Northwest Registered Agent Review & My Experience After 4 Years

You’ll agree that choosing the right registered agent service can improve your business’s privacy, compliance, and peace of mind.

With so many options, how do you decide which one to trust?

Enter Northwest Registered Agent – my favorite registered agent out of the 17+ agents I’ve researched and tested.

In fact, I’ve consistently relied on Northwest Registered Agent for their compliance services to keep my Florida LLC in good standing. Their seamless process and thorough handling of my standard Florida company filings have upheld my business’s legal requirements without any missteps.

Northwest has built a solid reputation in the industry and is renowned for its personalized customer service and transparent pricing.

But does it live up to the hype?

In this Northwest Registered Agent review guide, I’ll explore its features, pros, and cons and share my personal experience with them to HELP YOU make an informed decision today.

What is Northwest Registered Agent LLC & What Do They Do?

Northwest Registered Agent specializes in business formation and registered agent services. I’ve been utilizing their services for years, leveraging their expertise to ensure my LLC complies with state regulations. Registered agents are responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the businesses they serve.

The core of their service is their LLC formation package, which includes a detailed step for incorporation.

In my experience, the key aspects they manage include:

• Business Formation: They streamline the creation of an LLC or corporation, handling all necessary paperwork and state requirements to ensure your business is set up correctly and efficiently.
• Registered Agent Service: A critical feature they provide is a year of complimentary registered agent service, crucial for maintaining your business’s legal standing. This service typically costs $125 annually after the first year.
• Compliance Management: Northwest helps businesses comply with state regulations by offering annual report reminders and filing services to avoid penalties or fines.
• Privacy by Default: They prioritize keeping your personal information secure by using their address on public documents, which helps protect your privacy.
• Document Scanning: They scan all official documents and make them available in your online account, ensuring you have immediate access to important information.
• Operating Agreement Templates: They provide customizable operating agreement templates, which are essential for outlining the structure and rules of your LLC.
• EIN Service: They obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business, which is a necessary step for hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, and filing taxes.

Their straightforward approach and transparency influenced my decision to partner with them.

They also pride themselves on privacy, employing in-house experts, and offering a personalized dashboard for easy management of my business. I found this to be true because I can recount how often I’ve faced confusing paperwork or compliance deadlines, only to have their team guide me through every step with clarity and patience.

They also emphasize a no-nonsense approach to pricing. For instance, a promotional offer I benefited from included their registered agent service at a discounted rate for the first year, adding value to the overall package.

How I Got Started With Northwest Registered Agent

I started with Northwest in 2020 when I was seriously facing payment gateway problems. I’m originally from Nigeria, West Africa, and it was extremely difficult to set up Stripe and accept international payments. I was losing money to international clients week after week.

Then, a friend in the Caribbean introduced Northwest to me, and the rest is history.

I set up my LLC in Florida with the help of Northwest, got my EIN, set up my Stripe, and did everything else. My life and business took a positive turn.

That year, my online business broke its first six figures.

I don’t know your current business situation or needs, but I know ONE thing: Reading this Northwest Registered Agent review means you plan to form an LLC sooner or later.

You’re welcome!

Now is your turn to get started with Northwest:

Click this link and head to their website for the $39 discount.

Next, you’ll need to choose the type of business entity and the state where you want to form your LLC. You can choose between a C Corporation, S Corporation, or LLC.

The most common choice for small businesses is an LLC.

The total amount will depend on your chosen state and the processing time (Standard and Expedited). Personally, if I were forming a new company today, I would go with Wyoming.

Next is to Enter your New or Existing Business Details:

You’d need to input your essential business details, like company name and address, into the online form. Fortunately, Northwest Registered Agent simplified the process by allowing the use of their address for your business, which was particularly helpful for privacy and eradicated the need for a new US business address.

The next step is to enter the management of your company.

As the sole proprietor, I listed myself as the single member and moved forward to create my account with an email and a chosen password, ensuring access to Northwest’s suite of services.

There’s also an option to add the “Northwest Business Identity” package:

It includes the following, free for 90 days:

• Domain name registration – 1 Free Year
• Website – hosted by us, owned by you
• Business email address
• Business phone

If you need a Tax ID or EIN, you can obtain one through Northwest Registered Agent for $200. That’s too expensive, in my opinion. However, you can get cheaper if you apply online through the IRS website.

Upon finalizing these prerequisites, review your LLC formation details and submit them. Your LLC will be officially formed within 2-6 days, and you will receive your documents in your email.

Click the button above to get started with the Northwest Registered Agent discount.

My Favorite Northwest Registered Agent Services & Features

1. Registered Agent Services

Among my favorite features is their Registered Agent Services, which is fundamental to maintaining my LLC’s compliance. Their timely handling of legal documents and consistent privacy protection are hallmarks of their service.

I receive annual notifications to ensure compliance with state requirements, a cornerstone of their offering.

While their registered agent fee is free for the first year, it costs $125/year for the second year.

Another good thing is that discounts apply to five or more states if representation in multiple states is needed.

2. Fast and Reliable LLC Formation & Incorporation Process

Another feature that impresses me about Northwest is the Fast LLC Formation and Incorporation Process. Thanks to their straightforward system and prompt service, I recall the ease with which I could set up my LLC. The incorporation process was swift and detailed, ensuring every aspect was covered.

They sent my documents to my email and also made them available for download in my Northwest back office.

That’s not all.

During the incorporation process, they extended the use of their business address and provided mail scanning services, which has been a steady and useful feature for me.

For example, when company I worked with sent my payment, they email the cheque to my business address – which was Northwest’s. They had it scanned and and uploaded to my back office. Incredible!

3. Annual Report Filing for Business Compliance

The Annual Report Filing for Business Compliance has proved to be a lifesaver.

Keeping up with different deadlines can be cumbersome, but with Northwest Registered Agent keeping track of these, I no longer stress over missing critical filings.

They always send me reminder emails well in advance, ensuring I pay the due fees on time to avoid penalties or any issues that could affect my business’s standing and compliance.

For example, below is an email screenshot they sent me a few months ago, showing the upcoming deadline and instructions for my Florida State annual filing:

This proactive communication has been invaluable in keeping my business operations smooth and compliant.

4. Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) Services

Although I did not use Northwest Registered Agent’s Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) service when setting up my LLC, its convenience and efficiency are worth noting for others.

An EIN is crucial for business operations, akin to how a Social Security Number (SSN) is essential for individuals. It facilitates tasks such as opening bank accounts, obtaining permits, managing employee payroll, and fulfilling tax obligations.

The process is pretty straightforward if you wish to use Northwest Registered Agent’s EIN service. After forming the LLC, the Northwest Registered Agent would obtain the EIN from the IRS on your behalf.

It costs $50 if you have a Social Security Number, which is fair for the time saved. If you’re not a U.S. citizen or don’t have a Social Security Number, it costs $200 because it’s more complicated.

5. Business/LLC Privacy (you use their address for free)

One feature I have found particularly PRICELESS as a non-resident LLC owner is using their address for business correspondence, which gives me business/LLC privacy. This helps keep my personal information off the public record and adds a layer of privacy to my operations.

Every foreign LLC owner without a physical presence in the United States can relate to the struggle of having a verifiable address for business operations, mail, and payment gateway verification. This is where Northwest comes in as my savior.

If privacy is a high priority for you, you’ll discover that using Northwest Registered Agent’s address would allow you to maintain the discretion crucial for your business.

Here’s why I think you should consider it:

Firstly, by utilizing their address, your address remained off the public record, ensuring that your private residence is not tied to the public documentation of your LLC. This separation is not just a matter of privacy; it’s about creating a professional image and defining clear boundaries between your personal and business life.

Moreover, Northwest provides this privacy service at no extra cost if you maintain your LLC.

6. Online Business Tools (aka business identity)

You might consider Northwest Registered Agent’s Business Identity services to help build a professional image online. The best part is that these tools are free within the first 90 days of your LLC formation.

While I didn’t use these services initially because I already had these aspects set up for my business, they can be invaluable if you’re starting fresh.

Here’s what they offer:

• Domain Name
• Business Website
• Business Email
• Phone Service

7. US Virtual Office Service

Their US Virtual Office Service provides an immediate business address (more superior than the default RA address), phone, and fax services, which you might find remarkably useful.

Although I’ve used Northwest Registered Agent for four years, I haven’t used their US Virtual Office Service because I didn’t have a need for it. However, it can be a valuable service for businesses requiring a consistent commercial address and mail handling.

Here’s how it works:

• Physical Address: Northwest provides a real street address (not a P.O. box), which can be used for business registration and receiving mail.
• Mail Forwarding: They scan and upload mail received at this address to your online account, ensuring you can access it from anywhere.
• Privacy: Using their address helps keep your personal address off public records, enhancing privacy.

Another cool thing you might find about Northwest Registered Agent’s US Virtual Post Office Service is its flexibility in handling packages and mail forwarding.

They promptly scan and upload your mail to your online account and offer options to forward physical mail to any location you specify. This service can be particularly useful during travel or when managing multiple business locations, ensuring you never miss important correspondence or documents.

8. Offers the Best Customer Service in the Industry

Any business owner that has used Northwest would testify to their promptly response.

An obvious benefit but I just had to talk about it a bit.

See, their claim of Offering the Best Customer Service in the Industry is not misplaced. I’ve experienced their responsive and knowledgeable support firsthand, which has been invaluable when I needed guidance.

Whenever I’ve had queries, even years after my initial registration, they have not faltered in providing timely and informative assistance.

Their customer service team is composed of US-based representatives, which lends to the ease of communication. Each representative that I’ve dealt with has been not just cordial but also well-informed, offering clear and concise advice exactly when I needed it.

The ability to reach out and receive expert guidance on complex regulatory requirements has been invaluable for my business operations. Unlike some other services where support feels automated and detached, Northwest provides a more personal experience.

Northwest registered agent have different customer support and contact us channels. You can reach out to them via thier mobile phone number on – 509-768-2249.

And they also have contact form here.

Here’s their address:

Northwest Registered Agent, LLC
522 W. Riverside Ave. Suite N
Spokane, WA 99201

9. Other Services

In addition to acting as a registered agent, Northwest Registered Agent offers a suite of services that cater to various business needs.

• Nonprofit Formation:

When you decide to form a nonprofit, you will be able to file your Nonprofit Articles directly through Northwest’s Registers Agent service. They will ensure the process complies with state regulations, providing peace of mind. For ongoing compliance, you can utilize their service to file annual reports and maintain foreign qualification as your nonprofit expands into new territories. They will also conduct a name availability search to protect your nonprofit’s unique name.

• BOC-3 Process Agent:

Northwest will provide a BOC-3 Process Agent when you need to expand your operations into other states, meeting the requirement for a blanket agent across every state. Taking advantage of their bulk registered agent service will reduce the per-state cost, which will be beneficial as you enter multiple new markets.

• Mail Forwarding:

Northwest will furnish a unique business address, adding a layer of professionalism to your business or nonprofit.

• Trademark Service:

Northwest’s also provides a trademark service that helps businesses protect their brand effectively.

• Legal Documentation Templates:

They offer an array of templates for legal documentation. Most of these templates are free to use unlike other LLC service that bills you automatically for them.

• S-Corp Election Service:

When you want to optimize tax status, Northwest will provide an S-Corp Election service that will facilitate your nonprofit’s transition.

Northwest Registered Agent Pricing Packages & Fees

When I first considered Northwest Registered Agent for my LLC formation, their transparent pricing structure caught my attention.

Significantly, their LLC formation service is priced at $39, plus state fees—which vary by state. I appreciated that their pricing was upfront, with no hidden fees to worry about after the fact.

Unlike most services out there.

In terms of packages, Northwest offers a straightforward option that combines several key services. This includes address privacy—which is provided free of charge—and a year of Registered Agent service at no additional cost for the first year.

After the first year, the service is billed at $125 per year.

It’s a refreshing approach to see a service provide clear upfront costs without the complexity of numerous tiers or options that often serve to confuse rather than help.

Here’s a quick rundown of other Northwest Registered Agent services and fees:

Service	Price	Details
Registered Agent Service	$125/year	Includes standard registered agent services and additional support throughout the year
LLC Formation Service	$39 + state fees	Includes filing of LLC formation documents and registered agent service for the first year.
Corporation Formation Service	$39 + state fees	Includes filing of corporation formation documents and registered agent service for the first year.
State Annual Report Filing Service	$100 + state fees	Assistance with filing annual reports.
S Corporation Election With The IRS	$50	Prepare and obtain your S-corp election from the IRS
Trademark Service	$249+$250 in USPTO fees.	Their attorneys will review your trademark and its eligibility, then prepare and file your application
Mail Forwarding Service	$20/month	Forwarding mail to a specified address.
Virtual Office Service	$29/month	Provides a business address and mail handling services.
Tax ID	$50	They will take care of all the paperwork and get a TAX ID for your company from the IRS.
EIN	$200	They will take care of all the paperwork and get an EIN for your company from the IRS.
Phone Service	$9/month + usage fees	Business phone number and phone answering services.

To be honest, Northwest’s straightforward approach extends to the billing process.

There’s no fear of being blindsided by unexpected costs, which is a common pain point with some other providers. My experience has shown me that what you see is what you get with Northwest, and that clarity in pricing is one of their strongest features.

Northwest Registered Agent Reviews & Customer Experience

Platform	Rating	Number of Reviews	Source
BBB	4.63/5	146	Better Business Bureau
TrustPilot	3.1/5	94	TrustPilot
Google	4.7	1,200	Google
Glassdoor	4.4/5	16	Glassdoor
Yelp	N/A	N/A	N/A

In my research and personal experience with Northwest Registered Agent, I’ve come across a variety of customer reviews that, in my opinion, accurately reflect the service’s performance.

Here are a sample of these reviews:

TrustPilot: Northwest Registered Agent exceeded my expectations! Their support team is fantastic, and they completed my company formation within 24 hours. They also provide fast scanning of documents, which is incredibly convenient. Definitely worth it for anyone needing reliable and efficient service.

– Mustafa Shaheen

BBB Reviews: I recently registered my business with Northwest Registered Agent and was clueless about the process. The team was great; they went above and beyond to ensure any questions and concerns were answered. The registered agents were exceptional, very patient, and knowledgeable. They took time to explain things and provide me with resources and information to help boost my business.I have already recommended them to one of my friends and will continue to do so.

– Gina. D

Google Reviews:

I reached out to Northwest Registered Agent and I was truly amazed by their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. It was my first time and I was not disappointed.

I had the pleasure of working with Amanda Brooke and Gillian Lewis and their dedication to excellence truly stood out during my interaction with them. They were friendly, diligently addressed my inquiries, and successfully guided me through the entire process. Their professionalism, patience, and attentive listening skills made the experience smooth and enjoyable.

I would highly recommend Northwest to anyone in need of the services they provide. You can rest assured that you will be guided by a friendly and knowledgeable team that is willing to help and make every interaction with them a delightful experience. Their customer service epitomizes excellence and will make you feel deeply valued and appreciated.

Margaret Muchiri

While these positive reviews showcase Northwest’s strengths, it’s important to note that like any service provider, they also receive criticism.

For example, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of their services.

To provide a balanced perspective, here’s a complaint from a user who was dissatisfied with their experience:

BBB Review Complaint: I canceled my Northwest Registered Agent account on January 10, 2024, and I informed all my contactsof my new address. However, some people were still sending mail to Northwest, and I was still being charged $50.00 foreach document to access it. On April 19, 2024, I sent Northwest an email requesting that they cancel my service and cease taking mail on my behalf. The reply was, “We would like to ensure that any mail that is received on your behalf is still delivered to you, even though your services have been canceled.” Unfortunately, that mail is locked and will cost you $50 to unlock without active service.A court filingthat demanded my presence in court was one of the letters that Northwest accepted. By happenstance, I learned about this hearing from another source, preventing the issuance of a bench warrant for my arrest. The fact that Northwest Registered Agent can take mail on your behalf without active service, charge a viewing fee, and destroy correspondence after 30 days should be illegal.

– Anonymous

Northwest Registered Agent Pros: 5 Reasons You Should Come on Board

1. Nationwide Expertise: Having worked with Northwest Registered Agent for years, I can confirm they are genuine LLC experts in all 50 states. Their extensive knowledge provides valuable guidance, regardless of where your LLC is established.
2. Privacy Protection: They value privacy. By using their address as your LLC address, you can keep your address off public records, adding an extra layer of privacy to your business operations.
3. Cost Savings: Unlike competitors who charge exorbitant fees, Northwest offers free Registered Agent Service and operating agreements for the first year. This results in considerable savings, as similar services can cost upwards of $500 elsewhere.
4. Transparent Pricing: With Northwest, what you see is what you get. I appreciate the absence of hidden fees and annoying upsells. Their pricing is straightforward, with all costs clearly explained upfront.
5. Security Commitment: Northwest has earned my trust through its secure information handling. Its strict policy against selling or trading personal data is a significant relief in today’s data-driven world.

Northwest Registered Agent Cons: One Reason You Might Think Twice

Northwest Registered Agent excel in many areas as an LLC filing and registered agent service provider. Most of my experience with them has been positive.

However, there’s one area where they might fall short:

• Lack of Legal Services: Northwest is not a legal service provider. They can help with LLC formation and offer a reliable registered agent service, but if you need legal advice or legal services for your LLC, you’ll have to find it elsewhere.

Northwest focuses on what they do best – providing solid, efficient registered agent and business formation services.

If having in-house legal services is important to you, this might be a dealbreaker. However, if you have access to legal resources separately or don’t need legal assistance, this shouldn’t be a big issue in their otherwise comprehensive offering.

Northwest Registered Agent Alternatives and How They Compare

Company	LLC Formation	Processing Time	Registered Agent Fee	Operating Agreement	Address Privacy	Reviews Rating	Money-Back Guarantee
Northwest	$39	2-6 days	$125/yr after 1st yr	Included	Yes	High	Yes
Tailor Brands	Varies	Standard	$99	Included	No	Moderate	Yes
Doola	$199	Standard	$99/yr	Included	Yes	High	Yes
LegalZoom	$79+	30 days	$299/yr	Additional	No	Mixed	No
ZenBusiness	$49	2-3 weeks	$99/yr after 1st yr	Additional	Yes	High	Yes
Bizee	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	No
Swyft Filings	$49	1-2 days	$149/yr	Included	No	Moderate	Yes
Rocket Lawyer	$99.99	7-10 days	$149.99/yr	Included	No	Moderate	Yes

Northwest streamlined process is impressive, providing one of the fastest filing service which is particularly beneficial for businesses in urgent need of LLC formation.

I love the fact that the first year of registered agent service is included, which boosts the initial value proposition since other companies like LegalZoom charge a separate, higher fee from the beginning.

My Final Words: Is Northwest Registered Agent legit enough to handle your LLC?

I’ve been using Northwest Registered Agent for my LLC for four years, and I can confidently say they are legitimate and reliable. They’ve always provided smart and efficient service, showing their professionalism.

Their straightforward approach makes things easy.

They charged me $39 to file my LLC, which included services like registered agent service, operating agreement, business address use, and mail scanning. I appreciated their clear pricing. Sedond to to none in the industry!

The annual cost for the registered agent service from Northwest has been $125/year, which I find reasonable for the peace of mind it provides. Their timely emails ensure I never miss important documents or deadlines, showing their attention to detail. Their friendly customer service team has also been helpful whenever I’ve had questions.

In short, if you’re thinking about using Northwest Registered Agent for your LLC, I can say from my experience that they are reliable and competent, making them a great choice for business formation and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Northwest Registered Agent cost?

Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 to file your LLC. This includes services such as registered agent service, an operating agreement, business address use, and mail scanning. After the first year, the annual cost for the registered agent service is $125.

How long does it take to form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent?

Forming an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent typically takes a few minutes to submit all the necessary information online. However, the actual processing for the LLC to be ready varies by state, generally taking between 2 to 6 days.

Is Northwest Registered Agent legit?

Absolutely, Northwest Registered Agent is a legitimate service provider. They’ve been offering LLC formation and registered agent services for over two decades and have a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Are there any recurring costs associated with maintaining a Northwest business identity?

The main recurring cost is the annual registered agent fee, which is $125. This fee is applicable to each state where registration is required and becomes less if you need services in five or more states.

Does Northwest Registered Agent offer a virtual address for my LLC?

Yes, they offer a virtual address for your LLC. This service is part of their mail forwarding and privacy protection package.

Does Northwest Registered Agent send you documents?

Yes, they offer timely delivery of all legal documents pertaining to your LLC. My documents have always been sent without delay.

Can I Use Northwest Registered Agent as a Non-resident?

Yes, Northwest Registered Agent provides LLC services to non-residents, making it easier to set up a business in the U.S. from abroad.

What is the Northwest customer support phone number and email, and how responsive are they to inquiries?

You can reach to their customer support at support@northwestregisteredagent.com to use their phone number available on their website.

Is a Registered Agent necessary to form my LLC?

Yes, a Registered Agent is necessary to form your LLC. They receive legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business, ensuring you stay compliant with state regulations.

How long does it take to get my EIN with Northwest Registered Agent?

Getting an EIN through Northwest Registered Agent usually happens after a few weeks. After filing for it, you can expect to receive your EIN within 2-6weeks.

How do I cancel my service with Northwest Registered Agent?

To cancel the service, it is typically necessary to contact their customer support and follow their cancellation procedure.

Where is Northwest Registered Agent located?

Northwest Registered Agent is headquartered in Spokane, Washington, but they provide services across all 50 states in the U.S.