Among the ranks of entrepreneurs, many create limited liability companies (LLCs). This is because this entity type offers personal liability protection, which means that personal and business finances are kept separate. Should the LLC face legal action, your savings are typically safe.
This may interest you, and while forming an LLC isn’t difficult, it’s not exactly a walk in the park either. For example, you’re legally required to get a registered agent.
If you’re now wondering about how to get a registered agent for my LLC, then keep reading. We’ll discuss what one is, as well as how to choose and get a registered agent for your company.
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is someone who receives official documents for your company. This can be either an individual or a business. The documents include:
- Legal notices
- Tax forms
- Government correspondence
You’re required by law to have a registered agent if you own an LLC. They must be available during normal business hours and have a physical address in the same state as the LLC.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, you can technically be your own registered agent, and some people do go that route. As long as you meet the residency and availability requirements, you can do so. However, we don’t recommend it.
There are many drawbacks to doing this, including:
- Being tied to your business
- More challenges regarding expansion
- Your address being public information
- Looking unprofessional
- Trouble staying compliant
You might feel more in control and save a little money by being your LLC’s registered agent, but it’s not worth the hassle and headache. Instead, appoint someone you trust (such as a fellow LLC member, family member, or friend), or better yet, hire a professional third-party company, as that’s their specialty.
How Do I Choose a Registered Agent?
There are many providers, both domestic and foreign (out of state), and it can be challenging to determine who you can trust to receive your company’s official papers.
To choose a registered agent, you’ll have to do extensive research to find the best service possible. Take advantage of the internet to go through customer reviews, in addition to comparing services, pricing, and features. If you’re ever in doubt, or want some reassurance, you can ask your social network for recommendations.
The most important thing is that you check your state’s Secretary of State website for specific rules regarding registered agents. Also, you should confirm that the agents you’re interested in are in the same state where your LLC’s registered.
The main factors you should think about are:
- Reliability and reputation
- Legal compliance
- Notification and document handling
- Customer support
- Additional services
- Cost and fees
How to Get a Registered Agent for My LLC
After doing all your research and narrowing down your options, perhaps you’ve finally landed on the perfect provider. What are the next steps to making them your official registered agent for your LLC?
First, you should sign up on their website, which should only take a few minutes. If you’re using our registered agent services, then you’ll also gain access to our user-friendly dashboard once you’re done.
Next, you can choose exactly what you want. For example, we offer much more than just registered agent services; if you haven’t formed your LLC yet, we can register it for you, or you can add a virtual mailbox. Whatever you want, you can add it to your “order.”
After you’re done selecting your services, you can make an easy payment. You never have to worry about hidden fees, as all our prices are transparent. Also, you shouldn’t have to wait long before we notify you that the job’s done.
From that point onward, we’ll upload all documents we receive for your LLC directly onto the dashboard. You can manage everything there; beyond seeing your documents, you can add new services or change your current package. You can also reach our customer support team if you need help.
Get a Registered Agent for Your LLC Easily
In this article, we’ve shown you how to get a registered agent for my LLC, as well as how to vet companies.
Even though you can be your own registered agent, it’s not recommended. Instead, it’s better to entrust a professional provider like us, as we’ve got years of experience and knowledge to make your life as an entrepreneur simpler.
Sign up with Business Anywhere to start using our registered agent service. It can be as low as $147 per year.
