Discover the essential role of a registered agent in your Louisiana business journey. Learn the crucial answers to the most common Louisiana registered agent FAQs and help streamline your business compliance.
Before you can form a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or other registered business in Louisiana, you need to appoint an official point of contact so that the state and others can get in touch with your business. That person (or company) is called a registered agent. In this article, we’ll tell you what a registered agent is, their duties, and the requirements to be one.
A registered agent is an individual or company designated by the business entity to receive important legal documents on behalf of the company.
Louisiana’s registered agent requirements are outlined in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 12, Section 1308. It states that every registered business (think LLCs, corporations, and any businesses that file formation paperwork with the state) must appoint and maintain both a registered agent and a registered office in the state. The primary responsibility of a registered agent is to receive service of process on behalf of the entity. This position is imperative because it helps ensure that the appropriate people within the business are notified in the event of time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, notices of annual reports, or tax notices.
Louisiana’s registered agent laws are different from most other states. The state requires the appointment of at least one registered agent who must be one of the following:
A business must name at least two individuals to act as agents of the company for service of process at its address in the state and file a certificate affirming this with the Secretary of State. The registered agent must also be available at the registered office during all normal business hours to accept service of process in person.
While you can serve as your own registered agent or ask a friend or family member to do so, it’s not your only option. Opting for a registered agent service offers a plethora of benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.
More importantly, a professional registered agent company can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whomever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business partner — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service, the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.
The cost of a registered agent in Louisiana varies based on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead.
On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services they offer. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.
To change your registered agent in Louisiana, you’ll need to file the “Change of Registered Office and/or Agent” form that matches your business type. This form costs $25 to submit, and you can file online or by mail (fees are subject to change).
Changing your registered agent in Louisiana requires some administrative effort to ensure the state records are up to date and your business remains compliant. To begin, it’s vital to first determine who your new registered agent will be. If you’re considering transitioning to a professional service or selecting another individual, ensure you obtain their consent and verify that they meet Louisiana’s requirements for registered agents.
Once you’ve got your new agent lined up, it’s time to file the change paperwork. The easiest way to do this is to log into geauxBIZ, click “File Amendment,” and then request the “Statement of Change” form, inputting the requested information for your new agent. In some counties, you can also file this form by mail, but using geauxBIZ is usually recommended because it’s quicker. No matter how you file, you’ll need a credit card or check on hand to pay the $25 filing fee.
When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Louisiana resident, a partnership or professional law corporation that’s licensed to practice, or a business authorized to conduct business in Louisiana; have a physical street address in the state; and be available during business hours.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125 | Physical Address: 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 |
Phone: (225) 922-2880 | Website: https://www.sos.la.gov/Pages/default.aspx |
If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the business they represent and file a Statement of Resignation with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The agent remains on file until the 31st day post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.
Navigating the world of registered agents can be daunting, but we’re here to simplify the process for you. Our registered agent service helps ensure that your business never misses an important notice and always remains compliant with Louisiana state regulations regarding registered agents. With our reliable and efficient service, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the official communications.
Plus, with ZenBusiness, you get more than just a registered agent — you get a partner committed to supporting your business journey. Let us help you kickstart your enterprise with registered agent services that you can trust — choose ZenBusiness today!
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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