If you own property using an out-of-state entity, you probably already know the importance of having a registered agent. If this term is news to you, get hip: most states make having a registered agent for your LLC a legal requirement for non-residents. While there are many good reasons to hire an effective and qualified registered agent, we have boiled down the top three you need to know below.
If your business is considering operating in multiple states, the business must be registered in each of these states. Having a registered agent on your team streamlines this process when you pick a service or attorney that has a presence in each necessary state. You don’t have to worry about the headache of registering or finding agents for each state.
For the actual amount of work your registered agent will do, the fee you will pay is negligible--particularly if you compare it to the number of hours it would take you to manage your business’s legal correspondence yourself. The density of paperwork involved in serving as a registered agent is another good reason to go with a professional or attorney in this role, as well. A lawyer is more likely to know their duties and the legal requirements attached to them intimately, and is less likely to make foolish mistakes or oversights that a layperson might.
If you served as your own registered agent, your home address would likely end up on business correspondence, undermining your anonymity. Using a registered agent keeps your own name off of public records and away from prying eyes.
Some legal correspondence must be sent or received during “normal business hours.” Of course, not every investor or real estate business operates on “normal hours,” particularly if the real estate business exists for passive investment income. Fortunately, outsourcing your registered agent needs means this is yet another detail you won’t have to worry about. Most are aware of and easily able to meet time-sensitive obligations.
If you were so moved, you could do all of the research to serve as your own registered agent. But would you be confident in your abilities, and is this the best use of your time? For most investors, the answer is simply no. Fortunately, registered agent services and legal professionals can help. At Royal Legal Solutions, we offer not only Registered Agent services, but subscription-based business compliance services so you can let us worry about the paperwork while you run your business. If you think you could benefit, contact us today to ask any questions you have or set up your consultation.
Scott Royal Smith is an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor. He's on a mission to help fellow investors free their time, protect their assets, and create lasting wealth.
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