Why Bother with a Registered Agent?
Even though you could be the registered agent for your business, it’s usually a good idea to bring in external help for these down-to-earth reasons:
- Following the Rules of the Road: You’re obliged to have a registered agent in each state where you operate. So, if you’re doing business in multiple states, you’ve got to have an agent in each one.
- Keeping Things Hush-Hush: Being your own agent means sharing your address with the public, and opening the door to unwanted attention. External agents act like a shield, preserving your privacy.
- Dodging Awkward Moments: A third-party agent can spare you from the awkward scenario of getting legal papers served in front of clients, employees, or family.
- Staying on the Map: An external agent makes sure your registered address stays up-to-date, preventing any slip-ups during moves or changes in your team.
- Being Open for Business Hours: Agents need to be around during regular business hours to handle legal stuff. If your business address is often deserted during the day, an external agent becomes your go-to hero.
The Fallout of Skipping the Registered Agent:
Forgetting about your registered agent responsibilities can lead to serious consequences, like default judgments, losing your business’s good standing, facing financial penalties, and, in the worst-case scenario, saying goodbye to your business altogether.
How to Rope in a Registered Agent:
You can scout for registered agents with a simple Google search or hitch a ride with online legal service providers for extra convenience. Many of these providers throw in a free registered agent for the first year, and afterward, it can cost you a small annual fee. All in all, bringing in a registered agent ensures you’re playing by the rules, keeps your private matters private, and helps you steer clear of potential legal and financial headaches.
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Shemea Broom
Owner, Sapphire Taxes & Signing Services
Phone: 205-235-2373
Email: mea@sapphiretaxnotary.com