|
If you are considering starting an organization
one of the first formalities you need to comply with, is
choosing a registered agent. Even in the event that you
register as a foreign corporation and start activities in
a new state, you would need to select a registered agent.
There are a number of things you need to
know while choosing your registered agent. By choosing a
particular agent, you authorize him or her to receive mail
related to the tax and legal matters of your company. It
is imperative, therefore, that your registered agent owns
or rents an office premise and possess a physical address.
A registered agent with only a PO Box will not serve your
purpose.
You must also ensure your registered agent
is available at the address provided during normal business
hours to receive your mail. Your registered agent's address
is made available to the public and all important documents
sent by the state such as the Notice of Litigation or Service
of Process is directed to this address. All tax documents
are also received by the registered agent on your behalf.
There is another scenario where the registered
agent comes in handy. When you form an organization, most
states require you to provide a legal address. The address
of your registered agent is an excellent alternative to
this and is enough to fulfill the requirement.
You may wish to act as the registered agent of your own
organization if you have a physical address in the state
of incorporation However in such cases, remember that you
will encounter the following disadvantages:
- You are liable to receive a huge
quota of junk mail addressed to your business.
- Frequent address changes may
lead to a situation where you would have to file
multiple change of address forms with various departments.
- You can also face embarrassing
situations at times. For instance, in a case of
litigation, members of the law enforcement agencies
may come and deliver the Service of Process.
- There is only so much you can
do yourself each day. Opting to handle your mail
as well, along with all the work related to business,
can be very hectic. More than anything, it could
lead to a situation where you may end up losing
or missing out on important documents, such as Service
of Process and tax documents.
|
There are certain
things you need to keep in mind when you are looking for
a registered agent. The first thing is to be sure that the
registered agent you hire meets the specific requirements
of your organization. In the event that you do go in for
a professional registered agent, do make sure you enquire
into the agent’s history.
|
