This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.
Read our review guidelines.
Northwest Registered Agent
- Simple flat-rate pricing
- DIY Options
- Free templates
- Additional services
- Mailboxes not available in all states
- Virtual offices not available in all states
In this Northwest Registered Agent review, you’ll learn everything you need to understand this pivotal business services provider.
The primary goal of NW Registered Agent is to help entrepreneurs set up and run their businesses smoothly, with a focus on registered agent services, business formation, and compliance solutions.
But how do they stack up against the competition? Are they the right choice for your unique business needs?
You might be grappling with these questions as you decide on the best partner for your business journey.
This review aims to answer those questions and more, providing you with an in-depth look at the company’s offerings, strengths, and potential areas for improvement.
So, let’s delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.
SMB Guide’s Verdict for Northwest Registered Agent
I’m giving this one an 8 out of 10. Navigating the website and choosing your service offerings is a bit complicated.
While I like that they have a DIY option, most people turn to services like this because they don’t want the stress of needing to do it themselves.
I like that they do have additional services, but I feel like the user experience suffers a bit. When you add this to the fact that there is plenty of room for improvement with customer reviews, I can’t score it higher with good conscience.
| Factor | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Pricing & Plans | 9 |
| Business Formation Services | 8 |
| Processing Time | 9 |
| Registered Agent Services and Costs | 9 |
| Name Availability Search | 7 |
| Online Document Access | 7 |
| Money-Back Guarantees | 8 |
| Customer Support | 9 |
| SMB Guide Rating | 8 |
In this review of Northwest Registered Agent, I’ve followed SMB Guide’s detailed criteria for evaluating the business formation service.
What is Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a business formation service with a special focus on registered agent services and compliance solutions.
The company maintains over 3 million companies, making it the second-largest registered agent business.
Pricing & Plans
Unlike other companies in this space, Northwest Registered Agent doesn’t offer packages at a set price. Instead, they have a collection of five services, which you choose based on what you want for your LLC, corporation, or non-profit.
Core services
- Registered Agent Service: $125/year
- Change of Registered Agent: Do It Yourself + state filing fee
- Annual Report Filing Service: $100 + state filing fee
- Mail Forwarding and Scanning Services: $20/month with addresses in CA, DE, FL, GA, IL, ID, MT, NY, TX, UT, WA, or WY
- Virtual Office and Office Leasing: $29/month with addresses in CA, DE, FL, GA, IL, ID, MT, NY, TX, UT, WA, or WY
Starting a business
- New Company Formation: $39 + state fees includes:
- Custom-drafted articles
- Initial resolutions
- Operating Agreement or bylaws
- LLC membership certificates or Corporation Stock Certificates
- 1 year registered agent service
- Online dashboard
- Federal IRS Registration: $50 EIN service for US citizens with social security numbers; $200 EIN service for non-citizens or those that don’t have SSN. EIN + Incorporation is $275 + state fees
- S Corp Tax Election: No fees listed
- Corporate Book and Seal: Book with traditional binder: $80; GoBook: $40; Corporate Seal: $30
- Customized Operating Agreement: Free templates
- Customized Corporate Bylaws: Free templates
- Business License Registration: Varies based on requirements and state
Expand a business
- Multi-State Registration: Depends on the current business entity and the state or states you want to file in.
- BOC-3 Blanket Agent Service: $125/year, no per-state charges
International corporate services
- Non-US Resident Company Formation: You have two options to choose from here.
- Option 1, for $925, includes Company formation, registered agent service, EIN, Unlimited mail scanning, unique business address, and office lease.
- Option 2, for $1425, includes everything from Option 1 plus: Certified copy of articles, Apostille, and a Certificate of Incumbency.
With Northwest Registered Agent, you can start an LLC, hire a registered agent, and maintain state-to-state business compliance.
Business Formation Services
With Northwest Registered Agent, you can file to form an LLC, a corporation, or a non-profit. Your processing times and costs will vary depending on the state you’re registering the business in.
Northwest charges $39 filing, on top of their $125 registered agent fee and the state filing fees.
Processing Time
This varies widely by state. In North Carolina, for instance, you have the option to choose between a 2-day processing time and a 12-day processing time.
It’s $100 more, paid to the state, for the faster processing time. In Kansas, your only option is 1 day processing. In Georgia, it’s 12 days or three days.
Registered Agent Services and Costs
Northwest Registered Agent offers flat rate services at $125 a year.
This is the same whether you choose the service in one state or all the states.
Name Availability Search
There is no name availability search tool that I was able to find. You enter the name you want when you process your application.
If, for some reason, that name is not available, they will let you know.
Online Document Access
When you create an account and process your order, you’ll get access to an online portal that gives you access to all your business formation documents.
Money-Back Guarantees
According to the terms and conditions, all purchases are final and non-refundable after 90 days, unless otherwise agreed to in writing or if it is required by law specific to the service they are providing.
Customer Support
Northwest Registered Agent has a Contact Us box that looks like it’s live chat. The message there is that if it’s between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST), they are assisting other clients and will be available soon.
They also provide a support email and phone number. I didn’t need to contact them for anything because the process itself was fairly straightforward.
I was able to fill out everything as if I was going to form a new business with no issues.
Northwest Registered Agent — Additional Services
In addition to the business formation and registered agent services, you can also use Northwest Registered Agent for virtual mailboxes and virtual offices.
They only have options available in certain states.
What the Experts Say About Northwest Registered Agent
As of September 2023, Northwest Registered Agent had the following ratings:
- 3.5/5 stars at Trustpilot (55+ reviews)
- 5/5 stars at G2 (1 review)
- 3.5/5 stars at BBB (130+ reviews)
We have been using Northwest Registered Agent services just over a year. We needed RA service and state filings for 49 states and it was confusing. Madison Shaw, at Northwest is hands-down one of the most efficient, organized and knowledgeable Corporate Guides there. She continues to go above and beyond to help us with all we need. So personable and sweet. She is able to simplify things. I would give her 10 stars if there was an option to. Unbelievable service! I highly recommend her and Northwest Registered Agent.
Emily K. – Verified Trustpilot review
I signed up with Northwest Registered Agent a couple months ago, and they have been extremely helpful. One of the representatives called me to walk through their services and to ensure that I was all set up. Given this was the first time that I registered an LLC, it was great to have that immediate availability from Northwest’s support staff.
Christian – Verified Trustpilot review
Northwest Registered Agent Alternatives
If you’re not sure Northwest Registered Agent service is right for you, take a look at these other options:
|
|
|
|
Primary Rating:
5.0
|
Primary Rating:
4.0
|
Primary Rating:
4.5
|
|
$149 - $349
|
State filing fees only
|
$199/yr - $349/yr
|
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an online legal assistance service that offers a wide range of services. Business formation is only a small fraction of what you can use the platform for.
They offer a free plan, which helps you get the bare minimum accomplished with your business paying nothing than the state filing fee.
Launch your business today with LegalZoom
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is an LLC formation platform. If you want to form a nonprofit organization or a corporation, you cannot use this platform to do it.
They also lack the additional features of virtual offices or mailboxes. They do, however, offer a free plan that allows you to start your business for nothing more than the state filing fee.
Form your LLC toady with Inc Authority
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is a trusted partner that gives entrepreneurs the power and support to scale their business. We use technology and automation to provide fast and low-cost services, expert support, and a personalized dashboard that puts everything entrepreneurs need at their fingertips.
Other options: Best Northwest Registered Agent alternatives
Getting Started with Northwest Registered Agent
Ready to start an LLC, corporation or non-profit in your state?
Click here to get started with Northwest Registered Agent services today!
FAQs
Is Northwest Registered Agent legit?
Yes, Northwest Registered Agent is indeed legit. They have built a strong reputation in the industry, with many positive reviews highlighting their excellent customer service and expertise.
Despite having fewer online reviews than some competitors, most of the feedback is highly positive.
Is Washington Registered Agent legit?
Yes, Washington Registered Agent is a legitimate service. They have received positive reviews for their precision and ability to handle everything for their clients, as mentioned on Yelp.
The company specializes in providing registered agent services in the state of Washington, which is vital to the success of any Washington LLC or corporation.
Is BetterLegal Legit?
Yes! The company was started in 2016 and continues to serve its customers with a focus on transparency and efficiency, as cited by Forbes, LLC Buddy, and Inc and Go.
They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and boast an B+ rating, indicating their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Related reading:
- Northwest Registered Agent vs. ZenBusiness
- Northwest Registered Agent vs. LegalZoom
- Northwest Registered Agent vs. Bizee
With Northwest Registered Agent, you can start an LLC, hire a registered agent, and maintain state-to-state business compliance.
Northwest Registered Agent
With Northwest Registered Agent, LLC you can start an LLC, hire a registered agent, and maintain state-to-state business compliance.
Product Brand: Northwest Registered Agent, LLC.
4
