Starting a business in Missouri can be an exciting new venture, but it comes with its fair share of legal requirements. One of these is appointing a registered agent for your company.
A registered agent serves as your official contact for receiving legal and tax documents, crucially helping your business comply with state regulations.
Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve summarized government regulations into clear insights to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. Let’s dive into the world of registered agents in Missouri and find the best option for your new enterprise.
Best Registered Agent Services
Here are our top registered agent service picks in 2024:
- Most Comprehensive: ZenBusiness
- Best Customer Support: Northwest Registered Agent
- Best Legal Support: LegalZoom
- Most Cost Effective: Bizee (Powered by Incfile)
- Fast Turnaround: Swyft Filings
What Is a Registered Agent in Missouri?
In Missouri, a registered agent in Missouri can be either a person or business entity designated to receive important official and legal documents, and correspondence, on behalf of your company. This includes service of process (legal notices, summonses, or lawsuits), tax forms, and other official government correspondence. The registered agent must have a physical address in Missouri where they can receive these documents during regular business hours.
The role that your registered agent plays is crucial for maintaining your business’s good standing with the state. They act as a reliable point of contact between your company and the state government, helping to maintain compliance with state regulations. Having a registered agent helps to maintain a level of privacy for your business since your agent’s address will be listed on public records rather than your personal or business address.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Missouri?
The cost of a registered agent in Missouri can vary depending on whether you choose to act as your own agent, designate someone within your company, or hire a professional service. If you or someone in your company serves as the registered agent, there’s no additional cost beyond the time and effort required to fulfill the responsibilities.
Professional registered agent services in Missouri typically range from $50 to $300 per year. Companies like ZenBusiness and Bizee offer competitive rates starting around $99 per year, while others like Northwest Registered Agent may charge slightly more but provide additional services or personalized support. It’s important to consider the value you’re getting for the price, not just the lowest-cost option. Some services, like Bizee, even offer the first year free when you form your LLC through them, which can be a significant saving for new businesses.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Missouri?
In Missouri, the requirements for who can serve as a registered agent are relatively straightforward. The registered agent must be:
- An individual who is a resident of Missouri and at least 18 years old
- A business entity authorized to do business in Missouri
Additionally, the registered agent must have a physical street address in Missouri (not a P.O. box) where they can receive documents during regular business hours.
While you can serve as your own registered agent for your Missouri business, many entrepreneurs choose to use a professional service for convenience and privacy reasons.
What Does a Registered Agent Do in Missouri?
A registered agent in Missouri serves as the official point of contact between your business and the state government. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Receiving important legal documents (including service of process for legal cases)
- Promptly forwarding these documents to you
- Helping to maintain timely responses to any legal matters
The registered agent also accepts official mail from the state government, including:
- Tax notices
- Annual report reminders
- Other compliance-related communications
Having a dedicated person or entity handling these important documents lets you focus on running your business without worrying about missing critical notifications.
How Do You Designate a Registered Agent in Missouri?
Designating a registered agent in Missouri is a straightforward process that’s typically done when you first form your business entity. When you file your Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) with the Missouri Secretary of State, you’ll need to provide the name and address of your chosen registered agent.
If you’re using an online business formation service like ZenBusiness or Bizee, they’ll often include registered agent designation as part of their formation package. They’ll handle the paperwork and ensure that all the necessary information is correctly filed with the state. If you’re forming your business on your own, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate forms and provide the required information about your chosen registered agent.
A Statement of Change of Registered Agent form must be submitted to the Missouri Secretary of State to change your registered agent after your business is officially formed. In most cases, this process can be completed online, by mail, or in person — typically with a small fee.
How Do I Choose a Registered Agent in Missouri?
Choosing the right registered agent for your Missouri business is an important decision that can impact your company’s compliance and peace of mind. When making your choice, consider factors such as reliability, experience, and additional services offered.
If you’re considering acting as your own registered agent, think about whether you’ll be available during regular business hours to receive important documents. Also, consider if you’re comfortable with your personal address being on public record. For many business owners, the convenience and privacy offered by professional registered agent services outweigh the cost.
When assessing professional services, consider their industry reputation, the quality of customer support, and any extra features they provide. For instance, Northwest Registered Agent is recognized for its top-notch customer service and privacy protection, while ZenBusiness stands out for its intuitive platform and competitive pricing. When making your decision, consider your specific needs and budget.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right registered agent is a key step in setting up and maintaining your Missouri business. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option like ZenBusiness, a privacy-focused service like Northwest Registered Agent, or a well-known brand like LegalZoom, having a reliable point of contact for your business’s legal and tax documents is important.
At The Law Dictionary, we’re here to support you in navigating your business operations. While the final decision is yours, we know that every detail in the business formation process warrants a well-informed perspective. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of your registered agent options and select the one that best aligns with your business goals. With the right choices in place, you can focus on what you do best — growing and thriving in your Missouri business!