If you own a business, specifically an LLC or a corporation, you’ve most likely already heard the term “registered agent” before. If you haven’t, a registered agent is an individual (or an entity) that you appoint and authorize to represent the business and receive correspondence or “service of process” on the business’s behalf. Every state requires LLCs and corporations to appoint a registered agent for their business.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
The requirements for an individual to be appointed as registered agent of a business are not stringent. The registered agent must: (1) be a resident of the same state in which your LLC or corporation was formed and (2) have a physical address (P.O. Boxes are not allowed). An important factor to consider when appointing an RA is that a registered agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process, which is why a P.O. Box is not acceptable.
Can I Be My Business’s Registered Agent?
Short answer- yes. You can designate yourself or any other member of the business (but not the business itself) as the registered agent, however, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. The RA’s information (name, mailing address, business address and phone number) is posted on every state’s Secretary of State website. Many business owners prefer not to have their home address posted in such a public forum. You may be asking – Can I list my business address as the mailing address if I’m the business’s RA? Yes, you could! Just note that since the registered agent is authorized to receive service of process on behalf of the business, it may not be ideal to receive service notice of a lawsuit at the business.
Can My Lawyer Be My Registered Agent?
It’s very common for the lawyer who assisted in the formation of your LLC or corporation to also serve as the entity’s registered agent. Why is that? Well for one, appointing your lawyer provides the security of your personal information not being made public. In addition, who better to receive nonsensical official legal documents than the attorney that filed your corporate documents? At Marti Law Group, our LLC Package includes the first-year registered agent service for your business! Furthermore, in the chance someone does sue your business, your lawyer will be the first point of contact. Your lawyer can also keep track of when your Annual Reports are due, which are required to be submitted every year for both corporations and LLCs, and also file them on the business’s behalf. (Stay tuned for our upcoming blog on Annual Reports!)
Contact Marti Law Group today if you need help forming your business in Connecticut or Massachusetts! Email us at: info@martilawgroup.com or call us at: 860-552-7770.