Incfile vs LegalZoom: Pricing
These services are quite different in their overall offerings. That said, we can compare pricing when it comes to business formation packages to get an idea of how these two companies stack up in terms of value for small business owners.
Incfile pricing
- Silver Package - $0 + state fees - standard filing speed
This plan covers the basics of business formation, helping you file required paperwork with state agencies. It also comes with one year free Registered Agent services, which will renew at $119/year, unless cancelled. - Gold Package - $149 + state fees - standard filing speed; express shipping
This plan adds bonus features, like an operating agreement, banking resolution, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) tax ID. - Platinum Package - $299 + state fees - expedited filing; expedited shipping
This plan adds a business domain name and email, additional useful business contract templates, and more.
LegalZoom pricing
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) - plans begin at $79 + state fees
- Corporations (C-corp, S-corp) - plans begin at $149 + state fees
- Nonprofit entities - plans begin at $149 + state fees
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) - plans begin at $149 + state fees
- Limited Partnership (LP) - plans begin at $149 + state fees
Other Business Services from LegalZoom
- Registered Agent services - starting at $249/year
- Business advisory plan from licensed attorneys - starting at $31.25/month
- Personal legal advisory services - starting at $9.99/month
- Trademark registration - starting at $199 + federal fees
- Copyright registration - starting at $114 + federal fees
- Patents - starting at $699 + fees
When comparing LegalZoom vs Incfile pricing, you’ll notice a few things off the bat. For one, Incfile has more of a “bundle” approach, while LegalZoom starts with the basics and lets you add-on additional services.
On the lower end of the scale, Incfile certainly has cheaper prices. Their basic plan is free, and includes one year of Registered Agent services. The same service from LegalZoom would cost you at least $348. For the upper-tier packages, pricing is more similar between these two services.
As for Registered Agent services, which is something that many companies will keep long-term, Incfile is a clear winner. It costs just $119/year (with the first year free), compared to $249/year from LegalZoom. That said, some people choose to serve as their own Registered Agent, if certain requirements are met.
Incfile vs LegalZoom: Features
When it comes to business formation services, features from these two firms are similar. They both support the same types of business entities (LLC, corporation, partnership, nonprofit), they both serve as Registered Agents, etc. They can both help you select an available business name, with a company name availability search feature. The main difference here is pricing, and the bundle structure of Incfile compared to the à la carte style of LegalZoom.
Both services also offer some level of ongoing business services. They can both help with annual report filing, and other necessary steps to keep your business compliant and in good standing.
As for processing time, both services are similar. Incfile offers a more tiered approach, depending on the filing services you select. Both can file by the next business day, if you’re willing to pay for expedited services. Although, keep in mind that the total turnaround time for incorporation or LLC formation still requires waiting for your state’s agency to process everything.
Where the services really differ is in legal services. LegalZoom offers a huge range of legal services, for both business owners and individuals. On the business side, they can help file for patents, trademarks and copyrights, and help you review business contracts and other legal documents, with their business legal advisory services. On the personal side, they can help draft a Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and much more. LegalZoom can also connect you to qualified experts in your area; tax professionals for business tax consultations, attorneys for in-person representation, and more.
LegalZoom vs Incfile: Customer service
Both of these services offer lifetime support for clients. Both can be reached via phone or email.
- LegalZoom customer support can be reached via phone and email. Representatives are available Mon-Fri 5am to 7pm PT, and Weekends 7am to 4pm PT
- Incfile customer support can be reached via phone and email. Representatives can be reached Monday - Friday from 9am to 6pm CST.
In this category, LegalZoom earns some bonus points for being available on the weekend. Plus, LegalZoom offers legal advice services, allowing you to discuss legal matters over the phone with licensed attorneys.
To be clear, neither of these companies has a great reputation for customer service. If you look at customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, etc. you will see many complaints about customer support. Overall, ratings for both companies are mediocre - but similar to each other. Some positive reviews noted better experiences with email support, compared to phone support.
Which should you choose?
We’ve covered all the details, but what’s the bottom line? Which firm makes more sense for your new business venture?
Choose Incfile if…
- You plan to use Registered Agent services. Incfile includes the first full year for free, and renews at $119/year; LegalZoom costs $249/year and does not include an introductory period.
- You want to save money. Incfile’s plan pricing is substantially cheaper than LegalZooms, particularly if you just need the basics.
Choose LegalZoom if…
- You want more advanced legal services. LegalZoom offers a full suite of legal services for both personal and business needs; Incfile focuses solely on business formation.
- You want help with intellectual property protections. LegalZoom can help with patents, trademarks and more; Incfile cannot.
