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File.Business
$0 formation + paid compliance plans starting $99/yr.
3Wins
4.9★8,200+ reviews
220KFormed
File.Business vs Inc Authority
3 of 4 dimensions where File.Business is the stronger choice. Below: the line-by-line comparison.
IN
Inc Authority
$0 + heavy upsells
1Wins
, Public reviews
, Customers
DimensionFile.BusinessInc Authority
Formation cost$0 + state$0 + state
Pricing transparencyFlatHeavy upsell flow
Compliance dashboardFullLimited
RA renewalsIncluded$179/yr
The summary: Both offer free formation. File.Business adds the operator stack: tax, compliance, contracts, books, partner network.
File.Business strengths
- Same $0 starting point.
- Full operator stack: tax, compliance, contracts, books.
- Specialty CPA + attorney network.
- 349-term glossary + 50+ guides.
- 60-day money-back guarantee.
Inc Authority strengths
- Free starting tier with prominent marketing.
- Registered Agent free first year.
- 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Tax consultation included.
Who picks which
Find your fit.
Pick Inc Authority if
- You want bare-bones free formation only.
- You will not need ongoing services and want zero subscription cost.
- You want the lowest possible setup cost.
Pick File.Business if
- You want ongoing tax, compliance, contracts, banking.
- You expect to need CPAs and attorneys.
- You are a serious operator who values long-term infrastructure.
Feature comparison
Side-by-side.
| Feature | File.Business | Inc Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Starter pricing | $0 + state fee | $0 + state fee |
| Free year of RA | Yes | Yes |
| Tax CPA network | Specialty-matched partners | Tax consultation included |
| Attorney network | Specialty-matched partners | Limited |
| Ongoing compliance | Full federal + state | Basic |
| BOI filing | Included | Add-on |
| Books/finance | Built-in via Growth tier | None |
| Cap table | Yes | None |
| Glossary + learning center | 349 terms + 50+ guides | Blog |
| Restricted industries | Explicit AUP | Not specified |
| 60-day money-back | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
Common questions.
Is Inc Authority's free LLC really free?
The formation service fee can be free, but you still pay the state filing fee, which is unavoidable with any provider, and the free tier is typically paired with upsells and a registered-agent arrangement that carries ongoing cost. It is a legitimate offer; the thing to check is the multi-year total, not just the free headline. File.Business prices transparently so the real cost is clear up front.
What is the catch with free formation?
There is no single catch, but free-formation models generally make their money on add-ons and recurring services like the registered agent, so the low entry price can grow over time. We prefer transparent pricing where you see the state fee and our fee separately on the pricing page, with the filings you actually need.
Can I switch from Inc Authority to File.Business?
Yes: your LLC belongs to you, so you can change your registered agent and move ongoing filings to us with a simple change filing, without re-forming the company. We handle the agent change with the state and bring your compliance into one place going forward.
Do you offer the same filings?
Yes, and more: formation, EIN, registered agent, annual reports, amendments, dissolution, foreign qualification, and the broader set of state filings, plus ongoing compliance tracking in one system. The difference is keeping every filing and deadline together rather than as separate add-ons.
How does registered agent pricing compare?
Both charge a per-year agent fee, and with any free-formation provider the key is whether a low or bundled first year rises afterward, so compare the multi-year cost. Our agent pricing is on the pricing page, passed through transparently without surprises later.
Will switching change my company?
No: changing providers does not affect your entity, name, EIN, or formation date, since those live with the state and IRS. We become your agent and take over filings going forward, so the switch is invisible to your business and its records.
Do you push upsells at checkout?
No: rather than a free headline padded by a series of checkout upsells, we price transparently for the filings you need and let you add services only when you actually require them. There is no funnel steering you toward extras at every step.
Why choose File.Business over Inc Authority?
If you want transparent pricing and every filing and deadline in one place, rather than a free entry price followed by upsells and a recurring agent fee, the switch is straightforward. We migrate your agent and compliance without re-forming the company.
Try File.Business.
$0 service fee on formation. 60-day money-back guarantee. Cancel anytime.
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.