If you own one of the 23 million LLCs in America today, you will probably need a registered agent. Your registered agent is a licensed official who can accept all legal and tax documents on your behalf. Since many states require such documents to be served in person, it helps to have a real individual with an address who can receive crucial documents on behalf of your business.
It is for this exact reason that finding a registered agent for LLC proprietorships is a legal requirement in many states. That’s why finding a registered agent is crucial for any first-time founder. Aside from the fact that you are legally bound to have a registered agent, there are also many benefits to having one. Read on to learn more.
-
A Registered Agent Knows the Local Laws
When asking “what does a registered agent do?”, it is important to keep in mind that a qualified agent will always be well-versed in local laws and procedures. For example, if you worry about having an LLC registered agent in Wyoming, you can rest easy knowing that any locally-based agent will know all of the specific document handling and legal procedures required by the state. This means that you do not need to stay on top of this often complicated legal field by yourself.
-
Privacy and Discretion At All Times
So, what is a registered agent actually all about? Essentially, they serve as a physical face and location for all legal documents pertaining to your business. Let’s say someone is trying to sue your company. The last thing you want is for a lawyer to serve you with papers in front of your customers. When you have a registered agent, everything goes through them, allowing maximum discretion and avoiding reputational damage.
-
Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness
A registered agent only costs a few hundred dollars a year. When you consider that they act as a one-stop-shop for all of your legal document procedures, this is excellent value. You will not need to hire an in-house employee to deal with all of this complex admin. You will also not need to spend any time handling these documents yourself. This gives you more time and money to focus on growing your business.
-
Better Business Hours
If you run a company with unusual business hours, such as a bar or an overnight warehouse, this can lead to legal complications. A registered agent is always required to operate during regular business hours. This means that you will never miss important documents and your company will stay compliant, no matter the opening hours.
-
Save You Stress
Finally, it is worth emphasizing just how much stress you can avoid by simply hiring a registered agent. You will not have to worry about falling afoul of certain laws and you will know that a qualified expert is always on-call to handle your legal documents. This will allow you to rest easy knowing that this stuff is in good hands.
More Tips for Better Business Practice
Know that you know exactly how a registered agent can help you, it’s time to learn more. In our dedicated Business pages, you will find up-to-date advice and guides on better business practice, whatever industry you are in.