Starting a business is like embarking on a thrilling adventure, but navigating the legal landscape of LLC formation can quickly turn it into a daunting journey.
Form your LLC quickly and easily with LegalZoom's comprehensive services, including preparation and filing of legal documents and access to legal advice.
That’s where Inc Authority and LegalZoom step in, two online platforms that promise to simplify the process. But which one is the best fit for your needs? In this article, we’ll dive into the similarities and differences between Inc Authority and LegalZoom, so you can make an informed decision and get back to what really matters: turning your business dream into a reality
Starter Plan Comparison Chart
| Inc Authority | LegalZoom | |
 |  | |
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Plans | Entry Starter Executive Tycoon | Basic Pro Premium |
| Articles of Organization | Yes | Yes |
| Registered Agent Service | Free for 1 year, $99/year after | $249/year |
| Business Name Check | Yes | Yes |
| Processing Time | 5-7 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Attorney Consultations | No | Yes |
| Tax Consultations | Starter plan & above | Pro plan & above |
| Customer Support | Email & Phone | Email, Phone & Chat |
Overview
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is a company that specializes in business formation services, including LLC formation. The company was founded in 1989 as a traditional business formation service provider. In 2004, the company transitioned to an online business model, making it more accessible to entrepreneurs across the country.
Since then, Inc Authority has helped tens of thousands of businesses form their LLCs. The company offers a variety of packages, from basic to premium, to suit different needs and budgets. Some of the services included in the packages are name availability check, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, registered agent service, and a business consultation with a specialist.
One of the things that sets Inc Authority apart from other LLC formation service providers is that they offer a free LLC formation package. The package includes preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, a registered agent service for one year, and a business consultation. While there are still some state fees and optional upgrades that the customer would need to pay for, the free package can save entrepreneurs a considerable amount of money.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an online legal services provider that was founded in 1999 by Brian Liu, Eddie Hartman, and Robert Shapiro. The company offers a wide range of legal services, including LLC formation, trademark registration, and business legal plans. LegalZoom has helped over four million customers with their legal needs and is a well-known brand in the legal services industry.
LegalZoom’s LLC formation service offers various packages, including economy, standard, and express gold. The packages include services such as name availability check, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, and a free business name check. The company also provides registered agent services, which are required for LLCs in many states.
LegalZoom’s LLC formation service is popular among entrepreneurs and small business owners because of the company’s reputation for reliability and ease of use. LegalZoom’s platform is straightforward and easy to navigate, making the LLC formation process a breeze for customers. The company also offers a satisfaction guarantee, promising to refund the service fee if the customer is not satisfied with their experience.
Plans, Pricing & Features
Both Inc Authority and LegalZoom offer LLC formation starter plans that begin at $0 plus state fees. These plans are relatively barebones in terms of features and services, but Inc Authority has the advantage here because they offer their registered agent service for free for one year, while LegalZoom charges $249 per year for registered agent service.
Inc Authority offers four LLC formation plans: Entry, Starter, Business, and Tycoon, with prices ranging from $0 to $799. The Starter plan costs $399 and includes features such as preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, business name availability check, digital LLC kit, tax consultation, and online business documents. The higher-priced Business and Tycoon plans include additional features such as business license research, annual report preparation and filing. These plans also come with a one-year Inc Success advisor service expedited processing time. These upgraded plans are more expensive but offer valuable extras that can help businesses grow and thrive.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, has three LLC formation packages: Basic, Pro, and Premium, with prices ranging from $0 to $299. The Basic plan includes services such as preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, name availability check, and a sample operating agreement. The Pro and Premium plans come with additional features such as EIN registration, tax & insurance consultation and a banking resolution.
One significant advantage of LegalZoom’s top tier package is their attorney consultation service. If you foresee your business needing legal assistance regularly, LegalZoom’s upgraded plans might be a better fit for you. However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive services at an affordable price, Inc Authority’s Starter plan may be a better option.
User Experience
When it comes to the user experience, both Inc Authority and LegalZoom have room for improvement. Both websites can be difficult to navigate, with Inc Authority’s pricing information buried deep within their site, and LegalZoom’s website being cluttered with some confusing language. However, LegalZoom is more upfront with their pricing, which is a plus.
Both companies offer upsells, but LegalZoom can be more aggressive in pushing these additional services on customers. While upselling can be helpful in some cases, customers may find it overwhelming and unnecessary.
When it comes to customer support, both companies excel. Customers can expect to receive prompt and helpful responses to their questions or concerns. Inc Authority offers faster processing, but both companies do offer expedited filing for a fee.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a basic LLC formation package, Inc Authority offers a more affordable option. Their basic package starts at $0 and includes a year of registered agent service, whereas with LegalZoom, you’ll have to pay extra for registered agent service.
Inc Authority also offers a range of other packages, such as their Starter, Business, and Tycoon packages, which offer additional services such as EIN registration, tax consultation, website domain, business license reports, operating agreement, and more. These packages are priced higher than the basic package, but still offer good value for money.
Form your LLC quickly and easily with LegalZoom's comprehensive services, including preparation and filing of legal documents and access to legal advice.
On the other hand, if you need more comprehensive services such as legal and tax assistance, LegalZoom offers a range of packages that can help with these concerns. Their Pro and Premium packages, for example, offer access to attorney consultations, as well as other legal and tax services.