Choosing the right service for forming your Limited Liability Company (LLC) can be a critical decision for your business.
With countless options available, it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of different providers. Below, we compare two popular LLC formation service providers: Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness. While both offer convenient and affordable options for LLC formation, they have distinct features and benefits that set them apart.
If you want top-notch customer service and a great deal, we recommend going with Northwest Registered Agent.
From their features and pricing to their overall user experience and customer ratings, we’ll dive into the details to help you make an informed decision for your LLC formation needs.
Comparison Chart
| LLC Formation | Northwest Registered Agent | ZenBusiness |
 |  | |
| Pricing | Check Price | Check Price |
| Available Plans | Single plan only | Three plans to choose from |
| Registered Agent | Included | No |
| EIN Registration | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Web Domain | No | Yes |
| Free Forms | Yes | No |
Company Overview
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness are two well-established companies in the realm of LLC formation services. Northwest was founded in 1998 and is known for its expertise in providing registered agent services, a legal requirement for LLCs in many states. They also offer personalized support and have a strong reputation for exceptional customer service.
On the other hand, ZenBusiness, founded in 2015, has quickly gained popularity for its all-in-one approach to LLC formation. ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive suite of services beyond registered agents, including business formation, compliance, and funding. ZenBusiness is also known for its user-friendly online platform and multiple plans.
What sets Northwest apart is their emphasis on privacy and security. They prioritize protecting their client’s information and provide additional services like mail forwarding and virtual office addresses. Northwest Registered Agent also offers personalized expert support through their team of experienced professionals.
ZenBusiness, on the other hand, stands out with their free basic LLC formation plan and their convenient online platform. They offer a streamlined and intuitive process for LLC formation, plus a range of add-on services customizable to meet specific business needs.
Pricing
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent simplifies LLC formation with a basic service package priced at $225. Unlike competitors with tiered pricing and unnecessary add-ons, Northwest keeps things straightforward.
A standout feature is that the $225 package includes a full year of their registered agent service, which renews at $125 per year after the first year. This makes it a cost-effective option for businesses in need of ongoing registered agent services.
If you want top-notch customer service and a great deal, we recommend going with Northwest Registered Agent.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers three incorporation packages: Starter, Pro, and Premium, each with unique features. All plans, however, include one year of free registered agent services and worry-free compliance, both of which renew for a fee.
| Starter | Pro | Premium |
| $0 + state filing fees | $199 + state filing fees | $299 + state filing fees |
The Starter plan, previously priced at $49, is now free, although you still pay the state filing fees. It also comes with a name availability search and expense and deduction tracking. However, it notably lacks an operating agreement, which is one of the documents for LLC formation.
Pro, ZenBusiness’s most popular option, adds an operating agreement and expedited filing. Meanwhile, the Premium plan includes everything from the Pro package, while adding web hosting and prioritized rush filing. It’s a convenient way to cover all your business needs but only if you have an additional $100.
ZenBusiness features low cost formation services, expert support, personalized services, and a customizable dashboard.
Service
Forming an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent is simple and efficient. You’ll need to provide your personal and business information, and the order form is streamlined, allowing for easy navigation between steps.
While they do offer optional upsells, they are clearly labeled, giving you the choice to decline them if not needed. Moreover, Northwest Registered Agent provides an order summary that offers a transparent view of the total cost, including the state filing fee, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the expenses involved.
On the other hand, the sign-up process with ZenBusiness for LLC formation is refreshingly unique. Instead of a traditional online form, they take a conversational approach through their platform. It feels like having a personalized conversation with a business expert, guiding you through the steps with ease.
You’ll be prompted with simple questions and guided responses to provide the necessary information. This interactive and intuitive approach makes the sign-up process with ZenBusiness not only efficient but also engaging.
When it comes to turnaround time, Northwest Registered Agent typically processes LLC formation documents within 1-2 business days, while ZenBusiness offers three different processing speeds, ranging from 2 weeks to as fast as 1 business day for an additional fee.
Customer Support
Having reliable customer support is crucial when using LLC formation services. Northwest Registered Agent, for instance, provides phone, email, and live chat support during business hours, with a team of in-house experts to offer personalized assistance. They also have a comprehensive knowledge base on their website.
On the other hand, ZenBusiness offers email and chat support, but their response times may vary. They also have a resource center with articles and guides on their website.
When it comes to customer support, Northwest Registered Agent stands out with their in-house team and robust knowledge base, while ZenBusiness offers helpful resources but may have longer response times. Consider your support needs when choosing between these two providers.
Verdict
For no-nonsense entrepreneurs who prioritize simplicity, Northwest Registered Agent is a top choice. They offer only one plan, which keeps things straightforward and streamlined, making it easy to get your business up and running without unnecessary complexities.
On the other hand, ZenBusiness is ideal for those on a budget, thanks to their free Starter plan. This is a great option for entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective solution for LLC formation. Additionally, ZenBusiness offers paid plans with additional features, making it suitable for businesses that want more customization and flexibility in their LLC formation process.
If you want top-notch customer service and a great deal, we recommend going with Northwest Registered Agent.