as well as all annual or biennial business fees
Doing Business As (DBA)/Assumed Business Name/Fictitious Business Name
A DBA name allows you to operate your business under a name that’s different from your legal business name.
Incfile can file for your DBA name with the relevant state authority at a processing fee of $99.
Foreign Qualification Service Review
If you’re doing business in a small town in a state different from your home state, you need to file for a foreign qualification to get a Certificate of Authority.
It allows you to legally operate beyond your local region
You’ll need a Certificate of Authority for every new state you operate in too.
Incfile charges $149 plus state fees. This is fairly cheaper than LegalZoom, which charges $229 for the service. So, go ahead and give it a try.
Change of Registered Agent Service Review
You can’t change your current Registered Agent service company without first filing a form known as “Change of Registered Agent” with your state.
It costs $49 plus state fees.
As you choose your new Registered Agent, here’s what you need to know:
- Corporate expertise – Your Registered Agent should have some knowledge of corporate formation.
- State expertise – It’s preferable to work with a Registered Agent service provider who’s familiar with your state’s corporate requirements.
- Availability – The Registered Agent needs to be available to receive documents and notifications on behalf of your company.
Business License Search
Learn the registrations, permits, taxes, or licenses your business will need at the city, state, and county levels based on its size, industry, and type of entity.
Incfile helps you save time on research and compiles relevant application forms and instructions on how to fill them out. This research will cost you a flat fee of $99.
Annual Reports Service Review
Most states require business entities to file their activities for the previous year with the Secretary of State.
This annual report helps the state keep track of businesses operating under their jurisdiction.
The filing date of an annual report differs among states. Some states require you to submit the annual report before the anniversary of your company’s formation. On the other hand, some have a fixed date that applies to all businesses.
Most states also have a fee to be paid for the annual report.
It’s important to file your annual reports on time to avoid penalties and maintain a good standing status with the state.
Incfile files your annual report for $99.
S-Corporation Tax Election (Form 2553)
An S-Corporation comes with tax benefits for business owners, such as pass-through taxation.
This means S-Corps are not taxed at the corporate level. The profits or losses of the business pass through to the shareholders who can include them in their personal income tax returns.
It’s recommended to check with a tax expert if electing to be taxed as an S-Corp will benefit your business.
Incfile charges $50 to process an S-Corp tax election.
Trademark Registration Service Review
Trademark registration lets you protect the intellectual property that helps your customers distinguish your brand from competitors. This can include things like your logo, name, DBA, tagline, symbols, and designs.
For $199, plus the applicable federal fees, you can register a trademark through Incfile.
Company Dissolution Service Review
If you choose to discontinue your company or the business fails, you need to file Articles of Dissolution with your state to get a Certificate of Dissolution.
It updates the state that you’re no longer doing business and prevents you from incurring unnecessary fees and business taxes.
Incfile can help you file the Articles of Dissolution at $149 plus the state fee.
Reinstatement Service Review
Failure to comply with state laws regarding fees, annual reports, and taxes can get your company dissolved.
If this has happened to your company, you need to file an Order of Reinstatement with your state agency.
You’ll have to pay $199 for the service, plus the state fee, annual report fee, and state penalty fee.
Incfile LLC Formation Packages
Incfile offers three business formation packages—Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Each package is priced differently and comes with different features.
If you choose the silver package, you only pay your state’s LLC filing fees, but you don’t have access to the same features.
The platinum and gold packages are more expensive but come with more features and support. Keep reading this Incfile review for further details on each package.
Incfile Review: Silver Package
The silver package is the company’s most popular option among new businesses because it is free. You only pay your state’s filing fees.
Price of Silver Package
The silver package is free but you’ll need to pay the state filing fees.
Features of Silver Package
You gain access to the following services if you choose this package:
- Preparation and filing of your LLC’s formation paperwork: The articles of organization are a formal legal document required by all U.S. states when starting an LLC. This document outlines and establishes your company’s management structure, rights, powers, liabilities, duties, and obligations. Specifically, Articles of Organization detail the responsibilities and rights of the LLC’s members. Incfile will walk you through the creation of this document, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Name availability services: The name of your LLC must be unique. Incfile searches their business database to ensure your chosen name is not already in use by another company.
- Registered agent service: A registered agent service giver is an individual or entity that accepts documents on behalf of your LLC. Every LLC in the U.S. is required to designate a registered agent. Your registered agent also receives service of process if your business is involved in a lawsuit. Incfile provides this service free of charge for one year. There is a $119 charge if you decide to keep this feature after the first year.
- Customer service: This package comes with phone and email support. Incfile agents are available during business hours on weekdays.
- Online document access: Each customer has access to an online customer client dashboard. Incfile uploads your approved formation documents once they are available for future reference.
- A real-time tracking tool: Allows you to track the status of your business formation process.
Incfile Review: Gold Package
Incfile’s gold package is more expensive than the silver package but includes more features.
Price of Gold Package
It costs $149 plus state filing fees.
Features of Gold Package
With the Gold package, you get everything in the silver package plus the following benefits:
- Employer identification number service: An EIN is a nine-digit federal tax ID number that every LLC must have before filing formation documents. An EIN is a unique number to your business, acting similar to a social security number. You can open a bank account, file taxes, and apply for business financing with an EIN. Incfile will obtain this number from the IRS on your behalf.
- Personalized operating agreement: An operating agreement is not required by most U.S. states, but most business experts recommend creating this document. This agreement outlines the ownership and operating structure of your LLC. Incfile prepares this custom document on your behalf.
- Express shipping: Incfile will send you a hard copy of your approved formation documents via express shipping.
- Business tax consultation: Incfile will provide you with a free tax consultation with a tax professional for 30 minutes. You can clarify any questions you have regarding filing your business tax documents as a new business.
- Lifetime company alerts: Further, Incfile provides lifetime company alerts to users, alerting them of upcoming deadlines for documents like licenses and reports.
- Banking Resolution: Incfile provides a banking resolution that states who within your company can open a bank account and be a signatory.
- Business bank account: Your company needs a bank account separate from the owner’s personal account. It creates a liability separation between the business’s money and your personal money.
The gold package also comes with S-corporation tax form preparation services. While not many LLCs file this documentation so soon after formation, Incfile will prepare and file the paperwork with the IRS on your behalf if applicable.
The customer support for the gold package is also termed as “unlimited”. It’s unclear how this is different from the customer support Incfile generally offers.
Incfile Review: Platinum Package
This is the premium package for business owners who want all the services involved with filing an LLC fast and getting the business compliant and running soon.
Platinum Package Pricing
Incfile’s platinum package is $299 plus the applicable state filing fees.
Features of Platinum Package
With this package, you get all of the features offered in the other packages, plus the following benefits:
- Expedited document filing services: If your state offers expedited service, Incfile will use that option. Expedited filing shortens the time it takes to file with the state. It helps you jump the line and cut down on the waiting time.
- Template document library: You gain access to Incfile’s library of business contract templates. These documents are created by a lawyer and can be personalized to meet the legal needs of your business.
- Extra business features: You get a domain name to use for your business website, along with a customized email account.
Incfile vs. Industry Competitors: How Does Incfile Compare
Many other companies offer LLC formation services, including ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Swyft Filings.
Here is a comparison of the services provided by these industries, along with LLC formation service reviews and further Incfile reviews:
Incfile vs. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers LLC formation services at faster turnaround times and affordable pricing. According to a recent customer satisfaction survey, ZenBusiness also fared better than Incfile in customer service.
Incfile vs. LegalZoom
LegalZoom’s high costs are the main reason many people choose Incfile. However, Incfile is not without its shortcomings. The company is known for mediocre customer service as we’ve seen in this Incfile review, an area where LegalZoom excels. Incfile may be the best option for those on a budget, while LegalZoom may make more sense for those with a more significant cash flow.
Incfile vs. Swyft Filings
Incfile outperforms Swyft Filings in the pricing category, as we’ve seen in this Incfile review. Their free service package is unmatched by any other company, including Swyft Filings. However, there are categories where Swyft Filings is the clear winner. They offer faster turnaround times and more consistent customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Incfile is a solid choice for small business formation because of its low fees. However, there are many options available, including ZenBusiness and LegalZoom. Incfile is the best service if you are looking for the most affordable option.
Most businesses choose the free silver package or the gold package, which costs $149. If you need a basic service, the silver package is a good option. The gold package offers a few more features and is a good option for those who want extra benefits, such as the year of free registered agent service.
If you want help registering for an EIN, you should consider the Gold package. This package offers faster, more turnkey service for those wanting extra assistance.
Yes, Incfile’s silver package will file your formation documents for free. All you pay is your state’s filing fees. This package comes with additional features, such as free registered agent service, expedited business processing, and lifetime company alerts.
This package is sufficient for most entry-level companies. Incfile also offers LLC formation packages that cost a bit more. It has two packages, which cost $149 and $299 respectively, that have faster processing times and come with more features and benefits.
In past years, Incfile received high marks when it came to customer satisfaction. However, the quality of its support has gone downhill in recent years. On a positive note, its phone support is pretty solid. While some representatives are more knowledgeable and helpful than others, they do answer their phones consistently.
Unfortunately, Incfile’s email support has room for improvement. Numerous customer reviews report sending multiple emails and never receiving a response. Thus, if you are looking for a quick answer, your best bet is to call Incfile’s customer support line.
Unfortunately, Incfile does not have a refund policy. You will be charged a $30 fee if you decide to cancel. This fee will only be refunded if you cancel before they submit your payment to the state. Most orders are processed within 24 hours. Thus, you need to cancel quickly if you want a refund.
Considering Incfile provides business formations for free (excluding mandatory state filing fees), it provides good value. Most competitors charge at least $50 for their lowest packages, plus the state filing fees. When compared to other companies, Incfile’s silver package is a good value.
Incfile Review Conclusion: Our Verdict
Our Incfile review shows that the free formation package is ideal if you’re looking for the best LLC service or an incorporation service that’ll not cause your business financial challenges.
You also get a free registered agent for a year and your order is processed in one business day.
Overall, our verdict for this Incfile review is that it’s a good company that’ll not blow your budget.