We really like Northwest Registered Agent. Don't let the name fool you, Northwest is not just a registered agent company. They offer a full suite of services including one of the best LLC formation services in the industry.
Northwest Registered Agent charges $225 plus the state filing fee to create an LLC. This includes the Operating Agreement, 1 year of Registered Agent Service; 2 day filings; free mail forwarding; and Privacy by Default®
Optional/Additional Services
Northwest Registered Agent charges a little extra for the following services: EIN Obtainment ($50); S-Corp Election ($50); and compliance filing service ($100/filing).
Compare Apples to Apples
What better way to compare the best LLC formation companies than to analyze what they charge for the four most commonly requested services: (1) preparation and filing of LLC paperwork with the state; (2) within two business days; (3) with a custom/personalized operating agreement; and (4) an EIN. The cost of the core services via Northwest Registered Agent is $275.
What is a Northwest corporate guide? A corporate guide is a like a customer support representative, except this is an actual person that knows what they are doing. A corporate guide is an industry veteran who specializes in LLC filings in your state. Every new LLC formation will get their own corporate guide. They will help you navigate the your state's bureaucracy. No automated operators. No reading from a script. No upsells. Just answers.
Each state has reporting requirements for LLCs to keep a company active and in good standing with the state. These are due on a regular basis (usually once per year or every other year). If you Northwest Registered Agent for annual compliance service, you'll never have to worry about these. They’ll file them on your LLC’s behalf when they’re due. The Compliance Service is $100/year.
Free Mail Forwarding: If Northwest is your registered agent, they will forward what they receive as your registered agent for free. This is for registered agent clients who need some mail sent to their office and don’t mind if they have a unique address. For clients who need a unique suite number, however, to increase their address’s credibility, we provide our premium mail forwarding service for a monthly fee.
Premium Mail Forwarding: Northwest Registered Agent offers a premium mail forwarding package for $40 a month. It is unlimited. You choose the state where you want your mail sent, and we provide an address and unique suite number for your business in that state. Choose between same-day digital scanning or weekly physical mail forwarding.
How Much is Northwest Registered Agent Service?
1 Year Free; $125 thereafter
Northwest charges $125/year, which is on the lower end of the price spectrum. They also provide 365 days of free registered agent service if you are registering a business with them. You cannot opt out of their registered agent service, but you can cancel anytime before the 1 year anniversary.
What is different about Northwest's Registered Agent Service? Unlike almost every other registered agent, you CAN use Northwest's local office address as your principal office address.
Northwest started as a registered agent service, so it's not a surprise that their registered agent service is top notch.
How Fast Can Northwest Complete an LLC?
Northwest will prepare and file your paperwork same or next day.
Customer Service
You can reach Northwest via phone, email or their contact us form. Once you place your order, you will be connected to a local corporate guide who specializes in business formation in your state!
We noticed that their customer support team is also very active making sure every customer is happy. You'll notice that if anyone posts a complaint, their customer service team quickly responds and offers to make it right.
Real Northwest Reviews
Northwest has many online reviews from actual customers. Most are positive, but some customers did not have positive things to say. We thought it would be helpful to show you a few examples of actual positive and negative reviews:
"I just had my LLC and EIN setup by Northwest. They were very helpful in answering my questions. And were very efficient in fulfilling my needs: LLC and EIN. Both of my requirements were completed within 8 to 9 calendar days. The LLC was ready within a couple of days. Without having to pay for a rushed/expedited fee. I was impressed!" -Rochelle T.
"Down-to-earth pricing with no hidden gotchas, fast turnaround, responsive customer service and all round pleasurable company/service to deal with.
" -Ozan B.
"Paid for the service in March 2015 and have them formed a company for us. However, we terminated the company in June 2015 but still got charge $125 in the year of 2016. I have never got any notification about continuing the service and they just automatic continue for me without sending me any agreement or renewing contract." -Ryan C.
Northwest Complaints
The only real gripe we found was connected to the recurring fee ($125) for their registered agent services. If you want them to serve as your registered agent, you'll need to remember to notify them if you no longer desire their services (even if you dissolve your business like Ryan in the negative review above). This gripe is not unique to Northwest. It is important to note that they have one of the easiest cancellation policies in the industry and do not charge a fee for cancellation.
Conclusion
Overall Score:
Northwest’s corporate guides™ are what makes them unique and different.
I set up a DBA and a bank account for the DBA. Now, I realize that I should have gotten help before doing anything even the DBA.
I am looking to set up an online account with guidance and some sales.
After reading your reviews, I think you may be the help I need to get started.
Comments 1
I set up a DBA and a bank account for the DBA. Now, I realize that I should have gotten help before doing anything even the DBA.
I am looking to set up an online account with guidance and some sales.
After reading your reviews, I think you may be the help I need to get started.