5 benefits of using a registered agency

Find out here how to choose a registered agent service that will offer you all the services required to ensure that your business runs without any hitches.

Are there other options?

Of course, there are other options. In most states you can appoint yourself, a friend or a family member to act as your registered agent. However, whoever you appoint, must be trustworthy, over the age of 18, must have a physical address in the state of your business. They must always be available to accept documents during normal business hours.

Benefits of using a registered agent

There are five main benefits of using professional registered agent services.

Flexibility

If your business requires you to travel frequently, be at more than one place daily, or that you keep hours that are outside of normal office hours, then you need to ensure that the person you appoint as a registered agent is available to receive them. Professional registered agent services always keep normal working hours, ensuring that they never miss any important correspondence for your business.

You can move your business around to various locations, without worrying about constantly changing your address with the state. The only address they will ever need is that of your registered agent service.

As your business grows, you may decide to expand to another state. You will either need to have a separate registered agent there, or you can choose a registered agent service that has a multiple state presence.

Reliability

As soon as any documents are received on your behalf, they get instant attention. Your registered agent will notify you immediately of their receipt and any payment or compliance deadlines. Once these documents are received, they are scanned and filed to ensure that you have online access to them, and they are kept in a safe place.

Keeping these types of documents at your home or business is not always such a good idea. They can easily be misplaced, destroyed, or stolen. Your registered agent will always have hard copies of all relevant documents for if they are ever needed.

Privacy

The address of your registered agent is the only one that is available on all public records, including the Secretary of State's website. That way, no one has your personal contact information, especially if you have a home-based business. Also, if you become your business's registered agent, you will most probably list our home address to receive documents, again affecting your privacy.

Another reason why using a registered agent service is significant is in case your business is ever sued. The service of process papers will be delivered to them, instead of personally to you in front of customers, employees, or family.

Compliance

Every business has different state requirements, and a registered agent service can help yours stay up-to-date with all of these. Often, as a new business owner, you might not even be aware of some of these. If you miss any deadlines the consequences may include penalties, unnecessary legal fees, and sometimes, may also lead to your business license being revoked. That is where the services of a registered agent service can be invaluable, they will not only notify you but can also fill in all the forms, saving you time.

Peace of mind

Finally, all registered agent services have experience in many matters concerning any business entity. They are available to answer any questions and provide you with information. This includes its initial formation processes, and as your business grows, about any further requirements. Some registered agents also offer legal consultations or can refer you to business attorneys.