LLC And Registered Agent
I live in Wisconsin. I am confused on what the registered agent is. When I was filling out the application for an LLC, it askes for the registered agent's name and address. I suppose I just can't put my own name down here can I? If not, do I have to pay someone to use them as a registered agent? Thanks.
In my state, the registered agent is generally the attorney preparing the documents. I've seen people that are owners of the LLC as the registered agent too though. If this is your first LLC your setting up, why not have an attorney file the forms for you? Its about $500 from my attorney, and then, you/he can use it as a template for any future LLCs you create.
reneeschultz,
Glad to meet you.
As far as I know you indeed can be the registered agent. Here again it would prove prudent to check with the department in the state you are filing the LLC with.
Basically the registered agent is the one who is served any paperwork regarding the LLC. Some people use an attorney, however, this is not a requirement.
John $Cash$ Locke
A big advantage in using your lawyer as the Reg. Agent...he/she CANNOT legally divulge any info about you or the corp to any casual outside requests, as all his clients' info is "privileged".
Only real exception is if lawyer has very good reason to believe his client is using the LLC to break the law, then he has the duty to report what he knows and to fully cooperate with law enforcement.
The requirements vary from state to state. Generally, the register agent or agent for service of process is required to have a physical address in the state in which the LLC or Corporate entity has been formed. For example, I use Delaware LLCs, but I am a resident of California. Therefore, I have to pay a service agent that has a physical address in Delaware to act as my registered agent. If I lived in Delaware, or had a physical address in Delaware, I could be my own registered agent.
[addsig]
Bill's right. You can be the RA in your state of residence, but not in any other.
But, there are lots of RA services, all over the country and for an annual fee, one of those co.s will do it for you in any state.
Look up CCH (Corp. Clearing House) this is one of their specialty services. Not the only one, but one of the larger ones, and one used by lots of lawyers.