I'm finally taking the plunge and forming an LLC for my photography business. I've narrowed it down to Swyft Filings and Inc Authority, but I'm stuck. Swyft seems to have better reviews overall, but Inc Authority's free filing is tempting. I don't need a ton of hand-holding, just want to get registered properly without overpaying. Anyone have firsthand experience with either? Or should I just quit procrastinating and flip a coin?
LLC Formation
Swyft Filings or Inc Authority for a freelance photographer?
Swyft's upsells are sneaky. You think you're paying $49, then suddenly it's $300 for the 'expanded' package with an EIN. Inc Authority is free but they'll hound you about a registered agent and tax services. Pick your poison.
I used Inc Authority last year. Free filing is legit, but they call you like three times trying to sell you a $99 'business consultation'. Just ignore it and you you're fine.
Honestly, for a freelancer, just file directly with your state, cost me $125 and 20 minutes. These services are for people who are scared of a government website.
Not everyone's state has a decent site. Mine looks like it was designed in 1998 and half the links are broken. So I get the appeal.
I went with Swyft. No complaints, but I also paid for the middle package so I wouldn't geet nickel-and-dimed. If you're going budget, prepare for the upsell maze.
Wait, so the free filing still involves phone calls? That sounds exhausting. I just want to take photos, not dodge sales calls.
You can block their number. I did after the first call. No big deal.
Lol @ 'flip a coin'. Do that, it's cheaper and you'll have the same resUlt. Both are just form-fillers.
I'd say it depends on whether you want a registered agent included. Inc Authority gives you a year free, Swyft charges extra. But after that year, Inc Authority's renewal is pricey. Do the math for year two.
This thread is making me glad I just paid a local accountant $200 to handle everything. No spam, no upsells, and she answers my emails.
That's not a bad route either. But for a photographer just starting out, $200 might be half their first client payment.
The year-two renewal is a good point. I'll check that. Also, accountant might be overkill for noww, but I'll keep it in mind if things get complicated.