Starting an LLC requires several important steps.
You need to choose a business structure, prepare formation documents, file with the state, appoint a registered agent, and stay on top of future compliance requirements.
Incorporate.com is a long-established business formation service that helps entrepreneurs create LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits.
It also provides registered agent services, annual report assistance, EIN filing, business license research, and other compliance services.
The company takes a more traditional approach than many newer LLC formation platforms. Instead of focusing heavily on free formation offers or branding tools, Incorporate.com concentrates on business filings and ongoing compliance.
In this Incorporate.com review, we will look at its services, pricing, advantages, disadvantages, customer experience, and how it compares with other popular LLC formation companies.
What Is Incorporate.com?
Incorporate.com is an online business formation and compliance service that helps entrepreneurs establish and maintain business entities in the United States.
The company has a long history in the business services industry and currently operates as part of Corporation Service Company, commonly known as CSC.
Incorporate.com helps customers establish:
- Limited liability companies
- Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Other eligible business entities
Its services are available nationwide and are designed for both entrepreneurs creating their first business and established companies that need ongoing filing assistance.
Beyond initial formation, Incorporate.com can help with registered agent services, annual reports, EIN applications, foreign qualification, entity conversions, and business license research.
How Incorporate.com Works?
The formation process starts by selecting the type of business you want to establish.
You then provide information about the company, such as its proposed name, state of formation, and ownership details.
Incorporate.com uses this information to prepare the required formation paperwork and submit it to the appropriate state agency.
The basic process involves:
- Choosing a business structure
- Providing company information
- Preparing formation paperwork
- Submitting documents to the state
- Receiving confirmation after approval
- Accessing completed business documents
State processing times vary, so the total formation time depends partly on where the business is being established.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Incorporate.com?
One reason entrepreneurs consider Incorporate.com is its experience with business filings and compliance.
The service can be particularly useful for:
- First-time LLC owners
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Online sellers
- Businesses expanding into additional states
- Companies needing ongoing compliance assistance
It also offers services beyond initial formation, allowing businesses to continue using the same provider as their compliance requirements increase.
Incorporate.com Features
1. LLC Formation Service
Incorporate.com helps entrepreneurs establish LLCs by preparing and filing formation documents with the appropriate state.
Instead of figuring out the filing requirements independently, customers provide their information through the platform and allow the company’s filing specialists to handle the paperwork.
The service can help with:
- Formation document preparation
- State filing
- Business setup assistance
- Access to completed documents
Incorporate.com can also help form corporations and nonprofit organizations, making it useful for entrepreneurs considering different entity structures.
2. Registered Agent Service
Registered agent service is one of Incorporate.com’s major ongoing services.
Most LLCs and corporations must maintain a registered agent in their formation state. The agent receives official government correspondence and service of process on behalf of the business.
Incorporate.com’s registered agent service provides:
- A registered agent address
- Receipt of official documents
- Notifications when documents arrive
- Secure online access to documents
- Nationwide coverage
The service can also help protect privacy because entrepreneurs do not need to use a home address as their registered agent address when the service is used appropriately.
3. Annual Report and Compliance Support
Creating an LLC does not eliminate future filing requirements.
Depending on the state, a business may need to file annual or periodic reports to maintain good standing.
Incorporate.com provides annual report filing assistance to help business owners manage these responsibilities.
This can be useful for entrepreneurs who do not want to manually track every state deadline.
Businesses should remember that some compliance services renew, so reviewing ongoing fees is important.
4. EIN Filing Assistance
An Employer Identification Number is commonly needed for business banking, hiring employees, and various federal tax matters.
Incorporate.com provides EIN filing assistance for entrepreneurs who want someone else to handle the application process.
Applying directly through the IRS is generally free, so this service is mainly about convenience.
For first-time entrepreneurs who prefer having several startup tasks managed by one provider, EIN assistance may still be useful.
5. Business License Research
Licensing requirements can vary considerably based on location and business activity.
Incorporate.com offers business license research designed to help entrepreneurs identify licenses and permits that may apply to their company.
The service researches applicable requirements and provides information that the business owner can use when completing the necessary applications.
This can be particularly helpful for companies operating in industries where local and state licensing requirements are difficult to identify.
Incorporate.com Pricing
Business Formation Pricing
Incorporate.com does not currently present a simple nationwide three-tier LLC pricing structure in the same way that many competitors do.
The final formation cost depends on factors such as:
- Business structure
- Formation state
- Government filing fees
- Optional services
- Expedited processing
Because state filing fees vary significantly, customers should review the complete order price before submitting their formation request.
This pricing approach is different from companies that prominently advertise a $0 formation package.
Registered Agent Pricing
Incorporate.com currently charges:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Registered Agent Service | $119 plus state fees |
Registered agent service is billed annually for as long as the service remains active.
Businesses operating in several states should consider this carefully because registered agent costs can increase as additional states are added.
Additional Service Costs
Incorporate.com also offers services such as:
- EIN assistance
- Annual report filing
- Business license research
- Foreign qualification
- Entity conversion
- Business document assistance
Pricing can depend on the specific service and state requirements.
Customers should also check whether selected services renew automatically or require recurring annual payments.
Pros and Cons of Incorporate.com
Pros
Long history in business services
Incorporate.com has extensive experience handling business formation and compliance filings.
Nationwide service
Businesses can access formation and registered agent services throughout the United States.
Strong registered agent offering
Registered agent service includes document handling, notifications, privacy benefits, and online access.
Useful ongoing compliance services
Customers can receive help with annual reports, foreign qualifications, and other business filings.
Business license research
The company can help businesses identify potential licensing requirements.
Cons
Registered agent service is relatively expensive
At $249 per year per state, businesses can find lower-cost registered agent alternatives.
No simple free formation package
Entrepreneurs mainly interested in the lowest possible formation cost may prefer providers advertising $0 service-fee formation.
Additional services increase the total cost
Registered agent, compliance, EIN, and other services can make the overall cost significantly higher.
Pricing is less straightforward
Customers may need to begin the ordering process to determine the complete cost for their particular state and requirements.
Incorporate.com Customer Experience
What Customers May Like
Incorporate.com emphasizes access to formation specialists rather than relying entirely on automated tools.
Customers may appreciate:
- Guided formation assistance
- Access to knowledgeable support
- Business filing experience
- Online document access
- Ongoing compliance services
The company can be particularly convenient for businesses that prefer keeping formation, registered agent, and compliance services with one provider.
Potential Customer Concerns
Cost is likely to be one of the biggest considerations.
Several competing LLC providers offer free or inexpensive entry-level formation packages. Incorporate.com’s registered agent service also costs more than some popular alternatives.
Customers should therefore compare the complete long-term cost rather than looking only at the initial formation expense.
Incorporate.com vs Other LLC Formation Services
Incorporate.com vs ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is strongly focused on entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for a modern, simplified formation experience.
Incorporate.com takes a more traditional filing and compliance-focused approach.
Entrepreneurs interested in a modern startup platform may prefer ZenBusiness, while businesses wanting established filing and compliance services may consider Incorporate.com.
Incorporate.com vs Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is particularly known for privacy, registered agent services, and personalized customer support.
Incorporate.com also provides nationwide registered agent coverage but combines it with broader filing, annual report, licensing, and compliance services.
Registered agent pricing is an important difference to compare between these companies.
Incorporate.com vs LegalZoom
Both companies provide services beyond basic LLC formation.
LegalZoom has a stronger focus on consumer legal services and access to a broad range of legal products.
Incorporate.com focuses more specifically on business formation, registered agent services, and corporate compliance.
The right option depends largely on whether you need broader legal services or primarily business filing support.
Who Should Use Incorporate.com?
Best For
Incorporate.com may be a good choice for:
- Entrepreneurs who want professional filing assistance
- Established businesses
- Companies operating in multiple states
- Businesses needing annual report support
- Companies needing licensing research
- Entrepreneurs who prefer an experienced business services provider
It can be particularly useful for companies that expect their compliance requirements to become more complicated as they grow.
Who Should Consider Alternatives
Incorporate.com may be less attractive for:
- Entrepreneurs looking for free LLC formation
- Very small businesses focused mainly on price
- People who only need basic state filing
- Businesses looking for a low-cost registered agent
If price is your main consideration, comparing the total cost with newer LLC formation providers is worthwhile.
Is Incorporate.com Legit?
Yes, Incorporate.com is a legitimate business formation and compliance service.
It operates as part of CSC and provides business formation, registered agent, compliance, and filing services across the United States.
Its long operating history is one reason many businesses may feel comfortable using the service for important corporate filings.
However, business formation services should not be treated as replacements for personalized legal, accounting, or tax advice when a business has complex requirements.
Final Verdict: Is Incorporate.com Worth It?
Incorporate.com is a solid option for entrepreneurs and established companies looking for professional business formation and ongoing compliance assistance.
Its main strengths are its experience, nationwide registered agent coverage, annual report support, business license research, and ability to assist companies as their filing requirements become more complex.
The biggest drawback is cost. Its $249-per-year registered agent service is more expensive than several competing options, and entrepreneurs seeking the cheapest possible LLC formation may find better alternatives.
Incorporate.com makes the most sense for businesses that value experience and ongoing compliance support more than getting the lowest possible price.
If you want an established provider that can handle formation and continue supporting your company with registered agent and compliance services, Incorporate.com is worth considering.