The company also offers business identity solutions, including virtual office, mail forwarding, and internet phone services.

When considering the best LLC service for your needs, it helps to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of providers like Northwest Registered Agent to inform your decision.

Northwest Registered Agent LLC formation services review

To officially form an LLC you must file formation documents, known as Articles of Organization, with your state. But filing these documents is only the first step to legal compliance; you must also meet other obligations to ensure your LLC is legally compliant. These include:

  • Appointing a registered agent at the time of formation.
  • Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
  • Registering with the state’s department of revenue.

As their name suggests, Northwest Registered Agent began as a provider of registered agent services. The company has since branched out into LLC formation and ongoing business support. Unlike many service providers that offer various packages at different price levels, Northwest offers a single base formation package priced at $39, in addition to state filing fees. This package includes:

  • One year of free registered agent services (then $125/year). This includes business address, digital mail forwarding, and unlimited uploads of state/legal documents. Customers also have use of Northwest’s business address on public filings, plus scanning and uploading of the first five regular mail documents each year.
  • LLC operating agreement template.
  • One year of business domain registration.
  • 90-day free trial of business website, email, and phone number.
  • Built-in privacy safeguards for personal data without extra fees or opt-ins.

Northwest Registered Agent LLC formation process

Before you start, remember that many companies say they can help you quickly and easily form an LLC. It’s important to understand what needs to be done to create an LLC. Knowing these requirements will guide you through the process, help you choose any extra services you might want, and keep you aware of any additional steps to follow state rules, such as publication or other filing tasks.

Check out this resource to learn more: Guide to forming an LLC

Northwest offers a single starter package ($39), with additional services and fees that can be added as necessary. The step-by-step process is as follows:

  1. Select your state (pricing varies by state filing fees, set by the government).
  2. Provide basic details about your business: name, purpose, and management structure (member- or manager-managed).
  3. Select optional add-ons before checkout, such as EIN services, filing a DBA, and annual report filings.
  4. Provide payment information.
  5. Review and confirm your information. This must be completed before Northwest can proceed with filing. Delays can occur if this step isn’t completed promptly.

Pros and cons of Northwest Registered Agent Services

Category Pros Cons
Privacy and security Focus on privacy and data protection; privacy-by-default LLCs keep owner info off public records Privacy-first approach may complicate opening a business bank account
Customer support Support through Corporate Guides, positive reviews on third-party sites Some reviews cite inconsistent service or delays in processing documents
Pricing and value Flat-rate pricing with fewer upsells Higher pricing than budget competitors; no free LLC formation plan
Reputation Emphasis on compliance and customer care Reports of inconsistent turnaround times (per TrustPilot)
The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

How does Northwest Registered Agent compare to other LLC service providers

Northwest Registered Agent vs. BizFilings

Northwest Registered Agent and BizFilings are both established business formation companies that specialize in LLC formation and registered agent services nationwide.

Feature Northwest Registered Agent BizFilings
Founded Founded 1998, family-owned, nationwide staff 1996, backed by Wolters Kluwer CT Corporation (premier legal services brand) with nationwide reach
Pricing
  • One simple package: $39 + state filing fees
  • Includes operating agreement, privacy provisions, and one year of registered agent service
  • Three tiers: $99 (basic), $199 (popular), $399 (premium).
  • Also includes access to online compliance management tool and a collection of legal forms.
Registered agent service One year included free Three months included free, then extra cost

Customer may choose Northwest for their privacy protection features and full year of registered agent service included.

Customers may choose BizFilings for their comprehensive compliance tools and educational resources along with experienced formation services.

Northwest Registered Agent vs. LegalZoom

Northwest Registered Agent and LegalZoom both help people form companies in all 50 states. However, they have different business models. Northwest focuses mainly on business formation, while LegalZoom offers a wider range of business and personal legal services.

Feature Northwest Registered Agent LegalZoom
Founded Founded 1998, family-owned; specializes in business formation and registered agent services Founded 2001; broad legal services platform covering business and personal legal needs
Pricing One package: $39 + state fees
Includes operating agreement, privacy provisions, and one year of registered agent service
$0 LLC setup + state fees (but services are add-on based) and excludes registered agent service
Registered agent service One year is included free, then $125/year Not included in free LLC setup; costs $249/year

Northwest offers lower pricing for basic formation services (if registered agent services are taken into account). On the other hand, LegalZoom provides a wider range of legal support, including support with intellectual property and other legal business matters.

Northwest Registered Agent vs. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a relative newcomer to the LLC formation business.

Feature Northwest Registered Agent ZenBusiness
Founded Founded 1998, family-owned; specializes in business formation and registered agent services Founded 2015; newer entrant focused on affordable, tech-enabled business formation
Pricing One package: $39 + state fees Three plans, starting at $0 + state fees. Excludes registered agent service
Registered agent service One year included free, then $125/year
Includes operating agreement, privacy provisions, and one year of registered agent service
Not included; available as an add-on for $199/year
Technology/Tools No dedicated app, but site is fully mobile-friendly for managing services Mobile app available to track formation status, get notifications, and manage services

ZenBusiness may be suited for those looking to form an LLC, starting at $0 fee plus state fees. Northwest may appeal to those who want registered agent services included with formation.

Northwest Registered Agent vs. Bizee

Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is an online service that helps people start and manage their business.

Feature Northwest Registered Agent Bizee
Founded Founded 1998, family-owned; specializes in business formation and registered agent services Founded 2004. Established, well-known online business formation and compliance service provider
Pricing One package: $39 + state fees
Includes operating agreement, privacy provisions, and one year of registered agent service
Three tiers: $0, $199, $299 + state fees, with various add-ons
Registered agent service One year included free, then $125/year
One year included free (with any LLC formation package), then $119/year

Bizee's free formation package includes registered agent services at a lower overall cost. Northwest's package includes privacy features, an operating agreement, and one year of registered agent service.

Northwest Registered Agent LLC formation services frequently asked questions

Is Northwest Agent legit?

Established in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is a legitimate provider of LLC formation and registered agent services.

What are the reasons for using an LLC service?

LLC service providers offer an alternative to hiring costly attorneys, ensuring that your business formation documents are completed correctly and in compliance with state regulations. Utilizing many of these services can help you save time and money, give you confidence in the process, reduce the likelihood of mistakes, and provide useful customer support and resources during the intricate process of business formation.

Find the best LLC service for your business

Choosing the right LLC formation service depends on your priorities – whether it’s cost, speed, legal support, or ongoing compliance. Each provider has strengths and trade-offs, so it’s worth comparing your options carefully before making a decision.

For a deeper dive into the top providers, check out our guide to finding the best LLC service for your business. 

The business formation experts

BizFilings

Form an LLC today for as little as $99. Includes 3 months FREE Registered Agent. 

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