Understanding the responsibilities of a Montana registered agent is essential for any business wanting to abide by state regulations.
In Montana, it is critical for businesses to maintain legal compliance, and having a registered agent that stays up-to-date on the latest regulations and requirements ensures lawful operations.
The role of registered agent may either be filled by an individual or delegated to another business organization.
As a seasoned business owner myself, I must say that finding the best deal and a trustworthy registered agent company is equally crucial when employing a registered agent.
To help make the process easier, together with our team of legal experts, we conducted extensive research and compiled a list of the best registered agent companies in Montana that will serve all your business needs.
Northwest
ZenBusiness
Harbor ComplianceThe 4 Best Registered Agent Services in Montana (May 2023)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent Service (Editor's Choice)
Northwest Registered Agent is one of the best registered agent service providers in Montana due to their provision of all necessary corporate services to ensure that your Montana LLC or corporation stays in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Montana Secretary of State.
Northwest Registered Agent met our one-day turnaround time expectation for document reports, an industry standard of service.
You'll also get great customer support, valuable alerts and reminders, and client assistance.
We were pleased to find that their online platform was designed for ease of use, with user-friendly navigation and clear instructions, making it simple for us to navigate.
Additionally, we were impressed by the company's robust privacy infrastructure, which ensures that essential business information remains secure from unauthorized access.
What sets Northwest Registered Agent apart from its competitors in the industry is its commitment not to outsource any of its online LLC services.
This policy gives them a unique sense of autonomy and understanding, enhancing their expertise and reputation.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125):Â The first year of registered agent service is free if you form your LLC with Northwest services.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $35 State Fee): There are articles of incorporation, an operational agreement, and a one-year complimentary registered agent service that are all included in this package. Regular and rapid processing speeds are included as well.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $35 State Fee): This plan comes with the possibility to file the same day, a full year access to registered agent service, an operating agreement, and a client account with free forms and services.
- Prioritizes data protection
- Personalized customer support
- Industry experience surpasses 20 years
- Pricing is transparent
- A year free of Formation package includes 1 year of free Montana registered agent service
- Pricey
2 - ZenBusiness Registered Agent Service
ZenBusiness is another good choice for a Montana registered agent service. Especially for those who want to start their Montana LLC and receive a registered agent at a lower cost.
Throughout our trial and error process, the professional customer service at ZenBusiness handled all of our compliance filings, ensuring that we remained in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State.
We were impressed by their transparent pricing model, especially for individual services. Their user-centric interface streamlined the filing process, allowing us to complete it in under 20 minutes.
We even received a discount, which we appreciated.
Based on our experience, we would highly recommend ZenBusiness to anyone looking to form an LLC in Montana.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The charge for registered agent service is $199 per year.
- Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $35 State Fee): This subscription covers the basic business filing service as well as a check for name availability. This product typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to file.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $35 State Fee): It includes the Basic Package and some other options such as 4 to 6 days filling speed.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $35 State Fee): This package covers not only the platform's services (including state filing fees) but the quickest service (which takes from 1 to 2 days) and a customized company website.
- Affordable and straightforward pricing structure
- Customer support for chat is expanded
- Favorable customer feedback
- A 60-day money-back promise
- Fewer advanced features
3 - Harbor Compliance Registered Agent Service
Harbor Compliance offers registered agent services to those interested in one of the most reasonable ($99 per year) and accessible prices for forming an LLC.
In addition to obtaining a business license and establishing an LLC, Harbor Compliance offers fundraising compliance, yearly reports, and registered agent services in Montana.
We particularly appreciated the speed at which Harbor Compliance's online legal services were completed, which saved us the burden of creating compliance papers.
As part of the LLC creation procedure, the company assigned us a registered agent who collected our information and prepared and mailed any necessary documents, making the process even more seamless.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($88): Annual costs range from $89 to $99 per state, with no additional fees. If you pay for registered agent services in advance for more than two years, you can save 5-10%.
- LLC Formation Package ($99 + $35 State Fee): This plan includes completing and filing your articles of incorporation with the state, as well as checking the availability of the name you've chosen.
- Most Affordable Montana registered agent services
- Highly functional online platform
- Flat Rate with No Hidden Fees
- Highly Affordable compared to other competitors
- No agent service on basic registered agent services plan
4 - LegalZoom Registered Agent Service
LegalZoom is one of the biggest registered agents in the nation and one of the more popular.
Although LegalZoom charges more than its competitors, they offer an additional layer of protection for your information.
LegalZoom provides a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, giving customers adequate time to evaluate their services and seek a refund if necessary.
Their customer support is also available during flexible hours, including weekdays and Saturdays during regular business hours.
We appreciated the convenience of the pre-populated Operating Agreement provided by LegalZoom, as well as the expertise and guidance of their professional support teams.
However, some Montana companies offering registered agent services provide comparable quality and functionality to LegalZoom at a significantly lower price point.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299):Â The starting price for an LLC formation in Montana is set at $249 for the initial year, thereafter the renewal charge will amount to $299 for the subsequent year. This service comes with numerous benefits such as limitless online storage, protection against identity theft amounting to $1 million, a Compliance Calendar, and email notifications.
- LLC Basic Formation Package ($0 + $35 State Fee): The package comprises articles of organization, extensive name searches, a comprehensive welcome package tailored to your LLC, and a personalized website created with Wix.
- LLC Pro Formation Package ($249 + $35 State Fee): The package comprises all the features of the basic package plus an operating agreement, an in-depth guide to business licensing policies, EIN, and preliminary consultations regarding insurance and taxes.
- LLC Premium Formation Package ($299 + $35 State Fee): The features include all Pro package features along with personalized guidance from a skilled Montana business attorney. During the initial 90 days of your subscription, you'll also get unlimited attorney consultation for half an hour regarding the latest legal topics, as well as any necessary amendments in your LLC document.
- Identity theft protection(up to $1 million worth)
- Superior brand awareness
- High customer volume
- Considerably more expensive
- Formation package doesn't include Montana registered agent services
Benefits of Working with the Best Registered Agent Service in Montana
Hiring a professional registered agent in Montana provides significant legal and financial benefits for a Montana business.
Having a third party serve as your primary point of contact with the state ensures you never miss important notices or paperwork while also shielding personal information and safeguarding privacy [1]:
1. It Helps You Stay Compliant
A Montana registered agent service ensures your business is always compliant with state laws.
They will also inform you of all the transactions and procedures carried out so that your business operations are up-to-date and meet state requirements.
2. Gives You Peace of Mind
Montana registered agent services can take the worry out of running a business, ensuring all paperwork is handled professionally and accurately.
Hence, you are free to devote your full attention to growing your business.
3. It Provides Flexibility
Using a professional registered agent service can offer you incredible business flexibility.
Rather than being locked into a traditional 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. working day schedule, you can select your own hours.
The best registered agent service will be available for service processes during standard business hours as required by law.
This flexibility allows for more efficient operations while still fulfilling all legal requirements.
4. Ensures Privacy
Protect your privacy and keep alerts about the service process out of your home address by using a registered agent for public records.
Your commercial or residential address information will remain confidential [2].
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost in Montana?
Montana registered agent service typically costs $89 to $299, which could be a great investment deal for a Montana business.
If you just starting out, we recommend looking for a package that has a free year of registered agent included, as this could easily add to your cost of forming an LLC in Montana.
Related Articles:
- How to Look Up an LLC in Montana
- How to Dissolve an LLC in Montana
- How Long Does It Take For LLC Approval in Montana
What Are the Requirements for a Montana Registered Agent?
A registered agent must follow the Montana Model Registered Agents Act ( 35-7-114).
- Able to accept legal documents and be at least 18 years old.
- Have a physical, state-based registered office address. No PO Boxes.
- Must be a resident of Montana or a company providing Montana registered agent services.
If you're unhappy with your registered agent, see our article on how to change your registered agent in Montana.
FAQs
Why Do I Need to Hire a Registered Agent in Montana?
You need to hire a registered agent in Montana because all businesses in Montana are required by state law to maintain a valid registered agent on file with the government.
What Does a Montana Registered Agent Service Do For My Business?
A Montana registered agent service is your business's primary contact with the Secretary of State of Montana. They will send important tax notices and compliance information to your registered agent. Notifying a person or entity that they are the target of a lawsuit, in this case, one against their business, is known as a service of process.
Can I Be My Registered Agent for My Montana LLC?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your Montana LLC. Owners frequently do this. However, the owner can choose another person or company as registered agents for various reasons.
Can I Change My LLC’s Registered Agent?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s registered agent if you delegate a new one for the position. The Secretary of State will accept Change of Registered Agent forms, or you can wait and make the change when you submit your annual report. There is no filing charge if you choose to file a change form.
How Much is The LLC formation State Filing Fee in Montana?
The LLC formation state filing fee in Montana is $70.
How Can I Resign as a Registered Agent?
To resign as a registered agent, you must submit a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent to the Montana Secretary of State.
What Do You Mean By a Montana Registered Office?
Montana registered office is the actual street address in Montana, where the registered agent is located. The registered agent must be on-site during regular business hours to sign for paperwork. Many state agencies also send the registered agent warnings of taxes owed and annual report reminders.
Our Favourite Registered Agent in Montana is...
Starting and running a business in Montana can be challenging, so employing the services of a registered agent is invaluable to legal compliance and growth. That's why we recommend Northwest Registered Agent.
We received prompt and professional service. Their user interface is second to none in our book.
Overall, the experience went really smoothly and they were also the fastest service providers to give us a reply.
Their expertise can help you avoid common mistakes which could negatively impact your success.
Our #1 Recommendation
Northwest Registered Agent Service
- Prioritizes data protection
- Personalized customer support
- Industry experience surpasses 20 years
- Pricing is transparent
- A year free of Formation package includes 1 year of free Montana registered agent service
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of May
- Pricey
