Harbor Compliance Review (2025) An LLC Service Overview

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: February 16, 2025
FACT CHECKED by Lou Viveros, Growth & Transition Advisor
Methodology
We diligently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides. By interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions. Learn more

If you are creating a new business, you will likely need to explore LLC formation companies and professional registered agent service options.

As I've employed Harbor Compliance before, I was given an opportunity to observe and validate the company's reliability.

They streamline the LLC formation process and offer services with a focus on business compliance, including management, licensing and tax registration.

Since I've worked with several formation services before, I'll comprehensively review Harbor Compliance and evaluate their overall service, special features, customer relations, pricing, and how they compare to other online companies.

Venture Smarter | Harbor Compliance Review ([y]) An LLC Service Overview

What Is Harbor Compliance?

Harbor compliance logo with an office worker in the background

Harbor Compliance is a business that specializes in compliance processes for business owners and nonprofits and can help you with the LLC formation process.

Harbor Compliance was created in 2012 and has helped over 20,000 companies, corporations, and nonprofits with compliance solutions, according their website.

Harbor Compiance doesn't specialize in only formation services, but they provide you with comprehensive services, including LLC formation.

"Harbor Compliance is a solid choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive compliance solution. Its online LLC formation service is easy to use and competitively priced provided you don’t need a ton of services, and its ongoing compliance services offer a host of options for businesses seeking to manage their compliance obligations."

- Katherine Haan, MBA, Former Financial Advisor, Writer and Business Coach

Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance logo with a business person reading a notebook in the background
Rated 4.40/5
4.4
Support
4.4
Price
4.4
Turnaround
4.4
Ease of Use
4.4
User Ratings
4.4
Features

Harbor Compliance Review Ratings

Venture Smarter thorough analysis of Harbor Compliance has involved examining multiple facets of their service to give you an in-depth insight into their offerings.

We have based our evaluations on customer service, cost, functionalities, and response time to give you a comprehensive perspective on their effectiveness.

Support - 4.4/5

Harbor Compliance excels in customer support, earning a 4.4 out of 5 rating.

Harbor Compliance claims to offer unparalleled customer support. In our experience, this claim holds true, as evidenced by the dedicated compliance specialist assigned to our case.

This high level of support is especially beneficial for businesses navigating complex compliance landscapes, reflecting the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Price - 4.4/5

We rated Harbor Compliance's pricing at 4.4 out of 5. While their services are on the higher end of the spectrum, their value justifies the cost.

Harbor Compliance advertises comprehensive and robust compliance packages. Our evaluation confirms that their offerings provide significant value, aligning with their claims and justifying their pricing.

Their comprehensive package, covering essential LLC formation services and a robust compliance package, offers significant value for businesses seeking thorough and reliable compliance solutions.

Features - 4.4/5

The features offered by Harbor Compliance are comprehensive and tailored to a wide range of business needs, meriting a 4.4 out of 5 rating.

Our firsthand experience confirms that their services are as inclusive and versatile as they claim.

From basic LLC formation to advanced compliance software and specialized services for regulated industries, their offerings cater to diverse business requirements, making them a versatile choice for various entities.

Turnaround - 4.4/5

Harbor Compliance's turnaround time is impressive, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Promising swift service delivery, Harbor Compliance's turnaround time lived up to our expectations, meriting an impressive rating based on our experience.

Their commitment to processing LLC formations within a single day and utilizing expedited processing whenever possible demonstrates their efficiency and dedication to helping businesses get up and running swiftly.

User Ratings - 4.4/5

Harbor Compliance enjoys an impressive user rating of 4.4 out of 5, reflecting strong customer satisfaction.

Users frequently commend the platform's personalized service and expert guidance, which is particularly valuable for businesses navigating complex regulatory requirements.

My experience with Harbor Compliance was exceptional; the dedicated compliance specialist assigned to my case provided clear, actionable advice that made the process much less daunting.

This high level of personalized support aligns perfectly with the stellar ratings they’ve received.

Ease of Use - 4.4/5

Harbor Compliance’s ease of use is highly rated at 4.4 out of 5, showcasing the platform’s efficient and user-centric design.

The onboarding process is smooth, with a clear and intuitive interface guiding users through each step.

My personal experience was very positive—the platform's structured approach and well-organized dashboard made it easy to manage all compliance tasks.

The additional support from their team ensured that even more complicated regulatory steps were handled with ease, contributing to a stress-free experience.

LLC Service Features & Prices

This is what Harbor Compliance offers to future or existing LLC owners.

  • Basic LLC Formation package (starts at $99 + State Fees): This package includes a name availability check, filing Articles Of Organization, registered agent service for a year, and Federal employer identification number registration [1]. It's worth noting that, according to the IRS, over 80% of EIN applications are processed and assigned immediately online, facilitating a swift start for new businesses.
  • Compliance Package (starts at $799): This package includes Harbor Compliance registered agent services, annual report service, DBA renewal, compliance alerts and audit, compliance specialist, coaching and education, and updates on changes in requirements.
  • Registered Agent Service (starts at $89-$99): Harbor Compliance offers a registered agent service that provides immediate online access to a registered agent address and same-day electronic delivery of legal documents. Their service, available in all 50 states, includes annual report notifications and transparent pricing, with annual fees ranging from $89 to $99 per state, ensuring efficient and compliant business operations.

Additional Features

Harbor Compliance offers a range of other services which I personally used to set up businesses and can attest that the company offers a wide range of platforms not featured in other formation services.

 Here are the following services made available by the company:

  • Nonprofit Formation: $1,799 plus state fees
  • C-Corp: $99 + state fees
  • Amendments: $299 + state fees
  • Annual Reports: $100 - $175 plus state fees
  • Business License: $500
  • Foreign Qualification: $399 plus state fees
  • Certificate of Good Standing: $85 + state fees
  • Dissolutions and Withdrawals: $399 + state fees
  • Drop-off Filing: $175 + state fees
  • Publishing: $300 + state fees

Benefits

Two business men discussing the benefits offered by Harbor Compliance

Since I've partnered with Harbor Compliance before, I can attest to the benefits they offer.

The range of service features offered by the company proved invaluable at every step of forming my business.

  • Additional Features: Harbor Compliance offers a variety of services beyond LLC formation, including annual report service, compliance packages, corporate compliance options, and expert compliance specialists. These services are available even if you don't form your LLC with them.
  • Personalized Customer Support: Unlike many LLC formation services that operate primarily online, Harbor Compliance assigns a compliance specialist to each customer, providing personalized support throughout the formation process.
  • One-Day Processing: Harbor Compliance can process and file Articles of Organization on the same day an order is received. They also have local offices to facilitate business formation in areas without digital filing options, enhancing efficiency for small business owners across multiple states.
  • Great Track Record: Established in 2012, Harbor Compliance has quickly built a strong reputation for professionalism and efficiency, as evidenced by positive online feedback, a high Google rating, and an A+ score with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Advanced Software: They offer specialized compliance software that enables businesses to monitor licenses, track due dates, assign tasks, access records, and more, all from a single platform.
  • Extensive Database: Harbor Compliance provides a comprehensive database of business requirements nationwide, saving business owners time researching these requirements.
  • Special Licensing: They assist with applications for highly regulated industries, such as construction, insurance, security, and architecture, going beyond the general licensing assistance offered by most formation services.

Downsides

A man using a laptop on a desk

Despite Harbor Compliance being an excellent formation service, here are some downsides you may experience.

  • Expensive Service: Harbor Compliance is notably expensive at a starting price point of $99, lacking flexibility and customization in their service offerings compared to other companies that provide multiple, modifiable packages.
  • Outdated Website: The Harbor Compliance website is outdated and lacks comprehensive information on LLC formation services, including details on service costs and package options.
  • Fewer Services Included: While Harbor Compliance covers essential services for business formation, it falls short in offering additional features like business licensing and document libraries, which are commonly included in competitors' packages.

Who Should Hire Harbor Compliance?

A close up shot of two gentlemen shaking hands

Clients looking for excellent customer service and one-on-one support with their formation packages should hire Harbor Compliance.

Venture Smarter recommend Harbor Compliance for business owners who:

  • They are looking for ongoing assistance with their business
  • Those with multi-state businesses due to their innovative software to monitor requirements nationwide
  • Large companies that need complex licensing and entity management
  • Businesses in regulated industries
  • Growing businesses looking to expand into new states
  • Large nonprofit organizations that can benefit from custom services

Other User Testimonials

"Our charitable organization needed help getting a tax exempt. The team coped with the task at the agreed time frame and without any problems. Thank you, and hope for long-term cooperation with Harbor Compliance."
- Review from Tigran E, Better Business Bureau

"I started using Harbor Compliance in 2019 and have been extremely happy with Sara, our Account Rep, and her team. I knew very little about the compliance side of business, and Sara took the time to educate me and steer me in the right direction. I requested early on that I have the same Account Rep handling my account, and they were happy to comply. We are now set up, registered, and compliant in 23 states. I rely on their expertise and knowledge to get us where we need to go. I highly recommend them and would encourage new business to check them out."
- Kim E, Better Business Bureau 

"My company recently won our first contract in another state and required immediate assistance with foreign qualifications, etc. We were notified of the award on a Friday and were on the ground Sunday. I immediately called Harbor Compliance and spoke to John. He and his team were amazing to work with. I filled out a couple of simple forms, and they took care of the rest. That same week we were registered and ready to go, simply and seamlessly. I highly recommend Harbor to any business, tiny startups like ours who could not have done the quick turnaround without such great assistance! Thank you, Harbor!"
- Hive International

"I was in need of starting up a new corporation in North Carolina. Looking to get this done efficiently within my busy schedule, I was in need of someone to take care of this for me. I talked to Heather, and she convinced me that Harbor Compliance could get this done while I maintained my focus elsewhere. With help from John, they made the process easy and painless. I very much recommend using Harbor Compliance for any compliance needs you may have. They were a pleasure to deal with. The best part of all, when you call, they remember who you are!"
- Frankie Smith

Harbor Compliance Alternatives

In this section, Venture Smarter will be comparing Harbor Compliance with its top competitors on the market.

1. ZenBusiness

A logo of ZenBusiness with a background of a business woman using a laptop

ZenBusiness's pricing is some of the most affordable in the industry, with plans starting at $0 for business LLC formation services.

Their base plan also includes many features that Harbor Compliance doesn't, such as business formation documents, annual report service, etc.

ZenBusiness offers more pricing options to buy individual services or add them to your package.

On the other hand, Harbour Compliance only offers one package and cannot add other services or customize the package they offer.

In summary, ZenBusiness provides flexible pricing with customizable services, unlike Harbor Compliance's fixed package, which has no additional options for customization.

ZenBusiness also offers a more navigatable system for its application process. Their website is more straightforward and up-to-date compared to Harbor Compliance.

This is why their website builder feature is packed with hundreds of templates, is easy to use, mobile-friendly, and supports advanced SEO tools and scheduling widgets.

2. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is more affordable than Harbor Compliance, with their formation packages starting at $39 versus $99 for Harbor Compliance.

Northwest Registered Agent also offers more plans than Harbor Compliance as well as more customization options.

Both Northwest Registered Agent and Harbor Compliance have great customer reviews and customer service. Both options also offer specialized support services.

3. Bizee

bizee

Bizee (formerly Incfile) is one of the most affordable in the industry, with their formation services starting at $0.

However, they offer a reasonably bare-bones offering compared to Harbor Compliance's more expensive service.

Bizee has over 14 years of experience and has helped over 500,000 businesses compared to Harbor Compliance's 10 years of experience.

Harbor Compliance offers specialized customer service, and while Bizee's customer service is good, it's not as specialized for compliance offerings.

Bizee's order tracking is more extensive than Harbour Compliance's service. The company is also a bit more user-friendly in terms of the website and application process than Harbor Compliance.

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FAQs

What States Does Harbor Compliance Help?

Harbor Compliance helps all 50 states with business formation as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They have a nationwide network of local offices to serve customers in areas that lack digital document printing options.

Does Harbor Compliance Sell Or Share Information With Third Parties?

Harbor Compliance does not sell or share information with third parties; however, they may share your information with trusted third-party businesses that they partner with to provide services.

What Is Harbor Compliance's Refund Policy?

Harbor Compliance doesn't have a general refund policy. Due to the fact that they complete your filing within the same business day, it is also nearly impossible to receive a refund, especially for state filing fees.

Venture Smarter Verdict on Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance is an excellent choice for LLC formation and compliance services.

They offer specialized customer service with compliance specialists to keep your business running, have a lot of positive feedback, offer same-day processing, special licensing, and more.

Although they offer all these benefits, Harbor Compliance can be expensive for small business owners.

However, if you're looking for a more affordable option and don't care too much about personalized customer service, choose ZenBusiness.

ZenBusiness is an ultra-affordable choice with plans starting at $0 for LLC formation and a separate registered agent service, expense tracking, and anything else you might need for the formation and upkeep of your business.

We Recommend This Instead

ZenBusiness

A business man using a laptop as a background for ZenBusiness logo
Rated 4.92/5
5.0
Support
4.9
Price
4.9
Turnaround
4.9
Ease of Use
4.8
User Ratings
5.0
Features
Pros
  • They offer various formation packages to choose from
  • The prices of each package are reasonable
  • They provide a worry-free compliance
  • They make business formation as quickly as possible
  • Has a lot of positive customer feedback
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of February
Cons
  • Formation of non-profit business is not supported

About The Author

Venture Smarter | Harbor Compliance Review ([y]) An LLC Service Overview
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Venture Smarter | Harbor Compliance Review ([y]) An LLC Service Overview
Growth & Transition Advisor
LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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