As a new entrepreneur in the Garden State, you’ll need a reliable registered agent to keep your business compliant and running smoothly. A registered agent acts as your official point of contact for state correspondence and legal documents. At The Law Dictionary, we’ve simplified the complex world of business regulations into clear, actionable advice to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your New Jersey company. Let’s dive into the best registered agent services available in New Jersey and why they’re essential for your business success.

Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Best LLC Service
Starts at $0 + State Fees1-day processing to start fast4.8 Trustpilot and A+ on BBB
Best for Business Building
$0 Option AvailableFree business plan included (no credit card required)Amazon gift card up to $50 included with your purchase
Best Legal Support
$0 Option AvailableOffers attorney consultationsHighly reputable with user base

Best Registered Agent Services

Here are our top registered agent service picks in 2024:

Bizee Most Cost Effective
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2004
Bizee Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $119/Year

Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is a common choice for entrepreneurs looking for affordable registered agent services. They offer a year of free registered agent service with their LLC formation packages, making it an attractive option for new businesses on a tight budget. Bizee provides a user-friendly online platform for managing your business documents and compliance needs. Their online dashboard allows you to easily access and manage your documents, with notifications sent when new items are received. Bizee also offers additional services like business license research and annual report filing, though these come at an extra cost.

Bizee Pros and Cons
Pros Free year of registered agent service with formation Affordable pricing for ongoing services Easy-to-use online document management system Cons Some upsells during the checkout process Customer support can be slow at times Limited additional services compared to some competitors
LegalZoom Best Legal Support
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2001
LegalZoom Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $249/Year

LegalZoom is a well-known name in the legal services industry. They offer registered agent services as part of their comprehensive business formation packages. LegalZoom’s registered agent service includes unlimited cloud storage for your documents and compliance alerts to help you stay on top of important deadlines. They provide access to a network of attorneys for legal advice, which can be helpful for new business owners.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons
Pros Comprehensive legal services available Well-established brand with a strong reputation Access to attorney network (for an additional fee) Cons Higher pricing compared to some competitors Registered agent service not included in basic formation package
Northwest Registered Agent Best Customer Service
BBB Rating A+ Founded 1998
Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $125/Year

Northwest Registered Agent is a well-established company known for its personalized service and privacy protection. They take pride in their commitment to keeping your personal information secure and offer a level of privacy that goes beyond what many other registered agent services provide. They offer comprehensive registered agent services across all 50 states. What sets Northwest apart is their in-house customer support team, composed of former lawyers, accountants, and small business owners.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons
Pros Expert customer support from former lawyers, accountants, and business owners Strong focus on privacy protection Includes free mail forwarding Includes one year of RA services Cons Limited additional services beyond registered agent and formation No mobile app available
Swyft Filings Fast Turnaround
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2015
Swyft Filings Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $596/Year

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering fast and efficient registered agent services. They pride themselves on quick turnaround times for document processing and filing. Swyft Filings also assigns a personal business specialist to each client and they will add their name and address on filings so your company is protected.

Swyft Filings Pros and Cons
Pros Fast processing times Dedicated business specialist for each client User-friendly online dashboard Cons Registered agent service not included in formation packages Some upsells during the checkout process
ZenBusiness Most Comprehensive
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2015
ZenBusiness Overview

Registered Agent Price: $199/Year

ZenBusiness is a comprehensive business formation and registered agent service catering to entrepreneurs and small business owners. They offer a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of setting up and maintaining your Nebraska company. With ZenBusiness, you’ll receive personalized support and access to a wide range of business services beyond just registered agent duties.

We appreciate ZenBusiness for their commitment to providing affordable, high-quality services to Nebraska businesses. Their registered agent service includes features like compliance alerts, document scanning, and online access to your important business documents. ZenBusiness offers additional services such as annual report filing and business license research to help keep your company compliant.

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons
Pros Affordable pricing with good value Comprehensive business formation services available User-friendly online dashboard for managing documents Cons Some additional services come at an extra cost Some services are only available in higher-tier packages Customer support hours are more limited than some competitors

What is a registered agent in New Jersey?

A registered agent in New Jersey is an individual or entity designated to be responsible for receiving official documents and legal notices on behalf of your business. This includes important items such as tax notifications, legal summons, and other state correspondence. The registered agent serves as the official point of contact between your business and the state of New Jersey.

Having a reliable registered agent is not just a legal requirement; it’s a crucial aspect of maintaining your business’s good standing. They act as a buffer between your company and the public, helping to maintain your privacy and ensuring that you never miss important deadlines or legal notices. In essence, your registered agent is your business’s lifeline to the state, keeping you informed and compliant with New Jersey regulations.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a New Jersey registered agent can vary significantly depending on the level of features you require and the service provider. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 per year for basic registered agent services. However, it’s important to look beyond just the price tag when making your decision.

Many registered agent services offer tiered pricing structures, with basic plans starting at the lower end of the spectrum and more comprehensive packages at higher price points. These higher-tier plans often include additional features such as compliance calendars, document storage, and business formation services. While they may cost more upfront, these added benefits can provide significant value and potentially save you money over the long term by helping you avoid costly compliance issues.

It’s also worth noting that some companies, like Bizee, offer a free year of registered agent service when you form your LLC through them. This can be an attractive option for new businesses looking to minimize initial costs. However, be sure to consider the long-term pricing and services offered before making your decision based solely on a first-year discount.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the requirements for who can serve as a registered agent are relatively straightforward. The state allows for both individuals and businesses to act as registered agents, provided they meet certain criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a physical street address in New Jersey (P.O. boxes are not acceptable)
  • Must be available during normal business hours to receive documents

While you can technically serve as your own registered agent if you meet these requirements, many business owners choose to use a professional service for several reasons:

  • Privacy: Using a registered agent service keeps your personal address off public records
  • Flexibility: You’re not tied to your office during all business hours
  • Reliability: Professional services ensure you never miss important documents or deadlines
  • Expertise: Many services offer additional compliance support and guidance

What does a registered agent do in New Jersey?

A registered agent in New Jersey is vital in keeping your business compliant with regulations. Their primary responsibilities include receiving and forwarding official correspondence from the state, such as annual report reminders, tax notifications, and other important documents. They also accept service of process in the event that your business is involved in a lawsuit.

Beyond these basic duties, many registered agent services offer additional support to help your business stay on track. This can include maintaining a compliance calendar to remind you of important filing deadlines, providing secure online access to your documents, and offering guidance on various business compliance matters. By handling these crucial tasks, your registered agent allows you to focus on running your business without worrying about missing important legal or regulatory requirements.

How do you designate a registered agent in New Jersey?

Designating a registered agent is a straightforward process that’s typically done when you first form your New Jersey business entity. Here’s a general overview of the steps:

  1. Choose your registered agent: Decide whether you’ll use a professional service or designate an individual who meets the state’s requirements.
  2. Obtain consent: If you’re using an individual or a company that’s not a professional registered agent service, you’ll need to get their written consent to act in this capacity.
  3. Include the information in your formation documents: When filing your Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations), you’ll need to provide the name and address of your registered agent of choice.
  4. File the appropriate forms: Submit your formation documents and the required filing fee to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

If you need to change your registered agent after your business is formed, you’ll need to file a Change of Registered Agent form with the state. This form must be submitted along with a filing fee, and your new agent must provide written consent to serve in this role.

How do I choose a registered agent in New Jersey?

Choosing the right registered agent for your New Jersey business is an important decision that can have long-lasting impacts on your company’s operations. Here are some key factors to consider:

Reliability: Your registered agent needs to be dependable in receiving and promptly forwarding important documents. Look for services with a track record of reliability and positive customer reviews.

Compliance expertise: A good registered agent should have a thorough understanding of New Jersey’s business regulations and compliance requirements. This knowledge is important in helping you avoid potential legal issues.

Additional services: Consider what other services you might need as your business grows. Some registered agent services offer features like compliance calendars, document storage, and even business formation assistance. While you may not need these services immediately, having them available from the same provider can simplify your operations in the future.

Cost: While price shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s certainly an important consideration. Compare the costs of different services, but be sure to look at what’s included in each package. Sometimes paying a bit more can provide significant added value.

Privacy and security: Your registered agent will be handling sensitive business documents. Ensure they have robust security measures in place to protect your information. Some services offer features like identity theft protection, which can provide additional peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

Selecting the best registered agent for your New Jersey business is a critical step in setting your company up for success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch providers, it’s essential to choose a service that meets your specific needs and budget. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best, and the most expensive doesn’t guarantee superior service.

At The Law Dictionary, we understand that every business is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to registered agent services. We encourage you to carefully consider your options and choose the one that aligns best with your business goals and values. By making an informed decision, you’ll be setting a solid foundation for your New Jersey business to thrive and grow.