Starting an LLC is a pivotal moment for any entrepreneur, but the administrative process can feel overwhelming. One of the first decisions you'll face is choosing the right formation service. Two names consistently rise to the top of industry recommendations: Bizee (formerly Incfile) and Northwest Registered Agent. While Bizee is famous for its aggressive pricing and free initial services, Northwest Registered Agent is known for its privacy commitment and unparalleled customer support. This guide dives deep into a head-to-head comparison, analyzing their price structures, ongoing costs, included features, and overall value to help you determine which service is the best long-term partner for your business.
Bizee vs. Northwest Registered Agent: Price Comparison Snapshot
The cost difference between Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent is often the first thing entrepreneurs notice. Bizee has built its reputation on offering a basic formation package for $0 plus state fees, while Northwest Registered Agent uses a straightforward, all-inclusive pricing model.
Bizee (Formerly Incfile) Pricing: The Free Tier Strategy
Bizee’s pricing is structured to attract budget-conscious starters, but it requires careful attention to annual fees and add-ons. The primary feature of Bizee’s entry-level package is the initial filing fee of $0 (you only pay the state’s mandatory filing fee).
- Silver Package ($0 + State Fee): Includes LLC formation, one year of free Registered Agent service, and bank account resolution. This is the ultimate "get started now" option.
- Gold Package ($199 + State Fee): This tier adds a Federal Tax ID (EIN), a Custom Operating Agreement, and corporate bylaws/meeting minutes. This is often the necessary package for multi-member LLCs or those hiring employees.
- Platinum Package ($299 + State Fee): The premium option includes everything in Gold, plus domain name registration, business email, and a contract library.
Critical Detail: While the Registered Agent service is free for the first year, Bizee charges an annual renewal fee of $119 after the first year. This is an essential factor in calculating your true long-term maintenance cost.
Northwest Registered Agent Pricing: The Straightforward Approach
Northwest Registered Agent (NWRA) offers a single, comprehensive package designed to provide everything a new business needs without confusing tiers. Their philosophy is transparency and privacy.
- Single Package ($100 + State Fee): Northwest charges a flat $100 service fee for LLC formation. This includes the preparation and filing of your Articles of Organization, a custom Operating Agreement, and crucial customer support.
- Registered Agent Service: Unlike Bizee, Northwest Registered Agent charges $125 per year for their Registered Agent service, starting from day one. They do not offer a free year.
The Hidden Value: While NWRA's initial cost ($100 service fee + $125 first-year RA) is higher than Bizee’s free initial service, NWRA includes critical documents like the Operating Agreement and an EIN for just $100. Bizee requires you to upgrade to their $199 Gold package to receive these same key documents.
Feature Comparison: What You Get for Your Money
Beyond the initial price tag, the real value lies in the features and the quality of the post-formation support.
The Registered Agent Service: Privacy vs. Cost
The Registered Agent is a mandatory element for every LLC, serving as the official point of contact for legal and state correspondence. This is where the two services offer profoundly different value propositions.
- Bizee: Focuses on cost savings. Their service is functional, meeting the legal requirement at the lowest initial price point. After the free first year, the $119 renewal is competitive.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Offers "Privacy by Default." They commit to using their own address on public state documents wherever legally possible, protecting your personal address from public view. Their customer service team, referred to as "Corporate Guides," is based in-house and renowned for expertise, making the $125 annual fee justifiable for those who prioritize security and high-touch support.
Customer Support and Guidance
Forming an LLC can raise complex questions about compliance, taxes, and state requirements. The quality of support is a critical factor.
- Bizee: Offers standard support via phone and email. Users report that Bizee's support is adequate for simple questions regarding filing status or document access. However, for complex legal or tax strategy advice, Bizee support is limited.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Known for industry-leading support. Their Corporate Guides are experienced business specialists who can provide highly personalized assistance. Customers often report receiving actionable advice on compliance, foreign qualification, and tax elections (like S-Corp status), giving NWRA a significant advantage in value for ongoing operational questions.
Long-Term Cost Analysis: Bizee vs. Northwest
When comparing Bizee and Northwest, look at the cost over a five-year period, assuming you need core features like an Operating Agreement and an EIN.
Feature/Timeline Bizee (Gold Package) Northwest Registered Agent Initial Service Fee (Year 1) $199 (Includes Operating Agreement, EIN) $100 (Includes Operating Agreement, EIN) Registered Agent Fee (Year 1) $0 (Free for the first year) $125 Total Initial Cost (Year 1) $199 + State Fee $225 + State Fee Annual RA Renewal Fee (Years 2-5) $119 per year $125 per year Total 5-Year Cost (Excluding State Fees) $199 + (4 x $119) = $675 $225 + (4 x $125) = $725
Based purely on numbers for an LLC requiring an EIN and an Operating Agreement, Bizee appears slightly cheaper over five years. However, this marginal saving must be weighed against the significant difference in quality of Registered Agent service, personal privacy, and the level of expert guidance provided by Northwest Registered Agent.
Who Should Choose Bizee?
Bizee is the ideal choice if:
- You are highly budget-sensitive: The $0 formation fee is unbeatable for getting your business started legally.
- You run a single-member LLC in your home state: For basic liability protection with minimal complexity, Bizee’s Silver package offers the best initial price point.
- You plan to handle most post-formation compliance yourself: If you are comfortable researching tax and filing issues without needing expert help, the lower fees will benefit you most.
Who Should Choose Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent provides superior value for businesses that prioritize privacy, complexity handling, and premium support:
- You value privacy and security: The "Privacy by Default" policy is crucial for investors, high-net-worth individuals, or anyone who wants their personal address completely off the public record.
- You are planning complex growth or multi-state expansion: Their expert Corporate Guides are invaluable for navigating complex issues like foreign qualification, tax elections, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- You seek genuine business consultation: If you are a new entrepreneur and want high-touch, knowledgeable customer support that feels like having an in-house expert, Northwest’s value proposition far outweighs its slightly higher price.
Conclusion: Determining Your Best Value
Both Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent are reputable providers that will successfully form your Limited Liability Company. Your decision rests entirely on which factor provides the most value for your specific business needs: price or privacy/support.
If your business is simple, local, and you prioritize the absolute lowest initial cost, Bizee delivers excellent entry-level value. If your business involves significant assets, operates nationally, or you require professional, personalized guidance and the highest commitment to owner privacy, then the extra investment in Northwest Registered Agent is unquestionably worth the cost. It’s a classic choice between saving a small amount of money upfront or investing in peace of mind and expert support for the long run.