If you’re setting up an LLC or corporation, you’ve probably realized you need a registered agent to handle legal documents and keep your business compliant.
Choosing the right one can feel like a maze, especially when comparing two big names like Northwest Registered Agent and Registered Agents Inc. Both are solid options, but which one’s the best fit for you?
In this article, I’ll break down their services, pricing, customer feedback, and more, all in plain English. Spoiler alert: I’m leaning toward recommending Registered Agents Inc, and I’ll explain why. Let’s dive in!
What’s a Registered Agent, Anyway?
Before we compare, let’s clarify what a registered agent does. A registered agent is a person or company you appoint to receive important legal documents—like tax notices or lawsuit papers—on your business’s behalf.
They also help you stay compliant with state requirements. Every LLC or corporation needs one, and picking a reliable service saves you time, stress, and potential legal headaches. Now, let’s see how Northwest and Registered Agents Inc stack up.
Meet Northwest Registered Agent: The Privacy Pro
Northwest Registered Agent, around since 1998, is a favorite for many small business owners. They’re known for their focus on privacy and top-notch customer support. With offices in all 50 states, they’ve got you covered no matter where you’re based.
Their tagline, “Privacy By Default,” means they use their own business address on public records to keep your personal info off the radar.
What They Offer:
- Registered Agent Service: $125 per year, or free for the first year if you use their LLC formation service ($39 + state fees).
- Business Formation: Quick LLC setup in 10 minutes, plus extras like operating agreements ($50) or EIN acquisition ($50-$200).
- Additional Services: Mail forwarding, virtual office, phone service, domain names, and free legal forms.
- Customer Support: Known for being friendly and knowledgeable, with in-house “Corporate Guides” (no outsourced call centers).
- Privacy: They never sell your data and prioritize keeping your address private.
Pricing: Their registered agent service is straightforward at $125/year. LLC formation starts at $39 + state fees, with a free year of registered agent service included. Add-ons like mail scanning or virtual office have ongoing costs, but they’re transparent about fees.
Customer Feedback: Northwest scores a 3.6/5 on Trustpilot from 67 reviews, with users raving about their support and privacy features. Some gripe about the website’s clunky design or lack of a free plan. On Reddit (r/smallbusiness), users call them reliable but note limitations, like not being able to use their address for Google My Business verification.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing, especially with the free first year.
- Stellar customer support with real experts.
- Strong privacy protection.
- Nationwide coverage with physical offices.
Cons:
- Website could be more user-friendly.
- Not BBB accredited, and some report slow processing times.
- Limited free services compared to competitors.
Meet Registered Agents Inc: The All-in-One Solution
Registered Agents Inc is another national player, also operating in all 50 states with physical offices. They’re less flashy than Northwest but shine with a unique all-in-one package that sets up your business fast.
Their focus is on convenience, offering tools to get your LLC, website, and communication channels running in minutes. However, a 2024 WIRED article raised eyebrows about their privacy practices, which we’ll address later.
What They Offer:
- Registered Agent Service: $200 per year, sometimes bundled with their formation package.
- Business Formation: An all-in-one deal that includes LLC setup, domain name, website, phone number, and professional email, all in 10 minutes.
- Additional Services: Real-time document notifications, compliance management, and a 100% refund policy.
- Customer Support: Expert support is promised, but reviews are sparse, making it hard to judge.
- Privacy: They emphasize anonymity, though their methods have sparked controversy.
Pricing: The registered agent service costs $200/year, pricier than Northwest. Their formation package pricing isn’t clearly listed, but it bundles the agent service, domain, and more, potentially offering value. The 100% refund policy is a big plus if you’re hesitant.
Customer Feedback: Here’s where it gets tricky. Registered Agents Inc has just one Trustpilot review, rating them 1/5 for being “unorganized” and losing an LLC. Yikes. The BBB gives them no rating due to insufficient info, and they’re not accredited. The WIRED article questions their use of fake personas for anonymity, which could be a red flag for some. Still, their website claims happy customers and expert service.
Pros:
- All-in-one package for quick business setup.
- 100% refund policy reduces risk.
- Real-time notifications for documents.
- Nationwide offices for multi-state businesses.
Cons:
- Higher registered agent cost ($200/year).
- Very few reviews, making reliability unclear.
- Privacy practices may raise ethical concerns.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s put Northwest and Registered Agents Inc side by side to see how they differ:
| Feature | Northwest | Registered Agents Inc |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Agent Price | $125/year (free 1st year with formation) | $200/year (may be bundled) |
| LLC Formation Price | $39 + state fees | Unclear, part of all-in-one package |
| Setup Time | 3-5 days | 1-15 days |
| Customer Reviews | 3.6/5 (67 reviews, Trustpilot) | 1/5 (1 review, Trustpilot) |
| Key Services | Formation, mail forwarding, legal forms | Formation, website, phone, email |
| Privacy | Strong, uses own address | Strong but controversial methods |
| Refund Policy | Not emphasized | 100% refund guaranteed |
| Support | Highly rated, in-house experts | Limited feedback, expert support claimed |
Pricing: Northwest wins on cost. Their $125/year is cheaper than Registered Agents Inc’s $200, and the free first year with formation is a steal. Registered Agents Inc’s pricing is less transparent, but their bundle could save time if you need extras like a website.
Services: Northwest offers a broader range, like legal forms and virtual offices, ideal for businesses needing ongoing support. Registered Agents Inc’s all-in-one package is tailored for startups wanting everything set up fast, which could be a game-changer for new entrepreneurs.
Customer Support: Northwest takes the lead here, with glowing reviews for their responsive, knowledgeable team. Registered Agents Inc claims expert support, but with almost no reviews, it’s hard to verify.
Privacy: Both prioritize privacy, but Northwest’s approach—using their address without selling data—feels safer. Registered Agents Inc’s anonymity tactics, like fake personas, might appeal to some but could deter others wary of legal gray areas.
Reliability: Northwest’s 20+ years and solid reviews make them a safer bet. Registered Agents Inc’s lack of feedback and recent controversy make them riskier, though their refund policy offsets this somewhat.
Why I Recommend Registered Agents Inc
Alright, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for. While Northwest is a fantastic choice with its affordability and proven track record, I’m recommending Registered Agents Inc for a few key reasons that might resonate with you, especially if you’re starting fresh or need a quick setup:
- All-in-One Convenience: If you’re launching a new business, Registered Agents Inc’s package is a lifesaver. Getting your LLC, domain, website, phone, and email set up in 10 minutes means you can focus on growing your business, not wrestling with paperwork or tech. This is perfect for busy entrepreneurs or bloggers like you who want to hit the ground running.
- 100% Refund Policy: Not sure if they’re the right fit? Their full refund guarantee lets you try them risk-free. Northwest doesn’t emphasize refunds, so Registered Agents Inc feels less like a gamble.
- Real-Time Notifications: Their digital alerts ensure you never miss a legal document or deadline. This is crucial for staying compliant, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects. Northwest offers similar tools, but Registered Agents Inc’s focus on speed stands out.
- Multi-State Support: With offices in all 50 states, they’re ideal if you plan to expand across state lines. Their local presence can simplify compliance in complex regulatory environments.
- Privacy (With a Caveat): If you value anonymity and are okay with their unconventional methods, Registered Agents Inc might offer more privacy than Northwest. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the ethical questions raised by the WIRED article.
Addressing the Red Flags
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Registered Agents Inc has some concerns. The single negative Trustpilot review and lack of BBB accreditation raise questions about reliability. The WIRED article about fake personas is another hurdle; it suggests they push privacy to extremes, which could be risky if you prefer transparency. To mitigate this, research their practices thoroughly and consult a legal advisor if needed. Their refund policy, however, gives you an out if things don’t feel right.
Northwest, on the other hand, has a stronger reputation but isn’t perfect. Some users report slow processing or website issues, and their add-on costs can add up if you need extras like mail forwarding. Still, their transparency and customer support make them a safer choice for many.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Choose Northwest if: You want a budget-friendly, reliable service with excellent support and clear pricing. It’s great for small businesses that value privacy and need ongoing services like legal forms or mail scanning.
- Choose Registered Agents Inc if: You’re a new entrepreneur who wants a fast, all-in-one setup with a website, phone, and email. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with their privacy approach and want the security of a refund policy.
Final Thoughts
Both Northwest Registered Agent and Registered Agents Inc are strong contenders in the registered agent world, but Registered Agents Inc edges out for its convenience and comprehensive package.
If you’re starting a new venture and need everything set up quickly—LLC, website, and all—their all-in-one solution is hard to beat. The 100% refund policy and real-time notifications sweeten the deal, especially for multi-state businesses. Just keep an eye on their privacy practices and do your homework to ensure they align with your needs.
Northwest is a close second, offering lower costs and a stellar reputation, but its focus is more on privacy and support than speed. Whichever you choose, both can keep your business compliant and stress-free.
For a quick, all-inclusive start, though, I’d go with Registered Agents Inc. Ready to make a decision? Check out their website at Registered Agents Inc or let me know if you have more questions!
