If you plan to own or operate a business in Connecticut, you’ll need a registered agent. The guide here will help you understand the crucial role of a Connecticut registered agent and how to select the correct one. All Connecticut businesses, including a limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership, non-profit, or corporation, must meet these requirements. Read on to know more about the requirements and commonly asked questions.
What Is a Connecticut Registered Agent?
A Connecticut registered agent is the primary point of contact for a Connecticut business. The registered agent can be a person or company selected to receive official communication and important documents on behalf of the company. The registered agent will need to receive the process server and other legal documents, as well as official government correspondence.
Connecticut allows for commercial registered agents or non-commercial registered agents. A commercial registered agent is typically a business that has filed a commercial registered business listing with the Secretary of the State to fulfill the role of a registered agent for other businesses.
What Is a Registered Office in Connecticut?
A registered agent office in Connecticut is the physical business address that a Connecticut registered agent can be reached during normal business hours. The registered office cannot be a P.O. box or other non-localized mailbox service. It must be a physical Connecticut address.
What Are the Legal Duties of a Connecticut Registered Agent?
The legal duties of a Connecticut registered agent center around receiving official correspondence as well as delivering them promptly to the business. A Connecticut registered agent accepts service of process, legal correspondence, and official state notices.
Responsibilities of a Connecticut registered agent include:
- Maintaining a physical address in Connecticut
- Having someone present at the address during normal business hours
- Receiving any mail, summons, or official documents on behalf of the company
- Forwarding anything received to the company
- Ensuring prompt delivery of all correspondence
Why Is a Registered Agent Required in Connecticut?
A registered agent is required in Connecticut to ensure that the government and the public can contact a business during normal business hours. Connecticut state law requires someone to be available to accept service of process or other official documents for your business.
Does Connecticut Require Registered Agent Consents?
Connecticut requires the registered agent to sign business formation documents and change of agent form as proof of consent.
When Do You Need a Connecticut Registered Agent?
Incorporations, corporations, LLCs, and out-of-state business entities that operate in Connecticut are required to have a registered agent in the state. Companies with a certificate of authority or registration or preparing to incorporate in Connecticut also need a Connecticut registered agent. These include:
- Connecticut LLCs
- Connecticut corporations
- Foreign LLCs operating in Connecticut
- Foreign corporations operating in Connecticut
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, you may serve as your own registered agent if you are a local resident. Additionally, any Connecticut resident aged 18 or above, or a business entity registered in Connecticut with a local address can become a registered agent.
Foreign entities operating in Connecticut may appoint the Connecticut Secretary of the State as their registered agent.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service in Connecticut?
You should consider the following when choosing a Connecticut registered agent:
Service Cost
The cost of a registered agent service in Connecticut costs between $49 to $300. Weigh additional services and whether they add value or features to the Connecticut registered agent service you choose.
Features
A basic registered agent service offers mail forwarding to clients. Some offer additional features like online account access or scanning and email forwarding to make it easier for you to access vital documents. Some registered agent services also offer online LLC formation with free registered agent service or other premium bonuses.
Reputation
A Connecticut registered agent will be your business’s trusted point of contact, responsible for protecting the business’s privacy while passing on essential information. Check customer reviews and BBB ratings of the agent to understand the service they offer and how reliable they are.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Connecticut Registered Agent?
If you apply for an LLC in Connecticut without a registered agent, the Secretary of State Commercial Recording Division will reject your business filing. Likewise, if you fail to appoint a new registered agent or inform the state of changes to the registered agent or registered address, your business might face penalties or charges.
How to Change Registered Agents in Connecticut?
You can change your company’s Connecticut registered agent at any time. For example, you can choose to change the registered agent from yourself to a registered agent service.
To change the registered agent’s address, you need to fill out this form and to change the registered agent, you must use this form. Then, you can submit the forms by mail or deliver them directly to the Secretary of State.
Mailing address:
Commercial Recording Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Delivery address:
Commercial Recording Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State
30 Trinity Street
Hartford, CT 06115
You can also reach the Secretary of State by phone at 860-509-6003 or on their website.
Steps to change registered agents in Connecticut:
- Fill out the appropriate form
- Send the form by mail, or deliver it by hand to the addresses above
- Include the $50 filing fee
- If you have any questions, contact the Secretary of State at the number provided above.
Building Your Connecticut Business
A company needs every advantage it can get. Consider the support you need to focus on your core business and its growth. Look for a Connecticut registered agent service to protect your business’s privacy and ensure important documents reach you on time. Likewise, consider Doola books to simplify accounting and ensure accurate bookkeeping. Get doola books here, so you can spend more time building your Connecticut business.
FAQs
How long does a Connecticut Registered Agent’s appointment last?
A Connecticut registered agent’s appointment lasts until you change the registered agent or until the business no longer operates in Connecticut or moves to another state.
Can you appoint an out-of-state Registered Agent for your Connecticut business?
No, you cannot appoint an out-of-state Registered Agent for your Connecticut business. However, foreign businesses in Connecticut may appoint the Secretary of State as their registered agent.
How much does hiring a professional Registered Agent in Connecticut cost?
A professional registered agent in Connecticut costs $49 to $300, depending on the services offered. The higher fees may include LLC formation in Connecticut.
Are Connecticut Registered Agents responsible for any fees or taxes?
Connecticut registered agents are not responsible for any fees or taxes. The company that uses the registered agent’s service or the LLC members or owners are responsible for fees and taxes.
Is a Registered Agent’s address public in Connecticut?
A registered agent’s address is on the public record. Anyone can look up a registered agent’s address and contact them.
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