7 Best Registered Agent Service Options in 2023

When it comes to online legal services, there are a lot of different options to choose from.

From getting an EIN number to ensuring your business ideas are protected, a range of companies can help you with a variety of legal needs.

Having your own registered agent is another type of legal need that businesses have.

With a registered agent service, you’ll have a company that handles your legal and tax documents on your behalf.

This can give you peace of mind knowing that your important documents are being taken care of and not getting lost in a pile of other, less important papers.

In the case of starting an LLC, having a registered agent is required in most states.

In this article, I’ll review the best registered agent service options, helping you choose the right one for your business.

Let’s get started.

What Are The Best Registered Agent Services?

The following are some of the top registered agent services to consider.

1. Northwest Registered Agent.

Best Overall Registered Agent.

Northwest Registered Agent helps over 3 million businesses nationwide with their legal and tax needs.

The company offers a wide range of services, including LLC formation, registered agent service, corporate filing, and trademark registration.

With dedicated corporate guides available for all clients, you can be sure that your business is in good hands with Northwest Registered Agent.

When it comes to their registered agent service, Northwest Registered Agent will handle all of your legal and tax documents on your behalf.

In addition, with proper counseling focusing on business formation and compliance, Northwest Registered Agent can help you avoid any legal issues down the road.

Check out my full Northwest Registered Agent review for more information.

Key Features:

• Privacy by Default® ensures that your contact information is never shared without your consent.
• Corporate Guides® answer your most challenging business questions and provide you with the resources and support you need
• The custom-built, back-end software provides a streamlined process for handling your legal and tax documents.
• Business maintenance tools help you keep track of your business compliance requirements.
• State compliance notifications ensure you are always up-to-date on the latest filing requirements.

Pricing:

This all depends on the service and state you need – however, pricing starts from $39 for LLC formation.

Get started with Northwest Registered Agent.

2. ZenBusiness.

Best For Experience.

ZenBusiness allows you to get worry-free services for your business, so you can focus on what’s important – running your business.

Their all-in-one platform makes it easy to get started with business formation and compliance.

No matter which stage your small business is in, ZenBusiness offers you the services you need to scale up and eventually run a long-term, successful business.

Key Features:

• Fast filing speeds ensure that your documents are filed quickly and efficiently.
• The Employer ID Number (EIN) service helps you obtain your business’s federal tax ID number.
• The registered agent service provides a reliable agent to receive and manage your legal documents.
• Business banking offers the tools and resources you need to manage your finances.
• The domain name and website services help you get started with an online presence.

Pricing:

Pricing ranges from $49 – $299 per year based on the time period you want your documents to be ready.

Get started with ZenBusiness.

3. Harbor Compliance.

Best For Custom Build Legal Software.

Harbor Compliance uses purpose-built software to help businesses with licensing, permits, and tax registrations.

The company offers a wide range of services, including LLC formation, corporate filing, and trademark registration.

When it comes to anything related to entity management and compliance, Harbor Compliance is a great option to consider.

They also have a team of expert advisors who can help you with any legal issues, and this team was created to make the entity management process as easy as possible.

From assigning tasks to tracking deadlines, Harbor Compliance can help you stay on top of your entity compliance requirements.

This means that whether you want to enter new jurisdictions or keep track of your current entity portfolio, Harbor Compliance can help.

Key Features:

• The license manager will help you stay on top of your business licenses and permits.
• The records manager will help you keep track of your entity documents.
• The tax manager will help you file your taxes and comply with tax regulations.

Pricing:

Create your account with Harbor Compliance to learn about pricing.

4. Inc Authority.

Best For Free Service.

Inc Authority is a 100% free online LLC formation service.

They offer their services for free (you just have to pay your state fees), making them an excellent option for small businesses on a budget.

Wanting to build trust with potential customers and then have them go back for future paid services is their business model, which has worked well for them so far.

With a comprehensive menu of services, Inc Authority is a legal company to consider when setting up your business.

Key Features:

• Their business name checker helps you find the perfect name for your business.
• Registered agent service provides a reliable agent to receive and manage your legal documents.
• Digital storage and delivery ensure that your documents are stored securely and efficiently.
• A tax planning consultation helps you plan and prepare for your taxes.
• Preparation and filing ensure that your documents are filed correctly and on time.
• Business credit and funding analysis enables you to get the funding you need to start your business.

Pricing:

It’s free to set up your online LLC.

You’ll then have to pay for other required services.

5. BetterLegal.

Best For Fast Turnaround Times.

BetterLegal will not only serve as your registered agent but will also provide you with a wide range of other business services.

For anything related to business formation and worry-free compliance, BetterLegal is an excellent option.

With various express packages available, they make it quick and affordable to get the services you need.

This means those requiring turnaround speed should definitely consider using BetterLegal.

Providing one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry, they also offer an interactive dashboard that makes it easy to keep track of the various aspects of your business.

Key Features:

• Better business protection through the use of a corporate veil.
• Potential tax benefits by using an LLC.
• Deal certainty through the use of contracts.
• Legitimacy through the use of a registered agent.

Pricing:

You’ll need to answer a few questions to get started and get the pricing information.

6. Rocket Lawyer.

Best For Creating Legal Documents.

Rocket Lawyer builds the documents you need for your business, whether for formation or compliance purposes.

With a wide range of customizable documents, Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to get the exact item you need.

You can always customize, share, print (and more) with their user-friendly platform.

Through their RocketSign® platform, you also get unlimited electronic signatures for your documents.

This is the modern way of doing things, and Rocket Lawyer makes it easy and affordable.

Their ask-a-lawyer functionality also means you can get answers to your legal questions without getting into a recurring contract.

This means you can connect with an attorney who can help you with any legal questions you may have.

Key Features:

• Document Defense® protects your contracts from disputes, ensuring that you’re always legally covered.
• A thirty-minute consultation with a lawyer is available to discuss any new legal issues that may have arisen.
• Create any legal document required quickly through their platform.

Pricing:

There is a wide range of plans available, some of which include:

• Legal Documents: $39.99
• Attorney Services: $9.99 – $149.99

You can also become a premium member and get free services or discounts on specific legal needs.

7. LegalZoom.

Best For DIY Legal Services.

LegalZoom provides DIY services for those who want to independently handle their business formation and compliance.

However, they also have an attorney review service, so you can get professional help when needed.

Their online platform makes it easy to create and manage your documents.

Having created 3.5 million+ business planning documents, LegalZoom is a trusted and well-known name in the industry.

No matter which business entity you choose for your company, LegalZoom can help you get it done quickly and easily.

Key Features:

• Get the right registered agent services for your business entity
• Annual reports keep your business in good standing
• Contracts and agreements help create legally binding documents
• Business licenses ensure your business operates smoothly
• They’re also foreign qualified if you’re doing business outside the United States.

Pricing:

Pricing starts from $79 in addition to the state filing fees.

Other professional registered agent service platforms not mentioned in this article include IncFile, Swyft Filings, and InCorp.

What Are Registered Agent Service Options?

When it comes to legal services, business entities need to have a registered agent on hand to receive any critical documents or notifications.

Registered agents provide a physical address for businesses to receive official documents and legal notices.

Most registered agent services also provide other services that small business owners will find helpful, such as LLC incorporation and compliance assistance.

Features Of A Great Registered Agent Service

Before pulling the trigger on your registered agent of choice, here are the features to consider when making the right decision.

They Have A History Of Keeping Businesses In Good Standing

Providing mail forwarding services and being available during business hours is the least a registered agent must do.

For example, if a service of process needs to be served on your business, the registered agent will sign for it and ensure that you’re promptly made aware.

They Can Help With The Formation Of Your Business

A registered agent typically offers additional services, including various formation packages, to help with the registration process.

From creating important documents to having a compliance calendar that outlines all the essential deadlines, business formation services help entrepreneurs get their business off the ground as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Business formation services for the public record are also typically included in registered agent service packages.

They Provide Other Legal Services That Small Businesses Need

A statutory agent (another way of referring to a registered agent) also generally provides other legal services that small business owners need.

Such companies typically offer a one-stop shop for all your business legal needs, from forming a limited liability company to document scanning through an online dashboard that allows for easy management.

They Have A Wide Range Of Plans And Pricing Options To Choose From

Pricing is always on the mind of new businesses just starting.

While additional services are typically charged extra, having an affordable price point for base services related to registered agents is essential.

Finding an affordable resident agent service generally means looking around to find the right provider.

They Offer Excellent Customer Service

An online business with a great customer support team will generally get tons of customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

A professional registered office that provides great customer service will usually guarantee they will be able to handle any issue that arises quickly and efficiently.

Seeing what customer feedback says about a company’s customer service is a great way to determine if they’re the right fit for you.

In addition, a satisfaction guarantee is essential in any business that provides a service and is no different when choosing registered agent services.

Looking for positive reviews (and negative ones) will allow you to get a good idea of what to expect from a company’s customer service.

They Provide Fast Turnaround Times

With various filing deadlines being part of the legal requirements of registered agents, finding a company that can provide fast turnaround times is essential.

In addition, some companies offer same-day services for registered agent filings, which can be a huge time-saver for business owners.

Best Registered Agent Service – FAQ

Do Free Registered Agent Services Exist?

Some online legal services offer a free year of registered agent services with the formation of an LLC.

However, you’ll typically have to sign extended contracts that include other services to get the free registered agent service.

Others offer specific services for free as a way to get you in the door and sell you other services.

This is not necessarily a bad thing – instead, it’s simply a way to decide whether you want to keep working with a particular legal service long-term.

What Are Some Add-Ons That Registered Agents Might Offer?

Some add-ons that registered agents might offer include business filing and organization, tax consulting, and legal document preparation.

What Does The Better Business Bureau Do?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a consumer protection agency that helps resolve complaints between businesses and customers.

The BBB also assigns ratings to businesses based on customer satisfaction levels.

What Are Regular Business Hours In Terms Of Registered Agents?

Most registered agents have regular business hours of 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

What Do Articles Of Organization Consist Of?

Articles of organization usually include:

• The LLC’s name and address.
• The members’ names.
• The registered agent’s name and address.
• The LLC’s purpose.

What Are The Registered Agent Service Costs During The First Year Of Business?

The average cost for registered agent services during the first year of business starts at around $100.

Some agents may charge more or less depending on the services they offer and the size of the LLC.

What Does An Online Portal Of A Registered Agent Typically Consist Of?

An online portal for a registered agent typically includes a dashboard where you can view and manage your account and access resources and support.

The portal may include online filing and tracking features, document storage, and e-signatures.

What Does The Secretary Of State Do Regarding LLC Formation?

The secretary of state is responsible for approving LLC articles of organization and issuing a charter to the LLC.

The secretary of state may also be responsible for maintaining records of the LLC’s members and registered agents.

Wrap Up.

Finding the best registered agent service doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Keep in mind there are many great options available.

This means that whether you’re looking for a service that provides only the basics or offers a full suite of the best LLC services and formation tools, doing your homework is vital.

When choosing a registered agent, always consider the service’s cost, features, customer support, and reputation.

Have you ever used a registered agent service?

If so, what was your experience like?

Let me know in the comments below.

Further reading on AdamEnfroy.com: Tax write-offs for an LLC can benefit business owners.

These write-offs can help reduce taxable income and, therefore, the amount of taxes owed.

Whether you want to start an ecommerce business, build a blog that generates passive income, or get started with one of the many affiliate programs available online, there’s no shortage of opportunities on the internet.

That’s why consulting with the right legal service can put your mind at ease when running a long-term business.