Best New Jersey Registered Agent Services (2023)

When establishing an LLC in New Jersey, one of the critical steps is appointing a registered agent. Often overlooked amidst the excitement of starting a business, registered agent services play a pivotal role in ensuring your company remains compliant with state regulations and legal requirements.

Choosing the right registered agent service can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your business operations. Below, review four top-notch New Jersey registered agent services: ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, LegalZoom, and BetterLegal. We also take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each service, helping you make an informed decision to propel your business forward with confidence.

Comparison Chart

	Company	Price	Website
LegalZoom		$249 per state per year	Start Here
ZenBusiness		$199 per state per year	Start Here
Northwest Registered Agent		Free for the first year, then $125 per state per year*	Start Here
BetterLegal		$90 per state per year or $10 per month	Start Here

LegalZoom

With an annual fee of $249, LegalZoom’s registered agent service may be considered on the higher end compared to some competitors. However, the price comes with a set of additional features that add value to the package.

When you sign up with LegalZoom as your registered agent, you gain access to a suite of useful tools, including a compliance calendar to keep track of important deadlines, unlimited cloud storage for secure document management, and alerts for essential mail that requires your attention.

One standout feature is LegalZoom’s courtesy call prior to delivering any court documents. This proactive approach ensures that you stay informed about any legal matters that may arise, giving you ample time to respond appropriately.

Moreover, LegalZoom offers an added layer of protection with $1M in identity theft protection and credit monitoring, providing business owners with peace of mind in today’s digital age. LegalZoom’s network of attorneys is also on hand to offer prompt and professional legal advice, a valuable resource for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business law.

It’s worth noting that LegalZoom’s registered agent service is separate from their business formation plan, which starts at $79 plus state filing fees. While this may incur additional costs, if you are an existing LegalZoom customer looking to switch to their registered agent service, they will handle all necessary paperwork and cover associated fees.

ZenBusiness

When it comes to trusted providers of registered agents, ZenBusiness has quickly made a name for itself, earning a reputation for its reliable handling of legal and government documents, despite being a relatively new player in the industry.

The company offers registered agent services at a competitive rate of $199 per state per year as an optional add-on to their business formation packages. Currently, there are three package options to choose from – Starter, Pro, and Premium – catering to businesses of all sizes.

For existing businesses seeking a standalone registered agent service, ZenBusiness offers the same flat fee of $199 per state per year, making it an accessible and straightforward choice.

Appointing ZenBusiness as your registered agent comes with a range of benefits to ensure your business’s compliance. From providing a physical address within the state for your business to mail forwarding services, an intuitive online platform for accessing and managing legal documents, and a reliable notification and alert system, ZenBusiness has you covered.

Forming your business with ZenBusiness also offers additional perks, including worry-free compliance, annual filing of reports, expedited filing options, and even the possibility of a customizable business website, depending on the chosen plan.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent stands as an experienced provider of registered agent services, thanks no less to its over two decades of experience. But what sets them apart is their commitment to privacy and transparency, making them an appealing choice for businesses in New Jersey.

One of Northwest’s key advantages is their dedication to safeguarding client data. Unlike some providers, the company never sells your information, ensuring that your sensitive details remain secure and protected.

Northwest Registered Agent’s straightforward approach is also evident in their pricing. Their registered agent service is competitively priced at $125 per year, making it an accessible option for businesses of various sizes.

For added convenience, Northwest offers an LLC formation package starting at a base fee of $39, plus state fees. This comprehensive package already includes a year of registered agent service for free, which then renews at the standard rate of $125 per year.

Despite its lower fee, Northwest Registered Agent does not compromise on service quality. The company accepts and scans your documents on the same day they arrive at their local office, ensuring you stay informed promptly. Moreover, Northwest ensures that important mail doesn’t go unnoticed. They promptly notify you and even reach out if your essential mail goes unread.

Plus, Northwest offers limited mail forwarding services. You can have up to 5 documents per year scanned for free, with any additional mail forwarded at a reasonable rate of $15 per document.

BetterLegal

While BetterLegal primarily focuses on providing essential business formation services, including LLC and corporation formation, it also offers a separate subscription for registered agent services. At just $90 per year, or the option to pay $10 per month, BetterLegal stands out as the most affordable choice among all the companies reviewed.

One of the key advantages of choosing BetterLegal is its user-friendly approach. The company scans and uploads legal mail received on your behalf into your account, ensuring you have easy access to important documents. Additionally, they promptly email any legal mail to the address provided, keeping you informed and updated.

However, it’s worth noting that BetterLegal’s lower cost means that they do not guarantee same-day delivery of legal documents, which might be a consideration for businesses with time-sensitive legal matters. BetterLegal also works with or utilizes third-party providers for its registered agent service, which could be a consideration for those who prioritize privacy.

Verdict

Registered agents play a crucial role for businesses in New Jersey, as they act as the official point of contact for legal and government communications. Appointing an established online company as your registered agent brings numerous advantages, such as streamlined document handling and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Based on our review, we recommend LegalZoom as the top choice for a registered agent in New Jersey. While they may be on the premium side, their large customer base and professional approach make them a reliable and trustworthy option for businesses of all sizes.

For those prioritizing privacy and efficiency, Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice. With their solid reputation and emphasis on data security, they provide peace of mind while handling essential legal documents.

ZenBusiness is another reputable option, particularly for businesses seeking a comprehensive suite of services, including registered agent services, in multiple states, including New Jersey.

On a budget? BetterLegal’s inexpensive $90 per year registered agent service meets the requirements for LLCs, making it a cost-effective option for startups and small businesses.

Ultimately, the best registered agent service for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget, but the options mentioned in this article offer excellent choices to consider for your business in New Jersey.