If you have a Minnesota LLC, corporation, or any other business entity, you’ll need a registered agent. A registered agent is the trusted point of contact for process servers and other official documents. While you could function as your own Minnesota registered agent, registered agent services are an inexpensive way to ensure compliance. Read on to understand registered agent requirements and what to look for in a reliable, professional service.
What Is a Minnesota Registered Agent?
A Minnesota registered agent or resident agent is a Minnesota business’s official point of contact. All business entities operating in the state must have a registered agent. Registered agents can be Minnesota residents or businesses operating in Minnesota.
Minnesota registered agents must have a physical address and have someone available there during normal business hours (9 am to 5 pm), Monday through Friday. You can’t use a PO Box or virtual address as a registered agent’s address.
What Is a Registered Office in Minnesota?
The registered office is the physical business address of the Minnesota registered agent. The registered office is where official government documents, reminders, state documents, and other documents can be delivered. It’s also listed in the public record and is the address where the government and public may reach your business.
What Are the Legal Duties of a Minnesota Registered Agent?
The legal duties of a registered agent involve receiving official correspondence or process servers and passing on this information to the business. A Minnesota registered agent must maintain a physical office in the state and ensure it is staffed during regular business hours.
Summary of Minnesota registered agents’ duties:
- Maintaining the registered office
- Ensuring someone is available at the office during business hours
- Receiving all official correspondence
- Receiving process servers and legal summons
- Forwarding everything received to the business promptly
Why Is a Registered Agent Required in Minnesota?
According to Minnesota Statutes 5.355.37, businesses formed in Minnesota or foreign businesses operating in the state must maintain a registered agent with a registered office. This ensures that the state and the public can reach the business anytime.
If the business needs to change the registered agent, it must file with the Secretary of State and appoint a new registered agent.
Does Minnesota Require Registered Agent Consents?
Yes, Minnesota requires the registered agent’s consent and allows the registered agent to resign from the role at any time.
When Do You Need a Minnesota Registered Agent?
You need a registered agent in Minnesota if you have a business or a foreign business entity operating in the state. You need a registered agent for all Minnesota-based businesses, including Minnesota LLCs, partnerships, C-corporations, S-corporations, or 501(c)3 corporations.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Minnesota?
According to Minnesota law, the registered agent can be a Minnesota resident, a domestic corporation or limited liability company, or a foreign corporation or limited liability company that is authorized to transact business in Minnesota.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service in Minnesota?
For many business owners, hiring a Minnesota registered agent service simplifies communication and offers a cost-effective compliance solution. You should consider the following points when choosing a registered agent:
Service Cost
The cost of a registered agent service in Minnesota ranges from $39 to $150 per year. Carefully weigh the price with the services offered to locate the company that offers the greatest value for your business.
Features
Many Minnesota registered agent services offer premium features like mail scanning, email forwarding, or online account access. Some bundled services offer online LLC formation or legal advice. Consider premium features required for smooth business operations and whether they offer greater value for your business.
Reputation
Carefully check the reputation of any registered agent service online. Sites like BBB or Trustpilot can offer honest reviews to weigh the pros and cons of a particular company. Consider the company’s reputation for protecting business owners’ privacy and their reliability in forwarding important documents quickly, and choose the most reliable service for your business.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Minnesota Registered Agent?
The state will reject your business filing if you don’t have a registered agent in Minnesota. If the registered agent resigns, you’re legally obligated to appoint a new one. If you fail to appoint a registered agent, your Minnesota company could face additional penalties or fines.
However, the Minnesota Secretary of State will accept and forward the service of process if the company doesn’t have a registered agent on file.
How to Change Registered Agents in Minnesota?
You may change registered agents in Minnesota at any time. For example, if you are a business owner serving as a registered agent, you can change to a professional registered agent service. Or you may choose to switch registered agent services to one that offers greater value. In both situations, you must inform the Secretary of State of the changes immediately.
To change registered agents in Minnesota, you must fill out the Notice of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office Form. On this form, Minnesota also requests an email address that may be used to send annual renewal reminders and other important notices requiring action or response. This can simplify communication, but you have the choice to opt out of email notifications.
Additionally, Minnesota Statutes require that an officer, representative, or authorized agent sign the form. You can file the completed form online at www.sos.mn.gov. Alternatively, you can mail the completed form or deliver it in person at:
Minnesota Secretary of State-Business Services
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN
55101
The office is open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, except for public holidays. If you have any questions, you can call them at 651-296-2803 or 1-877-551-6767. The phones are staffed from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Filing fees vary by business type and filing method. For Minnesota companies, it costs $55 for expedited service in-person and online filings or $35 for forms submitted by mail. For foreign corporations, cooperatives, and nonprofits, the cost is $70 for expedited service in-person and online filings or $50 for forms submitted by mail.
Expanding Your Minnesota Business
As a business owner, finding reliable support to manage various tasks can free up your time to focus on business growth. A registered agent service is a low-cost option to ensure you receive all official documents on time and don’t have to hire an extra employee.
Likewise, Doola Bookkeeping Services offer exceptional accounting services for busy founders. Get doola books to save time on accounting and maintain compliance so you’re free to focus on providing greater value to clients and capturing significant market share to expand your Minnesota business.
FAQs
How long does a Minnesota Registered Agent’s appointment last?
A registered agent’s appointment in Minnesota lasts until the company changes registered agents, the registered agent resigns, or the business moves to another state.
Can you appoint an out-of-state Registered Agent for your Minnesota business?
No, you cannot appoint an out-of-state registered agent for your Minnesota business. You must appoint a Minnesota resident or business operating in the state as a registered agent.
How much does hiring a professional Registered Agent in Minnesota cost?
Hiring a professional registered agent service in Minnesota costs $39 to $150, depending on the company and services offered.
Are Minnesota Registered Agents responsible for any fees or taxes?
No, Minnesota registered agents aren’t responsible for any fees or taxes. Business owners or LLC members are responsible for all taxes, fees, annual filings, and other business obligations.
Is a Registered Agent’s address public?
Yes, a registered agent’s name and address are on the public record and available from the Minnesota Secretary of State.
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