If you’re looking to answer “Should I be my own registered agent for an LLC?” you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’re going to discuss registered agent services, how they differ by state, and whether you can (and should) do it yourself.
That said, if you’re looking for other free resources related to US LLCs, you can access all of our articles under US banking from the menu above.
Or, you can click here and access one of our most popular US LLC articles covering how to open a US business bank account for non-residents.
Feel free to jump ahead to the areas most relevant to you by using the table of contents below.
Table of Contents
- Should I Be My Own Registered Agent for an LLC?
- Register Agent Services
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
Should I Be My Own Registered Agent for an LLC?
When considering if you should be your own registered agent for an LLC, it’s important to consider the ongoing requirements, public disclosures, and potential downsides. That said, it is possible to be your own registered agent if you are a resident in the state where the LLC is registered.
With this in mind, it’s important to point out that non-residents do not have the option to be their own registered agents. Instead, they will need to enlist the services of someone else who resides in the same state as their LLC registration.
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In the next section, we’ll discuss standard registered agent services in greater detail. But, for now, let’s take a look at the downside of being your own registered agent for an LLC.
The Downside to Being Your Own Registered Agent for an LLC
In order to fulfill the requirements of a registered agent for an LLC, an individual must be aware of (and meet) all of the state filing requirements. That said, this is just the basic requirement of a registered agent. Additionally, the agent is responsible for receiving documentation from the courts and state offices.
Additional downsides include having your personal or work address listed in public registries as the place of business for the LLC. In contrast, if you were to use a registered agent and a registered address for an LLC in a state like Wyoming, your personal information would not be made publicly available.
Lastly, LLCs are required to have a registered agent in any state where they have operations. This refers to the registering of a “foreign LLC”. Foreign LLCs operate in a state other than the state of registration. These LLCs are required to have a registered agent in each state where they operate, so an LLC with plans to expand would eventually need to either hire a registered agent, or restrict its ability to grow or operate illegally (which they shouldn’t do).
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Registered Agent Services
It’s possible to find registered agent services in every state that you might be considering for an LLC. That said, there can be a big difference in the quality and price of services being offered.
For this reason, it’s important to shop around and find a service provider that offers the services you need for a competitive price. Where possible, it is also advisable to find reviews from other individuals with LLCs that match your profile.
Type of Services a Registered Agent Offers
As for the services they offer, in most cases, it involves meeting state filing requirements. This includes maintaining related documents, processing payments for state fees, and keeping you up to date on any relevant changes.
Of course, a registered agent can also serve as the provider for a registered address. And, in certain instances, they may provide additional corporate services as well, such as accounting.
That said, when it comes to navigating the complexities of opening a bank account, registered agents are often unfamiliar with the process to open accounts for non-residents. That’s why our team has a dedicated account opening service for non-resident US LLCs. It helps non-resident owners find and open the best bank accounts for their business requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions we receive from people wondering if they should be their own registered agents for an LLC. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent For My LLC in Texas?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your LLC in Texas. However, if you are not a resident of Texas, you will need to employ a registered agent. This is because a registered agent must be resident in the state where the LLC is formed.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in California?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in California for an LLC. However, if you choose to be the registered agent of an LLC, your personal information is publicly available. This information includes your name and address.
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