Why You Need a Registered Agent
A Massachusetts registered agent is responsible for communicating with the Secretary of State and handling all legal notices and service of process on behalf of a company. In Massachusetts, like in almost all the other states, you need a registered agent to receive various official documents, tax forms, and even summons sent to your corporation.
Criteria to be a Registered Agent
To be a reliable resident agent in Massachusetts, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of Massachusetts
- Must have a registered physical street address in Massachusetts
- Must be authorized to provide registered agent services and handle legal papers
- Must be permitted to transact business in Massachusetts
- Must be available throughout normal business hours
- Must be 18 years or older
Changing Your Registered Agent
Thankfully, changing your registered agent in Massachusetts isn’t a terribly complicated process. If you know the steps to follow, it’s a cinch:
- Gather contact information for both your old and new agents
- Obtain the proper form – a Statement of Change of Resident Agent/Resident Office
- Obtain the signature of your new registered agent
- File the Statement of Change by mail or online and pay the $50 filing fee
When a new Massachusetts business is formed, the company must designate a registered agent within the formation paperwork. Failure to do so could result in default judgments, fines, and penalties.
Cost of a Registered Agent in Massachusetts
Finding the Best Registered Agent Service
This guide will help you find the best registered agent in Massachusetts for your business’s needs. We’ll explore key factors to consider when evaluating top providers to make an informed decision. I checked over 60 services in Massachusetts and ranked the top to recommend the best based on reviews and analysis.
Price Range for Services
A registered agent service can cost between $40 and $300 per year. Some even offer the first year free with formation. This saves money and stress in the long run.
Conclusion
Our top recommendations for Massachusetts registered agent services are ZenBusiness, Northwest, and IncFile for their perks like mail forwarding, digital dashboards, and reminders. More affordable options are Massachusetts Registered Agent and Registered Agent Net.