As a business owner in Louisiana, you must have a registered agent to receive crucial legal documents and official communications on behalf of your company. This essential role helps maintain your business’s good standing with the state and keeps you informed of any legal matters that may arise. 

At The Law Dictionary, we pride ourselves on breaking down intricate legal requirements into easy-to-understand guidance. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate the legal landscape of your business confidently. Let’s explore the best registered agent options in Louisiana to help you make an informed decision for your company.

Our Top Pick
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Best LLC Service
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Best Registered Agent Services

Here are our top registered agent service picks in 2024:

Bizee Most Cost Effective
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2004
Bizee Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $119/Year

Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is a common choice for entrepreneurs looking for affordable registered agent services. They offer a year of free registered agent service with their LLC formation packages, making it an attractive option for new businesses on a tight budget. Bizee provides a user-friendly online platform for managing your business documents and compliance needs. Their online dashboard allows you to easily access and manage your documents, with notifications sent when new items are received. Bizee also offers additional services like business license research and annual report filing, though these come at an extra cost.

Bizee Pros and Cons
Pros Free year of registered agent service with formation Affordable pricing for ongoing services Easy-to-use online document management system Cons Some upsells during the checkout process Customer support can be slow at times Limited additional services compared to some competitors
LegalZoom Best Legal Support
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2001
LegalZoom Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $249/Year

LegalZoom is a well-known name in the legal services industry. They offer registered agent services as part of their comprehensive business formation packages. LegalZoom’s registered agent service includes unlimited cloud storage for your documents and compliance alerts to help you stay on top of important deadlines. They provide access to a network of attorneys for legal advice, which can be helpful for new business owners.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons
Pros Comprehensive legal services available Well-established brand with a strong reputation Access to attorney network (for an additional fee) Cons Higher pricing compared to some competitors Registered agent service not included in basic formation package
Northwest Registered Agent Best Customer Service
BBB Rating A+ Founded 1998
Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $125/Year

Northwest Registered Agent is a well-established company known for its personalized service and privacy protection. They take pride in their commitment to keeping your personal information secure and offer a level of privacy that goes beyond what many other registered agent services provide. They offer comprehensive registered agent services across all 50 states. What sets Northwest apart is their in-house customer support team, composed of former lawyers, accountants, and small business owners.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons
Pros Expert customer support from former lawyers, accountants, and business owners Strong focus on privacy protection Includes free mail forwarding Includes one year of RA services Cons Limited additional services beyond registered agent and formation No mobile app available
Swyft Filings Fast Turnaround
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2015
Swyft Filings Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $596/Year

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering fast and efficient registered agent services. They pride themselves on quick turnaround times for document processing and filing. Swyft Filings also assigns a personal business specialist to each client and they will add their name and address on filings so your company is protected.

Swyft Filings Pros and Cons
Pros Fast processing times Dedicated business specialist for each client User-friendly online dashboard Cons Registered agent service not included in formation packages Some upsells during the checkout process
ZenBusiness Most Comprehensive
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2015
ZenBusiness Overview

Registered Agent Price: $199/Year

ZenBusiness is a comprehensive business formation and registered agent service catering to entrepreneurs and small business owners. They offer a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of setting up and maintaining your Nebraska company. With ZenBusiness, you’ll receive personalized support and access to a wide range of business services beyond just registered agent duties.

We appreciate ZenBusiness for their commitment to providing affordable, high-quality services to Nebraska businesses. Their registered agent service includes features like compliance alerts, document scanning, and online access to your important business documents. ZenBusiness offers additional services such as annual report filing and business license research to help keep your company compliant.

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons
Pros Affordable pricing with good value Comprehensive business formation services available User-friendly online dashboard for managing documents Cons Some additional services come at an extra cost Some services are only available in higher-tier packages Customer support hours are more limited than some competitors

What Is a Registered Agent in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a registered agent is an individual or entity appointed to receive essential legal and official documents for your business. This includes service of process (legal papers related to lawsuits), tax notices, and other official communications from the state. The registered agent plays a vital role in ensuring your business remains in good standing and keeps you informed of any legal issues that could impact your company.

A registered agent in Louisiana must have a physical address within the state to receive documents during regular business hours. This address, known as the registered office, is part of the public record. It’s important to note that a P.O. box or virtual office cannot be used as a registered office in Louisiana. The registered agent is responsible for promptly forwarding any received documents to the appropriate person within your business.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Louisiana?

The cost of a registered agent in Louisiana can vary based on the service provider and the additional features offered in their packages. On average, basic registered agent services in Louisiana typically range from $100 to $300 per year.

Some providers, like Bizee, offer a free year of registered agent service when you form your Louisiana LLC through them. After the first year, their pricing is typically on the lower end of the spectrum, around $119 per year. Other providers like ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent fall in the mid-range, with prices around $125 to $199 per year. LegalZoom tends to be on the higher end, with its registered agent service often bundled with other offerings at a higher price point.

It’s important to consider the value you’re getting for the price. Some providers offer additional services like compliance alerts, document storage, or access to legal consultations, which may justify a higher price tag. We suggest comparing the features and pricing of various providers to find the option that best suits your business needs and budget.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the requirements for who can serve as a registered agent are relatively straightforward. The following individuals or entities can act as a registered agent:

  • An individual who is a resident of Louisiana and at least 18 years old
  • A corporation, whether domestic or foreign, that is permitted to operate in Louisiana
  • A limited liability company, either domestic or foreign, authorized to do business in Louisiana

It’s important to note that the registered agent must have a physical street address in Louisiana where they can receive documents during regular business hours. This address cannot be a P.O. box or a virtual office. Some key points to consider:

  • You can act as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements
  • An employee or officer of your company can serve as the registered agent
  • A friend or family member who meets the requirements can be your registered agent
  • A professional registered agent service can be used (which is often recommended for privacy and reliability)

What Does a Registered Agent Do in Louisiana?

A registered agent in Louisiana serves as the official point of contact between your business and the state government. Their primary responsibilities include:

  1. Receiving important legal documents: This includes service of process for lawsuits, subpoenas, and other legal notices. The registered agent must be available to accept these documents in person during normal business hours.
  2. Accepting official correspondence: This includes tax notices, annual report reminders, and other official communications from the Louisiana Secretary of State and other government agencies.
  3. Forwarding documents to you: The registered agent is responsible for promptly forwarding any received documents to the correct person within your business ensures you stay informed and can respond to legal or official matters in a timely manner.

How Do You Designate a Registered Agent in Louisiana?

Designating a registered agent in Louisiana is a straightforward process typically done when you first form your business entity. Here’s how you can designate a registered agent:

  1. When forming your business: When you file your Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) with the Louisiana Secretary of State, you’ll need to provide the name and address of your registered agent. This information is included in the formation documents.
  2. Changing your registered agent: If you need to update your registered agent after your business is established, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent with the Louisiana Secretary of State. This can usually be done online via the state’s geauxBIZ portal or by mail.

When designating a registered agent, you’ll need to provide the following information:

  • The name of your registered agent (individual or company)
  • The physical street address of the registered office in Louisiana
  • A signature from the new registered agent accepting the appointment

It’s important to note that you cannot list yourself as the registered agent if you don’t have a physical address in Louisiana. In such cases, using a professional registered agent service is often the best option.

How Do I Choose a Registered Agent in Louisiana?

Choosing the right registered agent for your Louisiana business is an important decision that can impact your company’s legal compliance and communication efficiency. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

  1. Reliability: Your registered agent should be trustworthy and capable of promptly forwarding any received documents to you. Choose a provider with a proven track record of reliability and positive customer feedback.
  2. Availability: The registered agent must be accessible during regular business hours to receive documents. If you plan to act as your own agent, ensure that you can meet this requirement.
  3. Privacy: Opting for a professional registered agent service can help protect your privacy by keeping your personal address off public records, which is especially beneficial if you operate your business from home.
  4. Additional services: Some registered agent providers offer additional services like compliance reminders, document storage, or access to legal consultations. Consider whether these extras would be valuable for your business.
  5. Cost: While price shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s important to consider the cost of the service concerning your budget and the value provided. Keep in mind that the lowest-cost option isn’t always the best choice if it compromises reliability or the quality of service.

We recommend comparing several registered agent services, reading customer reviews, and considering your specific business needs before making a decision. Don’t hesitate to contact providers with questions about their services to help you make an informed choice.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right registered agent for your Louisiana business is an essential step in ensuring your company stays legally compliant and operates smoothly. Whether you choose a comprehensive service provider, a budget-friendly option, or decide to act as your own agent, it’s important to understand the responsibilities involved and make a choice that aligns with your business needs.

Here at The Law Dictionary, we aim to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your business. Remember, while cost is a factor, the reliability and quality of service should be your primary considerations when choosing a registered agent. By making a thoughtful choice, you’ll set your Louisiana business up for success and peace of mind in handling important legal and official communications.