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Does My Business Need a Registered Agent?
Yes. Every LLC, corporation and nonprofit is required to have an official Registered Agent (sometimes called a statutory agent, resident agent or agent for service of process) in each state where it does business.
A Registered Agent serves as a permanent physical presence in the state, and the Registered Agent address is where the state government can contact you with legal and tax correspondence, including franchise tax forms, notices of litigation and required annual report forms. Learn more about Registered Agents and why you need one here.
Why Use a Registered Agent Service?
Registered Agent services like the one offered by Incfile help you avoid the hassles and inconvenience of managing all of your own documentation from the state.
They also help preserve your privacy by setting up a public-facing address for your business that is separate from your home.
When you use a Registered Agent service, any official legal or tax correspondence will be forwarded to your personal, private contact address. Incfile’s Registered Agent service also helps you stay on top of deadlines (such as required annual reports) to keep your business in good standing.
A good Registered Agent service can help you respond quickly in the event of a lawsuit, avoid missed deadlines, fines and penalties for non-compliance, and otherwise manage the details of paperwork so you can focus on running your business.
Why Does Incfile Offer a Free Registered Agent?
In addition to offering free LLC and other business formation, you’ll get your first year’s Registered Agent free too when you start a business with Incfile.
Unlike other business formation specialists, our service isn’t built on finding ways to charge you for more products and services.
We believe that entrepreneurs like you are the driving force behind our economy's growth. Entrepreneurs create innovative solutions and empowering change and we’re here for it.
Radical offerings like our $0 business formation and a free Registered Agent with incorporation are available as a direct result of client loyalty. That loyalty enables us to grow our business and continue making tech-driven process efficiencies so that we’re able to offer you the best value.
Reduce Your Workload Using a Registered Agent Service
Save time and stress by letting Incfile manage your paperwork for you (for a lower cost than other providers)!
Avoid missed deadlines, tiresome paperwork, noncompliance and the associated fines or penalties. Set yourself up for success and free up time to focus on what matters — your business.
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Why Choose Incfile’s Registered Agent Service?
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Free Registered Agent for the First Year
$0 Registered Agent service when you form your LLC, nonprofit or corporation with Incfile ($119/annually after that).
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Expert Handling of All of Your Documents
Always-available Registered Agents who’ll receive state and IRS mail correspondence, documents & legal proceedings on your LLC’s or corporation’s behalf.
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Automatic Mail Forwarding
Get all legal correspondence, documentation and information uploaded digitally to your dashboard and forwarded directly to you.
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Tailored Email and SMS Notifications
Get text and email notifications whenever we receive documents for your business, all from inside your dashboard.
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Modern, Simple and Personalized Dashboard
Your business essentials all in one place when you form your business with Incfile. Access, store & retrieve information we’ve received for your business anytime.
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Never Any Hidden Fees or Contracts
Benefit from the best user experience coupled with unequaled value for your money. No other incorporation specialist gives you more for less.
Common Questions About Registered Agent Services
A Registered Agent is free for the first year when you sign up with Incfile, regardless of what package you choose.
The cost to renew our Registered Agent Service after the first year is $119 annually (with no obligation and no contract).
No! We pride ourselves on transparency. There are absolutely no hidden costs associated with Incfile’s Registered Agent Service.
No time at all! Setting up a Registered Agent is as simple as choosing Incfile to be your Registered Agent and completing our quick and simple online order form.
Most rules that apply to Registered Agents are consistent across all states and include:
- Registered Agent’s must be 18 years of age or older.
- They must hold a physical address (P.O boxes and virtual offices don’t count) in the appropriate state that can receive mail, deliveries and any process of service during normal business hours.
- Usually you need to appoint a Registered Agent in any state that you intend to operate in.
- Most states permit businesses to act as Registered Agents for other businesses.
However, there are few state specific rules. Learn more about the specifics of Registered Agents in New York and Florida.
You can find all of our resources related to Registered Agents here and also learn everything you need to know about Registered Agents specific to LLCs and Corporations.
A Registered Agent (also sometimes known as statutory agent or resident agent) is an individual, or a business who is chosen to be the official recipient of important legal documents and correspondence for corporations and LLC’s.
BOC is an abbreviation for “Blanket of Coverage”' and the BOC-3 is a form you have to file that provides the FMCSA with proof that you have a process agent in each state you operate.
New transportation companies have to file a BOC-3 before they can start operating within the United States.
A BOC-3 process agent, (also sometimes known as an FMCSA agent,) is an individual or business that you can appoint to receive legal documents on your behalf.
You need a Registered Agent to ensure that your business receives time sensitive and essential information. Registered Agent’s receive and forward important legal and tax related correspondence on behalf of your corporation or LLC.
Typical documents that are delivered to the Registered Agent are:
- Service of process which is a notification of a pending lawsuit.
- Mail from the secretary of state; including annual reports and tax documents sent by the state’s governing tax authority.
- Your Registered Agent must have a physical address within your state. They have to be available at that address during business hours.
- The agent can be an individual who is at least 18 years old (in the majority of states), or it can be a company providing registered agent services.
- Corporations or LLCs cannot act as their own agents, but in the majority of states, an employee or the owners can be the agent.
- It’s highly recommended to use a professional service to ensure you’ll receive any critical correspondence in time to act.
- Registered Agent Services vary in price but Incfile’s costs are lower than other providers whilst providing superior value.
Changing your Registered Agent is a simple process and we can take care of the transfer of Registered Agent service from your current provider to us or another Registered Agent, at any time.
When you use Incfile’s Registered Agent service, it is renewed annually.
An email with renewal instructions will be sent one month prior to the due date. The service may be renewed anytime through the Registered Agent Dashboard.
There’s a lot at stake if you don’t have a Registered Agent. You face penalties for not having a Registered Agent and you stand to potentially lose your business.
Service of process is how the parties in a lawsuit formally deliver papers (such as complaint, answer, and motion papers) to other parties and the court.
Your service will be managed through your Dashboard. any service of process that is received by us will be uploaded to the dashboard and an email notification will be sent informing you that the documents have been uploaded to your account.
- Filing the Change of Agent for your company will be offered within the order process.
- If you select this option the state fee will be added to the cost of the Registered Agent service.
- If you select to not have us update the Registered Agent on file it will be your responsibility to submit the necessary paperwork.
If the signature of the Registered Agent is required please contact our support staff for assistance.
We are typically able to return the signed documents to our clients electronically however some states require original signatures on official documents. If an original signature is required we will mail you the signed documents.
No. A registered agent is required to receive official government documents relating to your business. It is not for the purpose of receiving regular mail or serving as your business address.
Yes! Without a Registered Agent, you just run the risk of not getting notified about impending legal action.
Loved by 1,000,000+ Entrepreneurs Across All 50 States
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“Incfile is making running my TX business easier by making sure I'm alerted to deadlines and helping to get documents filed on time.”
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“Your service virtually eliminates the hassle of managing the legal requirements and state reporting for my LLC.”
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“Fast and easy everything arrives exactly as described and on time. incfile has been a huge help. thanks Incfile.”
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