As a business owner in New York, you’ll need a reliable registered agent to handle important legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your company. A registered agent acts as your business’s point of contact with the state, receiving and forwarding critical paperwork like tax notices and legal summons. 

Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve created insights from a variety of government regulation documents to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. Let’s explore the best registered agent options in New York to keep your company compliant and running smoothly.

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 York?

In New York, a registered agent is an individual or business entity appointed to handle official state communications and legal documents on behalf of your company. This includes critical items such as tax notifications, legal summons, and other important correspondence. The registered agent must maintain a physical address in New York where they can receive these documents during standard business hours.

Having a registered agent is more than a convenience—it’s a legal obligation for all corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities in New York. They act as the primary liaison between your business and the state, playing a vital role in keeping your company compliant with state requirements and in good standing.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in New York?

The cost of a registered agent in New York can vary depending on the service provider and the level of additional features you need. Typically, the cost of this type of LLC service ranges from $100 to $300 per year. Some providers, like Bizee, offer a free year of service when you form your LLC through them, which can be a great way to save money in your first year of business.

It’s important to note that while cost is a factor, it shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing a registered agent. Cheaper options might offer basic services, while more expensive providers often include additional features like compliance alerts, document storage, or access to legal advice. We recommend balancing cost with the specific needs of your business to find the best value.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in New York?

In New York, the requirements for being a registered agent are relatively straightforward. A registered agent can be:

  • An individual who is a resident of New York and at least 18 years old
  • A business entity authorized to do business in New York

The agent is required to have a physical street address in New York (not a P.O. box) and must be available during standard business hours to accept official documents.

What Does a Registered Agent Do in New York?

A registered agent in New York serves as the official point of contact between your business and the state. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Receiving official correspondence, tax notices, and legal documents on behalf of your business
  • Promptly forwarding these documents to you
  • Maintaining a physical address in New York where they can be reached during business hours
  • Helping to keep your business compliant by reminding you of important filing deadlines

By fulfilling these duties, a registered agent helps your business stay in good standing with the state and avoid potential legal issues or penalties.

How Do You Designate a Registered Agent in New York?

Designating a registered agent is a straightforward process that you typically complete when you first form your business entity in New York. Here’s how to do it:

  • Choose your registered agent: This can be yourself, another individual, or a professional service.
  • Obtain consent: Your chosen registered agent must agree to serve in this role.
  • 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.
  • File the documents: Submit your formation documents to the New York Department of State along with the required filing fee.

If you need to change your registered agent later, you can do so by filing a Certificate of Change with the Department of State and paying the associated fee.

How Do I Choose a Registered Agent in New York?

Choosing the right registered agent for your New York business is an important decision. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Reliability: Your registered agent needs to be dependable in receiving and forwarding important documents. Look for providers with a track record of reliability and good customer reviews.
  • Privacy: Consider how much privacy you need. Some registered agent services offer features to help keep your personal information off public records.
  • Additional services: Think about whether you need extra services like compliance reminders, document storage, or access to legal advice.

Take the time to explore and compare various options to find the best fit for your business. Evaluate each provider based on your specific needs and budget. Don’t shy away from contacting potential providers with questions — their responsiveness can offer valuable insight into the quality of their service.

The Bottom Line

Selecting the right registered agent for your New York business is essential for ensuring your company’s legal compliance and smooth operations. Although it may seem like a straightforward task, the right choice can save you time, safeguard your privacy, and help you prevent expensive legal complications in the future.

Here at The Law Dictionary, we understand that every business is unique. That’s why we’ve provided this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. Remember, the best registered agent for your business is one that meets your specific needs, fits your budget, and gives you peace of mind. Take your time, do your research, and choose a registered agent that will be a reliable partner in your business journey.