ZenBusiness vs. Harbor Compliance: Registered Agent Service Comparison
ZenBusiness's registered agent page advertises $99 for the first year, renewing at $199 a year. Harbor Compliance advertises the same $99 first-year price on its own registered-agent page, but renews lower, at $159 a year, as published on each company's site in October 2026. Both start at the same number; Harbor Compliance's published renewal is lower.
By LLC Register · Last reviewed October 5, 2026
Comprehensive Guide
What Each Company Charges for Registered Agent Service
As published on each company's own site in October 2026, both ZenBusiness and Harbor Compliance advertise $99 for the first year of registered agent service. They diverge at renewal: Harbor Compliance's own registered-agent page states "$99 first year for new customers. Renews at $159 annually," while ZenBusiness's registered-agent page advertises the $99 first-year rate before a $199 renewal.
Why ZenBusiness Shows Two Different Standard Rates
Separately from its registered-agent page, ZenBusiness's products page lists $199 a year as a flat standing rate without mentioning a first-year discount. The two ZenBusiness pages describe the same eventual $199 renewal differently, so confirm which page's framing applies to your order at checkout.
Comparing the Renewal Price
Once the first year ends, Harbor Compliance's $159-a-year renewal is $40 a year lower than ZenBusiness's $199-a-year renewal, based on each company's October 2026 published pricing. Both companies' published first-year prices are identical, so the renewal price is the number that distinguishes them going forward.
ZenBusiness's Worry-Free Compliance Add-On
Separate from registered agent service, ZenBusiness's Starter LLC plan includes a free first year of its Worry-Free Compliance service, renewing at $199 a year afterward. This is a distinct subscription from the registered agent fee, so a ZenBusiness Starter customer may see two separate $199-a-year charges in year two if both apply.
Annual Report Filing
Harbor Compliance's managed annual report service is listed at $199 per state plus filing fees on its dedicated annual-report page; an older price list on the same domain showed $175, so confirm the live rate. ZenBusiness charges $100 plus the state fee for the same service, a lower published figure.
How LLC Register compares
LLC Register's registered agent service is $99 a year, the same price at renewal. LLC formation is included in year one and annual report filing is included every year, while most providers charge $99 to $199 a year extra for annual report filing. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before checkout.
What to Confirm Before You Choose
Because both companies start at the same $99 first-year price, the renewal figure is the more useful number to compare: Harbor Compliance's $159 against ZenBusiness's $199. Confirm Harbor Compliance's current annual report rate directly, since its own pages have shown more than one figure, and confirm which of ZenBusiness's two published standard rates applies to your specific order.
Practical Considerations
Two Companies, the Same First-Year Number
When two providers advertise an identical first-year price, the renewal price is what actually separates them going forward. Compare renewal rates, not just the introductory offer, before deciding between ZenBusiness and Harbor Compliance.
ZenBusiness's Own Pages Disagree on the Standard Rate
ZenBusiness's registered-agent page and its products page show different framings of the same eventual $199 rate. Check the specific order summary you are shown at checkout rather than either marketing page alone.
Confirm Harbor Compliance's Annual Report Price
Harbor Compliance's own site has shown two different annual report prices, $199 and an older $175. Confirm the current rate directly before relying on either figure.
Bundled Compliance Subscriptions Add Up
If you choose ZenBusiness's Starter plan, its free first year of Worry-Free Compliance also converts to a paid $199-a-year subscription afterward, separate from the registered agent fee. Add both renewal figures together when estimating your year-two cost.
This Is Not Legal or Tax Advice
Which company's pricing fits your plans depends on your state and how long you expect to operate the LLC. Talk to a tax professional, and verify all current prices directly on each company's site before ordering.
Sources
The official sources used for this article.
FTC: The Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule, Questions and Answers | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumer-reviews-testimonials-rule-questions-answers |
|---|---|
IRS: Limited Liability Company (LLC) | irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc |
SBA: Choose a business structure | sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure |
Created by: LLC RegisterLast reviewed October 5, 2026
Updated: October 5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ZenBusiness and Harbor Compliance charge the same price for the first year of registered agent service?
Yes. Both companies advertise $99 for the first year on their own registered-agent pages, as published in October 2026. They diverge at renewal.
How much does the registered agent renewal gap add up to between ZenBusiness and Harbor Compliance?
Harbor Compliance renews registered agent service at $159 a year, stated on its own site as '$99 first year for new customers. Renews at $159 annually.' ZenBusiness renews at $199 a year, $40 a year more, a gap that compounds every year both services stay active.
Why does ZenBusiness show two different registered agent rates on its own site?
ZenBusiness's products page lists $199 a year as a flat standard rate, while its separate registered-agent page advertises $99 for the first year before that same $199 renewal, describing the same eventual rate differently.
Which company charges less for annual report filing, ZenBusiness or Harbor Compliance?
ZenBusiness charges $100 plus the state fee, lower than Harbor Compliance's dedicated annual-report page listing of $199 per state plus filing fees, though an older Harbor Compliance price list showed $175.
Form your business with LLC Register
$99 a year for a registered agent, with LLC formation in year one and annual report filing included. State fees are passed through at cost.
