A Complete Northwest Registered Agent Review & Analysis

By

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a well-known, national registered agent service that many entrepreneurs leverage to get their businesses off the ground. And, for the most part, their customer reviews are pretty positive. 

But, you can’t always believe what you read. And, you should know exactly what you’ll get before you sign up for any paid offer.

I’ve been reviewing competitors’ registered agent services lately –  and it can only benefit you to learn as much as you can about all of your options before you decide which one to sign up for (if any). So, I wanted to review Northwest Registered Agent in-depth, and give you my take. 

Here’s what’s in store: 

Now, let’s get the show on the road. 

What is Northwest Registered Agent? 

Northwest registered agent reviews

Northwest Registered Agent is a company that helps businesses with important paperwork. They have lots of employees and help millions of businesses all over the country. 

A registered agent is someone who receives legal papers for a business. Northwest Registered Agent does more than just get papers—they also offer a bunch of helpful tools and services like a free business dashboard, business email, and expert advice from their team of Corporate Guides.

First, they assign a special helper called a “Corporate Guide” to each business owner to provide you with personalized support.

Northwest Registered Agent reviews reddit

Northwest Registered Agent started out helping businesses with paperwork. Now, they also assist with starting businesses as well as following rules and regulations. They even offer extra services like mail forwarding and virtual offices to keep your privacy safe (They give you a business address and forward your mail for free).

The company aims to make it easier to follow business filing rules in every state – including D.C. and Puerto Rico. Plus, they provide many resources needed to keep a business running smoothly. Whether you’re just starting out or already running an established business, Northwest Registered Agent might be able to help.

You might also like: Are All the Positive Swyft Filings Reviews Real? Read This

How Much Does Northwest Registered Agent Cost? 

Northwest Registered Agent login

Pricing for Northwest Registered Agent varies based on what you need. 

You can create an account for free, which gives you access to an ‘Entity Management System’ where you can populate forms at no cost. And, you won’t be signed up for drip marketing campaigns or newsletters to use the tools. 

Now, when you get into your account, you will enter information about your prospective or existing business, and the system will recommend registration or compliance next steps. 

This is when you will be offered paid services. 

But, you don’t have to take advantage of these services. In fact, the system will offer details and instructions for how or where to file certain forms on your own or take advantage of their agency services – it’s pretty cool. 

Northwest Registered Agent LLC review

And, pricing varies from service to service, for example: 

  • Registered Agent Services cost $125 per year plus filing fees
  • Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIs) cost $9
  • Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) cost $50 
  • Operating Agreements can be generated for free or cost up to $49
  • Trademark assistance costs $249 plus USPTO filing fees ($250)
  • Corporate books & seals have varied costs starting at $10 per item
  • The Business Identity Bundle (business address, WordPress website, email address, etc.) is $9 plus up to $9 per month per service after free trial expiration

The costs can vary tremendously, depending on which services you leverage.  

You might also like: Comprehensive ZenBusiness Review: Is it Legit for LLCs?    

Northwest Registered Agent Company Overview

Who owns Northwest Registered Agent?

Spokane, Washington-based Northwest Registered Agent – also known as Bonanzitizing LLC — is a for-profit, privately-held company that was founded in 1998. In 2022, the company acquired AAEusocial Interweb Technologies. 

Beyond that, it’s not super easy to find out solid information about company ownership or management. However, I found that Dan Keen was previously the President of the company. And, Dan VanGouden (if this is, in fact, a real person) is the “Chief Incompetence Officer.” 🤔

With this type of business, I can understand how it could be helpful to stay anonymous in-part…You don’t want your clients’ complaints to fall back on you. Plus, the staff directory is hilarious. 

Northwest Registered Agent Spokane reviews

I haven’t found any major red flags from online reviews, but Trustpilot reviews are mostly indicative of a mid-range experience. Keep in mind, people are way more likely to complain than report satisfactory service. So, take this how you will. 

Northwest Registered Agent reviews BBB

While they’re not accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Northwest Registered Agent maintains an A rating and 4.55 out of 5 stars on the platform – This is despite 35 complaints closed in the past 3 years and 15 in the past 12 months (which are actually low numbers). 

Northwest Registered Agent BBB

In all, the company appears to be legit – they’re actively registered in good standing in Washington state. I see no open class actions against them. But, since I haven’t used them myself, I can’t expressly recommend or vouch for them. 

With that said, their offer is interesting and I like what I see. 

You might also like: A Deep-Dive National Funding Review: Should You Accept an Offer? 

What Does Northwest Registered Agent Do? 

At Northwest Registered Agent, you’ll find a range of helpful services to support your business journey. The offer is pretty robust. And, it might be helpful before you’ve ever registered and if you’ve already been in business for some time. 

Let’s break down everything they might be able to help you with. 

1. Business Formation & Maintenance

Northwest Registered Agent LLC

When you’re ready to kickstart your business, Northwest Registered Agent can assist you with setting up your LLC or corporation. They’ll guide you through the process and help you stay on top of annual filings and other maintenance tasks to keep your business running smoothly.

While the company doesn’t advertise Sole Proprietorship registration, they do mention DBAs. If you need help filing, there’s only one risk in using these services – if you never actively participate in a business that is filed with a business service, you may be charged annually until you close the business yourself. 

You might also like: Secretary of State Offices Directory | Where to File a Business License 

2. Registered Agent Services

northwest registered agent customer service

With Northwest Registered Agent as your registered agent, you can rest easy with the idea that your legal correspondence will be handled promptly and confidentially. They’ll accept important documents on behalf of your business, to ideally make sure that you don’t miss critical communications.

You can be your own registered agent, certainly. But there are some instances where you may not want to be or it may be better for someone else to handle important filing deadlines. 

A registered agent also enables you to keep your name private from business filings (which can be good or bad). Some consumers will do their due diligence before choosing to purchase from a business, and they may want to know that you’re transparent about your operations – for some businesses, this isn’t a concern. 

You might also like: How to Get Business Credit Funding for your New Business 

3. Federal Filings Assistance

Northwest Registered Agent LLC reviews

Navigating federal filings can be tricky, but Northwest Registered Agent is here to help. Whether you need to obtain an EIN, elect S Corporation tax status, or file Beneficial Ownership Reports, they can help ensure that you’re on track.

However, many federal filings are free to file. So, you should be sure you actually need help before you pay for someone else to file for you. 

For example, Northwest Registered Agent offers BOI filing through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for $9 and EIN filing through the Internal Revenue Service for $50. Both of these forms are free to file through their respective agencies. 

If you want to file yourself: 

If you want help, a registered agent service can make the process faster and maybe more convenient. 

You might also like: Low-Risk NAICS Codes +Best SIC Codes for Business Credit 

4. Online Presence & eCommerce Solutions

Why choose Northwest Registered Agent?

In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is crucial. Northwest Registered Agent offers a range of solutions to help you establish and grow your online presence, including domain registration, website hosting, email services, and SSL certificates for secure transactions.

Northwest Registered Agent doesn’t advertise which tools they use to help companies establish their online presence. But, I did find out that their “open-source websites” are built in WordPress. 

Now, I love WordPress, but I never recommend it for business owners without any tech savvy – it is strictly free, but it’s not the easiest platform to navigate…at all. Even if you are proficient in digital technology, WordPress almost undoubtedly comes with the need to hire help to fix and maintain the website. 

And, many of the tools needed for a fully-functional WordPress website come with an added monthly cost. Not to mention, WordPress usually isn’t the best platform for eCommerce (online product sales). 

Do your research and explore multiple website building solutions before you choose your website platform. 

Note: An online presence is also crucial to establish business credit… 

Recommended: This is How to Build Business Credit Fast [Step-by-Step Guide] 

5. Expansion & Trademark Services

Northwest Registered Agent Trademark services

When you’re ready to expand your business or protect your brand with trademarks, Northwest Registered Agent can assist you every step of the way. From adding DBA names to securing federal trademark filings, they’ll help you navigate the process with ease.

Trademarks are an especially complex route to navigate, especially if you’ve never been on it before. 

In my experience patent & trademark attorneys tend to charge from $500 to $1K for a single filing, not including U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) fees. These fees typically run from $250-350 per filing. The costs – both fiscal and mental – can add up pretty quickly. 

Through Northwest Registered Agent, you can get trademark filing assistance for $249. This service is definitely worth looking into if you need a trademark, but don’t know where to start. 

You might also like: How to Find Aged Shelf Companies for Sale +Why Buy Them? 

6. Legal Support & Compliance

Northwest Registered Agent Legal Services

Staying compliant with state and federal regulations is crucial for business success. Northwest Registered Agent’s dedicated legal team can provide expert guidance and support to ensure you’re meeting all your legal obligations.

Moreover, when you first sign up, the platform can help you do a quick compliance check to see what you may need to stay above water. It’s super easy to get lost in the sea of business regulations, and smart to have a service that helps keep your business in line. 

If nothing else, I see no harm in creating a free account with Northwest Registered Agent, just to see if you’ve filed everything you need to meet federal business regulations. 

“Law On-Call” is an added service for active Registered Agent users that costs $9 per month and puts you in touch with a legal expert that can answer your personalized business questions.

Topics might include:

  • Business employment 
  • Contracts
  • Entity formation
  • Nonprofit corporate bylaws

On this matter, I’d say the price is right.  

You might also like: Sole Proprietorship VS LLC: How to Choose Your Entity Wisely 

7. Payment Processing Solutions

Northwest Registered Agent Payment Processing

Accepting credit cards is super important for businesses looking to increase revenue and reach more customers. Northwest Registered Agent offers a free consultation, which can make it easier for you to accept credit card payments and grow your bottom line.

I didn’t see which card processor(s) Northwest Registered Agent might work with, if any. So, this consultation may be a complimentary service. 

The website also has a lot of information that explains how to accept credit cards, including how to sign up with a merchant account. 

You might also like: Is it Illegal to Use a Business Credit Card for Personal Use? +More Answers 

8. Phone & Mail Services

northwest registered agent virtual office

Maintaining a professional image and ensuring privacy are important for businesses of all sizes. Northwest Registered Agent offers dedicated business phone numbers and addresses, as well as mail forwarding services, to help you stay organized and project a professional image to your customers.

Northwest Registered Agents’ business addresses are advertised as “free,” though you will pay a fee for added services like: 

  • Mail forwarding (not available in all states)
  • Opening & scanning

Phone service costs an added $9 per month, and is hosted through an app called Corporate Phone® – Its a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) service. The price is competitive as Google Voice charges $10 for a comparable service. 

Recommended: What is a Virtual Address for Business? (+Do You Need One?) 

9. Corporate Supplies

Northwest registered agent spokane supplies

Keeping your business documents organized and professional is key. 

Northwest Registered Agent offers a variety of corporate supplies, including: 

  • Premium operating agreements
  • Customized certificates
  • Embossing seals
  • Notary stamps 
  • GoBooks (zip-binders)

These products might help you maintain accurate records (and present a polished image to stakeholders). While you can get them anywhere, their prices may be a little high. 

For example, Northwest Registered Agent charges $100 for a corporate kit, while you can get them for between $50-70 from various suppliers. 

Northwest Registered Agent Google reviews

The trade-off is that getting supplies through a platform that already has all the required information about your business is much simpler and requires fewer steps. 

Recommended: 8 Best Registered Agent Services for LLCs and Other Businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Northwest Registered Agent?

Northwest Registered Agent is privately owned and operated. They are not publicly traded and do not have shareholders. The company’s ownership structure is not publicly disclosed.

Where is Northwest Registered Agent located?

Northwest Registered Agent has its headquarters in Spokane, Washington. Additionally, they have offices and registered agent service locations in all 50 states, allowing them to serve businesses nationwide.

How to cancel Northwest Registered Agent?

To cancel your services with Northwest Registered Agent, you typically need to follow the cancellation process outlined in your service agreement or contract. This may involve submitting a formal request to cancel your registered agent services through your online dashboard or your Secretary of State, depending on the services you’re subscribed to  – Review the terms of your agreement carefully and follow any specific cancellation instructions to ensure a smooth process.

Conclusion: Is Northwest Registered Agent Legit? 

Overall, Northwest Registered Agent is legitimate, yes. Their services are pretty straightforward, comprehensive, and impressively non-gimmicky. I like this offer…a lot. 

The main downside that I found is that the site and platform aren’t super easy to navigate, if you want to bounce around. However, you can still have a comprehensive experience if you move through the online onboarding process the way it’s initially laid out. 

Now, you can also file all of your forms yourself, which is easier for some people than others. A registered agent and business services can save you a lot of time (and time is money). 

Do you want to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

Sole Proprietorship VS LLC: How to Choose Your Entity Wisely

By

Sole proprietorship vs LLC

Here, we teach people how to build business credit. And, establishing your entity is a super important step in the process — early on, the two most common choices are sole proprietor or LLC. 

If you’re running a business as a sole proprietor, and considering an upgrade to LLC,  you might already know that you can get some business credit even without registering as an LLC or corporation…But if you’re looking to take your business to the next level and secure larger no-doc business lines of credit (think 25k, 50k, 100k), you might find it challenging without a registered corporate entity.

Banks and lenders tend to prefer working with LLCs or corporations because they offer more protection and credibility. So, I highly recommend considering forming an LLC over a sole proprietorship if you’re serious about obtaining substantial business credit.

Don’t get me wrong — you can still apply for business credit cards as a sole proprietor. But, a registered LLC or corporation can make it easier to secure other types of financing and help you build a stronger credit profile for your business. 

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the differences between sole proprietorship and LLC, and explore their pros and cons, especially when it comes to business credit and financing options.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

Now, let’s get going! 

Are You Sure You Only Want to Look at Two Options? 

Before we get too deep into the pros and cons of LLCs vs sole proprietorships, let’s take a quick look at some more entity types — I want to cover it all and give you everything you need to know. After all, it’s crucial to choose the right structure for your needs. 

You might also like: What’s the Best Payment Processor for a Small Business? Really

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest type of business structure and is owned by one person. The owner has complete control over the business and is personally liable for its debts and legal issues. Sole proprietorships are not taxed as separate entities from the owner, meaning that the owner reports the business income on their individual tax returns.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity that gives the owners (“members”) “limited liability protection.” This is a swanky way to say that the member’s personal assets are separate from the company’s assets, and their personal liability is limited to the amount of money they’ve invested in the company. 

LLCs can have one (“single-member”) or more (“multi-member”) members, and they can be taxed as either a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation, depending on how the members choose to be taxed.

S Corporation

An S corporation is another type of entity that you may want to consider — it’s a type of corporation that is taxed differently than a traditional corporation (C corporation). An S corporation’s profits and losses are “passed through” to its shareholders, who report the income on their individual tax returns. 

This means that S corporations avoid double taxation. To qualify as an S corporation, a business must meet certain requirements set by the IRS.

C Corporation

Next, you have a C corporation — a traditional corporation that is taxed as a separate entity from its owners (“shareholders”); this means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders pay taxes on the dividends they receive from the corporation. 

C corporations offer limited liability protection for their shareholders, but they are subject to double taxation.

Partnership Options

At this stage, it’s also important to look at the two types of partnerships: 

General partnerships are a type of business entity where two or more people share the management and ownership and management of the company. The partners share the profits and losses of the business and are personally liable for any debts or legal issues that the business incurs.

A general partnership is typically not taxed as a separate entity from the partners, meaning that the partners report the business income on their individual tax returns.

Limited partnerships are similar to general partnerships but with two types of partners: general and limited partners. General partners have control over the day-to-day business operations and are personally liable for any business debts and legal issues. Limited partners, on the other hand, have limited liability and are not involved in the management of the business.

Limited partnerships are typically taxed as pass-through entities.

Sole Proprietorship vs Single-Member LLC

A single-member LLC is not the same as a sole proprietorship. In terms of liability protection, taxation, ease of formation and maintenance, and flexibility in management, there are considerable differences between sole proprietorships and limited liability companies (LLCs):

First of all, sole proprietorships provide no liability protection for their owners — basically, he owner’s personal assets are at risk if the business is sued or incurs debt. In contrast, LLCs offer “limited liability protection” to their owners (their personal assets are generally protected from the company’s debts and legal judgments).

Next, sole proprietorships are typically taxed as pass-through entities, which means that the business’s profits and losses are reported on the owner’s personal tax return. LLCs can also be taxed as pass-through entities, but they provide the option to be taxed as a corporation (this can be advantageous for LLCs that want to cash in on lower corporate tax rates or retain earnings in the business without paying personal income taxes on them).

And, sole proprietorships are the easiest and cheapest business entities to set up…in most states, they require no formal paperwork or registration. Now, while LLCs require more paperwork and filing fees to establish, they offer formal structure and protection. Both types of businesses require ongoing maintenance, such as keeping accurate financial records and filing tax returns, but LLCs typically have more stringent compliance requirements.

Finally, sole proprietors have complete control over the management of their businesses…but (big but), this also means that they have full responsibility for all aspects of the business. LLCs are more flexible in terms of management structure — they can be managed either by the members or by outside “managers.” LLCs can also have varying degrees of ownership and voting rights among members, which allows for more customized ownership structures.

While both sole proprietorships and LLCs offer benefits and drawbacks, LLCs typically offer more liability protection, tax flexibility, and management structure options, but require more paperwork and ongoing maintenance. 

Here’s How Sole Proprietorships & LLCs Pay Taxes

Sole proprietors report their business income and expenses on their personal tax returns using Schedule C (Form 1040). The net income from the business is then subject to self-employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes. Self-employment taxes are calculated on Schedule SE (Form 1040) and are owed in addition to income tax. 

→ Sole proprietors are also responsible for paying estimated taxes quarterly throughout the year.

LLCs have more flexibility in how they pay taxes — by default, single-member LLCs are taxed as sole proprietorships and report their business income and expenses on the same Schedule C as a sole proprietor (Form 1040). 

Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships and file Form 1065 to report their business income and expenses annually. But, LLCs can also choose to be taxed as S corporations or C corporations by filing Form 8832 or Form 2553, respectively.

Comparison of Tax Rates & Deductions

Sole proprietors and LLCs taxed as sole proprietorships pay income tax at their individual tax rates, which range from 10% to 37% depending on their taxable income. They are also subject to self-employment tax, which is currently 15.3%.

LLCs taxed as partnerships, S corporations, or C corporations are not subject to self-employment tax — Instead, the owners or shareholders pay income tax only on their share of the profits. 

Both LLCs and sole proprietors can deduct typical business expenses, such as rent, supplies, and equipment, to reduce their taxable income. 

Can an LLC Be Used to Reduce Taxes?

You can use an LLC to reduce taxes in a couple of ways: 

  1. Elect to be taxed as an S corporation — this allows the owners to pay themselves a reasonable salary and take the remaining profits as distributions. This can reduce self-employment tax, as only the salary is subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes.
  2. Take advantage of deductions and credits — LLCs can deduct business expenses, such as rent, supplies, and equipment, as well as contributions to retirement plans and health insurance premiums. They may also be eligible for tax credits, such as the Research Tax Credit or the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

Note that sole proprietorships are eligible for many of the same write-offs and credits as LLCs. So, how can you choose between them? 

How to Choose Between a Sole Proprietorship and an LLC

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to choose a sole proprietorship or an LLC:

Sole Proprietorship:

  • Simple to set up and maintain — A sole proprietorship requires minimal paperwork and legal formalities, making it easy and affordable to start and operate. 
  • Complete control — As a sole proprietor, you have complete control over your business decisions and operations.
  • Tax benefits — As a sole proprietor, you report your business income and expenses on your personal tax return, which can simplify tax preparation and potentially lower your tax burden.

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

  • Limited liability protection — An LLC provides limited liability protection to its owners, meaning that the owners are not personally responsible for the company’s debts and liabilities. 
  • Credibility and professionalism — An LLC is often seen as a more credible and professional business entity than a sole proprietorship, which can be an advantage when dealing with customers, vendors, and investors. 
  • Flexibility in taxation — LLCs have the option to be taxed as a partnership, an S corporation, or a C corporation, providing flexibility in tax planning and potentially reducing overall tax liability. 

In general, if you’re a small business owner with low risk and relatively simple operations, a sole proprietorship can be a decent choice. However, if you are concerned about personal liability or are looking to grow your business and establish credibility, an LLC may be a better option. It’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine the best business structure for your specific needs and circumstances.

With that said, I know that you can get business credit with a sole prop but you can get serious no-doc business lines of credit (25k, 50k, 100k) without a real entity. so I recommend getting an LLC. You can get business credit cards but banks want to see an LLC or corporation to extend business lines of credit.

How to Register Your Business 

How to Register as a Sole Proprietor

Here are the basic steps to file the necessary paperwork for forming an LLC and registering as a sole proprietor.

Of course! Here are some more conversational explanations of the steps to form an LLC and register as a sole proprietor:

How to form an LLC:

  1. Pick a name for your LLC that’s not already taken in your state and meets your state’s requirements.
  2. File an Articles of Organization form with your state’s Secretary of State office. This form typically asks for basic information about your LLC, like its name, address, and the name and address of your registered agent.
  3. Draft an operating agreement for your LLC. This outlines how your LLC is run and who owns it. Some states don’t require an operating agreement, but it’s still a good idea to have one.
  4. Get any necessary licenses and permits for your business. Depending on where you live and what you do, you might need specific licenses or permits to operate your LLC.
  5. Apply for an EIN from the IRS if you plan on hiring employees or opening a bank account for your LLC.

How to register as a sole proprietor:

  1. Decide on a name for your business, whether it’s your own name or something else.
  2. Get any licenses or permits you need to legally run your business in your area.
  3. File a “Doing Business As” (DBA) form with your state’s business registration office to register your business name.
  4. Apply for an EIN from the IRS if you plan on hiring employees or opening a business bank account.

Remember, the specific rules and requirements for forming an LLC or registering as a sole proprietor vary by state and local municipality, so be sure to do your research and follow the guidelines for your location. For example, in Oregon, you can legally run a business after filing an “Assumed Business Name” alone, but may still need local business licenses. 

Recommended: Secretary of State Offices Directory | Where to File a Business License

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of an LLC vs a sole proprietorship?

LLCs can be more costly and require more paperwork than sole proprietorships, but they offer greater personal liability protection. Sole proprietorships are generally easier and cheaper to set up, but leave you personally responsible for any business debts or legal issues.

What is more risky, a sole proprietorship or an LLC? Why?

A sole proprietorship is generally riskier than an LLC, as sole proprietors are personally liable for any business debts or legal issues. Forming an LLC can offer greater personal liability protection, which can help shield the owner’s personal assets from business-related risks.

How do business owners pay themselves?

Business owners can pay themselves in different ways, including salary, dividends, or draws/distributions from business profits, depending on the business structure and personal financial needs. And, some companies pay the owner’s salary with a business credit card. It’s important to consult with a financial advisor or accountant to ensure compliance with legal and tax requirements.

Conclusion: Which Structure is Best for You?

Whether you should choose a sole proprietorship or an LLC is based on a number of factors. Do you want more ease or more protection? Do you have specific tax needs? By now, you should have an idea which is best for your operations. 

However, if you want substantial lines of business credit, there is a clear choice: form an LLC…You can certainly obtain business credit cards as a sole proprietor, but to get those larger lines of credit in the tens and hundreds of thousands range, most banks will want to see a more formal business entity like an LLC or corporation.

To learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as little as 30 days, join Business Credit Workshop today.

Business Credit Blog

· Recommended Resources
· Using 30 Day Net Vendors to Build Your Business Credit Score
· How to Create a Business Credit “Entity” – Tutorial

Recent Posts

· Sign Up for Business Credit Workshop Online!
· Login – Business Credit Workshop Online
· Forgot Password?
· Latest Posts
· Affiliates