Incorporating? You Need a Registered Agent Service

It's the law in almost every state in the US: If you're incorporating, you must appoint a "registered agent" or registered agent service in the state where your company is incorporated or qualified. This requirement applies to both C corporations and LLCs.

What Exactly Is a Registered Agent and Why Will My Company Need One?

Having a registered agent (or service) is for the state's convenience, and your own protection. The agent:

Receives legal notices and other official documents from the state on your behalf,

including: tax documents and notices; litigation notices (that is, they accept service of process); annual reports; and, other important business documents.

Lets you know whenever such papers arrive and forwards them to you as necessary.

Makes sure your firm stays in compliance with government rules and regulations in your state of incorporation and other states in which you do business.

Generally makes certain that your firm doesn't miss important deadlines.

The agent you designate can be a person or a company that the state approves to act as a registered agent. The registered agent service's street address in the state of your business' incorporation must appear on the formation papers you file with the state in which you're incorporating. The information will be part of the public record and anyone can find it.

Where Can I Find A Registered Agent Service?

There are registered agent services in all 50 states, and they are easy to find. Log on to the Internet and search the term "registered agent service" and you'll be inundated with companies and individuals that want your business. Or, ask your lawyer: S/he should know of a few services that are reputable. You also can check with your friends and colleagues: Remember, every C corp and LLC has to have a registered agent. Ask other firms who they use, and whether they are satisfied with the service they chose. Finally, most states maintain a list of those agents registered within their borders.

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