Northwest Registered Agent is a reputable and established provider in the LLC formation and registered agent services sector. Founded in 1998, this family-owned company has built a reputation for providing fast, reliable, and privacy-focused business formation services. As a business owner, you may find yourself in need of professional assistance when setting up your LLC, managing compliance, or handling official correspondence.
Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve simplified complex legal requirements into clear, actionable insights to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business.
Benefits and Considerations for Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is known for its focus on privacy and offering personalized support. Their use of local offices as your business address keeps your personal information off public records. The unique Corporate Guide service provides access to local experts who can assist with LLC filings and answer your questions throughout the process.
Pros
- Same-day filing for LLC formation
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Privacy protection through the use of their address on public documents
- Local Corporate Guide service with business experts across the U.S.
- Comprehensive compliance support
Cons
- Higher base price compared to some competitors
- Limited customer reviews available online
- No money-back guarantee
How Much Do Legal Services Cost for Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent offers several pricing options to suit different needs. Their basic LLC formation package starts at $39 plus state fees, which includes compliance filing, phone service, and lifetime support from local Corporate Guides. This price point is competitive, especially considering the included registered agent service for the first year.
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, Northwest offers a free DIY option. You can download the necessary forms and file them yourself using their state-specific informational pages. Alternatively, you can sign up for a free account and use their online tools for LLC formation and maintenance, paying only the state filing fees.
Learn more about LLC pricing in our LLC Cost Guide.
Key Features of Northwest Registered Agent
Ease of Use
Northwest’s website is straightforward and user-friendly. While it may not have the interactive chat features of some competitors, its simplicity can be an advantage for experienced entrepreneurs who know what they need.
Customer Support
We found Northwest’s customer service to be highly responsive and knowledgeable. They provide support via phone, email, and chat from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST on weekdays. Their commitment to personal, non-outsourced customer service is a significant selling point.
Processing Times
Northwest boasts same-day filing for LLC formation, which is faster than many competitors. This quick turnaround can be invaluable for entrepreneurs eager to get their businesses up and running.
Registered Agent Services
As their name suggests, Northwest excels in registered agent services. They provide a physical address for your business, handle official mail, and forward important documents to you promptly. Their focus on privacy protection sets them apart in this area.
Reputation
While Northwest has fewer online reviews than some competitors, the feedback they do have is generally positive. They maintain an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and have received high marks for their customer service and reliability.
How Fast Is Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is known for its speedy service. They offer same-day filing for LLC formation, which is significantly faster than many competitors. This quick turnaround can be a game-changer for business owners who want to launch their businesses swiftly or need to meet specific deadlines.
Northwest Registered Agent vs. Bizee
Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee (formerly Incfile) both offer LLC formation services, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Northwest’s higher base price comes with more personalized service and a strong focus on privacy protection. Their Corporate Guide service provides local expertise that can be invaluable for complex business situations.
Bizee, on the other hand, offers a free LLC formation package (you only pay state fees) and includes a year of free registered agent service. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. However, Northwest’s more hands-on approach and privacy features may be worth the extra cost for businesses that prioritize these aspects.
Northwest Registered Agent vs. LegalZoom
When comparing Northwest Registered Agent to LegalZoom, we see two very different approaches to LLC formation. Northwest focuses primarily on business formation and registered agent services, offering a streamlined process with same-day filing. Their pricing is straightforward, and they include registered agent service in their base package.
LegalZoom, in contrast, is a broader legal services platform. They offer LLC formation as part of a wide range of legal services, which can be beneficial if you anticipate needing ongoing legal support. However, their base LLC formation package is more expensive than Northwest’s and has longer processing times. For straightforward LLC formation and registered agent services, Northwest often provides better value.
Feature | Northwest Registered Agent | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom | Bizee |
---|---|---|---|---|
Base Price | $39 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $79 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
Registered Agent | Included first year | $199/year | $299/year | Included first year |
Filing Speed | Same-day | 2-3 weeks | 30 business days | Next business day |
Customer Support | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email | Phone, email | Phone, email, chat |
Operating Agreement | Included | $99 | $99 | $40 |
Who should use Northwest Registered Agent? We recommend Northwest for entrepreneurs who value privacy, personalized support, and fast filing times. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses operating in multiple states or those planning to expand.
The Bottom Line
Northwest Registered Agent offers a compelling package for LLC formation and registered agent services. Their focus on privacy protection, same-day filing, and personalized support through Corporate Guides sets them apart from many competitors. While their base price is higher than some alternatives, the included features and level of service often justify the cost.
We at The Law Dictionary believe that Northwest Registered Agent is a great option for entrepreneurs who prioritize speed, privacy, and expert support in their LLC formation process. However, as with any important business decision, we recommend carefully considering your specific needs and budget before making a choice. Remember, the right LLC formation service can set your business up for success from day one.