It is a legal requirement for any entrepreneur who wants to start a business in Delaware to have a Registered Agent for their company. They act as a point of contact between companies and the government for business registration, receiving correspondence, reporting, and filing tax returns.
There are plenty of Delaware Registered Agents; however, choosing the best one for your business can be challenging. This article will highlight specific features of a registered agent and what to look for when choosing one.
Office to be physically located in Delaware
A registered agent must be physically located in the state of Delaware. According to the statutory code, if a registered agent is an entity or an individual, they must maintain regular business office hours in Delaware to receive official correspondence and legal documents on behalf of the company.
If you are an individual acting as a registered agent, you will have to be present in the location and address at all times to receive and offer services to LLCs and Corporations.
Accept and forward correspondence to companies
Delaware Registered Agents act as points of contact between legal entities and the government. They accept communications sent to their office on behalf of the legal entity it serves as a registered agent. It also ensures that it forwards the communication to the company promptly to ensure it acknowledges all correspondence on time.
Retain the company’s communication
A Delaware Registered Agent is responsible for retaining the current communications of every company it represents. It should retain the company’s name, address, director, employee, business number, and the authorised representative of the company who is to receive the company’s communication from the registered agent.
Forward annual report to the company
Registered agents are in charge of forwarding annual reports of the company or notice as required by the State Department of Delaware.
Maintain a Delaware business license
To maintain a physical office in Delaware, you must have a business license to show that your business is operating in the state.
Provide the Division of Corporation
To enable communications, all Commercial Registered Agents are required to complete, sign, and have notarized and delivered to the Division of Corporations a registration statement to be updated when changes occur and to be submitted periodically upon request.
Availability
According to the law, a registered agent should be available at all times during business working hours. So, when choosing one, ensure they are always available from Monday to Friday to offer services to your business.
Reliability
The registered agent may be available but not reliable. So, ensure you search for a reliable agent who will ensure your taxes are filed and statutory records are accurate records and annual reporting. They should also be able to ensure that all correspondence and legal notices are sent to the company on time.
Professionalism
They should have professionally trained staff to cater to the businesses they are serving. This will help streamline the services offered and reduce errors, delays, and incorrect and incomplete documents.
Responsiveness
Many times, when clients or customers contact businesses for help or complain, businesses may not be in a position to respond appropriately. Ensure the registered agent you are looking for is quick to answer complaints and deal with issues.
National reach
In case you want to expand your business from another state to Delaware, ensure you look for an agent who has a national reach. Delaware Registered Agents with a national reach can easily and seamlessly ensure your foreign company is registered and operating seamlessly.
Customer reviews
One of the most important things you should look for when looking for a registered agent is customer reviews and rates. Customers who have used a business service are always honest about their experience, and you can find that in reviews. By reviewing all the reviews and seeing how they are rated in the market, it will be easier for you to settle for an agent with more positive reviews.
Secure
Businesses handle sensitive information in their correspondence or the company owners. Ensure the registered agent you choose can maintain the privacy of the sensitive information and ensure it gets to the right person in the company.
Ensure compliance
Registered agents help companies in Delaware, both LLCs and Corporations, to be compliant with the state’s legal requirements. To start a business in Delaware, you must appoint a registered agent who will handle all your communications with the government.
Receive official communication
Acting as your company’s point of contact with the government, the registered agent will be responsible for receiving your company’s communications, such as official correspondence and legal notices. They also access the service of process and tax documents.
Receive official communication
Acting as your company’s point of contact with the government, the registered agent will be responsible for receiving your company’s communications, such as official correspondence and legal notices. They also access the service of process and tax documents.
Provides tax information
You may find it very helpful to have a Registered Agent when it comes to company compliances, taxes. etc. You can contact your Registered Agent if you need information relating to taxes, compliances. Many agents also help businesses to submit these taxes and stay compliant with government regulations.
Additional services
They also offer additional services such as mail handling, EIN applications, telephony services, and call-answering services. They also offer ongoing services such as filing tax returns. This ensures the company operates seamlessly as the business owner focuses on growing their business.
Privacy
Not using your residential address will give you more privacy and you will also be able to avoid junk mail. Having a registered agent will ensure that your mail is sorted properly and delivered to you promptly. Many agents will scan the letters and email it to you which will always be in your records and you can refer back to it whenever required.
No need to maintain normal business hours
You can set your business hours since your chosen registered agent must maintain normal business working hours from Monday to Friday. This means that the agents will be there to receive your company’s receipts of legal and official documents and send them to you wherever you are. You can also have a home-based business while still using an agent for your business.
In summary, a Delaware Registered Agent is important for your business and you must conduct due diligence to ensure you choose the right one for your company.
Icon Offices, Registered Agents in Delaware, offer LLC company formation and additional services that seamlessly help business owners to operate smoothly. We help you register for EIN and also offer a virtual office address that you can use as your business address and for correspondence purposes.
Our physical offices are located in Delaware and we maintain regular working hours. According to customer reviews and ratings, we are reliable and responsive. For more information on Delaware Registered Agents, contact us at [email protected].