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Registered Agent
A registered agent is required by law to maintain your business’s legal standing with the state. We make it easy, affordable, and help ensure your state compliance.
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The media center. Guts, grit, and a game plan for launching your business.
Why choose Sunbiz Registered Agent?
Founded in Houston, Sunbiz has helped entrepreneurs incorporate over 1,000,000 formations since 2004.
We are a TRUE national registered agent service provider, owning and operating our own offices in all 50 states. We do not outsource our service.
Receive instant notifications for any Service of Process (SOP) or state correspondence via text and email.
All Service of Process (SOP) are mailed via FedEx with tracking.
All documents are securely and promptly uploaded and processed by Sunbiz employees and promptly uploaded to your client portal.
Our service includes FREE lifetime compliance notifications, ensuring you stay informed of important state requirements.
Why You Need A Registered Agent
A registered agent ensures you never miss crucial legal documents and compliance notices.
What you need to know
Key questions and answers about Registered Agents
Does My Business Need a Registered Agent?
Yes. Every LLC, corporation and nonprofit is required to have an official Registered Agent (sometimes called a statutory agent, resident agent or agent for service of process) in each state where it does business.
A Registered Agent serves as a permanent physical presence in the state, and the Registered Agent address is where the state government can contact you with legal and tax correspondence, including franchise tax forms, notices of litigation and required annual report forms.
Learn more about Registered Agents and why you need one her
Why Use a Registered Agent Service?
Registered Agent services like the one offered by Sunbiz help you avoid the hassles and inconvenience of managing all of your own documentation from the state.They also help preserve your privacy by setting up a public-facing address for your business that is separate from your home.
When you use a Registered Agent service, any official legal or tax correspondence will be forwarded to your personal, private contact address. Sunbiz’s Registered Agent service also helps you stay on top of deadlines (such as required annual reports) to keep your business in good standing.
A good Registered Agent service can help you respond quickly in the event of a lawsuit, avoid missed deadlines, fines and penalties for non-compliance, and otherwise manage the details of paperwork so you can focus on running your business.
Why Does Sunbiz Offer a Free Registered Agent?
In addition to offering free LLC and other business formation, you’ll get your first year’s Registered Agent free too when you start a business with Sunbiz. Unlike other business formation specialists, our service isn’t built on finding ways to charge you for more products and services.
We believe that entrepreneurs like you are the driving force behind our economy's growth. Entrepreneurs create innovative solutions and empowering change and we’re here for it.Radical offerings like our $0 business formation and a free Registered Agent with incorporation are available as a direct result of client loyalty.
That loyalty enables us to grow our business and continue making tech-driven process efficiencies so that we’re able to offer you the best value.
Reduce Your Workload Using a Registered Agent Service
Save time and stress by letting Sunbiz manage your paperwork for you (for a lower cost than other providers).
Avoid missed deadlines, tiresome paperwork, noncompliance and the associated fines or penalties. Set yourself up for success and free up time to focus on what matters — your business.
Sunbiz's Registered Agent Service Has Everything You Need
Get peace of mind knowing your business is always in compliance
It’s FREE for the first year!
Completely free of charge when you form a business or LLC through Sunbiz. Our goal is to save you money.
Availability
Ensures someone is always available during standard business hours to accept official notices and documents on behalf of your LLC.
Convenience
Provides a consistent point of contact for all state correspondence, simplifying business administration.
Compliance Assurance
Ensures your business remains compliant with state legal requirements by handling official government mail and legal notices.
Reliability
Offers reliable and timely handling of important documents; nothing gets overlooked.
Privacy Protection
Keeps your personal address off public records, enhancing privacy and minimizing junk mail.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Registered Agent
Make sure you’re covered for legal and compliance issues
Setting up a registered agent is an important step often overlooked in the excitement of starting a business.
But what is a registered agent? Also called an agent for service of process, statutory agent, or resident agent, a registered agent plays an essential role in forming your business. The following provides important details about resident agents and why it’s vital to have one when starting a business.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
Your limited liability company’s (LLC) registered agent is its official point of contact for critical legal, tax, and government documents. Think of this person as your business’s mailbox for essential paperwork, including:
- Service of process for legal notifications like lawsuits and subpoenas
- Annual reports from the state
- Any official correspondence from the state government
A registered agent acts as a trusted intermediary, ensuring you receive all legal communications that could affect your business. They safeguard your compliance with state regulations and maintain your LLC’s good standing with authorities.
Do I Need a Registered Agent for My LLC?
Appointing a registered agent is convenient and a legal obligation in every state across the United States. Whether you run a thriving technology startup in California or a small bakery in Rhode Island, having a resident agent to receive official documents for your LLC is indispensable.
Failure to have a registered agent can result in legal problems, including difficulty receiving service of process, fines, or even the dissolution of your LLC. Without one, your business may risk missing critical legal notifications or not complying with state regulations.
An agent for service of process helps preserve your privacy by keeping your personal information out of public records while ensuring you receive important legal documents on time. Designating a reliable and responsible statutory agent or service is crucial to ensuring smooth operations and legal compliance for your business.
Who Can Serve as My Registered Agent?
While requirements vary by state, your registered agent can typically be any individual over 18, like your attorney, an employee, a relative, or a qualified business, as long as they have a physical address in the state where your business is registered.
It is crucial to select a reliable, accessible, and trustworthy individual or service to receive important legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
- How often your report is due
- When the report is due
- The filing fee
- Other important reporting information
Your LLC’s registered agent is its official point of contact for critical legal, tax, and government documents.
Do I Need a Registered Agent in Every State My Company Operates In?
Each state where your LLC operates requires a registered agent with a physical location in that jurisdiction. This ensures legal compliance and timely delivery of important documents, regardless of your business’s location.
Can I Have the Same Statutory Agent for My LLC in Multiple States?
Each state where your LLC operates requires a statutory agent with a physical address within that state.
Should I Be My Own Registered Agent for an LLC?
Being your own registered agent can save money but comes with risks. Before making this decision, weigh the following drawbacks:
- Maintaining a physical address. Registered agents must have a physical street address within the state where your LLC was formed. Post office (P.O.) boxes are not allowed.
- Availability during business hours. Registered agents must be available during regular business hours to accept legal documents. This can be challenging if you travel frequently, have a demanding schedule, or keep irregular hours.
- Risk of missed documents. Missing a critical legal document like a lawsuit notice can have severe consequences for your business. A reliable statutory agent service ensures timely delivery and keeps you informed.
Being your own agent for service of process is less expensive, but it exposes you and your enterprise to legal and privacy issues.
What If I Operate My LLC Out of My Home?
While you can use your home address, it exposes your personal information to public records and can result in potential disruptions if legal papers are served at it. A registered agent service offers a business address, keeping your privacy intact.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Registered Agent Service?
While receiving legal documents is a core function, a registered agent service provides numerous benefits, including:
- Peace of mind. Having someone available to receive important documents lets you focus on running your business without worrying about missed deadlines or notifications.
- Compliance assistance. Many registered agent services offer guidance on annual report filings and other business compliance tasks.
- Privacy protection. Using a registered agent service keeps your personal address out of public records, shielding it from potential prying eyes.
- Convenience. Some services offer online portals to track and manage your legal documents, offering transparency and accessibility.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a statutory agent. It can significantly impact your company’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?
Costs vary depending on the service provider and the features offered. However, they are generally very affordable compared to the potential consequences of non-compliance or missed legal documents.
Some registered agent services provide additional benefits, such as mail forwarding and document scanning. Researching and comparing different service providers is essential to find the best option for your LLC’s needs and budget.
Sunbiz offers a comprehensive registered agent service that saves you time and money.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Registered Agent Service for My LLC?
When choosing a registered agent service, consider cost, physical location, experience, features like an online portal or compliance reminders, and customer service reputation. Client reviews and testimonials can provide insight into the registered agent’s service quality.
Can I Change My Statutory Agent Later?
You can change your registered agent at any time. The process typically involves filing a form with the state where your business is registered and notifying your current and new agents. It is important to ensure that the new agent meets all the legal requirements set by the state. Remember to update your LLC’s operating agreement with the new agent’s information.
Disclaimer: Sunbiz and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
