Designating an Agent

Many clients ask the following question? “Can I designate myself or another LLC member as a registered agent?” Yes, you can. But almost all legal experts do not endorse doing so. Here are some key reasons why. A registered agent must stay ready to receive service of process notices right away. Plus, the agent will also receive important documents and government correspondence. This means an agent has to operate at a physical address during normal business hours. Now, say that the person delivering documents cannot locate the agent. (The person could attend a meeting or go on vacation.) Delivery of the documents cannot take place. The consequences of this situation are severe. Now, say that you select one of your LLC members as the LLC registered agent. Your business has to have the physical address designation. Thus, embarrassment could take place if you get sued in front of customers. Also, say that you move your business. You must file a registered agent change of address. Meanwhile, you will not have to worry about these situations through our organization. We’re standing by to serve as the registered agent of your LLC or business.

Why Use a Third Party Registered Agent Service?

Countless businesses and LLCs depend on third party registered agent services. Why? Because the third party services make the agent process simple and easy. A third party can handle receiving all documents. Then, that entity can forward them right away. This matters because a business has to depend on an agent's availability. Agents must stay active in gathering documents during normal business hours. Plus, professional agents specialize in forwarding notices and all other documents. Trust us. You cannot afford to risk putting your legal documents in the hands of amateurs. It’s best to allow a trusted third party to handle all registered agent-related matters.

What Happens if I Do Not Use a Registered Agent?

Using a registered agent is not an option. Instead, it is an official US government policy. A business owner has to choose a registered agent when registering an LLC. Say that a business owner’s registered agent changes. He or she has to file a form that states a change took place. Someone might feel tempted not to maintain a registered agent. This can happen after a business owner designates an agent during LLC registration. But not having an agent will lead to major legal consequences. An LLC will no longer have good standing within the state of registration. This can lead to major government fines and penalties. The LLC could even lose its ability to bring a lawsuit or enter into legal contracts. Plus, a business owner would risk not receiving the service of process. Or, any other document correspondence that an agent provides. Here is an example of how an LLC will get into trouble without a registered agent. Say that you do not receive a service of process notice about a lawsuit. You will not even know that your business is getting sued. Since you're unaware of a lawsuit, you won’t respond to the notice. This leads to failure to attend court proceedings. That is when the court issued a default judgment against you. Next thing you know, you could receive massive government fines and penalties. This goes to show how important it is to have a registered agent at an LLC. The agent will protect your business while giving you peace of mind.

When Does a Business Need an Agent?

A business or LLC needs a registered agent within every state where business takes place. Say that your business registered with a secretary of state in seven states. You must have an agent in every state. This government rule applies to more than an LLC (limited liability company). It also applies to a corporation, LLP (limited liability partnership), and limited partnership. None of these entities have the right to serve as their own agents. This means they cannot accept any legal papers. Instead, they have to appoint a third party agent. How Long Does It Take To Get an LLC? Are you starting a registered business like a corporation or LLC? If so, you have to select a registered agent right away. Agent criteria goes inside the articles of organization if you're starting an LLC. Say you're starting a corporation. The agent information goes inside the articles of incorporation. Keep in mind that registration forms will use different names in various states. You can download the forms from Secretary of State websites. Do I Need a Lawyer To Start an LLC?

We Are the Number One Registered Agent Service Company

A business never has to appoint a private individual as a registered agent. Instead, a company can hire a private, third party registered agent service. But look no further than our organization. We’re top-rated for a reason. Our experts can serve as agents for corporations, LLCs, and other businesses. That is why we specialize in registering as a corporate agent for service of process. We can do that with a Secretary of State in any state in the country. You can rest easy when you elect LegalRegistration.com as your registered agent. Sure, our annual fees are low. But your return for the fees is invaluable. You will have assurance that all important papers sent to your LLC will go to you. We can scan every document and upload them online for you ASAP. Remember, a registered agent can only assist you in the state where he or she lives. Well, say that you do business in twenty-three states. That means you must hire twenty-three separate people to serve as agents. Or, you can save time and money by hiring our organization. We can provide office addresses in every state. As a result, we’re your one stop shop for a new agent.

What Does “Service of Process” Mean?

Here is a definition of “service of process.” It is the action of informing someone that a pending lawsuit has taken place. In this case, service of process refers to legal action against someone’s company. The purpose of a registered agent is to accept each service of process. Otherwise, a business owner will not know that he or she is getting sued. What services do we provide?

More Information About the Purpose of Registered Agents

Sure, a registered agent receives official mail on behalf of an LLC or business. But here is the main purpose of a registered agent. An agent helps a company maintain state and federal government compliance. That’s because an agent informs a business owner of all legal notices. Plus, the agent also sends out annual report filing reminders. Think of a registered agent as the gatekeeper for all types of business entities. An agent is there for you so that you can take action and resolve all legal issues. Both large corporations and small businesses use the services of registered agents. An agent will receive legal documents like tax forms on behalf of an LLC. Each agent also conducts official government correspondence with an annual report. Through the service of process, an agent provides a summons, which is a lawsuit notice.