Do I Really Need a Missouri Registered Agent?

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A Missouri registered agent acts as your business’s official point of contact for legal documents and government notices. This is also how the Missouri Secretary of State guarantees its ability to reach a company. A registered agent is required for registering your business with the Missouri Secretary of State, whether you’re forming an LLC, a corporation, or registering an out-of-state entity to do business in Missouri. The registered agent must be available during business hours to accept legal service of process, ensuring that your business can respond promptly to legal actions and compliance requirements.

Not every business requires a registered agent in Missouri. Here’s the breakdown

Businesses That Must Maintain a Registered Agent

Every LLC, corporation, and out-of-state entity registered to do business in Missouri must appoint a Missouri registered agent. This requirement is pivotal for maintaining good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State and ensuring that the business can be reached for legal and official communications.

• LLCs (domestic and foreign)
• Limited Partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Corporations

Businesses That Don’t Need a Missouri Registered Agent

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships not registered with the state do not need a Missouri registered agent. However, transitioning to a formal business structure like an LLC or corporation necessitates appointing one.

• Sole proprietors
• Partnerships

Privacy

Hiring a commercial registered agent helps protect your privacy. Using their address on public records keeps your home or office address off the internet, safeguarding against unsolicited mail and potential privacy breaches. In Missouri, a registered agent can use their information in place of yours for:

• The organizer
• The Principal Office address
• The name and street address of the organizer

Compliance

A commercial registered agent ensures that your business remains in compliance with Missouri’s legal requirements. They manage and forward legal and official documents, help avoid missed deadlines by sending timely reminders for report filings, and can assist with maintaining necessary records.

Expertise

Commercial registered agents specialize in navigating the complexities of state regulations and legal processes. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially for new business owners unfamiliar with the intricacies of corporate compliance.

While it’s possible to serve as your own registered agent in Missouri, this decision requires careful consideration. Being your own agent means being available during all business hours and having your address listed publicly. For many business owners, the convenience and privacy offered by a commercial registered agent are worth the cost.

What’s Required to Serve as a Registered Agent in Missouri

To serve as your own registered agent, you must:

• Be a legal resident of Missouri.
• Have a physical address in the state (not just a P.O. Box).
• Be available at that address during normal business hours to accept legal documents.

Make it Official

To officially appoint yourself or another individual as a registered agent, include this information in your business’s formation documents (articles of incorporation or organization) filed with the Missouri Secretary of State. If changing your registered agent, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form, ensuring the new agent consents in writing.

If you’re looking to hire a registered agent for your Missouri business, here are two that do a really good job.

Best Budget Missouri Registered Agent

Missouri Registered Agent ($40/year) has a fantastic record of reliability. They offer same day digital scans and free mail forwarding. They’re based in Pittsfield and offer services statewide.

Best Premium Missouri Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) These guys will form your LLC for $39, and will also list their address instead of yours wherever possible on the Articles of Organization. This is an actual huge benefit, even if your not all that concerned about anonymity. The amount of junk mail and spam calls you’ll avoid alone is worth this benefit.

These are the added benefits that Northwest Registered Agent offers:

• $39 LLC formation
• Same day scans and uploads of all legal and state notifications
• Privacy by Default® (They use every opportunity to keep your contact information off of public documentation and do not sell your data)

1. Can I change my Missouri registered agent? Yes, by filing a Statement of Change with the Missouri Secretary of State and obtaining consent from the new agent.
2. What happens if my registered agent is not available? Failing to maintain an accessible registered agent can result in missed legal notices and potentially jeopardize your business’s good standing.
3. Do I need a registered agent if I run a home-based business? Yes, all formal business entities in Missouri require a registered agent, regardless of their operation location.