Incfile review 2023: Cost, plans, features and more

Incfile LLC review 2023

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 the 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 over 9,400 reviews, many of which refer to how easy Incfile is to use and the quality of its customer service.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Incfile 4.78 out of 5 stars based on over 2,100 customer reviews, despite having received nearly 300 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

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.

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 advice. 

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.

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. You can also purchase expedited filing — $50 to $152, depending on your state — and other add-ons. Those add-ons could include: 

• Web services.
• Professional support.
• Business insurance.
• 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-priced packages, including:

• 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.

Registered agent services

If you’re looking for a business formation company that will give you a free year of registered agent services, Incfile is one to consider. Its registered agent services come at no cost during the first year when you form your business with Incfile. After that, it costs $119 per year.

This can be ideal for new entrepreneurs who are looking to launch their businesses with minimum upfront costs. Incfile has registered agent services available for non-profit and for-profit businesses.

Even with Incfile’s free registered agent services, you can access features that some competitors don’t offer, like same-day document access. It is also one of the cheaper options, when it comes to renewing. Companies like Swyft Filings ($199 per year) and Incorporate.com ($235 per year) are more expensive.

If you have already formed your company and only need a registered agent, then you can pay for the standalone service at $119 per year. It includes: 

• Mail forwarding.
• Deadline reminders.
• Text alerts.
• A personalized dashboard for viewing notices and documentation.

LegalZoom’s registered agent services offer similar benefits but include things like email reminders about tax and annual report deadlines through the company’s compliance calendar. It also handles paperwork and any fees if you make the switch. However, it is one of the most expensive options, at $249 per year.

Incfile offers registered agent services in all 50 states. So, no matter where you operate your business, you can use Incfile for business formation and registered agent services. However, if you want to cancel your services, you will have to do so within 24 hours and pay a $30 cancellation fee.

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

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. 

Learn more: Incfile vs. LegalZoom

Incfile vs. ZenBusiness

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. That service renews for $199 after the first year. It 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.

Learn more: Read our ZenBusiness LLC review guide.

Is Incfile right for your business?

Incfile can be a great option for any business that needs basic LLC formation services. Its $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 its higher-tier packages are reasonably priced for the value they offer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is Incfile a good way to start an LLC?

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.

Is Incfile free?

Incfile does offer some free services. For example, it offers a free business formation service bundled with free registered agent services for one year. It also offers a free annual report and LLC dissolution filings (plus state filing fees) and a free tax consultation.

However, other services from Incfile are not free. After the first year, its registered agent services renew at $199 per year. It also charges $70 to apply for an EIN or tax ID number in your state, $99 to set you up with state business licenses (plus state filing fees) and $49 (plus state filing fees) to obtain a certificate of good standing from your state.

Are there any hidden fees with Incfile?

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.

How long does it take to get an EIN from Incfile?

Incfile offers a one-day turnaround on filing for and obtaining an EIN for businesses.

Does Incfile offer any other services?

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.
• Accounting and bookkeeping services.