Starting a new business requires a lot of decisions, and one of the most important choices is who will assist you in setting up your business and keeping it compliant.
Two of the most well-known names in this industry are Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee (formerly known as Incfile). Both companies offer LLC formation services, registered agent services, and a variety of business tools. But how do they compare, and which one should you choose?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down both companies in terms of their pricing, services, customer support, ease of use, and more, to give you a clear understanding of which one suits your needs best.
Company Overview
Before diving into features and pricing, it’s important to understand the background and focus of both companies. Here’s a brief look at each:
Northwest Registered Agent
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Spokane, Washington, USA
Services: LLC Formation, Registered Agent Services, Annual Compliance, EIN Application, Operating Agreement, Mail Forwarding, Privacy Protection, and more.
Northwest Registered Agent has made a name for itself by providing top-tier registered agent services, with a focus on customer privacy and exceptional customer service. The company prides itself on its transparency, low prices, and commitment to keeping clients informed and compliant.
Unique Selling Points:
- Personalized support with a dedicated “Corporate Guide.”
- Privacy-focused services that keep your information secure.
- Exceptional customer service and quick response times.
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Founded: 2004
Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Services: LLC Formation, Registered Agent Services, EIN Application, Operating Agreement, Business License Search, Trademark Filing, and more.
Bizee (previously Incfile) is one of the largest players in the LLC formation and registered agent service market. With years of experience, it provides affordable services with a broad range of features to cater to entrepreneurs and small business owners. They market themselves as a comprehensive solution for business formation and ongoing compliance.
Unique Selling Points:
- Free LLC formation (you only pay the state filing fees).
- A wide array of additional services such as business license search and trademark filing.
- Strong reputation for affordability, especially for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Pricing Breakdown
When starting a business, the cost can be a deciding factor. Both Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee offer competitive pricing, but they differ in terms of service packages, add-ons, and overall value.
Northwest Registered Agent Pricing
Here’s a closer look at their main services:
- LLC Formation: $39 + State Filing Fees
- This is a relatively low price for LLC formation services, and it includes a year of registered agent services at no extra cost.
- Registered Agent Services: Free for the first year, then $125 per year after that.
- Northwest’s registered agent service includes forwarding legal documents, ensuring privacy, and offering compliance alerts.
- EIN Application: $50
- Operating Agreement: Free with LLC formation
- Annual Report Filing: $100 per year
- Business Phone Service: $9 per month
- Virtual Office: $49 per month
- Mail Forwarding: Varies, starting from $30 per month
Overall, Northwest Registered Agent’s pricing is reasonable and transparent, with a focus on providing high-value services like privacy protection and personalized customer support. The $39 base fee for LLC formation is low, but some services like the annual report filing or business phone service come at an additional cost.
Bizee Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of Bizee’s pricing:
- LLC Formation:
- Basic Package: Free (you only pay the state filing fees)
- Standard Package: $149 + State Filing Fees
- Premium Package: $299 + State Filing Fees
- Registered Agent Services: Free for the first year, then $119 per year.
- Their registered agent service includes the usual features, such as mail forwarding and compliance alerts.
- EIN Application: $70
- Operating Agreement: $40
- Business License Search: $99
- Trademark Filing: $199
Bizee offers an attractive deal with its free LLC formation in the basic package. This could be a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to minimize costs, though the state filing fees are not included. However, their Standard and Premium packages come with additional features such as an operating agreement and faster processing times, which might appeal to more serious business owners.
Feature Comparison
While pricing is an important consideration, the actual features and services offered by each company will likely influence your decision. Let’s compare Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee in terms of their features.
Northwest Registered Agent Features
- LLC Formation: LLC formation is straightforward and includes a free year of registered agent services. The process is quick, and Northwest ensures that all required forms are filed correctly.
- Registered Agent Services: Includes mail forwarding, legal document handling, and annual compliance reminders. One of the standout features of Northwest’s service is the focus on privacy. Your business address is kept private, and they act as a buffer between you and public records.
- Customer Support: A significant differentiator for Northwest is their Customer Service. They assign a dedicated Corporate Guide to every client. This means you have a direct line to an expert who can guide you through any questions or challenges. Their customer support is available via phone, email, and live chat, with prompt and knowledgeable responses.
- Compliance Tools: Northwest provides tools to help businesses stay compliant, including reminders for filing annual reports and important tax filings. They also provide access to business forms.
- Privacy Protection: Northwest prioritizes the privacy of their clients and ensures that personal information isn’t sold or shared. This is an attractive feature for business owners who are concerned about privacy and data security.
Bizee Features
- LLC Formation: Like Northwest, Bizee’s LLC formation service includes filing the necessary paperwork with the state. Their free LLC formation option (with state fees) is an excellent entry-level option for new entrepreneurs.
- Registered Agent Services: Bizee offers similar registered agent services, including mail forwarding and document management. However, their level of customer service does not seem as personalized as Northwest’s offering. You’ll likely have to wait longer for responses compared to Northwest’s more tailored service.
- Customer Support: Bizee’s support is available via phone and email. While their customer service is generally helpful, there have been occasional complaints about slow response times. They do provide a knowledge base with helpful resources, but you might not get the personal, one-on-one service that Northwest offers.
- Additional Services: Bizee offers a number of helpful tools, such as a business license search and trademark filing. These are great add-ons for businesses that need help with compliance and branding. The EIN application and Operating Agreement are also offered for an additional fee.
- Free Tools and Resources: The ability to file your LLC for free (minus state fees) is a huge draw for Bizee, especially for cost-conscious entrepreneurs. Their business entity quiz helps you determine which type of business structure is best for you, a feature that Northwest doesn’t offer.
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback is one of the best ways to gauge the overall quality and reliability of a service. Here’s a look at how customers feel about Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee.
Northwest Registered Agent Reviews
Northwest Registered Agent consistently receives positive reviews across various platforms. Customers often praise the company’s exceptional customer service, with many highlighting the personalized service and quick response times. People appreciate the fact that Northwest assigns a dedicated guide to each client, which provides peace of mind and ensures they’re never left in the dark about their business needs.
Pros:
- Highly rated customer support and personalized attention.
- Focus on privacy and data protection.
- Easy-to-use platform with clear pricing.
Cons:
- Some services (such as annual reports or phone service) come at an extra cost.
- Pricing is slightly higher for registered agent services compared to other providers.
Bizee Reviews
Bizee (formerly Incfile) has garnered a positive reputation for its affordability and ease of use. Many customers love the fact that they can form an LLC for free, paying only state fees. However, Bizee’s customer support has been called into question in some reviews, with several users noting delays in response time and issues with the quality of service.
Pros:
- Free LLC formation with low-cost add-ons.
- Wide range of business tools and services.
- Good value for money.
Cons:
- Customer service can be slow, especially during peak times.
- Higher-priced packages may not offer significant value compared to the basic option.
Which Is Better: Northwest Registered Agent or Bizee?
Deciding between Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee ultimately comes down to your business needs and priorities.
- Choose Northwest Registered Agent if you value personalized customer support, privacy protection, and high-quality compliance tools. If you prefer a more hands-on approach with a dedicated guide for your business, Northwest’s offering is hard to beat.
- Choose Bizee if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with a broader range of business tools and additional services. Bizee is a great option for those who want to minimize costs while still receiving solid services, especially if you’re comfortable navigating their customer service setup.
Both companies are solid choices, but the right one for you depends on your specific business needs. If you prioritize personal support and privacy, Northwest may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly services with a wider array of tools, Bizee might be a better fit.
FAQ’s
What are the registered agent fees for Bizee?
Bizee’s registered agent service is free for the first year, then $119/year after that.
Does Northwest Registered Agent offer customer support?
Yes, Northwest offers personalized support with a dedicated Corporate Guide.
Does Bizee offer customer support?
Yes, Bizee offers phone and email support, though response times can be slower during busy periods.
How fast is the LLC formation process with Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest processes LLC formations in 1-2 business days.
How fast is the LLC formation process with Bizee?
Bizee claims to process LLC formations in 1 business day.
