what type of lawyer is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual that is authorized to accept legal documents on behalf of a limited liability company (LLC). All LLCs require a registered agent and they are legally allowed to accept tax documents, legal documents, government documents, compliance documents, and any other documents pertaining to the LLC.

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What is a registered agent called?

In some states, a registered agent is called a statutory agent, resident agent, or an agent for service of process. Most states require that you appoint a registered agent when you form a limited liability company (LLC).

What does a registered agent do for an LLC?

Registered agent services help businesses stay up to date on requirements with their state and also offer other forms of practical assistance. If you use a registered agent service, they can: Send you regular reminders for state filings. This will ensure that you stay up to date on all your LLC requirements.

Do I need a registered agent for my company?

Every formal business entity in the United States, whether it’s an LLC, S corp or C corp, must have a Registered Agent. In this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about getting a Registered Agent for your company, including what Registered Agents do, how to find one and what happens if you don’t have one. What Is a Registered Agent?

Do I need a registered agent?

Yes. Every U.S. state requires all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships to have a registered agent. A registered agen...

What does a registered agent do?

Registered agents keep your business compliant by maintaining up-to-date paperwork. They also are in charge of accepting official correspondence on...

Can the owner of an LLC be the registered agent?

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 sm...

Who can be a registered agent?

Registered agent requirements can vary a bit from state to state, but they generally allow for both individuals and business entities to serve as a...

How much does a registered agent cost?

The cost of a registered agent varies, but it can be anywhere from free (if you act as your company’s registered agent) to a few hundred dollars a...

Is a registered agent the same as the owner?

No, a registered agent is not considered an owner, its responsibility is to keep certain paperwork up to date and accepts official correspondence o...

Why do I need a registered agent?

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...

Are registered agents liable?

A registered agent could potentially be liable for damages in the event they fail to meet their legal responsibilities as a registered agent, such...

Can I change my registered agent?

Yes. You can change your registered agent by filing the necessary paperwork with the appropriate state agency. Different states have different proc...

What is a statutory agent?

A statutory agent is another name for a registered agent, a service of process agent, or a resident agent.

What Is a Registered Agent?

A Registered Agent is an individual or business that receives important information, official documents and correspondence from the state governmen...

What Does a Registered Agent Do?

A Registered Agent must be available to receive and sign for official correspondence during normal business hours. They will receive documents from...

Are There Other Names for a Registered Agent?

Registered Agents can be known by various names in each state. These names include:Agent for Service of Process Statutory AgentCommercial Registere...

Do I Need a Registered Agent?

All businesses that are formed as legal entities are required to name a Registered Agent. These types of businesses are:Limited Liability Company (...

What Are the Requirements for a Registered Agent?

Your secretary of state or division of corporations has certain requirements that apply to Registered Agents. Typically, they are: If the Registere...

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Registered Agent?

If you do not assign or provide details of your organization's Registered Agent to the secretary of state, you could face significant problems, inc...

Who Can Be a Registered Agent?

In addition to a formal Registered Agent service, anyone associated with your business who wants to take on the responsibility can be your Register...

How Do I Submit My Choice of Registered Agent to the Secretary of State?

When you incorporate your business through Incfile, we will automatically provide a free Registered Agent service for your LLC or corporation for t...

Can I Change the Registered Agent for My LLC or Corporation After the Business Is Formed?

Your business can change your Registered Agent service at any time. Some Registered Agents will file the necessary forms with the secretary of stat...

How Do I Find and Choose a Registered Agent for My Own Business?

There are many ways to find a Registered Agent service. Some secretary of state websites provide lists, or you can search for one on your own. We r...

What is a registered agent?

Key Takeaways. A registered agent is someone who accepts legal documents on behalf of a business. A business must have a registered agent in each state where they do business. Registered agents must adhere to strict rules, including a requirement that they remain available at a single location during all business hours.

What is an alternate name for a registered agent?

Alternate names: Statutory agent, agent of process. The registered agent must be located in the same state as the business they represent. If you operate in multiple states, you must have a registered agent in each of those states.

Why are registered agents important?

Registered agents help ensure that businesses receive the due process promised to them under the Constitution. One part of due process is the legal right to be officially notified of a lawsuit or any other legal matter against you or your business. Registered agents are the ones who receive this notification, and they're responsible ...

What time does a registered agent have to be open?

Registered agents are required to be open for business—meaning they can accept service of process—during business hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Once the registered agent has received legal documents, they will email them to the business.

Do registered agents have to notify the business of new documents?

Registered agents are expected to immediately notify the business of any new documents they receive . If the initial email isn't acknowledged, the registered agent should follow up with more emails or a phone call. In some cases, like when someone at the business needs to sign a document, it will be sent by mail, as well.

Who is responsible for ensuring that the business entity is aware of the proceedings against it?

Registered agents are the ones who receive this notification, and they're responsible for ensuring that the business entity is aware of the proceedings against it. Anyone serving process must typically do so in person, whether the legal documents pertain to an individual or a business entity.

Can a third party register agent be public?

By using a third-party registered agent, you'll receive this information in the most discrete way possible. Another downside is that the name and address of your registered agent will appear in public records.

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or entity that has been appointed by an LLC or Corporation to receive service of process, government correspondence, and compliance documents on behalf of the business. Most states require you to designate a registered agent for your LLC, partnership, ...

What is a commercial registered 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.

How many hours can a registered agent work?

With a registered agent service, you can: Maintain flexible business hours. A registered agent must be available from 8-5 every weekday.

How do registered agents keep your business compliant?

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.

Is a registered agent considered an owner?

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. However, the individual owner of a business may also act as the company’s registered agent.

Is my registered agent address on my public record?

Your registered agent service's physical address will be listed on the public record— not your personal or company location. This is especially important to consider if your business operates out of your home.

Can an LLC be an owner?

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.

What is a registered agent?

A Registered Agent is commonly known as a Resident Agent, Statutory Agent, or Agent for Service of Process, depending on the state you might be starting your business in. A registered agent keeps common business hours since a lawsuit could be served at any time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What is a summons served to an LLC?

In the case of an LLC or company, the summons is served to the registered agent. By service of process on the registered agent, the court docket obtains jurisdiction over the company or LLC. Many states require that the registered agent be listed on the entity’s annual report.

Do registered agents need to have an operational role?

They help guarantee that your business does not overlook valuable information such as tax documentations, legal suits, or other government documents. Your business’ registered agent does not necessarily need to have an operational role within the entity.

Do you have to specify your registered agent when filing articles of formation?

You must specify your organization's registered agent when you file your Articles of Formation. Having a reputable registered agent may also help shield your private info from being shown online (like on the Secretary of State database).

Can a company be a registered agent?

It is legally possible to be your company’s registered agent, but it is advised that you find an independent, third-party to act as your business’ registered agent. Any particular person or enterprise who meets a state’s registered agent necessities could be a registered agent.

Can you operate without a registered agent?

In other words, you can operate without a registered agent, but if you are caught you will likely face more trouble than if you were to just designate a registered agent from the start.

What is a registered agent?

A Registered Agent is an individual or business that receives important information, official documents and correspondence from the state government, federal governments and other agencies. They forward that information on to your LLC or corporation so you can respond to it appropriately. Download our complete guide to Registered Agents.

What are the requirements for a registered agent?

Typically, they are: 1. If the Registered Agent is an individual, they must reside in the same state where your organization conducts business. 2.

Can a registered agent file a form with the Secretary of State?

Some Registered Agents will file the necessary forms with the secretary of state — if they don't, you can file the relevant forms yourself. Full details of how to do so will be listed on the LLC and corporation pages of your secretary of state’s website.

Can a company act as its own registered agent?

They will need to understand the legal requirements and implications of performing the role. Note that your company cannot act as its own Registered Agent.

Do all businesses need a registered agent?

All businesses that are formed as legal entities are required to name a Registered Agent. These types of businesses are: All of these business entities, regardless of the state they are registered in, must have a Registered Agent.

Can an individual be a registered agent?

An individual is allowed to act as his own Registered Agent, however the individual must possess a physical street address... Read more. Every state requires a corporation or an LLC to have a Registered Agent (sometimes called a resident agent, statutory agent... Read more.

What is a registered agent service?

A registered agent service gives you the flexibility to focus on your business instead of keeping track of deadlines and being available during business hours. With a registered agent service, you can: Maintain flexible business hours. A registered agent must be available from 8-5 every weekday.

Why is it important to have a registered agent?

A registered agent service will maintain your privacy by: Preventing you from being served with a lawsuit in person. You don’t want to get served in front of your family, employees, or worse, your customers.

What are the disadvantages of using a registered agent?

Another option would be to hire a professional registered agent service. One of the disadvantages is that it is more expensive than acting as your own. Using a service helps you avoid fees or further legal trouble caused by missing or misplacing an important document or notice.

How old do you have to be to be an LLC member?

You could also choose to elect a member of your LLC, or even a friend you trust, as long as the person meets these requirements: is 18 years or older. has a physical address in the state where the business is conducted. is available during normal business hours. Another option would be to hire a professional registered agent service.

Does Northwest have a registered agent?

Northwest offers high-quality registered agent services. There are no hidden fees or gimmicks. Plus, they'll include a full year of registered agent services for free. Northwest's online document management system and regular compliance alerts make working with them completely worry-free.

What is a registered agent?

The registered agent is someone who will accept and send legal papers on your company’s behalf. There are certain requirements that you must abide by when hiring a registered agent, depending on the state you are forming in. Some states allow the registered agent to be an employee or owner of the business. However, most states require that the ...

Why is it important to work with a registered agent?

This is why it is crucial to work with the agent to ensure that he or she can handle the influx of potential paperwork, especially for such large companies. When finding a registered agent, you should seek out those entities that are large enough in size to be able to handle such paperwork, along with choosing a company with a good reputation. ...

How many registered agents do I need?

How Many Registered Agents Am I Required to Have? Generally speaking, a company must have at least one registered agent. Some large companies choose to have more than one registered agent to keep better track of all documentation.

Can a Florida registered agent work in Texas?

The registered agent in Florida cannot operate as the registered agent in Texas. When working with your registered agents, you want to ensure that the agent is fully aware of where your company does business, and how many other states your company is authorized to do business in.

Who is in charge of annual filing?

After receiving the documentation, the agent must pass along the paperwork to the business owners, or alternatively, the appropriate representative who is in charge of receiving such paperwork from the agent. Generally, for large corporations, the company will elect a secretary, manager, or executive.

Do corporations need a registered agent?

All limited liability companies and corporations should have a registered agent, regardless of whether the state requires it or not. Having such an agent will reduce the probability of missing important filing deadlines and other key paperwork that might be required of your business. This will be especially helpful when you are out of the office, ...

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a disability attorney?

The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

Do lawyers specialize in a particular area of law?

The legal field is vast and complex, and you’ll find that many lawyers specialize in a particular area of law. If you find yourself in need of a lawyer, make sure they have the expertise to handle your unique situation. Because there are so many different types of lawyers, you'll want to match your legal concern with the appropriate attorney.

What is a registered agent?

This is what a Registered Agent is; a person or company who agrees to accept legal mail (called “ Service of Process “) on behalf of your LLC in the event of a lawsuit or other court proceeding. Registered Agent synonyms: In some states, a Registered Agent is called a Resident Agent, Statutory Agent, Statutory Agent for Acceptance of Process, ...

How much does a commercial registered agent charge?

Most Commercial Registered Agents will charge anywhere from $100 per year upwards of $300 per year.

What is a registered agent consent form?

Some states require a written and signed consent form (known as a Registered Agent Consent to Appointment, or similar name) be on file with the Secretary of State’s office. Remember, you (or they) must be a resident of the state where you are forming an LLC, and have a street address where you are available (or they are available) ...

Do you need a registered agent to form an LLC?

When forming an LLC, it is state requirement that you to designate a Registered Agent. This is how the US court and legal system works. If somebody wants to sue a company, there needs to be reliable person (or company) and a reliable street address where court documents, such as a subpoena, summons, petition, or complaint, can be served.

Can you be reached by an LLC?

If a legal or court document needs to be served upon your LLC, but you cannot be reached (or your friend or family member cannot be reached), after trying a few times, the court case can proceed in your absence (which you certainly don’t want). If you don’t have an address located in the state where you are forming an LLC, ...

Do you need to maintain a registered agent?

In most states, it is a requirement to “continuously maintain” a Registered Agent and that Registered Agent needs to be available during business hours if a legal document needs to be served on the company.