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Registered agent services are a valuable asset for any business, regardless of size or industry. They provide a physical address where your business can receive legal documents, such as lawsuits and subpoenas. Registered agent services also help to protect your privacy by keeping your personal address confidential. Also, the best registered agent services may offer mail forwarding and check deposit assistance as well, making your life as a business owner on the go much more manageable.
But most importantly, perhaps, registered agents are required in nearly all 50 states to represent your business. This is non-negotiable.
A registered agent is a person or business that is authorized to receive required legal documents on behalf of another business. This can be separate from your business or home address if you’re working from home.
The registered agent can be an individual at the business address in many cases, such as the business owner or an appointee, or at a separate address managed by another business, such as a registered agent service. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state where the business is registered.
But before you even make the final decision to get registered agent services, let’s see if they’re actually a good fit for you or if you can just do it yourself.
Registered Agent Services: Before You Buy
When choosing a registered agent service, it is important to compare different providers to find the best deal and the best fit for your business needs. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pricing: Registered agent services can range in price from around $50 to $300 per year. It is important to compare pricing from different providers to find the best deal. Some companies offer lower rates for the first year, but they may charge a higher rate for renewals. Other companies offer discounts for multiple years or for bundling registered agent services with other business formation services.
- Services: Some registered agent services offer additional services, such as annual report filing and business compliance services. If you need these services, be sure to compare pricing and services from different providers to find the best deal. Some registered agents offer a virtual office service with mail forwarding and scanning, which we cover below. The ability to mail and ship things remotely often becomes invaluable, as do payroll processes like check deposit.
- Customer service: It is important to choose a registered agent service with good customer service. Read reviews from other businesses to see what they say about the customer service experience. You’ll definitely want to do your research before getting locked into a contract or situation where you’re being charged excessively after a few months or years.
Let’s check out a few of the top names in registered agents and see how they stack up.
Registered Agent Reviews: Key Cost and Benefit Comparisons
| Feature | Northwest Registered Agent | Incfile | Swyft Filings | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $125 per year | $119 per year | $199 per year | $199 per year |
| Services | Registered agent services, LLC formation, annual report services | Registered agent services, LLC formation, annual report services, business compliance services | Registered agent services, LLC formation, one-hour tax consultation, website domain registration | Registered agent services, LLC formation, corporation formation, annual report services, business compliance services, website design services |
| Customer support | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Additional features | Mail forwarding, virtual office services available in CA, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, MT, NY, TX, UT, WA and WY | Mail forwarding, shipping, check deposit, scanning, digital mail services | None | None |
Overall, all four companies offer similar registered agent services. However, there are some key differences in terms of pricing, services, and additional features.
Pricing
Incfile is the most affordable option, while Swyft Filings and ZenBusiness are tied for the most expensive. Northwest Registered Agent is in the middle, price-wise.
Services
ZenBusiness offers the widest range of services, including registered agent services, LLC formation, corporation formation, annual report services, business compliance services, and website design services. Incfile and Northwest Registered Agent offer a more limited range of services, but they still offer all of the essential services that most businesses need. Swyft Filings offers the most limited range of services, but it does offer a one-hour tax consultation, which is a nice bonus.
Customer support
All four companies have good customer support reputations. However, Northwest Registered Agent has a slightly higher rating on the Better Business Bureau website.
Additional features
Northwest Registered Agent and Incfile are the only companies that offer additional features such as mail forwarding and virtual office services.
Does Your Business Really Need Registered Agent Services?
Maybe you are ok with being your own registered agent. You have a physical business that’s open regular business hours Mon – Fri, a reliable staff always ready to answer the phone (for the most part) or receive official documents, and you’d like to save a couple hundred bucks a year.
Let’s see what your options are.
Registered Agent FAQs
Can you be your own registered agent?
The requirements for being a registered agent vary by state, but there are some general requirements that are common to most states.
To be a registered agent, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a physical address in the state where the business is registered.
- Be available to receive legal documents during normal business hours.
In some states, you can also use a business to be your registered agent. However, the business must have a physical address in the state where it is registered and must be open during normal business hours.
If you are interested in becoming a registered agent, you can contact your state’s Secretary of State’s office for more information.
Here are some additional tips for being a registered agent:
- Keep your physical address and business hours up to date.
- Make sure that someone is always available to receive legal documents during normal business hours.
- Forward all legal documents to the business promptly.
- Keep a record of all legal documents received on behalf of the business.
Being a registered agent is an important responsibility, but it is also a relatively simple one. By following the requirements and tips above, you can be a valuable asset to your clients.
What is the difference between a registered agent and a business address?
The business address does not have to be the same as the registered agent address. For example, a business could use its registered agent’s address for legal documents but use a different address for its website and marketing materials.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between a registered agent and a business address:
| Feature | Registered agent | Business address |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To receive legal documents on behalf of a business | To receive regular mail and conduct business operations |
| Required | Yes, in most states | No |
| Address type | Must be a physical address in the state where the business is registered | Can be any type of address, including a PO Box |
| Examples | Individual, registered agent service | Office building, home address, PO Box |
Which address you use for your registered agent and business address will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult with an attorney or business formation service.
Do I need a registered agent if I work from home?
Yes, you need a registered agent if you work from home. In most states, businesses are required to have a registered agent, regardless of whether they have a physical office or not. The registered agent is a person or business that is authorized to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits and subpoenas, on behalf of the business.
If you work from home, you can use your home address as your registered agent address, but this is not recommended. Having your home address as your registered agent address means that legal documents will be delivered to your home, which could be inconvenient and embarrassing.
A better option is to use a registered agent service. Registered agent services provide a physical address where your business can receive legal documents. They will also forward the documents to you so that you can review them and take appropriate action.
Registered agent services are typically very affordable, and they can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Here are some of the benefits of using a registered agent service:
- Privacy: Your home address will not be publicly available on record.
- Convenience: You will not have to receive legal documents at your home.
- Professionalism: A registered agent service can provide a professional image for your business.
- Peace of mind: You can be sure that your business will receive all legal documents, even if you are away from home.
If you work from home, I highly recommend using a registered agent service. It is a small investment that can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
How much does a registered agent cost?
Prices vary, though they usually range from $50 – $300 per year. Doing your research means you’ll avoid overpaying for a simple but necessary service. Beware of any prices or deals that are intended to get you to sign up fast or for a bunch of stuff you don’t need. Remember, a lot of these services are just consolidated into one convenient offering that provides value to business owners and makes these companies a small profit.
How do I change my registered agent?
To change your registered agent, you will need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Secretary of State’s office in the state where your business is registered. The form is typically available on the Secretary of State’s website.
On the form, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your business name and address
- The name and address of your current registered agent
- The name and address of your new registered agent
- Your signature
You may also need to pay a filing fee. The fee varies from state to state.
Once you have completed the form and paid the filing fee, you can mail or fax it to the Secretary of State’s office. You may also be able to file the form online, depending on the state.
Once the Secretary of State’s office has processed your form, your new registered agent will be on file. Your new registered agent will be responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your business from that point forward.
Tips for Changing Registered Agents
Here are some additional tips for changing your registered agent:
- Make sure to give your current registered agent plenty of notice before you change to a new registered agent. This will give them time to forward all of your legal documents to your new registered agent.
- Be sure to choose a new registered agent who is reliable and who will be available to receive legal documents during normal business hours.
- Keep a copy of the Statement of Change of Registered Agent for your records.
If you have any questions about changing your registered agent, you can contact the Secretary of State’s office in the state where your business is registered.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent?
If you don’t have a registered agent, your business may face the following consequences:
- You may not be able to form your business. In most states, businesses are required to have a registered agent before they can be formed.
- You may not be able to receive legal documents. The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the business. If you don’t have a registered agent, you may miss important legal documents, such as lawsuits and subpoenas.
- Your business may be suspended or dissolved. In some states, businesses that don’t have a registered agent may be suspended or dissolved. This means that your business would no longer be able to operate legally.
In addition to the above consequences, not having a registered agent can also make your business look unprofessional and untrustworthy to potential customers and partners.
If you are serious about starting and running a successful business, it is important to have a registered agent. Registered agent services are typically very affordable, and they can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Here are some of the benefits of having a registered agent:
- Peace of mind: You can be sure that your business will receive all legal documents, even if you are away from home or business.
- Professionalism: A registered agent service can provide a professional image for your business.
- Convenience: You will not have to receive legal documents at your home or business.
- Privacy: Your home address will not be publicly available on record.
If you are unsure about how to choose a registered agent service, I recommend consulting with an attorney or business formation service.
Registered Agent Company Comparisons
Let’s see how the companies from the initial table comparison stack up against each other in greater detail, considering key differences.
northwest registered agent vs incfile
Northwest Registered Agent and Incfile are both popular and reliable LLC and S/C Corp business formation and registered agent services. However, there are some key differences between the two companies.
Pricing
- Incfile offers a free LLC formation package (plus state fees), while Northwest Registered Agent charges a flat fee of $125/year total.
- Incfile also offers a wider range of paid LLC formation packages, with additional features such as a corporate kit, EIN filing, and S corporation election.
- For registered agent services, Incfile charges $119 per year, while Northwest Registered Agent charges $125 per year.
Services
- Both offer a wide variety of services including LLC formation, corporation formation, registered agent services, annual report services, and business compliance services. Both companies charge around $300 for complete corporation formation in the state of Tennessee, but Incfile offers you the option of taking care of obtaining your own EIN for a reduced rate to receive the basic core formation services.
- Northwest Registered Agent focuses on registered agent services but also offers LLC formation and annual report services. Their pricing is straightforward.
Customer support
- Both Incfile and Northwest Registered Agent have good customer support reputations. However, Northwest Registered Agent has a higher rating on the Better Business Bureau website.
Overall
Northwest Registered Agent is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a low-cost LLC formation service and a wide range of services. Incfile is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a specialized registered agent service with excellent customer support. Both companies offer competitive pricing and a free account to get your required forms filled out, regardless of how you choose to proceed.
However it seems Incfile is the only service that explicitly mentions check deposit when you Google search to check what they offer.
zenbusiness vs incfile
ZenBusiness vs. Incfile reveals larger differences in pricing and services among two of the most popular business formation and registered agent services. Both companies offer a variety of features and services, but there are some key differences between the two companies.
Pricing
- ZenBusiness offers a free LLC formation package (plus state fees), while Incfile also offers a free LLC formation package (plus state fees). They charge $199 for registered agent services for the year, should you choose to proceed with them.
- ZenBusiness also offers a wide range of paid LLC formation packages, with additional features such as a corporate kit, EIN filing, and S corporation election.
- For registered agent services, ZenBusiness charges $199 per year, while Incfile charges $119 per year.
Services
- ZenBusiness offers a wider range of services than Incfile, including LLC formation, corporation formation, registered agent services, annual report services, business compliance services, and website design services.
- Incfile focuses on registered agent services but also offers LLC formation and annual report services.
Customer support
- Both ZenBusiness and Incfile have good customer support reputations. However, ZenBusiness has a lower rating on the Better Business Bureau website. I’d say it’s all relative, considering Incfile reviews on Yelp are not the best.
Overall
ZenBusiness is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a wide range of done-for-you services, including LLC formation, registered agent services, and business compliance services. Incfile is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a low-cost registered agent service. We also cover these two popular brands in our business tools section when comparing the best llc service.
swyft filings vs incfile
Swyft Filings and Incfile are both popular business formation and registered agent services. However, there are some key differences between the two companies.
Pricing
- Swyft Filings offers a basic LLC formation package for $49 (plus state fees), while Incfile offers a free LLC formation package (plus state fees).
- Swyft Filings also offers a wider range of paid LLC formation packages, with additional features such as a corporate kit, EIN filing, and S corporation election.
- For registered agent services, Swyft Filings charges $199 and Incfile charges $119 per year.
Services
- Incfile offers a wider range of services than Swyft Filings, including LLC formation, corporation formation, registered agent services, annual report services, business compliance services, and website design services.
- Swyft Filings focuses on registered agent services and LLC formation but also offers a one-hour tax consultation and website domain registration with its basic package. There is no mention of mail services or check deposits on their website.
Customer support
- Both Swyft Filings and Incfile have good customer support reputations. However, Swyft Filings on BBB has a slightly more favorable customer rating.
Overall
Incfile is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a wide range of services, including LLC formation, registered agent services, and business compliance services. Swyft Filings is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a low-cost registered agent service and a one-hour tax consultation without virtual office or business services.
swyft filings vs zenbusiness
Swyft Filings and ZenBusiness are two popular business formation and registered agent services. Both companies offer a variety of features and services, but there are some key differences between them.
Pricing
- Swyft Filings offers a basic LLC formation package for $49 (plus state fees), while ZenBusiness offers a free LLC formation package (plus state fees).
- Swyft Filings also offers a wider range of paid LLC formation packages, with additional features such as a corporate kit, EIN filing, and S corporation election.
- For registered agent services, Swyft Filings and ZenBusiness both charge $199 per year.
Services
- ZenBusiness offers a wide range of services, including a business website with several templates from which to choose for $129 per year.
- Swyft Filings offers free tax services and guidance that you might appreciate.
Customer support
- Both Swyft Filings and ZenBusiness have good customer support reputations. However, ZenBusiness has a slightly lower ranking on the Better Business Bureau website, and some people don’t advise using Zenbusiness for company formation or articles of good standing.
Overall
ZenBusiness is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a wide range of services, including LLC formation, registered agent services, and business compliance services. Swyft Filings is a good choice for businesses that are looking for a low-cost registered agent service and a one-hour tax consultation.
Who’s Got the Best LLC Services and Registered Agent Services?
Ultimately, the best registered agent service for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for the most affordable option, then Incfile is a good choice. If you are looking for the widest range of services, then ZenBusiness is a good choice. If you are looking for a company with excellent customer support, then Northwest Registered Agent is a good choice. If you are looking for a company that offers additional features such as mail forwarding and virtual office services, then Northwest Registered Agent is the only option.
Just remember that not all of these places or their vendors may be created equally. For instance, I used iPostal1 (which offers business services and a virtual address) and it was a total nightmare just on the shipping, scanning, and check deposit side. So bare minimum, I want to save you that trouble, but realizing how many of these digital business services subcontract to a state-level 3rd party, the potential for gross incompetence is always something to look out for.
