A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal and government documents on behalf of a business. Every LLC, corporation, and most formal business entities must have one. Learn more in our complete guide on what a registered agent is.

Yes. Every LLC and corporation must maintain a registered agent in the state where they are formed and in any state where they are registered to do business.

Yes, in most states. You need to be a state resident with a physical address (not a PO Box) and be available during business hours. However, this means your home address becomes public record.

Professional registered agent services typically cost between $50 and $300 per year. Some business formation services include the first year free.

Your business can lose good standing, face administrative dissolution, miss important legal documents, and have default judgments entered against it in lawsuits.

File a Statement of Change (or similar form) with the Secretary of State. Most states allow online filing. The fee is usually $5 to $50.

Visit the Secretary of State website for the state where the business is registered. Use our state directory to find the direct link for any state. Search by business name or entity number.

Yes. Business registrations are public records. Anyone can search for and view information about registered businesses, including their registered agent, status, officers, and filing history.

It is an official document from the state confirming your business is compliant with all state requirements. You may need it for bank accounts, loans, or registering in other states.

Search the state's business entity database for the name you want. If no exact match appears, the name may be available. Some states also offer a name reservation service.

An LLC offers simpler management and pass-through taxation. A corporation provides easier access to investors and stock. Both offer personal liability protection. See our LLC vs Corporation comparison for details.

For most small businesses, your home state is the best choice. Forming in a different state means paying fees in multiple states. See our guide on choosing the best state for LLC formation.

State filing fees range from $40 to $500. Compare exact fees on our filing fees comparison page. Additional costs may include a registered agent service, EIN application (free), and an operating agreement.

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS for tax purposes. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. It is free to apply on irs.gov.

It is the document you file with the state to create your business entity. For LLCs, it is also called Articles of Organization. For corporations, it is Articles of Incorporation.

An annual report is a filing that businesses submit to the state to keep their registration current. It updates your business information such as address, officers, and registered agent. Most states charge a fee.

Late fees and penalties are common. If you miss multiple filings, the state may revoke your good standing status or administratively dissolve your business.

It is the process of registering your business in a state other than where it was originally formed. You need it if you have a physical presence, employees, or significant business activity in another state.

File Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State, settle all debts, file final tax returns, and cancel business licenses. See our guide on dissolving a business.