What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a designated person or service responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. This includes service of process notices, state correspondence, and compliance reminders. Every state requires businesses to list a registered agent when forming an LLC or corporation. The agent must have a physical address in the state where your business is registered and be available during normal business hours.
What is the Purpose of a Registered Agent?
A registered agent (often referred to as an RA, and sometimes called a statutory or resident agent) is the person or legal entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Some of these documents may include franchise tax forms, annual reports, renewal reminders, and lawsuit paperwork. The RA will organize said documents and forward them along to the corporation or LLC so that nothing gets lost through the cracks. You may act as your own RA or work with a third party business.
The Legal Necessity of Registered Agents
Every LLC and corporation is required by law to have a registered agent in the state where the business is formed. This ensures the state has a reliable way to deliver legal documents, tax notices, and compliance reminders. Without a registered agent, you risk missing critical communications that could lead to penalties, lawsuits, or loss of good standing. Having a designated agent keeps your business legally compliant and accessible to the state.
Requirements for Registered Agents
To qualify as a registered agent, the individual or company must have a physical street address in the state - not a P.O. box - and be available during regular business hours. The agent must be able to receive service of process and other official documents. Many businesses choose to hire professional services to fulfill this role, ensuring reliability and privacy while keeping operations running smoothly.
Registered Agent Requirements for Multiple States
If your business operates in more than one state, you'll need a registered agent in each one. Our registered agent service makes it easy to stay compliant everywhere you do business, without having to find a new agent each time you expand.
Updating Your Registered Agent Information
If you change your registered agent, you must notify the state by filing an update form. Failing to update this information can lead to missed documents or compliance issues, so it's important to keep your records current.
Do I need a Registered Agent for My Business?
Most states require businesses to designate a registered agent in their formation state. For corporations and LLCs formed at the state level, they are required to have a registered agent for a corporation to remain compliant with state law. If you do not have a registered agent, or try to avoid designating one, you company may incur penalties and the jurisdiction may even revoke your legal status. It's much better to designate a registered agent service as soon as possible since the service provides an added layer of privacy, extra security, and peace of mind for your small business. Entrepreneurs frequently ask how to find a registered agent for a company, and the answer often lies in hiring a reliable, third-party corporate registered agent service.
