You have most likely become familiar with the concept of a “registered agent” if you have settled on a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC) as your organization’s most suitable business structure and service. You need to have a registered agent in order to complete the process of registering your company with your state. A limited liability company (LLC) requires a “registered agent.” You can choose from a variety of options to accomplish this task. If your company is operational (whether it’s an LLC, C-Corp, or something else entirely), you’ll need to appoint a registered agent. However, it is up to you to decide how you will fulfill that criterion. This article also focuses on LLC registered agent service in the states of Georgia and California
What Is an LLC Registered Agent?
A registered agent for a limited liability company (LLC) is a third-party representative designated to accept legal notices and other official communications on behalf of the LLC, such as notices of lawsuits and tax forms. You may hear them referred to as a resident agent or statutory agent. An organization’s registered agent might or might not be involved in day-to-day operations.
If the LLC does not have a physical location within the state of registration, it must appoint a registered agent to receive legal notices on its behalf.
Your LLC’s registering state must know there is always a local point-of-contact working within the state.
A physical street address within the LLC’s state of formation is necessary, as a P.O. box is not acceptable since a real person must serve as the registered agent.
Although it is not required by law, it is strongly advised that this crucial function be delegated to a third party. Indeed, under normal conditions, you can serve as your own registered agent. Still, having another person take on the role of receiving legal documents eliminates the risk of late deliveries or missed deadlines.
Whether a company is organized as an LLC or a corporation, it is required by law to maintain the contact information of a registered agent in each state where it does business.
In addition to legal proceedings, registered agents may receive tax notices, subpoenas, and other forms of mail. Depending on the jurisdiction, a registered agent may also be called a statutory agent or an agent for service of process. Titles are different in each state.
An LLC cannot be formed without appointing a registered agent.
Before submitting their articles of organization, LLCs should consider who they want to name as their registered agent.
What Are the Requirements for a Registered Agent?
The process of selecting a registered agent for your LLC is not without its limitations and prerequisites. The following are minimum requirements for appointing a person or company as your registered agent; individual states may have additional or different requirements.
- To ensure timely receipt of critical state and legal papers, the registered agent must be reachable during regular business hours.
- If the agent is a natural person, you must include both their name and physical address.
- The address provided by the registered agent must be a real, physical location. No P.O. Boxes Allowed.
- The state usually requires the registered agent to either live or maintain an office in the state.
- If the agent is a corporation, it must be a legal entity inside the state. When filing, you’ll need to specify the company’s name or a unique identifier in the relevant database as your agent.
While the specific benefits of using a registered agent service will depend on the nature of your company, you can learn more about why it’s a good idea to do so.
Who Needs a Registered Agent?
A registered agent must be appointed and maintained by every limited liability company (LLC) and corporation (corporation) organized under the laws of a state or the District of Columbia that is also registered to do business as a foreign LLC or corporation in that state. A registered agent is typically required not only for corporations and limited liability companies but also for limited partnerships and limited liability limited partnerships.
It’s the law, so you have to do this. State laws pertaining to corporations and limited liability companies typically stipulate this. It’s not up for debate. There are legal consequences for neglecting to use a registered agent.
A registered agent may also be required by federal or state law in order to conduct business. This is in addition to the need that all corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) with a physical address in the state to have and use a registered agent.
For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all interstate motor carriers to be registered and to appoint a process server.
Understanding the Need for Registered Agent
An out-of-state company’s registered agent ensures that the state’s governing body or a local resident doing business with the firm can reach out to the company and, if necessary, serve legal documents on the company by contacting and serving the registered agent. There are situations when a “special agency” is needed to fulfill the duties of a registered agent that are mandated by a law other than the corporate entity law.
However, the appointment of an agent to receive legal notices is a common contractual provision as well. Each party to the contract shall designate an agent to be served with any legal process brought against it in connection with the contract and shall give the agent’s name and address to the other parties. Including this clause in the contract provides some certainty and makes it easier to steer clear of courtroom battles over technicalities. In a so-called “contract agency,” only the contracting parties have access to the agent for service of process information, in contrast to the public, who is given access to the registered agent’s name and address under the statutory registered agent requirement.
Also, any legally binding agreement or contract can include an agency clause.
Loan agreements, guarantees, indentures, and franchise agreements are just some of the places you might find it. It is common for a lender or guarantor to include in the loan or guarantee agreement that the borrower appoint an agent for serving of process.
What Does a Registered Agent Do for an LLC?
A registered agent’s primary responsibility is to accept legal notices on behalf of a company. Depending on the state, service can be made in person by a process server or sheriff, or it can be sent via certified mail with a return receipt required. (In some jurisdictions, alternative delivery methods are legal.)
Furthermore, personal jurisdiction is necessary for a court to issue a ruling compelling a defendant to take action in a lawsuit. According to the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution, for a court to have personal jurisdiction over an individual, serving of process must be lawful.
However, it might be tricky to determine the correct legal contact when suing a corporation or LLC. It’s not possible for a company’s or LLC’s members to hold valid business licenses. Even if the plaintiff is aware of the authorized parties (often corporation officers or LLC management), it may be difficult to track them down. The plaintiffs should have an easier time serving process because each LLC or company is required to appoint a registered agent and the identity and location of the registered agent are a part of the public record.
The registered agent also acts as the company’s liaison with the Secretary of State (or similar office) for the purpose of filing annual reports and other required documentation. The registered agent’s address is the one that the filing office can use to contact them with things like annual or biannual reports, notices of delinquency, and other legal documents. These legally binding notices should be delivered to the correct individual at the correct address, as businesses have a duty to maintain an accurate record of their registered agent’s name and address.
How to Become a Registered Agent?
You are eligible to serve as a registered agent if you have a physical address in the state, are at least 18 years old, and are willing to represent the company in legal matters.
Your name and address will appear in the company’s official corporate formation documents filed with the secretary of state. Your personal details are now a part of the official state archive. Anyone can look up a company’s registered agent information.
LLC Registered Agent Service
Having a registered agent in each state where your LLC or the corporation will conduct business is a must. A registered agent service’s principal function is to act as your company’s point of contact for the receipt and processing of legal paperwork. You must have faith that your registered LLC agent will receive these notices and contact you as soon as possible.
However, there are a number of benefits to using a professional service provider, but how do you pick the right one? We recommend that you find and select a national registered agent service with the following features, in addition to having a genuine office in the state of your LLC:
- Managing for compliance. Notifications of approaching deadlines for businesses to submit required reports and documents.
- Record keeping. All necessary government forms will be scanned locally and uploaded to your online business account.
- Availability. A dependable group of customer support representatives that are available by phone or online to respond to your inquiries.
- Comprehensive analysis. Having the infrastructure to serve customers in all 50 states.
Why You Might Require the Services of an LLC Registered Agent
It is common practice for business owners to appoint appoint appoint a registered agent for their Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Limited Partnership (LP). When submitting your articles of organization to the state, you will be required to include the registered agent’s name and address.
Even while acting as your own registered agent is an option, there are several good reasons to choose a professional LLC service instead.
#1. Instant Online Availability of Delivered Paperwork
Urgent paperwork must be dealt with right away. You may not be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents if you regularly have client and sales meetings throughout the week or if you get dragged into urgent work-related duties. If you have a registered agent, they will be able to receive all legal documents in real-time and alert you to any upcoming deadlines. If you have a reputable registered agent firm handling things for you, you can focus on other pressing matters without worrying about missing deadlines.
#2. Security
Hiring an LLC registered agent service allows you to use their address in public documents such as those maintained by the Secretary of State’s office. Because the address of a company’s registered agent is public information, having a physical location for your business is especially important if you run a home-based operation. Also, the public will be able to see your home address if you serve as a company’s registered agent and provide it as the office to which legal documents and service of process should be sent. When a company is sued, the papers are sent to the registered agent instead of the corporation itself, adding an extra degree of secrecy.
#3. Customer Service
Creating a legal framework for a company can be difficult. If you need answers to queries about your LLC, a registered agent service can provide them. You could also be able to speak with a representative who can answer any and all of your questions about forming a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership, as well as help you get your business up and running. Naturally, the filing procedure would be the primary focus. Consult a lawyer for guidance on the best way to establish the company. Also, read STEPS TO START AN LLC in the US: Everything You Need to Know.
#4. To Avoid Non-Compliance
It’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle if you haven’t been through this before. Time and effort are often required to comply with regulations, with many forms requiring information from a variety of sources and varying in complexity. An LLC registered agent service can assist your company to retain its good standing in the state where it was formed or qualified and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
#5. Your Business Address May Change
You won’t have to settle in one place, which is one of the key benefits. The registered agent’s address on file with the state must be kept up-to-date at all times. Changing a company’s registered agent usually calls for a formal filing with the state and the payment of a fee. You can avoid this hassle by using the services of a registered agent company. In addition, the LLC registered agent service will handle the paperwork themselves if the registered agent’s office is transferred.
Overview of the Best LLC Registered Agent Service
Here are the top LLC registered agent services.
#1. Northwest Registered Agent
The greatest LLC registered agent service is Northwest Registered Agent (which costs $125 per year). Northwest is renowned for its knowledgeable and helpful staff and its excellent customer service. Their knowledgeable Corporate Guides provide one-on-one assistance and support at every stage of a company’s development.
However, when compared to other registered agent services, Northwest’s is more comprehensive, as is the case with many paid options. Automatic safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of your private information. In addition to receiving copies of legal papers and other official state correspondence sent to your registered agent’s address, you will also receive copies of any other mail that is not spam.
Features.
- Corporate Guides® (local business specialists) are available for life.
- Scan and forward your mail for free
- Scanning documents in your area, today
- Systematized security measures
With Northwest’s LLC registered agent service, you’ll also get a secure online portal where you can store and access all of your company’s essential paperwork. Their website is user-friendly, and they offer a variety of online resources for those who need more help.
Also, the cost of using Northwest as your registered agent is slightly higher than with many of our rivals. The pricing is unbeatable when you think about all you get, such as access to local business directories and comprehensive mail scanning and forwarding.
#2. ZenBusiness
When it comes to helping people start businesses, ZenBusiness is your go-to. Also, new and existing LLCs and companies in all 50 states and DC can rely on the company’s registered agent services.
ZenBusiness will act as your company’s point of contact with the government and the recipient of any notices, summonses, or other legal documents served on your company.
It scans your documents upon receipt and uploads them to your company dashboard. When ZenBusiness receives these files, it tells you so that you can take the necessary next steps. If there is something that needs your immediate attention, you will receive a letter in the mail.
ZenBusiness charges $99 for the first year of registered agent service and $199 annually after that. The first year of our registered agent and Worry-Free Compliance service bundle costs just $199, and each subsequent year is $398.
Furthermore, ZenBusiness’ Worry-Free Compliance service will take care of your annual filing, will remind you of any upcoming compliance deadlines, and will keep a close eye on your position with the state. If your company’s good standing status is removed, ZenBusiness will help you come back into compliance at no extra charge.
In addition, chat and phone support for customers is accessible Monday through Sunday. ZenBusiness also provides email assistance, and the company promises to respond to messages within one business day.
When looking for a company that can provide registered agent services in addition to other legal assistance, ZenBusiness is a great alternative.
#3. Incfile
Incfile provides registered agent services to clients around the country as part of its business formation offerings. Like other registered agents, Incfile will accept important documents on your behalf, including tax returns, regulatory filings, and legal notices.
If you choose them as your LLC registered agent, you will have access to a personalized portal where you may store and access your company’s essential records. When new papers are received, they will send you an email and a text message to let you know.
Your first year of registered agent services is on the house when you form a new company using Incfile. After that, annual fees of $119 will be assessed.
Incfile’s phone help is available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Central Standard Time. Customer care can be reached using online Client Support Request forms, however, wait times may be long.
Incfile’s not-so-great reputation for dependability and timeliness is a drawback. Complaints lodged with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and consumer feedback on service review websites indicate that Incfile’s document scanning and business formation service turnaround times are not always reliable.
#4. Harbor Compliance
Architects, engineers, builders, security guards, medical professionals, bankers, and charity workers are just some of the clients for whom Harbor Compliance has developed industry-specific business compliance solutions. Annual reports, company licenses, financial services, nonprofit registration, and registered agent services are among the organization’s services.
You can immediately start using your registered agent address online after signing up for Harbor Compliance’s registered agent services. Harbor Compliance, your registered agent, provides same-day electronic document delivery, annual report reminders, and pre-filled state forms. A Harbor Compliance agent will contact you immediately upon receipt of any legal process notification.
Annual registered agent service costs might cost anything from $89 to $99. When you sign up for a three- or five-year service agreement with Harbor Compliance, you can save 5–10%.
To guarantee that you never miss a crucial deadline like a filing date, Harbor Compliance employs cutting-edge compliance software to store your papers safely while still making them easily accessible. You can contact us by mail, fax, email, or telephone for assistance. There is a help section available on the site for those who need it.
In addition, if your company is in a highly regulated industry, Harbor Compliance is a cost-effective registered agent solution.
#5. SunDoc Filings
To ensure the safety of your legal and tax filings, SunDoc Filings offers registered agent services. SunDoc may be the best option if you need to immediately initiate service provisioning. If requests arrive by 2 p.m. PT, they will be processed the same day.
Each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia has access to registered agent services. The cost of having a registered agent in a single state is $159 per year. SunDoc does provide volume discounts, although the specifics of those savings are not made public.
SunDoc boasts fast and effective document processing, but it doesn’t spell out the specifics of how it does this or how quickly it notifies you of new document arrivals. Despite this, the vast majority of SunDoc reviews online praise the company’s speed and friendliness.
In addition, support is available in real-time via chat and phone. You can also view order details and proof of service documents online at any time.
Benefits of Using LLC Registered Agent Service
To receive and forward any official notices from the state, your company will need a registered agent. Although it is possible to act as one’s own registered agent, using a registered agent service has various advantages:
- Compliance. Maintaining compliance with state regulations is easier with the assistance of a registered agent service.
- Comfortable Confidence. Hiring an LLC registered agent service frees you to concentrate on running and expanding your business.
- Flexibility. A registered agent service lets you create your own schedule instead of being available between 8 and 5 on weekdays.
- Privacy. Your registered agent service’s address, not your home or workplace, will be listed in public records.
LLC Registered Agent in Georgia
In the state of Georgia, an LLC can choose a third party to act as their “registered agent” and receive official correspondence on their behalf. In order to legally operate in the state of Georgia, businesses need to have a registered agent located within the state. Each Georgia registered agent is required to keep an office in the state and be reachable by phone and in person during normal business hours. Accepted documents must be promptly delivered to the customer.
What Do Georgia Registered Agents Do?
Your registered agent in Georgia will, at the very least, be responsible for accepting legal notices on your company’s behalf and promptly forwarding them to you. They have what is called a “registered office” in the state of Georgia, where they may be served legal documents. In other words, any legal notices or correspondence addressed to your Georgia LLC, Georgia corporation, or Georgia nonprofit organization must be delivered to the registered agent’s address.
However, there is more than a good LLC registered agent service can do, though. At Northwest, we take every precaution to offer the highest levels of speed, security, privacy, and support.
Georgia LLC Registered Agent Legal Requirements
The following are the requirements of registered agents in Georgia under state law ( 14-2-501 and 14-11-209):
- A domestic LLC in Georgia may have either a natural person or a registered agent (either domestic or foreign).
- An individual or corporation can serve as the Georgia registered agent for a domestic LLC or nonprofit.
- Having a physical location in Georgia (a “registered office”) is required.
Overview of the Best LLC Registered Agent Service in Georgia
It is crucial to use a reputable Georgia registered agent service for your limited liability corporation (LLC).
With the help of a reliable registered agent service, you can be assured that your personal and commercial assets will be safeguarded from any legal action taken against you. Choosing the wrong registered agent service leaves you vulnerable to fraud and lawsuits that might cost you everything you’ve fought for. Here is the top LLC registered agent service in Georgia you might consider.
#1. Rocket Lawyer
In comparison to Legal Zoom, Rocket Lawyer is more affordable because they don’t place a premium on registered agent services.
After the first year, their LLC formation service costs $149 and doesn’t include compliance notifications or a trial.
Rocket Lawyer’s registered agent solution is ideal for managing all your third-party vendors in one spot.
#2. InCorp
An appealing feature of InCorp is its role as a registered agent.
To keep your business in good standing with the Georgia Secretary of State, they offer a physical address staffed by a statutory agent during normal business hours, help file your Articles of Organization, accept service of process, scan and forward important mail, and alert you to any upcoming compliance dates. All this, and they cost no more than my other affordable option, Harbor Compliance.
But there’s a reason I’ve included them. There is a lot of room for improvement in their signup and administration processes. Using this service, which is supposed to make conducting business in Georgia easier, is a frustrating and time-consuming ordeal.
#3. Northwest Registered Agent
Because they offer the most for the second-lowest price on the market, Northwest Registered Agent is the best Georgia LLC registered agent.
You’ll be provided with a real street address in Georgia, your mail will be uploaded and forwarded, and you’ll be notified of any impending deadlines for compliance.
The best part is that they have a customer support staff situated in the United States that is made up of ex-accountant/lawyers/small company owners/entrepreneurs that will guide you along your business development journey.
In addition, visit Northwest Registered Agent right away if you’re in need of a Georgia registered agent that will get you through the rough patches and back your small business ambitions.
Who Can Be My Registered Agent in Georgia?
In Georgia, you can choose from three different entities to serve as your LLC Registered Agent:
- Yourself
- Someone you know and love
- Service of a commercial registered agent in the state of Georgia
Being your own LLC Registered Agent can save you money, but it’s not without its dangers.
California LLC Registered Agent
A company must have a physical address in California and designate an individual or organization to receive service of process (i.e., formal notice of a lawsuit) and other legal documents on its behalf. There are a few different names for what is commonly referred to as a “California LLC registered agent,” but they all refer to the same person.
Simply put, California wants to ensure that the court can reach you in the event that your company is sued. Proper notification of a company’s owners is required by law.
Why Hire an LLC California Registered Agent Service?
Here are reasons why you should hire an LLC California registered agent service.
- You Prefer More Personal Space. In California, you have the option of serving as your own LLC registered agent; but, doing so will require you to make your identity and address public. Many company owners would rather not deal with the inherent aggravation (i.e., intrusive phone calls, junk mail solicitations, etc.). Hiring a registered agent service is the best way to ensure that your company’s information is kept private.
- Because You Don’t Want Any Trouble. The registered agent for your LLC processes legal documents keeps records of them, and monitors when various deadlines must be met. However, it’s often easier for business owners to engage an agent to handle these tasks.
- The Lack of Real Office Premises. The law mandates this. You must include a California street address. If you do all of your business online or out of your house, you need a registered agent.
How To Choose an LLC Registered Agent Service in California
There are a few things to keep in mind while deciding on a registered agent service. Providers in multiple states, same-day document delivery, competitive price, and a solid name are all factor important.
- Status. It’s important to read registered agent reviews before signing up with any business. These can reveal information on the level of service provided to customers and how satisfied they are with those interactions. Checking the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is a good idea as well.
- Multi-State Distribution. I was wondering if your registered agent service included numerous states. You may decide to open locations in additional states as your company develops and grows. If that’s the case, you’ll want to find a registered agent service that’s flexible enough to meet your requirements. Our list includes just the largest services, and the vast majority of them serve all 50 states.
- Pricing. One of our companies provides monthly payments instead of an annual charge, making it more affordable for budget-conscious consumers. Some establishments charge extra for deluxe services like mail forwarding. If you utilize their services to incorporate or form an LLC, some businesses will cover the cost of your registered agent for the first year.
Who Can Be an LLC Registered Agent in California?
An LLC registered agent in California can be either an individual or a corporation. The individual must have a physical street address in California; a post office box is not acceptable. In addition to having a California street address, the company must be registered to conduct business there.
- If a company anticipates being sued, it might designate a third party to handle receiving legal notices on its behalf.
- A valid and current Registered Corporate Agent (1505) Certificate on file with the California Secretary of State is required for any corporation that will act as an agent for the service of process.
- Some businesses prefer to have one of their own employees serve as the registered agent.
- Agents should know that their personal information, including name and address, is available to the public.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a registered agent for a company or LLC is crucial. This position is crucial. The organization could face irreparable harm if this is not executed effectively. This is why there are businesses dedicated to acting as “registered agents.” Appointing a professional registered agent is something every individual responsible for choosing the registered agent in the home state or a foreign state should give significant thought to.
LLC Registered Agent FAQs
Who Can Be a Registered Agent for LLC?
You can name yourself as the registered agent, an employee, a lawyer, a trusted friend, or a family member, but this can cause problems if that person is out of town or unable to accept mail. A registered agent service can assist with this issue.
Is the Registered Agent of an LLC the Owner?
A member of the LLC can also serve as the company’s Registered Agent. Typically, the LLC’s Registered Agent is not, and need not be, a member of the LLC’s management or ownership team. Managers of LLCs frequently need the assistance of a Registered Agent Service (or other professionals, such as lawyers and accountants).
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?
The annual fee for a registered agent service is usually between $100 and $300. Some business owners would pay to have someone else remember when their state notices and annual reports are due.
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