All LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must designate a registered agent when setting up their operations. This agent, who is the point of contact between the state and the businesses, handles official correspondence. And while you may think that almost anyone can serve this role, states have specific requirements regarding who is up to the task.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A registered agent receives official correspondence on behalf of the business. These documents include the following:
- Tax Notices,
- Compliance Documents, and
- Service of Process.
Given the nature of these documents, only qualified people should serve this integral role.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
All states have different requirements for who can serve as a registered agent. Even so, there are some similarities in their criteria, as follows:
- The agent must be at least 18 years old and capable of entering into contracts. Businesses also have the option of hiring companies. In that case, the company must have incorporation in the state your business operates,
- The agent must have a physical address in the state your business operates. States do not recognize P.O. Boxes as physical addresses as these do not allow for due process. Instead, the address must be a location where officials can find someone to receive official correspondence,
- The agent must be available at the said physical address during office hours. Government officials will only deliver documents during office hours. As such, the agent must be at the physical address during these hours to ensure they receive the documents,
- The agent must be a resident of the state in which your business operates.
Considering these criteria, you will realize that most people can serve as registered agents. You may even qualify to represent yourself! But given the need to be available and divulge your business address, this is often not ideal for most businesspeople. Moreover, it adds more work to your business operations and threatens your privacy if you work from home. That’s why delegating the role to a registered agent service is a good idea.
Benefits of Hiring Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services are companies that provide registered agent services. Hiring them allows you to enjoy the following:
- Privacy: You will not need to include your business address in public records. This measure works great for people who work from home and do not want to have their home addresses in business records. You can keep your operation running without adversely affecting your privacy,
- Confidentiality: Government officials can find you at your business address when you serve as your registered agent. And if you get served with papers in front of your employees and clients, it can send the wrong message. Hiring a registered agent service allows you to handle your lawsuits privately,
- Accountability: Registered agent services handle your official correspondence on your behalf. They ensure you have access to the files, are aware of the deadlines, and continuously remind you to file your reports and respond to lawsuits on time. Plus, they handle the mail and keep backups, so you never have to worry about losing your important mail.
At Passportology, we offer two registered agent plans, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your business needs. Plus, we cover all states, allowing you to stick with one agent as you expand your business into other regions. As an added perk, you can switch to our services for free! Contact us today, and let’s work out a plan that will protect your business interests.