Before the birth of the internet, the company formation services involved pure physical paperwork. A business owner needed an attorney to guide you through, especially if you were new with the process. The attorney would guide you on how to draft the documents and provide legal advice too. Then, you would submit them to the secretary of state. The process was tedious and would take ages.
The internet age came to make things easier and with that, online limited liability company formation service providers were born. The experience of business registration was made better and less expensive. The most visible benefit of online incorporation services is the reduction of paperwork.
In this article, we’ll review the services offered by LegalNature and Inc Authority LLC services.
Related: LegalNature Review | Inc Authority Review
LegalNature Review
The company’s base is in Dover and Cork in Delaware, Ireland. The company’s founding team had a background in law, business, and technology. The three aspects are the pillars of any formation company.
The company offers legal service and business formation services. Additionally, it helps you start, run and manage your business. They aim at reducing the paperwork involved in the business formation. In addition they have online legal services and document templates that you can customize and use.
Business Formation Service
The company offers four business structures. They include Limited Liability Company, C Corporation, S Corporation, and Non-profit. They also help you choose the right entity should you have difficulties.
The business formation services are packaged in plans. These are Starter, Essential, and Pro formation plans.
As an LLC formation service provider, LegalNature offers LLC services in all 50 states. Before filing the order form, you need to choose the business entity type and state in which you intend to register your company. The first step in the order form is providing the basic information like the contact name. Lastly, do some upgrades and then provide the shipping details.
Services
Standard Business Services
- Prepare and File Your LLC
LegalNature will prepare and file your documents with the secretary of state.
- Name Availability and Search
LegalNature will research whether your business name is available within your state. They will also check whether the name meets the strict rules of naming businesses.
- Online Document and LLC Access
LegalNature will avail all your formation documents on your dashboard. From there, you can download and use them from anywhere.
- Ongoing Updates and Alerts
You will receive notifications by SMS and email once the state approves. Also, LegalNature will upload them on your dashboard for easy downloading.
- Unlimited Phone and Email Support
You can contact the LegalNature team whenever you need help, either by email or phone number. LegalNature will assign you a personal business specialist.
- Accounting Consultation
LegalNature has partnered with A-800ACCOUTANT to offer you financial advice.
- Statement of Organizer
This document shows the resignation of the organizer. It also documents the handover of the business to the owners.
Premium Business Services
- LLC Operating Agreement
This document explains the operation basics of the LLC. The document also separates business liabilities from your assets. LegalNature will help you create this document for $50.
- Banking Resolution
If your business plans to open a bank account, then it will need a banking resolution. Also, this document lists the people authorized to transact on the banking account. LegalNature will design this document and personalize it for $50.
- Complete Document Library Access
LegalNature has 100+ legal and professional document templates that you can personalize. As a result, you will save from the expensive local attorneys. LegalNature will give you access to this document for $84 per year.
- Registered Agent Service
Your business should have a registered agent who receives government correspondence. LegalNature forwards both physical and electronic documents as your agent. The service goes for $125 per year.
- Rushed Filing
LegalNature will place your documents first on the line for $50. Expedited filing is faster and costs $100.
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique number for every employer. You will need it when filing business taxes. EIN is also when opening a bank account and when hiring new employees. LegalNature will help you get EIN from the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) for $70.
- Compliance Guard
This package will keep compliant and in good standing with the government. The package includes an annual filing and one amendment. LegalNature offers the service for $125 per year.
- Business License Search
Every business requires licenses and permits from the local authorities and the government. LegalNature has partnered with LicenseLogix to research for you for $129 per year.
- Document Shipping
You will receive all physical documents of the state documents in your new business mail for $20.
Additional Business Services
- Certificate of Good Standing
This certificate proves that your business is operating legally in a specific location. You get the document from the secretary of state. You will need it when obtaining loans and renewing business licenses. LegalNature will help you get it for $89 plus the state fees.
- Articles of Amendment
These articles help you officiate the necessary changes. LegalNature enables you to file for articles of amendment for $75 plus state fees.
- Articles of Dissolution
Failing to close your with the state may lead to the accumulation of taxes and fines. Filing the articles of dissolution closes the business formerly with the state. LegalNature helps file the articles for $99 plus state fee.
- Foreign Entity Registration
You do this registration if you want the business to operate in a different state from the formation. LegalNature will help register a business as a foreign entity for $129 plus state fees.
Legal Services
- Real Estate
These legal documents are essential when dealing with your commercial and residential properties. They are easy to create, store and edit. They are under two categories; real estate management and property transfers and sales. Some examples of the documents include:
- Residential rental application
- Commercial lease agreement
- Notice to quit
- Estate Planning
This package covers everything that you own, from cars to investments. It has personalized legal documents that fit your needs. The estate plan documents are in the following classes; wills, finance, and healthcare. A few examples include:
- Last will and testament
- Codicil
- Revocable living trust
- Affidavit of domicile
- Affidavit of heirship
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Personal Matters
This category’s legal documents help you settle your family matters. You can access the templates with ease via the online dashboard, download them and print them. These attorney-created documents are state-specific. They are in the following sub-groups into healthcare, marriage, and power of attorney. Below are examples;
- Living will
- Affidavit of marriage
- Marriage separation agreement
Inc Authority Review
Inc Authority has a long history amongst other formation companies. The company formation was in 1989 and has been in existence for over 30 years. Over the years, they have helped over 130000 small business owners start businesses.
Apart from helping entrepreneurs start businesses, they offer other services:
- They can help your business get business funding and credit to boost your business.
- They help you draft a business plan and strategy that works.
- They offer legal help and marketing services. What’s more, these services are available in all 50 states.
Business Formation Service
Inc Authority’s online registration process is easy and straightforward. The company offers two business structures, i.e., Limited Liability Company and Corporation formation. Before filling the order form, you specify the state of formation and the business entity.
As mentioned earlier, Inc Authority formation services are available in all 50 states. Filling the order form starts by first providing the name and address of the contact person. After that, you will give the company information like the physical business address. After that, you’ll go through a few upsells and check out.
Services
Standard Packages
- Business Name Check
They will check whether your business name is available within the state.
- Registered Agent Service For 1 Full Year
Every formation package enjoys registered agent service for free for one year. Afterward, the service will renew annually.
- Digital Delivery and Storage
All the formation documents will be available on the client portal for easy access.
- Preparation and Filing
They will prepare and submit the formation documents for filing.
- S Election
It is an optional service, and Inc Authority will file the S Election 2553 legal form with the IRS. This form enables S Corporation taxation on your Limited Liability Company.
- INC Care Support
The customer support team will handle your queries via email or phone.
- Business Credit and Funding Analysis
A specialist will check and analyze your financial needs and suggest possible solutions.
- Tax Planning Consultations
There will be an evaluation on taxes to help you save on taxes and increase your business income.
Premium Services
- Tax ID
The Internal Revenue Authority (IRS) assigns Employer Identification Number (EIN) to businesses. This number identifies your business when filing taxes. You will also need it when opening a business banking account. This company will help you get the EIN for $49
- Operating Agreement
The document is a private agreement that shows the ownership of a company. Additionally, the document explains the managerial rights and responsibilities in a business. Inc Authority will create a personalized operating agreement for $89.
- Legal Document Package
The package entails a custom embossed storage case and ownership certificates. It also includes organizational minutes and a seal. What’s more, they protect the business from a lawsuit and shareholder disputes. This invaluable package will cost you $99.
- Express Processing
The company will place your order in front of the line for filing for $49. This service is perfect when working against time.
- Website Registration (Domain Registration) + Business Email
Your business should have an online audience. Website registration prevents other people from buying your domain name. On the other hand, a business email creates a picture of professionalism in your business. The two services will cost you $10.
- INC Success Advisor
Inc Authority has business experts who will offer you unlimited customer support. They do this via phone and email. The experts will help you settle issues from lawsuits, licenses, and funding. The subscription fee for this service is $27/ month or $197/ year.
Additional Services
Inc Authority gates these services. Yet, you can access them or know the pricing by calling them.
- Federal Trademark
Having a trademark builds your brand that customers identify with your business. Additionally, a trademark is an essential marketing tool on social and print media.
- Revocable Living Trust
The living trust helps you create a financial strategy that works for you and those around you. The document ensures easy transition of the business from you to your next of kin. Some examples in this category are the power of attorney and last will and testament.
- Business Credit
Inc Authority assigns a business coach who will register your business and set up a profile. The coach will also guide you on how to access business credit.
- Business Funding
If you want to boost your business, this service assures access to a network of lending options. What’s more, qualification can be within minutes through the promising three-step process.
- Business Plan
Having a plan is essential in everything you do and in business too. This service customizes your business plan using the personal business plan advisor who handles the plan writing, editing, research. They also take care of any other paperwork in the process.
- Startup Bundles
Inc Authority offers three discounted startup packages. However, to order these packages, you can contact the company’s business startup experts. The three packages are Starter, Executive, and Tycoon.
Similarities
- Both Inc Authority and LegalNature have legal document templates that you use.
- They offer registered agent service, which is a requirement by the state.
- Both have learning centers where you can access guides and helpful articles.
- They offer excellent customer support that is easy to contact.
Differences
- LegalNature offers four business entities, while Inc Authority provides two.
- Inc Authority has many gated services. Yet, LegalNature lets you know from the start the cost of a service.
- Inc Authority offers 1-year registered agent service for free while LegalNature doesn’t.
LegalNature vs. Inc Authority Comparison
Pricing
Comparing the prices of the two incorporations will help you twine your budget. Additionally, knowing the pricing of various ongoing services like annual reports is vital. The listing below shows the packages each incorporation service offers and their benefits. To get the most out of this, you should compare a package’s price and the value for the services’ money.
LegalNature
LegalNature offers three formation packages that are all discounted. The cheapest package is the starter plan, while the most premium is the Pro plan. LegalNature offers all business entities at the same cost. Below is a listing of the services you get in each package.
Starter Plan
This plan is the cheapest service LegalNature offers for $39 + state filing fees. Here is what you get if you buy the service;
- Prepare and file your LLC
- Name availability
- Online documents and LLC access
- Updates and alerts
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Accounting consultation
- Statement of the organizer
- Standard filing time
- Business website
Essential Plan
It is the most popular plan and goes for $179 + state filing fees annually. If you subscribe to the essential plan, you get the Starter plan services plus the following;
- LLC operating agreement
- Banking resolution
- Complete document library access
- Registered agent
- Rushed filing
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- Compliance Guard
Pro Plan
This package is the most premium plan and will cost you $269 per year. When you to the service, you add the following services on top of Starter and Essential plan services;
- Expedited Filing
- Document Shipping
Inc Authority
This incorporation service forms businesses for free. They offer cheaper services than most formation companies. However, if you love discounted packages, they have you sorted. They offer three discounted formation packages called startup bundles. You can know the price or order by calling the business startup team of experts. Below are the bundles and what you get from each.
Starter Business Bundle
This plan is the lowest bundle and has the fewest number of services. Here is what you get;
- Verify Business Name Availability
- Custom State filed articles
- Complete operating agreement/Bylaws
- Record Book and Company Seal
- Initial Meeting Minutes and Resolutions
- Ownership Certificates
- IRS Tax ID Number (EIN)
- Business Credit and Funding Evaluation Tax Consultations
- 1-year Inc Care Success Advisor
Executive Business Bundle
This package is the average bundle. If you purchase this it, you will get the starter bundle services and the following;
- Business License Report
- Website Domain
Tycoon Business Bundle
The tycoon bundle is the most premium package. When you are purchasing it, you will get the starter and executive services plus;
- Express processing
- BizCredit Express.
- Business Credit Coach.
- Multi-Tiered Credit Building System
- Business Credit LaunchPad
- D&B Credit Bureau Registration
Both Inc Authority and LegalNature packages have three plans. However, the former forms businesses for free. On the other hand, LegalNature pricing is an annual subscription. As a result, Inc Authority is more pocket-friendly than LegalNature.
Winner: Inc Authority.
Registered Agent Service
The state government requires every business to have a registered agent who receives the company’s legal documents and correspondence. Most formation services offer registered agent service as an ongoing annual subscription.
LegalNature
Registered agent service is one of the prime services that LegalNature offers. This service will cost you $125 annually. LegalNature promises to receive and forward your documents to keep you informed.
Inc Authority
The state government needs companies to have an agent for official correspondence. Inc Authority offers one full year of a free registered agent, which then renews annually. They promise to help you reduce junk mail. Additionally, this service protects your mail from third parties.
If you compare both Inc Authority and LegalNature, the former offers at a lower cost. Additionally, it offers this service for free for one year while the latter doesn’t.
Winner: Inc Authority.
Customer Reviews and Support
Customer support is an essential consideration to note. They are the channels you use when there is a question about the services. On the other hand, customer reviews are testimonies about the different experiences.
LegalNature
LegalNature has over 3000 five-star reviews on TrustPilot. The total number of reviews on TrustPilot is 4606 reviews and a customer rating of 4.3/5. LegalNature tackles customer queries via both email and phone. The two channels are available throughout the week from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 1 pm on weekends.
Inc Authority
The sum reviews are 5233 on TrustPilot, and 96% of the customers rate them 4-stars and 5-stars. On the other hand, you can contact customer support via email and phone. The phone support is available on working days from 8 am to 5 pm.
LegalNature has more customer support hours. On the other hand, Inc Authority shows high customer satisfaction from the reviews. Both ratings are also excellent.
Winner: Tie
Experience
You can base the experience on the number of years a company has existed. Also, the higher the number of customers served, the higher the experience. Checking the experience of an incorporation service is vital. It gives you an idea of the level of professionalism to expect from your choice.
LegalNature
LegalNature founders had backgrounds in law, business, and web development. The three backgrounds are what every online formation service needs. Additionally, they have nine years of experience and presence in 12 countries.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority’s launch was in 1989 and has helped launch over 130000 businesses. You, therefore, expect excellence when handling your order. What’s more, the 96% customer rating is loud enough to back the expertise. Over the years, they have therefore mastered the art and kept improving.
From the services, LegalNature has the lesser experience despite being in several countries. Inc Authority has helped over 130000 entrepreneurs in its over 30 years of existence.
Winner: Inc Authority.
Ease of Use
How easily can you use the website or fill their order form? Ease of use should be perhaps the first thing you check. Usability is key, as well as the time it takes to finish up the order form. Online LLC formation services we founded based on reducing paperwork in the process.
LegalNature
The LegalNature registration process has three stages. Using the packages, it will take you 10 minutes to finish. However, the general process has four steps that can take you a maximum of 15 minutes. The second process takes longer because you have to go through many upsells. The upsells are otherwise on discount in the packages.
Inc Authority
They have a straightforward and simple-to-use website. The registration process is fast and takes 10 minutes or less. The form’s top bar helps you monitor the progress.
Both Inc Authority and LegalNature are simple and straightforward. The services are easy to find, and the process takes 10 minutes at most.
Winner: Tie
Pros and Cons
Having compared the two incorporation services, you probably have an in-depth understanding. This will help you make an informed choice. But for purposes of clarity, below are quick points on the pros and cons of each service.
LegalNature
Pros
- Guarantees money-back in 30 days or satisfaction
- Has a high customer rating
- Offers Legal assistance and document templates
- Has 11 years of experience
Cons
- Has an expensive license and permits search
Inc Authority
Pros
- Offers 1-year registered agent service for free
- Has a high customer rating
- Has cheap startup service
- They have 30 years of experience
- Offers online access to incorporation documents
Cons
- They don’t offer customer support on weekends
Conclusion
In conclusion, LegalNature has been helping entrepreneurs from and run businesses for years. Throughout the years, they have garnered over 3000 five stars and 4.3/5 ratings. Thus, you can trust that they will handle your order with professionalism. Similarly, Inc Authority has been of help to over 130000 entrepreneurs. In return, the entrepreneurs have rewarded them with over 5233 reviews online. Amazingly, 96% of the reviews are four stars and above. Therefore, you can trust their skills and pocket-friendly services to handle your order.