The best registered agent for your business receives and processes documents on behalf of your company. Most businesses registered with the state, including LLCs and corporations, must designate a registered agent. Why is this so? When running a business, staying on top of important deadlines and filing paperwork can be a complex and time-consuming task. The right agent is going to save you a ton of time and prevent you from experiencing issues with your business that could lead to hefty fines from federal or state governments.
With so many agents on the market, how will you know which is right for you? That’s where we can help. Our team scours the web for customer reviews on sites like Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. We also reach out to organizations and ask about their practices and policies and investigate their services. With this level of diligence and attention to detail, you can trust our results.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best registered agent due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is perfect for startups & small businesses because it comes with compliance alerts, personalized support, and many more useful features.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is ideal for larger companies who have a lot of legal stuff going on. Their registered agent services are affordable, timely, and accurate.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent ($125/year)
Northwest Registered Agent, named the best overall registered agent by Inc. 5000, has served small businesses since 1998.
Not only does their team have decades of experience in the industry, but they also offer a lineup of unique services to help simplify the often complex process of forming and maintaining a business.
These include compliance alerts, an online access portal, and access to various business addresses. In addition, they are dedicated to providing top-notch customer service and building lasting relationships with their clients.
Other services offered by this agent include:
- Articles and guides on business formation and compliance
- Mail forwarding
- 24/7 customer support
- Free business address
Their dedication to helping businesses succeed has led them to be continually recognized as the Best Overall Registered Agent by industry experts.
As more and more businesses choose Northwest Registered Agent as their registered agent, it’s clear that they are the go-to choice for efficient and reliable services.
Pros
- Top-Grade Customer Assistance: Customers always come first at Northwest Registered Agent, and the company has a team of helpful customer service representatives available 24/7. This way, even if you have a question outside of business hours, someone will help you.
- Extensive Business Resources: Besides providing registered agent services, it offers a wide range of business resources on its website. From articles and guides on business formation to information on compliance requirements, this company is a one-stop shop for all your business needs.
- Online Access Portal: This agent makes it easy to keep track of your business with their online access portal. This portal gives you 24/7 access to view, download, and manage all the documents related to your business. You can also use this portal to update your contact information, change your registered agent, and view your annual report.
Con
- Limited Services: Although this company offers a few other services, such as mail forwarding and document storage, it doesn’t provide the comprehensive services that some of the other companies on our list do.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Their all-inclusive price of $125/year covers the standard services that a registered agent should offer. This includes receiving and forwarding critical legal documents for your business, such as service of process and tax forms. If your business relocates, they can promptly update the state with your new address, ensuring that important documents are delivered promptly and accurately.
2. ZenBusiness
Best Registered Agent for Startups ($199/year)
Meet ZenBusiness, a company that provides registered agent services for mission-driven corporations. Founded in 2018, they have quickly established themselves as a leading service provider in the industry and have aided thousands of businesses with their organization and compliance needs.
Their team comprises experts who offer personalized support and guidance for every client, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. ZenBusiness also provides services such as:
- Forming LLCs and Corporations,
- Obtaining DBA names,
- Setting up EINs,
- Creating custom business documents
- Filing annual reports
What makes ZenBusiness stand out the most is its dedication to social responsibility. For every service they provide, they donate a portion of the proceeds to various charities that help entrepreneurs succeed. Their services start at $49/year, making them one of the most affordable options on our list.
So if you’re looking for reliable registered agent support for your mission-driven corporation, look no further than ZenBusiness. Their expertise and dedication to providing exceptional services make them the perfect partner for helping your business succeed.
Pros
- Compliance Alerts: As a business owner, it’s important to stay updated on the latest compliance requirements. ZenBusiness will send you email alerts whenever a new filing or report is due, ensuring that you’re always on top of your compliance obligations.
- Free Registered Agent: For the first year, they offer free registered agent services to all their clients. This is a great way to save on costs, especially if you’re starting.
- Personalized Support: One of the best things about ZenBusiness is their team of experts who are always available to provide personalized support. Whether you have a question about forming your LLC or need help filing your annual report, they’re always happy to help.
- Easy to Use: Their online platform is easy to use, and their services are designed to save you time and hassle.
Con
- Additional Expenses: The annual report filing fee and service of process fees are not included in their price, so you’ll need to factor these additional expenses into your budget.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): At $199 a year, it comes with compliance monitoring and access to their online platform.
But that’s not all–our registered agent also takes care of forming LLCs and corporations, conducting business searches, and restructuring existing entities.
And if you need additional services like annual reminders, they’re available for just $49 or more per year.
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent for Larger Companies ($99/year)
For larger companies, finding a reliable and experienced registered agent is crucial for maintaining compliance with state regulations.
Harbor Compliance offers unparalleled resources and expertise in this area, having been named a financial times top 400 Registered Agent in 2018 and 2019. Compliance professionals work closely with clients to ensure they meet all necessary regulatory requirements and stay updated on any changes.
This not only helps businesses avoid penalties but also allows them to focus their energy on growth and success. In addition to registered agent services, Harbor Compliance provides:
- Entity formation filing assistance,
- Annual report filings,
- Business licensing support
- Foreign qualification services
- Customized compliance solutions
What we like most about Harbor Compliance is their commitment to providing the best registered agent services to their clients.
They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are always available to answer any questions or concerns.
When it comes to maintaining compliance, trust the experts at Harbor Compliance to handle the details for you.
Pros
- Good Affordability: If you have a small business, you’ll be glad to know that their prices start at only $99 per year. This is greatly beneficial because you don’t have to spend much money to get quality registered agent services.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Harbor Compliance is so confident in their services that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with their service for any reason, they’ll refund your money.
- Highly Experienced: Harbor Compliance is a top-rated registered agent with the experience to prove it. They’ve been in business since 2004 and have served over 200,000 clients.
- Accurate and Timely Filings: They offer accurate and timely filings so you can be confident that your business complies with state regulations.
Con
- No Business Advice: Unfortunately, they do not offer business advice like other companies on our list.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): This package includes one year of registered agent service, access to their user-friendly online platform, and reliable document delivery. They also offer the option of mail forwarding and scanning for an additional fee.
With a competitive price of only $99 per year, the package is cost-effective for all your registered agent needs. You can choose today and experience the convenience and efficiency they offer.
4. Inc Authority
Best Budget Registered Agent ($99/year)
If you’re a startup looking for a registered agent, look no further than Inc Authority. Founded in 1989, they have quickly become the top choice for businesses seeking professional support and guidance during the incorporation process. Their team of experts assists with entity formation, annual compliance management, and permissible activities for various business structures.
Plus, they offer top-notch customer service 24/7, guaranteeing that your questions will always be answered promptly and accurately.
Other services offered include:
- Business license research and filings
- Federal Tax ID (EIN) application assistance
- Domestic and international business formation
- Compliance monitoring
It’s no surprise that Inc Authority has been recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the best startups in America three years in a row. Whether starting a small local business or launching a nationwide enterprise, Inc Authority has what it takes to lead you toward success.
So why wait?
Pros
- Fame and High Status: Inc Authority is one of the country’s most famous and well-respected registered agents. They have been in business for over 25 years and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Great for Startups: They are especially geared toward startups and offer a wide range of services to help you get your business off the ground.
- Free Resources: They offer free resources on their websites, such as articles and guides, to help you navigate the incorporation process.
- Compliance Monitoring: They provide compliance monitoring to ensure that your business is always up-to-date with the latest state requirements. This valuable service can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Con
- Pushy Techniques: If you are not interested in their additional services, they may be a bit pushy in selling them to you. This can be frustrating for some customers.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Inc Authority charges a flat fee of $99 per year for their registered agent service, which includes compliance assistance, annual report filing, and more.
In addition to this core offering, Inc Authority offers various other services, such as business formation, LLC formation, and trademark filing.
These additional services are priced individually based on the client’s specific needs. But regardless of which services are utilized, Inc Authority remains committed to providing unparalleled value and support for each client.
5. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
For businesses, having a registered agent is essential. They act as a point of contact for a company, receive important legal documents on its behalf, and forward them to the business. They also keep track of the business’s compliance with state requirements. A registered agent can be an individual or a company.
LegalZoom is a premium national registered agent that offers everything you get from a full-service registered agent, including online document access, mail forwarding, and compliance alerts, as well as the premium feature of identity theft protection of up to $1 million.
The premium service costs $299 per year, which is a bit more expensive than other registered agent services.
However, if you use LegalZoom for other business services, such as forming an LLC or corporation, you can get a discount on the registered agent service.
LegalZoom has a team of expert customer support representatives available to answer any questions. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Some of the other features offered by LegalZoom include:
- Chat support
- Business document storage
- Tracking important deadlines
- Renewing licenses
- Compliance alerts
With LegalZoom, you can rest assured that your business is in good hands.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered for Full-Service Support ($149/year)
Rocket Lawyer is one of the best registered agents for businesses that need full-service support. The company was founded in 2007 and provides various legal services, including forming LLCs and corporations, preparing documents, and filing annual reports.
Rocket Lawyer also offers registered agent services for a fee of $49.95 per year.
However, if you subscribe to their Accelerate Legal services plan, you’ll get a free year of registered agent service. In addition to their great service and price, Rocket Lawyer is backed by Google Ventures and offers its customers Norton Web Security Protection and Information Website.
The backing up of Google Ventures and Norton Web Security Protection makes it a great option for businesses that need full-service support.
Rocket Lawyer has achieved an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They have helped over 20 million people with their legal needs and have a team of expert attorneys available to answer any questions.
Other services by this agent include:
- Business entity creation
- Annual report filing
- Compliance assistance
- Document preparation
- Access to their online legal document database
Rocket Lawyer is an excellent option for businesses needing registered agent services.
7. Incfile
Best Registered Agent for Mail Forwarding ($119/year)
Incfile is a registered agent service that helps businesses file and track legal documents. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in Houston, Texas. Incfile offers various services to help businesses stay organized and compliant with the law, including document management, mail forwarding, and registered agent services.
Mail forwarding is a service that helps businesses receive mail from the government and other organizations.
Since 2004, Incfile has been one of the leading providers of registered agent, incorporation, and LLC formation services. They have served over 150,000 customers and have a user-friendly website protected by Norton Web Security.
The Incfile Learning Center is packed with free information to help businesses get started, and the company offers a wide range of services to help businesses stay compliant and organized. In addition, Incfile offers a best-value guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price for their services.
Registered agent services help businesses keep track of their legal documents and ensure they are up to date. Incfile also offers various value-added services, such as:
- Online access to their legal documents database can help businesses save time and money.
- A team of expert customer support representatives is available to answer questions.
They are truly a one-stop shop for business formation and compliance.
Pros
- 1 Year of Free Professional and Customized Registered Agent Service: Incfile currently offers one year of free registered agent service with purchasing any other business formation service. This is an incredible value that can save businesses money.
- Best-Value Guarantee: Incfile offers a best-value guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible price for their services.
- User-Friendly Website: The Incfile website is user-friendly and packed with information to help businesses get started.
- Free Learning Center: The Incfile Learning Center is packed with free information to help businesses get started.
- Bilingual Customer Support: Incfile’s customer support team can help you in English and Spanish.
Con
- No 24/7 Customer Support: One con of Incfile is that they do not offer 24/7 customer support. However, their customer support team is available Monday-Friday from 9 am to 6 pm CST.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($119/year): Incfile charges a flat fee of $119 per year after one free year of registered agent services.
This fee includes compliance assistance, annual report filing, and more.Â
8. BetterLegal
Best Registered Agent for Full-Service Needs ($90/year)
BetterLegal is a registered agent service that helps customers with business filing and annual reports, among other things.
Plus, they accept the service of process on the customer’s behalf and will forward mail and store documents online for easy access. However, their services are available under one flat fee, which may mean customers pay more than they need.
BetterLegal is a great service for those who need full-service assistance with their business filings. Still, there may be better choices for those who only need a registered agent occasionally.
Their flat-fee pricing model means that customers who only use a registered agent sparingly could pay more than they would with another provider. Still, for those who need full-service assistance from a registered agent, BetterLegal is a great choice.
Other services offered by BetterLegal:
- Business filing: This is the service of preparing and filing your business’s formation documents with the state.
- Annual reports: Some states require that businesses file an annual report detailing the company’s activity and progress over the past year.
- Service of process: A registered agent accepts legal documents on behalf of the company.
- Document storage: Registered agents often offer to store important company documents, like Articles of Incorporation, online so they’re easily accessible.
9. SunDoc Filings
Best Registered Agent for E-Commerce Businesses and Compliance Needs ($159/year)
E-commerce businesses have specific needs when it comes to registered agents. They need someone who can accept service of process notices on their behalf, forward documents to them, and keep track of their compliance with state requirements.
SunDoc Filings is a registered agent service that specializes in e-commerce businesses.
They offer everything an e-commerce business needs, including compliance alerts, document storage, and mail forwarding.
Founded in 2012, SunDoc has helped countless businesses streamline their compliance processes.
SunDoc makes it easy to keep your company compliant with all the requirements, from registering a new business to maintaining annual reports and registered agent services.
And at just $159 per year, SunDoc is one of the most affordable registered agent services available. Plus, their customer service is top-notch – you can always count on SunDoc to be there when you need them.
Other services offered include:
- Business entity search
- Compliance monitoring
- Entity management
- Document retrieval
So if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to keep your business compliant, SunDoc Filings is also the right choice.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent for Fast Turnaround ($149/year)
Talking about being first in a business, have you ever considered the possibility of being first in a Google search? That’s exactly what Swyft Filings strives for.
A fast turnaround is of the essence in any business since it helps you avoid unnecessary delays.
Swyft Filings is one of the few registered agent services that can file your paperwork and return it to you within 4-6 hours.
This impressive turnaround time can help you get your business up and running quickly.
Not only is Swyft Filings the fastest registered agent service, but they’re also one of the most affordable. At just $149 per year, Swyft Filings is a great value for those who need a registered agent in a hurry.
They offer a variety of services, including:
- Business entity formation
- Registered agent service
- Document filing
- Business compliance
Swyft Filings makes it easy to get your business up and running quickly and efficiently.
They have helped over 100,000 businesses with their formation needs and are sure to be able to help you too.
If you need a registered agent in a hurry, just as the name suggests, Swyft Filings is the right choice for you.
11. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent for Global Connections ($299/year)
Connections are key in business. You need to be able to connect with clients, vendors, and others to run a successful business. It also doesn’t hurt to have connections in other countries.
CSC Global is a registered agent service that specializes in global connections.
It is a registered agent service that helps businesses with connections, entity formations, and domestic and international compliance solutions. The company was founded in 1899 and, since then, has become a leader in the registered agent industry. CSC offers various services to businesses, including online filing, phone support, and mail forwarding.
In addition, CSC provides access to a network of over 2,000 attorneys worldwide who can assist with any legal questions or concerns. With over 120 years of experience, CSC is a trusted provider of registered agent services and is dedicated to helping businesses succeed.
With all that years, what comes to your mind again? Experienced team and support. This agent has a top-tier team with unmatched experience that can help your business in any way possible.
CSC is the best-registered agent service for those who need help with global connections and compliance solutions.
12. InCorp
Best Registered Agent for Reliability ($99/year)
Have you ever needed to be on a budget? If you have, then InCorp is the best registered agent service for you.
InCorp is the best registered agent regarding reliability and being on a budget. They have been in the business since 1998 and have helped many companies with their formation. Their services include everything that you need for document preparation, annual reports, and state filings.
They also have an operating agreement, domain name registration, and excellent customer service. In addition, they have a one-year free RA solution. This greatly benefits those just starting their business and who need help with the formation process. If you’re looking for a great deal on a year of service, you can’t go wrong with this offer. For just $99, you’ll get access to all the features and benefits of the service.
And if you need more than one year of service, you can save even more by ordering five years at once. With this package, you’ll pay just $66 per year, a savings of over $160.
In addition to their great prices, InCorp also offers many other valuable resources for businesses, such as a free LLC name search, articles on business formation and compliance, and a handy blog with the latest news on changes in incorporation laws.
Their user-friendly and McAfee secure website offers many services, including LLC formation, annual reports, corporate filings, and registered agent services.
Having served over 250,000 customers since 1998, inCorp is a reliable and trusted provider of registered agent services.
13. Jumpstart Filings
Best Registered Agent for New Companies ($129)
Jumpstart Filings is the best-registered agent for new companies. They provide a hassle-free process for incorporating your business, and their team of experts will take care of all the paperwork for you.
They also offer a wide range of services to help get your business off the ground, including a business address, mail forwarding, and virtual office services.
Why trust them? They have a 90% customer satisfaction rating and have helped over 50,000 businesses get started. Their services include everything you need to get your business up and running.
Despite the advantages, they only offer free registered agent services.
14. Registered Agents Inc.
Best Registered Agent for Excellent Customer Service ($125/year)
Registered Agents Inc. is the best company for excellent customer service. They have been in business for over 20 years and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They are available 24/7 to answer any questions about your account.
They also offer a free consultation to see if their services are right for you. In addition, they offer a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with their services. Their annual fee is only $125, and offers discounts for multiple years. Registered Agents Inc. is the best company for excellent customer service and is worth the investment.
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is an individual or business that agrees to receive and forward legal documents on behalf of your company. The registered agent’s contact information is publicly available through the Secretary of State’s office, so companies that want to keep their contact information private use this service. In most states, the registered agent must have a physical address in the state where the company is formed.
The registered agent must be available during business hours to receive the service of process (SOP), which includes legal documents like summons and subpoenas. Some states require the registered agent to provide a notarized service acceptance when signing up for the role.
The role of a registered agent has been around for centuries, but it was formalized in the Corporation Codes in the late 1800s.
Most companies use a commercial registered agent service because it’s more reliable than appointing an individual within the company.
Professional service ensures that your company always has a compliant physical address and someone available during business hours to accept SOP. Commercial services also provide additional resources like annual reports and compliance reminders.
Some companies choose to act as their registered agent, but this isn’t recommended because there’s a risk that SOP will be missed if no one is available to accept it during business hours. If SOP is missed, your company could be subject to legal penalties or lose its good standing status with the state.
How Can a Registered Agent Help Your Business?
A registered agent can help your business in several ways. These ways include:
Keeping Your Contact Information Private
Registered agents provide a service to LLCs and other businesses by receiving and forwarding important legal correspondence, such as the service of process notices and tax forms.
Business owners can keep their contact information private by using a registered agent. This is especially important for businesses based in states other than the ones in which they are incorporated.
Helping You Stay Compliant With State Requirements
Depending on the state where your business is registered, there may be different requirements for staying compliant. A registered agent can help your business to stay compliant with state requirements by keeping up to date on the latest changes and ensuring that your company meets all the necessary deadlines.
In addition, a registered agent can assist you in preparing and filing the required paperwork. By using the services of a registered agent, you can avoid the hassle and expense of non-compliance.
Forwarding Your Legal Documents
There are many important documents that businesses must deal with regularly. Contracts, tax forms, and other legal paperwork can be daunting to keep track of, and it is easy for something to get lost in the shuffle. This is where a registered agent comes in.
A registered agent is a person or company that agrees to accept legal documents for your business. This can be a huge help, as it ensures that you always receive important documents promptly. In addition, a registered agent can help to keep your business organized and compliant with the law.
Maintaining Your Corporate Records
One of the most important duties of a registered agent is to maintain corporate records. These records include important documents such as your Articles of Incorporation and minutes from shareholder meetings.
A registered agent can help keep your corporate records organized and up to date, saving you a lot of time and hassle. In addition, having accurate and up-to-date records can help you to avoid penalties and fines associated with non-compliance.
Making Your Business More Efficient
A registered agent can help to make your business more efficient by taking on some of the tasks that would otherwise fall to you or your employees. This can free up your time to focus on more important tasks, such as growing your business.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required?
Many companies use a professional registered agent service to serve as their RA (registered agent) because it provides anonymity for the company’s officers and directors, offers consistent service regardless of turnover in the company’s personnel, and usually costs less than hiring someone in-house to serve as the RA.
While most states require businesses to have a registered agent, some do not. In addition, some entities, such as sole proprietorships and general partnerships, are not required to have an RA.
Whether or not a business is required to have an RA depends on the state in which it is organized or does business. For example, California does not require LLCs to have an RA, while Delaware requires all businesses organized in Delaware, regardless of whether they are LLCs, corporations, or other entities, to have an RA.
You can check your state’s requirements by clicking on your state below:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
You can also check our registered agent page to see if we can act as your agent in your state. However, we recommend that you consult with an attorney licensed in your state before making any decisions regarding whether or not you need an RA.
Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
The cost of a registered agent depends on the state in which your business is organized or does business. In some states, the fee for an RA is set by statute, while in others, RAs can set their fees. Generally, it always starts at $50 per year and up, depending on the agent and the services they provide.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes! You can act as your own registered agent, but we don’t recommend it. As your own RA, you would be required to list your name and address on public documents, making it easy for anyone to find out where you live and send unsolicited marketing materials or even legal documents.
In addition, you would need to be available during business hours to accept the service of process and other legal documents on behalf of your company. If unavailable, these documents may be sent to your registered address, which could cause them to be opened by someone other than you.
Can a Company Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes. A company can change its RA anytime, but there may be associated fees. In addition, the company would need to notify the Secretary of State’s office of the change.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Registered Agent?
The time it takes to get a registered agent depends on how your business is organized or does business. In some states, the process can be completed online in a few days, while in others, it may take a few weeks.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best registered agent due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is perfect for startups & small businesses because it comes with compliance alerts, personalized support, and many more useful features.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is ideal for larger companies who have a lot of legal stuff going on. Their registered agent services are affordable, timely, and accurate.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
Keep up the good work.