What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is a person/company who will receive legal and other documents on behalf of your business, such as subpoenas, regulatory and tax notices, and correspondence. In many states, lawsuits must be served in person. Registered agents make this a more clear and orderly process.

Do I need a registered agent?

True all states, you can be your own registered agent and doing so will cost you $0. But do you want that headache? Being a registered agent means being available at your business’s location during normal business hours, five days a week, something most new business owners have trouble doing since they’re busy starting their business. Being a registered agent also means being responsible for tax forms and tracking annual report dates with the state, things that can easily be forgotten and cost you in the long run. The one upside to not hiring a registered agent is you’ll save the annual fee. But the freedom you gain from hiring one often makes up for the expenditure.