Cheap Registered Agent Services
The cheapest registered agent service costs $87 per year. Here are the rest of the highly-rated and affordable options perfect for small businesses.
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The 7 cheapest registered agent services for LLCs are:
- InCorp: $87/year
- Harbor Compliance: $99/year
- MyCompanyWorks: $99/year
- Bizee (formerly Incfile): $119/year
- Northwest Registered Agent: $125/year
- LegalZoom: $249/year
- Rocket Lawyer: $249.99/year ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+)
All registered agents serve the same basic purpose of receiving legal documents. However, they vary significantly in pricing and additional features.
If you prioritize bare-bones affordability, the cheapest option works. But for a slight premium, other providers on this list could offer benefits well worth the cost.
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
Registered Agent - $199/Year
- Get a registered agent for LLCs and corporations
- Available in 50 states
- Get notifications via mail of important legal notices
- Find important documents scanned and uploaded to your dashboard
7 Cheapest Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services cost around $100 to $250 per year. However, the first provider on this list costs much less.
Read on to find out if it's the best registered agent for you.
InCorp: $87/year
InCorp is a reputable registered agent service that offers large discounts for multi-year service.
Its registered agent service normally costs $129/yr., but it can become as low as $87/yr. when you hire them for five years or more. This saves you as much as $200 annually.[1]
Why we like InCorp
InCorp has a price match feature that can give you additional savings. If you find lower prices elsewhere, the company will do its best to beat it.[2]
In addition, you're instantly notified anytime it receives legal mail for your business. It can also forward the physical copies to you within 24 hours after uploading them to your account.
You even get access to its entity management system (EMS), EntityWatch®. It lets you easily monitor your company's status in real time and identify necessary changes to your business, especially with its data security.
Downsides
The main downside is that InCorp's platform has a clunky interface, so finding your way around the site can be difficult.
Harbor Compliance: $99/year
Harbor Compliance specializes in helping businesses comply with different state and federal requirements at an affordable price.
For only $99/yr., you get access to its comprehensive compliance software. This lets you keep track of all your registered business entities, monitor ongoing requirements and deadlines, and access crucial documents in one convenient location.[4]
Why we like Harbor Compliance
Signing up for Harbor Compliance's services is quick and efficient. You'll receive the nearest business address immediately after placing an order, so you can list it as your registered agent as soon as possible.
It's also quick to process the documents it receives on behalf of your business, scanning and uploading everything on the same day. You even receive instant email notifications once everything's already available in your online account.
Downsides
If you're planning to take advantage of its multi-year discounts, make sure your decision is final. Harbor Compliance doesn't give refunds if you cancel its services once it starts.[5]
MyCompanyWorks: $99/year
MyCompanyWorks is a good choice for new entrepreneurs who want to start and manage a business entity in their state without going through a complicated process.
For example, its Startup Wizard will guide you through the entire setup process, one step at a time. And at $99/year, it has one of the lowest prices for registered agent services.[6]
Why we like MyCompanyWorks
Through lifetime company alerts, it'll notify you of your upcoming compliance deadlines. So, you'll have enough time to prepare the requirements and avoid costly penalties for your business.
The company also has a flexible refund policy and a strong commitment to providing 100% customer satisfaction. If you're not satisfied with its services, you can request a full refund within 90 days of purchase, excluding government fees and third-party charges.[7]
MyCompanyWorks delivers most of your documents through your dashboard or email. But it can also forward the physical copies of Service of Process documents if needed.
Downsides
MyCompanyWorks' main downside is the lack of address privacy. You can't use its business address beyond registered agent-related records, unlike competitors like Northwest Registered Agent.
Bizee (formerly Incfile): $119/year
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is a good choice for a registered agent if you have yet to form your LLC. It offers free formation services with a free year of registered agent services. You just need to pay the state fees.
This allows you to comply with the state requirement without spending a ton of money right away. And after the free year is up, it'll only cost $119/yr to keep Bizee as your registered agent. [9]
Why we like Bizee
Bizee ensures you get important documents in time not just by scanning and forwarding all mail it receives ASAP, but also by informing you immediately through email and SMS.
Because of this, you won't miss critical deadlines, even if you don't check your email regularly. Its user-friendly dashboard also makes it easier for you to find everything in one place.
In addition, it's a well-known and reputable company for LLC formation and registered agent services. With 20+ years of experience, Bizee is highly familiar with each state's requirements and can help your company comply with each one.
Downsides
One major downside of Bizee is its customer service. Its customer support team can be hard to reach and takes a while to respond, especially if you're doing it by email.
No, there are no completely "free" registered agent services. The most they offer is a free trial for their services, usually as part of their formation packages. For example, Bizee (formerly Incfile) includes a free year with every LLC plan but renews at $119/yr after that.
Northwest Registered Agent: $125/year
If you're looking for a registered agent service with the best overall value, Northwest Registered Agent is your best bet.
For only $125/yr, you're given automatic use of its business address on all public forms, so you can keep yours private. And if you need help with anything, you can talk to its local business experts who are more than happy to assist you.[10]
Why we like Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent has been around since 1998, giving it 20+ years of experience in the industry. You can rely on its expertise when it comes to the various requirements LLCs and corporations must comply with.
And thanks to its local offices in every state, you get access to your documents the same day Northwest receives them. It redirects incoming legal mail to the nearest location, so it can immediately scan and upload them.
It can also forward up to 5 pieces of regular mail per year to your preferred address at no additional cost.
Downsides
Getting a refund from Northwest Registered Agent can be tricky. You have to call its customer service team within 90 days of signing up to initiate the refund process.
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
LegalZoom: $249/year
At $249/year, LegalZoom isn't the cheapest in terms of price, but the features included make the premium price worthwhile.[13]
For example, it takes data security to another level with its business data protection feature. Not only will LegalZoom monitor and alert you if your company's information is compromised, but it'll also help restore it. It'll even cover damages of up to $1M. [14]
Why we like LegalZoom
If you're switching to LegalZoom as your registered agent, it will handle the entire process for you and shoulder any associated fees. This reduces the amount of resources and effort you need to spend on replacing your current registered agent with LegalZoom.
You also get unlimited cloud storage for your documents. You don't have to worry about losing access to crucial information, even if you don't back them up right away.
Hiring LegalZoom as your registered agent means you get access to its Compliance Calendar at no additional cost. This ensures you never miss any critical tax or annual compliance deadlines and risk losing your company's good standing.
Downsides
LegalZoom makes up for the high annual fee by including a lot of useful features that cost extra if you get them separately. However, it might not be worth it if you don't need them.
Yes, you can always change your registered agent. However, the process for doing so varies per state, so double-check with your state first before switching. Some providers, like LegalZoom, can handle the entire process for you, including shouldering the associated fees.
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
Rocket Lawyer: $249.99/year ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+)
If you need affordable legal advice on top of registered agent services, consider signing up for a Rocket Lawyer membership. For only $39.99/mo for the Rocket Legal or $19.99/mo (billed annually at $239.88) for Rocket Legal+, you can get comprehensive legal support from the company's network of experienced attorneys.
Rocket Legal+ members get half off its registered agent services as well as discounted rates for other services, like tax preparation and trademark registrations.[16]
Why we like Rocket Lawyer
Besides discounts, a Rocket Lawyer membership also gives you unlimited access to its customizable legal documents, like contracts, waivers, and more.
And if you encounter issues with its forms, the company will assign a lawyer to help you out, thanks to its Document Defense® feature.
Rocket Lawyer also offers excellent support to its customers, with many praising its team for being knowledgeable and professional when handling concerns. Customers were impressed with how quickly the company was able to address issues.
Downsides
Rocket Lawyer may not be the best or cheapest option for you if you only need registered agent services. Without a Rocket Legal+ membership, you have to pay the full $249.99/year ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+).[16]
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A registered agent handles all critical legal, government, and tax correspondences for an LLC or corporation. This includes forwarding everything to the right person in the company.
They can also help companies meet compliance requirements and avoid hefty fines and other penalties, usually by reminding them of upcoming filing deadlines. This gives business owners enough time to prepare and file the necessary documents.
An LLC service helps you start an LLC for a minimal fee. Meanwhile, a registered agent service usually just receives and forwards official correspondence meant for your LLC. Most companies offering LLC formation also offer registered agent services. You can get it separately or as part of your LLC formation package.
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service
While you have to pay an annual fee, using a registered agent service is still better than being your own registered agent.
Here's why:
- Protects your privacy
Most registered agent services use their own business address on public forms, which means you don't have to worry about yours becoming part of public records. This is particularly useful for online or home-based businesses that might be using the owner's home address as their business address. - Preserves your credibility
Using a registered agent service means you don't have to worry about customers or neighbors witnessing you being served if someone files a lawsuit against your business. All legal documents will be redirected to their office, not yours. - Keeps your schedule flexible
If you were your own registered agent, you'd have to be available during work hours so you don't miss any important documents sent your way. Meanwhile, a professional service will always have someone available during business hours to receive your legal mail and documents.
Yes, you can be your own registered agent. However, it's not usually recommended because it can mean a more limited schedule, risks to your privacy, and potential loss of credibility.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service
You can hire registered agent services for less than $100 a year. However, choosing a registered agent is not just based on the price.
Here are some of the factors you should consider:
- Features offered
Compare the additional features that each provider offers. Some may offer cheap rates but only have bare-bone features, so you might end up paying more just to get the essentials. - Available locations
If you have or are planning to create an LLC in more than one state, using a single company as your registered agent is a good idea. Not only does it make keeping track of each business entity easier, but it's also more cost-efficient.Some companies, like Harbor Compliance and Northwest Registered Agent, offer significant discounts when you hire them in multiple locations.
- Document processing speed
When choosing a registered agent service, go for one that can upload your documents in the shortest time possible. That way, you can immediately access them and avoid missing critical deadlines.InCorp is a good option for this because not only does it scan your documents immediately, but it can also forward the physical copies within 24 hours if you need them.
- Notification channels
Aside from document processing speed, you should also consider how they inform you about the documents they receive for your company.Most registered agent services notify customers through email, but some companies, like Bizee, also do so through SMS.
- Customer support
A registered agent service with good customer support is crucial, especially since it'll handle important and sensitive documents for your business.Ideally, it should be easy to contact, have multiple communication channels, and be quick to respond to questions or concerns. Northwest Registered Agent, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer are good options for this.
Yes, you need a registered agent to create an LLC. Most states require it, so you risk having your application rejected if you don't have one. While anyone can be your LLC's registered agent, using a professional service is usually easier and more convenient.
Our Methodology
Registered agents handle some of the most important and potentially sensitive documents for your business. So, choosing a service provider you can trust is critical.
However, you shouldn't have to spend a fortune to enjoy efficient and reliable services. That's why we chose companies that met the following criteria:
- Offers a good balance between price and features
- Has a well-established reputation in the industry
- Processes and forwards documents as quickly as possible
- Immediately notifies customers of new documents
Bottom Line
InCorp is the cheapest registered agent service on this list, charging as low as $87/yr. However, the others may offer more value because of their unique benefits.
Compare each provider carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
Registered Agent - $199/Year
- Get a registered agent for LLCs and corporations
- Available in 50 states
- Get notifications via mail of important legal notices
- Find important documents scanned and uploaded to your dashboard
References
- ^ Incorp. Registered Agent Services Nationwide, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Incorp. Questions About Pricing, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ InCorp. Terms of Service, Retrieved 04/21/2024
- ^ Harbor Compliance. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Harbor Compliance. Refund Policy, Retrieved 04/11/2024
- ^ MyCompanyWorks. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ MyCompanyWorks. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, Retrieved 05/22/2024
- ^ MyCompanyWorks. Terms and Conditions, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Bizee. Does My Business Need a Registered Agent?, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Start an LLC, Retrieved 04/21/2024
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. National Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Legalzoom. Select LegalZoom as a Registered Agent for Your Business, Retrieved 02/27/2024
- ^ Legalzoom. Business Identity Theft Protection, Retrieved 02/28/2024
- ^ Legalzoom. Compliance Calendar Services - Manage Deadlines and Keep Your Company in Good Standing, Retrieved 02/28/2024
- ^ Rocket Lawyer. Memberships and Pricing, Retrieved 02/27/2024
Write to Alyssa Supetran at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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