The Need For A Registered Agent In Delaware:
A registered agent (also referred to as “resident agent”) is a communicator between you and the state of Delaware when incorporating your company. Before you set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the state of Delaware you should be aware of the importance of a registered agent. A registered agent plays a crucial role when you are setting up an LLC in Delaware and it is compulsory to have one by law if you do not have a physical address in this state.
What Are The Roles Of A Registered Agent?
- They are responsible for accepting and sending any legal documents to either party in a prompt manner.
- One of their roles is to remind and assist you when any franchise taxes are to be paid.
- They hold your physical address in case you do not have one so that any reports or notices are sent there from the authorities.
- Agents are also your physical presence, available at times when you are not. For example in a situation where someone is filing a lawsuit or if there is any immediate legal action to be taken.
Please keep in mind that the registered agent does not incorporate your company and he is to only act as your intermediary.
What Other Options Do I Have?
Besides using an agent, you also have an option to be your own agent or ask a friend, family member, or business partner to be one for you. You can save a lot in fees if you decide to not go with an agent but keep in mind that there are some requirements:
- The person must be at least 18-years-old.
- They should be available during business hours which are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The agent must also have a physical business address in the state of Delaware.
- The location of the agent’s office must be properly verified; an apartment or small residential area does not usually give a good image for businesses and landlords sometimes do not allow their tenants to run businesses at their location.
The Services Offered in Delaware:
Delaware has many registered agent services being offered at the moment and there are several factors that you have to consider with your lawyer or CPA before choosing to go with either one of them.
Factors To Consider:
- You should check the prices of each agent and the packages they are offering and the one that best fits your need. The price can range from $50 to 300$ annually.
- If you reside outside Delaware, you should go with someone who operates nationwide so they’re available at all times.
- The online and offline support you get is also very important to consider, check the agent’s business hours, and what kind of email or website support they offer for their clients.
- There are also many scam companies opening up so it is advisable to check your agent’s previous records before deciding to go with them.
Which Registered Agent Companies Are Used Most Commonly In Delaware?
Before you make your decision, here is a list of some of the best and most common Delaware registered agents
ZenBusiness:
ZenBusiness gives you one of the easiest to understand services with the quickest service. They complete all the criteria for a good registered agent and deliver everything to you in a timely manner with one of the best customer supports out there. ZenBusiness costs 39$ for LLC formation and even gives you a years’ worth free registered agent service with it! After the first year, it costs 99$ per year which is still much lesser than many companies out there.
Harvard Business Service:
Harvard Business Services Inc. was founded in 1981 and has its headquarters in Lewes, Delaware. It is providing its services for almost 4 decades now and is still one of the best-registered agent company. It costs a mere $50 per year for the rest of your company’s life which is a good value for money!
CT Corporation:
CT corporation not only operates in Delaware or the United States but it offers its services in 35 countries across the globe which makes it the largest registered agent company in the world! It started in 1892 and is giving its services for more than a century. It costs 49$ per year too but you have to pay a heavy fee of almost 300$ license fee with it.