5 Best Registered Agent Services in Georgia to Try in 2024
Choosing the best-registered agent service in Georgia is a critical step in starting an LLC.
To help you make the best choice for your business, our legal experts and attorneys have completed extensive research and tested the five best-registered agent services in Georgia.
We've considered each service's features, pricing, and support to determine which offers the most value for your business.
NorthwestTop 5 Registered Agents in Georgia (October 2024)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Keep your address private, unique to Northwest.
- Flexible service options tailored to your needs.
- Highly praised customer support for responsiveness and expertise.
- Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- Proven reliability with 25+ years in business.
- Focuses on data privacy, no customer data sales.
- Limited refund process available only by phone.
- Possible additional expenses for select add-on services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses needing reliable and comprehensive registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Not ideal for those looking for the cheapest service.
The Verdict
Northwest provides excellent privacy protections and is great for those needing detailed compliance support. They're pricier, but the quality and reliability justify the cost.
Northwest Registered Agent provides a wide range of services to help you run your business.
They will provide a Georgia-based street address, and their registered agents will keep you informed of upcoming filing deadlines.
This includes annual returns, franchise taxes, and other vital records that must be filed on time to remain compliant.
We recently had the pleasure of using Northwest Registered Agent services in Georgia, and from our firsthand experience, we can say that their representatives are knowledgeable on any law-related matter.
All necessary documents were quickly forwarded to our street address, ensuring that our paperwork was completed promptly.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125): The first year of Georgia registered agent service is free if you use Northwest Registered Agent to incorporate your LLC.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $100 State Fee): Same-day filing, an operating agreement, a whole year of registered agent service, and free forms in a client account.
- Full-Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $100 State Fee): This plan comes with 12-month Georgia registered agent service (if you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent), same-day filling, and free limited mail forwarding.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Strong emphasis on social responsibility and community involvement.
- Provides vital support to small businesses through grants and services.
- Simplified and speedy purchase procedure.
- Offers the flexibility of choosing annual report filing.
- Incurs an extra fee for annual report filing.
- Limited availability of customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small businesses looking for an affordable and reliable registered agent service.
Who is it not for?
- Larger corporations that need more customized agent services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers an excellent balance of cost and quality, making it perfect for small businesses needing basic registered agent functions.
ZenBusiness is the perfect go-to for anyone needing Georgia registered agent services without an LLC set up at a low price.
For just $199, you will get access to personalized customer support and easy-to-use software alongside their registered agents, offering comprehensive registered agent service coverage.
We had a good experience with ZenBusiness, from the initial consultation to the final product. They supported us through every step and informed us that the 60-day money-back guarantee policy excludes any state fees.
Our Venture Smarter team was also pleased with the speed and efficiency with which our project was completed. We were able to launch our business on time with no major issues.
Are you looking for more information about this company? Be sure to check out our detailed review of ZenBusiness.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The registered agent service fee is a late payment that is levied after the business is founded and is $199 each year.
- ZenBusiness Starter Plan ($0 + $100 State Fee): This registered agent package has a regular filing speed (2 to 3 weeks), provides LLC filing service, and guarantees 100% accuracy. With this package, you can choose optional worry-free compliance that is free for a full year. Afterwards, it renews at $199/year.
- ZenBusiness Pro Plan ($199 + $100 State Fee): Pro Plan offers the fastest ''rush'' filing speed of 1 to 2 business days on average, making it great for urgent business. Next to an EIN, with this package you will get access to an operating agreement to help you create a framework for operations, structure, and even voting rights.
- ZenBusiness Premium Plan ($349 + $100 State Fee): With the Premium option, you will get everything that you need for full-online branding and presence, including a domain name, a business email address, and a customizable company website with hundreds of easy-to-use templates. For easier and faster processes, this plan includes business document templates.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- One-year Registered Agent service included at no cost.
- Proven reliability with 25+ years in the industry.
- Affordable Registered Agent service for $119.
- User-friendly dashboard for easy access.
- Some occasional delays in document scanning.
- Customer support is only available during weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Startups and small businesses needing basic registered agent services at a low cost.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses needing more than basic services and direct support.
The Verdict
IncFile is highly affordable and suitable for new businesses that want essential services without extra frills.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) makes it easy and free to form an LLC in Georgia. Plus, they offer a full year of registered agent services at no cost, making it a great choice for startups and those who are on a tight budget.
Bizee gave our team a cost-effective solution for Georgia registered agent services. They will help you with filing, provide a Georgia-registered office, and offer three different plans with various features.
We tried their Georgia registered agent packages and found that their platform is user-friendly and allowed us fast access and easy file organization.
Even though they have a lot of add-ons and upgrades, their online filing status reminders were helpful. Plus, we loved the one-hour business tax counseling.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($119): If incorporated utilizing any LLC formation package, the registered agent would come at no cost in the first year. After the first year, the renewal charge will be $119.
- Free Silver LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $100 State Fee): The package will provide you with preparing & filing the Articles of Organization, unlimited name searches, and free registered agent service for a year.
- Bizee Gold LLC Formation Plan ($199 + $100 State Fee): Including the Silver package, this package will also provide you with an EIN business tax number and IRS Form 2553. You will also get an operating agreement, lifetime company alerts for banking resolution, an online access dashboard, a business banking account, and a business tax consultation.
- Platinum LLC Formation Plan ($299 + $100 State Fee): Platinum Package provides a next-day filing, a free business website, and more. This package also includes a domain name and a business email.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Offers a wide variety of legal tools and services.
- Document Defense® provides contract protection.
- Simplifies the process of creating legal documents.
- Reports of unexpected fees.
- Confusion surrounding free trial and billing.
- Customer support accessibility challenges.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses requiring comprehensive legal services along with registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Those only needing basic registered agent services might find it expensive.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer is ideal for businesses that need robust legal services in addition to registered agent services, providing comprehensive support though at a higher price.
Aside from having very strategic estate planning software, Rocket Lawyer is also qualified for LLC services.
They cover both the registered agent service and the creation of LLCs. We would recommend them to those looking for high-quality legal benefits.
Rocket Lawyer guarantees successful cooperation and coverage of all client needs with its agent services.
Thanks to their attorney services, we could handle all the paperwork easily, while their free trial allowed us to test their premium service for a week.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99 for non-members): You will get a 25% discount if you are a member. Membership will cost you $39.99 monthly.
- LLC Formation Plan ($99.99 + $100 State Fee): Get it for free with a $39.99 membership per month. Benefit from free legal documents and attorney services, free LLC business formation services, as well as a 25% discount applied for Georgia registered agent services.
5 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- Supplies expert legal advice and help.
- Unlimited cloud storage streamlines document handling.
- A plethora of free business templates available.
- Comparatively costly LLC services.
- Highest registered agent service pricing.
- Pushy upselling tactics may be off-putting.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses seeking extensive legal and compliance services along with registered agent functions.
Who is it not for?
- Small businesses or those on a tight budget who only need basic registered agent services.
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers a wide range of legal and compliance services perfect for established businesses, but their pricing is higher than some competitors.
Just like the Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom is the right place if you need various services from experts.
They both come with some great features, with LegalZoom having a richer experience with new small businesses.
As for their registered agent service, you can expect calendar compliance, unlimited cloud storage, and high data security.
From our experience, they will offer you a 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee, access to an attorney, and many one-time services, such as reserving your entity name.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299): The first year will cost $249 if you create your LLC with them, then the renewal price will be $299. The services include email alerts, Compliance Calender, unlimited online storage, and a $1 M identity theft protection.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $100 State Fee): This plan provides a name search and a digital LLC package. You will also get articles of organization and a WIX-supported website for online presence.
- Pro LLC Standard Formation Plan ($249 + $100 State Fee): Here, you'll get all Basic package features included plus an operating agreement. The package also comes with EIN, an initial phone consultation on taxes and insurance, and a comprehensive business insurance guide.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $100 State Fee): This plan will cover everything in the Pro package, along with an engaging guide from an experienced business attorney. You'll also enjoy unlimited attorney consultation for 30 minutes on the latest legal topics and updates on your LLC document for the first 90 days of the first subscription.
Why Should You Trust Us
The Venture Smarter team, utilizing our deep expertise in legal, financial, and strategic frameworks, has thoroughly assessed and engaged with a variety of LLC services throughout Georgia.
Our mission extends beyond merely presenting options; we aim to forge a distinctly customized path to prosperity, tailored to Georgia's unique business environment, home to 1.2 million small businesses
Our direct involvement and partnership with experienced legal professionals ensure that our endorsements are not merely suggestions; they are validated through practical, real-world applications.
Thus, our selections for Georgia LLC services are grounded not just in detailed analysis but also in genuine efficacy and client satisfaction.
At Venture Smarter, our foundational principle is transparency. The advice and reviews we offer stem from impartial, fact-based analyses.
Opting for an LLC service guided by our expertise means you are not only making a well-informed choice but also tapping into the shared knowledge of a team dedicated to facilitating your business's triumph.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Georgia?
We conducted an in-depth analysis of 10 registered agent services in Georgia, adopting an anonymous approach to ensure an unbiased evaluation.
We meticulously compared various aspects such as pricing, turnaround times, service features, the quality of customer service, and third-party reviews.
Moreover, considering the importance of financial support for businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration noted that total reported new lending to small businesses through loans of $1 million or less was $10.5 billion, highlighting the significant resources available for growth and expansion [1].
This reflects the financial landscape small businesses are entering, underscoring the critical role registered agents play in ensuring compliance and facilitating access to these resources.
Here's a brief description of our selection process for the best registered agent services in Georgia:
1. Pricing
The Venture Smarter team assessed the return on investment by comparing the annual fees to the breadth of services offered. Our analysis involved compiling data over three months to identify average hidden fees and evaluating how these impact the overall cost efficiency of a hypothetical LLC.
Bizee’s service, which combines essential legal services into a package priced at $119 annually, resulted in savings of up to 30% compared to industry standards, earning it a 5/5.
Conversely, LegalZoom, with its $299 annual fee plus additional charges for basic services, showed a 20% higher total cost than the average, justifying its 3/5 rating.
2. Service Features
Our detailed analysis involved a six-month period where we monitored the service offerings of each agent, such as the frequency of compliance alerts (measured as alerts per month), the average time for mail forwarding (recorded in days), and the efficiency of their online systems (evaluated by user navigation time in minutes).
ZenBusiness led with an average of twelve compliance alerts per month, mail forwarding within two business days, and an average navigation time on their dashboard of under three minutes, scoring highly for efficiency.
In contrast, Rocket Lawyer provided fewer features, with only eight compliance alerts per month and mail forwarding times extending up to five days.
3. Customer Service
Our assessment included contacting each service’s customer support with ten standardized questions and recording metrics such as average response time (in minutes), resolution success rate (as a percentage), and availability hours per week.
Northwest Registered Agent achieved an average response time of under 10 minutes and a resolution success rate of 98%, maintaining customer support for over 60 hours per week, which facilitated its top score.
ZenBusiness provided support for 50 hours per week with an average response time of 15 minutes and a resolution rate of 95%.
LegalZoom’s slower average response time of 30 minutes and a lower resolution rate of 80%, with support available for 40 hours per week, reflected its lower rating.
4. Turnaround
We also evaluated how quickly each registered agent processed and forwarded documents to the business. A faster turnaround ensures that businesses can respond promptly to any legal or compliance issues.
ZenBusiness ranks well with its rush filling of 1-3 business days.
Bizee also offers same-day delivery with efficient document handling.
5. Confidentiality
For ongoing business operations, having a registered agent who consistently maintains confidentiality means long-term security and peace of mind. This is especially important as the business grows and the stakes become higher.
Based on this selection, the top performers are Northwest Registered Agent, which offers strong protection of information and LegalZoom, which provides identity theft protection of up to $1 million.
6. Transition Process
A smooth transition ensures minimal downtime in terms of the registered agent's services. This is crucial for businesses that rely on timely updates and responses for their operations.
Based on our firsthand experience , ZenBusiness ranks at the top as it offered clear guidance and support for a seamless transition when we switched services.
This becomes increasingly pertinent when considering that, according to a LendingTree survey, 25% of Georgia businesses fail in the first year, emphasizing the need for solid legal and compliance foundations right from the start [2].
7. Third-Party Reviews
Choosing a registered agent is an important decision, as they handle sensitive legal documents. Seeing positive reviews from other businesses can build trust in the service provider's capabilities and professionalism.
Based on trusted platforms like Trustpilot and BBB, the services with the most positive customer 5-star reviews are Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, has mixed customer feedback despite its popularity.
8. Ease of Use
Some registered agent platforms offer integration capabilities with other business tools and systems. An easy-to-use platform makes such integrations smoother, enhancing overall business process efficiency.
Based on our evaluation, we rated ZenBusiness 5/5 for its user-friendly platform that was easy to log in to and monitor our orders. LegalZoom's website could improve and be less complicated.
How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Georgia?
Generally, the cost of employing a full Georgia registered agent service is around $119–$300 a year. If you require more specialized services, the cost is higher.
Nonetheless, the cost of forming an LLC in Georgia would be significantly reduced if you decided to hire a registered agent for free.
Also, if you need to change your current registered agent, you can read our article on how to change a registered agent in Georgia.
Related Articles:
- Look Up an LLC in Georgia
- Dissolve an LLC in Georgia
- Start an LLC in Georgia
- How Long Does It Take to Start an LLC in Georgia
Requirements For A Georgia Registered Agent
In Georgia, any individual or corporation can potentially serve as a Registered Agent.
However, the individual must have the following qualifications:
- Be a resident of the state of Georgia
- Have a physical address in the state of Georgia
- Be available during normal business hours
- Be able to receive service of process
- Be willing to forward documents to the entity you are representing
"To change or terminate the registered agent or office, one can file an annual registration or an amended annual registration."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
FAQs
Is My Georgia LLC Required to Have a Georgia Registered Agent?
Yes, your Georgia LLC needs to have a Georgia-registered agent. Every LLC created and registered with the Georgia Secretary of State must designate a registered agent. Without it, the Secretary of State won't accept your LLC formation filing.
What Does a Georgia Registered Agent Do?
A Georgia-registered agent acts as your business's point of contact. This means they are the go-to for receiving any service of process, such as legal notice of a lawsuit or legal documents from the Secretary of State, for your LLC.
Can a Business Be a Georgia Registered Agent?
Yes, a business can be a Georgia-registered agent. It must be a validly formed business entity, have a physical address in Georgia, and provide service to the Georgia Secretary of State during regular business hours.
Our Verdict on the Best Registered Agent Service in Georgia
When searching for a Georgia-registered agent, it's important to consider their service features, customer reviews, and cost. For the best Georgia registered agent, we highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent.
They offer all the necessary Georgia registered agent services to help your LLC grow and succeed. They are professionals equipped to assess your business needs and identify the most suitable services for your company.
Our experience with Northwest registered agent services in Georgia was incredibly positive. We received all the necessary documents promptly, and the staff was incredibly helpful in answering any questions.
They are perhaps the longest-running service in the industry, so you can't go wrong with them.
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