Does the Registered Agent Own the LLC?
By Tom Streissguth
The business laws in all 50 states require licensed business entities to use the services of a registered agent for the purpose of receiving service of process and to accept legal documents. A registered agent ensures that the state government and private parties can communicate with the company and deliver any necessary paperwork to the company.
Member/Owners
By the state laws governing limited liability companies, business owners are designated as members. In filing for a business license from the state, the member or members of the company must list their names and usually their addresses as well.
State laws also require the designation of a registered agent. A registered agent is an individual or company authorized to accept service of process and other legal documents on behalf of the LLC. If a party wishes to claim damages in court, for example, a court-issued summons must be delivered to the registered agent. If the state needs a tax or license filing and must send the necessary papers to the LLC, the registered agent is responsible for receiving those papers and forwarding them to the responsible officers of the LLC.
Ready to start your LLC? Start an LLC Online Now
Most states require that registered agents have a physical address in the same state where the LLC operates. The registered agent must be present at that address and must be available during normal business hours throughout the year to accept court process and other papers. A passive post office box cannot serve as a registered agent's address.
A registered agent may or may not be a member, owner, employee or manager of the LLC. The registered agent may be an entirely separate organization or individual. An attorney handling the affairs of the LLC, for example, may serve as its registered agent. Some companies function solely as registered agents and serve a roster of clients, who pay monthly or annual retainer fees for the service.
What Are the Duties of an Agent of an LLC?
IncFile: Registered Agent Services
MedLawPlus: How to Form an LLC
The Definition of an LLC Member
An LLC member is an owner of the company. All owners of LLCs are classified as members. Just as the owners of a partnership are members of the company, LLC owners are legally members of the LLC. The rights and responsibilities of LLC members are specified in the operating agreement, but also defined by state LLC regulations. Since LLCs are state, not federal, creations, each state can have their own specific regulations, but owners in all LLCs are members.
What Is an LLC License?
A limited liability company is a type of business structure that shields the owners of the company from personal liability for the financial dealings of the operation. An LLC does not pay federal taxes since the profits are only reported on the owner's tax return as personal income. The creation of an LLC is governed by state law and members must file certain documents with the appropriate state department to gain approval to operate as an LLC.
Can a Corporation Be a Member of an LLC?
A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business organization authorized by state statute. All state LLC statutes permit other types of business entities, such as a corporation or partnership, to serve as a member of an LLC, and usually place few restrictions on the ability of a corporation to be an LLC member.
LLC Overview Check LLC Pricing View LLC SampleProduct Comparison
Divorce Laws for Army Members Stationed in Washington State
When a divorce involves military members, a combination of both state and federal laws apply, which can complicate ...
Is It Mandatory for LLC to Have a Registered Agent?
In every state, the process of creating a limited liability company, or LLC, requires the person organizing the LLC to ...
The Difference Between a C-Corporation & a Personal Services Corporation
A corporation is an independent legal body that is taxed separately from its owners. With proper setup, a corporation ...
Difference Between a Franchise & a Corporation
Many chain restaurants, hotels and retail stores are owned as franchises, meaning the parent company provides ...