Llc what is a registered agent

Such companies must register as corporate agents for service of process with the Secretary of State of the state involved. In return for paying the fee, you get the assurance that important papers sent to your business will be received and forwarded to you. Better service companies scan the papers they receive for your business and make them quickly available to you online. Individuals can serve as registered agents only in the state where they live.

So, if you register your business in more than one state, you'll have to get someone else to serve as agent in the other state or states. You'll avoid this problem by hiring a national service company with offices in every state. It can serve as your registered agent in any state in which you register to do business. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site.

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An LLC offers several tax benefits, including simply having the flexibility to choose how you want the entity to be taxed.

What Is a Registered Agent? Who Needs a Registered Agent? What Does a Registered Agent Do? In general, your agent can be any person who: Is at least 18 years old Has street address within the state Is physically present at that address during business hours Your agent can also be a company that's registered with your state to provide registered agent services. When to Use a Registered Agent Service Many small business owners act as their own registered agent or name a friend, family member, or employee.

When choosing a registered agent, there are several reasons to pay for a registered agent service instead: Privacy. If you or an employee is the registered agent, you risk the embarrassment of having a legal action served in front of customers, clients, or co-workers. Also, the agent's address is public record, a potential concern if you have a home-based business or are planning to name your spouse as your agent. If you list an individual as the registered agent, you'll need to update your registered agent information if there are any changes to the person's identity or address.

Few small business owners remember to do this, but if you fail to maintain a registered agent, your business can lose its good standing with the state. Knowing the job will be done right. Registered agent services are experienced and professional, making it more likely that important documents will quickly get into the right hands. Multiple states. If you do business in more than one state, multiple registered agents can be a hassle.

A service can act as your agent in multiple locations. Want to appoint LegalZoom as your Registered Agent? About the Author Jane Haskins, Esq. Related Topics. They'll scan and upload all your essential legal documents and mail you physical copies as needed. ZenBusiness really stands apart for its excellent customer service. The representatives are known for being highly knowledgeable about company formation and business maintenance. Get Started. To learn more about registered agent requirements in your state , visit our state registered agent guides:.

To change your registered agent , just file the correct paperwork with the Secretary of State; there may be a nominal filing fee depending on the state in which you conduct business. This step may vary by state. For more information on how to change the registered agent for your LLC, you can visit our state-specific registered agent guides.

Every U. A registered agent may be called different names in different states, such as a resident agent, a statutory agent, or an agent for service of process. Registered agents keep your business compliant by maintaining up-to-date paperwork.

They also are in charge of accepting official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as paperwork from the state and federal government, tax forms, and legal notices. Learn more about what registered agents do. Yes, the registered agent of an LLC can be its owner , as long as the conditions of age and residency are met according to state guidelines. Some small business owners choose to do this instead of hiring a third party or appointing someone else to the role.

You should weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is best for you and your business. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and business entities must be registered to operate in the state. Both must have a physical office location and be present during regular business hours. Although you can be your own registered agent, we recommend you consider hiring an experienced and reliable registered agent service to handle this portion of your business needs.

No, a registered agent is not considered an owner , its responsibility is to keep certain paperwork up to date and accepts official correspondence on behalf of the company. Most states require you to designate a registered agent if you own a business. However, even if it isn't required, we strongly recommend appointing a registered agent to accept service of process, gain peace of mind, and maintain your privacy. A registered agent could potentially be liable for damages in the event they fail to meet their legal responsibilities as a registered agent, such as not informing a company it was being sued.

You can change your registered agent by filing the necessary paperwork with the appropriate state agency. Different states have different processes and forms so read our free guides for details about your state. A statutory agent is another name for a registered agent, a service of process agent, or a resident agent.

A resident agent is another name for a registered agent, a service of process agent, or a statutory agent. A service of process agent is another name for a registered agent, a resident agent, or a statutory agent. A commercial registered agent is a person or entity that has registered with the state by filing a commercial registered agent listing statement with the Secretary of State in accordance with the Model Registered Agent Act MoRAA or similar state law.

Service of process means receiving legal documents, such as a summons. A summons is an order to appear before a judge due to a pending lawsuit. In some states, you will be asked whether you are electing a commercial or noncommercial registered agent. Some states refer to professional registered agents as commercial agents, which requires these agents to be specially listed with their state, and individual agents as noncommercial. To become a registered agent for your business , you must:.

After this, your state will send you official correspondence for annual reports, service of process, and other compliance information for the business you represent. A commercial registered agent is the name of registered agents in certain states that has filed a commercial registered agent listing statement in accordance with the Model Registered Agent Act MoRAA or similar state law. Registered agents keep your business compliant and maintain up-to-date paperwork by accepting official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as paperwork from the state and federal government, tax forms, and legal notices.

They also can file your annual reports and other state filings. Start a Business. Start a Corporation. Form a Nonprofit. Registered Agents vs. LLC Registered Agent. Corporation Registered Agent. Non Profit Registered Agent. S Corp Registered Agent. What Does a Registered Agent Do? They have a physical address in your state of business. This is especially important if your business operates out of your home. Focus on Growth: A professional registered agent service will send you regular compliance reminders and notify you of any requirements needed to keep your organization in good standing.

You, on the other hand, will be focusing on growing your business. Discretion: When a business owner acts as their own registered agent, service of process could be delivered to your home or in front of employees or customers at your office.