Harbor Compliance is a prominent player in the business services industry, specializing in compliance services and formation — including nonprofit formation services. The company’s comprehensive approach to guiding organizations through nonprofit formation makes it a popular choice for this service, but that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect fit for every organization. This review outlines the key advantages, disadvantages, and offerings of Harbor Compliance’s nonprofit services as well as potential alternatives to ensure you find the right formation service for your nonprofit.
Pros & Cons of Harbor Compliance’s Nonprofit Service
Pros
- Harbor Compliance assigns a Compliance Specialist to every customer. Instead of waiting on hold in a call center or sending an email to a company’s general inbox, you have the direct phone number and email address to connect with your Specialist whenever you need help.
- Harbor Compliance offers complete nonprofit formation packages that handle far more than their competitors do. Every nonprofit package comes with a 501(c)(3) application with guaranteed approval, a federal tax ID number (EIN) and registered agent service.
- Do you need advanced features for your organization, like fundraising registration, initial and annual reports, publishing, etc.? Harbor Compliance offers all of these services and more.
- They don’t have a ton of customer reviews because they’ve only been in business for a few years, but the feedback they do have is overwhelmingly positive. Customers love this company.
- They take online security seriously, with Norton Web Security scanning their website for malware and encrypting data transfers, and Trustwave which verifies merchant validity for credit card purchases.
Cons
- If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to look elsewhere because Harbor Compliance’s nonprofit formation packages start at $1,899.
Harbor Compliance Nonprofit Alternative
Northwest’s customer reviews are excellent and the full year of registered agent service is a valuable addition at no extra charge.
Visit NorthwestHarbor Compliance Nonprofit Pricing
With Harbor Compliance, you have your choice of two nonprofit formation packages, starting at $1,899: Tax Exempt and Compliance.
Tax Exempt = $1,899 + State Fees
What It Includes: This package starts with the formation basics, like a name availability check, and the preparation and filing of your formation documents with the state.
In addition, you receive a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status application with guaranteed approval, a federal tax ID number (EIN) to hire employees and open business bank accounts, registered agent service to receive and forward important compliance documents, and custom bylaws that outline the rules and structure of your nonprofit.
Who It’s Right For: This package includes everything most nonprofits will require for formation and 501(c)(3) status, so unless your organization requires extra layers of compliance you should be good to go with the Tax Exempt package.
Compliance = $2,699 + State Fees
What It Includes: Everything from the Tax Exempt package, plus fundraising registration to allow the solicitation of donations for your organization, and preparation and management of your initial and annual reports.
Also, this package includes ongoing support from your personal Compliance Specialist, who will cultivate year-end reviews of your records, operations, and growth. Finally, in states that require it, you’ll get publishing service to print notice of your nonprofit formation in newspapers.
Who It’s Right For: To put it simply, some nonprofits require these features and some do not. If you do need it, we think the Compliance package is a smartly bundled package of features that should appeal to any nonprofit with compliance requirements beyond the basics.
Recommended Package
Honestly, we think either package is a smart purchase. If you’re not sure which one you need, contact Harbor Compliance to speak with one of their Compliance Specialists and they’ll help you figure it out.
Harbor Compliance Reviews
Harbor Compliance has earned 3.8 out of five stars on Trustpilot, which is a lower rating compared to multiple competitors. However, the company has very few reviews comparatively at only 18 total. Positive reviews note helpful customer service representatives, timely compliance reminders, and robust feature offerings. The company responds to negative reviews in less than 24 hours, on average, with additional support and solutions for existing problems.
Here are some verified reviews from Trustpilot by people who used Harbor Compliance:
“Harbor Compliance is the complete package! Their staff has made handling our non-profit compliance such a joy and not a job. I would recommend Harbor Compliance to all those in need.”
“I appreciate having government filings presented to me in a timely way and knowing which ones are coming due and when. I sometimes find navigation complicated on some compliance items.”
“Harbor Compliance streamlines all of our registered agents into one platform. It’s been transformational in saving us time and money. I like [that] Harbor doesn’t send me ads for additional products/services and I like the personal touch that I receive as a client.”
“The customer service is great. My issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. The web portal is equipped with everything we need.”
Alternatives to Harbor Compliance’s Nonprofit Service
While Harbor Compliance offers comprehensive nonprofit formation services, several other providers offer similar assistance. Each has its own unique set of features and pricing options, which may better suit different types of organizations or budgets.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is our top choice for nonprofit formation services. The company distinguishes itself through its emphasis on personalized service and privacy protection. Northwest’s nonprofit formation package includes state filing, first-year registered agent service, and customized bylaws.
Northwest’s $29 formation package and commitment to client confidentiality make it a great option for organizations prioritizing direct communication and data security.
LegalZoom
As a well-established legal services provider, LegalZoom offers nonprofit formation alongside a broad spectrum of legal solutions. The company’s service encompasses standard formation documents, a customizable website, and access to attorney consultations. LegalZoom’s user-friendly interface and the ability to integrate nonprofit formation with other legal services make it a stand-out formation service. While LegalZoom’s pricing beyond its free formation package may be higher than some competitors, the brand’s reputation and comprehensive service offerings appeal to organizations seeking a one-stop solution for various legal needs.
Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings specializes in rapid nonprofit formation, featuring a streamlined online application process and same-day document processing. The company’s free formation package is relatively basic, but it also offers two other tiers of packages with more robust feature sets. This provider is well-suited for organizations prioritizing expedited formation and those comfortable managing more complex aspects independently.
Instant Nonprofit
Focusing exclusively on nonprofit formation and compliance, Instant Nonprofit offers tailored packages for various organizational types and sizes. The company’s services encompass 501(c)(3) application preparation, state-specific compliance guidance, and ongoing support for maintaining nonprofit status. While Instant Nonprofit’s pricing may exceed some alternatives, its specialized expertise provides significant value — particularly for complex nonprofit structures or organizations requiring extensive guidance throughout the formation process.
Is Harbor Compliance Right For Your Nonprofit?
Harbor Compliance’s suitability will depend on the specific requirements and resources of your organization. The company’s comprehensive service model addresses a wide range of nonprofit needs, but is it right for your nonprofit?
It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Organizations requiring end-to-end support from formation through ongoing compliance
- Nonprofits with complex structures or multistate operations
- Entities valuing expert guidance and willing to invest in premium services
However, it may not be the best fit if:
- Your organization operates under significant budget constraints
- Your nonprofit has straightforward needs or internal members able to navigate the formation and compliance processes
The bottom line? Harbor Compliance offers a robust, full-service approach to nonprofit formation and compliance. The company’s expertise and comprehensive service range make it a strong contender for organizations seeking extensive support and possessing the requisite budget. However, smaller nonprofits or those with more basic needs may find that alternative providers offer sufficient assistance at a lower cost. When selecting a service provider, carefully consider your organization’s specific requirements, financial resources, and long-term objectives to ensure the best fit for your nonprofit’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I File a Nonprofit Independently?
You certainly have that option, but considering the often complex nature of nonprofit compliance, it can be a real hassle ― especially if you want 501(c)(3) status. Services like Harbor Compliance can handle that for you, leaving you free to actually run your organization.
What’s Their Refund Policy?
In their terms of service, they say that “if you order services from us, you may not cancel.” If Harbor Compliance chooses to terminate their relationship with you, they will refund your money, but not if you terminate the relationship on your end.
How Secure Is Harbor Compliance?
With the combination of Norton Web Security and Trustwave protecting their website, you can browse and purchase with confidence.
Do They Offer Ongoing Support?
This depends on which package you purchase. With the Compliance package you receive ongoing access to your Compliance Specialist who will prepare reports on your records, operations, and growth ― with the Tax Exempt package this support ends when you gain your 501(c)(3) exemption.