Starting a business is an exciting and fulfilling endeavor many people dream of. In North Carolina, entrepreneurs must choose the best Registered Agent service in North Carolina to help them navigate the state’s legal requirements. This service can help with everything from registering the business to filing taxes and maintaining compliance.
When starting an LLC in North Carolina, choosing the right LLC service is crucial for the success of your business. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which service is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we at LLCBase will explore the top LLC services in North Carolina and provide the information you need to decide which service to choose.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is Registered Agent
Registered Agent, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent, is an individual or a company appointed by a business entity, such as an LLC or a corporation, to receive and handle important legal and state documents on its behalf. The Registered Agent is responsible for ensuring the business maintains compliance with state regulations by receiving and forwarding legal documents, including lawsuits, subpoenas, and other official notices, and providing a physical address for the service of process. This service is essential for businesses as it helps them stay informed of legal actions or requirements and ensures they get all crucial deadlines and notifications.
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7 Best Registered Agent Services in North Carolina
We’ve compiled a list of the top North Carolina Registered Agent services to help guide you through the process. These companies provide outstanding service and support for new and established businesses.
1. LegalZoom: Best Overall
LegalZoom is a leading business solution provider offering a wide range of services to support LLC formation, incorporation, and ongoing compliance requirements. Renowned for its comprehensive offerings and professional guidance, LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs seeking a one-stop shop for all their business needs.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: LegalZoom provides registered agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business complies with state regulations.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: Besides registered agent services, LegalZoom can help you form an LLC or incorporate a business in any state. They offer a simple, step-by-step process that makes filing all required documents correctly easy.
- Online Dashboard: LegalZoom provides an easy-to-navigate online dashboard to access your business documents, receive notifications, and manage your registered agent services.
- Additional Business Services: LegalZoom offers various additional services, including business licenses and permits guidance, tax and insurance guidance, attorney consultations, and other business-related services, such as website creation and email support.
- Comprehensive Packages: LegalZoom offers three LLC formation packages – Economy, Standard, and Express Gold – each tailored to cater to various budget constraints and requirements, ensuring a cost-effective and customized business solution.
Recommended: Hire a reliable Registered Agent and secure peace of mind knowing your business matters are in professional hands. We recommend –
Our #1 Pick: LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup
Fees
LegalZoom offers three distinct LLC formation packages – Basic, Pro, and Premium – designed to meet varying budget constraints and requirements. A detailed overview of the features and services included in each package is presented below:
Basic Package: $0 plus state filing fees)
This essential package covers the necessary components for LLC formation and comprises the following services:
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
- Name availability search
- Lifetime customer support
- Standard LLC formation process
Pro Package: $249 plus state filing fees)
Enhancing the Basic Package, the Pro Package includes additional services for increased business support:
- Access to operating agreement templates
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Guide to business licenses and permits
- Tax and insurance guidance
- Financial account authorization letter
Premium Package: $279 plus state filing fees
For a more all-inclusive solution, the Premium Package encompasses everything in the Pro Package plus:
- Attorney services via a 30-day subscription
- Extra business services, including websites, email, and more
Choosing the appropriate LegalZoom package ensures that your LLC formation process is both cost-effective and tailored to your business needs. The Basic Plan provides a personalized operating agreement, financial account authorization, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Affordability: This service offers a $0 LLC formation (+state fee), ensuring affordability.
- Good reputation: A trustworthy and established reputation ensures you’re in good hands.
- Efficiency: A straightforward LLC formation process saves time and effort.
- Expertise: Access to legal professionals provides valuable expertise.
- Customer support: Responsive customer support is available through phone and chat.
Cons
- Higher costs: Higher pricing compared to competitors may deter budget-conscious customers.
- Higher add-on costs: Additional fees not included in plan prices can increase total costs.
- Uncertainty: Mixed customer reviews create uncertainty regarding the service’s consistency.
2. Northwest Registered Agent: Best Customer Support
Northwest Registered Agent is a highly-regarded Registered Agent service. With a focus on personalized service and customer support, Northwest has earned a reputation as one of the best Registered Agent services in the industry.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: Northwest offers Registered Agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business maintains compliance with state regulations.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: In addition to Registered Agent services, Northwest can help you form an LLC or incorporate a business in North Carolina, guiding you through the process and ensuring all required documents are filed correctly.
- Online Dashboard: Northwest provides an easy-to-use online dashboard to access all your business documents, receive notifications, and manage your Registered Agent services.
- Excellent Customer Support: Northwest is known for its exceptional customer support, providing personalized assistance and answering questions about forming an LLC or incorporating a business.
Fees
Northwest Registered Agent provides a range of essential formation services for businesses at varying prices, including registered agent services, company formation, and VIP business services.
Core Services:
- Registered Agent: Acquire registered agent services for a flat fee of $125.
- Company Formation: Form any type of business (LLCs, non-profits, corporations, etc.) for a single price of $39.
- VIP Business Service: Get expedited filing and VIP services with monthly or upfront payment options. Prices and expedited filing charges vary by state.
Business Maintenance: Northwest assists businesses in growth and compliance with services such as:
- Annual Report: File an annual report for $100 + State filing fee.
- Federal Tax ID Service: Secure a Federal Tax ID or EIN for your business for $50.
- Foreign LLC Formation: Establish a foreign LLC in the United States for $100 + State filing and expedited fees.
Service of Process: Choose from multiple registered agent service options.
- BOC-3: Obtain BOC-3 agent services for $125 + State fees.
- National Agent Service: Appoint a single national agent for 5 or more states at $100 + State fees.
- Wholesale Registered Agent: Secure a wholesale agent to manage multiple states for B2B services at an affordable cost.
Additional Services: Northwest also offers supplementary services, such as:
- Company formation for Non-U.S. residents: Packages begin at $925.
- EIN for Non-U.S. residents: $50.
- Law on Call: Access legal consultation for $9 per month.
- Certified copies of formation documents: Prices vary by state.
- Certificate of Good Standing: Prices vary by state.
- Corporate kits (books, seals): Prices range between $30 and $80.
Northwest Registered Agent’s consistent and transparent pricing across all states makes it a popular choice for businesses seeking registered agent services. Their wide range of services caters to various business needs, providing a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Pros
- Personalized Service: Northwest Registered Agent delivers tailored support for clients’ business needs.
- Comprehensive Services: Northwest provides various business services, including Registered Agent, LLC formation, and annual filings.
- Excellent Support: Renowned for knowledgeable and friendly customer assistance.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear pricing with a $125 yearly flat fee for Registered Agent services and no hidden charges.
Cons
- Higher Annual Fee: Northwest’s annual fee is slightly higher than some competitors, which may concern businesses on a tight budget. However, the personalized service and comprehensive range of features may justify the higher cost for many businesses.
3. ZenBusiness: Best for Ease of Use
ZenBusiness is a popular and user-friendly Registered Agent service offering a straightforward LLC formation and incorporation process. Known for its ease of use and affordability, ZenBusiness is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking for a hassle-free experience.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: ZenBusiness provides Registered Agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business complies with state regulations.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: Besides Registered Agent services, ZenBusiness can help you form an LLC or incorporate a business in any state. They offer a simple, step-by-step process that makes filing all required documents correctly easy.
- Online Dashboard: ZenBusiness provides an easy-to-navigate online dashboard to access your business documents, receive notifications, and manage your Registered Agent services.
Fees
ZenBusiness offers three pricing plans for its business formation and related services, starting at $0. Details of these packages are as follows:
Starter Plan: $0 plus state filing fees
The Starter Plan includes essential features such as business formation (LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit), registered agent services for the first year, an operating agreement template, and a worry-free compliance guarantee covering Annual Report filing and registered agent services for two years.
- Turnaround Time: 2-3 weeks
- Name Availability Search
- LLC Preparation and Filing
- Phone and Email Support
- Online Document Access
- Statement of Organizer
- Free Accounting Consultation
- Virtual Business Guide
- Google Ads Credit
- Standard Filing Speed
Pro Plan: $199 plus state filing fees
In addition to the Starter Plan features, the Pro Plan offers services like Employer Identification Number (EIN) registration, faster filing speed, and a customizable banking resolution template to help open a business bank account.
- Turnaround Time: 4-6 days
- Advertising Consultant LLC Filing – ZenBusiness handles all aspects of your LLC application for becoming an advertising consultant business and communicates with the state until your LLC is officially formed.
- Advertising Consultant Operating Agreement
- Advertising Consultant Annual Compliance Service – ZenBusiness manages the required yearly procedures for your state to operate within your industry legally.
- Rush Filing Service
Premium Plan: $299 plus state filing fees
The Premium Plan includes all Pro Plan features, domain name registration, a business website, and professional email services, all essential for an online presence.
- Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
- Fastest/Rush Filing Speed
- Business Website
- Business Domain Name
- Business Email Address
Add-on Services by ZenBusiness: ZenBusiness offers various add-on services, either included in existing plans at an extra cost or available for individual purchase. Some of these services are:
- Standalone Registered Agent Service – $99
- Business Name Reservation – $50
- Annual Report Filing – $100 + state fees
- New York Publication – $200 + publication cost
- Filing Amendment – $100 + state fees
- Certificate of Good Standing – $100 + state fees
- Business License Report – $99
- Business Document Templates Library – $99
ZenBusiness’s plans cater to diverse needs, making it an ideal choice for individuals starting or seeking comprehensive business support.
Pros
- Ease of Use: ZenBusiness’s user-friendly platform simplifies business formation tasks.
- Affordable Pricing: Plans from $0 per year make ZenBusiness ideal for small businesses.
- Additional Services: ZenBusiness provides comprehensive services, including registered agents.
- Responsive Support: Known for its prompt and helpful customer assistance.
Cons
- Occasional Processing Delays: Some users have reported occasional delays in document processing. However, these instances seem rare, and ZenBusiness is generally known for its efficient services.
4. BetterLegal: Best Value
BetterLegal is North Carolina-based Registered Agent service offering an all-inclusive package for businesses seeking to form an LLC or incorporate. Known for its excellent value and quick processing times, BetterLegal is a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive and efficient solution for their business needs.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: BetterLegal provides Registered Agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business maintains compliance with state regulations.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: Besides Registered Agent services, BetterLegal can help you form an LLC or incorporate a business in any state, providing a streamlined process and ensuring all required documents are filed correctly.
- Quick Processing Times: BetterLegal is known for its fast processing times, often forming an LLC or incorporating a business within a few business days.
Fees
BetterLegal charges a one-time fee of $90 per year or $10 monthly, including Registered Agent services for one year. However, you must pay more for LLC formation or incorporation, EIN registration, and operating agreement preparation.
Pros
- Excellent Value: Offers comprehensive services in an all-inclusive package.
- North Carolina Expertise: It ensures compliance with state regulations.
- Quick Processing: Efficiently forms LLCs and corporations in minimal time.
- Transparent Pricing
Cons
- Limited Pricing Options: BetterLegal only offers a single pricing plan, which may not suit businesses looking for more flexibility or customization.
5. Inc Authority: Best Free Service
Inc Authority is a well-known Registered Agent service that offers a free Registered Agent service for the first year, making it an excellent choice for new businesses looking to save on initial costs. With affordable services and a focus on customer support, Inc Authority has earned a reputation as a reliable option in the industry.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: Inc Authority provides Registered Agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business maintains compliance with state regulations.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: Besides Registered Agent services, Inc Authority can help you form an LLC or incorporate a business in any state, guiding you through the process and ensuring all required documents are filed correctly.
- Online Dashboard: Inc Authority provides an easy-to-use online dashboard to access all your business documents, receive notifications, and manage your Registered Agent services.
- Excellent Customer Support: Inc Authority is known for its exceptional customer support, providing personalized assistance and answering questions about forming an LLC or incorporating a business.
Fees
Inc Authority offers two exclusive Premium Service Bundles for business formation services, providing excellent value and catering to various needs. These bundles can only be ordered through Inc Authority’s team of Business Startup Experts by calling 877-684-2836.
Starter Business Bundle – $299 plus state filing fees
Priced at $299 plus state fees, the Starter Plan includes registered agent service for the first year (renewal at $99 per year), EIN/Tax ID number, and corporate forms package. Private banking specialists and expedited filing services are available as add-ons for those with additional requirements.
This bundle includes business name availability verification, custom state-filed articles, complete operating agreement or bylaws, a deluxe record book, ownership or stock certificates, initial meeting minutes and resolutions, annual compliance notifications, professional tax consultation, web domain, and five email addresses.
Fast Track Business Bundle
In addition to all features of the Starter Business Bundle, the Fast Track Business Bundle includes the INC Success Advisor Package. For $499 plus state fees, the Fast Track Plan encompasses all features from the Starter Plan, including private banking specialist and expedited filing services, ensuring a quicker, more streamlined experience.
Inc Authority’s premium bundles provide tailored options designed to meet entrepreneurs’ and small business owners’ unique business formation needs while saving them hundreds of dollars.
Pros
- Free First-Year Service: Inc Authority offers free Registered Agent service during the first year, reducing initial business costs.
- Diverse Services: Inc Authority provides various business services, including Registered Agent, LLC formation, and EIN registration.
- Superior Support: Renowned for their expert, friendly customer assistance.
Cons
- Pricey Plans: Inc Authority’s plans and bundles cost more than some competitors.
- Higher Renewal, Free First Year: Renewal fees are higher, but the free first-year service offsets this expense.
6. Incfile: Best for Automatic Mail Forwarding
Incfile is a leading Registered Agent service known for its automatic mail forwarding feature, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require efficient and reliable mail handling. In addition to Registered Agent services, Incfile also offers LLC formation and incorporation services.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: Incfile provides Registered Agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business complies with state regulations. They will receive and forward legal and state documents on behalf of your business and provide a physical address for the service of process.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: Besides Registered Agent services, Incfile can help you form an LLC or incorporate a business in any state. They guide you through the process and ensure all required documents are filed correctly.
- Online Dashboard: Incfile provides an easy-to-use online dashboard to access all your business documents, receive notifications, and manage your Registered Agent services.
Fees
Incfile offers three LLC plans for business formation, each with different pricing and features:
Silver Plan: $0 plus state fees
The Silver plan, priced at $0 (excluding state fees), provides essential business formation services, including free registered agent services for the first year, articles of organization preparation and filing, unlimited name searches, real-time order tracking, and phone and email support — perfect for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.
Gold Plan: $199 plus state fees
The Gold plan, available for $199 (excluding state fees), builds on the Silver plan’s offerings by adding an EIN, operating agreement, and banking resolution – a popular choice for entrepreneurs seeking a balance of affordability and value-added services.
Platinum Plan: $299 plus state fees
At $299 (excluding state fees), the Platinum plan provides the most comprehensive range of services, including domain name, expedited filing speed, document customization tools, and all the Gold plan features—ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a complete and efficient business formation experience.
Incfile’s LLC plans cater to entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing tailored services and pricing for individual needs.
Pros
- Automatic Mail Forwarding: Incfile promptly forwards business mail, setting it apart from competitors.
- Diverse Services: Incfile offers various services, including Registered Agent, LLC formation, and annual filings.
- Competitive Pricing: Incfile provides Registered Agent services at an affordable $119 per year without hidden costs.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Easy-to-use online dashboard enables streamlined Registered Agent service management and document access.
Cons
- Customer Support: Some users have reported occasional delays in response time from Incfile’s customer support team. However, the overall quality of their customer service is generally considered satisfactory.
7. Rocket Lawyer: Best for Satisfaction Guarantees
Rocket Lawyer is a well-known legal services provider that offers Registered Agent services with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. With a satisfaction guarantee, Rocket Lawyer has earned a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy option for businesses seeking Registered Agent services.
Features
- Registered Agent Services: Rocket Lawyer offers Registered Agent services in all 50 states, ensuring your business maintains compliance with state regulations. They will receive and forward legal and state documents on behalf of your business and provide a physical address for the service of process.
- LLC Formation and Incorporation: In addition to Registered Agent services, Rocket Lawyer can help you form an LLC in North Carolina or incorporate a business in any state, guiding you through the process and ensuring all required documents are filed correctly.
- Online Dashboard: Rocket Lawyer provides an easy-to-use online dashboard to access all your business documents, receive notifications, and manage your Registered Agent services.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Rocket Lawyer is committed to providing excellent customer support and offers a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you receive the help and support you need for your business.
Fees
RocketLawyer’s pricing structure is designed to cater to various legal needs, offering subscriptions, pay-as-you-go plans, and a free trial for new customers. Here is a detailed overview of the platform’s pricing and plans, supported by information from various reliable sources:
Free Trial
New users can use a 7-day free trial on RocketLawyer to explore the platform’s features and services. During this trial, users have access to:
- Legal consultations with a lawyer
- Document defense on RocketLawyer documents
- Document creation, editing, and signing
- Free incorporation filing for new members (state fees apply)
- 30-minute consultations on new legal matters
- Discounts on legal services
To start the free trial, visit RocketLawyer’s website and create an account. Note that after the trial, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the Premium plan, priced at $39.99 per month, unless you cancel before the trial ends.
Premium Plan
RocketLawyer’s Premium plan is a monthly subscription designed to provide ongoing access to legal services. For a monthly fee of $39.99, this plan includes:
- Unlimited access to legal documents: Create, edit, and sign any legal document from the RocketLawyer library at no extra cost.
- Unlimited legal questions: Ask a lawyer for advice on any legal inquiries.
- Document Defense® on RocketLawyer documents: If someone questions a document’s validity, an attorney will help enforce it.
- 30-minute free consultation on new legal matters: Members receive one free 30-minute consultation per legal matter with a participating attorney.
- Discounted legal services: Access local attorneys and receive 25% off their regular hourly rates for additional services, representation, or advice.
- Free incorporation services for new businesses: RocketLawyer waives its incorporation filing service fees for new businesses (state fees still apply).
To subscribe to RocketLawyer’s Premium plan, visit their website and sign up for an account. Once subscribed, the plan benefits are immediately accessible.
Pros
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Rocket Lawyer provides unmatched quality service and support for your business.
- Comprehensive Services: Rocket Lawyer offers extensive business services like LLC formation and annual report filings.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Manage your services and access documents easily with Rocket Lawyer’s online dashboard.
- Transparent Pricing: Rocket Lawyer has a clear, flat monthly fee of $39.99 with no hidden costs.
Cons
- Higher Annual Fee: Rocket Lawyer’s annual fee is higher than some competitors, which may concern businesses on a tight budget. However, the satisfaction guarantee and comprehensive range of features may justify the higher cost for many businesses.
FAQs
Also Read
- Registered Agent Services in Alabama
- Registered Agent Services in Alaska
- Registered Agent Services in Arizona
- Registered Agent Services in Arkansas
- Registered Agent Services in California
- Registered Agent Services in Colorado
- Registered Agent Services in Connecticut
- Registered Agent Services in DC
- Registered Agent Services in Delaware
- Registered Agent Services in Florida
- Registered Agent Services in Georgia
- Registered Agent Services in Hawaii
- Registered Agent Services in Idaho
- Registered Agent Services in Illinois
- Registered Agent Services in Indiana
- Registered Agent Services in Iowa
- Registered Agent Services in Kansas
- Registered Agent Services in Kentucky
- Registered Agent Services in Louisiana
- Registered Agent Services in Maine
- Registered Agent Services in Maryland
- Registered Agent Services in Massachusetts
- Registered Agent Services in Michigan
- Registered Agent Services in Minnesota
- Registered Agent Services in Mississippi
- Registered Agent Services in Missouri
- Registered Agent Services in Montana
- Registered Agent Services in Nebraska
- Registered Agent Services in Nevada
- Registered Agent Services in New Hampshire
- Registered Agent Services in New Jersey
- Registered Agent Services in New Mexico
- Registered Agent Services in New York
- Registered Agent Services in North Carolina
- Registered Agent Services in North Dakota
- Registered Agent Services in Ohio
- Registered Agent Services in Oklahoma
- Registered Agent Services in Oregon
- Registered Agent Services in Pennsylvania
- Registered Agent Services in Rhode Island
- Registered Agent Services in South Carolina
- Registered Agent Services in South Dakota
- Registered Agent Services in Tennessee
- Registered Agent Services in Texas
- Registered Agent Services in Utah
- Registered Agent Services in Vermont
- Registered Agent Services in Virginia
- Registered Agent Services in Washington
- Registered Agent Services in West Virginia
- Registered Agent Services in Wisconsin
- Registered Agent Services in Wyoming
Conclusion
When choosing Registered Agent service for your North Carolina LLC, it’s essential to consider factors such as pricing, customer support, and additional services offered. The companies listed in this article provide excellent service and support for businesses seeking to form an LLC in North Carolina. By reviewing the pros and cons of each service, you can make an informed decision about which Registered Agent best fits your needs. For more information and guidance for your North Carolina LLC, visit LLCBase.