If you’re thinking of starting your own brand, business, or company then you will most likely need the aid of a Registered Agent.
Now you are probably wondering who a Registered Agent is and how can they help in the growth and development of your brand?
In this article, we will break down the role of a Registered Agent for you and tell you in detail how you can benefit from hiring a Registered Agent.
Who Is A Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is an authorized individual who deals in legal and tax documents related to your business. They are professionals designated to ensure an efficient and hassle-free management of your Limited Liability Company. They do so by taking matters into their own hands and use their experience to help your business grow.
So, you do not have to worry about finding yourself in a fix when a Registered Agent is by your side.
What Do Registered Agents Do?
It is important to know what a Registered Agent can do for you and your business before deciding on whether or not to hire one. They can be appointed by an LLC, corporation, or non-profit to receive service of process. They act as the bridge between you and any tax notifications, process notices, lawsuits, government correspondence, and compliance or summons that your company may face.
These are issues that all companies face at some point or other. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be in any trouble with the law to acquire these services. Instead, you can employ their expertise to carry out such official processes effectively and immediately. This, in turn, leaves you more free to focus on other aspects of your business.
Why Do I Need A Registered Agent?
It’s natural to think that you are fully capable of running your business. And of course, you are. But as they say, teamwork makes the dream work! With a Registered Agent, you can accomplish much more in a shorter period of time since you won’t have nearly as much paperwork to deal with.
This, coupled with the following reasons, is why you need a Registered Agent on your team:
1. It Widens Your Horizons
With a Registered Agent you can widen your LLC’s horizons further. This is because the process of business expansion includes a hefty amount of legalities. In addition each city, state, and country has its own set of rules and regulations, which you may not be accustomed to. Therefore hiring a Registered Agent from that area can help you comply with those requirements without halting your company’s growth. Thus, it is a great investment to make.
2. Helps You Avoid Mounds Of Paperwork
As mentioned before, businesses come with mounds of paperwork. This can become overwhelming, especially when you are busy handling other matters of your business. So, in situations when you feel like you’re under pressure, your trusted Registered Agent will be by your side to pull you right out.
Whether it’s annual reports, official notices or tax papers, your Registered Agent has got your back. So you can focus on the growth of your business instead!
3. It Protects Your Privacy
It is a little-known fact but when you register as a LLC, it requires the listing of an address. If you’re an online or home-based business, this would mean your home address becoming part of public records. You can protect your privacy by hiring a Registered Agent, whose address will then be listed as the business’ point of contact.
This also means that all mail, paperwork, and notices will be delivered directly to them to deal with. So, you don’t have to constantly look out for things or live in the fear of missing them altogether. They will already be dealt with by the time you find out about them.
4. Gives You Freedom To Lead
If you want to maintain that freedom to work when you please and engage in various activities during business hours then a Registered Agent is the perfect fit for you.
Registered Agents work at usual business hours so that you can have a flexible schedule. And if there’s anything that you might end up missing out on, they will bring it to your notice in due time.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can! But it’s not as easy as you may think. While you are mostly likely as qualified, knowledgeable, and capable of being your company’s Registered Agent, here are a few issues you might face:
1. Lack of Downtime
Forget going on vacation as long as you’re running your business. You will need to be on call 24/7. Let’s say your family decides to go on a road trip, to the beach, hiking or on an international trip then you’ll sadly have to sit them all out.
You might sometimes miss out on important documents or deliveries that need your attention if you were out on vacation with your friends, it might incur a major loss for you and your business.
2. Missed Opportunities
If you can’t take any time off then that also means you will be missing out on client meetings, new location tours, vendor negotiations, customer service, and so much more! You will end up missing amazing opportunities that could boost your business beyond conventions. All because you have to be at your address throughout business hours.
3. Decreased Privacy
Even if you end up working out a fix – don’t forget that this is that same roof, under which you will be served legal, governmental, and tax notices. It can be off-putting for potential clients and customers and all the more embarrassing for you to get served a lawsuit. As these people could be putting their money into your hands.
4. Difficulties In Expansion
It is necessary to be a resident of the area where your company operates from. In case you don’t reside in the city, state, or country where you wish to extend your services then you will have to relocate.
Now that you know more about Registered Agents, it’s your call to make. Do you want to hire a Registered Agent or be your own?
Reputable Registered Agents
One good way to find a reputable registered agent is to do an internet search for registered agents that get great customer reviews. In our experience, the best route to take is to sign up for a Registered Agent service, such as IncNow (see our review) or ZenBusiness.