Hiring a registered agent in California saves you from a lot of trouble while setting up your business. Aside from being a requirement, registered agents also give you convenience and peace of mind because they will handle service of process, manage notifications, and represent your business in all state matters.
While you can hire your own registered agent, we recommend opting for well-established companies like the ones our team listed below in our California registered agent reviews.
- Excellent support
- Privacy by Default®
- Virtual mailbox
Incfile
- Free 1-year service
- Learning Center
- Online dashboard
ZenBusiness
- Budget-friendly
- Customer guarantee
- Mail forwarding
Reviews of the Best California Registered Agents
1. Incfile
Incfile offers both LLC formation and registered agent services to its customers. If you avail any business package, you get the registered agent service for free in the first year. However, if you only need a la carte registered agent services for your California business, Incfile charges $119 per year. Placing this side-by-side with competitors, Incfile is one of the budget-friendly options out there.
When you hire Incfile as your registered agent in California, they will be the state’s point of contact for your business. They will receive and manage documents, represent your business, and handle general correspondence between your business and the state.
Aside from the usual tasks an agent has to accomplish, Incfile goes the extra mile by sending email and SMS notifications to you every time a document is received on your behalf. The way they handle the service of process, as well as the documentation, is really professional and efficient.
Pros
- Budget-friendly registered agent services
- Thousands of positive customer reviews
- Sends you notifications when documents are received
- Offers business formations services
- Reliable customer support
Cons
- Not 24/7 customer service
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Another noteworthy pick in our California registered agent reviews is the reliable Northwest. If you need a registered agent for a number of businesses, our team recommends Northwest because they offer bulk discounts.
The normal rate that Northwest offers for their registered agent service is $125 per year. If you register your business in more than 5 states, you will only pay $100 per state every year.
While you can find cheaper prices than what Northwest offers, the value of the services they provide makes them one of the best companies for California businesses. Your agent will always be available during regular business hours, and they will scan and upload important documents so you can easily view them online.
You also don’t have to worry about your private information getting leaked to hackers. Similar to IncFile Registered Agent service, Northwest has a Privacy by Default Guarantee that keeps your personal details safe. And to keep your company in good standing, you will also get compliance alerts for any important deadlines.
Pros
- Two decades of experience in the industry
- Provides additional security through their privacy guarantee
- Offers bulk discounts
- Individualized customer support
- User-friendly online portal
Cons
- A la carte registered agent services are a bit expensive
3. ZenBusiness
If you have a tight budget and you just want a bare-bones package for your California business, ZenBusiness is a great option. They will handle the service of process and give you a business address in California.
Basically, ZenBusiness does what you need a registered agent for. They will take care of the mail forwarding of notices from the California Secretary of State, coordinate with the right agencies, be the point of contact between you and the state, and handle important paperwork.
They charge $99 per year for their registered agent services. However, if you want compliance alerts, you have to pay an extra $50, which puts ZenBusiness at a disadvantage because other companies already include notifications for a lower price.
Nevertheless, ZenBusiness is still a cheap option if you only want basic registered agent services. With their good reviews and decent customer service, ZenBusiness deserves a spot here in our team’s list.
Pros
- One of the cheapest a la carte registered agent services at $99 per year
- Represents your business and handles important documents
- User-friendly site interface
- Available in all 50 states
- Good customer reviews
- Knowledgeable customer service
Cons
- You have to pay extra for alerts
Our Top Pick: Incfile
Overall, the three registered agent services above are your best options if you’re building a business in California [1]. But if you want a reliable service that can seamlessly handle crucial documents and paperwork, Incfile is your best bet.
Backed by years of experience and hordes of satisfied clients, Incfile can fulfill your needs and meet the level of value you’re looking for as a business owner.
For a list of excellent registered agents, you can check the following pages, too!
