Launching a business or an LLC in Washington can feel exciting, but it does come with a long list of less-than-thrilling tasks. One of these is the need to get a registered agent to represent your fledgling small or medium-sized biz. Boring or not, though, you are indeed required to get a Washington registered agent.
Whether you choose a person or a registered agent service, there are several things you need to know. For instance, what is a registered agent? How do you choose one? What rules govern your appointment? How can you change your selection? Can you be your own? And so on. In today’s post, we’ll answer these questions and more.
A registered agent is a business or entity that is authorized to receive and file documents on your behalf. Examples include, but aren’t limited to, legal papers, tax forms, or service of process — the official notification of legal action from one party to another. Your registered agent may also be responsible for filing your annual report, a document required every year in the state of Washington.
More globally, a registered agent’s purpose is to ensure that you always have someone on the job when it comes to important documentation. Otherwise, something may slip through the cracks. This can have significant bearing on the health or longevity of your business, and not in a good way. Nobody wants that, right?
In order to file the paperwork to start an LLC (limited liability company) or corporation in Washington State, you need to name a registered agent.
While you do have a lot of freedom in selecting who you want as your registered agent, that freedom is not unlimited. You do have to follow some rules, including stipulations that your agent must:
The Washington Secretary of State distinguishes between commercial and non-commercial agents. The former is a Washington registered agent or registered agent service who is available for businesses in the state to use, their information and fees accessible via a public list.
A non-commercial registered agent can still receive paperwork and deal with service of process, of course, but they are not put on the list. In order to be a non-commercial agent, the individual or entity must still meet the above requirements. Individuals must be residents of Washington state, while entities must do business within that state.
The cost of hiring a registered agent is pretty minimal. In Washington, it may start as low as $50, though do keep in mind that you get what you pay for: You may find that an online service that promises instant results does not offer you the best service in terms of the many tasks a registered agent should complete on your behalf.
Typically, a registered agent in Washington will charge between $100 and $300 per year. Below, we will discuss the benefits of hiring a professional registered agent service, and whether you want to do that for your business.
When you form a new entity, such as an LLC, you are required to list information for a registered agent in your initial documentation, known as a Certificate of Formation in Washington. To do this, you need to find the paperwork for the appropriate business entity, which you can search for on the Secretary of State Website.
Once you find the correct entity type (e.g. LLC, LLP, and so on), you will take the following steps, using an LLC by way of example:
That’s it! Overall, it’s a pretty simple process.
Happily, you’re not stuck with your Washington registered agent or registered agent service forever if you decide the relationship isn’t serving you. To change your registered agent is quite simple, requiring only that you:
Yes, the state allows you to be your own Washington registered agent. The same rules apply: You must have a physical address in Washington, and you must be available at that address to receive documents and service of process during business hours. Additionally, to be your own registered agent, you must be a resident of Washington.
It is important to distinguish between yourself as a private individual and your business, though. While you can be your own registered agent, your business cannot be. Whoever the registered agent is must be separate from your business entity.
Now that you know what a registered agent’s purpose is and how to appoint one, it’s time to decide whether you want to use a registered agent service or prefer to go the DIY route. While a service is not right for everyone, it does bring many benefits with it.
You need time to manage your small business and carry out the tasks that help it run on the day-to-day. Whether that means meeting with clients, pounding the pavement, doing creative work, or manning your shop front, you already have a full to-do list. Many business owners find that their days are jam-packed, and the idea of additional paperwork is nothing but stressful.
If that describes you, then a registered agent service may be the answer. When you use one, you know there is always someone on hand to ensure that important documents are received and taken care of in a timely manner. No longer do you have to worry about anything slipping through the cracks. Moreover, you have dedicated help completing annoying tasks, such as filing annual reports or delivering service of process.
Unfortunately, ignorance is no excuse when it comes to remaining in compliance. If you miss important documentation pertaining to your business — everything from service of process to tax forms to your annual report — you may risk penalties for your business or even for you personally, trouble renewing your license, or loss of public standing.
A registered agent service will make sure that does not happen. By collecting all important documents for you, checking timelines, and communicating with you, they give you the tools you need to remain in good standing with the state and federal governments.
One of the biggest benefits of owning a small business, especially in our connected modern age, is that you have the flexibility to work from wherever you like. Lots of business owners choose to do this from home, while getting a cup of Joe, or even from overseas. If that’s the lifestyle you’re hoping your business will afford you, then flexibility really matters.
Unfortunately, a registered agent must be available at all times at a physical location during business hours. For those who want ultimate flexibility, this is a major downside. By appointing a registered agent service, often one that maintains multiple people available to receive documents on your behalf, you avoid this. That enables you to travel, work from home, spend time with kiddos or furry friends, or do whatever else makes life meaningful for you.
Finally, a registered agent service reduces your paperwork load. If you don’t deal in documentation and find it difficult or overwhelming, then offloading it permanently might be the right call. In that case, hello registered agent service!
Et voilà: Now you know everything you need to about selecting the right Washington registered agent for your biz. If you have further questions contact us, we’re happy to try and help!
A Washington registered agent or registered agent service is a person or entity authorized by you to collect important documentation on your behalf. You can be your own registered agent, provided you meet the rules listed above.
All businesses are required to have a registered agent to collect documents and provide service of process. You need one in the sense that it’s required, but you only need to choose someone other than yourself if you wish.
Any individual or entity with a Washington address that is available during business hours to collect documents on your behalf can be your registered agent. This includes both commercial, non-commercial, and individual services.
Changing your registered agent requires that you fill out a form and either submit it online, mail it in, or fax it. Electronic means will be completed faster than mailing in.
Registered agent costs vary, starting around $50 a year for the cheapest. However, most reputable services will run between $100 and $300 per year.
This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos on this page.
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