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Best North Carolina Registered Agent Services Of 2024

Small Business Writer,  Editor
contributor

Updated: Mar 31, 2024, 1:23pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

If you are looking for the best North Carolina registered agent service, look no further. We understand the importance of having a reliable and trustworthy agent to handle your legal and business needs.

With our extensive research and expertise, we have compiled a list of the best North Carolina registered agent services of 2024. These services have proven to be reliable, efficient and highly recommended by businesses across the state.

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Best North Carolina Registered Agent Services Of 2024

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The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, first-person testing, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.

  • 15 providers analyzed
  • Over 450 data points considered
  • Five levels of fact-checking


Best for Ongoing Legal Services

Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent service

$112.49 per year with membership ($39.99 per month or $239.99 per year) or $149.99 per year without membership

Multistate support

Yes

Limited liability company (LLC) filing services

Yes

Rocket Lawyer
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On Rocket Lawyer's Website

$112.49 per year with membership ($39.99 per month or $239.99 per year) or $149.99 per year without membership

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

Rocket Lawyer offers registered agent services as part of its online legal service platform. It acts as the point of contact for businesses, helping them stay compliant with state requirements, including those in North Carolina. Rocket Lawyer ensures privacy, handles all your legal documents, provides you with notifications and gives you online access to all of your important documents. These services are available for businesses registered in all 50 states, including North Carolina.

With Rocket Lawyer, all legal mail and tax documents are handled, stored, scanned and forwarded to you securely via email. In addition, all legal notices are kept online and are easily accessible through itsuser-friendly dashboard. For customer support, you can connect with experienced professionals through online chat, email and phone.

Rocket Lawyer offers a membership program for $39.99 per month or $239.99 per year. Subscribing to this membership gives you a 25% discount on registered agent services, reducing the price to $112.49. It also offers a complimentary LLC business formation service if you’re filing your first LLC.

If you prefer not to have a membership, registered agent services are available for $149.99 per year. Rocket Lawyer also offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with its registered agent services.

Learn more: Read our full Rocket Lawyer review.

Who should use it:

Rocket Lawyer is beneficial for small businesses that not only need registered agent services but also ongoing legal assistance and access to customizable documents.

Pros & Cons
  • 25% member discount
  • Free LLC for new members
  • 30-day, money-back guarantee
  • Seven-day free trial
  • Registered agent services are not included in business formation services
  • Membership can get costly

Best for Personalized Customer support

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent services

$125 per year

Multistate support

Yes

LLC filing services

Yes

Northwest Registered Agent
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On Northwest Registered Agent's Website

$125 per year

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

Northwest Registered Agent is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services to businesses in all 50 states. It acts as the official point of contact for businesses, ensuring that they stay compliant with state requirements and receive important legal documents in a timely manner.

One of the key features of Northwest Registered Agent is its commitment to privacy and security. It adheres to a privacy by default policy, meaning that it will not sell or compromise client data. It also offers mail forwarding services to help businesses manage their mail efficiently. Northwest Registered Agent is also known for its transparent pricing with a flat rate of $125 per year for its registered agent services. Its pricing structure is simple with no hidden fees.

What sets Northwest Registered Agent apart is its commitment to local scanning of every document received. Clients can access these documents easily through a user-friendly online account in which they can view and manage their documents. The service includes access to stored scanned documents, North Carolina business forms and annual report reminders.

In addition, when clients choose to form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, they receive one year of registered agent services. This ensures that their business is represented properly and that all necessary legal documents and mail are handled efficiently.

Learn more: Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review.

Who should use it:

Northwest Registered Agent is best for businesses that require professional registered agent services along with personalized customer support, data protection privacy and affordable pricing.

Pros & Cons
  • No upsells
  • Strict privacy policy
  • Will not sell client data
  • Great customer reviews
  • One year of free registered agent services with LLC
  • Additional cost for employer identification number (EIN)
  • Not Better Business Bureau (BBB)-accredited
  • Pricey add-ons

Best for Business Formation and Registered Agent Services

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent service

$199 per year

Multistate support

Yes

LLC filing services

Yes

ZenBusiness
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On Zen Business's Website

$199 per year

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

ZenBusiness is an online provider specializing in reliable business formation and registered agent services for small businesses in all 50 states, including North Carolina. It offers a wide range of services making it a convenient one-stop solution.

With a focus on simplicity and affordability, ZenBusiness is a great choice for startups and small businesses. The LLC registration package starts at $0 plus state filing fees, providing a cost-effective option. Furthermore, for an additional $199 per year the plans include “worry-free” compliance services, covering tasks such as annual report filings and two business amendments per year.

With ZenBusiness acting as your registered agent, it provides you with a physical address in North Carolina and handles important legal documents and state correspondence on your behalf. As your registered agent, ZenBusiness promptly scans and uploads documents to the online dashboard for easy access, allowing you to view, print or download them whenever needed.

Additionally, ZenBusiness will send you mail notifications to keep you informed about important documents that require immediate attention. This ensures businesses can address any legal matters promptly. Unfortunately, unlike other competitors, registered agent services are not included in the business formation plans and are offered separately starting at $199 per year.

Currently, Zen Business does not offer registered agent services for professional LLCs (PLLCs) or nonprofit organizations in the state of North Carolina.

Learn more: Read our full ZenBusiness review.

Who should use it:

Zen Business is great for individuals and small businesses looking for both registered agent services and business formation filing. It offers an array of services to help streamline the process of starting and managing a business. It is also known for its intuitive interface and exceptional customer support.

Pros & Cons
  • All-inclusive business formation services
  • Free LLC formation filing
  • Positive customer reviews
  • User-friendly with intuitive interface
  • No registered agent services for PLLCs or nonprofit organizations
  • Registered agent services not included in business formations plans and must be purchased separately

Best for All-In-One Solution

Legal Zoom

Legal Zoom
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent service

$249 per year

Multistate support

Yes

LLC filing services

Yes

Legal Zoom
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On Legal Zoom's Website

$249 per year

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

LegalZoom is an online service provider that offers a range of services and resources for individuals and businesses. The platform includes assistance with business formation, estate planning, personal legal needs, trademarks, copyrights, registered agent services and more.

Registered agent services are provided by LegalZoom in all 50 states, including North Carolina. It will represent you as the registered agent for your business for the price of $249 per year. Agents in North Carolina are available during regular business hours to handle all incoming mail on your behalf and will promptly notify you of any received correspondence. In cases of urgent legal notices, clients are notified through their online account, email and a mailed postcard notice.

As part of its registered agent services, LegalZoom also includes its Compliance Calendar, which is valued at $69. This feature ensures that clients receive timely emails regarding crucial tax and annual report deadlines specific to the state of North Carolina. In addition, all accounts receive unlimited cloud storage for easy document access and organization.

For those looking to switch their current registered agent to LegalZoom, the company will take care of the necessary paperwork and cover the $5 filing fee required by the state of North Carolina. If you need legal advice, LegalZoom also offers access to its attorneys, providing an extra layer of support. Customer support is available on weekdays and weekends via phone or online inquiry form.

Take note, registered agent services are not included in LegalZoom’s business formation plans and must be purchased separately.

Learn more: Read our full Legal Zoom review.

Who should use it:

Legal Zoom is best for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution. It offers a range of services including business formation filing, registered agent services, legal services and personal matters. It is a highly reputable and established service provider in the industry.

Pros & Cons
  • Free LLC formation filing
  • One-stop shop for business and personal services
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Not the most affordable
  • Pricey add-ons
  • Renewal rates can change

Best for No Hidden Fees or Contracts

Bizee

Bizee
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent fee

$0 to $299 per year

Multistate support

Yes

LLC filing services

Yes

Bizee
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On Bizee's Website

$0 to $299 per year

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

Incfile is an incorporation service provider that helps entrepreneurs start their own businesses by taking care of all the necessary paperwork and legal requirements. It offers a wide range of services, including business formation filing, registered agent services, tax consultations, lifetime company alerts and more. It is well-known for its affordability and exceptional customer care.

If you are a new business owner on a budget, Incfile may be right for you. Its silver package not only offers free LLC business formation but also includes free registered agent services for the first year. After the first year, the cost for registered agent service is $119, with no obligation or contract required. This makes Incfile a popular and affordable choice for new business owners.

As your registered agent in North Carolina, Incfile promises reliable and expert handling of all your mail correspondence, documents and legal proceedings. The platform provides a personalized online dashboard where you can securely store and easily access important business information. Additionally, customized email and short message service (SMS) notifications keep you informed of any important updates. You’ll receive text and email alerts as soon as important documents are received and scanned into your dashboard.

Transparency is a key value of Incfile’s service and there are no hidden fees or contracts to worry about. If you decide to switch your current registered agent to Incfile, it makes the process seamless and hassle-free.

Learn more: Read our full Incfile review.

Who should use it:

Incfile is highly recommended for entrepreneurs looking for an affordable way to launch a business. By selecting Incfile, you not only benefit from a complimentary registered agent service for the initial year but the business formation filing fee is also covered. This attractive offering makes Incfile particularly appealing to individuals on a budget.

Pros & Cons
  • Free LLC filing
  • Free registered agent service for the first year
  • No hidden fees or contracts
  • Text alerts
  • No legal services
  • Must use business formation services to use registered agent services
  • Free plan is limited

Best for Multistate Organizations

Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent fee

$99 per year

Multistate support

Yes

LLC filing services

Yes

Harbor Compliance
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On Harbor Compliance's Website

$99 per year

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

Harbor Compliance specializes in delivering compliance solutions for businesses operating in heavily regulated industries such as architecture, engineering, construction, security, healthcare, financial services and nonprofits. It offers a range of services, such as assistance with business formation, licensing, corporate lifecycle management and registered agent services. It is known for its award-winning compliance software, streamlining processes and ensuring efficient management of state and federal regulations.

For registered agent services in North Carolina, Harbor Compliance acts as the primary point of contact for receiving legal and government documents on behalf of your business. This arrangement provides numerous benefits, including immediate online access to the registered agent address, prefilled state forms, same-day electronic document delivery, complimentary annual report reminders and expedited filings and document retrievals. Additionally, in the event of a lawsuit, Harbor Compliance guarantees prompt notification.

Harbor Compliance offers registered agent services as a separate purchase, but it does not offer free business formation plans or free registered agent services for the first year. However, its services are considered very affordable compared to other providers, starting at $99 per year. In addition, If you are interested in a multiyear contract, Harbor Compliance offers a 5% to 10% discount.

Harbour Compliance also offers many support resources through various channels, such as phone, fax, email, mail or through its online center.

Learn more: Read our full Harbor Compliance review.

Who should use it:

Harbor Compliance is best for businesses that operate within highly regulated industries, such as architecture, engineering, construction, security, healthcare, financial services and nonprofits. It excels in delivering tailored compliance solutions and ongoing assistance for businesses operating in multiple states, including North Carolina.

Pros & Cons
  • Variety of services offered
  • Works with nonprofit services
  • Same-day document delivery
  • Prefilled North Carolina state forms
  • No money-back guarantee
  • Costly EIN filing fee
  • No free plans
  • Annual report fees

Best for Businesses on a Budget

Inc Authority

Inc Authority
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Registered agent fee

$0 for the first year

Multistate support

Yes

LLC filing services

Yes

Inc Authority
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On Inc Authority's Website

$0 for the first year

Yes

Yes

Editor's Take

Inc Authority is a convenient all-in-one solution for business formation and startup needs. Inc Authority offers an enticing package for new businesses. It includes free registered agent services for the first year, free LLC registration and a free tax ID number.

In addition to these complimentary services, Inc Authority offers a variety of other valuable services. It will conduct a thorough name check for your business in North Carolina to ensure availability, provide an S-election form for tax purposes, offer secure digital storage and delivery of important documents, provide expert support for any inquiries or concerns, assist with tax planning and analyze business credit and funding options.

On the downside, Inc Authority’s website does not explicitly state the pricing for the second year of registered agent services, which may be a drawback for customers seeking transparent pricing before signing on. After the initial year is complete, customers then need to select one of Inc Authority’s Premium Service Bundles to continue with its registered agent services.

Inc Authority is dedicated to customer satisfaction and helping new businesses thrive. It prides itself on delivering exceptional customer care and limited liability protection for business owners.

Learn more: Read our full Inc Authority review.

Who should use it:

Inc Authority is a great option for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for an all-in-one affordable and hassle-free starter package.

Pros & Cons
  • Affordable starter package
  • Free LLC filing
  • Free tax identification number (TIN)
  • Free registered agent service for first year
  • Excellent live support
  • Pricing is not clear after initial year
  • No refund
  • Registered agent services only available with business formation

Forbes Advisor Ratings

Company Forbes Advisor Rating Registered agent fee Multistate support LLC filing services LEARN MORE
Rocket Lawyer 4.5 4.5-removebg-preview $112.49 per year with membership ($39.99 per month or $239.99 per year) or $149.99 per year without membership Yes Yes Learn More On Rocket Lawyer's Website
Northwest Registered Agent 4.5 4.5-removebg-preview-1 $125 per year Yes Yes Learn More On Northwest Registered Agent's Website
ZenBusiness 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview-1 $199 per year Yes Yes Learn More On ZenBusiness' Website
Legal Zoom 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview-1 $249 per year Yes Yes Learn More On Legal Zoom's Website
Bizee 4.3 4.5-removebg-preview $0 to $299 per year Yes Yes Learn More On Bizee's Website
Harbor Compliance 4.3 4.5-removebg-preview $99 per year Yes Yes Learn More On Harbor Compliance's Website
Inc Authority 4.2 4-removebg-preview $0 for the first year Yes Yes Learn More On Inc Authority's Website

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent is an individual or a company chosen to be the official point of contact on behalf of an LLC or corporation. Its primary role is to receive government correspondence, legal documents, tax forms and other official letters.

Registered agents are mandated to be available during regular business hours, typically Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive these essential documents. By law, the registered agent must be a resident of North Carolina and have a physical address where the business is registered.

For individuals concerned about privacy and who do not want to disclose their personal address as the registered agent, there are commercial registered agent services available as an alternative. These services offer a professional address for the registered agent, ensuring privacy while still meeting the necessary legal requirements.

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North Carolina Registered Agent Requirements

To register a business entity in North Carolina, it is required to have a registered agent. The registered agent’s main responsibility is to receive any notices, processes or demands served on behalf of the business entity and forward them to the entity at its last known address.

The registered agent can be an individual, business owner, shareholder, member or officer who resides in North Carolina. It is important that the registered agent’s office address is the same as the business address. Alternatively, a registered agent can be a domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit organization or LLC that is registered on the North Carolina Business Registry and authorized to conduct business within the state.

If the registered agent is a business entity, it must also maintain active status on the business registry in North Carolina. Additionally, it is crucial to provide accurate details regarding the registered office of the business entity in North Carolina, including the street address, mailing address and county. This information ensures that all correspondence and legal documents are delivered correctly to the business entity.

It is worth noting that any changes to the registered agent’s name or office must be promptly updated within 60 days of the change in North Carolina. Failing to comply with this requirement may result in the North Carolina Secretary of State initiating administrative dissolution proceedings against the business entity.

For further information regarding administrative dissolutions and the potential ramifications of not updating the registered agent information, refer to the resources provided by the North Carolina Secretary of State. Staying informed and adhering to these regulations is crucial for maintaining the legal standing and smooth operation of a business entity in North Carolina.


How To Choose a North Carolina Registered Agent Service

When hiring a registered agent service in North Carolina, be sure to consider some of the following factors:

  • Compliance: Make sure that the service provider complies with the requirements established by the North Carolina Department of State. The provider should be authorized to conduct business in the state and have a physical address within North Carolina.
  • Availability: It is important that the registered agent is available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of your business. It is also important that you have 24/7 access to an online document portal so you can view, download and print your documents when needed.
  • Confidentiality: The registered agent should prioritize the confidentiality of your business information. Look for providers who provide secure document storage to protect your data and privacy.
  • Communication: Effective and consistent communication is crucial. Confirm that the registered agent provider has a reliable system in place to notify you of any incoming correspondence. Make sure they provide notifications to alert you of high-priority and time-sensitive legal documents.
  • Expertise: Seek an agent who can provide ongoing guidance and support and possesses knowledge of North Carolina laws and regulations.
  • Additional services: If you require additional services, consider which provider aligns with your business needs. Some providers also offer assistance with business formation filing, legal services, business document templates, domain registration and more.
  • Reputation: Research the service provider’s reputation such as its reviews and ratings. This will help you gauge customer satisfaction and reliability.

By considering these factors, you can select the right registered agent service carefully to represent your business in North Carolina.


Methodology

Forbes Advisor recently conducted a thorough evaluation of 15 registered agent services in North Carolina. The goal was to determine the best registered agent services of 2024. Our assessment considered factors, such as multistate support, same-day document delivery, user experience (UX), reputation, customer support and pricing. The objective was to identify reliable, cost-effective and user-friendly services. Each criterion was given a weighted score and the registered agent services with the highest scores were included in the final list:

  • Pricing: We extensively researched the pricing of each registered agent service provider, focusing on transparency and affordability. Service providers that openly displayed pricing plans online received higher ratings. We also considered companies that offered free registered agent services for the first year when utilizing their business formation services. The pricing and affordability aspect accounted for 20% of the overall evaluation score.
  • Service and support: To evaluate customer support, we assessed the range of support options provided by each registered agent provider. This included whether they offered phone support, live chat, 24/7 customer care and access to online knowledge base resources. The quality of service and support accounted for 15% of the total score.
  • General features: We also considered the general features offered by each registered agent service provider, such as the capability to handle multiple states, same-day document delivery, business formation filing and user-friendly features. These aspects contributed to 30% of the overall evaluation score.
  • Mobile app: We evaluated the availability of mobile apps offered by each registered agent service provider, giving it a rating that accounted for 5% of the total score. Providers that offered mobile app functionality for both Android and Apple platforms received higher scores in this category, as it signifies added convenience and accessibility for users.
  • Customer reviews: To assess customer satisfaction and UX, we collected ratings and feedback from various platforms, such as Trustpilot, G2, Capterra and BBB. This component contributed to 10% of the overall methodology score. Each registered agent service provider received a score based on their customer reviews, ranging from 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest). This allowed us to gauge the level of customer satisfaction.
  • Expert score: The expert score was determined by various factors, including standout features, value for money, ease of use and popularity among the public. We also considered security features, additional services, satisfaction guarantee and exceptional customer support when assigning this score. The expert score accounted for 20% of the overall rating, providing valuable insights into the overall quality and appeal of the service.

By considering these factors and assigning weighted scores, we were able to identify the top registered agent services in North Carolina that met our criteria for reliability, convenience and customer satisfaction.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a registered agent cost in North Carolina?

The cost of a registered agent in North Carolina can vary. If you decide to be your own agent, there is no charge. If you choose to hire one of the service providers listed in this article, the registered agent fees in North Carolina can range from $0 to $249. Take note, fees can increase if you purchase additional services.

How do I find a registered agent in North Carolina?

There are many ways and resources available to find a registered agent in North Carolina. For example, you can research and compare online registered agent providers, ask for recommendations from other business owners or conduct a search with the secretary of state for recommendations.

Can I be my own registered agent for my LLC in North Carolina?

Yes, according to the North Carolina Secretary of State, you can be your own registered agent if you reside in North Carolina.


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