ZenBusiness vs Northwest Registered Agent
By the FirstHire Team · Last updated Nov 2026
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Many owners form an LLC before they hire. ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent are two well-known formation services. Both advertise low starting prices, so the real difference is in what renews each year.
How we wrote this: we read each vendor's public pricing and product pages (linked at the bottom) and compared them for a business with 1 to 10 people. We have not run a long-term hands-on test of these products, and we will say so on this page when we have.
The short answer
- Pick Northwest if you want formation plus a year of registered agent service bundled, with a clear renewal price.
- Pick ZenBusiness if you want a $0 starting formation and to add services such as an EIN or compliance filings a la carte.
Published prices (Nov 2026)
| ZenBusiness | Northwest | |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | Starts at $0 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Registered agent | $199/year | First year included; then $125/year, no contract |
| EIN service | $99 one-time | Check site |
| Compliance filings | Worry-Free Compliance $199/year | Check site |
You can get an EIN yourself for free from the IRS, which you need before your first payroll.
Our take
Compare the two-year cost, not the first-day price: formation plus state fee plus registered agent renewal. Then get your EIN and set up payroll; our Utah payroll guide covers the next steps.
FAQ
Do I need an LLC to hire?
No. Sole proprietors can hire employees. An LLC is about liability and taxes; talk to a professional about your situation.
What is a registered agent?
A person or company with an address in your state that accepts legal papers for your business.
Sources: ZenBusiness pricing, Northwest LLC. Prices and features as of Nov 2026. Check the vendor site before you buy, because prices and promotions change. Not tax or legal advice.