When running a successful business, countless tasks need to be completed daily. Hiring a registered agent can help alleviate this burden. First, it’s essential to understand that a registered agent is the main point of contact between your business and the state government. They are responsible for accepting critical legal documents for your company, such as service of process or tax forms. A reliable registered agent ensures that these vital documents are received and handled promptly and correctly.
In addition, an excellent registered agent can offer additional support, such as providing a physical address for your business if you don’t have one, keeping track of annual report filing deadlines and fees, and offering consultation on compliance issues. When it comes to finding a good registered agent for your business, reviews are essential. That’s why we worked hard for you and looked at reviews from multiple sources, including Google, the Better Business Bureau, and more. We even contacted the organizations to get more insight into their services. After all of our research, we compiled this list of the best registered agents in Georgia.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Georgia for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
BetterLegal
BetterLegal has some of the best and most affordable registered agent services for all kinds of businesses in Georgia. They also have years of experience.
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 in Georgia?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in Georgia ($125/year)
When it comes to registered agent services, Northwest Registered Agent is at the top of the pack. They have been named “Best Overall” registered agents by several reputable organizations.
But what sets them apart from other registered agents? They offer exceptional service and support in every state, including Georgia. They provide same-day document filing, convenient online access to all critical documents, and an unparalleled knowledge base for business formation and compliance information.
And their team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or address any needs.
Not only do they offer all the basics, like accepting essential communications from the Secretary of State and helping prepare Articles of Organization, but where they truly excel is their customer support.
Their team is consistently highly rated for their responsiveness and in-depth knowledge, making them a valuable asset for any business navigating the legal complexities of Georgia’s requirements. In addition, their online portal makes it easy to access all essential documents, streamlining the process even further.
Pros
- Exceptional Customer Service and Support: Their customer service team is available 24/7 and is highly knowledgeable.
- Offers Convenient Online Access to Documents: All essential documents can be accessed easily online.
- Flexible Filing Options: They offer same-day document filing.
- Available in Every State, Including Georgia: Their availability makes them a reliable choice.
- Knowledge: Provides an unparalleled knowledge base for business formation and compliance information
Con
- More Expensive Than Some Alternatives: Their services are pricier than other registered agents.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Their essential service offers professional handling of service of process documents, same-day local scanning, 24/7 online access, compliance alerts, and privacy protection for only $125 per year.
And that’s not all – they also offer premium mail forwarding for an additional $20 per year and attorney trademark services for just $499. Northwest Registered Agent offers affordable and comprehensive services to meet any business’s needs.
2. ZenBusiness
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Startups and Small Businesses ($199/year)
When it comes to maintaining a registered agent for your corporation in Georgia, ZenBusiness is a clear choice. Not only are they affordable and reliable, but their top priority is providing excellent customer service.
Their team includes experienced professionals who stay current on all Georgia laws and regulations, ensuring that your corporate mission remains intact.
They also offer additional services such as entity formation and ongoing compliance support to streamline your business process.
With ZenBusiness on your side, you can focus on achieving your corporate goals without worrying about missing required legal filings or deadlines. Choose ZenBusiness as your registered agent in Georgia for peace of mind and a smooth-running operation.
Pros
- Reliable and Affordable: Their reliable services won’t break the bank. This is helpful for small businesses.
- Focuses on Customer Service: Their top priority is providing excellent customer service.
- Available in All 50 States: No matter where your business is located, they can help.
- Includes Experienced Professionals: Their team includes experienced professionals who stay current on all Georgia laws and regulations.
- Current on All Georgia Laws and Regulations: Their team stays up-to-date on the latest rules, ensuring that your business remains compliant.
- Additional Services: Entity formation and ongoing compliance support are available to streamline your business process.
- Free Year of Registered Agent Service With Qualifying Purchases: Receive a free year of their registered agent service with qualifying purchases.
Con
- Additional Fees: They charge additional fees for some of their services
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): Their registered agent service includes same-day document filing, online access to all of your essential documents, compliance alerts to ensure that you stay on top of any changes in regulations, and privacy protection.
All of this is available for just $199 per year. Not only will you save time and stay organized with their services, but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that your business is fully compliant.
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Founded in 2009, Harbor Compliance quickly established itself as the leading registered agent in Georgia for multistate organizations.
With offices across the country and a team of experienced professionals, they have helped countless clients comply with their business filings. Whether registering a new entity or managing annual report requirements, they take the stress out and allow business owners to focus on what matters most.
Their commitment to excellence has earned them numerous accolades, including being named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies for five consecutive years. At Harbor Compliance, their mission is to help businesses succeed by providing expert guidance on every aspect of entity management.
They are proud to be a trusted partner for many organizations and look forward to continued success.
Pros
- Compliance Specialists: Compliance is their specialty. They have a team of experts who stay up-to-date on the latest business filings and requirements.
- Nationwide Coverage: They have offices in multiple states, making it easy for businesses to comply with filings.
- Experienced Professionals: Their team of experienced professionals has helped countless clients with business filings.
- Commitment to Excellence: They are dedicated to providing the best possible service to their clients.
- Named One of Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Companies: They have been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies by Inc. 5000 for five years.
- Trusted Partner: Many organizations trust them to help with entity management.
Con
- Limited Services: They only offer registered agent services and do not provide additional business services.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Why pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a registered agent when Harbor Compliance offers reliable services for just $99 per year?
Their package includes mail forwarding services and all the basic tasks required by a registered agent. Plus, their team is trained in all compliance aspects, so you can rest assured that your business is in good hands.
4. BetterLegal
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Good Services ($90/year)
Despite their low cost, BetterLegal’s registered agent service is surprisingly comprehensive. In addition to providing the basic service of accepting and forwarding critical legal documents, they monitor compliance deadlines, provide tax and corporate filing reminders, and offer a secure online platform for managing all your entity’s essential documents.
Plus, they offer step-by-step guidance when setting up or dissolving an entity.
BetterLegal’s commitment to providing quality, affordable services has earned them recognition from top business publications like Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur magazine. Whether starting a new business or looking for an affordable option for your existing brand, BetterLegal’s registered agent service is worth considering.
Pros
- Low Cost: Their registered agent service is one of the most affordable on the market.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to providing the essential services of a registered agent, they also offer document management, compliance monitoring, and reminders for tax and corporate filings.
- Secure Online Platform: Their online platform is secure and easy to use, making it easy to manage all your entity’s documents in one place.
- Step-by-step Guidance: They offer detailed guidance on setting up and dissolving an entity, making the process simple.
- Recognized by Top Business Publications: Their commitment to providing quality, affordable services has earned them recognition from Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur magazine.
Con
- Not a Business Mail Address: Some business owners prefer to use a physical address as their registered agent’s service address. However, BetterLegal only provides a P.O. Box for their registered agent service.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($90/year): BetterLegal’s registered agent service is one of the most affordable on the market. They offer comprehensive services for just $90 per year, including document management, compliance monitoring, and reminders for tax and corporate filings.
5. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
If you’re starting a business in Georgia, one important decision is choosing a registered agent. The registered agent acts as a point of contact for important documents and legal notices on behalf of your company.
A premium option worth considering is LegalZoom. They provide your physical address in Georgia and assist with preparing your Articles of Organization and collecting and forwarding important mail, including service of process and documents from the Georgia Secretary of State.
Protecting your personal information is another priority for LegalZoom, which is why they offer $1 million in identity theft insurance. LegalZoom should be on your radar regarding reliable and comprehensive registered agent services in Georgia. As always, it’s essential to do thorough research and compare options before making a final decision.
But if you’re looking for top-notch service backed by industry expertise and peace of mind insurance, LegalZoom may be the perfect fit for your business needs.
Pros
- Chat support
- Business document storage
- Tracking important deadlines
- Renewing licenses
- Compliance alerts
Cons
- Can be expensive for some startups
- Relatively weak free features
Pricing
The registered agent service provided by LegalZoom includes acceptance of business correspondence, along with reminders of tax and annual reporting requirements for $299/year. Although the service is more costly than others, the annual fee includes the cost of Georgia state filing fees.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Ease of Use ($149/year)
Rocket Lawyer may be the best option for ease of use regarding registered agent services in Georgia, but it’s essential to remember that they are not experts in all aspects of the field.
Their website and interface make it easy for users to access and manage their documents, and they offer a variety of helpful resources and templates for creating business documents.
However, their registered agent services are limited to LLCs and do not offer any options for corporations or partnerships.
Rocket Lawyer might be a good option if you are strictly looking for ease of use in managing your LLC’s documents and registered agent needs.
But if you’re looking for a comprehensive registered agent service provider with expertise in various business entity types, it might be worth considering other options. Ultimately, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific needs before deciding on a registered agent service provider.
7. Incfile
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Mail Forwarding ($119/year)
Incfile is one of the best-registered agents for mail forwarding in Georgia. Not only do they offer reliable and secure mail forwarding services, but their rates are also incredibly competitive. With Incfile, your mail can be scanned and sent electronically or physically forwarded to your desired location.
Registered agents can also accept critical legal documents on behalf of your business. Their customer service is top-notch, with expert representatives available to answer any questions or address any concerns.
Additionally, they offer 24/7 access to all scanned documents through their online portal. As an accredited Better Business Bureau company with over 150,000 satisfied clients, Incfile has proven its dedication to providing efficient and reliable services for businesses in Georgia and beyond.
Pros
- 24/7 Document Access: You can access your scanned documents anytime, anywhere, through Incfile’s online portal.
- Competitive Rates: Their rates for mail forwarding are incredibly competitive, starting at just $119 per year.
- Accredited by the BBB: As an accredited Better Business Bureau company, they have a proven track record of providing efficient and reliable services.
- Bilingual Customer Support: Incfile’s customer support team can help you in English and Spanish.
- Over 150,000 Satisfied Clients: They have served over 150,000 businesses with their registered agent and mail forwarding services.
Con
- Lack of 24/7 Support: Incfile’s customer support team is only available between 9AM and 6PM CST.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($119/year): Incfile’s mail forwarding service starts at just $119 per year. You can have your mail scanned and sent electronically or physically forwarded to your desired location.
8. SunDoc Filings
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for E-Commerce Businesses and Compliance ($159/year)
While choosing a registered agent may not seem like the most exciting task for an e-commerce business, it’s essential to recognize the impact this decision can have on your company’s compliance and efficiency.
SunDoc Filings offers a reliable option for businesses in Georgia, providing a street address available during regular business hours and services such as mail forwarding and acceptance of service of process.
In addition, their compliance tools help businesses keep track of important deadlines and requirements, which is vital for e-commerce businesses that often have to manage a large volume of data and documentation.
Notably, they also offer to scan for legal notifications. And at $159 per year, their pricing is competitive in the industry. Of course, it’s crucial to note that SunDoc Filings does not offer compliance alerts, so consider your specific needs before deciding on a registered agent. Overall, however, they are a solid choice for e-commerce businesses in Georgia.
9. InCorp
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Specialist Businesses ($99/year)
If you are looking for the best registered agent in Georgia, look no further than InCorp. For just $99 a year, they provide a street address where a statutory agent is available during regular business hours to accept service of process notices and forward all vital mail about your business.
In addition, they offer assistance in filing your Articles of Organization. They will notify you of all upcoming compliance dates to ensure that your business remains in good standing with the Georgia Secretary of State.
Additionally, InCorp offers a compliance monitoring service to alert you of any changes that need to be made to your business entity. And if you have any questions or need help, their team of experts is always available to assist you.
With InCorp as your registered agent, you can rest easy knowing that professionals care for all your business affairs.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Quickest Turnaround ($149/year)
One of the essential tasks for starting a business in Georgia is selecting a registered agent. As your registered agent, this person or company will receive important legal documents for your business.
Choosing a reliable and trustworthy registered agent who can handle this task efficiently is essential. Swyft Filings is one of the leading registered agents in Georgia and offers comprehensive services for only $149 per year. Not only will they serve as your GA registered agent, but they can also assist with obtaining your Certificate of Formation.
Plus, they offer a business address to receive crucial legal mail from the Georgia Secretary of State. With their fast turnaround and trusted services, Swyft Filings is the best choice for a registered agent in Georgia.
11. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Businesses of All Types ($299/year)
CSC Global is the right choice if you’re looking for a registered agent in Georgia who can assist your business in various industries.
CSC Global is one of the top registered agents in Georgia, serving various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. Along with their registered agent services, they offer a range of additional services such as entity formation and compliance management.
With over 110 years in the industry, they have demonstrated their commitment to providing expert support to their clients. Their comprehensive service package includes personalized support from a dedicated account manager and 24/7 online access to essential documents.
Plus, at just $299 per year, CSC Global offers competitive pricing for their service quality.
12. Registered Agents Inc.
Best Registered Agent in Georgia for Outstanding Customer Support ($125/year)
Registered Agents Inc. is proud to boast a track record of exceptional customer service as a registered agent in Georgia. They were founded with the explicit mission to provide the state with the most reliable and responsive registered agent services. Their team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or address any concerns our clients may have.
And, with over ten years in the industry, they have a thorough understanding of state laws and regulations and can provide sound advice for guiding businesses through compliance issues.
In addition, their flat annual fee of $125 makes them one of the most affordable options for registered agent services in Georgia. Choosing Registered Agents Inc. means receiving top-notch customer service and peace of mind knowing that your business is in good hands.
What Is a Georgia Registered Agent?
A Georgia registered agent, also known as a statutory agent or resident agent, is a person or entity designated to receive official legal and tax documents for your business.
All businesses in Georgia must appoint and maintain a registered agent. The registered agent must be accessible at a physical address within Georgia during regular business hours. This ensures that the business can be adequately served with documents such as summons, complaints, and litigation notices.
In addition to receiving critical legal documents, the registered agent is responsible for forwarding them promptly to the appropriate parties within the organization. Businesses can appoint an individual within their organization as their registered agent or hire a third-party service. Either way, businesses must keep their registered agent designation up to date to comply with state regulations.
How Can a Georgia Registered Agent Help Your Business?
There are several ways in which a registered agent can benefit your business. These benefits include:
- Providing a Physical Address for Your Business:
All businesses in Georgia must have a registered agent with a physical street address within the state. This ensures that your business can be adequately served with legal documents and that these documents are received promptly.
- Forwarding Essential Documents:
The registered agent is responsible for promptly forwarding any documents they receive on behalf of your business to the appropriate parties within your organization. This includes documents such as summons, complaints, and notices of litigation.
- Maintaining Compliance:
The registered agent is responsible for keeping your business in compliance with state regulations. This includes ensuring that your business maintains a current appointment of a registered agent and keeping track of any changes in the state requirements.
- Offering Expert Advice:
A good Georgia registered agent will thoroughly understand state laws and regulations. They can offer sound advice for guiding your business through compliance issues.
- Maintaining Privacy:
In some cases, businesses may not want their address publicly listed. By appointing a registered agent service, businesses can maintain privacy.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, having a registered agent is not only a good business practice – it is a legal requirement. This individual or entity acts as the point of contact for legal and official documents, such as tax forms and litigation notices.
By law, registered agents must have a physical address in Georgia and be available during regular business hours to accept official correspondence. Failure to have a registered agent can result in penalties, such as fines or even the loss of corporate standing. When choosing a registered agent, it’s essential to select someone trustworthy and reliable who will consistently be able to accept the delivery of documents on behalf of the company.
Remember that this person does not need to be an employee or owner – many businesses opt to use a third-party service. Though it may seem like an added responsibility, having a registered agent is crucial for remaining compliant with state laws and ensuring your business operates smoothly.
Georgia Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does a Georgia Registered Agent Cost?
In the state of Georgia, the cost of registering an agent varies depending on the type of entity being formed. For non-profit corporations, the filing fee for changing or appointing a registered agent is $30. For most other entities, including Limited Liability Companies and corporations, the filing fee is $50.
This fee must be paid during the initial formation or whenever a change in registered agents occurs. It’s important to note that while additional fees may be associated with hiring a third-party registered agent service, such as an annual fee or processing fees, these are separate from the state filing fee required for registration.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Georgia?
Yes! In Georgia, you can appoint yourself or another individual within your company as the registered agent. Remember that registered agents must have a physical address in the state of Georgia and be available during regular business hours to accept official correspondence.
Can a Company in Georgia Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes! A company can change its registered agent in Georgia. Registered agents are pretty easy to change – you can usually do it yourself online or by mailing in a simple form to the state.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Georgia Registered Agent?
It can take 4-5 weeks to get a Georgia registered agent. This is because the state needs to process and approve the registration. The best way to speed up the process is to ensure all the paperwork is filled out correctly and completely before submitting it.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Georgia for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
BetterLegal
BetterLegal has some of the best and most affordable registered agent services for all kinds of businesses in Georgia. They also have years of experience.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.