Honest Comparison
Sedes vs Northwest Registered Agent: Honest Comparison (2026)
The honest veteran — a genuinely solid alternative
Quick Verdict
Northwest Registered Agent is a well-established service with real strengths. But for most LLC formations, Sedes delivers more value at a lower total cost with AI-powered guidance. Read on for the full breakdown.
Pricing Comparison: True Cost
Advertised prices often hide the real cost. Here is what you actually pay in year one.
| Service | Sedes | Northwest Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Formation Fee | $0 | $39 |
| Registered Agent (Year 1) | $49/yr | $125/yr |
| EIN Filing | Free | Included |
| Operating Agreement | Included | Included |
| Processing Time | Same-day prep | Same-day filing in most states |
| AI Guidance | Included | None |
| Compliance Automation | Included | Limited / Extra |
| Typical Year 1 Cost | $0 + state fees (Launch) or $199/yr (Shield with RA) | $39 filing + $125 RA = $164 before state fees |
Where Northwest Registered Agent Wins
- 25+ years of proven reliability — they are a trusted veteran
- Human corporate guides you can call directly
- Genuinely transparent pricing with no upsells
- Same-day filing as standard (no premium tier needed)
- EIN included at no extra cost
Where Sedes Wins
- AI-guided formation explains every decision
- Registered agent at $49/yr vs $125/yr
- Zero formation fee vs $39
- Automated compliance filing, not just reminders
- Modern, mobile-friendly experience
Northwest Registered Agent: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Transparent, no-upsell checkout process
- Same-day filing in most states
- EIN filing included
- Corporate guides (real humans) answer the phone
- Over 25 years in business
- Free operating agreement template
Cons
- $39 formation fee (not free)
- Website design is functional but dated
- No AI guidance or smart recommendations
- No compliance automation — just reminders
- Limited technology features
“I respect Northwest — they are honest and reliable. But I wanted something more modern that would actually guide me through the process rather than just filing papers.”
— Sarah K., Chose Sedes over Northwest for the AI experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Registered Agent good?
Yes. Northwest is one of the most honest formation services available. They do not upsell, they include EIN filing, and they have been around since 1998. If you want a traditional, no-frills formation service, Northwest is a great choice. Sedes offers a more modern, AI-guided experience at a lower total cost.
Why does Northwest charge $39 for formation?
Northwest charges a flat $39 formation fee instead of offering a $0 tier with expensive add-ons. This is actually more honest than many competitors who advertise $0 formation but make up the difference with $99 EIN fees and $299 registered agent costs.
Should I choose Northwest or Sedes?
If you value a traditional service with human phone support and a 25-year track record, Northwest is excellent. If you want AI-guided formation, automated compliance, and a lower total cost, Sedes is the better fit. Both are transparent and honest — it comes down to whether you prefer the traditional or modern approach.
Try Sedes — $29 all-in, no hidden fees
AI-guided LLC formation with everything included. No upsells, no surprises, no fine print.
Start Your LLC$0 + state fees on Launch plan. No credit card required to start.