Incfile is an online business formation service that has helped form over 1 million businesses since 2004. The company offers free LLC and corporation formation (customers pay only state filing fees), along with registered agent services, EIN acquisition, compliance monitoring, and annual report filing. Incfile was acquired by Tailor Brands in 2020, combining formation with branding and website tools.
Incfile's free formation model disrupted the market by eliminating the service fee that LegalZoom and others charge. The company monetizes through upsells (registered agent, compliance packages, EIN filing) and the Tailor Brands ecosystem. It competes primarily with LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, and Northwest Registered Agent.
Most recognized brand in online legal services. Charges for formation but offers broader legal services including attorney consultations, trademark filing, and ongoing compliance.
Competitive pricing with strong compliance and annual report services. High customer satisfaction ratings. Growing rapidly as a LegalZoom alternative.
Uses their own address as registered agent to protect business owner privacy. Higher base price but includes a full year of registered agent service.
One-click Delaware C-Corp formation bundled with Stripe payments and banking. Targets tech startups specifically. $500 flat fee includes everything.
Incfile's free formation is a loss leader designed to capture customers who then purchase registered agent services, compliance packages, and other upsells. The strategy works but creates aggressive upsell pressure that can damage trust.
The Tailor Brands acquisition allows Incfile to offer formation + logo + website as a bundle. This vertical integration increases customer lifetime value but adds complexity and potential quality trade-offs.
Every LLC needs a registered agent — a recurring annual service. This is Incfile's primary revenue driver after the free formation hook. Customer retention in registered agent services is the key financial metric.
Incfile competes with LegalZoom (premium brand), ZenBusiness (value alternative), Northwest Registered Agent (privacy-focused), and Stripe Atlas (tech startups). Incfile's free formation model is its primary differentiator.
Incfile's basic LLC formation is free — you pay only mandatory state filing fees ($50-500 depending on state). Additional services like registered agent ($119/year), EIN filing, and compliance are paid add-ons.
For basic LLC formation, Incfile is significantly cheaper. LegalZoom charges $79-349 for formation plus state fees. LegalZoom offers broader legal services (attorney access, trademarks) that Incfile does not. Choose based on whether you need just formation or ongoing legal support.
Incfile includes the first year of registered agent service free with any formation package. After the first year, the service renews at $119/year. Registered agent service is required for all LLCs.