The Responsibilities of a Registered Agent

Naming an individual as your business’s registered agent is a necessary part of incorporating any business. However, it is also a part of the business formation process that many entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with. Read ahead for info that will help you understand the role and responsibilities of a registered agent, and also how to find someone that the ideal agent.

What does a registered agent do?

A registered agent functions as the contact for any formal correspondence between government agencies and a business. These communications are typically sent through mail, but can also be delivered via fax or email. A few of the primary types of correspondence that a registered agent will be in charge of receiving include tax forms and information, as well as other legal documentation from the state. As a result, the importance of having a reliable registered agent cannot be overstated.

What are the requirements for registered agents?

There are a few very specific responsibilities and requirements for registered agents:

Availability Your registered agent must be available during normal business hours (9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday). The agent must be at the specific address listed your state incorporation forms.

Individual person Your company cannot serve as its own registered agent. However, the registered agent may be an individual or a company that offers registered agent services. It is important to keep in mind that your registered agent’s information (e.g. address and phone number) will become a part of the public record that is established when you are granted corporate status.

Location A registered agent must be located within your chosen state of incorporation. You must also secure the services of a registered agent in any state in which your company foreign qualifies. Your registered agent’s address must be a physical address, not a P.O. box or leased mailbox service.

Hiring an outside professional as your registered agent

Due to the reality that a registered agent must be consistently available during business hours, it can often be difficult for a small or medium business to dedicate an in-house individual to the position. Add in the fact that this agent will be in charge of handling your most sensitive company documents, and it only becomes more important that this position is approached professionally and prudently.

For many small businesses or resource-scarce businesses, the answer to the registered agent requirement is found outside of their own staff. Taking this step bypasses the stress of dedicating an in-house staff member to be responsible for handling your most sensitive company documents and procedures in addition to his or her existing job duties.

By hiring a professional registered agent service, you can rely on him or her to receive and forward important documents to you in a fast and time-efficient manner. These services also log all received documents and have experience making sure that communication between your business and the state is as streamlined as possible. Listing an outside registered agent also prevents the public disclosure of your home address (if you are operating your business at home), cuts down on junk mail delivered to your house, and may help avoid the unnerving experience of being served in your home should there ever be a lawsuit. Because it is crucial that your business pays close attention to every dollar it spends on its administrative expenses, a professional registered agent can be an extremely cost-effective solution.

Swyft can help!

Regardless of the state in which your business is located, Swyft Filings offers registered agent services that will carefully monitor your company’s communication with government agencies. The main goal of this service is to provide organizations of all types and sizes with an affordable registered agent solution, making sure the businesses is in compliance with all registered agent requirements while protecting the privacy of the company’s owners. Visit ourregistered agent services for information on ordering Swyft Filings Registered Agent Services. Or feel free to speak with one of our experienced agents. Contact us today!