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Are you a business owner searching for a reliable registered agent service? With so many options available, figuring out where to begin can take time. We’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the top registered agent services on the market.
Our recommendations cover everything you need, from exceptional customer support to advanced compliance features. Keep reading to discover the perfect registered agent for your business.
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10 Best Registered Agent Services
- Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Transparency
- ZenBusiness – Best for New Business
- BusinessRocket – Best for Quick Turnaround Time
- Bizee – Best for Affordability
- Inc Authority – Best for Startups
- Tailor Brands – Best Registered Agent Service Overall
- Swyft Filings – Best Business Specialists Offered
- Firstbase – Best for Usability
- MyCompanyWorks – Best for Extra LLC Services
- LegalZoom – Best for Legal Assistance
To determine the best registered agent services, we evaluated each provider based on several key factors. These included their track record of reliable service, compliance expertise, quality of customer support, and overall value for the price.
We also looked at features like privacy protection, document management, and online portal accessibility. After a thorough analysis, we ranked the top registered agent services based on these criteria to help you make an informed decision for your business.
Northwest Registered Agent – Best Registered Agent Service for Small Businesses
4
As the name suggests, Northwest Registered Agent primarily offers registered agent services to businesses and helps form new businesses, such as LLCs and corporations.
You need a registered agent to operate in each state. Northwest charges $125 per state annually if you do business in one to four states. The cost drops to $100 per state each year for five or more states. Unlike other providers, these fees stay the same after the first year.
Northwest scans your state and legal mail locally, placing it in your account for easy access. They even scan up to five non-legal business documents annually at no extra charge. They send reminders for annual reports, ensuring you get all critical filing dates.
Their Privacy by Default policy means they won’t resell your business data, unlike other agents who might bombard you with solicitations.
Every new account gets a Northwest Corporate Guide for personalized help. You can contact your Guide via email, phone, or an online support form. Most inquiries are answered within two hours.
Who Should Use It: Northwest Registered Agent is ideal for small businesses needing reliable registered agent services.
- Exceptional customer support
- Free mail forwarding service
- Transparent and reasonable fee structure
- Commitment to not reselling client data
- Inconsistent turnaround times
- Additional cost for EIN service
Pricing & Plans
Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services at a budget-friendly starting price of $225 annually. This package covers vital features like preparing and filing the Articles of Organization, checking if the name is available, and a year of registered agent service.
Moreover, Northwest Registered Agent grants online access to all business documents, free mail forwarding for legal and tax papers, compliance alerts, and reminders.
With various comprehensive features and optional add-ons for an extra fee, Northwest Registered Agent delivers a flexible and customizable solution, making it easy for businesses to establish their LLCs.
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ZenBusiness – Best Registered Agent Service Overall
4.9
ZenBusiness specializes in forming businesses and offers reliable registered agent services for new and existing LLCs and corporations across all states and D.C.
As your registered agent, ZenBusiness receives government mail, legal documents, tax forms, and service process documents on your behalf. If your business gets sued or summoned, they handle it.
When documents arrive, ZenBusiness scans and uploads them to your dashboard. They notify you and alert you to any necessary actions. For special matters requiring attention, get an additional mail notification.
ZenBusiness charges $99 for the first year of registered agent services and $199 annually afterward. You can also get registered agent services with Worry-Free Compliance for $199 for the first year, renewing at $398 annually.
Worry-Free Compliance means ZenBusiness handles annual filings, reminds you of compliance deadlines, and monitors your state status to ensure good standing. If your business falls out of good standing, ZenBusiness creates a plan to restore compliance, covering any costs from their mistakes.
Customer support is available via chat and phone from Monday to Friday and on Sunday. Email support typically responds within one business day.
Who Should Use It: ZenBusiness is great for anyone needing registered agent services and other legal services.
- Low initial pricing for the first year
- Offers a wide range of à la carte legal services
- Provides attentive customer support
- High renewal fees
- Add-on services come at a premium price
- Pricing models can be confusing
Pricing & Plans
- Starter Plan: $0 per year (plus state filing fees) for basic LLC formation services and registered agent services for the first year.
- Pro Plan: $199 per year for additional features like Operating Agreement, EIN registration, and banking resolution.
- Premium Plan: $349 annually for expedited filing, compliance monitoring, and a worry-free guarantee.
BusinessRocket – Best for Quick Turnaround Time
4.3
BusinessRocket is a consulting company that focuses on assisting entrepreneurs and businesses with company incorporation.
They offer a wide range of services for new businesses, including registered agent services. You can designate BusinessRocket as your Service of Process agent at no cost for the first year. After that, there’s a small fee of $149 per year.
This setup allows you to benefit from BusinessRocket’s Service of Process agent services with an introductory free period and a reasonable annual fee. They also provide legal help, tax compliance, and business entity registration.
Who Should Use It: BusinessRocket offers competitive prices and free consultation services for aspiring LLC entrepreneurs. If you need an affordable, quick setup, BusinessRocket is the ideal choice.
- Trusted service provider
- Budget-friendly options available
- Simplified business registration process
- Limited details provided about customer support
- Lack of contact options for assistance
Pricing & Plans
- Starter Package: $0 + State Fees
- Essentials Package: $147+ State Fee
- Supreme Package: $249 + State Fee
Bizee (Previously Incfile) – Best Registered Agent Service for Affordability
3.8
Bizee offers registered agent services nationwide as part of its business formation offerings. As with any registered agent, Bizee will handle important tax, regulatory, and legal documents on your behalf.
Choosing Bizee as your registered agent gives you access to a unique online dashboard to view and retrieve your documents. Bizee will notify you via email and SMS when new documents arrive and automatically forward legal correspondence.
If you incorporate your new business with Bizee, the first year of registered agent services is free. After the first year, the cost is $119 annually.
Bizee provides phone support Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. Customer service can also be reached by completing a Client Support Request form online, although response times can be slow.
One downside to Bizee is its less-than-stellar reputation for reliability and timeliness. Complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and customer review sites indicate Bizee may not always be prompt with document scanning, and their business formation service turnaround times can be slow.
Who Should Use It: Those starting a new business on a budget will appreciate Bizee’s free registered agent services for the first year when incorporating through Bizee.
- First-year free with new incorporation filing
- User-friendly registered agent dashboard
- Automatic legal document forwarding
- Slow customer support
- Inconsistent filing turnaround times
- Document scanning may not always be prompt
Pricing & Plans
- Silver Package: $0 + State Fees (Only pay state fees)
- Gold Package: $199 + State Fees
- Platinum Package: $299 + State Fees
Disclosure: We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. The order in which services appear may or may not depend on the payment level.
Inc Authority – Best Registered Agent Service for Startups
3.5
Many new businesses are drawn to Inc Authority for their legal needs because it offers a free LLC setup, which is a fantastic deal. Plus, you get a whole year of free registered agent services as a bonus.
As your registered agent, Inc Authority handles correspondence from state and government agencies on your behalf. The company operates in all 50 states, so you can rely on Inc Authority for all your registered agent needs, even if your business spans multiple states.
However, the cost for the second year of registered agent services is unclear. This lack of transparency is why Inc Authority doesn’t score as high as other options on the best-registered agent services list.
Customer support is available via phone Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Email and chat support are also offered. Online reviews like Trustpilot suggest that Inc Authority provides timely and attentive customer service.
- Attentive registered agents
- Simple service sign-up process
- First-year free with complimentary LLC sign-up
- Frequent upsell pitches
- Lack of transparency regarding renewal pricing
- Unclear documentation management process
- Inability to decline registered agent services during LLC setup
Who Should Use It: Inc Authority could be the perfect choice if you’re on a tight budget and need free registered agent services while setting up your LLC for free.
Pricing & Plans
- Starter Package: Free + State Fees (Only pay state fees)
- Starter Business Bundle: $399 + State Fees
- Business LLC Executive Bundle: $499 + State Fees
- Tycoon LLC Business Bundle: $799 + State Fees
Tailor Brands – Best Registered Agent Service for Branding Solutions
4.9
Tailor Brands is a branding company that provides various services to help businesses establish and grow their brands, including a registered agent service to keep businesses compliant with state regulations.
Their registered agent service involves receiving and forwarding important legal documents, such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other correspondence, to their clients.
A unique aspect of Tailor Brands’ registered agent service is its integration with its brand identity design tools. Clients using Tailor Brands’ branding services can maintain a cohesive and professional brand image while ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Tailor Brands also offers a user-friendly online portal for managing important documents and correspondence. Clients can easily view and download their documents, update contact information, and receive notifications about important deadlines.
Another advantage of using Tailor Brands as a registered agent is their transparent pricing structure. They charge a flat annual fee for their registered agent service, with no hidden fees or charges, making it easy for businesses to budget and plan for their needs.
Who Should Use It: Tailor Brands’ registered agent service is ideal for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution combining branding and compliance services.
- Comprehensive one-stop solution for online business establishment
- Extremely user-friendly, allowing quick setup in as little as 10 minutes
- Offers tools specifically designed for branding and online presence building
- Provides more customization options, including graphic design and logo-making tools
- To fully use Tailor Brands, opting for the top-tier plan is necessary, which may not be budget-friendly for some users
Pricing & Plans
- Basic: $9.99/month or $3.99/month (if paid annually)
- Standard: $19.99/month or $5.99/month (if paid annually)
- Premium: $49.99/month or $12.99/month (if paid annually)
Swyft Filings – Best Registered Agent Service for Quick Turnaround Time
4.6
Swyft Filings is a registered agent service that offers business owners a reliable and efficient way to stay compliant with state regulations. Their comprehensive services include receiving and forwarding important legal documents, such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other correspondence.
One of the standout features of Swyft Filings’ registered agent service is its affordability. For a low annual fee, businesses can benefit from their services without breaking the bank.
They also offer discounted rates for multiple years of service upfront, making it an even more cost-effective solution for long-term needs. Swyft Filings prides itself on exceptional customer service.
They provide phone and email support, and their knowledgeable representatives are available to answer questions and resolve issues. Their website features a comprehensive knowledge base and a frequently asked questions section to assist clients with inquiries about the registered agent service.
Who Should Use It: Swyft Filings’ registered agent service is perfect for any business owner seeking a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient way to comply with state regulations.
- Offers some of the lowest base prices available
- Provides the option to pay in installments
- Promises fast turnaround times for filing
- Fees for additional services can accumulate rapidly
- The basic package doesn’t cover all the necessary formation paperwork
- Registered agent service and EIN application aren’t included in the base price
Pricing & Plans
- Basic plan: $49 plus state fees, includes Articles of Incorporation/Organization filing, name availability check, and one-year registered agent service
- Standard plan: $149 plus state fees, includes Basic plan features plus EIN/Tax ID filing, operating agreement/bylaws, and banking resolution
- Premium plan: $299 plus state fees, includes Standard plan features plus business website/domain, business email/phone number, and business license report
Firstbase – Best for Usability
4
Firstbase.io is a company that values diversity, inclusion, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Their team consists of passionate and talented individuals working remotely from around the globe.
They offer a flexible and supportive work environment where everyone can learn, grow, and have fun. Regular events and activities foster a sense of community and collaboration among employees.
Firstbase’s registered agents aim to help anyone start and grow a US business from anywhere in the world. They provide an online platform that automates the entire company formation process, ensuring compliance and offering 24/7 global customer support.
Additionally, Firstbase provides access to banking, payment processing, payroll, accounting, and other services through its partner integrations.
Who Should Use It: If you prioritize exceptional customer support and need an easy-to-use service to start a business, Firstbase is your ideal choice.
- User-friendly interface
- A comprehensive range of services
- Offers substantial rewards
- Ensures quick processing
- Provides great customer support
- Higher pricing compared to certain competitors
- Limited availability in some states
Pricing & Plans
- Firstbase Start: $399 one-time fee
- Firstbase Agent: Starting at $99/year per state
- Firstbase Mailroom: Starting at $35/month
Ranking Methodology for the Best Registered Agent Service
There are several key factors to consider when evaluating registered agent services. These include:
- Reliability: Reliability is vital when choosing a registered agent. The agent needs to be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents for your company. Missing important deadlines or legal documents due to an unreliable agent can have severe consequences.
- Compliance expertise: A registered agent should know your business’s legal and regulatory requirements in-depth. This includes state filing deadlines and industry-specific regulations. The top registered agent services have compliance experts to help you stay on top of your legal obligations.
- Customer support: Quality customer support is crucial for registered agent services. When you have questions or concerns, you need quick and efficient help. The best-registered agent services provide responsive and knowledgeable customer support.
- Value for the price: Registered agent services vary in pricing, so finding a provider that offers a good balance of quality and affordability is essential. Avoid overpaying for unnecessary services while ensuring you get all the important features.
- Additional features: Some registered agent services have extra features that simplify your business operations. For instance, document management tools for securely storing and accessing important legal documents online or privacy protection services to keep your personal information confidential.
By considering these factors, we identified the top registered agent service providers. Evaluate registered agent services based on these criteria to ensure you choose the best one for your business needs.
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Best Registered Agent Service – Buyer’s Guide
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is an individual or company designated to receive service of process and official mail for your business. They are also known as statutory agents, resident agents, or agents for service of process.
Each state mandates that registered business entities, like LLCs, corporations, or nonprofits, appoint a registered agent on their formation documents. These documents, often called “articles of organization” or “articles of incorporation,” are filed with the state. The information listed in these documents becomes a public record.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
The requirements to be a registered agent are straightforward. A registered agent must reside in the state where your company is registered.
The registered agent must also have a physical address to receive documents, meaning a P.O. box cannot be used. While these requirements are simple, carefully considering who you designate as your registered agent is crucial.
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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: Most states require business entities to have a registered agent for the process of service. You must have a designated person or company to receive legal documents like lawsuits, subpoenas, and other important notices. With a registered agent, your business may comply with state law.
- Privacy: If you run your business from home, you might not want to use your home address as the business address. A registered agent service provides a professional business address, so you don’t have to use yours.
- Availability: A registered agent service ensures someone is always available during business hours to receive important documents. This is crucial if you run a small business and can only sometimes be available to receive mail or packages.
- Convenience: A registered agent service can forward all legal documents and important correspondence to your business address or email, saving you time and hassle.
- Credibility: Using a registered agent service can enhance your business’s credibility. It shows you’re serious about complying with state laws and protecting your business interests.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Have a Registered Agent?
Designating a registered agent is mandatory when registering an LLC, and failing to maintain one can put the company at risk in several ways. With a registered agent, a company might receive legal summons promptly, leading to default judgments, loss of good standing, fines, and penalties.
The state may also send the annual report to the registered agent. If the registered agent isn’t up to date, the company might not receive this report, resulting in a loss of good standing. Non-compliance with statutory requirements can lead to administrative dissolution, exposing owners to liability for debts owed to business creditors.
Best Registered Agent Service – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our most frequently asked questions to answer your further queries.
Bottom Line on Best Registered Agent Service
Choosing the right registered agent service can significantly impact your business. From ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements to providing valuable customer support, the right provider can help you stay on top of your obligations and avoid costly mistakes.
After careful evaluation, we’ve identified the best registered agent services on the market, each with unique strengths and features. We recommend inspecting our top recommendation, Northwest, and considering your business needs, choose the registered agent service that’s right for you.
>> Get Started With Northwest Registered Agent >>
