A registered agent is a crucial component of any LLC or corporation. They are responsible for receiving legal documents and important correspondence on behalf of the business. The registered agent is often the first point of contact for lawsuits, subpoenas, and other legal matters.
But who can be a registered agent? The answer is relatively simple. A registered agent can be an individual or a business entity that is located in the state where the LLC or corporation is registered. The registered agent must also be over 18 years old and have a physical address within the state.
While the requirements for becoming a registered agent are straightforward, it is important to choose someone who is reliable and trustworthy. The registered agent must be available during regular business hours to receive important documents and promptly notify the business owner. Choosing the right registered agent can help ensure that your business stays compliant with state regulations and avoids any potential legal issues.
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or entity that is designated to receive legal papers and official government correspondence on behalf of a formal entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership. The registered agent is responsible for receiving and forwarding important documents, including service of process, tax notices, and other legal notifications, to the appropriate parties within the company.
Most states require businesses to have a registered agent, and the agent must have a physical address within the state where the company is registered. This ensures that important documents are delivered promptly and efficiently to the company.
Registered agents can be individuals, such as the company’s owner or an employee, or they can be professional registered agent services that specialize in providing this service to businesses. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, and it is important to carefully consider which option is best for your business.
One advantage of using a professional registered agent service is that it can provide an added layer of privacy and protection for the company’s owners. By using a third-party registered agent, the company’s owners can avoid having their personal information, such as their home address, listed on public records.
Overall, the registered agent plays an important role in ensuring that a company stays in compliance with state laws and regulations. It is important to choose a registered agent that is reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable about the legal requirements of your state.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
Individuals
An individual can be a registered agent as long as they meet the state’s requirements. In some states, the individual must be a resident of the state, while in others, they must have a physical address in the state. It’s important to note that the registered agent’s name and address are public information, so privacy concerns should be taken into consideration.
Business Entities
A business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, can also be a registered agent. The entity must be authorized to do business in the state and have a physical address. If the business entity is the registered agent, it’s important to ensure that the entity is in good standing with the state and has not been dissolved or terminated.
Professional Registered Agent Services
Professional registered agent services are third-party companies that provide registered agent services for a fee. These services can be beneficial for businesses that don’t have a physical address in the state or don’t want to disclose their personal information as the registered agent. However, it’s important to ensure that the professional registered agent service is authorized to do business in the state and has a physical address.
We recommend using a registered agent service to take care of this requirement. We have a separate post on the best registered agent service to give you coverage in any state.
Below we have listed the five registered agent services that we recommend.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best value  | Price: $99 per year
| 9.4 | Visit site |
Best customer service  | Price: $125 per year
| 9.3 | Visit site |
Great value  | Price: $119 per year
| 9.1 | Visit site |
Best no frills  | Price: $99 per year
| 9 | Visit site |
Strong brand  | Price: $299 per year
| 8.9 | Visit site |
Requirements for Registered Agents
Legal Age
One of the basic requirements to become a registered agent is to be of legal age. In most states, this means being at least 18 years old. It is essential to meet this requirement as it is a legal obligation to serve as a registered agent.
Physical Address
Another requirement for registered agents is to have a physical address in the state where the business is registered. The registered agent’s physical address is where legal documents and notices are delivered. P.O. boxes are not acceptable as a physical address for a registered agent.
Availability During Business Hours
Registered agents must be available during regular business hours. This means that the registered agent must be available to receive legal documents and notices during these hours. If the registered agent is not available, it can cause delays in the delivery of legal documents and notices, which can have serious consequences for the business.
Authorization to Conduct Business in the State
Finally, another requirement for registered agents is that they must be authorized to conduct business in the state where the business is registered. This means that the registered agent must have a legal presence in the state, such as a business license, to be able to serve as a registered agent.
In conclusion, becoming a registered agent requires meeting certain requirements, including being of legal age, having a physical address in the state, being available during business hours, and being authorized to conduct business in the state. It is important to meet these requirements to fulfill the legal obligation of serving as a registered agent.
Responsibilities of Registered Agents
Receiving Legal Documents
One of the main responsibilities of a registered agent is to receive legal documents on behalf of the business. This includes service of process, which is the delivery of legal documents such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other official notices. The registered agent must be available during business hours to receive these documents.
Forwarding Documents to the Business
After receiving legal documents, the registered agent must promptly forward them to the business. This ensures that the business is aware of any legal actions or notices that it needs to respond to. The registered agent may also receive other important documents, such as tax notices or annual reports, which must be forwarded to the business in a timely manner.
Maintaining Accurate Records
The registered agent is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all legal and official documents received and forwarded on behalf of the business. This includes keeping track of important dates such as deadlines for responding to legal actions or filing annual reports. Accurate record keeping helps ensure that the business is in compliance with all legal requirements.
Notifying the Business of Important Dates
The registered agent must notify the business of important dates such as deadlines for responding to legal actions or filing annual reports. This ensures that the business stays in compliance with all legal requirements and avoids any penalties or fines. The registered agent may also be responsible for reminding the business of upcoming meetings or other important events.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent, but are then subject to all the requirements above of any other registered agent, so there are many drawbacks to doing it yourself, not least the requirement to be present at times during business hours and the loss of privacy involved in having your actual address on corporate filings. Here is some more info on the risks involved in being your own registered agent.
Conclusion
Choosing a registered agent for your business is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. The registered agent serves as a point of contact between your business and the state, and is responsible for receiving legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business.
While the requirements for a registered agent vary by state, it is generally recommended to choose a registered agent that is reliable, trustworthy, and has a physical address in the state where your business is registered. You can choose to appoint an individual or a professional registered agent service, depending on your preferences and needs.
It is important to keep in mind that using an individual as your registered agent can have some risks, including the potential for missed documents or delays in receiving important notices. On the other hand, using a professional registered agent service can provide added benefits such as privacy, convenience, and reliable service.
Ultimately, the decision of who to choose as your registered agent will depend on your specific business needs and preferences. It is important to carefully consider your options and choose a registered agent that you trust to handle important legal and government correspondence on behalf of your business.
