FB
File.Business
$0 formation + paid compliance plans starting $99/yr.
3Wins
4.9★8,200+ reviews
220KFormed
$0
Formation
no hidden upsells
$149
RA/year
transparent pricing
Self-serve
Dashboard
no agent reach-out
51
Jurisdictions
same coverage
SOC 2 Type II · 2025 report
4.9 · 8,200+ reviews
E&O Insured · carrier on request
51 Jurisdictions
220,000+ Formed
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.
Which is truly free?
Both offer $0 service fee. State fees apply to both.
Which has better service?
Reviews vary. We focus on operator infrastructure and partner network.
Which is faster?
Comparable processing.
Can I migrate?
Yes. Update RA and state filing.
Do they have CPAs?
Tax consultation included; not full network.
Do they have attorneys?
Limited.
Best for funded startups?
File.Business - C-Corp + cap table focus.
Best for international founders?
File.Business - dedicated content + partners.
Try File.Business.
$0 service fee on formation. 60-day money-back guarantee. Cancel anytime.
$129/yr Compliance Annual Filings · penalty-free
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.