10 Best Registered Agent Services to Consider in 2024

Are you a business owner in search of a trustworthy registered agent service? With many choices available, it can take time to determine where to begin. That’s why we have conducted extensive research and curated a compilation of the current finest registered agent services.

Our recommendations encompass every aspect, from exceptional customer support to cutting-edge compliance features. Continue reading to discover the ideal registered agent that aligns with your business requirements.

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10 Best Registered Agent Services

• Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Transparency
• ZenBusiness – Best for New Business
• Business Rocket – 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 find professional registered agent services, we assessed each provider using various vital criteria. These included their history of dependable service, their level of expertise in compliance matters, the caliber of their customer support, and the overall value they offer for the price.

We considered additional features like privacy protection, document management capabilities, and accessibility to online portals. After conducting a comprehensive analysis, we’ve compiled a ranking of the top registered agent services based on these factors. This will assist you in making an educated choice for your business endeavors.

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Northwest Registered Agent – Best Registered Agent Service for Small Businesses

Star Rating: 4/5

Northwest Registered Agent offers registered agent services to businesses. They also provide business formation services, such as creating LLCs and corporations.

To conduct business in any state, it’s necessary to have a registered agent. Northwest charges $125 per state per year for registered agent services if you have one to four states and $100 per year for five or more states.

Unlike some other providers, Northwest doesn’t increase their fees after the first year. Northwest scans state and legal mail locally and stores it in your account. This allows you to access your mail at any time.

They’ll scan up to five nonlegal business mail documents yearly without charging an extra fee. Northwest will also send you reminders for annual reports to ensure you get all the essential legal filing dates.

Northwest ensures Privacy by Default, meaning they won’t sell your business data. Unlike other agents who sell your contact information, Northwest protects you from unwanted solicitations for new businesses.

When you create a new account with Northwest, you’re assigned a dedicated Northwest Corporate Guide who provides personalized assistance and helps you navigate complex state regulations.

You can contact your Guide through email, phone, or an online support form and expect a response within two hours. Their team of experts will handle all inquiries in a timely manner.

Who should use it: The Company’s registered agent is the optimal choice if you’re a small business needing registered agent services.

Pros:

• Clear and fair fee structure
• Commitment to not selling client data
• Outstanding customer support services
• Complimentary physical mail forwarding service

Cons:

• Inconsistent turnaround times at times
• Charges associated with EIN service are a drawback

Pricing & Plans

Northwest Registered Agent presents an inexpensive option for LLC formation, starting at $225 annually. Their package encompasses crucial offerings like the preparation and submission of Articles of Organization, verification of name availability, and one-year registered agent service.

Moreover, Northwest Registered Agent grants online accessibility to all business-related documents, complimentary forwarding of legal and tax correspondences via mail, and alert systems to ensure compliance.

With comprehensive features and add-ons accessible for an extra charge, Northwest Registered Agent provides a versatile and tailor-made solution that streamlines the establishment of LLCs for businesses.

>> Visit Northwest Registered Agent >>

ZenBusiness – Best Registered Agent Service Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

ZenBusiness is a professional registered agent service that specializes in providing services for business formation. They also offer professional registered agent services to new and existing LLCs and corporations across all states, including the District of Columbia.

As your registered agent, ZenBusiness receives government correspondence, and accept legal documents, tax forms, and service of process documents on the company’s behalf. These service of process documents serve as legal notifications when your business is being sued or summoned.

Once these important documents arrive at ZenBusiness, they’re promptly scanned and uploaded to your dashboard. ZenBusiness ensures that you’re immediately notified about the receipt of these documents and provides any necessary instructions or steps you need to take. If any matter requires special attention, you’ll receive a notification by mail.

For their registered agents alone, ZenBusiness charges $99 for the first year and $199 per year after that. However, if you opt for their bundled package, which includes Worry-Free Compliance services and registered agent services, it’s registered agent cost is $199 for the first year. This bundle renews at a rate of $398 per year.

ZenBusiness handles your annual filing, compliance deadlines, and state monitoring to ensure worry-free compliance. If you ever lose your good standing status, ZenBusiness will develop a plan to restore full compliance and cover any costs resulting from their errors.

You can reach customer support through chat and phone on weekdays and Sundays. They provide email support with responses typically within one business day.

Who should use it: ZenBusiness provides extensive legal services and is an excellent choice for individuals needing registered agent services and other legal assistance.

Pros:

• Affordable initial pricing
• Responsive customer support
• Diverse selection of individual legal services

Cons:

• Elevated renewal fees
• Expensive additional services
• Pricing structures can be somewhat perplexing

Pricing & Plans

• Starter Plan: Priced at $0 per year in addition to state filing fees, the Starter Plan offers fundamental LLC formation services, including a name availability search, preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, and registered agents for the initial year.
• Pro Plan: With a cost of $199 per year, the Pro Plan encompasses everything provided in the Starter Plan and introduces supplementary services such as an Operating Agreement, EIN registration, and banking resolution.
• Premium Plan: Priced at $349 per year, it builds upon the Pro Plan by including all its features and adding expedited filing, compliance monitoring, and a worry-free guarantee.

>> Visit ZenBusiness >>

Business Rocket – Best for Quick Turnaround Time

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Business Rocket is a consulting firm that specializes in assisting entrepreneurs and companies with the incorporation of their businesses. They provide various services for new ventures, including registered agent services.

During the first year, Business Rocket allows you to designate them as your Service of Process agent at no cost. Afterward, this service has a modest annual fee of $149.

This arrangement allows you to benefit from having Business Rocket as your Service of Process agent during an initial period without any charges, followed by a reasonable fee. They offer support with legal matters, tax compliance, and business entity registration.

Who Should Use it: Business Rocket strives to offer affordable prices and even provides complimentary consultation services for individuals who dream of starting their own LLC business. If you seek a cost-effective and efficient service provider, Business Rocket is your best choice.

Pros:

• Reliable service
• Cost-effective alternatives
• Straightforward business registration process

Cons:

• Limited details on customer support
• Few contact options are available

Pricing & Plans

• Starter Package: $0+State Fees
• Essentials Package: $147+ State Fee
• Supreme Package: $249+ State Fee

>> Visit Business Rocket >>

Bizee (Previously Incfile) – Best Registered Agent Service for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.8/5

As part of its range of services related to business formation, Bizee provides registered agent services across the United States. Like any registered agent, Bizee will handle important tax, regulatory, and legal documents on your behalf.

When you opt for Bizee as your registered agent, you’ll be given access to a unique online dashboard to view and retrieve all your documents. Whenever new documents arrive, electronic document delivery will notify you through email and SMS and even forward any legal correspondence directly to you.

If you decide to incorporate your new business with Bizee, the first year of their registered agent services comes at no cost. After that initial period ends, there’s an annual service fees of $119.

Bizee’s phone support operates Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT. Customer service can be reached by filling out an online Client Support Request form. However, response times may vary.

Bizee’s reliability and timeliness have been called into question. According to customer complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and service review sites, Bizee only sometimes promptly manage legal documents, leading to slow turnaround times for their business formation services. Their reputation in these areas could be better.

Who should use it: Entrepreneurs looking to launch a new venture without breaking the bank will find Bizee’s offer of free registered agent services during the initial year quite appealing. This perk is exclusively available to those who incorporate their business with Bizee.

Pros:

• Intuitive registered agent dashboard
• Automated electronic document delivery
• Complimentary first-year service upon new incorporation filing

Cons:

• Varied filing turnaround times
• Sluggish customer support
• Occasional lack of prompt document scanning

Pricing & Plans

• Silver Package: $0 + State Fees (Only pay state fees)
• Gold Package: $199 + State Fees
• Platinum Package: $299 + State Fees

>> Visit Bizee >>

Inc Authority – Registered Agent Service for Startups

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Inc Authority is a popular choice for new businesses needing legal assistance due to its offer of free LLC setup, which is undeniably a great deal. On top of that, they provide an additional perk by offering a full year of free registered agent services.

By appointing Inc Authority as your registered agent, you can rely on them to handle all correspondences from state and government agencies on your behalf. This convenience extends across all 50 states, making them an ideal option for businesses operating across state borders.

However, one drawback is the need for more transparency regarding the pricing for the second year of registered agent services. This lack of clarity puts Inc Authority at a slight disadvantage compared to other providers in this list, ranking registered agents.

Customer support is readily available via phone from 6 am to 5 pm PT on weekdays. They also offer email and chat support for any inquiries or concerns.

Based on online customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, it appears Inc Authority provides prompt and attentive customer service.

Who should use it: Inc Authority could be a suitable choice for you if you have limited funds and require complimentary registered agent services during the formation of your LLC without any cost.

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

>> Visit Inc Authority >>

Tailor Brands – Best Registered Agent Service for Branding Solutions

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Tailor Brands is an expert branding company that provides a variety of solutions to assist businesses in building and expanding their brands. Their registered agent service guarantees that businesses adhere to state regulations by receiving and transmitting essential legal documents, like lawsuits, subpoenas, and other correspondences, on behalf of their clients.

What sets Tailor Brands’ registered agent service apart is its seamless integration with its registered agent information. Clients can use Tailor Brands’ branding services to maintain a consistent and polished brand image while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Tailor Brands provides clients with a convenient online platform that simplifies the management of their essential documents and communication.

This portal lets clients access and download their documents, change their contact details, and receive timely notifications regarding essential deadlines. Tailor Brands distinguishes itself by offering a transparent pricing model for its registered agent service.

Instead of hidden fees or additional charges, they provide a flat annual fee that enables businesses to budget and prepare for their registered agent requirements easily. This straightforward approach ensures peace of mind for clients seeking reliable registered agent services from Tailor Brands.

Who should use it: Tailor Brands’ registered agent service offers an excellent option for businesses seeking a holistic solution that integrates branding and compliance services into one.

Pros:

• Comprehensive one-stop solution for establishing your online business
• Offers tools specifically designed for branding and building an online presence
• Incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to start in as little as 10 minutes with just a few clicks
• Provides greater customization, including graphic design and logo-making tools, compared to some other services

Cons:

• To maximize benefits, opting for Tailor Brands’ top-tier plan is necessary

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

>> Visit Tailor Brands >>

Swyft Filings – Best Registered Agent Service for Quick Turnaround Time

Star Rating: 4.6/5

Swyft Filings is a registered agent service that offers business owners a dependable and effective means of complying with state regulations. The company’s registered agent services include receiving and forwarding crucial legal documents, such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other correspondence to their clients.

One of the notable aspects of Swyft Filings’ registered agent service is its affordability. Businesses can access their services at an affordable fee without straining their finances. They provide discounted rates for multiple years of upfront service, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term requirements.

Swyft Filings also stands out with its exceptional customer service. They offer phone and email support to their clients, ensuring that knowledgeable representatives are available to address inquiries and assist in resolving any issues that may arise.

Furthermore, Swyft Filings’ website features a comprehensive knowledge base and a frequently asked questions section designed to help clients navigate any queries related to the registered agent service.

Who should use it: For business owners seeking a dependable, affordable, and streamlined method to meet state regulations, Swyft Filings’ registered agent service is the perfect solution. It ensures compliance while keeping costs in check.

Pros:

• Ensures swift turnaround times for filing
• Provides the flexibility to pay in installments
• Offers one of the most competitive base prices in the market

Cons:

• Accumulation of fees for supplementary services can be rapid
• Registered agent service and EIN application aren’t part of the base price
• The basic package doesn’t encompass all formation paperwork

Pricing & Plans

• Basic Plan: Priced at $49 plus state fees, the Basic Plan encompasses the preparation and filing of the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization, a name availability check, and a one-year registered agent service.
• Standard Plan: For $149 plus state fees, the Standard Plan incorporates all the offerings of the Basic Plan, adding an EIN/Tax ID filing, an operating agreement or bylaws, and a banking resolution.
• Premium Plan: For $299 plus state fees, the Premium Plan extends the features of the Standard Plan, including a business website and domain, business email and phone number, and a business license report.

>> Visit Swyft Filings >>

Firstbase – Best for Usability

Star Rating: 4.0/5

Firstbase.io is a company that highly values the principles of diversity, inclusion, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Their team consists of skilled and passionate individuals who work remotely from various locations around the globe.

The company prides itself on providing a flexible and supportive work environment where everyone can learn, develop their skills, and enjoy themselves. They provide registered agent information.

One of Firstbase’s core offerings is its registered agents dedicated to assisting individuals in starting and expanding their US-based businesses no matter where they are.

They have developed an online platform that streamlines the entire company formation process while maintaining compliance standards. What sets them apart is their 24/7 global customer support.

Firstbase facilitates access to essential financial services such as banking solutions, payment processing systems, payroll management tools, and accounting services through partnerships with other esteemed organizations in these fields.

Who Should Use it: Firstbase is the perfect choice for individuals who prioritize excellent customer support and require a user-friendly service.

Pros:

• User-friendly
• A comprehensive range of services
• Significant rewards
• Swift processing
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Limited availability in multiple states
• Higher cost compared to certain competitors

Pricing & Plans

Firstbase.io offers a comprehensive range of services that address all your company’s incorporation and compliance requirements.

Their pricing is transparent, and they provide an array of robust features. Let’s take a brief look at their key offerings and notable characteristics:

• Firstbase Start – $399 one-time fee
• Firstbase Agent – Starting at $99/year per state
• Firstbase Mailroom – Starting at $35/month

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Ranking Methodology for the Registered Agent Service

When assessing the services of registered agents, there are various essential aspects to consider. These factors encompass:

• Reliability: The availability of registered agents during standard business hours is crucial for receiving legal documents on behalf of your company. Please do so to avoid missing deadlines or legal consequences, making reliability a vital factor in selecting a registered agent.
• Compliance Expertise: Registered agents should comprehensively understand the legal and regulatory requirements pertinent to your business. This includes knowledge of state filing deadlines and compliance with industry-specific regulations. The most effective statutory agent services boast a team of compliance experts to assist in meeting your legal obligations.
• Customer Support: Efficient and accessible customer support is essential for registered agent services. The ability to quickly and effectively address questions or concerns is paramount. The top registered agent services provide responsive and knowledgeable customer support.
• Value for the Price: Pricing for registered agent services varies widely. Striking a balance between quality and affordability is crucial. It’s essential to find a provider that offers the right mix of features without overpaying for unnecessary services.
• Additional Features: Some registered agent services go beyond the basics, offering features like document management tools for secure storage and access to legal documents online. Others provide privacy protection services to safeguard your personal information.

By evaluating registered agent services based on these criteria, we’ve identified the top providers in the market. Consider these factors when selecting a registered agent for your business to ensure you receive the best possible service.

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Professional Registered Agent Service – Buyer’s Guide

What Is a Registered Agent?

A professional individual or business entity is chosen to act as a registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents and official government documents on behalf of your company at their registered agent’s address. Registered agents are also referred to as statutory agents, resident agents, or agents for service of process.

When forming business entities such as an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit organization in any state, appointing a registered agent and including their details in the formation documents is mandatory.

These documents are often known as “articles of organization” or “articles of incorporation” and must be submitted to the state government. The information provided in these formation documents becomes part of the business’s public records.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent?

Meeting the qualifications to become a registered agent is straightforward. To be eligible, one must live in the same state where their company or companies are registered.

A physical address is necessary for receiving documents; using a P.O. mailbox isn’t permissible. Although these criteria still need to be completed, carefully considering who you select as your registered agent is crucial.

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5 Reasons You Might Need to Use a Registered Agent Service

If you need a registered agent or hire a third-party service, there are a few key factors to consider.

• Legal Compliance: In adherence to state requirements, business entities are typically mandated to have a registered agent for the service of process. This entails designating an individual or company to receive legal documents such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other crucial legal notices. Please have a registered agent to ensure compliance with state law.
• Privacy: Operating a small business from your home may lead to reservations about using your physical address as the business address. A registered agent service can furnish you with a professional business address, eliminating the need to disclose your physical address.
• Availability: A registered agent service assures someone is consistently available to receive significant documents during standard business hours. This becomes significant for small businesses where constant availability to receive mail or packages may be challenging.
• Convenience: A registered agent service can streamline your operations by forwarding all legal documents and important correspondence to your business address or email. This convenience saves you time and minimizes potential hassles.
• Credibility: Hiring a registered agent enhances the credibility of your business, showcasing your commitment to complying with state laws and safeguarding your business interests.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Have a Registered Agent?

When you register an LLC, it’s mandatory to designate a registered agent. Failing to maintain a registered agent can have several negative consequences for the company.

Legal summonses may not be received promptly if no registered agent exists, leading to default judgments, potential loss of good standing, and fines and penalties.

The state may also send the annual report to the registered agent. If the company’s information isn’t up to date with the registered agent, they may not receive this report, resulting in a loss of good standing in annual report compliance. Failure to comply with statutory requirements can lead to administrative dissolution of the company.

This exposes owners to liability for debts owed by the business creditors. Having a designated registered agent is crucial for an LLC as it ensures timely receipt of legal documents and compliance with state regulations.

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Best Registered Agent Services – Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we answered the registered agent FAQ, addressing additional inquiries you may have.

What Does a Registered Agent Do?

A registered agent is a person you select to receive certain documents on your behalf, usually legal, state, regulatory, and tax-related ones. Afterward, the agent will share these documents with you by scanning and uploading them to an online platform or forwarding them to your address.

In urgent matters like court documents or upcoming deadlines, the agent may contact you via phone or text to notify you promptly.

Can I Use Myself as a Registered Agent?

You can serve as a registered agent for your business. To fulfill this role, you’ll require a physical address that can reach you on behalf of your business. Multiple states don’t accept P.O. boxes as valid addresses for registered agents.

Is a Registered Agent Really Necessary?

Yes. Every state in the United States mandates that LLCs, partnerships, and corporations must designate a registered agent and/or have a registered office. The specific terminology for registered agents may vary by state and include terms such as resident agents, agents for service of process, or statutory agents.

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Bottom Line on Registered Agents

Hiring a registered agent service can significantly impact your business whether ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory obligations or offering valuable customer assistance, a reliable provider can help you stay in control and prevent expensive errors.

After a thorough assessment, we identified the best registered agent services with distinct advantages and characteristics. We suggest examining our recommendation, Northwest Registered Agent, more closely and considering your business requirements when deciding on the most suitable registered agent service.

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Author Details
Author Author Email	Ahad Waseem ahad@paradisemedia.com	Ahad is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees.

 

This article is sponsored content. No endorsement by The Times of Israel of advertiser products or services, real or implied, is intended. The Times of Israel editorial team did not contribute to this article.