What Is Active Filings?
Active Filings is a comprehensive online incorporation service offering more than just the basics. The company sets itself apart with its unique True Compliance Review methodology, which ensures state-specific document compliance. And, unlike its competitors, it also offers bilingual services with its dedicated Spanish-speaking staff. Active Filings aims to combine speed, accuracy and personalized care in one package at a competitive cost.
Pros
Active Filings offers a compelling suite of features designed to streamline the online incorporation process for small business owners. With a focus on transparent pricing, bilingual support and a commitment to customer service, the company provides a well-rounded package that stands out in the crowded incorporation marketplace.
- Free plan available. The free package lets you take the first step toward incorporating your business without straining your finances. You’ll only be responsible for state filing fees, making this plan a cost-effective entry point for startups or small businesses on a budget.
- Competitive pricing. The company has positioned its pricing to be among the most competitive in the incorporation sector, enabling you to receive high-quality services without compromising on affordability—making any of its plans a good fit for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
- Services in English and Spanish. Active Filings offers its services in both English and Spanish. This multilingual support ensures that more people can access its services and navigate the incorporation process without language being a barrier. Whether you’re an English speaker or prefer Spanish, the company makes sure you’ll be well taken care of.
- Free business name search. Take advantage of Active Filings’ free business name search to help you avoid potential legal issues by checking for any existing trademarks or name conflicts. It’s a service that will save you time and reduce the likelihood of legal challenges related to your business name down the road.
- First year of registered agent services free. A registered agent is a requirement in most states. Active Filings makes compliance easy by including the first year of registered agent services for free in all its plans, including its free plan—an added feature that can be a significant cost-saving advantage as you establish your business.
- Expedited service available. Operating on a tight schedule? Active Filings has you covered: Its paid plans offer an expedited service option to ensure your incorporation paperwork is processed more swiftly, allowing you to turn your business idea into reality sooner.
Cons
While Active Filings delivers a solid performance in many areas, it does have some limitations which, depending on your specific needs, may pose challenges.
- No mobile app available. The absence of a mobile app means you’re restricted to web-based access on your laptop or computer. If you’re a business owner who’s constantly on the move, this could prove to be an inconvenient restriction.
- No live chat support. Active Filings doesn’t offer live chat support, making real-time troubleshooting more challenging—especially if you’re accustomed to immediate online support. This could be a significant drawback if you prioritize quick and hassle-free communication.
- Limited customer support hours. The company’s customer support is only available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. This could be an issue if you operate outside of regular business hours, are in a different time zone or require after-hours assistance.
- Lack of legal or non-formation business services. Active Filings specializes in incorporation services, but does not offer other non-formation business-related services. If you require services such as business planning or legal services, you may need to contract with multiple service providers.
Featured Partners
1
ZenBusiness
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
2
LegalZoom
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
3
Northwest Registered Agent
$39 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
4
Formations
$0 + State Fee
Varies By State & Package
How Active Filings Works
Whether you’re forming an LLC, establishing a nonprofit or looking to incorporate, Active Filings offers an efficient and user-friendly platform that combines technology with personalized service. Its interface enables you to quickly navigate through the formation process in as little as five minutes. And its True Compliance Review ensures your filings are error-free and compliant with your state’s business laws.
The company supports businesses in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and offers transparent, competitive pricing. You can expect a variety of bundled services with your chosen Active Filings plan, including annual report compliance plus one year of free registered agent services, making it a cost-effective choice no matter what state you’re in.
With a robust 22-year track record in the industry and a base of over 100,000 satisfied customers, Active Filings places a strong emphasis on customer service. The company also provides free value-added resources, such as business checklists and lifetime customer assistance.
Active Filings Services
Active Filings streamlines the process of starting and managing your business. From ensuring the uniqueness of your business name to assisting with various types of business formation and even registered agent services, it provides the formation services you need to get your business up and running.
Name Availability Search
Choosing the right name for your business is crucial for brand building and market recognition. Active Filings aids in this process through its quick and free business name availability search, which helps you find out whether your desired name is available within your state. The search takes only a few hours to complete and ensures you don’t waste time or money on paperwork that’s rejected because the name you want isn’t available.
Incorporation Service
Active Filings provides a broad range of options when it comes to incorporating your business. Whether you’re looking to form a C-corporation, S-corporation, nonprofit corporation or a professional corporation, its incorporation service has you covered. By filing your Articles of Incorporation directly with your state’s Secretary of State, the company ensures a quick and efficient incorporation process.
LLC Formation Service
Active Filings streamlines the LLC formation process by filing your Articles of Organization directly with your state’s Secretary of State for you. Using its service not only expedites the formation of your LLC but also minimizes the risk of errors and mistakes that could lead to your application being delayed or rejected. As a bonus, you’ll also get a free year of registered agent services and an LLC operating agreement as part of your LLC formation.
International Incorporation Service
If you’re a foreign national interested in owning a U.S.-based business, Active Filings offers specialized International Incorporation Plans that ensure you get all the necessary support for incorporating your business in the U.S., from a company name availability check to the filing of incorporation documents. Along with the company’s other packages, the plan also comes with one year of registered agent services.
Registered Agent Services
Most state laws mandate businesses to designate a registered agent to receive service of legal documents and government correspondence. Active Filings helps you stay compliant with your state’s registered agent requirements by partnering with Registered Agents Inc. to give you one year of free registered agent services in all of its business formation packages. This valuable add-on streamlines your operational setup process by eliminating the need to find, evaluate and pay for a registered agent service.
Annual Report Compliance
It’s essential to keep your business compliant with your state’s business rules and regulations, and this compliance includes filing annual reports in a timely manner. Active Filings takes the burden off your shoulders by completing and submitting your business’s annual report on your behalf—another add-on that comes with all its plans, including its free package. It also sends alerts about important filing deadlines, making it easier for your business to stay compliant.
Active Filings Pricing and Plans
The Starter
Active Filings’ Starter package is designed for entrepreneurs who want a straightforward, no-frills approach to kick-starting their business. It covers all the necessary legal steps, lets you perform a business name search and ensures you stay compliant with your annual report filings. And with the first year of registered agent services provided at no extra charge, the plan offers a financially sensible way to get your business off the ground.
Cost: Free plus state filing fees
- Incorporation service
- Phone and contact form support
- Business name search
- Articles of Organization/Articles of Incorporation
- Registered agent services
- Annual report compliance
- Filing notifications
The Sprinter
The Sprinter package goes a step beyond the basics, and is a good fit for entrepreneurs seeking added features who are able to invest a bit more in their startup. In addition to the essential services you get in the Starter package, this package includes a business address to keep your own address off the public record, other privacy features and the provision of a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Plus, expedited service gets your business up and running quickly.
Cost: $100 plus state filing fees
- Incorporation service
- Phone and contact form support
- Business name search
- Articles of Organization/Articles of Incorporation
- Registered agent services
- Annual report compliance
- Filing notifications
- Business address
- Privacy protection
- Federal EIN (Tax ID Number)
- Expedited service
The Finisher
If you’re looking for a more extensive package, Active Filings’s Finisher plan is a high-end option that offers more top-tier features. The package encompasses everything the Sprinter plan provides, further enhanced by the inclusion of a corporate seal and corporate book. This extra layer of professionalism can be invaluable when dealing with clients or investors, giving your new business the look of a well-organized and committed operation.
Cost: $250 plus state filing fees
- Incorporation service
- Phone and contact form support
- Business name search
- Articles of Organization/Articles of Incorporation
- Registered agent services
- Annual report compliance
- Filing notifications
- Business address
- Privacy protection
- Federal EIN (Tax ID Number)
- Expedited service
- Corporate seal
- Corporate book
The International Packages
In addition to the domestic plans tailored for its U.S. clients, Active Filings offers specialized packages for international customers. These plans address the unique challenges encountered by non-U.S. citizens when establishing a business in the U.S., offering a simplified route to business formation.
Silver package. Priced at $999 plus state filing fees, the Silver package is Active Filings’s foundational plan for international clients. It covers essential services including incorporation, registered agent services and an EIN. With unlimited mail forwarding and annual report compliance, this package aims to simplify your entry into the U.S. business landscape.
Gold package. The Gold package, priced at $1,499 plus state filing fees, offers everything available in the Silver package with the added value of apostille and Certificate of Incumbency services—documents that may be required when dealing with foreign government requirements and banking needs—as well as expedited service.
Getting Started With Active Filings
Active Filings streamlines the process of navigating the maze of state filing requirements so you can get your new business started quickly. To begin, choose the kind of business entity you want to establish—for example, LLC or corporation. Pricing will vary according to the package you’ve selected, starting at free (plus state filing fees) for the Starter package and going up depending on the features and services you want.
It’s important to keep in mind that state filing fees are separate from the package fee and will differ from state to state. For example, the filing fee for an LLC is $40 in Kentucky, while it costs $200 to file for an LLC in Washington State. Also, many states require ongoing annual or biennial fees—these are separate from the filing fee for forming your business—so you should check for any such additional fees for budgeting purposes.
Once you’ve selected your business entity, you’ll be taken to an online form. For LLCs, you’ll need to input information such as your desired company name, the purpose of your business, your LLC’s management structure (single-member or multi-member) and the names and mailing addresses of the LLC’s members. Corporations will require details such as the names and addresses of corporate officers and specifics about shares.
If you opt for a paid package, extra details—for example, a Social Security Number (SSN) for the purpose of obtaining an EIN—will be needed.
Once you’ve submitted your information and paid the required fee, Active Filings takes charge. It will check the availability of your business name, prepare and file the necessary documents with your state and keep you updated on the process. Additionally, no matter which package you choose, you’ll get the first year of registered agent services free, along with annual report filings to help you stay compliant.
Active Filings’s Customer Service and Support
While Active Filings doesn’t offer live chat support, it’s easy to get in touch by submitting inquiries via its contact form or by directly calling the toll-free customer service number. Support hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET from Monday to Friday.
Beyond these immediate customer service options, there’s also a comprehensive Help Center on its website to assist you further. Here you’ll find helpful information such as detailed incorporation requirements for each state as well as articles on topics such as state processing times. Detailed FAQs cover essential subjects such as incorporating, trade names and shares, and there’s a download center with helpful ebooks plus an IRS guide with handy links.
Active Filings Alternatives and How They Compare
Active Filings vs. LegalZoom
Both Active Filings and LegalZoom offer a range of services for business formation, but they cater to different needs. Active Filings is particularly strong when it comes to its straightforward pricing, bilingual support and first year of free registered agent services. LegalZoom, on the other hand, shines with its top-rated customer support and broader array of legal services. Choose between the two based on your specific requirements and how much you’re willing to pay for additional legal offerings.
Active Filings vs. Bizee
Active Filings and Incfile are both solid choices for business formation, but there are some subtle differences. Active Filings, for example, offers bilingual support, so if you prefer your services in Spanish, it’s the ideal option. Plus its highest-tier domestic plan is cheaper. Bizee, in turn, provides grants for entrepreneurs. Weigh these unique offerings when making your decision.
Active Filings vs. Filenow
If you’re choosing between Active Filings and Filenow, the difference is clear in terms of cost and features. Active Filings provides a no-cost plan as well as annual reports and one year of free registered agent services on all its plans. Filenow, however, excels in fast processing but doesn’t offer a free plan. If cost-effectiveness and a broader range of included services matter to you, Active Filings may be the better choice.
Who Is Active Filings Best For?
Active Filings is the go-to service for entrepreneurs who want a straightforward and cost-effective way to form their business. Its free plan (you only need to pay the state filing fees) stands out for providing all the essential features you need to get your business off the ground. Competitive pricing across its range of plans makes it a smart choice for small businesses, with its no-hidden-fees policy providing added peace of mind.
In addition to its affordability, Active Filings also excels in accessibility and value-added services. Whether you speak English or Spanish, the platform has you covered. Plus each plan comes with a free first year of registered agent services. And if you’re on a tight schedule? You can opt for a paid plan to take advantage of expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Active Filings a good choice for non-English speakers?
Yes, Active Filings offers bilingual customer support, with services in both English and Spanish, making it an accessible incorporation service for a broader range of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Are there any hidden fees when using Active Filings?
Active Filings operates on a no-hidden-fees policy, plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee, providing full transparency in its pricing structure.
What types of business entities can I form with Active Filings?
You can form a variety of business entities through Active Filings, including LLCs, S-corps and C-corps.
