What Is a Registered Agent?
Many business owners will ask themselves what is a registered agent and then question if they really need one. The answer to both questions is yes!
A registered agent is a person or company with the authority to accept service of process (legal documents and government notices) on behalf of a business. When selecting a registered agent, the business must designate one who has a physical location within the state where the business is registered to operate.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
Some examples of the documentation a registered agent (also sometimes referred to as a “resident agent” or “statutory agent”) will receive for you include:
- Official federal and state correspondence
- Subpoenas for information
- Tax notices from the IRS and local tax authorities
- Lawsuits
- Summonses to appear in court
- Wage garnishment notices when ordered to withhold a portion of your employee’s wages and send it directly to a person or organization to which that worker owes money
- Corporate filing notifications
Important paperwork, as mentioned above, will be delivered to your registered agent’s physical location (not a post office box) in the state where you operate your business.
Does Your Business Really Need One?
If your business forms an LLC, incorporates, or foreign qualifies, you must appoint and maintain a registered agent. It is a business compliance requirement you don’t want to ignore. The law requires your business appoints a registered agent as soon as you form your LLC or corporation.
Are you looking for a registered agent who will be your trusted partner for the life of your business? Contact us today! We provide registered agent services in all 50 states and can handle all your business formation and ongoing compliance filings.