One thing that every Illinois business can benefit from is a registered agent that will receive and process documents on behalf of your company, freeing up valuable time for the business owner to focus on running the company and avoid missing important state or federal documents and requirements. So we set out to find the best registered agents in Illinois.
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 and services.
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 Illinois for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer has some of the best registered agent services if you're looking for ease of use, as well as beginner-oriented tools for making sure those services come in handy.
We’ve put in the time and effort to curate our list of recommended registered agent services carefully. We searched high and low for customer reviews on the internet, including Google, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau, and more. We also contacted each organization to inquire about their processes and track record.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in Illinois?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in Illinois ($125/year)
As the best overall registered agent in Illinois, Northwest Registered Agent offers a comprehensive range of services for LLCs.
From assisting with filing Articles of Organization to providing a physical street address where official mail and legal documents can be sent and received on behalf of your LLC during business hours, Northwest Registered Agent takes care of all the details.
They also offer the convenience of scanning all essential documents and placing them on an easily accessible online portal. Additionally, Northwest Registered Agent keeps you informed about compliance deadlines, ensuring that your LLC remains in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. With their thorough and reliable service, it’s no wonder that Northwest Registered Agent is considered the top choice in Illinois.
Pros
- Securing Personal Data: As a business owner, it’s essential to keep your personal information, such as your home address, confidential. By using Northwest Registered Agent, you can list their physical address as your LLC’s registered office, ensuring that your home address remains private.
- Online Document Portal: All documents about your LLC, including Articles of Organization, will be scanned and placed on a secure online portal. This allows you to access them anytime, anywhere – perfect for busy business owners on the go.
- Compliance Reminders: Don’t forget essential deadlines or requirements; Northwest Registered Agent will keep you up to date on all the latest compliance information for your LLC.
- Top Notch Customers Services: Have a question or concern? Contact their award-winning customer service team, available by phone, email, or live chat.
Con
- No Personal Account Manager: Some business owners prefer having a dedicated account manager to handle their registered agent service. Northwest Registered Agent does not offer this feature.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): This package includes a physical street address for your LLC, document scanning and storage, compliance reminders, and top-notch customer service.
2. ZenBusiness
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Startups and Small Businesses ($199/year)
ZenBusiness offers a wide range of services for businesses in Illinois, including registering as an LLC or corporation and serving as a registered agent.
As a registered agent, ZenBusiness receives critical legal documents on behalf of the business and ensures they are delivered promptly.
This allows business owners to focus on running their company rather than keeping track of necessary paperwork. In addition, ZenBusiness offers continued support by helping select an appropriate business structure, obtaining required licenses and permits, and maintaining compliance with state requirements.
Their proven track record and dedication to customer satisfaction make them the best choice for Illinois businesses looking to get started.
Pros
- LLC and Corporation Formations for an Affordable Price: In addition to registered agent service, ZenBusiness can help you form an LLC or corporation in Illinois for a reasonable fee.
- Trusted by Thousands of Business Owners: ZenBusiness has helped over 200,000 business owners get started, so you can be confident that you’re in good hands.
- Compliance Assistance: ZenBusiness will help you maintain compliance with state requirements so you can focus on running your business.
- A Focus on Giving Back: ZenBusiness donates a portion of its profits to help small businesses succeed.
- Experienced Team: The team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of experience assisting businesses with their formation and compliance needs.
Con
- Additional Services May Be Required: Depending on your business needs, you may require additional permits or licenses, which are not included in ZenBusiness’s services.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): ZenBusiness will act as your registered agent and receive important legal documents.
Services included:
- Unlimited document reception
- Storage of legal documents
- Compliance assistance
- 24/7 customer support
Business Formation Services ($49 + state fees): ZenBusiness will help you form an LLC or corporation in Illinois.
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
When it comes to compliance with state laws and regulations, larger companies need an experienced registered agent they can trust. That’s where Harbor Compliance comes in.
As a top registered agent in Illinois, they specialize in LLC formation and other business compliance services.
From obtaining certifications and permits to filing necessary documents and registering trademarks, Harbor Compliance assists with all the crucial duties associated with starting an LLC in Illinois.
Additionally, their dedicated account managers are always accessible, ensuring quality service every step of the way. For larger companies needing compliance expertise, Harbor Compliance is a clear choice.
Pros
- Discount Subscribed for Multiple Years: You can save 10% off the total price when you subscribe for multiple years.
- Compliance Assistance: Harbor Compliance will help you with all the compliance-related tasks associated with starting an LLC in Illinois, so you can focus on running your business.
- Dedicated Account Managers: You’ll be assigned a dedicated account manager to help you with all your compliance needs.
- Personalized Plus Customizable Notifications: You’ll receive personalized and customizable notifications about your company’s compliance status.
- Quick Scanning Of Docs: All documents are quickly scanned and stored digitally for convenience.
Con
- No Premium Services: As other registered agents offer, Harbor Compliance does not provide premium services such as bookkeeping or accounting.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): This $99 per year service includes the following:
- Filing and maintaining required documents
- Receiving and forwarding official correspondence
- Serving as a point of contact for government agencies
- Maintaining accurate records
- Complying with annual reporting requirements
4. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
As a premium registered agent in Illinois, LegalZoom offers a variety of benefits for businesses. Along with the legal responsibilities of accepting service of process and notifications on behalf of the company, LegalZoom also provides a physical address in Illinois to use as the company’s official place of business.
In addition, LegalZoom offers a comprehensive identity theft insurance policy with $1 million in coverage. This added layer of protection can provide peace of mind for businesses and individuals alike.
Regarding legal document services, LegalZoom is one of the most prominent players in the game. They have established a recognizable brand presence with millions of customers served and extensive advertising campaigns. But do their services live up to their reputation?
According to customer reviews, the answer is a resounding yes. Many praise easy navigation and helpful support staff, making for a streamlined experience. However, when it comes to pricing, LegalZoom needs to catch up.
While not unreasonable, their prices are comparable with competitors and do not offer significant discounts or deals. Despite this value gap, LegalZoom’s strong brand power and solid customer satisfaction make them a popular choice for those seeking assistance with legal documents.
Pros
- Reputable Brand: LegalZoom is a well-known and reputable brand in the legal document space.
- Helpful Customer Support: Customers praise the helpfulness of LegalZoom’s customer support staff.
- Variety of Services Offered: LegalZoom offers various legal document services and registered agent services.
Con
- Pricey: LegalZoom’s prices are comparable to their competitors without offering significant discounts or deals.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($299/year): This package includes the basic registered agent service, as well as a physical address in Illinois to use as the company’s official place of business.
5. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Ease of Use ($149/year)
Rocket Lawyer is one of the most popular online legal services providers. They offer a wide range of legal services, including registered agent services in Illinois. Rocket Lawyer is the best for ease of use when it comes to registered agent service.
With over 20 million people served globally, they have proven expertise in helping businesses, from setting up an LLC or corporation to creating essential contracts and agreements.
Customers find their online platform to be straightforward to navigate. Plus, their team is available to answer any questions you may have about your account or the legal process. Their pricing is also very competitive, with their registered agent service costing $149 per year.
With Rocket Lawyer, you can be confident that you are in good hands.
6. Incfile
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Mail Forwarding ($119/year)
As a business owner, it’s essential to have an official registered address where vital documents and other communications can be sent. In Illinois, Incfile offers the best-registered agent service for mail forwarding. With their dedicated street address in Chicago, they will receive all of your important mail and forward it to you timely and secure.
If legal action is taken against your business, Incfile will also accept and forward any service of process documents. Plus, their experienced team is available to answer any questions about your mail or legal notices. Trust Incfile as your registered agent for reliable mail forwarding in Illinois.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: Incfile’s registered agent service is only $119 annually.
- Dedicated Street Address: With their dedicated street address in Chicago, Incfile, you will receive all of your important mail.
- Forward Mail Timely and Secure: Incfile will forward your mail promptly and securely.
- Free Registered Agent for Life: When you form an LLC or corporation with Incfile, they will provide registered agent service for free for the first year.
- Bilingual Customer Support: Incfile’s customer support team can help you in English and Spanish.
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): The first year of registered agent services is free when you form an LLC or corporation with Incfile.
7. SunDoc Filings
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for E-Commerce Businesses ($159/year)
As a registered agent in Illinois, SunDoc Filings has established a reputation for providing top-notch services to e-commerce businesses.
Their dedication to keeping up with the constantly evolving laws and regulations in the online retail world has allowed them to provide reliable and accurate guidance for their clients. In addition, their streamlined online system allows for efficient filings and easy access to essential documents.
SunDoc Filings also offers personalized support from experienced professionals, creating a truly tailored experience for their clients.
The pricing per year for their registered agent services is $159.
Overall, it’s clear that SunDoc Filings is the premier registered agent for e-commerce businesses in Illinois.
8. Illinois Registered Office LLC
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Easy Online Access and Cheapness ($49)
Illinois Registered Office LLC can help streamline the process of managing your business’s legal documents.
Their same-day document delivery ensures that necessary paperwork is quickly and efficiently delivered, while their online account allows for easy access to all documents at any time.
And with a streamlined pricing package of only $49 per year, Illinois Registered Office LLC offers economical and convenient options for managing your business’s legal needs. Whether you are a small local business or a large corporation, Illinois Registered Office LLC’s services can help make the often tedious task of handling legal documents an effortless process.
With its dedication to high-quality service and affordable prices, Illinois Registered Office LLC is a valuable asset for any business.
9. InCorp
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Reliability ($99/year)
The team at InCorp prides itself on being one of the most reliable registered agents in Illinois. Their stellar track record includes zero missed filings and a 100% on-time delivery rate for documents.
They also offer helpful additional services such as document scanning and storage, annual report reminders, and filing assistance.
This reliability level helps businesses stay in good standing with state regulations, avoiding potential fines and complications. Whether a company is just getting started or has been operating for years, InCorp’s dependable services provide peace of mind and the confidence that necessary paperwork will always be taken care of on time.
Overall, InCorp’s commitment to reliability sets them apart as a top choice for registered agents in Illinois.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Fast Turnaround ($149/year)
If you are a business owner in the state of Illinois, you understand the importance of finding reliable and efficient services to support your company.
Look no further than Swyft Filings, the best-registered agent in Illinois, for a fast turnaround. As registered agents, they handle important legal documents on behalf of your business, ensuring they are delivered quickly and accurately.
With Swyft Filings, you can rest assured that your documents will be processed with a speedy turnaround time at an incredibly affordable price of just $149 per year.
In addition to serving as a registered agent, they offer numerous other helpful services such as LLC formation and annual report filing. When providing support for your company’s legal needs, choose the best option – choose Swyft Filings.
11. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Global Connections ($299/year)
CSC Global, one of the leading registered agents in Illinois, has established a reputation for facilitating successful global connections for businesses.
Their team of experts offers personalized assistance with international business registration and compliance, ensuring that companies can operate smoothly in foreign markets.
In addition, CSC Global offers an array of other essential services, including entity formation, annual report filing, and even trademark protection.
By partnering with CSC Global, businesses can focus on expanding internationally without worrying about the legal aspects of operating in a new market. With its track record of success in helping companies expand globally, CSC Global is undoubtedly the best choice for any business looking to establish connections on an international scale.
12. Registered Agents Inc.
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for Wholesale Services ($200/year)
Registered Agents Inc pride themselves on being the best-registered agent in Illinois for wholesale services. Founded in 2003, they have a long history of providing exceptional customer service to their clients and ensuring that their paperwork is filed accurately and on time.
Their team is highly knowledgeable in both federal and state regulations, and they offer a variety of additional services designed to support their clients’ success.
With their flat yearly fee of $200, they offer unparalleled value for businesses seeking a reliable registered agent.
Choosing Registered Agents Inc as your registered agent can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on growing your business.
Whether it’s keeping track of annual reports or managing service of process notifications, they handle it all so that you can do what you do best.
13. Jumpstart Filings
Best Registered Agent in Illinois for New Companies ($129)
As a registered agent for new companies in Illinois, Jumpstart Filings has a track record of success and customer satisfaction.
In addition to their low price of $129, they offer services such as organizing and managing important documents, communication with state agencies, an online filing platform, and access to a support team with expertise in the field.
Not only does this help businesses save time and energy, but it also reduces the risk of mistakes or missed deadlines that could result in penalties or delays.
Choosing Jumpstart Filings as your registered agent can be a crucial step toward setting up a successful business. Their achievements and services make them the best option for new companies in Illinois.
What Is an Illinois Registered Agent?
A registered agent, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent, is a person or business designated to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of a company. In Illinois, this individual must be either a resident of the state or a corporation authorized to transact business in Illinois.
The registered agent’s name and address are part of the public record. They must be available during normal business hours to accept documents such as service of process, official government correspondence, and tax forms.
It is the registered agent’s responsibility to forward these documents to the appropriate parties within the company promptly.
Choosing a reliable registered agent is crucial for any company conducting business in Illinois, as failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines or the loss of rights and privileges.
How Can an Illinois Registered Agent Help Your Business?
There are several ways in which an Illinois registered agent can benefit your business. These include:
- Point of Contact:
A registered agent provides a physical address in Illinois where important legal documents can be delivered. This is important because it ensures that your company will receive critical correspondence in a timely manner.
- Timely Forwarding of Documents:
It is the registered agent’s responsibility to promptly forward any documents they receive to the appropriate parties within your company. This can save your business time and energy, as well as prevent critical documents from being lost or misplaced.
- Compliance with Government Regulations:
Registered agents are required to comply with all state regulations regarding the handling of important legal documents. This helps ensure that your company operates within the law and reduces the risk of penalties or fines.
- Managing Mail:
A registered agent can provide a physical address where your company’s mail can be delivered. This can be helpful if you do not have a permanent office space or if you are located in another state.
- Support:
Registered agents typically have experience in handling important legal documents and can offer support and advice when needed. This can be invaluable for businesses that are new to the Illinois market or those that are not familiar with the state’s laws and regulations.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in Illinois?
The job of a registered agent is to receive important documents on behalf of your business, such as tax forms or legal notices.
In Illinois, state law requires all business entities to have a designated registered agent in order for their formation to be accepted by the Secretary of State.
This requirement exists so that businesses can easily be reached for important official communications. While some businesses appoint one of their members or employees as the registered agent, others opt to hire a third-party service.
Regardless of who fills this role, it is crucial that they are reliable and available during normal business hours at a physical address in Illinois.
Failure to have a registered agent or maintaining an outdated agent record can result in fines and even the revocation of your company’s legal status.
Illinois Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does an Illinois Registered Agent Cost?
Any registered agent service that you use will charge a fee.
The fee is typically a yearly rate, although some providers may offer discounts for multi-year contracts. The average cost of an Illinois registered agent is between $100 and $300 per year.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Illinois?
In Illinois, corporations and LLCs are required to appoint a registered agent who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company.
While business owners may technically serve as their own registered agents, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
First, the registered agent must have a physical street address in Illinois and must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents. This can be difficult for business owners who work remotely or travel frequently.
In addition, being a registered agent often involves more responsibilities than simply accepting legal documents. The registered agent may also ensure that the company stays compliant with state regulations, potentially creating additional obligations and liabilities for the business owner. For these reasons, many businesses choose to hire a professional registered agent service instead of serving as their own registered agent in Illinois.
Can a Company in Illinois Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes! Registered agents can be changed anytime, and businesses are not required to use the same registered agent.
To change your company’s registered agent in Illinois, you must file a “Registered Agent Change” form with the Secretary of State.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Illinois Registered Agent?
It might take a few minutes or days to set up an Illinois registered agent service, depending on the provider you use.
If you need your registered agent service immediately, some providers can give you access to their platform and begin receiving legal documents on your behalf right away.
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 and services.
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 Illinois for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer has some of the best registered agent services if you're looking for ease of use, as well as beginner-oriented tools for making sure those services come in handy.