What Is a Registered Agent?
*random sample for job post I applied to, great to check out if you own (or plan to own) an LLC*
Are you confused about the definition of a registered agent? You need to learn how to become one, or still think you should hire an agent instead?
Luckily, you came to the right place.
In today’s article, we’ll cover this topic in-depth. You’ll get to read all about:
- Who are registered agents
- Legal requirements to become an agent
- Selecting the right registered agent for your business
Let’s dive right in and help you make the right choice.
Who Exactly Are Registered Agents?
By definition, a registered agent (also called resident, or statutory agent) is an individual or a business entity. They accept tax and/or legal documents on behalf of your business.
These agents have one primary function — to be an agent for the service of process. Besides receiving correspondence, compliance-related, and other documents, registered agents are obligated to forward these documents to the LLC.
Most states require that you have a registered agent if you own an LLC. Still, you or someone you know can become a registered agent, just by meeting the requirements.
Legal Requirements To Become A Registered Agent
You might think that there’s a lot of work involved in becoming a registered agent. You’ll be surprised to know that the requirements are actually very simple:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old.
- Have a physical address in the state where the LLC is formed.
- Be personally available during business hours.
Looks simple, doesn’t it?
Then why do some LLCs decide to hire registered agents instead?
To Hire Or Not To Hire?
You might wish to register as being your own agent, but that means you’ll have to be available during work hours to receive business correspondence. What’s more, being a registered agent for your LLC might get your focus away from growing your business.
You may feel like you’re losing drive, and just spending time in the office might get you exhausted.
On the other hand, hiring a registered agent service gives you peace of mind, privacy, and helps you stay committed to scaling your business. Hiring another person as your registered agent is also highly beneficial if you’re just starting with your LLC.
Registered agents will help you stay up-to-date with the latest legal stuff. They’ll also send you reminders, and even keep the copies of your documents as a backup.
What’s most important — hiring a registered agent helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance, so you’ll always have enough time for your family.
Finding The Right Registered Agent
If you decide you want to hire a registered agent, and get more time and flexibility to grow your organization, start by checking out online reviews. Check these pages out, make a list of the agents you think are good, and get in touch with them to see what they offer.
Final Word
A registered agent plays a key role in an LLC. They’re there to receive crucial business documents, forward them to the owner, and provide other assistance. You may decide to be your own registered agent, but opting in for a third-party service can be a better choice, depending on your business’ needs.
