Looking for an IncFile alternative?
IncFile offers a $0 base price for LLC formation, but essential add-ons like registered agent service, EIN filing, and operating agreements are all extra.
All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents
Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries
StartGlobal vs IncFile
What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)
| What's included | StartGlobal | IncFile |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Registered agent | Included | Yr1 free, $149/yr |
| EIN (no SSN) | Yes, no SSN | Gold tier only |
| US bank account setup | Included | No |
| Operating agreement | Included | Gold tier only |
| Bookkeeping | Included (managed) | Software only |
| Federal tax filing | Included | Not offered (partner) |
| Annual report & compliance | Included | Add-on |
| Built for non-residents | Built for it | Limited |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% money-back | — |
The cost to run an LLC, not just to start one.
Every founder needs formation, a registered agent, an EIN, an operating agreement, ongoing compliance, bookkeeping and a federal tax return. Here is the full first-year cost on identical scope.
StartGlobal
then $149/month fully managed, or a la carte from $99/year • one platform • everything included
- LLC formation + state filing fee
- Registered agent
- EIN (Tax ID)
- US business bank account setup
- Operating agreement
- Annual report & compliance
- Bookkeeping
- Federal tax filing
IncFile
2 separate services to manage
- Formation, registered agent, EIN & annual report (Gold) $428
- Bookkeeping (software) $360
- Federal tax filing (5472 + 1120), via 3rd party (est.) $800
IncFile only handles part of it.
To actually run your LLC you would stitch together 2 separate services: IncFile for formation, a separate bookkeeper, and a separate tax preparer. That is 2 logins, 2 bills, and 2 support teams to chase when something breaks. StartGlobal is all of it in one platform, one login, one bill, one team, for a one-time $399 to form, then a flat $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year).
First-year cost for a single-member, foreign-owned LLC in Wyoming (~$100 state fee), ~1,000 transactions / ~$100k revenue. Where IncFile does not offer bookkeeping or tax filing, we use third-party benchmarks (bookkeeping $2,400/yr, federal tax filing $800/yr) so the scope matches. Competitor pricing as of 2026-06 and may change.
Why founders switch to StartGlobal
Real concerns reported by IncFile users, and how we fix them.
Upsell-Heavy Checkout
“The $0 price looked great until I saw all the add-ons at checkout. Ended up paying more than expected.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
IncFile's free tier is a loss leader designed to funnel customers into purchasing add-on services during a multi-step checkout process.
StartGlobal offers flat, predictable pricing: $399 one-time to form, then $149/month managed or a la carte from $99/year. No upsells, no surprise add-ons at checkout.
No International Support
“As a non-US resident, I had no idea IncFile wouldn't help me get an EIN or open a bank account.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
IncFile is built for US residents. Non-residents face extra hurdles with EIN applications and have no bank account setup assistance.
StartGlobal was built from day one for non-residents. No SSN required, non-resident EIN assistance and bank account setup included.
Slow Processing Times
“My LLC filing took weeks even though I paid for the base package. Expedited processing was another add-on.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
Standard processing times with IncFile can stretch to several weeks. Faster processing requires paying extra.
StartGlobal processes most LLCs within 24-48 hours. No extra fees for standard processing speed.
Limited Post-Formation Support
“Once my LLC was formed, I was on my own. No help with compliance, banking, or next steps.” Source: BBB Complaints ↗
IncFile focuses on the filing itself but offers limited guidance on EIN, banking, and ongoing compliance for international founders.
StartGlobal guides you through every step after formation: EIN, bank account, operating agreement, and ongoing compliance reminders.
LLC Formation
Everything you need to launch, in one package.
Registered Agent
IncludedEvery US LLC is legally required to have a registered agent: the official point of contact that receives legal documents, lawsuits, and state notices on your behalf. We act as your registered agent in your formation state and forward anything that arrives straight to you.
- Required to form and keep your LLC in good standing
- Receives legal documents and state notices for you
- We forward everything to you right away
State Filing
IncludedWe set up your company in the state you choose and track everything through to approval. Your state fees are included in the price, with no separate charges to figure out later.
- File in any of the 50 states
- State filing fees included, no surprise charges
- We track your filing through to approval
Business Tax Number
IncludedBefore you can open a bank account, get paid, or file taxes, you need a business tax number. We take care of the entire application for you, even if you don't have a U.S. social security number.
- We handle the entire application for you
- No U.S. SSN needed
- Gets you ready to bank, get paid, and stay compliant
U.S. Business Bank Account
IncludedOpen a U.S. business bank account from anywhere in the world, with no U.S. travel required. We connect you with trusted banking partners like Mercury and Lili and guide you through the application.
- Apply from anywhere, no U.S. trip needed
- Partners like Mercury and Lili
- Guided setup from start to finish
One payment, no surprise charges at checkout.
Ongoing Compliance
Pay only for what you need.
Registered Agent
Pay as you goYour registered agent service continues year after year, keeping a verified U.S. address on file and forwarding every legal document and state notice so you stay in good standing.
- Verified U.S. address maintained
- Legal mail scanned and forwarded
- Renewed automatically each year
State Annual Report
Pay as you goMost states require an annual or biennial report to keep your LLC active. We prepare and file it on time, every year, so you never fall out of good standing or get hit with late penalties.
- Annual or biennial report prepared and filed
- Deadline tracking, no late penalties
- Keeps your LLC in good standing
Bookkeeping
Pay as you goWe keep your books organized and aligned with U.S. standards every month, so your finances are always accurate and ready for tax time, investors, or a loan.
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Transactions categorized and reconciled
- Reports ready for tax season
Federal Tax Filing
Pay as you goWe handle your annual federal tax filing for single-member and multi-member LLCs, including the forms non-resident owners need, filed accurately and on time with the IRS.
- Returns for single and multi-member LLCs
- Non-resident owner filings handled
- Accurate, on-time filing with the IRS
Starts with registered agent. Add annual report, bookkeeping, and federal tax filing as you need them.
The operating system
Formation is
just the start.
StartGlobal runs your whole company, not just the paperwork. One platform, every tool you need to operate.
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Real customers, on camera, talking about their U.S. business journey
IncFile vs StartGlobal, answered
Is StartGlobal better than IncFile for LLC formation?+
For international entrepreneurs, StartGlobal is the better choice. While IncFile's $0 base price looks attractive, essential services like registered agent ($119/yr), EIN ($70), and operating agreement ($199 plan) are all extra. StartGlobal's flat $399 one-time formation covers everything, with ongoing compliance from $99/year and no upsells.
Why is IncFile free but StartGlobal charges $399 to form?+
IncFile's $0 tier covers only the basic filing. By the time you add a registered agent, EIN, and operating agreement, you're paying $189-$389+ anyway, and you still don't get bank account setup or international support. StartGlobal's $399 one-time formation includes everything in one transparent price.
Can I switch from IncFile to StartGlobal?+
Yes. If you've already formed your LLC with IncFile, StartGlobal can take over as your registered agent and handle ongoing compliance, EIN filing, and bank account setup. Contact our team to discuss transferring your LLC management.
Does IncFile help non-US residents form an LLC?+
IncFile is primarily designed for US residents and does not specialize in non-resident formation. They don't offer non-resident EIN assistance or bank account setup. StartGlobal was built specifically for non-residents from 150+ countries.
What does StartGlobal include that IncFile charges extra for?+
StartGlobal includes registered agent service (1st year), EIN application assistance, operating agreement, and business bank account setup, all in the $399 one-time formation. IncFile charges separately for each of these services.
Ready to start your U.S. business?
Join thousands of global founders who trust StartGlobal. Form your LLC in minutes and run it all from one place.