Choosing a commercial registered agent provides advantages that can significantly benefit your business and help make sure your company remains in compliance with all laws and regulations.
If you have a Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or other business that’s registered with the state, you’re required to have a registered agent in that state. If your company conducts business in states other than the one in which it was originally registered, you’ll need to have a registered agent in each of those states, as well.
The role of a registered agent is primarily that of receiving legal correspondence and other documents on behalf of a business and making sure the correspondence is forwarded to the business owner in a timely manner. You can’t form a company without having a registered agent, as you need to include the agent’s name and physical address (not a post office box number) when you submit your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation to the state.
Basically, there are two types of registered agents, which are sometimes called resident agents or agents for service of process. You can choose a commercial registered agent, which is a party that has filed a listing statement with a state’s Secretary of State or corresponding office, establishing itself as a commercial registered agent in the state. Or you can appoint a non-commercial registered agent, which is often a member or owner of the company.
Advantages of Using a Commercial Registered Agent
Having a reliable registered agent is extremely important, as the mishandling of important paperwork can threaten your compliance and result in financial and legal consequences. You should be confident that your registered agent is dependable, and capable of providing prompt notification regarding important matters.
Because a commercial registered agent has filed a listing statement with the state, it is easy for the state to effectively communicate with the agent. This means the registered agent can receive important correspondence in a timely manner and make sure it’s forwarded to you quickly. A registered agent is required to be available during regular business hours, something that often is difficult for an individual who also is working to keep a business running. A commercial agent is always available, enabling you to act with speed to address important correspondence such as tax notices, summonses, subpoenas, or notices of lawsuits.
Also, because commercial registered agents are likely to provide services in many different states, having a commercial agent can expedite the process of expanding your business. You can simply use the same registered agent in all the states where you’re doing business instead of having to locate different agents in each state.
In addition to handling service of process, some commercial registered agents provide a variety of formation and compliance filing services, helping to assure that your business remains in compliance with all laws and regulations. Knowing that licenses are being renewed as required and all paperwork is completed properly and submitted on time relieves a lot of stress for busy business owners who are working to keep up with day-to-day operations.
Another advantage of engaging a commercial registered agent is that it eliminates the need for the name of an individual serving as an agent to be listed as public information and accessible from a business entity database.
CorpNet Is Here to Help!
CorpNet can act as your company’s registered agent in any state ensuring your Corporation or LLC stays compliant with any service of process, legal notices, or official mailings.
Choosing a Registered Agent
When choosing a commercial registered agent, think carefully about your needs and what the agent you’re considering can offer. I suggest that you compare several different commercial agents to determine:
- What services are offered
- How long the company has been in business
- Its ranking on Trustpilot or other review websites
- Its Better Business Bureau rating
- If it offers a money-back guarantee
- If bulk discounts are available
- If you have access to live support if needed
Make sure to talk to a representative of a commercial registered agent company before signing up for a service plan. Ask if there are any special offers, such as registered agent services provided for free for a period of time if the company also completes your formation filings.
And remember, if you already have a registered agent that you’re not completely satisfied with, you have the option of finding a different one who can help you be confident that you’re acting in compliance and keeping your business on track.
Keep Learning
- What is a Registered Agent?
- Noncommercial vs. Commercial Registered Agent
- How to Find a Registered Agent for Your LLC
- How to Find and Compare Registered Agent Service Providers
- How to Appoint a Registered Agent
- Can You Use a UPS Store or PO Box for a Registered Agent?
- Should I be My Own Registered Agent
- Registered Agent Options for Non-Citizens
- What Is an Agent for Service of Process?
- What is a BOC-3 Process Agent?
- What Is a Statutory Agent?
- What is a Registered Office?
- Compare Registered Agent Providers
