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Understanding the Importance of a New Hampshire Registered Agent for Your Business

By Alison K Plaut

Published on 27 Jul 2023 5 min read

New Hampshire offers excellent air and water quality and attracts people and businesses for its natural beauty and strong economic growth. You need a registered agent if you plan to start a limited liability company (LLC) in New Hampshire or move your business operations to that state. 

A New Hampshire registered agent is the trusted point of contact to receive official documents. Read on to understand the role of a registered agent and how to choose the best service for your New Hampshire business. 

What Is a New Hampshire Registered Agent?

A New Hampshire registered agent or resident agent is your business’s primary point of contact for the public and the government. The role of a registered agent is to receive official mail correspondence from the government and the public on behalf of the business. 

If you’re preparing to launch a New Hampshire business or move to the state, any business entity registered with the Secretary of State needs a registered agent. This includes partnerships, non-profits, corporations, or LLCs.

An individual or company with a physical address in New Hampshire can be the registered agent as long as someone is available at the registered office in New Hampshire during regular business hours. 

Fortunately, for business owners, the registered agent doesn’t have to be an owner or director of the LLC or corporation. You can also choose to hire a professional registered agent service for as little as $49 a year.

What Is a Registered Office in New Hampshire?

As the name implies, a registered office is the official address of the registered agent listed with the Secretary of State. This is the location that will receive process service and other official documents on behalf of the business. The registered office must be located in New Hampshire and have someone available during regular business hours. A registered office cannot be a post office box.

What Are the Legal Duties of a New Hampshire Registered Agent?

The legal duties of a New Hampshire registered agent involve receiving and forwarding legal documents and summons. They will be the point of contact for your company to receive official correspondence, legal summons, as well as tax and other documents. 

The registered agent is responsible for forwarding all correspondence to the New Hampshire LLC or business owners. This can give business owners peace of mind, as they are ensured that they won’t miss anything important. 

The documents that registered agents can receive and forward include:

• Tax documents
• Legal documents like subpoenas
• Business documents like notices of annual reports
• Official government correspondence
• Other compliance-related documents, such as documents from the insurance company

Why Is a Registered Agent Required in New Hampshire?

The Secretary of State requires the registered agent to guarantee that both the government and the public can contact the business efficiently, including sending notice of a lawsuit. New Hampshire revised statutes 293-A:5.01 detail the responsibilities and legal requirements of a registered agent in the state. 

Does New Hampshire Require Registered Agent Consents?

In New Hampshire, the registered agent isn’t required to sign a form stating their consent, although it’s assumed that the state still requires the registered agent’s consent. The change of registered agent form can be signed by an officer or director, a manager or member, a partner, a founder, or an agent.

When Do You Need a New Hampshire Registered Agent?

By New Hampshire law, a registered agent acts as a representative of the business with the express purpose of receiving legal documents, including court notices. State law requires that an LLC or corporation maintain a registered agent in the state at all times to be in good standing.  

Following are the situations where a New Hampshire registered agent is required:

• LLCs registered in New Hampshire
• Foreign LLCs operating in New Hampshire
• Corporations registered in New Hampshire
• Foreign corporations doing business in New Hampshire

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in New Hampshire?

According to New Hampshire law, a person or business entity already registered with the New Hampshire Secretary of State can be a registered agent. To act as a registered agent, they must have a physical address in the state.  

You can also choose to hire a professional registered agent service. A list of companies willing to serve as agents can be found on the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website.

How to Choose a Registered Agent Service in New Hampshire?

Choosing the right registered agent service can offer simplicity of management and peace of mind. Consider the following points when choosing a registered agent:

Service Cost

The cost of a professional New Hampshire registered agent service ranges from $49 to $300. Consider the price of the service and its value for you to balance cost savings with reliable service or additional features.

Features 

While the basic responsibility of registered agents remains the same, how they offer mail forwarding and additional services varies. Some registered agents give you online account access, offer scanning and forwarding, and can also facilitate online LLC formation. Look for a registered agent offering additional services that can save your business time and offer greater value.

Reputation

A registered agent’s reputation for service, value, and privacy is essential as they play a vital role in communication for your business. Look for a registered agent service with strong positive client reviews on sites like Google, BBB, and Trustpilot. 

LLC members often choose to use a registered agent to protect their private information. Check that the registered agent gets strong reviews in this area and acts as a trusted interface of your company with the public and the government.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a New Hampshire Registered Agent?

In New Hampshire, the law requires all business entities registered with the state to maintain a registered agent at all times. Failure to maintain an agent may result in your business’s administrative suspension or dissolution.

How to Change Registered Agents in New Hampshire?

You may change the registered agent or registered address in New Hampshire at any time. Business owners may choose to change from themselves to a professional registered agent service or simply appoint a new registered agent. Notifying the state of any changes to the registered agent is essential.

In New Hampshire, the cost of filing for a change of registered agent is $15. You can do it online or by filling out the statement of change of registered agent. If you choose to print the form, you can mail it with a check to:

Corporation Division, NH Dept. of State

107 N Main St, Rm 204

Concord, NH 03301-4989

You can also deliver the form at:

State House Annex

3rd Floor, Rm 317, 25 Capitol St

Concord, NH

Expanding Your New Hampshire Business

Business growth is exciting but also time-consuming. Business owners need all the help they can get. A New Hampshire registered agent offers reliable contact and privacy for your company, ensuring you don’t miss any important documents.

Doola can also help. Doola Books offer exceptional bookkeeping services for busy founders so that you can focus on growing your core business. Get doola books here to get help with bookkeeping without hiring an accountant.

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