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Comparison: LLC formation, 2026
vs Inc · same service, lower fees

Inc Authority vs File.Business: LLC formation

Choosing between Inc Authority and File.Business for LLC formation? Here's the honest comparison. Inc Authority typically charges Free for entry-level service plus higher renewal fees. File.Business charges $0 service fee and uses transparent pass-through state fees.

Llc Formation comparison at a glance

ItemInc AuthorityFile.Business
Entry-level priceFree$0
Llc Formation service feeFree+$0
RA renewal fee (year 2+)$399/yr$99/yr
Penalty-free guaranteeNoYes
Compliance calendarPartial / add-onIncluded with Pro
SOC 2 certifiedVariesYes (Type II)
Founded19892017

Where Inc Authority wins

Free formation tier.

Where File.Business wins

  • Lower total cost. Aggressive sales calls, highest ra renewal adds up over years.
  • Modern platform. Mobile app, public API, document vault, integrations built in.
  • Penalty-free guarantee. If we miss a state deadline, we cover the late fee.
  • Llc Formation included on Pro. We do not bill LLC formation separately.
  • $0 service fee always. The state fee is your only formation cost.

3-year total cost (sample comparison)

For a single-state LLC over 3 years (formation + 2 RA renewals + annual reports):

  • Inc Authority: $898 (entry-level + 2 RA renewals + state fees)
  • File.Business: $298 (RA free year 1, $99/yr after + state fees)
  • You save: $600 over 3 years

Migration playbook: switch from Inc Authority to File.Business

We make the switch easy. Steps:

  1. Sign up for File.Business and choose your service plan.
  2. We file a change of registered agent with your state (free in year 1).
  3. We pull your filings from Inc Authority and add them to your document vault.
  4. Your compliance calendar starts tracking deadlines automatically.
  5. Cancel your Inc Authority subscription with the cost savings.
Switch from Inc Authority

FAQ: Inc Authority vs File.Business for LLC formation

How does File.Business compare to Inc Authority for LLC formation?

Inc Authority is an established provider, and both Inc Authority and File.Business can handle LLC formation, which is preparing and filing the articles that create your LLC with the state. The differences come down to pricing model, whether the service is tied to ongoing compliance, and support. We publish our pricing openly on pricing so you can compare it against Inc Authority's current offering directly.

What does LLC formation involve?

Llc formation means preparing and filing the articles that create your LLC with the state. It is a specific, well-defined task, but doing it correctly, and knowing when it is required, is where a provider adds value. We handle LLC formation as part of a broader, organized approach to your entity rather than as a one-off. See LLC formation.

Is File.Business or Inc Authority cheaper for LLC formation?

Pricing changes over time, so the fair way to compare is to check each provider's current rates rather than rely on a claim, and Inc Authority's pricing is on their site. File.Business shows its service pricing on pricing and passes state fees through at cost, so what you pay is transparent. We flag total cost, including renewals, so the comparison is real.

Does Inc Authority offer LLC formation?

Inc Authority offers a range of formation and compliance services, so it is worth checking their current lineup for LLC formation specifically. File.Business includes LLC formation as part of an integrated approach, so it connects to the rest of your entity's compliance rather than sitting alone. We flag how it fits your overall setup. See LLC formation.

Why do people compare Inc Authority and File.Business?

Both serve small businesses that need LLC formation, so buyers naturally weigh them on price, service model, and whether the provider helps keep the entity compliant afterward. Formation itself is a state filing, and what differs between providers is the service fee, the renewal costs, and whether formation connects to keeping the entity compliant afterward. Comparing them on those terms, rather than headline price alone, leads to a better fit. We make our approach transparent so the comparison is straightforward.

What should I look for when choosing a provider for LLC formation?

Look for transparent pricing including renewals, whether LLC formation connects to ongoing compliance, the quality of support, and no surprise upsells, criteria that apply whether you choose Inc Authority, File.Business, or another provider. We flag these openly so you can judge us on the same terms you judge anyone else. See LLC formation.

What matters most for LLC formation specifically?

Formation itself is a state filing, and what differs between providers is the service fee, the renewal costs, and whether formation connects to keeping the entity compliant afterward. That is the substance behind the service, and it is where getting it right, not just cheaply, pays off. We handle LLC formation with that in mind and flag what actually matters for your situation rather than treating it as a checkbox. See LLC formation.

Can I switch to File.Business from Inc Authority?

Yes: if you currently use Inc Authority, you can move your LLC formation and related compliance to File.Business, and changing a registered agent or provider is a routine process. We handle the transition so switching is smooth and nothing lapses in the handoff. See pricing to compare first.

Can File.Business handle my LLC formation?

Yes: we handle LLC formation and keep it connected to your entity's broader compliance, with pricing shown openly on pricing and state fees passed through at cost, so you get LLC formation done correctly as part of an organized setup rather than a disconnected one. See LLC formation.

SOC 2 Type II audited
220,000+ businesses. 60-day money-back. State fees passed through at cost.
Your operating system, not a transaction
Every deadline auto-tracked across your entities. Compliance Score visible year-round.
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees. No upsells at checkout. State fees disclosed upfront.

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No state-fee markup. Pay only the state fee. 60-day money-back guarantee.

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