Can a Registered Agent Refuse to Accept Certain Documents?
A registered agent functions mainly to receive documents and perform legal correspondence on behalf of the company.
It is a critical role since the position serves an official capacity between the LLC and the state, government agencies, and other institutions.
As a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist, I had the opportunity to work with registered agents across the states and I’m familiar with their responsibilities, as well as their limitations with the company.
Read on and find out if a registered agent has the right to refuse certain documents.
Quick Summary
- A registered agent can refuse to accept certain documents under specific circumstances, as long as there is a valid reason.
- The average cost of employing a registered agent service is between $50 to $200.
- According to the SBA, there were 32 million operational small businesses in the U.S. in 2022, many of which utilized registered agents, who are responsible for processing and accepting legal documents on behalf of the LLC to ensure compliance.
- I advise new business owners to employ a registered agent service during your first year of operation to familiarize yourselves with the responsibilities of the position.
Can a Registered Agent Refuse To Accept Documents?
A registered agent can refuse to accept documents under specific circumstances.
1. The Document is Unrelated to the Business of the LLC
The registered agent can refuse to accept documents that are unrelated to the official business of the company.
These may include solicitation letters, advertising materials from other companies, or general notices that have no legal implications with the LLC.
Having employed registered agents for my companies, I give them the authority to determine which documents are relevant. This eliminates the volume of correspondence and unnecessary paperwork.
2. The Document was Delivered Past Its Due
If a document was delayed in the mail or sent past its due notification date, the registered agent may refuse to accept it since the company may not be held liable for the breach.
3. The Registered Agent has No Authority to Sign the Document
A registered agent has no authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the company, and any document that requires the individual's signature in that capacity should be refused.
Instead, the document may be forwarded to a member of the company.
What If the Registered Agent Fails to Receive Official Documents or Neglects to Give Notification?
If the registered agent fails to receive official documents or neglects to give notification, the LLC is exposed to liability, since most documents contain time-sensitive information and compliance deadlines.
1. Service of process
A summons provides notice that there is a lawsuit filed against the company or one of its members. Service of process is the delivery of that document.
If the registered agent was unavailable to receive the document, the party involved in the lawsuit will not be able to respond.
That’s why I ensure that the registered agent of my LLC is always available during business hours.
2. Compliance documents
In most states, an LLC is required to file an annual report to update the Secretary of State about the company's business activities and financial status for the past year.
The document also contains any changes in organization, management and membership.
If the registered agent fails to give notice, the LLC can be fined and lose its good standing with the state.
3. Legal notices
Legal notices from government agencies, like the IRS, that remain unsettled may lead to tax penalties and further jeopardize the status of the company.
Eventually, the accumulated violations may result in the administrative dissolution of the LLC. That’s why I advise clients to employ a qualified individual to act as registered agent.
"All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.”
– Calvin Coolidge, Attorney and 30th US President
What Is A Registered Agent?
A registered agent is an appointed individual or entity tasked with receiving legal documents and official communications on behalf of a business.
This role is crucial for the approximately 32 million small businesses operating in the United States in 2022, as reported by the Small Business Administration (SBA), particularly for those expanding internationally and needing to navigate global transactions and local regulations [1].
The main responsibilities of a registered agent include:
- Keeping track of business compliance
- Receiving and managing legal documents
- Maintaining correspondence and communication
To qualify as a registered agent, you must:
- Be available during regular business hours
- Be located in the state in which the business is incorporated or registered
- Have a physical address
- Be of legal age
Related Articles:
- What is an LLC Registered Agent
- What is a Registered Agent for a Corporation
- Can I Be My Own Registered Agent
FAQs
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
You can be your own registered agent, however, you must consider if you can perform all the responsibilities of being one.
Where Can I Hire a Registered Agent?
You can hire a registered agent through online formation service companies.
References:
- https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/FAQs/regAgent.html
