As a prime tourist destination with diverse islands and a comfortable year-round climate, Hawaii offers a good quality of life, an advantageous geographic location, and a multicultural environment. These, along with a robust entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem and supportive tax climate, make Hawaii an attractive place to build a business.
You’ll need a Hawaii registered agent if you plan to start a business in Hawaii or move your existing business to the state. Read on to understand the role and responsibilities of a registered agent and learn how to choose the best option for your Hawaii business.
What Is a Hawaii Registered Agent?
A registered agent guarantees that the government and the public can reach your company for summons, legal notices, and other official documents. In this way, the registered agent acts as the primary contact for your business.
Appointing a Hawaii registered agent ensures that your company receives all compliance correspondence and service of process. Whether you’ve created a Hawaii LLC, corporation, partnership, or any other business entity, it must have a registered agent.
A Hawaii registered agent can be a person or business entity in the state. The registered agent must have an address in Hawaii and be available during regular business hours. The registered agent could be the business entity’s owner, shareholder, or officer. You can also use a business attorney or a professional corporate service as the registered agent.
What Is a Registered Office in Hawaii?
A registered office is the official address of the registered agent listed with the Hawaii Secretary of State. The registered office is where the public or government can deliver mail, legal summons, or official documents during business hours. The registered office must not be a P.O. box or a virtual office.
What Are the Legal Duties of a Hawaii Registered Agent?
A registered agent in Hawaii is your business’s most important point of contact for receiving and forwarding legal documents. They receive official mail and documents and forward them to the business owners or members of the limited liability company (LLC).
In case of a legal process, the registered agent will receive a process server. If your business needs to file an annual report, the registered agent will receive this information and pass it on to you.
Legal duties of a Hawaii registered agent include:
- Receiving official documents
- Receiving a process server or legal summons
- Acting as a point of contact during business hours
- Forwarding all mail and correspondence
- Ensuring rapid delivery of essential documents
Why Is a Registered Agent Required in Hawaii?
A Hawaii registered agent is required so that the state of Hawaii and the general public have a reliable way to serve or contact your business. According to Hawaii state laws, “the duty of the registered agent is to receive service of process, notice, or demand on behalf of the business. The agent is hired to represent and to inform the business of such service.”
Does Hawaii Require Registered Agent Consents?
Yes, Hawaii requires the registered agent’s consent for the role. While the business entity may change its registered agent at any time, the owners must certify that they have the new registered agent’s consent.
When Do You Need a Hawaii Registered Agent?
You need a Hawaii registered agent for any business formed or operating in Hawaii. This includes all LLCs, partnerships, and corporations.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Hawaii?
A Hawaii registered agent can be an individual or entity authorized to transact business in the state of Hawaii. This includes any Hawaii resident aged 18 or older or a business entity with a physical presence in the state. You may also hire a professional registered agent service in Hawaii.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service in Hawaii?
A registered agent service is a cost-effective way to ensure you don’t miss important legal documents. Here is what to consider when choosing a registered agent:
Service Cost
Hawaii registered agent services typically cost $49 to $125. The higher-priced options often include LLC formation, email forwarding, or other bundled offers. Consider the price of the service and its value for you to find the option that balances costs with features.
Features
Features could include online account access, email scanning and forwarding, online LLC formation, legal advice, or other premium options. Consider whether you simply need a registered agent to meet state requirements or whether the additional features can facilitate business transactions.
Reputation
A registered agent will be your company’s trusted interface with the government and the public. You need a registered agent that is reliable and discrete. Check a registered agent’s reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, or Google. Read both positive and negative reviews to understand what you can expect from the service and whether they reliably deliver in areas important to your business.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Hawaii Registered Agent?
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division will reject your business filing if you don’t have a registered agent. Likewise, if you fail to notify the state of changes to a registered agent or don’t maintain a registered agent, you could face penalties, fees, or even dissolution of your business.
How to Change Registered Agents in Hawaii?
You may change registered agents at any time in Hawaii. For example, if you’ve been serving as a registered agent of your business and want to switch to a professional registered agent service, you can do this at any time. It’s essential to notify the state immediately of any changes to the registered agent or registered office.
To change registered agents in Hawaii, you’ll need to fill out the statement of change of registered agents by entity form and pay the non-refundable $25 filing fee. You can then mail the completed form to:
State of Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
335 Merchant Street
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, Hawaii 96810
If you have any questions, you can contact the Hawaii Secretary of State by phone, fax, or email.
- Phone: (808) 586-2727
- Fax: (808) 586-2733
- Email: breg@dcca.hawaii.gov
Expanding Your Hawaii Business
Once you’ve set up basic operations in Hawaii, it’s time to think about expansion. That’s where simple, low-cost business services that facilitate operations can help. A Hawaii registered agent can ensure you don’t miss any important documents, and Doola Books can help you save time on accounting.
Doola’s Bookkeeping Services offer exceptional accounting services for busy founders like you. Get doola books today to save time on accounting and focus on business growth.
FAQs
How long does a Hawaii Registered Agent’s appointment last?
A Hawaii registered agent’s appointment lasts until you change registered agents or move the business to another state. If you change registered agents or your current agent can no longer perform its duties, you must inform the state of the change immediately.
Can you appoint an out-of-state Registered Agent for your Hawaii business?
No, your Hawaii registered agent must be located in the state of Hawaii.
How much does hiring a professional Registered Agent in Hawaii cost?
Hiring a professional registered agent in Hawaii costs an average of $49 to $125 annually. The exact cost depends on the company and the services you require.
Are Hawaii Registered Agents responsible for any fees or taxes?
No, Hawaii registered agents aren’t responsible for any taxes or fees. Business owners or LLC members are responsible for all taxes and fees, as well as filing annual reports and other requirements.
Is a Registered Agent’s address public?
Yes, a registered agent’s name and address are on the public record. You can look up Hawaii registered agents in the Records Viewing area in Room 201 of the King Kalakaua building at 335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Copies of documents can also be purchased online.
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