6 Best Registered Agent Services to Make Your Business Easy
Are you an entrepreneur seeking a trustworthy registered agent service? With countless choices available, it can be challenging to determine where to begin.
That is precisely why we have conducted thorough research and assembled a comprehensive list of the finest registered agent services for LLCs currently available.
Our recommendations encompass exceptional customer support and cutting-edge compliance features, catering to all your business requirements. Continue reading to discover the ideal registered agent that aligns perfectly with your entrepreneurial endeavors.
>> Best Registered Agent Service – Northwest Registered Agent >>
6 Best Registered Agent Services
- Northwest Registered Agent – Best Registered Agent Service Overall
- ZenBusiness – Best for Small Businesses
- Swyft Filings – Best for Quick Turnaround Time
- Tailor Brands – Best for Branding Solutions
- Incfile – Best for Affordability
- Inc Authority – Best for Startups
To identify the most suitable registered agent services for LLCs, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of each provider, taking into consideration several crucial factors.
These factors encompassed their proven track record of dependable service delivery, their extensive knowledge in compliance matters, the caliber of their customer support, and the overall value they offer for the price charged.
We also took into account supplementary features such as privacy protection measures, document management capabilities, and accessibility to online portals.
By thoroughly analyzing these criteria, we have ranked the leading registered agent services with utmost objectivity and transparency to facilitate your decision-making process for your business requirements.
>> Try Northwest Registered Agent >>
Northwest Registered Agent – Best Registered Agent Service for Small Businesses
Star Rating: 4/5
Northwest Registered Agent specializes in providing registered agent services to businesses. Additionally, the company offers assistance with business formation, such as setting up Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations.
It’s a requirement to have a registered agent in each state where your business operates. Northwest charges $125 per state annually for one to four states and $100 per state annually for five or more states. Unlike some competitors, Northwest guarantees that these fees will not increase after the first year.
Northwest takes care of scanning all state and legal mail and storing it securely in your account for easy access at any time. They even offer the convenience of scanning up to five nonlegal business mail documents each year without any extra charge.
To ensure that you never miss an important filing deadline, Northwest sends you reminders for annual reports.
One standout feature offered by Northwest is Privacy by Default – this means that they don’t sell your business data to third parties. In contrast, other agents may sell your contact information which can result in a flood of solicitations from businesses targeting new ventures.
Every newly created account is assigned a Northwest Corporate Guide who provides customized assistance and aids in navigating the intricate regulations set by the state.
Who should use it: Small businesses seeking registered agent services will find Northwest Registered Agent to be their top choice.
Pros:
- Free mail forwarding
- No reselling of client data
- Transparent, reasonable fees
- Outstanding customer support
Cons:
- Inconsistent turnaround times
- Cost for EIN service
Pricing & Plans
Northwest Registered Agent presents LLC formation services that commence at an accessible annual rate of $225.
This inclusive package encompasses crucial elements such as the meticulous preparation and submission of the Articles of Organization, a thorough examination to ascertain name availability, and registered agent service for one year.
Furthermore, Northwest Registered Agent grants clients online access to all pertinent business documents alongside complimentary mail forwarding services for legal and tax-related paperwork. The provision of compliance alerts and reminders further ensures that businesses are consistently well-informed.
Additionally, with a diverse array of comprehensive features available for supplementary fees, Northwest Registered Agent offers a flexible and tailor-made solution designed to facilitate seamless establishment processes for LLCs.
>> Make Business Easy With Northwest Registered Agent >>
ZenBusiness – Best Registered Agent Service Overall
Star Rating: 4.9/5
ZenBusiness specializes in assisting with the formation of businesses. The company also offers dependable registered agent services to new and established LLCs and corporations across all states, including the District of Columbia.
By appointing ZenBusiness as your registered agent, they become responsible for receiving official government correspondence, legal documents, tax forms, and service of process documents on behalf of your business. This includes any legal notifications indicating that your business is being sued or summoned.
Once these documents reach ZenBusiness, they’re promptly scanned and uploaded onto your business dashboard.
Furthermore, you will receive immediate notification from ZenBusiness regarding the receipt of these important papers along with any necessary actions you need to take. Should there be any matters requiring special attention, you will be informed by mail.
For an initial fee of $99 followed by a yearly cost of $199 thereafter, ZenBusiness offers its outstanding registered agent services.
You have the option to purchase bundled registered agent services together with Worry-Free Compliance services for an introductory price of $199 during the first year; this bundle then renews at an annual rate of $398
ZenBusiness provides Worry-Free Compliance services, taking care of your annual filing, sending reminders for important compliance deadlines, and monitoring your status with the state to ensure that you maintain good standing.
If you lose your good standing status, ZenBusiness will develop a plan to restore full compliance for your business and cover any costs resulting from an error on its part.
For customer support inquiries, you can contact ZenBusiness through chat and phone from Monday to Friday and Sunday. They also offer email support with a response time of one business day.
Who should use it: ZenBusiness is an excellent choice for individuals or businesses seeking registered agent services and other legal offerings. With its wide array of legal services available, it caters to a diverse range of needs in a professional manner.
Pros:
- Affordable first-year pricing
- Wide variety of à la carte legal services
- Responsive customer support
Cons:
- High renewal fees
- Expensive add-on services
- Somewhat confusing pricing models
Pricing & Plans
- Starter Plan: The Starter Plan carries a price tag of $0 per year, excluding state filing fees. This plan encompasses fundamental services for LLC formation, including a thorough search for name availability, the preparation, and submission of Articles of Organization, and registered agent services for the initial year.
- Pro Plan: With a yearly cost of $199, the Pro Plan encompasses everything offered in the Starter Plan alongside supplementary benefits like an Operating Agreement, EIN registration, and banking resolution.
- Premium Plan: The Premium Plan is priced at $299 per year and includes all the features of the Pro Plan, plus expedited filing, compliance monitoring, and a worry-free guarantee.
>> Make Business Easy With ZenBusiness >>
Swyft Filings – Best Registered Agent Service for Quick Turnaround Time
Star Rating: 4.6/5
Swyft Filings is a reputable registered agent service that offers business owners a reliable and efficient means to ensure compliance with state regulations.
They provide comprehensive registered agent services, which encompass the receipt and forwarding of crucial legal documents including lawsuits, subpoenas, and other correspondence.
One notable aspect of Swyft Filings’ registered agent service is its affordability. For an affordable annual fee, businesses can avail themselves of their invaluable services without straining their financial resources. Moreover, they offer discounted rates for multiple years of service in advance, making it an even more cost-effective solution for long-term requirements.
Swyft Filings also prides itself on offering exceptional customer support. Their dedicated team provides assistance via phone and email to address any inquiries or concerns clients may have.
In addition to this personalized approach, their website boasts an extensive knowledge base and frequently asked questions section that equips clients with the necessary information to navigate the intricacies of the registered agent service efficiently.
Who should use it: Swyft Filings offers a registered agent service that’s the perfect solution for business owners seeking a dependable, affordable, and streamlined method to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Pros:
- Competitive base prices
- Installment payment option available
- Fast filing turnaround times
Cons:
- Base price excludes registered agent service and EIN application
- Additional service fees accumulate rapidly
- Basic package lacks full formation paperwork coverage
Pricing & Plans
- Basic plan: The cost for the service is $49, which covers state fees and encompasses the drafting and submission of either Article of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. Our comprehensive package also includes a name availability check as well as a registered agent service for a duration of one year.
- Standard plan: The cost for this package is $149, which covers state fees and encompasses the entirety of the Basic plan. It includes services such as filing for an EIN/Tax ID, providing an operating agreement or bylaws, and offering a banking resolution.
- Premium plan: $299 plus state fees and includes all the features of the Standard plan along with a business website and domain, business email and business phone number, and a business license report.
>> Make Business Easy With Swyft Filings >>
Tailor Brands – Best Registered Agent Service for Branding Solutions
Star Rating: 4.3/5
Tailor Brands is a company specializing in branding solutions that provides a wide range of services to assist businesses in establishing and expanding their brands.
One notable service they offer is their registered agent service, which guarantees that businesses remain compliant with state regulations. This service entails the reception and forwarding of crucial legal documents, including lawsuits, subpoenas, and other forms of correspondence to clients.
An outstanding aspect of Tailor Brands’ registered agent service is its integration with their brand identity design tools. By utilizing Tailor Brands’ comprehensive branding services, clients can maintain a consistent and polished brand image while simultaneously ensuring adherence to state regulations.
Tailor Brands offers an intuitive online portal designed for easy management of essential documents and correspondence. Through this portal, clients have the ability to access and download their documents at any time.
Additionally, they can update their contact information effortlessly while also receiving timely notifications regarding important deadlines.
Tailor Brands’ registered agent service stands out for its transparent pricing model. They provide a straightforward, all-inclusive annual fee for their service with complete transparency, ensuring there are no undisclosed costs or additional charges.
This clarity simplifies the process of budgeting and enables businesses to effectively plan for their registered agent requirements.
Who should use it: Tailor Brands’ registered agent service is particularly beneficial for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution that seamlessly integrates branding services with compliance services.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution for online business establishment
- User-friendly, start in 10 minutes with a few clicks
- Emphasizes branding and online presence building
- Offers extensive customization, including graphic design
Cons:
- Optimal Tailor Brands experience with top-tier plan
- Not ideal for budget-conscious individuals seeking the cheapest options
Pricing & Plans
- Basic: $9.99/month or $3.99/month if you pay for the year upfront.
- Standard: $19.99/month or $5.99/month if you pay for the year upfront.
- Premium: $49.99/month or $12.99/ month if you pay for the year upfront.
>> Make Business Easy With Tailor Brands >>
Incfile – Best Registered Agent Service for Affordability
Star Rating: 3.8/5
Incfile provides nationwide registered agent services as part of its comprehensive suite of services for business formation. As is customary for registered agents, Incfile will handle the receipt of crucial tax, regulatory, and legal documents on your behalf.
By selecting Incfile as your registered agent, you will gain access to a personalized online dashboard where you can conveniently view and retrieve your documents. Notifications regarding new documents received will be sent to you through email and SMS, while legal correspondence will be automatically forwarded.
Should you decide to incorporate your new business with Incfile, the first year of registered agent services comes at no cost. Afterward, an annual fee of $119 will apply.
Incfile’s phone support is available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm CST. Customer service can be reached by completing an online Client Support Request form. However, please note that waiting times for assistance may vary.
Incfile’s reliability and timeliness may not be its strongest attributes, as indicated by customer complaints on the BBB website and service review platforms. Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Incfile’s document scanning efficiency, highlighting potential delays in their business formation services.
Who should use it: Entrepreneurs looking to launch a cost-effective venture will find Incfile’s complimentary registered agent services for the initial year (accessible when incorporating a new business with Incfile) highly beneficial.
Pros:
- User-friendly registered agent dashboard
- First-year free with new incorporation filing
- Automatic legal document forwarding
Cons:
- Inconsistent document scanning prompts
- Unpredictable filing turnaround times
- Sluggish customer support
Pricing & Plans
- Silver Package: $0 + State Fees.
- Gold Package: $199 + State Fees.
- Platinum Package: $299 + State Fees.
>> Make Business Easy With Incfile >>
Inc Authority – Best Registered Agent Service for Startups
Star Rating: 3.5/5
Inc Authority is a preferred choice among new businesses seeking legal assistance due to its offering of free LLC setup, which is undeniably advantageous. Clients benefit from an additional perk – a whole year of complimentary registered agent services.
As your registered agent, Inc Authority acts as an intermediary for state and government agencies on your behalf. This company extends its services to all 50 states, making it an ideal solution for businesses operating across different regions.
However, the cost of second-year registered agent services remains unclear. The lack of transparency on this matter explains why Inc Authority doesn’t rank as highly as other options in the list of best-registered agent services.
For customer support inquiries, phone assistance is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT., while email and chat support is also provided. Online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot indicate that Inc Authority delivers prompt and attentive customer service.
Pros:
- Easy service sign-up
- Free first-year with LLC sign-up
- Attentive registered agents
Cons:
- Aggressive upselling tactics
- Lack of renewal pricing transparency
- Unclear documentation management process
- No option to decline registered agent services when setting up LLC
Who should use it: If you require free registered agent services for starting your LLC without spending much, Inc Authority could be a suitable choice for you.
Pricing & Plans
- Starter Package: Free + State Fees.
- Starter Business Bundle: $399 + State Fees.
- Business LLC Executive Bundle: $499 + State Fees.
- Tycoon LLC Business Bundle: $799 + State Fees.
>> Make Business Easy With Inc Authority >>
Ranking Methodology for the Best Registered Agent Service
When assessing the services of a registered agent, it’s crucial to take into account various important elements. These include:
- Reliability: To ensure proper handling of legal documents, a registered agent must remain accessible during regular business hours. Failing to do so can lead to detrimental consequences such as missed deadlines or potential legal ramifications. Therefore, when selecting a registered agent, reliability becomes an essential criterion for consideration.
- Compliance expertise: It’s crucial for registered agents to possess a comprehensive comprehension of the legal and regulatory prerequisites pertaining to your enterprise. This encompasses various aspects, such as adhering to state filing deadlines and complying with industry-specific regulations. Optimal registered agent services boast a team of experts well-versed in compliance matters, enabling you to effectively fulfill your legal obligations.
- Customer support: Efficient and prompt customer support is crucial for registered agent services. It’s imperative to have access to assistance that can address any inquiries or issues in a timely manner. The top-notch registered agent services prioritize responsive and well-informed customer support.
- Value for the price: The cost of registered agent services can differ significantly. It’s crucial to locate a provider that offers a favorable combination of excellence and affordability. Paying excessively for unnecessary services should be avoided, as should compromising essential features.
- Additional features: Certain registered agent services provide supplementary functionalities that can enhance convenience in your daily life. For instance, specific providers furnish document management utilities, enabling secure storage and easy access to essential legal papers via online platforms. Certain services offer privacy protection measures to safeguard the confidentiality of your personal information.
By assessing registered agent services using these criteria, we have successfully determined the leading providers in the industry. It’s highly recommended that you take into account these factors when selecting a registered agent for your business to guarantee optimal service quality.
>> Best Registered Agent Service – Northwest Registered Agent >>
Best Registered Agent Service – Buyer’s Guide
What Is a Registered Agent?
In the realm of business, a registered agent is an individual or entity designated to accept official correspondence and legal notices on behalf of a company. This role may also be referred to as a statutory agent, resident agent, or service of process agent.
When establishing various business entities such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), corporations, or non-profit organizations, it’s mandatory in every state to appoint a registered agent and include their information in the formation documents.
These documents are commonly known as “articles of organization” or “articles of incorporation” and are submitted to the state authorities. It’s important to note that once filed, this information becomes part of public records accessible by anyone.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
The prerequisites for becoming a qualified registered agent are relatively straightforward. Firstly, the individual must reside in the same state where your company or companies have been officially registered.
Additionally, the registered agent must possess an actual physical address for document delivery, as P.O. mailboxes aren’t permissible.
Although these conditions may seem uncomplicated, it’s crucial to thoroughly consider and carefully select the most suitable candidate to serve as your designated registered agent.
>> Best Registered Agent Service: Northwest Registered Agent >>
5 Reasons You Might Need to Use a Registered Agent Service
If you’re debating whether to act as your own registered agent or use a third-party service, here are some important considerations:
- Legal Compliance: To adhere to state regulations, business entities need to appoint a registered agent who will be responsible for receiving legal documents such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other vital legal notices. By fulfilling this requirement, your business can ensure compliance with state law.
- Privacy: If you operate a small business from home, utilizing your home address as the official business address may not be ideal. Engaging the services of a registered agent allows you to obtain a professional and separate business address without disclosing personal information.
- Availability: A registered agent service guarantees that someone will always be available during regular business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your company. This becomes particularly crucial if you’re running a small-scale enterprise where it might not always be feasible to personally attend to mail or packages.
- Convenience: With the assistance of a registered agent service, all legal documents and significant correspondence can be conveniently forwarded either directly to your designated business address or electronically via email. This saves valuable time and minimizes unnecessary hassle.
- Credibility: Employing the services of a registered agent enhances the credibility of your enterprise by showcasing your commitment to adhering strictly to state laws while also safeguarding its interests.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Have a Registered Agent?
When registering an LLC, it’s essential to designate a registered agent as it’s a legal requirement. Failing to do so can jeopardize the company in various ways.
Without a registered agent, the company may not receive legal summons promptly, leading to default judgments and potential repercussions such as loss of good standing, fines, and penalties.
Another consequence of not having a registered agent is the possibility of missing important documents like the annual report required by the state. If these documents aren’t up-to-date or received by the company through its designated agent, it can result in a loss of good standing.
Non-compliance with statutory requirements can further lead to administrative dissolution. This dissolution exposes owners to liability for debts owed to business creditors.
Therefore, maintaining an active and responsible registered agent is crucial for protecting your LLC’s interests and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
>> Use Registered Agent Service of Northwest Registered Agent >>
Best Registered Agent Service – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our most frequently asked questions to attend to all your further queries.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A designated representative, known as a registered agent, is responsible for receiving and handling specific documents on your behalf. These documents usually pertain to legal matters, state regulations, taxation, and other related issues.
The registered agent companies will then provide you with these documents either through digital means by scanning and uploading them to an online platform or by forwarding them directly to your address.
In urgent situations such as the receipt of court notices or impending deadlines, the registered agent may reach out via phone call or text message to ensure prompt communication.
Can I Use Myself as a Registered Agent?
Indeed, it’s permissible for you to serve as a registered agent for your business. However, to fulfill this role, you must possess a physical address that can be used for communication on behalf of your business. It’s important to note that states do not accept P.O. boxes as valid addresses for registered agents.
Is a Registered Agent Really Necessary?
Indeed, every state in the United States mandates that Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), partnerships, and corporations appoint a registered agent or maintain a registered office. The specific terminology used may vary by state and include terms such as resident agents, agents for service of process, or statutory agents.
>> Make Business Easy With Northwest Registered Agent >>
Bottom Line on Best Registered Agent Service
Selecting the appropriate registered agent service can significantly impact your business. By guaranteeing adherence to legal and regulatory obligations and furnishing valuable customer assistance, a reliable provider can help you effectively manage your duties while averting expensive errors.
After a thorough assessment, we’ve identified the finest registered agent services currently available, each offering distinctive advantages and characteristics. We strongly suggest examining our top recommendation, ZenBusiness, and carefully assessing your specific business requirements to determine the most suitable registered agent service for you.
>> Best Registered Agent Service – Northwest Registered Agent >>