Registered Agents
All companies are required to have a registered agent. A registered agent is authorized to accept service of process for the business, and is the designated point of contact with the state for service of process and correspondence from the state. The registered agent could be an individual or a company, but they must reside in the state where the business is registered and have a valid street address (not a post office box). In new companies, the registered agent is usually a principal of the company, but there are also companies that will serve as your registered agent for a fee.
QUICK Tip
Use a Corporate Service Company: Eventually, you should use a corporate service company as your registered agent to avoid any slip-up in receiving written communications.
The company must notify the state if they change registered agents or if their registered agent changes addresses. After all, the state needs to know how to contact your company. The state sends correspondence to the registered agent, such as the annual report, that must be completed and returned. The requirement to file is not waived because the mail was mislaid, forwarded to the wrong address, or not mailed by the state. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the company that the registered agent's information is correct and up to date, and that the company stays informed as to when filings are due. Not filing required paperwork with the state is the most common reason young companies find themselves in hot water.
