Every business entity that’s home-based, runs in multiple states, or has unusual working hours can benefit from registered agent services. Registered agents receive service of process (SOP) documents for the company, keep it compliant, and make sure filing deadlines are met. Those forming a new LLC would do well to choose the best registered agent service. To make the choice a bit easier, we’ve focused on the following in this article:
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Legalinc can help you form a business in under 5 minutes, and keep it compliant thanks to an automated, centralized, cloud-based system. It can provide any document you need and even help reinstate your business.
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Providing seller’s permit
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Though they don’t provide legal advice, Nationwide Incorporators’ attorneys do all the necessary work to help clients make an educated decision when starting a business.
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Specialized airplane and yacht mail forwarding plan
Free registered agent service with LLC formation
Available for international clients
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Harvard Business Service is a complete solution offering everything from LLC/corporation formation to cancellation services and everything in between. It provides plenty of additional services like obtaining an EIN or a business license. It even offers specialized airplane and yacht mailing services.
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Real estate recording and searching
Expedite processing
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CSC offers detailed registered agent services, a wide variety of additional services such as brand protection, and on top of all that, it’s quick and privacy-focused.
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Color-coded notifications
Tax filing services
Detailed corporate services
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National Registered Agents, Inc. offers plenty of corporate services you won’t see anywhere else and the user-friendly tools to go with them. The services are available in all states as well as internationally.
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Bookkeeping and accounting
Manhattan legal address and mail forwarding
Conference room available
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USA Corporate Services simplifies the process of starting a business and keeping it compliant. All those who want to start a business with a Manhattan address/virtual office should choose this company.
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Personalized compliance calendar
U.S.A. Patriot Act Representation
Annual reports
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United Corporate Services simplifies the process of staying compliant, especially for those doing business with foreign banks. Your business will be constantly monitored and you’ll be alerted of every approaching deadline.
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Name check
Global Entity Management System
Change of agent forms
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Computershare is great for global businesses (especially those located in the U.S. and UK) in search of a dedicated registered agent service and a centralized management system.
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100% refund
Instantly accessible forms
Digital reminders
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Registered Agents Inc. is an affordable, customizable solution that takes your privacy seriously. You can choose what you want to do yourself, and what you need help with. And in case you don’t like the service, you’ll get a 100% refund.
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Charitable registrations management services
Agent change fee covered
International corporate services
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Thanks to specific management services, agent change coverage, transparency, and international services, URS Agent LLC is definitely a great online registered agent service for nonprofits.
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A registered/resident/statutory agent service encompasses many duties. Not only do these companies need to keep your business compliant, but they should also be able to help you manage your documents. We looked for companies registered in all 50 states and checked to see whether their customer service was responsive and helpful. Here’s everything we looked for while making this list of the top 10 registered agent services:
If you run a multi-state business, Legalinc is the best online registered agent service for you. The company prides itself on having automated corporate filing processes, thus making them accurate and efficient. Licensing, registration, and white-labeled services are only the beginning. Here’s everything you get by hiring Legalinc:
Finally, there are OFAC Search, USDOT Filings, and corporate kits and supplies.
According to many, Legalinc has the best registered agent software and offers incredible services thanks to it. In case you’re not satisfied, there’s also a money-back guarantee. The only real downside is a somewhat confusing ordering system.
This company offers attorney-provided services and documents. It’s among the top registered agent formation services, perfect for starting any sort of business (nonprofit, S-corporation, C-corporation, general partnership, etc.) While Nationwide Incorporators doesn’t offer legal advice per se, the company will provide enough details for you to make informed decisions. Its services encompass:
In an unlikely case of an error, Nationwide Incorporators will correct it at no additional cost. It’s likely the best registered agent for startups since it allows registration of virtually any type of company. On top of that, it’s scalable and lets businesses go multi-state once they’re ready to. The biggest flaw it has is the lack of automation and visibility, as there’s no platform you can log in to follow your files, deadlines, etc.
If you need help with LLC registration in Delaware, there’s no one better than Harvard Business Services to act as your registered agent. This BBB-accredited company is also available for those looking to form a domestic or international corporation.
Harvard Business Services is likely the most affordable registered agent service in the U.S. Still, it offers a wide variety of services to keep your business compliant with Delaware laws and regulations. Here’s what you’ll get:
There are plenty of benefits for these services. For one, your mail forwarding doesn’t need renewing as long as you still have credits. Forming a company gives you free lifetime customer support, and then there’s pricing. Not only is Harvard Business Services the best service to open an LLC in Delaware, but you also get a year of free registered agent services. One obvious downside is that the only U.S. state you can do business in is Delaware.
Around 90% of Fortune 500 companies give their business to this BBB-accredited establishment. Thanks to their expedite processing, many see it as the best registered agent when it comes to service of process. Here’s everything it offers:
If you need a company that not only provides a great resident agent service but plenty of additional services like digital brand protection and real estate recording and searching, CSC is the right solution. Unsurprisingly, registered agent cost comparison shows that it’s among the most expensive services out there.
This company offers services across all 50 states, and can also give you international representation (including Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as all Canadian provinces and territories). In terms of user-friendliness, it offers probably the best registered agent tools, which provide:
National Registered Agents, Inc. made it into many best registered agent service reviews thanks to its user-friendliness. NRAI’s corporate services are very versatile and its customer support has been described as great. The biggest downside we can see is a high price.
Though USA Corporate Services is registered in all 50 states and D.C., one of its main services has to do with New York. Those who wish to have a prestigious legal address in Manhattan often go for USA Corporate Services. Other than that, the best registered agent service for those eyeing NY helps entrepreneurs start their business, both inside and outside of the USA. Here’s what the company has to offer:
USA Corporate Services is likely the best registered agent for startups that want to have a legal address in Manhattan. It also offers bookkeeping and accounting services. One of its flaws is that it doesn’t offer as many services as some of its competitors.
If you’re working with foreign banks, the best registered agent service to help you in 2020 is United Corporate Services. Whether you need business formation services or require someone to aid you with an established business, this company can help you. It provides:
All banks and broker-dealers who conduct business with foreign banks should employ United Corporate Services to take care of their compliance. One thing that keeps it from being the overall best resident agent service is that their customer service isn’t great.
Computershare is one of the best registered agent companies that many global businesses rely on. It can help your company with its first steps (like getting a business license and a name) and make sure it always stays compliant. Here’s what you’re getting:
Computershare is likely the best registered agent service for global businesses. It does everything from name search to data reconciliation and updating and has a centralized platform for full transparency. But since it doesn’t have publicly available pricing nor many customer reviews, it’s hard to say whether the company offers a low cost registered agent service.
Registered Agents Inc.’s fully customizable services are appropriate for businesses of all sizes. Though it primarily serves B2B law firms, the company adjusts to every company’s needs and budget. No matter what state you’re in, if you’re browsing registered agent sites looking for something affordable and customizable, you’ve found it. With Registered Agents Inc., you’ll be getting:
If you’re in the US and looking for the best registered agent service, but you’re also on a budget, we recommend Registered Agents Inc. All solutions are customizable, and there’s a 100% refund at the end of the first year if you’re not satisfied. However, if you’re looking for a lot of extra services, this might not be the right solution for you.
Whether you’re looking for the best registered agent company to form a traditional LLC or you want to start a non-profit company, this BBB-accredited service will get you set up. Registered in all 50 states plus Washington D.C., it offers plenty of services:
Anyone looking for the best registered agent service for LLC shouldn’t skip URS Agents LLC. It’s especially great for nonprofits, for which there are specific management services. However, since they do not publish their pricing on their website, you’ll need to contact their customer support to find out what their current prices are.
If you’re not too familiar with everything registered agent companies can do, you may not be sure how to choose the best registered agent for your business. Here are a couple of things that might help you make the right decision:
Finding the best registered agent service can benefit any company, regardless of what it does. Thanks to Model Registered Agent’s Act (MoRAA), registered agents can help each and every company stay compliant. However, those who stand to gain from it the most are:
Getting a registered agent has plenty of benefits for any business, and staying compliant with the state laws and regulations is just one of them. Here’s everything you gain by hiring the best, most compliant registered agent service:
Legalinc – Best For Multi-State Businesses
Nationwide Incorporators – Best Attorney-Led Registered Agent Service
Harvard Business Services – Best For Delaware LLCs
CSC – Best For Expedite Processing
National Registered Agents, Inc. – Best For Tax Filing
USA Corporate Services – Best For Startups Wanting a Manhattan Address
United Corporate Services – Best For Companies Conducting Business with Foreign Banks
Computershare – Best For Global Organizations
Registered Agents Inc. – Best For B2B Law Firms
URS Agents LLC – Best For Nonprofits
Whether you’re about to form a limited liability company, expand your company into other states, or are simply tired of all the paperwork related to your company’s compliance, getting a registered agent service is the right choice. Most of these companies do everything from name checks to filing taxes. In between, they can provide document retrievals, deadline alerts, and even independent directors. No matter what your specific business needs are, finding the best resident agent service will help you keep your privacy and ensure your business stays compliant and stress-free.
A registered agent service primarily serves to receive service of process (SOP) for you. It’s a legal entity that ensures you never skip an important file (or a deadline) from any government agency.
Yes, in every state. Every natural person or sole proprietor should look for the best registered agent provider out there before creating an LLC.
They can, but it’s not always the best decision. For one, being a registered agent isn’t an accountant’s main area of expertise. And if later on you wish to expand into other states, you’ll hardly be able to unless you’re working with a registered agent service.
If you’ve found the best registered agent service and wish to change your old one, simply fill out the form provided by the business services office of your state. You should also submit the consent form signed by your new agent, though this step may vary from state to state.