What is a Registered Agent Service?
A registered agent service is a company that agrees to receive service of process for an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit.
Registered agent services also help keep businesses up to date by forwarding important reminders about reports and tax due dates.
Recommended: Visit our Best Registered Agent Services review to learn which registered agent service offers the right packages and value for your business.
Registered Agent Services
Registered agent services specialize in helping businesses stay compliant with state business entity requirements. They act as your business's registered agent.
When you hire a registered agent service, you can expect to receive reminders about due dates for taxes and annual reports. Some registered agent services also offer support in filing annual reports.
A registered agent service's main legal obligation is to accept service of process. Service of process is the act of serving an individual or business with notice of a lawsuit.
Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?
When you form an LLC or corporation, you'll be required to list a registered agent.
Hiring a professional registered agent service offers a number of benefits like peace of mind, privacy, and the ability to focus more energy on growing your business.
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service
Compliance
In every state besides New York, you must have a registered agent or registered office available to accept service of process during normal business hours. Your registered agent will also store copies of your corporate documents and keep you informed of tax and reporting due dates.
Privacy
Your registered agent service’s address will be listed on the public record— not your personal or office address. This is especially important to consider if your business operates out of your home.
Flexibility
If you choose to act as your own registered agent, you'll need to be available to receive official notices during standard business hours at the address you provide.
A registered agent service gives you the flexibility to focus on your business instead of keeping track of deadlines and being available during business hours.
Peace of Mind
A registered agent service gives you peace of mind so you can focus your time, energy, and attention on running your business.
Best Registered Agent Services
We recommend choosing a registered agent service that offers:
- Compliance management: reminders for filing annual reports and other important deadlines
- Document management: local scanning of all official documents so you can access them from your online account
- Availability: a reliable customer service team who can answer any questions you may have
- Thorough coverage: the ability to provide registered agent services in all 50 states
Top Recommended Registered Agent Service
ZenBusiness Registered Agent
ZenBusiness provides the most comprehensive registered agent services for the price. Their service is included with LLC formation. Registered agent services without formation are $99 annually.
The Complete Registered Agent plan includes ZenBusiness’s Worry-Free Compliance Guarantee. This includes annual filing report alerts, documents submitted on your behalf, two free changes to your filings per year, and it covers the costs required to regain good standing if your company should miss a deadline.
ZenBusiness offers a user-friendly, intuitive dashboard for all its services. You can keep track of important business documents in real-time.
Forming an LLC? Get free registered agent services with ZenBusiness for one full year with LLC formation. $39 plus state fees.
What is a Registered Agent Service FAQ
What is the purpose of a registered agent?
A registered agent's main purpose is to receive service of process. Service of process is the act of serving an individual or business with notice of a lawsuit.
What services do registered agents provide?
Registered agent services accept service of process for an LLC or corporation. Most registered agent services also store documentation and alert business owner's of deadlines.
Who is considered a registered agent?
Do you need a registered agent?
Yes. In most states, with the exception of New York, you'll need to appoint a registered agent.