As a business owner in Rhode Island, you’re required to have a registered agent to handle documents and official correspondence. This essential role bridges your company and the state government, ensuring you never miss critical notifications or deadlines. 

Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve simplified government regulations into actionable recommendations to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. Let’s explore the best registered agent options in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, there are a few options for appointing a registered agent. You can appoint an individual or a business entity already operating in Rhode Island. The registered agent is subsequently responsible for receiving, managing, and reporting on all official and legal paperwork on behalf of your company. These documents include the following:

  • Service of process for lawsuits
  • Tax notices
  • Other official correspondence from the state

The registered agent is crucial in ensuring that your business stays compliant with state regulations and doesn’t miss any important deadlines or legal notifications.

Your registered agent must have a physical address in Rhode Island where they can receive documents during regular business hours. This address, or the registered office, becomes part of the public record. It’s important to note that P.O. boxes or virtual offices are not acceptable as registered office addresses in Rhode Island.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Rhode Island?

The cost of a registered agent in Rhode Island can vary depending on whether you choose to act as your own agent or hire a professional service. If you decide to be your own registered agent, there’s no direct cost involved. However, you’ll need to consider the time commitment and potential privacy implications.

Professional registered agent services in Rhode Island typically range from $50 to $300 per year. Basic services usually fall on the lower end of this range, while more comprehensive packages with additional features like compliance monitoring and document storage are pricier. Some providers, like Bizee, offer the first year of registered agent service for free when you form your business through them, which can save new companies significant expenses.

When considering the cost, it’s important to weigh the benefits of professional services against the responsibilities of being your own agent. While acting as your own agent might save money upfront, the peace of mind and time savings provided by a professional service can be well worth the investment for many business owners.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, the requirements for who can serve as a registered agent are relatively straightforward. The following individuals or entities can act as a registered agent:

  • Any individual who is a resident of Rhode Island and at least 18 years old
  • A business entity authorized to do business in Rhode Island
  • A professional registered agent service company

It’s important to note that the registered agent must have a physical street address in Rhode Island where they can receive documents during regular business hours. This address cannot be a P.O. box or a virtual office.

What Does a Registered Agent Do in Rhode Island?

A registered agent in Rhode Island is the official point of contact between your business and the state government. Their primary responsibilities include receiving and forwarding important legal and official documents to your business. This can include service of process for lawsuits, tax notices, annual report reminders, and other official correspondence from the state.

Additionally, the registered agent should maintain a physical address in Rhode Island where they can receive these documents during regular business hours. After receiving documents, they must promptly notify you and ensure that you’re aware of any important deadlines or legal matters that require your attention.

How Do You Designate a Registered Agent in Rhode Island?

Designating a registered agent in Rhode Island is typically a straightforward process when forming your business. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Choose your registered agent: Decide whether you’ll act as your own agent or hire a professional service.
  2. Obtain consent: It’s important to receive consent when appointing your registered agent.
  3. File 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.
  4. Pay the filing fee: You must pay a filing fee to submit your formation documents. This includes designating your registered agent. For LLCs this fee is $150 and for corporations it is $230.

If you need to change your registered agent after your business is formed, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Rhode Island Department of State and pay the associated fee.

How Do I Choose a Registered Agent in Rhode Island?

Selecting the right registered agent for your Rhode Island business is a key decision that can affect both your company’s compliance and your peace of mind. Begin by assessing your unique requirements and budget. If you’re comfortable managing legal documents and can commit to being available during business hours, acting as your own agent might be a good option.

However, a professional service might be better if you value privacy, want to avoid the hassle of managing official correspondence, or don’t have a physical address in Rhode Island. Look for providers with a strong track record in Rhode Island, good customer reviews, and services that align with your needs. Consider factors like pricing, additional features (such as compliance alerts or document storage), and the quality of customer support.

Once selected, the registered agent will play a pivotal role in maintaining your company’s compliance, so it’s worth taking the time to make an informed decision. Don’t hesitate to contact potential providers with questions or request more information about their services.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right registered agent is critical in establishing and maintaining your business in Rhode Island. Whether you opt for a professional service or decide to take on the role yourself, it’s essential to understand the responsibilities involved and choose to align with your business needs and goals.

At The Law Dictionary, we know that having the right information is key to making sound business decisions. While we’ve provided an overview of some top registered agent services and what to consider when choosing, remember that every business is unique. It’s important to invest the time to evaluate your options, budgets, and other business goals to make an informed decision. With the right registered agent in place, you can focus on growing your Rhode Island business confidently, knowing that your legal compliance is in good hands.