Inc Authority
100% Free Business Formation Services
Active Filings
Fast & Affordable Business Formation Since 2001
Side-by-side comparison. Data as of 2026-02-16.
Company Background
Inc Authority
HQ: Reno, Nevada (3773 Howard Hughes Pkwy, Suite 500S)
Ownership: Private (independent)
Employees: 120+
Formations: 250,000+ entities
Key Milestones
- Founded 1989 in Reno, NV
- Pioneered free formation model
- Hit 250,000+ formations
- Partnered with Daymond John (Shark Tank) in 2021
- Inc. 5000 ranking for multiple years
Active Filings
HQ: Dania Beach, Florida (381 E Sheridan St)
Ownership: Private (independent, founder-owned; no VC backing)
Employees: 4
Formations: 100,000+ satisfied customers
Key Milestones
- Founded 2001 by immigrant Roberto Neuberger in Florida
- Expanded from FL-only to all 50 states + DC + PR
- Pioneered online incorporation tech (pre-VC era)
- Developed proprietary compliance review system
- Remained independent (no institutional investors)
Core Services
Inc Authority Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Foreign Qualification (limited)
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- Truly free formation ($0 service fee + state fees only)
- Free 1-year RA + EIN
- Tax-deductible state fees
- Worry-free guarantee
- High-volume upsell support (credit, funding)
Active Filings Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Nonprofit
- ✓ Foreign Qualification (all states)
- ✓ International Incorporation Plan (for non-US residents)
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- More free services than competitors (lifetime support, checklists)
- 19+ years experience; 3rd oldest service
- Error-free filing guarantee
- Proprietary compliance tech
- Dedicated support for law firms & small biz
Both offer nationwide RA coverage. Compare differentiators above to see where each shines.
Pricing & Value
| Category | Inc Authority | Active Filings | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Total | ~$0 + state fees (free formation + RA) | ~$0 + state fees (RA included) | Inc Authority |
| RA Annual Fee | Free Year 1; $99/year renewal (or higher bundles) | Free Year 1 (with formation); $99/year renewal | — |
| Value Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | Inc Authority |
Speed & Performance
Inc Authority
Avg formation: 24 hours processing + state time
Expedited: Free 24-hour (standard)
Active Filings
Avg formation: 2-5 business days standard
Expedited: 2 business days (varies); same-day in select states
Pros & Cons
Inc Authority — Pros
- ✓ 100% free service fee
- ✓ Free 1-year RA + EIN
- ✓ 24-hour fast processing
- ✓ Tax & funding analysis
- ✓ #1 rated on Trustpilot
Inc Authority — Cons
- ✗ Heavy marketing/upsells
- ✗ Persistent emails/calls
- ✗ Billing disputes
- ✗ BBB complaints
- ✗ Limited add-on depth
Active Filings — Pros
- ✓ Lifetime free support
- ✓ 3rd oldest; proven track record
- ✓ All 50 states + international
- ✓ Error-free guarantee
- ✓ Strong Spanish support
Active Filings — Cons
- ✗ Small team (less scale)
- ✗ RA renewal after free year
- ✗ Fewer reviews than giants
- ✗ Basic tech vs. AI tools
- ✗ Expedited varies by state
The Verdict
Choose Inc Authority if: The ultimate free formation option—ideal for bootstrappers ignoring upsells. Delivers value if you want zero-cost startup with pro perks.
Choose Active Filings if: Veteran player with human touch—great for immigrants needing reliable help, but check pricing vs. budget options.
Higher rating: Inc Authority (8.4/10)