Starting a business can be an exciting endeavor, but it also involves important legal considerations, such as choosing the right business structure.
Two popular options for entrepreneurs are forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) through Northwest Registered Agent and LegalZoom. Both companies offer LLC formation services but with different features and pricing.
Form your LLC quickly and easily with LegalZoom's comprehensive services, including preparation and filing of legal documents and access to legal advice.
Below, we unpack the LLC formation services of Northwest Registered Agent and LegalZoom, looking at their features, pricing, and customer support. So, if you’re considering forming an LLC and want to know which service is right for you, keep reading to make an informed decision for your business.
Comparison Chart
| LLC Formation | Northwest Registered Agent | LegalZoom |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Available Plans | Single plan only | Three plans |
| Registered Agent | Yes, free for the first year | No |
| EIN Registration | Yes | Select plans only |
| Operating Agreement | Yes | Select plans only |
| Tax and Insurance Guidance | No | Select plans only |
| Customizable Website | No | Yes |
| Free Forms | Yes | No |
Company Overview
Northwest Registered Agent and LegalZoom are both prominent online service providers of LLC formation services for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Northwest was founded in 1998 and prides itself on its personalized approach to customer service. They focus primarily on filing and registered agent services, but also offer business tools like mail forwarding and virtual offices.
On the other hand, LegalZoom is a well-known online legal services provider with an expansive selection of services, including LLC formation, registered agents, last will and testament preparation, and more.
Both companies have their unique strengths and cater to different customer needs. Northwest Registered Agent emphasizes personalized service and attention to detail, while LegalZoom offers a more comprehensive suite of services.
Pricing and Features
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent keeps things simple by doing away with complex tiered pricing and unnecessary add-ons that business owners can easily handle themselves. Instead, its basic package covers most of the documents you’ll need to form an LLC. Here’s what you can expect from their package:
Pricing – $225 + State Fees:
- Free registered agent for one year; renews annually hereafter at $125
- LLC membership certificates
- Custom-drafted articles
- Initial resolution
- Operating Agreement
Clients also get access to an online dashboard and annual report compliance courtesy of Northwest’s registered agent service.
If you want top-notch customer service and a great deal, we recommend going with Northwest Registered Agent.
LegalZoom
| Basic | Pro | Premium |
| $0 + state filing fees | $249 + state filing fees | $279 + state filing fees |
LegalZoom offers three plans — Basic, Pro, and Premium. All three include business formation basics like articles of organization and filing service. LegalZoom even throws in a Wix-powered customizable website.
It’s worth noting, however, that none of LegalZoom’s LLC formation packages include a registered agent. You’ll have to purchase the service separately.
Basic Plan: LegalZoom’s Basic plan covers the essentials, including name check service, preparation, and filing of your articles of organization, and a digital welcome packet. Although the plan is free, state filing fees still apply.
Pro Plan: For those who require additional features to operate a fully compliant business, the Pro Plan is the way to go. It includes all the benefits of the Basic package, plus an operating agreement, EIN, business licenses, and phone consultations with business insurance and tax specialists.
Premium Plan: LegalZoom’s Premium plan offers the most comprehensive package for LLC formation. Aside from Basic and Pro plan features, you’ll receive 30-minute legal consultations with an attorney and access to customizable legal forms. The Pro Plan also includes copyright registration and revisions to your LLC formation documents within the first 30 days.
Form your LLC quickly and easily with LegalZoom's comprehensive services, including preparation and filing of legal documents and access to legal advice.
Service
Forming an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent is a breeze. You start by choosing whether you want to handle the formation process yourself or hire the company. Opting for the former grants you access to Northwest’s free legal forms, while the latter directs you to the order page.
Although Northwest Registered Agent’s layout is simple, it’s designed with user-friendliness in mind. The order page is divided into sections, allowing you to easily fill in the required details and navigate back and forth between steps. Moreover, upsells are clearly marked and aren’t automatically added to your order, ensuring transparency and avoiding any surprise fees.
LegalZoom’s website, on the other hand, has a more crowded layout, but it remains relatively easy to navigate. Their LLC page provides comprehensive information, including detailed features for each plan. LegalZoom’s sign-up process is also straightforward, with a series of questions that capture the necessary information instead of a traditional order form.
Unlike Northwest, LegalZoom’s sign-up process does not include section headers, but you can still review your answers and make changes to previous steps as needed.
Customer Support
Northwest Registered Agent prides itself on providing top-notch customer support for its customers. With a team of knowledgeable and friendly representatives, they offer assistance via phone, email, and chat, ensuring that customers have multiple options to reach out for help.
LegalZoom offers customer support through various channels, including email and chat, to assist their customers in their LLC formation journey. However, it’s important to note that phone support is limited to their Pro and Premium plans, providing an extra level of service for those who opt for higher-tier plans.
Verdict
For those who are looking for an affordable yet comprehensive plan, Northwest Registered Agent is a recommended choice. Their user-friendly process and inclusion of a registered agent make it a solid option for those who want a reliable and all-inclusive service.
On the other hand, if you only need the basics, the Basic Plan from LegalZoom may be suitable for your needs. It provides the essential features at a lower cost, making it a budget-friendly option for simple LLC formations.
For those who require attorney guidance throughout the process, LegalZoom’s Premium plan is recommended. It offers expert assistance and legal advice to ensure a smooth LLC formation experience.
It’s important to note, however, that, unlike Northwest Registered Agent, LegalZoom’s LLC formation plans do not include a registered agent. This may be a factor to consider when choosing the right service for your business needs.
Form your LLC quickly and easily with LegalZoom's comprehensive services, including preparation and filing of legal documents and access to legal advice.