Top 6 Best Registered Agent Services (Top 3 Are Cheap)

You will need the best registered agent service if you are forming an LLC-structured business. You may be wondering why this is so important. Registered agents can accept service of process notices, such as legal documents or government notices, on behalf of an LLC.

Registered agents can also protect the privacy of their owners by receiving mail instead of the owner’s personal email address. Registered agents can help businesses file taxes and keep legalities in order, preventing any incoming lawsuits.

Although you can become your own registered agent, it is not advised. You would be compromising your safety and privacy by disclosing sensitive information such as your address or phone number.

This is not all. As a registered agent, you will need to be available every weekday from 9 am to 5 pm to receive the process. This adds to the workload you already have as an owner. It is, therefore, a good idea to hire a professional registered agent service provider.


How to choose your registered agent service

Price is an important consideration when choosing a registered agent. If you use one of our LLC formation services, you might be eligible for a free registered agent. To avoid making a biased decision, it is important to weigh the cost of the services against the price.

An LLC will benefit greatly from these company incorporation services, which offer their clients consultations with lawyers and powers of attorney. Because each agent uses their own software and technology, choosing the agent who has the most up-to-date technology is crucial.

Notable perks include having registered agents available to answer your questions and educate you via various social media platforms. This article will highlight the best registered agents for your business.

Top Rated and Best Registered Agent Services Revealed

Here are 6 of the most popular registered agent services.

1. Northwest Registered Agent

northwest registered agent logo

Visit Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is family-owned and managed by caring employees. Northwest Registered Agents have employed over 200 people to provide customer support. They are familiar with local businesses and care about their customers’ safety and satisfaction.

Northwest Registered Agent is the best? Yes!

Northwest understands that their clients are already going through something very frustrating. Therefore, it is their job to make sure that their clients’ business registration problems disappear.

Why Northwest Registered agent

Northwest Registered Agent charges an annual fee of $125 for its registered agent services. If you are a new business, the first year is free.

Northwest Registered Agent offers volume discounts if you need service in multiple states.

The registered agent services include annual report compliance assistance, tips for filing annual returns, online tools to help, pre-populated forms that make filing easy, personalized customer service, personal assistants, and local scanned documents. They also offer stock certificates and LLC membership.

Northwest is a trusted registered agent service provider and will not send “no-reply” emails. All emails will be answered within 24 hours.

Verdict

Northwest Registered Agent is the second runner-up on this list due to their competitive pricing (more than the ZenBusiness plus the free registered agent service like Incfile) and professional customer support officers.

Northwest Registered Agent provides one of the most reputable online registered agent services and offers the best LLC services. Although it may not offer all the top 2 registered agents perks, Northwest Registered Agent is a great choice if you are only looking for registered agent services.


 

2. ZenBusiness Registered Agent

ZenBusiness is a Public Benefit Corporation that empowers the next generation of small businesses. ZenBusiness’s mission is to make starting a business attainable for everyone in the country.

ZenBusiness is committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and freelancers. They make it easy to start, manage, and grow successful businesses. ZenBusiness supports the courageous entrepreneurs and business owners who are determined to make a difference in their pursuit of a better life.

Why ZenBusiness

Zenbusiness will return all your business documents and files at no additional cost. Start at $99 for standard coverage and $149 for complete coverage.

Zenbusiness’s Standard coverage plan offers registered agent services, online access to documents, and expert support. Zenbusiness’s comprehensive coverage plan adds a worry-free compliance guarantee.

Zenbusiness’s worry-free compliance guarantee offers proactive alerts and notifications about upcoming filing events. It covers your annual report filing and two amendments per year so that you remain in good standing with the state.

Zenbusiness registered agents can help you regain good standing with the state if you miss deadlines or forget to file an annual report.

Zenbusiness helps you comply, protects against tax or legal notices, and organizes your documents by accepting them and keeping them in your dashboard. You can view, download, or print them anytime online.

Zenbusiness also offers LLC service for a discounted price of $49. This registered agent service has a customer support team that is efficient and knowledgeable to help you with your needs.

Verdict

ZenBusiness is the number one registered agent service because it offers the best online registrations and affordable pricing. This service is ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners who need the best registered agent services and low-cost incorporation.

If you want to learn more about ZenBusiness LLC and its offerings, check out our in-depth ZenBusiness LLC review.

3.  Incfile Registered Agent

 

Incfile makes it as simple as possible to register a company so that you can concentrate on the important things. Incfile also offers a complete suite of startup services, including an agent for bookkeeping and banking. This means Incfile can help you not only get started but will support you as your one-stop-shop.

Incfile makes it easy to register a business. They also use technology to make the process easier. Incfile has helped more than 250,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow their small businesses since 2004.

Their mission is to provide you with an exceptional and modern experience at an unbeatable value as a trusted registered agent service provider.

Why Incfile

Incfile is an established company with 20 years of experience as a registered agent service provider, but they offer some advantages that set them apart from other companies. Register with Incfile to get a year of free registration as a registered agent. After that, it is $119/year.

This is not all. Incfile charges $0 for the basic formation of an LLC or new entity. You only have to pay state fees. Incfile registered agents will file all necessary documents with the state on your behalf and deliver them only after the company is filed. Incfile will refund all fees if you fail to file.

Incfile has readily available registered agents that can receive correspondence from the IRS and state governments, as well as compliance documents, and assist with legal proceedings for your company. Incfile software offers a digital dashboard that allows you to view, store, and retrieve all information received by your company.

You will receive SMS and email notifications whenever documents are available for your business. All legal correspondence and documentation will be automatically forward to you. Incfile customer service is excellent. You can connect with them via live chat during office hours.

Verdict

Incfile is ranked 2nd due to its premium services and free registration services for LLC business formation packages. Despite their modesty, I think it is fair to rank them as one of the top online registered agent services.

Incfile is a great tool to help you incorporate an LLC. There are many things to consider when you’re a new owner of a business. Incfile registered agents can help you focus on other things while taking the legal burden off your shoulders. This is a great LLC service. If you don’t need their services anymore, you can always cancel at a later date.

Compare IncFile with the other registered agents on our list to give you a better idea of how IncFile compares with its competitors.


4. Harbor Compliance

 

https://www.harborcompliance

Harbor Compliance is committed to helping your company stay compliant by simplifying the licensing process. Harbor Compliance offers access to their team of compliance experts, supported by their proprietary tracking software that ensures that every detail is considered.

Harbor Compliance was founded by a group of government licensing experts and technology pioneers. It is a leader in providing compliance solutions to companies of all sizes. They have assisted more than 25,000 clients in applying for, secure and maintain licensing in all industries since 2012.

Why Harbor Compliance Registered Agent Service

Harbor Compliance uses its own compliance software to power its nationwide registered agent services. This provides multi-state organizations with exceptional security and efficiency.

They will provide pre-filled state forms, user-friendly software, and fair pricing. You can also get discounts for multiple orders. You can also get customized notifications and annual reports notices without additional fees.

Harbor Compliance offers registered agent services that include access to the address immediately. You can access their local registered agent address in your Client Portal immediately after you request their service.

To save time, they provide pre-filled state forms that they sign in those states that require it.

The registered agent service provider has local offices that are open during normal business hours in all states. They will receive your time-sensitive legal documents and send you email notifications. You can also access your documents securely online.

They will call your primary contact when you are served with process. Harbor Compliance’s software monitors your annual reports and sends reminders before the due dates. This helps you to remain in good standing with the state.

Verdict

Harbor Compliance offers the best registered agent services. However, every other feature comes at a steep price—for example, $499 for their business formation package.

There are many better options for new business owners who want to start an LLC. These services include free registration and assistance in the first year.

Harbor Compliance, however, is a great option if you already have an LLC and are looking for a registered agent who can offer volume discounts in addition to their highly affordable service.


5. Legalzoom

LegalZoom logo

 

LegalZoom was established in 1999 by their founders, who realized that the internet was the perfect tool to make legal assistance more accessible to everyone, not just the rich, because they believe that the law works best when access to all Americans. Their goal is to make legal assistance more affordable.

Why Legalzoom Registered Agent Service

LegalZoom, which has served over 4 million customers worldwide, is a well-respected company. They were featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

LegalZoom combines much legal technology and employs highly skilled attorneys who have met certain eligibility requirements to satisfy their customers.

They will refund any fees you have paid within 60 days of the initial purchase if you are dissatisfied. LegalZoom’s registered agent’s services are not unique, but they offer the same services as other registered agent services. This registered agent service provider offers excellent customer support and can help you solve any problems.

Verdict

Legalzoom is the most well-known legal service provider on this list. It is comparable to The Corporation Trust Company, The Corporation Service Company, and National Registered Agents Inc. (NRAI). LegalZoom charges far less than the big three.

This registered agent service provider is not the best, despite its reputation and high standards. However, they are still considered to be among the top registered agent service providers. There are cheaper providers available when it comes down to registered agent services. Legalzoom is the right choice if you have the budget and want to ensure that you get quality service.

To learn more about LegalZoom, you should read our in-depth LegalZoom review.


6. Rocketlawyer

Rocket Lawyer logo

 

https://rocketlawyer.com

Rocket Lawyer aims to make legal services more accessible, affordable, and simple for everyone. They have created a service that millions of people trust.

Rocketlawyer invests all of its resources in making it easier for people to get the legal help they need to concentrate on their families and build strong companies.

Rocketlawyer offers legal documents, free information, and affordable representation from licensed attorneys. Rocket Lawyer On-Call allows you to create a will for your family or set up a business without paying any legal fees.

Local attorneys can help you if you require more advice, as they understand that qualified counsel is not an option. Rocketlawyer is committed to providing affordable and accessible legal services. Many attorneys and bar associations agree that there is much to be done to increase access to the law and reduce costs and complexity. They will make the law work together.

Why Rocketlawyer Registered Agent Service

Rocket Lawyer is the easy way to address your legal needs. Rocket Lawyer can help you, whether you need a simple, quick legal document or a more complicated situation requiring an attorney’s assistance.

These instructions will help you create documents that meet your needs. To ensure everything is done correctly, members can have their documents reviewed by an attorney in their network.

Non-members pay $149.99 per annum for registered agent services. Premium memberships with them offer 25% savings. The first 7 days are free; then it’s $49.99 per month.

The membership includes a free business formation service, exempt from state fees. Rocket Lawyer documents are available for free when you sign up for a membership. You can create as many forms and contracts as you want, sign and store documents online, and you can even make them.

Also, you can get fast answers from attorneys to your legal questions. Similar to Legalzoom’s registered agent services, these are not extraordinary.

Verdict

Rocket Lawyer is one company that offers a free business formation service. This is great for creating new LLCs. Although subscription benefits include legal services not mentioned above, if you have a reason to be a premium member, it can help reduce the cost of Rocket Lawyer’s registered agent’s services. However, it is still more expensive than Legalzoom.

Rocket Lawyer may not be a viable option if you only require registered agent services. It is their specific subscription services that make them stand out.


What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company that is appointed to receive legal correspondence (such court summons) for an LLC, corporation or non-profit organisation. All business entities in the United States must have a registered agent.

 

Which is the best registered agent service?

Northwest Registered agent is our #1 ranked registered agent service. Their service is reliable and professional, at an affordable price. They also place a high value on customer privacy. For more information about our top-rated registered agent services, please read this article.

 

Is it necessary to have a registered agent?

Yes. You are legally required by law to appoint an agent.

Every business entity that operates in the United States must list a registered agent with their home state’s records. This includes states where they are qualified to work as a foreign agent. The registered agent must be accessible during normal business hours at the given address. Failing to appoint a registered representative could result in your LLC’s or corporation’s poor standing with the authorities.

 

Who is a registered agent?

A registered agent can be appointed by any person or company that is over the age of 18. To receive service of process, they must reside in the same state as the business or be qualified to do so.

 

Can I become my own registered agent?

You can be appointed as the registered agent for your company. Your address will be made public and available to everyone. The listed address will require that you are available during business hours. There will be no exceptions. You can’t serve as your own registered agent if you are a resident of more than one state. A lot of businesses prefer to hire a professional registered agent provider rather than doing this job themselves.

 

How do I change my registered agent?

The specific procedure will vary depending on where you want to change your registered agent. You will need to file a document at your state’s Secretary of State. A small processing fee will be charged by the state. You might also want to inquire if a professional service can handle your paperwork if you’re switching. Some services will even pay the state fee.

 

What is the cost of a registering agent?

Most registered agent services cost between $90 to $200 annually and are paid on an annual basis. Some services offer additional features such as business mail forwarding for an additional charge. You will need to pay separately for each state’s registered agent if you have multiple. If you purchase services for multiple entities, or states, some companies offer bulk discounts. To change your registered agent, you may need to pay a fee to the state.

 

How can I cancel the registered agent service?

Most providers stipulate that you must first amend your paperwork to cancel a registered agent services. Once you have chosen a new registered agent service you can contact your previous provider to cancel their service.

 

Are there any requirements for a registered agent in each state?

State-specific registered agents are required. You will need a registered agent to represent your state as well as any state where your LLC or corporation has applied for foreign qualification. Most registered agent service providers are available in all 50 states. If necessary, they can also assist you with your obligations in other states.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Which Registered Agent Service Should We Choose?

If you are looking for a registered agent to represent your business, Northwest Registered Agent is the best option. Their prices are fair, and their employees understand their responsibilities.

It is crucial to choose the right business structure when forming an LLC. This will help protect you from legal liability, allow you to list your stocks and shares, and reduce your income tax. Because LLCs are a common business structure, finding the right registered agent service providers is important.

A registered agent assists the business by filing documents, forwarding mails, and protecting the privacy of its owners. Each option has its own pros and cons, which sets them apart, regardless of their registered agent or any other legal services.


Best Registered Agent Services By State