Northwest Registered Agent Review (2024) Tried & Tested
Northwest Registered Agent is among the most reliable companies in the industry.
As an expert in the field of business formation, I've spent hundreds of hours researching and testing Northwest registered agent service.
I'll provide you with my personal insight on the services offered, features, costs, and benefits of employing Northwest Registered Agent.
What Is Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a company that assists individuals and businesses in starting and maintaining their businesses. According to the Northwest Registered Agent website, they maintain over 3 million businesses nationwide. Additionally, the Northwest Companies boast a strong workforce of over 900 employees.
The company began as a registered agent service, opening offices in every state, and has since expanded into business formation, compliance, and offering free legal forms.
Northwest also provides services like mail forwarding and virtual office solutions.
Our #1 Recommendation
NorthWest
Northwest Registered Agent Review Ratings
Our assessment of Northwest Registered Agent involved thoroughly examining the company's offerings across various essential aspects.
Our assigned scores indicate the firm's dedication to excellence, effectiveness, and client contentment.
This guarantees that enterprises obtain optimal assistance during their establishment and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Support - 4.5/5
Northwest Registered Agent excels in customer support, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating.
Their team is known for being professional and friendly, offering prompt and clear guidance on various queries.
This high level of support is crucial for businesses navigating the complexities of formation and compliance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Price - 5.0/5
Venture Smarter team rated Northwest Registered Agent a perfect 5 for their pricing. Despite some services being on the higher end, the overall value offered is exceptional.
Their comprehensive packages, which include a range of essential services without hidden fees, provide excellent value for money, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses.
Features - 5.0/5
The features offered by Northwest Registered Agent are top-notch, deserving a 5 out of 5 rating.
From LLC formation to registered agent services and additional offerings like mail forwarding and virtual office solutions, they provide a wide array of services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses.
Thus ensuring a one-stop solution for business formation and maintenance.
User Ratings - 4.5/5
Northwest Registered Agent has earned a respectable rating of 4.5 out of 5, largely due to its solid customer support and reliable service.
Customers value the professionalism and friendliness of the support team, which is especially important when dealing with the complexities of business formation and compliance.
In my experience, the guidance I received was clear and prompt, making the entire process more manageable and less stressful.
Ease of Use - 5.0/5
Northwest Registered Agent is highly rated for ease of use, receiving a perfect score of 5.0 out of 5.
The platform is designed with the user in mind, offering a straightforward and intuitive interface that simplifies the business formation process.
When I used the service, I appreciated how easy it was to navigate through the steps, with each phase clearly explained and free of unnecessary complications.
This seamless experience made the process of setting up my LLC both quick and hassle-free.
Turnaround - 4.5/5
Northwest Registered Agent's turnaround time is impressive, meriting a 4.5 rating.
Their same-day filing service is particularly noteworthy, providing a quick and efficient process for businesses in a rush.
While approval times may vary based on state processing speeds, the company's commitment to prompt service is evident in its swift handling of filings and correspondence.
LLC Services and Prices
Here are the several services the company offers:
- Pay-in-Full Plan ($39 + State Fees): It includes LLC formation services, free registered agent services, mail forwarding to your business address, free phone service for 60 days, and privacy. Only orders made through our specific partner page are eligible for this discount ($39 for business formation and registered agent service included); this comprehensive plan normally costs $225.
- Registered Agent Service ($125/yr): Northwest will serve as your registered agent and ensure all business correspondence is processed promptly and filed correctly for a fee of $125 per year.
- Annual Compliance ($100): Northwest provides annual compliance to subscribers of this plan that includes timely notifications and compliance filing with the state.
Additional Services
- Corporation $225 + state fees
- Nonprofit Formation $225 + state fees
- Annual Reports $100 + state fees
- Phone Service $9/month
- Mail Forwarding $20/month
- EIN Services start at $50
- Virtual Office $29/month
- Trademark Services $249, including the USPTO fees
- Foreign Qualification $100 plus state fees
- Law on Call $9/month
- National Registered Agent $100 per state
- BOC-3 Process Registered Agent $125 + state fees
Benefits
Here are the perks of hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
- Positive Online Reviews: Northwest Registered Agent is highly regarded for its legitimacy, evidenced by numerous positive online reviews. These reviews significantly influence customer decisions and generally reflect the users' experiences.
- User-Friendly Ordering System: The company's website is praised for its simplicity and intuitiveness, making setting up an LLC straightforward and user-friendly.
- Professional, Friendly Customer Service: Northwest is known for its exceptional customer service. The review highlights personal experiences of quick and clear assistance from their team, especially regarding LLC paperwork queries.
- No Hidden Fees: The company is transparent about its costs, ensuring customers that the package's offerings are all-inclusive without surprise fees at checkout.
- Secure Information: They emphasize their 'Privacy by Default' feature, which assures customers that their personal information is secure, offering peace of mind throughout the process.
- Same-Day Filing: Northwest Registered Agent offers same-day filing for business startups, a crucial feature for those in a rush, although state processing times may vary.
- Monthly Payment Options: The company provides flexible monthly payment options, particularly beneficial for new businesses managing their budgets without compromising service quality.
- Little To No Upsells: The review appreciates the minimal upselling approach of Northwest Registered Agent, making the process smoother and less stressful. While some upsells are available and beneficial, they are not aggressively promoted.
Downsides
- Expensive EIN Services: The EIN application costs $50, which is high considering it's free on the IRS website [1].
- Expensive Formation Package: Forming an LLC or Corporation costs $225, which is relatively high compared to competitors offering free LLC formation services.
Starting an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent: A First-Hand Experience
Venture Smarter team recently had the opportunity to form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, and here's a detailed account of our journey:
- Initial Filing Process: The entire process took us just 9 minutes, with 6 of those minutes spent deciding on the specifics of the LLC. The platform is incredibly user-friendly, guiding users through step-by-step questions. One of the immediate benefits was receiving the registered agent address right away.
- Post-Filing Experience: Just 24 hours later, we had to address certain items under the "Services Requiring Attention" section. This was a straightforward process, mainly involving the provision of physical and mailing addresses. The entire filing was completed 72 hours after the initial filing.
- Documentation: We found my Operating Agreement, EIN document, and Articles of Organization all conveniently located in one place.
- Post-Formation Guidance: After the formation of the LLC, Northwest provided a comprehensive tax walkthrough and training on the next steps, ensuring that we were well-prepared for the journey ahead.
"Think beyond the basic service of process. Many registered agent services, like Northwest Registered Agent, offer additional features that can benefit your business."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
Who Should Hire Northwest Registered Agent Service?
Those who own a small business or are forming a small business and looking for a professional service and a company that truly values your privacy should hire Northwest Registered Agent.
Northwest Registered Agent is also a good choice for anyone looking for LLC and quality registered agent services all in the same package.
If you're looking for someone who offers personalized service to help you through the LLC formation process, Northwest registered agent is for you.
Our #1 Recommendation
NorthWest
Northwest Registered Agent Customer Testimonials
"The process was easy and fast, done that same week with no issues, and everything was 100% digital without waiting for the mail. It was also affordable (around $100 less than competitors); I recommend it for small businesses."
- Alex C., Trustpilot
"They are easy to contact, and an actual person answers. Any emails I have sent have been responded to over the same day. They offer plenty of free information if you want to do tasks yourself to save money."
- Wayno Bra, Trustpilot
"As a new business owner, I wanted to do it right and build a lasting company. Northwest gave me a chance by giving me a monthly billing option. I'm also a creative person and have to focus on company development. Northwest allows that freedom by taking a side of the business off my hands."
- Felicity Media Production LLC, Better Business Bureau
"If you want to set up an LLC, go to Northwest Registered Agent! These guys are amazing. Not only do they offer a truly excellent program for an excellent price, but their level of service is also unbelievable!"
- Charles B., Better Business Bureau
"Northwest Registered Agent is our favorite company. They're also a great option if you're on a budget. We've been using them for our LLCs for many years, and we highly recommend them."
- Matt Horowitz, Founder & Educator, LLC University
Northwest Registered Agent Alternatives
In this Northwest Registered Agent review, Venture Smarter team also looked at how the company compares to its main competitors.
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an LLC formation service, as well as other services. They can help you with basic LLC formation services in any state. They also offer registered agent services as a separate service at a fee of $199 and legal documents.
ZenBusiness provides a worry-free compliance service for $199/yr, an LLC operating agreement at $99, an accounting consultation, an Employer Identification Number, and good ads credit in their basic package.
Overall, Northwest has more free extras included in their price and is less expensive than ZenBusiness.
Regarding customer service, Zenbusiness has a general team available from Monday to Sunday and is reachable via phone, email, or chat.
Northwest outshines Zenbusiness with its personalized Corporate Guide customer service, reachable via phone, chat, or email. It's a bummer, however, that they don't work on weekends.
ZenBusiness ordering procedure was completed in ten to fifteen minutes at most. Having all the business data you want on hand can help you prepare. Although Northwest's website isn't quite as simple to use as its rivals, the layout of its purchase forms and checkout pages gives users a lot of transparency.
2. Bizee
Bizee is an LLC service and registered agent business. They offer services like same-day filing and other legal services like trademark applications.
In their base formation package, Bizee (formerly Incfile) only offers a free name search, one year of premium registered agent service, and nothing else.
Bizee also has an unclear refund policy, and it isn't transparent who they work with to provide their services.
Northwest Registered Agent is transparent with their pricing and who they work with, and they have several extras in their base package.
Bizee costs $119 annually for registered agent services, which is averagely typical for the sector. Bizee also offers a complimentary year of registered agent package with every LLC creation package, which is a nice touch.
Northwest charges $125 annually for its registered agent services, and they don't have a free offer unless you buy their paid-in-full plan for $225.
Northwest and Bizee are comparable in how soon your order will be handled on their end, yet you will be subject to the filing deadlines of the state in which you are creating a limited liability company.
A next-day business processing promise is included with every Bizee package.
3. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer isn't a specialized business formation service but is more of a legal site. They offer a base business formation package.
The essentials for a company formation are the only features in the package. Their registered agent package is $149.99 per year. Rocket Lawyer is ideal if you need legal help.
Northwest has better customer service and has a quicker LLC service, and more extras in their price, including a free registered agent plan for the first year.
Both Rocket Lawyer and Northwest provide expediting services that, in many jurisdictions, may cut the time to incorporate an entity in half to just a few days.
Regarding business services, Northwest and Rocket Lawyer are mostly comparable. Both provide certified copies, LLC operating agreements, and registered agent services.
However, Northwest doesn't offer any special services that Rocket Lawyer provides, including real estate services, such as creating a quitclaim deed or lease agreement.
Related articles:
- Bizee (formerly Incfile) vs Northwest Registered Agent
- ZenBusiness vs Northwest Registered Agent
- LegalZoom vs Northwest Registered Agent
FAQs
Is Northwest Registered Agent Legitimate?
Yes, Northwest Registered Agent is legitimate. Since their start in 1998, they have made a name for themselves in the registered agent business. Northwest Registered Agent LLC is one of the best registered agents nationwide.
How Much Does Northwest Registered Agent Cost?
Northwest Registered Agent costs $39 if you opt for their Base Package. You can also opt for their Deluxe Package for $179. If you don’t need formation services, registered agent service costs $125 annually and renews for $135 every year.
How Do I Cancel Northwest Registered Agent?
You can cancel Northwest Registered agent anytime by logging onto your account and canceling the service in your client portal.
Our Verdict on Northwest Registered Agent Service
Having personally navigated the maze of business formation, Venture Smarter team can't stress enough how invaluable my experience with Northwest Registered Agent was. Their website was a breeze to use, and the transparency in costs was genuinely refreshing.
What truly won me over was their 'Privacy by Default' feature, ensuring my personal details were always secure.
In my journey, their outstanding customer service and the plethora of extras, especially the free statutory agent service for the first year, were the cherries on top.
If you're on the fence, Northwest Registered Agent is the way to go for setting up your business seamlessly.
Our #1 Recommendation
NorthWest
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering system
- The professional customer service team
- No hidden fees
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of October
- Northwest Registered Agent doesn't include a federal tax ID number in their basic package
