FB
File.Business
$0 formation + paid compliance plans starting $99/yr.
3Wins
4.9★8,200+ reviews
220KFormed
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.
Bundle & save
Recommended add-ons
Most customers add these to keep their business compliant year-round.
Registered Agent
Most orderedRequired for every registered business entity in every state.
$99
/year
Add →
Compliance Monitoring
Best valueTrack every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline.
$19
/month
Add →
Annual Report Filing
RecommendedAuto-file your state annual report. Never miss a deadline.
$99
/year
Add →
Why File.Business
Premium compliance, no service-fee markup.
Trust you can verify
SOC 2 Type II audited platform. 220,000+ businesses served. 60-day money-back on service fees. State fees passed through at cost with no hidden markup. Explicit AUP on restricted industries.
A compliance partner, not a transaction
Most providers go quiet after checkout. We auto-track every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline across your entities. The Business OS dashboard keeps your compliance score visible year-round.
Premium experience competitors cannot match
Premium positioning, transparent pricing, no service-fee markup on state or federal filings. Premium positioning, transparent pricing, no service-fee markup on state filings.