4 Best Registered Agent Services in Minnesota to Try in 2024
Ensuring you obtain the most value while collaborating with a reputable business entity is crucial when seeking a registered agent service in Minnesota.
As an expert in the field, together with my legal team, I have curated a list of the most reliable and cost-effective registered agent services that could aid you in finding the optimal fit for your business.
To streamline the selection process for the best service agent for your business entity, Venture Smarter team conducted extensive and in-depth research, comparing over ten registered services in Minnesota and gathering firsthand knowledge from our legal advisors and attorneys.
Here is a list of the best registered agent service companies in Minnesota that we have vetted and verified.
NorthwestTop 4 Best Registered Agents in Minnesota (December 2024)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Transparent fees provide clear cost expectations.
- Never sells your data, ensuring privacy and security.
- Easy checkout process streamlines service selection.
- No-pressure upsells, focusing on essential services.
- Nationwide coverage ensures service availability.
- Annual report reminders and company management system.
- EIN service costs extra, despite being a simple task.
- Not BBB accredited, which may concern some users.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses seeking comprehensive and responsive registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Those needing the most budget-friendly options.
The Verdict
Northwest is highly recommended for its reliability and comprehensive services, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize experience and extensive support.
Northwest Registered Agent excels in performing all the fundamental functions required of a registered agent with unmatched expertise.
According to Northwest website, they serve over 3 million businesses nationwide, showcasing their extensive experience and reach.
As Minnesota's best overall choice, they proficiently handle the acceptance of service of process, legal documents, and state correspondence on behalf of your business entity.
Their service stands out for its simplicity and user-friendliness, ensuring a seamless experience from selecting forms to generating legal documentation.
Our personal experience with Northwest Registered Agent has been exceptional. The process was straightforward, requiring just a few answers to generate the necessary legal documents.
Throughout our collaboration, the registered agent promptly forwarded, scanned, and uploaded our documents to our online account, ensuring no essential details were overlooked.
"Northwest provides exceptional customer service and is easily accessible via phone or email, with a transparent cancellation policy, unlike some other companies."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125): The first year of Minnesota registered agent service is free if you create your LLC with Northwest Service.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $155 State Fee): The package includes an operating agreement and articles of incorporation. It also provides standard and rapid processing rates, as well as a complimentary one-year registered agent service.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $155 State Fee): The Full Service will bring you a registered agent service for a full year, same-day filing, and an operating agreement. A customer account is also available, which includes free forms and services.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Starter plan available at $0, plus state fees.
- Free EIN application advice, enhancing financial setup.
- Alerts help track recurring filing deadlines.
- Straightforward pricing model, clear a-la-carte options.
- EIN filing and registered agent service are extra costs.
- Domain and web hosting might be cheaper elsewhere.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small businesses and startups that need affordable yet robust registered agent solutions.
Who is it not for?
- Large corporations that may need more customized service options.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers an excellent combination of affordability, ease of use, and effective service, making it ideal for small businesses looking to streamline compliance.
ZenBusiness has revolutionized the small business landscape with its best essentials for LLC formation in Minnesota. This innovative approach has streamlined the process and made it more affordable.
According to Trustpilot, ZenBusiness boasts an excellent rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 14,335 reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction and trust in their services.
What stands out is their resident agent service, now accessible to all, not just those who have formed an LLC with ZenBusiness.
Our personal experience with ZenBusiness's Minnesota registered agent team highlights their commitment to affordable pricing and superior customer service.
The responses were prompt and friendly whenever we had inquiries, reflecting their dedication to customer satisfaction.
The most impressive feature, however, is ZenBusiness's well-designed dashboard. This tool provided real-time updates on our LLC formation status, a critical aspect of managing the process efficiently.
Moreover, their timely updates and alerts informed us about crucial deadlines and filings, ensuring we were always one step ahead.
Overall, ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive package that caters to the essentials of LLC formation in Minnesota.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The annual renewal fee for their Minnesota registered agent service is $199.
- Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $155 State Fee): This subscription covers the basic business filing service and a check for name availability. This product typically takes 7 to 10 business days to file. The package also has a 100% accuracy guarantee to offer precision. You can also explore additional conveniences with a 1-month complimentary trial of Banking, Bank Account, Money Pro Bookkeeping, and Website Builder. You'll also get worry-free compliance in the first year (optional), with the choice to renew at $199/year if accepted.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $155 State Fee): It has all Starter features and a faster filing service (within 1 day). Additionally, you also have access to an LLC operating agreement template priced at $99 and the inclusion of an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $155 State Fee): This LLC formation plan will bring you the platform's services (state filing costs), business document templates, domain name and privacy, personalized business website, and rush filing speed of 1 working day.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Unlimited name searches and support.
- Comprehensive resource center for entrepreneurs.
- Free registered agent service for one year.
- Fast processing, typically one business day.
- EIN obtainment included in paid packages only.
- Additional services can be costly.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs and startups looking for low-cost, reliable registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses that require more hands-on support and complex services.
The Verdict
IncFile provides a great value with its low-cost offerings and is particularly suitable for new businesses that need basic registered agent services without high costs.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) stands out as Minnesota's most affordable solution for LLC and registered agent services, with prices starting at an unbeatable $119 per year.
Our one-month trial with Bizee was a testament to their commitment to affordability without compromising on quality.
We were particularly impressed with their intuitive online dashboard, which offered accurate and up-to-date information, making our account management effortless.
Our experience with Bizee revealed that they are more than just a cost-effective option. Their free LLC formation service is a boon for new businesses, simplifying the startup process significantly.
Bizee's role extends beyond just LLC formation; they are a reliable point of contact with the Minnesota Secretary of State. They adeptly handle the serving of processes and other legal documents, ensuring that our privacy is always protected.
Overall, Bizee's offerings are affordable and comprehensive, catering to new and existing businesses.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($119): The Registered Agent costs $119/year, but if formed using any of their LLC packages, you will get the first year for free.
- Free Silver LLC Formation Package ($0 + $155 State Fee): A free business formation service with unlimited name searches, registered agents, and Articles of Incorporation will be prepared and filed.
- Bizee Gold LLC Formation Package ($199 + $155 State Fee): With this package, just like the previous one, you will get a free registered agent, everything from the Silver Bundle, as well as an IRS Form 2553, EIN business tax number, and an operating agreement. The registered agent business also has banking resolutions, an online access dashboard, and provides you with a tax advice option.
- Platinum LLC Formation Package ($299 + $155 State Fee): The Platinum Package will bring you everything the other bundles have, and business contract templates, as well as free business websites, and domain registrations. With this package, you can start applying for your Minnesota LLC in the following day.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- User-friendly interface, simplifies legal procedures for non-experts.
- Comprehensive support, from business formation to legal advice.
- Streamlined process, easy to follow and understand for users.
- Specific legal services might not meet all individual needs.
- Some services may be more expensive compared to competitors.
- Refund policy may not be as flexible once paperwork is submitted.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses looking for a well-established provider with a wide range of legal services.
Who is it not for?
- Smaller entities or those on a tight budget due to higher price points.
The Verdict
LegalZoom is suited for businesses that need a comprehensive suite of services beyond just registered agent duties, offering peace of mind with added legal support.
LegalZoom is a well-known premium registered agent service in the industry. Even though they are the most expensive, they have enough benefits to make the price somewhat reasonable.
They still offer some of the best registered agent services alongside other legal services.
Customers have a 60-day satisfaction guarantee to evaluate and request a refund if necessary. Their support is flexible, but it is always available during regular business hours from Monday to Saturday.
We found LegalZoom's pre-populated Operating Agreement to be very convenient, and their professional support teams were knowledgeable and helpful.
We liked how easy it was to navigate through their online dashboard as well, unlike many registered agent services.
However, some businesses providing some of the best Minnesota registered agent services offer comparable quality and functionality to LegalZoom at a significantly lower cost.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299): Should you establish a Minnesota LLC, the initial year's expenses for registered agents are $249, with subsequent renewals at $299. Additionally, they offer identity theft safeguards for up to $1 million, timely email notifications, and unlimited cloud storage.
- LLC Basic Formation Package ($0 + $155 State Fee): This bundle comprises the organization's articles of incorporation, an all-inclusive digital welcome pack for the LLC, a thorough business names check, and a WIX-hosted website.
- LLC Pro Formation Package ($249 + $155 State Fee): The package comprises all the elements present in the Basic plan, the operating agreement of the organization, an EIN, specialized guidance for insurance and taxes, as well as an all-inclusive guide to licensing for your specific area.
- LLC Premium Formation Package ($299 + $155 State Fee): The package entails all the features included in the Pro package, along with a half-hour of limitless legal services on new legal matters and updated LLC documentation within three months from the initial subscription. Additionally, you can benefit from the expert guidance of a meticulous Minnesota business attorney.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to selecting the right registered agent service for your Minnesota-based business, my extensive background and firsthand experience in the field position me as a trustworthy source of guidance.
As the CEO, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter, I've dedicated over nine years to consulting with startups and established businesses alike, assisting them in navigating the legal and operational intricacies of successful business management. My journey is grounded in a solid academic foundation in business management, complemented by numerous industry certifications.
Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work closely with a variety of registered agent services, directly contributing to the operational success of countless clients. This depth of experience has given me a well-rounded perspective on what businesses genuinely need from their registered agent service providers.
Therefore, when I recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the premier choice for your registered agent needs in Minnesota, it's with a mix of professional expertise and a track record of favorable outcomes.
My dedication to your success is supported by years of aiding businesses in reaching their objectives, making my endorsement of Northwest Registered Agent a recommendation you can trust with confidence.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Minnesota?
Venture Smarter conducted a comprehensive review of over ten registered services to identify Minnesota's top registered agent services. This involved anonymous interactions with their business formation and services, ensuring an unbiased approach.
Our legal team, comprising experienced advisors and attorneys, provided essential insights, contributing to a well-rounded evaluation.
Here are the 8 crucial criteria we considered:
1. Price
Price is crucial, especially for startups or businesses with limited budgets. It's about finding the cheapest option and the best value for money. A service that offers a comprehensive package at a reasonable price is often more beneficial than a cheaper, less inclusive option.
We compared the annual fees of each registered agent service, noting any additional costs for standard services such as mail forwarding or document filing.
After thorough evaluation, certain services stood out for their cost-effectiveness. For instance, Bizee offers a compelling package at $119 per year, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without compromising on quality.
Conversely, services like LegalZoom, with a higher annual fee of $299, were rated lower due to their premium pricing.
2. Customer Support
Customer support is crucial for timely and effective communication. It ensures clients receive timely assistance and guidance, particularly in handling complex legal and compliance matters.
We conducted a series of secret shopper tests, contacting each service's customer support with a predetermined set of questions at different times of the day and week. We evaluated response times, the accuracy of the information provided, and the overall helpfulness of the support staff.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness stood out for their excellent customer support, offering prompt and friendly responses. Bizee, while offering an intuitive online dashboard, had more limited customer support options.
3. Confidentiality
Registered agent services must ensure their data handling practices are robust and secure. This involves employing advanced security measures like encryption and stringent data access controls.
We assessed each registered agent's data protection policies by reviewing their privacy agreements, encryption standards, and data handling procedures. We also submitted a request to handle sensitive documents to see how each service would process and protect this information.
Northwest Registered Agent had strict data privacy measures. Their approach to handling sensitive documents and ensuring client information remains confidential is a significant part of their service offering.
LegalZoom also offered additional features like identity theft protection, indicating a higher level of commitment to protecting client data.
4. Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is a critical aspect of registered agent services, primarily due to the time-sensitive nature of the documents they handle.
The importance of this factor lies in the need for swift and efficient communication between the business and state agencies, like the Secretary of State (SOS).
In my selection, I looked at registered agents' operational efficiency, the use of technology in document processing, and the overall effectiveness of their communication channels.
and ZenBusiness were notable for their quick turnaround times, with Bizee offering same-day filing in some packages.
5. Third-Party Reviews
Third-party reviews are crucial in assessing the quality and reliability of registered agent services. They provide potential customers with unbiased, real-world experiences from other users.
In my selection process, I covered aspects like customer service, efficiency, ease of use, and overall satisfaction. I also used platforms like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) during my evaluations.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness emerge as winners in this category, with strong positive feedback across various review platforms.
Bizee, while offering good value, shows some weaknesses in customer support as per user reviews. LegalZoom, despite its range of features, faces criticism over its pricing.
6. Transition Process
The transition process when switching to a new registered agent service is crucial for businesses because it ensures continuity of service.
A seamless transition is key to maintaining compliance with state laws and regulations, as any gaps can lead to missed deadlines or unprocessed documents, potentially putting the business at risk.
During my analysis, I examined how the companies provided a smooth transition process to protect the business from legal vulnerabilities, such as missed court documents or state filings.
Northwest Registered Agent stood out, focusing on maintaining continuity and compliance. ZenBusiness and Bizee, with their user-friendly platform, also made the transition easy for businesses.
7. Service Features
The range of service features can significantly impact the efficiency and convenience of a registered agent service.
When tackling registered agents' service features, I focused on features like online dashboards and compliance alerts, and additional services like mail forwarding or annual report filings are essential.
ZenBusiness scored well with its well-designed dashboard and real-time updates. Northwest Registered Agent provided comprehensive services including court subpoenas handling and communication with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
LegalZoom, despite being more expensive, offered premium features like identity theft protection.
8. Ease of Use
Ease of use is a critical factor when choosing a registered agent service because it directly impacts the efficiency and satisfaction of the user experience.
A user-friendly platform simplifies managing legal documents, tracking compliance deadlines, and communicating with the agent.
In my selection criteria, Bizee ranked top for its intuitive dashboard. ZenBusiness also provided a user-friendly experience with its real-time tracking dashboard.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost in Minnesota?
Registered agent service providers in Minnesota cost between $89 and $299. However, given that hiring a registered agent for the first year can considerably raise the cost of a Minnesota LLC, we do recommend you look for a package that includes it.
Being your own registered agent or delegating a friend or family member for this role is free of charge.
Related Articles:
- How to Look Up an LLC in Minnesota
- How to End an LLC in Minnesota
- How Long Does It Take to Start an LLC in Minnesota
What Are the Requirements for Minnesota Registered Agent Services?
According to Minnesota Statute 5.36, the following limitations apply to registered agents in Minnesota:
- The agent's address must be located entirely within the state of Minnesota. You require a registered agent in each state where you conduct business.
- You must have a physical address for the registered company; P.O. Boxes do not qualify.
- A registered agent must be a citizen of the state or a company with a valid business license.
- According to a Minnesota statute, the registered agent services must keep a business office that is the same as the registered office. This implies that during business hours, your Minnesota registered agents must be present at the address specified on the business formation paperwork to accept the service of process on your behalf.
FAQs
Is It Mandatory for Me to Hire a Registered Agent Service for My LLC in Minnesota?
It is mandatory for you to hire a registered agent service for your LLC in Minnesota. The state requires all LLCs, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to choose and maintain a registered agent in Minnesota.
How Do I Choose the Right Registered Agent Service in Minnesota?
Choosing the right registered agent service will depend on your business's needs. We recommend using a reputable national registered agent service. It can be difficult to choose because there are a lot of different agent service providers to choose from.
Venture Smarter Verdict on the Best Registered Agent Service in Minnesota
After a thorough examination of various registered agent services in Minnesota, it is clear that Northwest Registered Agent stands out as the premier choice for LLCs.
From our personal experience, their commitment to ensuring compliance, coupled with exceptional customer support, was evident in every interaction.
The ease of use of their online dashboard and the expertise of their team significantly streamlined the process of managing legal and official communications for our business.
Northwest Registered Agent handles the fundamental responsibilities of a registered agent with proficiency and provides a layer of security against potential legal and financial penalties.
For businesses in Minnesota, Northwest Registered Agent is a strategic asset, ensuring peace of mind and operational efficiency in a complex business landscape.
