Our Top Picks For The Best Registered Agent Services
Our comparison guide provides useful information for those searching for the best registered agent services to use while forming an LLC or corporation.
8 Best Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent $39/year (Editor’s Choice)
Harbor Compliance $99/year (Editor’s Choice)
Bizee $119/year
LegalZoom $249/year
InCorp $129/year
Rocket Lawyer
ZenBusiness
CorpNet
What is a Registered Agent?
LLC registered agents are individuals or entities that corporations or LLCs have specifically designated to receive all government correspondence, service of process-related notices, and other compliance documents as a representative of the LLC.
Although the word ‘Agent’ typically refers to a person who has been duly authorized to act or transact on behalf of an entity or an individual, a registered agent does not possess such powers.
The primary purpose of LLC registered agents is to act as an authorized agent, which includes receiving service of process notices and other material correspondence, acting as the LLC’s representative.
Additionally, registered agents must forward every important documentation received by them to the LLC within a reasonable time period.
While some states allow you to do so, it is not a recommended option. Doing so requires you to be fully available on all weekdays between 8 AM – 5 PM, cumbersome.
Additionally, your home address would also become public information, thus compromising your privacy significantly.
And that alone translates to an unending streak of junk documents in your mailbox. Plus, of course, you’ll have to deal with reduced personal privacy.
So, whichever way you look at it, registered agent solutions are unavoidable if you’re dealing with a serious business.
Visit Our Top 10 Best LLC Services
So, allow us to save you the trouble by walking you through the best-registered agent services. We took the time to sample a wide array of options that enjoy good ratings across all the states.
Then using the information, we’ve subsequently compiled a solid list of the top 10 best registered agent services, all of which have a proven track record of outstanding services.
After reviewing our list, check out other best registered agent listings to compare with our findings..
Now, let’s take a deeper look at the best registered agent services available today. The firms that have been listed here are authorized to offer their services in every state across the USA.
#1 Registered Agent Service
Summary
With offices in each of the 50 states, Northwest is the leading registered agent provider in the U.S.
Pricing is reasonable, and service is recognized as the best in the industry. BBB Rating A+
Many business owners consider Northwest Registered Agent to be the best registered agent service available. Registered agent services are their main business, in addition to LLC formation services.
Northwest Registered Agent (Editor’s Choice!)
Business Formation with 365 Days of Registered Agent Service $39
We Have Discounted Prices for Northwest $225 Just $39!
Visit Northwest Registered Agent
The Leader In Business Formations & Registered Agent Services
- LLC Formation and Incorporation Services
- Privacy by Default
- LLC Pricing Starts at $39.00 + state fee
- Most Popular Plan $39 + state fee
- Monthly Plans Available
- Strong customer service, direct phone line, and same-day email response
- Privacy by Default
Visit Northwest Registered Agent
Launched in 1998, this company caters to companies in all states across the US. They bring over 20 years of experience in the industry to the table, which has helped the firm gather diverse clientele from different industries.
Additionally, it also boasts of a spectacular track record when it comes to customer support. There are almost no negative reviews regarding this firm on Google or any other review website. It has several positive testimonials and ratings on prominent review sites, which its clients wrote.
Their customer service is what sets them apart from the competition. Their support framework and staff are arguably the best you’ll find as their staff members have been specifically trained to offer outstanding support.
Individual clients have personal support reps who are well-equipped to cater to the company’s specific needs and requirements. Thus, you receive personalized services when you engage Northwest for your registered agent requirements. They are also available at all times, even for resolving minor inconveniences.
We’ve tried them out a few times, and it’s clear that the reps provide an impeccable customer support experience to their clients. You will never get into legal trouble due to documentation and compliance issues if you go with this firm.
Northwest also provides document and filing services, which are in a league of their own. They are the sole countrywide registered agent service that scans and uploads every client document delivered to them.
Northwest has a legacy of going above and beyond to provide an unparalleled experience, whereas other registered agent services are reluctant to offer anything more than essential services. You will never have to be worried when you engage in their services.
Services provided by Northwest Registered Agent
- 24×7 business support, even on weekends
- Mailing address, principal physical address, organizer address, and registered agent address
- Customized articles
- Bylaws and operating agreements
- LLC membership and corporation stock certificates
- Free registered agent services for a year
- Notifications in real-time
- Comprehensive company management system
- Personal, corporate guides
- Reliable and personalized support
- Prepopulating forms with relevant data for convenient filing
- Business maintenance, annual reports, filing tips, and other important information
- Reminders and instructions for ensuring your annual reports are in compliance
Pricing
Northwest Registered Agent charges around $225 + state fee for their LLC or corporation formation services. Their services are available for 1 year without any additional charge.
Once your application has been approved, you can also use Northwest’s local scanning features and online tools, such as their free annual report reminders.
After the initial period of 1 year, the cost increases to $125 a year for each state your business operates in. However, this fee may be revised favorably if your package includes services for 5+ states, upon which the rate gets slashed to $100 a year for each state.
Advantages
- All documents are locally scanned.
- If you purchase registered agent services for 5+ states, you are eligible for a sizeable discount
- Personalized support
- 20+ years’ worth of experience
- Free services for an entire year once you’re purchased the LLC or corporation formation package.
Disadvantages
- Their packages may be unaffordable for small businesses.
#2 Registered Agent Service
Expert registered agents and the leader in compliance services.
Harbor Compliance has experienced impressive growth levels consistently over the last few years. At the same time, it’s a relatively new firm, the company more than makes up for it with the quality of its registered agent service.
Since 2012, Harbor Compliance has assisted more than 25,000 customers in applying for, secure, and maintain licensing across all industries.
Harbor Compliance has been able to find the sweet spot between features and pricing, thus enabling it to offer attractive packages to its customers. While they aren’t the cheapest, they do exceedingly well in overall quality levels compared to their competitors.
Northwest and Harbor Compliance are close competitors – their customer service quality is consistently strong, although their services have a few pricing differences.
For instance, Northwest offers a personalized customer support experience similar to the system in place at Harbor Compliance. The company’s clients are called ‘Compliance Specialists’ – a term for dedicated customer account managers whose primary role is to handle every registered agent requirement of their assigned companies.
Should you ever require their assistance, you may contact them via the company’s website contact form, phone, or email. Their services are invaluable, especially if you need help with legal compliance issues.
Entity Manager
The registered agent service comes with complimentary access to their Entity Manager software.
Entity Manager allows users to view all of their entity registrations (across all states and entities) in one place, including registered agents, government contact information, annual report deadlines, and more.
The software provides free, customized reminders to file annual reports.
Services provided
- A Compliance Calendar that can be used for monitoring and tracking statuses & alerting staff members about upcoming important dates for licenses, annual reports, registrations, etc.
- Same-day delivery of essential documents
- Free scanning of documents
- Local offices present in all states
- Local registered agent address
- Personalized notifications
- Publish formation notices
- Annual reports
- Drafting of articles
- Operating agreements
- Federal Employer Identification Number or EIN
Pricing
A registered agent service package from Harbor Compliance costs around $99 a year for every state your business operates in, which can be reduced by 10% for companies with a presence in 5+ states. Customers making advance payments for at least 2-3 years are eligible for the same discount.
LLC formation service packages start at $399. However, note that their packages also offer managed startup services, which makes their packages well worth the cost. To put it simply, their registered agent service packages include handy extras like application tracking, operating agreements, drafting of articles, and other useful services.
Advantages
- Entity Manager Software
- Assistance with annual reports
- A personalized customer service experience
- Purchasing a multi-state or multi-year package can net you a sizeable discount.
Disadvantages
- It is still relatively new in the field compared to its competitors
- LLC and corporation formation packages are slightly expensive
Visit Harbor Compliance
What if I Do Not Appoint a Registered Agent?
Not appointing a registered agent may land you in trouble. It could result in a loss of reputation, significant fines for non-compliance, or even a blanket ban on doing business. It makes far more sense to appoint a registered agent, which will save you a ton of trouble.
Am I Allowed to Switch Registered Agents?
Absolutely. However, the process may vary depending on the state your business operates in. Ensure you go through all compliance-related laws and procedures applicable to your state before changing your registered agent.
Requirements
Existing state laws require all businesses to appoint a registered agent while establishing a company or a business.
To be fully compliant with the law, you’ll have to appoint a registered agent. It’s a long-term commitment, which means that your registered agent is more like your company’s partner.
Applications that seek to establish a corporation or a Limited Liability Company without appointing a registered agent may be rejected by state authorities.
Not maintaining a registered agent could have dire consequences. For instance, courts may levy adverse penalties on your company even in petty lawsuits – cases that could have been handled easily by a registered agent.
Many cases where state authorities suspended or even dissolved a company entirely because they had neglected to appoint a registered agent.
Appointing a registered agent is not something you can take lightly. Their services are crucial, not just while establishing your business but also for ensuring its long-term growth and survival.
Here are the services certified registered agents will provide to your business:
- Document Organization – A registered agent handles the company’s document organization needs and filing requirements.
- Compliance Monitoring – As they are well-versed with all applicable legal procedures, a registered agent will ensure that your business complies with important laws and regulations.
- Privacy – Registered agents ensure your private details are not made public.
- Mail forwarding – A registered agent receives essential documentation on their client’s behalf and forwards them to the appropriate department in the company.
Registered agents also handle various documents for their clients, including:
- Official federal and state correspondence
- Lawsuit notices
- Information subpoenas
- Tax notices issued by local and IRS authorities, including use tax, franchise tax, etc.
- Court summons
- Corporate filings
Factors to Be Considered While Selecting A Registered Agent
Selecting a registered agent for your business or company is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make while establishing your company. Today, many firms offer registered agent services, which may have you confused about which one is right for you.
But here are some tips that’ll make this step much more manageable. Vet your options after considering the following factors:
- Services offered – What are the services provided by the firm, and how does it measure up to the competition?
Although you’ll be mostly focused on the corporation or LLC application services offered by the registered agent at first, don’t make your decision solely based on that criteria. You should also consider other services offered by them that can help you in the long run.
An ideal registered agent offers a few extras on top of its standard services.
For instance, both Rocket Lawyer and Legal Zoom offer services that aren’t limited to their registered agent offerings – it also provides attorney services such as drafting important legal documents and consultations.
You should select a registered agent based on the structure of your business.
If you’re looking for a partner who also offers legal assistance once the initial stages are complete, a service like RocketLawyer and LegalZoom may work better for you.
But if you intend just to launch a new corporation or LLC and be done with it as soon as possible, you can go with any service listed here.
- States Supported
Many states have different laws and licensing requirements for registered agents who intend to work within their jurisdiction. If you’re searching for a Wyoming Registered Agent or a Delaware Registered Agent (the two most popular choices), ensure that the agent you select is licensed to work in these states.
However, most firms are well-equipped to counter this problem. Most registered agent services are perfectly capable of taking on clients in all states within the US, which means you generally don’t need to be worried about any extra paperwork.
- Software
Ledgers and manual systems have now become outdated. Many registered agents today use automation tools, which enable increased efficiency levels.
Therefore, it is important to arrive at a decision only after taking the software capabilities of the registered agent into consideration. An excellent registered agent should possess comprehensive, user-friendly, and robust software capabilities that integrate tracking functionalities and automation tools.
- Support
Companies usually have an intimate relationship with their registered agents. Apart from being well-versed with the law, it is also essential to be accessible enough to resolve their queries and issues on time.
Ensure that your registered agent offers support for at least 12 hours a day on regular business days. They should also have multiple customer support channels. If the representative assigned to you is polite and responsive during your interactions, that’s an encouraging sign.
- Pricing
While pricing does play a crucial role, keep in mind that the cheapest option may very well turn out to be the most expensive one! But that doesn’t mean you should go for expensive services.
Select a registered agent only after due diligence, which will protect your business from problems in the future.
Don’t merely compare price quotes – assess the services they offer and compare them against their package rates. See which registered agent provides the most value-for-money package that can serve your needs.
Cheap registered agents tend to offer only essential services. On the other hand, a more expensive option will also provide legal benefits and personalized support, which might be worth it, depending on the scale of your business.
Verdict
Which Registered Agent Service Should I Go For?
After considering your company’s unique requirements, you might have already selected one out of the options given here. Note that even the cheaper services mentioned here are good enough for your business if your requirements are basic.
However, a thorough analysis of all the registered agent service firms reveals that Incfile, ZenBusiness, and Northwest Registered Agent are the best registered agent services in the US today.
Our #1 Pick, Northwest Registered Agent
If you want to form an LLC or only looking for registered agent services, Northwest is simply the best in the market.
