A registered agent for a corporation is an individual or entity appointed to receive legal notices on behalf of the business. A registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive information.
Definition and Roles
To put it simply, a Registered Agent Corporation serves as a company’s intermediary between the state and the business itself. Let’s look at the key roles and responsibilities, legal compliance, benefits, how to choose the right agent, and setting up your corporation.
The primary function of a registered agent is to receive a summons and petition on behalf of the corporation should it be sued. The registered agent must maintain an actual physical address in the state, not merely a post office box. A corporation registered agent provides the government with a point of contact for official documents.
Choosing and Understanding the Importance
Most states offer free online database searches to identify a business entity’s registered agent. Some state laws name the Secretary of State’s office as the registered agent of last resort if the named registered agent can’t be found.
Key requirements for registered agent services:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Possess a physical address in the state of registration
- Be available during regular business hours
The registered agent is the middleman between your business and the legal system. They receive legal correspondence from agencies and forward the documents to you. Only LLCs, corporations, or other formal entities must name a representative when applying for their structure.
Using a third-party service provides the best protection and convenience. Costs range $125-$300 per year. Some include it free in LLC packages. Yes, a shareholder can act as an agent if they meet the qualifications.
A registered agent accepts service of process and government notices on behalf of a business. When selecting one, the address must be where the business is registered to operate.