Registered Agent Services

What Does a Registered Agent Do?

A registered agent is a third-party individual or company that provides a legal address for your company to receive service of process (notice of legal action) and receive official documents from the Secretary of State (such as tax and renewal information).

Why do I need a registered agent?

Virtually all states require companies to have registered agents located in the state where business is being conducted. In most states, a registered agent must be named in the business’s initial and ongoing registration documents with the state.

Generally, you may act as your own registered agent if you are 18 years of age or older and a resident of the state; however, an outside company acting as a registered agent can save you the potentially embarrassing situation of being served legal papers at your home or office - in front employees and potential customers. They can also minimize the hassle of tracking business registrations, and can send reminders to help ensure that you don’t miss filing deadlines. It is important to note that a company that does not maintain a registered agent may risk their “good standing” with the state in which they are registered, may face additional fines, or even be involuntarily dissolved.

Can you change the registered agent?

Yes. Each states allows a business owner or owners to change the registered agent of an existing entity. Doing so, in many cases, requires a processing fee with the states. LawyerPrepared will pay that fee and file the additional document if you choose us to act as your registered agent.

 



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