Northwest Review

Northwest provides reasonable, transparent pricing and makes it easy to set up your new business online. The company also offers three valuable “extras,” as listed below. Because of these factors, as well as its many years in business, and positive reviews, we recommend Northwest as a good choice to start your LLC, nonprofit or corporation. Don't forget to take a look at our side-by-side comparisons of the best LLC formation services.

Northwest Registered Agent charges a flat $225 (+ state filing fees) to form an LLC or incorporate a business. Northwest makes it easy to start a business, and its fees are reasonable. The $225 fee includes preparing and filing the formation documents in 2 days or less; operating agreement template; mail forwarding; Privacy by Default®. A Tax ID (EIN) and S-Corp Election are an additional $50 each.

Northwest offers same-day corporate filings with their Premium Package, so you can get your business started fast. The filing time increases to 4 and 6 days for the Deluxe and Basic Packages, respectively.

Northwest’s online corporate filing service is easy to use. Just click the “Get Started” button and answer the on-screen questions to set up your business. After you enter your payment information, you will be logged into your account, and Northwest will begin working on your order. You will be able to see the status of your order when you’re logged in—and once your order is complete, your paperwork will be mailed to you. Your files will be sent to the state the same or next day.

Northwest provides each of its clients with access to a local Corporate Guide®, an experienced professional who is familiar with your state’s procedures for filing LLCs. Customers speak to the same Corporate Guide every time they call.

Northwest will automatically email you when it’s time to file your company’s annual report. This is a valuable service, since the date to file varies by state, and some states charge a fee when reports are filed late.

For companies who wish to keep their business address secure, or who operate in more than one state, it can be helpful to use a registered agent’s address instead of their own. Northwest’s Registered Agent Service provides full address use, allowing you to keep your business address private. This can help protect you from corporate identity theft, reduce junk mail, and safeguard your personal privacy.

Privacy by Default® is free and you don’t have to opt into it.  Northwest Registered Agent will put their address on the public documents. In other words, if privacy or disclosure of personal information is important to you, Northwest is at the top of charts.

Premium mail forwarding is only $40/month. It is unlimited. You choose the state where you want your mail sent, and they provide an address and unique suite number for your business in that state. Choose between same-day digital scanning or weekly physical mail forwarding.

Northwest prides itself on its personal, down-to-earth customer support. In fact, the company’s motto is, “We’re just not annoying.” Customers can call for assistance, or email an inquiry through the website’s contact page.

Northwest offers Registered Agent Service for $125 per year. Registered agents file orders the same day they are submitted, and provide address security, allowing your company to use Northwest’s address as its Registered Agent location. There is no longer a free period and the service renews annually.

While Northwest does not provide legal advice or attorney support, they do provide Corporate Guides, who can answer common business questions. The company also employs certified paralegals who will personally review your information and file your new LLC or corporation.

When forming your new business, you can select your state to ensure you get the correct documents. You will also be assigned a Corporate Guide who specializes in forming businesses in your state.

In addition to Corporate Guides, Northwest’s clients also receive an LLC Operating Agreement or bylaws, registered agent service, membership/stock certificates and resolutions.

At the time of this review, Northwest was rated 4.8 / 5 stars by clients on Google. Positive reviews for Northwest praised the company’s responsiveness, cheerful staff and low cost. We did find a few negative reviews on Google+, mostly regarding billing problems. For more about Northwest reviews, see Complaints below.

Northwest is not BBB Accredited, but holds an A+ rating with the bureau.

There were two complaints on the BBB website, and one of these was resolved, with Northwest providing a refund to the customer. The second complaint had been addressed by Northwest, but was not listed as resolved.

It’s always discouraging to read negative reviews. However, Northwest has more positive reviews than negative ones; and the company provided a response to the majority of the negative reviews.

We did not see a guarantee advertised on the Northwest website.

Northwest has been in business since 2006.