8 Best Registered Agent Services in Colorado to Try in 2024
To start an LLC in Colorado, hire a competent registered agent service who'll help maintain compliance with state laws and ensure good standing with the Colorado secretary of state.
According to the Office of Advocacy, 99.5% of all Colorado businesses are small businesses, employing 1.1 million people, which is 48.5% of the entire state workforce.
As an experienced professional in LLC formation and compliance, I emphasize the importance of a reliable registered agent in Colorado.
After extensive research and testing, here is a roundup of the best registered agents in Colorado.
NorthwestTop 8 Registered Agent Services in Colorado (October 2024)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Ensures private address, a Northwest exclusive.
- Customizable service selection for cost-effectiveness.
- Top-notch customer support, responsive and knowledgeable.
- Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- Proven reliability with over 25 years in business.
- Safeguards customer data, prioritizing privacy.
- Mandatory agent appointment for LLC formation.
- Lack of BBB accreditation may raise concerns.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For businesses seeking robust support and privacy protection.
Who is it not for?
- Not for businesses looking for the lowest cost provider.
The Verdict
Northwest offers a comprehensive suite of services that prioritize privacy and reliability, making it a top choice for businesses that value professional handling and confidentiality.
Northwest Registered Agent is our top-choice agent in Colorado providing excellent service features.
We rank this service top because they have a team of lawyers and CPAs dedicated to providing the best-registered agent service to their clients.
Drawing from our experience, their Colorado-registered agents were friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of business registration in Colorado.
Whenever we experienced difficulties with the LLC formation process, their outstanding and prompt customer support team was all hands on deck.
Get a better grasp of this company's capabilities by exploring the full review of Northwest Registered Agent.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125): The first year of registered agent service is free if you choose Northwest to incorporate your LLC.
- LLC Formation Service - Basic Plan ($39 + $1 State Fee): This includes Articles of Organization, operating agreement, 1-year registered agent service at no cost, and standard and expedited processing speeds available.
- LLC Formation Service - Full Service ($225 + $1 State Fee): With this package, you can get same business day filing, a full year of registered agent service, free limited mail forwarding, an operating agreement, and access to helpful forms and tools available in your personal client account.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Embraces social responsibility, actively engages with the community.
- Offers support and grants to small businesses, fostering a community-centric approach.
- Streamlines the purchase process for swift and hassle-free incorporation.
- Provides a range of business formation plans, but lacks a registered agent.
- Excludes the registered agent service from its business formation packages.
- Requires an additional fee for annual report filing and compliance, potentially increasing costs.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For startups and small businesses that need affordable and reliable compliance management.
Who is it not for?
- Not for large corporations that may need more tailored services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness provides a cost-effective solution for small businesses looking to maintain compliance without overspending, backed by solid customer support.
ZenBusiness is a national registered agent service that provides business entities in Colorado with affordable, reliable, and secure service.
Working with ZenBusiness for 3 months was a bonus to us. They provided access to online account management tools for us to see when new mail arrives at all times from anywhere.
We also appreciated that they handled mail forwarding and management duties at no extra cost.
With their services, you can ensure that your business has a Colorado-registered agent who can provide the necessary documentation for filing paperwork.
For a deeper understanding of this organization, we encourage you to read our comprehensive review of ZenBusiness.
Service Features:
- ZenBusiness Registered Agent ($199/year): The annual renewal cost of $199 is a postponed payment that must be given once the company has been lawfully formed.
- Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $50 State Fee): This package provides expense and deduction tracking, a 100% accuracy guarantee, and standard filing speed (2 - 3 weeks). As part of the package, you'll enjoy a 1-month free trial of our Banking and Bank Account services at just $5/month afterward. The package also comes with Money Pro Bookkeeping ($30/month) and Website Builder ($15/month) after a 1-month trial period. Additionally, you have the option for worry-free compliance, free for the first year, and at $199/year if you choose to continue.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $50 State Fee): This package gives you access to all Starter package features, rush filling speed (1-2 days), a guided operating agreement at $99 and an EIN.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($349 + $50 State Fee): The premium package offers you a combination of all Pro package features plus a domain name, email address, business document templates, as well as a customizable business website.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Enjoy a complimentary 1-year Registered Agent.
- Proven reliability spanning 25 years.
- Access affordable Registered Agent for $119.
- User-friendly dashboard for easy navigation.
- Benefit from automatic legal document forwarding.
- Occasionally experience delays in document scanning.
- Customer support is available only on weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For cost-conscious entrepreneurs needing basic registered agent services and compliance monitoring.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those requiring extensive hands-on support and customization.
The Verdict
Bizee offers an affordable and straightforward option for new businesses that want compliance assurance with minimal fuss.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) registered agent service is best for legal and accounting services in small businesses.
We recommend this registered agent company due to its flexible and affordable options for managing and filing legal documents in Colorado.
In our 3 months of experience with Bizee, they gave us a Colorado registered agent responsible for receiving legal notices and communications on behalf of our company.
This is a massive plus if privacy is your priority.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($119): If formed using an LLC creation package, it is free for the first year. The renewal fee will be $119 every year after the first year.
- Silver LLC Formation Service Package ($0 + $1 State Fee): All Colorado registered agent packages include one year of free professional registered agent service. It includes unlimited name searches and Articles of organization.
- Gold LLC Formation Service Package ($199 + $1 State Fee): This package offers an array of features, including everything Silver Package features plus EIN Business Tax Number, IRS Form 2553, operating agreement, banking resolution, lifetime company alerts, online access dashboard, business banking account, and business tax consultation.
- Platinum LLC Formation Service Package ($299 + $1 State Fee): The Platinum package includes everything the Gold Package offers, plus a few added elements such as business contract templates, free next-day filing, and domain name + business email.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Offers a vast array of legal support.
- Document Defense® bolsters contract protection.
- User-friendly document creation process.
- Access to free consultations with legal experts.
- Speedy processing of legal documents.
- Complaints about hidden fees.
- Billing issues during the free trial.
- Challenges in contacting customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For companies that need comprehensive legal services in addition to registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for businesses only looking for basic registered agent functions.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer excels at providing an all-in-one solution that covers legal, compliance, and registered agent needs, ideal for businesses anticipating legal complexities.
Rocket Lawyer commercial registered agent service provider is a great option for Colorado businesses.
We put them to the test and we were very satisfied with the results. They will offer you a free consultation and walk you through the entire process.
They got our Articles of Incorporation signed by a licensed attorney in a timely manner, created our corporate seal, and filed all the paperwork with the Secretary of State.
Rocket Lawyer also offers a free 7-day trial of their packages. The package helps you consult with a lawyer and get legal counsel pertaining to your LLC business entity.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99 for non-members): A 25% discount applies for members, meanwhile, membership costs $39.99 a month.
- LLC Formation Package($99.99 + $1 State Fee): You can benefit from free legal documents, attorney services, free Colorado LLC formation services, and 25% off registered agent service. Get it for free with a $39.99 membership per month.
5 - MyCompanyWorks
Pros and Cons
- MyCompanyWorks offers affordability at just $99/year, a boon for budget-conscious businesses.
- Outstanding customer reviews consistently reflect high satisfaction among thousands of clients.
- Exceptional responsiveness, with most inquiries attended to within 20 minutes during business hours.
- Phone support availability is limited to weekdays, from 8 AM to 4 PM PST.
- The refund policy includes processing fees and becomes void after document submission to the state.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For small to mid-sized businesses that value swift service and easy compliance management.
Who is it not for?
- Not for businesses that do not require frequent compliance filing aids.
The Verdict
MyCompanyWorks is great for businesses looking for a simple, efficient way to handle compliance, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction.
MyCompanyWorks ensures that your business complies with state requirements. Through their budget registered agent services, they offer a layer of privacy between you and your company.
We sought their services and had an outstanding experience. Their online updating of a forwarding address was easy. We also received instant notifications.
MyCompanyWorks is also an excellent option to change an existing registered agent in Colorado. They will provide you with an easy-to-fill online form with the necessary fees.
The company also has a 90-day refund policy that covers you if you're dissatisfied.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($99/year): The Entrepreneur Package and the Complete Package feature a free first year of registered agent service.
- Basic LLC Formation Package ($59 + $1 State Fee): This package offers unique inclusions, such as a free logo, $250,000+ in Rewards and Startup Discounts, a free e-book, a startup wizard, and lifetime access to the Vendor Network. However, no Colorado registered agent services are provided for this basic package.
- The Entrepreneur LLC Formation Package ($179 + $1 State Fee): It includes the Basic Package, in addition to MyCompanyForms lifetime forms and tax guide, federal tax ID, and free registered agent service.
- The Complete LLC Formation Package ($259 + $1 State Fee): This package provides entrepreneurs with all the features the Basic and Entrepreneur Packages have, plus MyCompanyWorks premium.
6 - Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance offers a suite of services tailored to meet the needs of Colorado business owners, including entity formation, annual filings, and ongoing compliance.
We've had the pleasure of working with their customer service team, and we can honestly say that they are very well-versed in the intricacies of business formation and compliance.
We also loved their user-friendly platform.
Harbor Compliance is a good choice if you're looking to make your business' service with the state stress-free and cost-effective.
Here is our complete review of Harbor Compliance.
Sign Up To Harbor CompliancePros and Cons
- Swift and efficient compliance handling.
- Cost savings with extended contracts.
- Access to expert consultations.
- Slightly higher costs.
- Occasional service hiccups.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($89): Yearly rates range from $89 to $99 per state, with no other expenses. If you pay for registered agent services in advance for more than two years, you can save 5-10%.
- LLC Formation Package (starts at $99 + $1 State Fee): This package covers checking for name availability as well as completing and filing your articles of incorporation with the state.
7 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- Delivers expert legal advice and assistance.
- Streamlines document storage with cloud storage.
- Offers a wide range of free business templates.
- Highest registered agent service pricing.
- Persistent attempts to upsell extras.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For businesses that want a well-known provider with a broad range of additional legal services.
Who is it not for?
- Not for businesses looking for a more budget-friendly registered agent without extra services.
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers a comprehensive registered agent service that integrates seamlessly with their wide array of legal solutions, ideal for businesses seeking a full-service approach.
LegalZoom is one of Colorado's most well-known and established registered agent companies.
As a customer, I appreciated their competitively priced services and how simple it was to set up my business.
Their registered agent service offers a comprehensive package that made establishing my Colorado LLC a breeze. They even offered us personalized tax advice.
Another thing that makes LegalZoom stand out is that they are also a full-service law firm and can help you with virtually any legal need during normal business hours.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299/year): You'll pay $249 in the first year to form an LLC with them, then renew services at $299. The services offered include 1 million dollars worth of identity theft protection, email alerts, and a Compliance calendar.
- Basic LLC Formation Package ($0 + $1 State Fee): This package equips entrepreneurs with a name search service, a digital welcome packet, and a WIX-powered website for a professional online presence.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($249 + $1 State Fee): The Pro package includes everything the Basic package has, an EIN, an operating agreement, initial tax saving consultations, and an in-depth guide on business licensing.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $1 State Fee): You'll get all the features on the Pro package, with a 30-minute unlimited attorney consultation and applied updates on LLC formation documents within the first 90 subscription days. The package also has a hands-on tailored guide from a professional Colorado business attorney.
8 - Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings makes starting an LLC, corporation, or other business easy and fast.
Their efficient registered agent process only required me to answer a few simple questions, after which they took care of all the other paperwork.
Swyft Filings impressed us with its prompt system of forwarding documents to our designated address while maintaining a physical address in Colorado for official notices and filings.
The registered agent company also has automated reminders and a dedicated business service consultant to answer questions.
Access comprehensive details about this company by referring to the Swyft Filings review page.
Sign Up To Swyft FilingsPros and Cons
- Options for different business entity types.
- Secure payment processing for peace of mind.
- Helpful educational resources and guides.
- Limited availability of add-on services.
- Some competitors offer more features.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($99): Quarterly subscription.
- The Basic LLC Formation Service Package ($0 + $1 State Fee): Possibility to file the articles of organization to form an LLC.
- The Standard LLC Formation Service Package ($199 + $1 State Fee): Besides everything included in the basic package, the Standard Package from LLC formation service includes a Federal Tax ID (EIN) and documents needed to start a business, such as banking resolution and operating agreement.
- LLC Formation Service - The Premium Package ($299 + $1 State Fee): Includes all features mentioned in the previous packages, plus FedEx delivery of state documents, customized digital LLC kit, and business website and web hosting.
Why Should You Trust Us
The Venture Smarter team engages with each service provider under anonymity, utilizing the knowledge of our independent assessment team to provide impartial, fact-based recommendations. This comprehensive method ensures that our advice is not only trustworthy but also customized to the specific requirements of Colorado enterprises.
You can depend on the Venture Smarter team because we grasp the critical nature of selecting the appropriate service for your business's legal adherence and operational effectiveness. Our evaluations are rooted in direct experience and legal knowledge, delivering a candid, comprehensive critique that rises above the common, shallow suggestions.
The Venture Smarter team is committed to aiding the growth and legal conformity of your business in Colorado. We scrutinize each service for its features, customer support, cost-effectiveness, and productivity, verifying that they satisfy the stringent criteria essential for your business's achievement in the region.
Furthermore, our dual pledge to clarity and excellence means that by heeding a Venture Smarter recommendation, you are opting for a partner committed to your triumph. Our reviews demonstrate our mission: to assist you in making well-informed choices that drive your business forward.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Colorado?
Our team conducted a thorough review of 10 registered agent services in Colorado, engaging with each provider under the guise of anonymity to maintain objectivity. We scrutinized aspects like affordability, service speed, feature sets, customer care, and independent ratings.
We assessed each contender based on their quickness to respond, digital prowess, and the user-friendliness of their services
1. Pricing
Pricing is a critical factor for businesses, especially startups operating with limited capital. Affordable registered agent services in Colorado can help businesses allocate resources to other areas of development.
For instance, Bizee offers a competitive rate of $119 for its services, including a free year when bundled with LLC formation. Harbor Compliance offers a rate between $89-$99, providing a cost-effective option with potential discounts on multi-year commitments.
In contrast, LegalZoom's $299 fee is relatively high, which may not be as attractive to budget-conscious businesses.
2. Customer Support
Customer support is the backbone of any service-oriented business. It's essential for resolving issues, providing information, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Companies like ZenBusiness got a 5/5 for their extended chat support and responsive customer service in Colorado. We also top-rank Northwest for its speed of response and the availability of human interaction on the live chat.
A company with slower response times or limited support channels like LegalZoom did not rate as highly in this category.
"An essential aspect of registered agent services is the maintenance of privacy and separation between personal and business addresses. This is particularly valuable for home-based businesses or those preferring to keep their business address off public records."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
3. Service Features
The range of features offered by a registered agent service in Colorado can greatly enhance the value of the service. We prioritized features such as online dashboards, compliance alerts, and additional services like mail forwarding and annual report filings as these are crucial.
Following our evaluation, Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee both offer comprehensive service features, including online dashboards and compliance alerts.
Rocket Lawyer on the other hand falls short with fewer features or less integrated services that may not meet the needs of businesses looking for a full suite of support.
4. Turnaround Time
The speed at which a registered agent service in Colorado processes and relays documents is vital for maintaining legal compliance.
A fast turnaround time ensures that businesses can respond promptly to legal notices and maintain good standing.
Companies like Northwest Registered Agent, Harbor Compliance, and Bizee offer same-day filling for legal documents like Service of Process.
5. Third Party Reviews
We considered third-party reviews to provide an unbiased perspective on the quality of a registered agent service in Colorado. Platforms like Trustpilot and BBB offer insights into customer satisfaction and service reliability.
From our experience, companies with high ratings on these platforms like ZenBusiness are generally more trusted, while those with lower ratings like LegalZoom may need to improve their services.
6. Confidentiality
In the event of a legal challenge or a sensitive issue, you need a registered agent who can handle the situation discreetly. A breach of confidentiality in such situations can exacerbate the problem and lead to greater scrutiny or public exposure.
Registered agent services in Colorado like Northwest and LegalZoom that go above and beyond to protect client information set themselves apart.
These companies that prioritize confidentiality and have a clean track record will be more appealing to privacy-conscious businesses.
7. Ease Of Use
The user-friendliness of a company's online platform in Colorado can greatly affect the customer experience. A straightforward, intuitive interface can simplify the process of managing legal documents and compliance.
We have top-ranked companies like Bizee that offer a seamless online experience and avoid those with complicated or outdated systems that may deter potential clients.
8. Transition Process
When switching registered agent services in Colorado, businesses need assurance of a smooth transition without any gaps in coverage.
We prioritized companies like Northwest that facilitate a hassle-free changeover and provide continuous service during the transition
Related Articles:
How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Colorado?
The cost of your own registered agent in Colorado varies by provider but typically ranges from $88 to $299 per year. This registered agent price range differs depending on the service you're using, their packages, and add-on costs.
Alternatively, you can act as your own registered agent at zero cost or designate a trusted fridn or family member for the role.
Requirements For A Colorado Registered Agent
In Colorado, a registered agent must meet specific requirements to legally operate. These requirements include:
- Eligibility: The registered agent must be either an individual resident of Colorado or a business entity authorized to do business in Colorado.
- Physical Address: The agent must have a physical street address in Colorado. This is known as the registered office and cannot be a P.O. Box. It's where legal documents can be served.
- Availability: The registered agent must be available at the registered office during normal business hours to accept Service of Process. This ensures that if your business is sued or legally notified, there's someone available to receive these documents.
- Consent to Serve: If a business entity is serving as a registered agent, it must consent to serve in that capacity. This is typically done through a formal declaration or a consent form.
- Maintain Compliance: The agent is responsible for forwarding any legal and tax documents received to the appropriate individual or entity within the business.
According to the United States Census Bureau, there are now over 40 registered agent services available in Colorado.
FAQs
Do You Need A Registered Agent In Colorado?
Yes, you need a registered agent in Colorado. Colorado has strict laws about the formation of businesses, and it's important to understand them before you start your new business. The registration process includes choosing your own registered agent to receive legal documents on your behalf.
Do I Hire A Registered Agent Before Or After Starting My Colorado Business?
You hire a registered agent before starting your Colorado Business. Your registered agent is the person or company that will receive documents filings on behalf of your business if it is sued or named in court proceedings.
What Is A Registered Agent's Primary Function In Colorado?
The primary function of a registered agent in Colorado is to accept legal documents and official state notifications on the company’s behalf.
Our Verdict on the Best Registered Agent Service in Colorado
When hiring a registered agent service, it is crucial to ensure they have a proven track record of success in Colorado.
With more than two decades of experience, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the best agent with both competitively priced and high-quality services.
We were really impressed with the level of service we received from the company. They provided us with Privacy by Default®, meaning that customers’ data was automatically kept secure and private.
Overall, Northwest Registered Agent has earned the top spot in our ranking due to their outstanding packed service features, excellent customer service, and speedy turnaround.
