Filings > Registered Agent

A registered agent is your point of contact for receiving important legal documents, tax forms, and official government correspondence. They don't fill out these documents for you but forward them to you for completion. If you hire a service like LegalZoom, they use the information you provide to fill out the actual documents for filing with the state. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state where your LLC is registered and be available to receive mail.

Options for a Registered Agent

• Self-Registered Agent: You or another member of your LLC can act as the registered agent. Requirements include:
  • Having a physical address in the state (not a PO box or virtual address). You can use your home, office, a friend's or family's address, or a coworking space.
  • Keeping track of due dates for required documents and filing a Statement of Information with the state on time.
• Using a Registered Agent Service: Professional services cost between $100 and $300 per year. They will:
  • Receive legal documents and official notices for your LLC.
  • Notify you via email or other methods whenever they receive documents.
  • Provide an online platform for completing necessary forms.

If you don't have an address available in California, this is the cheapest registered agent we found: California Registered Agent.

Setting Up Your Registered Agent in the Articles of Organization

• Individual: Add your name and address to act as your own registered agent.
  
• Service: Purchase a registered agent service and add their details by searching on the search bar.
  

Documents Your Registered Agent Handles

• Legal documents such as lawsuits, summons, and subpoenas.
• Notices from the IRS or state tax authorities.
• Annual reports or biennial statements required by the state.
• Compliance notices from state agencies.
• Official correspondence from the Secretary of State or other state offices.

For more on compliance, refer to our Compliance Lesson.