Registered agent pricing study

This research digs into registered agent pricing across the top LLC formation services. Every LLC legally needs a registered agent, so this is one of the biggest ongoing costs to get a handle on. Our pricing comparison research covers total costs, but here we’re zeroing in on registered agent fees alone.

The Texas Secretary of State states: "Every LLC has to keep a registered agent with a physical address in Texas. If you don't, the state can dissolve your LLC."

Methodology

We looked at registered agent pricing across five big LLC formation services: Inc Authority, ZenBusiness, Bizee, Northwest Registered Agent, and LegalZoom. For each one, we checked first year costs, what you’ll pay on renewal, and if the agent’s already in the base package or sold separately. Our ranking method treats registered agent pricing as a major factor.

We also looked at what each registered agent service actually offers, like document scanning, privacy protection, and multi state support. The California Secretary of State states: "A registered agent must have a physical street address in California and be available during normal business hours to accept service of process."

Inc authority registered agent pricing

Inc Authority throws in free registered agent service for the first year when you grab their $0 formation package. That’s a solid deal for new founders, honestly. Is Inc Authority really free? Year one, yes, the registered agent costs you nothing. But watch out for that renewal fee later.

First-Year Cost. $0. The registered agent comes free with the base formation package.

Renewal Cost. $179 to $249 per year. It renews automatically unless you cancel or transfer before the 12-month mark. Can you switch registered agents? Yeah, and plenty of founders do it just to skip those renewal fees.

Features. We give you a physical address in your formation state, scan and notify you about documents, give you portal access, and send compliance reminders.

Value Assessment. Excellent first-year value. The free year saves you $179-$249. However, the renewal cost is higher than some competitors. Track your 11-month anniversary to decide whether to keep, cancel, or transfer.

Zenbusiness registered agent pricing

ZenBusiness sells registered agent as an add-on, not part of the base $0 Starter plan. Their pricing is clear, but it runs higher than some competitors. One of the biggest mistakes when choosing a LLC service is assuming registered agent comes with it when it doesn't.

First-Year Cost. $199. Registered agent costs extra, not part of the base package.

Renewal Cost. $199 per year. Same price as year one.

Features. We give you a physical address in your formation state, scan and notify you of documents, give you access to a digital portal, send compliance reminders, and integrate with Worry-Free Compliance tools.

Value Assessment. Moderate. It costs $199 a year, which is more than Bizee and Northwest but less than LegalZoom. There's no free first year, so you'll pay more upfront than you would with Inc Authority or Bizee.

Bizee registered agent pricing

Bizee (formerly Incfile) throws in free registered agent service for the first year with their $0 formation package. And when it comes to renewal pricing, they beat everyone else we looked at. When comparing Inc Authority and Bizee, both give you that free first year, but Bizee's renewal costs less.

First-Year Cost. $0. The registered agent is included at no cost with the base formation package.

Renewal Cost. $119 per year. That's the cheapest renewal we found in our review.

Features. We give you a physical address in your formation state, scan and notify you of documents, give you portal access, and send compliance reminders.

Value Assessment. Excellent. You get the first year free, and renewals are just $119 a year. That makes Bizee the cheapest registered agent option you'll find over the long haul.

Northwest registered agent pricing

Northwest Registered Agent throws registered agent service right into their $39 formation package. That pricing is the clearest we saw anywhere. Comparing Inc Authority and Northwest shows you pay more upfront with Northwest, but you get the registered agent covered from the start.

First-Year Cost. It's part of the $39 base formation fee. The registered agent isn't a separate add-on.

Renewal Cost. $125 a year. We make that clear, and it's a fair price.

Features. We give you a physical address in your formation state, document scanning and alerts, a digital portal, compliance reminders, and solid privacy.

Value Assessment. Excellent. The $39 base fee covers your registered agent, so you're really only paying $39 your first year. And the $125 renewal? That's competitive. Plus Northwest's privacy focus adds real value, not just a lower price.

Legalzoom registered agent pricing

LegalZoom sells registered agent service as an add-on, and it’s the priciest of the bunch. That service costs way more than what you’d find elsewhere. Why LegalZoom is so expensive mostly comes down to those steep add-ons, like the registered agent.

First-Year Cost. $249 to $299. Registered agent is an add-on, not included in the base package.

Renewal Cost. $249 to $299 per year. That’s the same as what you pay the first year.

Features. You get a physical address in your formation state, document scanning and notifications, digital portal access, and time with an attorney when you need it.

Value Assessment. Poor. At $249-$299/year, you're paying way more than competitors like Bizee at $119, Northwest at $125, or Inc Authority at $179-$249. That's a tough sell when cheaper options deliver similar or better service.