Any business entity that is registered to operate in a state must have a resident or physical agent. This person or company will receive service of process, legal documents and official notices on behalf of the business.
This is a state requirement that helps ensure that time-sensitive compliance documents are delivered to the correct person. Choosing a registered agent is an important decision for any business.
Registered Agent Requirements
During the incorporation process, businesses must specify their registered agent. This person or company must have a physical address (not a PO box) in the state where the business is registered to operate. Important paperwork and notices must be delivered to this address. Additionally, the agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process.
It’s possible for an entity to serve as its own registered agent, but most choose a professional registered agent services to avoid potential confidentiality concerns and ensure that legal documents are received promptly. An experienced registered agent can also help you navigate the requirements of each state.
If your business operates in multiple states, look for a registered agent service that offers national coverage. This will simplify your compliance process, and it can save you time and money because you’ll only have to deal with one company for all your registered agent needs. Most commercial registered agent services also scan all documents and make them available online, which helps reduce your paperwork.
Choosing a Registered Agent
Although it might seem like a minor formality, your choice of registered agent has serious consequences for your business. You need a reliable, trusted point of contact who is available during business hours to accept legal documents or mail on your behalf.
In most states, you can appoint yourself or someone within your company to act as the registered agent, so long as they meet the state’s requirements. But for convenience, it’s often easier to use a registered agent service that can offer you a variety of benefits, including privacy protection and streamlined compliance reminders.
When choosing a registered agent, make sure to choose one who offers a seamless online experience and best-in-industry customer service. You should also look for an affordable annual fee and a company that can provide real-time, customizable electronic notifications to you or anyone on your team. The most cost-effective registered agents will have a transparent pricing model and a robust portfolio of client services.
Requirements for Registered Agents
The requirements for registered agents vary by state. Typically, they must be available during normal business hours and have a physical address in the state where your business is registered to operate. They must also be able to receive service of process and other legal documents. An individual can serve as a registered agent, but it is best to use a commercial registered agent service for consistency and privacy reasons.
A professional registered agent will be available all day, every day and on work days to receive important mail for your business. This will help ensure that your business is never overlooked for critical legal notices or annual state filings. Most registered agent services will also scan and email the received papers to you for quick access. This saves you time and the worry of forgetting to file or respond to something important. A good registered agent service will also be able to serve your business in multiple states.
Registered Agent Services
The best registered agent services are staffed by professionals with deep expertise in legal compliance. They know how to find the most important documents and mail quickly, even among junk mail, and they have systems in place to ensure that any service of process delivery or other legal notice arrives at your business promptly (and is subsequently forwarded to you).
They are also discreet. This is important if you are trying to keep your private life separate from your business. They also have systems in place to scan all received papers and upload them online in digital form, so you can access your documents on demand.
Harbor Compliance is one of the most popular choices in this category, offering high-quality registered agent services at a competitive price. Their customer support is available by phone and email, and they are happy to answer any questions that you might have. They are a reliable choice for both small and large businesses.
