Running a small business is an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with a whirlwind of responsibilities. Understanding the intricacies of legalities might not be at the top of your priority list, especially if your business operates locally. However, hiring a registered agent can be a hidden gem that saves you time, money, and even legal trouble down the line. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you may want to hire a registered agent.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does your business operate outside your state of residence?
- Is your home address also your business address?
- Do you prefer not to receive legal documents at your business location?
- Is there a chance that your business may not have staff on site during standard business hours?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a registered agent can be a valuable asset.
Why Hire a Registered Agent
1. State Requirements: Many states mandate businesses to have a registered agent within their borders. Not complying can lead to penalties and legal complications.
2. Privacy Protection: If your business operates from home, using your personal address as the business address exposes your private information. A registered agent provides a confidential business address.
3. Convenience and Peace of Mind: Hiring a registered agent ensures someone is always available to receive legal documents and service of process during business hours, even if your business isn’t. This ensures timely responses and avoids potential legal issues.
4. Unexpected Scenarios: Even the most cautious businesses can face legal situations like lawsuits or disputes. A registered agent ensures you receive crucial documents promptly, allowing you to respond appropriately.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
- Accept and forward legal documents and official state correspondence.
- Maintain your business address confidentiality.
- Ensure someone is always available to receive service of process during business hours.
Additional Services
Many registered agents, like URA, offer additional services to streamline your business operations, such as:
- Courtesy reminders for important deadlines.
- Franchise tax and annual report filing assistance.
- Corporate services including filings and retrievals.
Overall, hiring a registered agent helps your business maintain compliance with the state and can be a crucial partner in maintaining business privacy.
For a list of all the corporate services we offer, click here. One of the most common services that business need is an updated Certificate of Good Standing, sometimes called a Certificate of Status or a Certificate of Existence. You can order a certificate of good standing online here. You don’t have to be an existing client for us to pull one for you!
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, but it’s often not recommended, especially for privacy reasons. You can learn more about the risks by checking out our blog post on the subject.
We are also sometimes asked if your spouse can be your registered agent. Again, it is not recommended for many of the same reasons. You can read more about why that may not be the best idea here.
Changing Your Registered Agent
Switching registered agents is simple and can be done anytime. If you are interested in becoming a URA client, we’ll cover the state fee to do so! We make it easy. Give us a call at (855) 236-9172 to get started.
Maintaining Your Registered Agent Services
Think of your registered agent as your business’s legal guardian, always watching over its well-being.
Just like you wouldn’t neglect regular checkups for your health, maintaining your service is equally vital. Forgetting to update contact information, letting fees lapse, or even switching agents thoughtlessly can have serious consequences. Missed legal documents, service of process failures, and non-compliance penalties can derail your business, costing you time, money, and potentially even its legitimacy.
Consider it a small investment in safeguarding your business’s future, ensuring smooth operations, and avoiding unnecessary legal headaches.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact URA or call (855) 236-9172 to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive.
