When you're setting up your new business, an incorporation package is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You'll find hundreds of service providers promising to streamline the business formation process. It can be hard to know which formation service is best for you - today, Northwest Registered Agent and Nationwide Incorporators will be compared side by side to help you understand which is best for you.
Northwest Registered Agent vs. Nationwide Incorporators: The Verdict
Nationwide Incorporators and Northwest Registered Agent represent two of the best LLC formation services. They offer you great experience and know-how to keep your new LLC compliant without costing the earth. With that said, Northwest has key advantages that can make them an overall better choice. Northwest offers a full year of registered agent service with all formation packages, but Nationwide Incorporators doesn't offer agent services with their LLC formations. In addition, Nationwide Incorporators has a limited handful of customer feedback, while Northwest has scores of positive reviews online. Northwest scans through all of your documents - instead of just the government mail you receive.
With that said, Nationwide Incorporators are attorney-powered; an experienced attorney drafts and reviews your documentation which is a unique advantage.
Choose Nationwide Incorporators if:
- You're searching for an attorney-powered service provider
- You want a smoother online service
- You want legal services without the high price tag
Choose Northwest Registered Agent if:
- You want free registered agent services for a year
- You want a provider with a more established reputation
- You want 100% of your mail forwarded to you
Services Offered & Pricing
Northwest only offers one package at $225, with additional extras provided on an a la carte basis. Nationwide offers three packages that range from $200-$475; while this may seem competitive, it's worth noting that registered agent services aren't included - you'll need to pay $150 extra per year for that. Northwest is better for overall value, with both offering similar services, though Nationwide doesn't offer support for partnerships.
Key Similarities
- You can start an LLC, corporation, or non-profit
- You can use both for your annual reporting and compliance needs
Key Differences
- Nationwide offers multiple packages
- Nationwide incorporators don't support partnerships
- Northwest Registered Agent includes registered agent services
Nationwide Incorporators Packages & Pricing
There are three packages available with Nationwide Incorporators; just keep in mind that none of the prices include state filing fees or registered agent services (which will cost an additional $150 annually).
Basic package - $200 + state fees
The Basic package consists of:
- Business name availability check or your state
- Preparing and filing your Articles of Organization
- Operating agreement
- Sample minutes and bylaws
Priority Deluxe package - $425 + state fees
In addition to the above, you'll also receive:
- Priority processing time
- Personalized minute book
- Custom bylaws
- Custom organization minutes
- Custom stock certificates
- Custom stock ledger
Priority Premium package - $475 + state fees
The Priority Premium package includes everything mentioned above in addition to:
- Preparation of Federal application for a tax ID number (EIN)
- Obtaining EID from Internal Revenue Service (so you can open a corporate bank account immediately)
- Two years of MinuteMinder service for free ($250 value)
Northwest has fairly unique pricing with just one package available. The registered agent service can be renewed for just $125 annually after the first year, making them a competitive option if you're looking to keep costs low.
A la carte services - $225 upfront, variable per year
Northwest Registered Agent has a unique pricing system; everything is included in the $225 package with additional add-ons. The registered agent service is excellent value for money as you can keep this service for $125 annually - cheaper than most competitors.
Northwest Registered Agent offers outstanding services to business owners.
As soon as you place an order, you'll see how streamlined the process is. They don't share your information or upsell to you. They complete all paperwork filing and create the entity for you, with full assistance every step of the way.
Additional services such as annual reporting are also available.
They receive all of your mail and pass it on to you, whereas other companies will only pass on government mail.
Document Management & Online Experience
Northwest offers a high-quality online experience with no safety concerns. Their web experience is very smooth, with lots of information available to assist you, with everything from educational articles to price breakdowns available to help you. They are also a market leader with their 'scan everything' model, ensuring that you promptly receive all of your mail. However, Nationwide Incorporators go a little further with trained attorneys to oversee your legal documents. Either way, you can trust both providers with your formation documents.
Key Similarities
- You can manage your documents easily online
- The websites are smooth to use and provide lots of information
Key Differences
- Nationwide Incorporators have a stronger focus on imparting helpful information
- Northwest provides the best registered agent service, forwarding 100% of your mail
Processing Time
Northwest isn't very transparent with its turnaround times, which vary by state. But expedited processing is available for a fee (starting at $100 for one-day filing services). Nationwide Incorporators have priority filing packages that promise service within 2-business days. If you sign up with a basic package, you can also upgrade to a priority filing package. Overall, Nationwide Incorporators seem to offer speedier service.
- Expedited filing is available
Key Differences
- Nationwide Incorporators offer faster service and priority packages
Compliance & Track Record
Nationwide Incorporators have fewer online reviews than Northwest, but they're accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Northwest has an 'A' rating with the BBB, but they're not yet accredited. Overall, both have formed many businesses with no significant compliance issues. They are in good standing with the secretary of state.
Key Similarities
- No compliance issues
Key Differences
- Nationwide Incorporators are BBB accredited
Customer Service
Both providers offer premium customer support. Northwest offers excellent customer service in-house provided by highly trained corporate guides who can answer all your questions. With Nationwide Incorporators, you'll also receive personalized customer service; the CEO Robert E. Stenson (a business attorney with 25 years of experience), is known to answer customer inquiries.
Key Similarities
- Premium customer service
Key Differences
- Northwest Registered Agent hires more customer service agents (corporate guides) to assist you in your goal of providing excellent customer support
Structure Breakdown
What may be best for a corporation may not offer stellar service for a partnership; it all comes down to your business needs. There are multiple areas for entrepreneurs to consider when it comes to business formation services. Still, one significant thing that will affect your experience of a company's service is the business entity you're forming. Let's take an in-depth look at what Northwest Registered Agent and Nationwide Incorporators offer you.
In terms of setting up a limited liability company, it's hard to pick a clear winner. Northwest has better online reviews and reputation and is an industry leader in registered agent services. Still, Nationwide has a superior virtual office and multiple LLC formation packages, including priority service.
Setting up a corporation can be somewhat complex, whether an S-corp or a C-corp. For an attorney-powered service, Nationwide Incorporators offer a competitive price point. You can use your online account to keep things running smoothly and oversee all areas of your startup, but a fully qualified in-house attorney will also review your legal documents. They are a step down from getting dedicated legal services.
Northwest Registered Agent can help you launch a partnership with a DBA (doing business as) or partnership agreement. Nationwide Incorporators don't provide this support for partnerships.
Whether you choose Northwest Registered Agent or Nationwide Incorporators, you'll be able to register your business entity for non-profit status, granting you special tax exemptions. Northwest and Nationwide Incorporators appear to have similar success rates for this registration.
The Last Word
If you're looking for an industry-leading registered agent service with excellent customer reviews, then you should choose Northwest Registered Agent; they offer a smooth incorporation service and additional features for a reasonable price. However, if you want faster filing and better online business services, you should look at Nationwide Incorporators.
Filed under: Head-to-Head
