How to Find the Best Registered Agent in Connecticut
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This guide will help you find the best registered agent in Connecticut. We’ll explore key factors to consider, evaluate top providers, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your business’s registered agent needs.
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What is a Connecticut registered agent?
In Connecticut, all businesses must appoint a registered agent upon formation, regardless of the structure. The Connecticut Secretary of State defines a registered agent as an individual or business available during required regular business hours to receive service of process and other important notices.
A registered agent in Connecticut is the point of contact between you and the Secretary of State and is responsible for receiving important documents, including:
- Certificate of Organization – limited liability formation documents in Connecticut
- Certificate of Incorporation – corporations file the certificate upon formation
- Annual report – due every year at the end of your LLC anniversary month
- Certificate of legal existence – proof a business is in good standing to open new business accounts
- Annual franchise tax – only corporations pay a franchise tax, and it is due May 15
A registered agent is a physical presence
According to Connecticut state law, a registered agent must be physically present in the state to act as an agent. It means that someone is available during business hours to accept official correspondence.
A benefit of an agent having a physical address is that the service’s address becomes a public record rather than yours.
The role of a registered agent is to be the point of contact
A registered agent is the point of contact between your business and the state of Connecticut.
In Connecticut, a business has 15 days to respond to a subpoena or face a possible default judgment and becoming on compliant.
An appointed agent is a reminder
In Connecticut, the annual report fee for businesses is due every year at the end of the month the company was formed.
A registered agent service relieves the stress of keeping up with due dates and fees by sending notifications and helping you file the proper paperwork.
Cost of a registered agent in Connecticut
For no cost at all, you can appoint yourself as your own registered agent as long as you meet the Connecticut state requirements.
You must be at least 18 years old and have a physical street address to act as a registered agent.
A commercial registered agent service will cost between $50 and $500.
When to appoint a registered agent
When you form any business in Connecticut, the Secretary of State mandates that you appoint a registered agent.
LLCs appoint the registered agent by filing the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State.
The formation document for corporations is the Certificate of Incorporation which will ask you to provide the registered agent information.
Connecticut General Statute requires all businesses to appoint an agent regardless of the structure.
Other business structures include:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Nonprofit
How does a Connecticut LLC appoint a registered agent?
Chapter 613a – Uniform Limited Liability Company Act requires an LLC to name the appointed registered agent when filing the Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of State.
1
File the Certificate of Organization
You can file the Certificate of Organization by mail or in person by completing the Certificate of Organization form and submitting it by mail or in person.
Mailing address:
Connecticut Secretary of the State
Business Service Division,
PO Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115
Physical address:
Connecticut Secretary of the State
Business Service Division
30 Trinity St.
Hartford, CT 06106
If you prefer to file formation documents online, you can use the Connecticut Secretary of State website.
2
Appoint your registered agent
You will provide the registered agent’s information in section 4 of the Certificate of Organization documents.
- Is the registered agent a business entity or an individual?
- Registered agent name
- Registered agent’s business street address, residence address, and mailing address
A registered agent will consent to the appointment by signing the document for paper filing.
3
Pay your Connecticut filing fees
The cost to file the Connecticut Certificate of Organization is $120.
You can opt for the 24-hour expedited business filing service for an additional $50.
The cost to file the Certificate of Organization in Connecticut is $120.
How to change your registered agent
When switching registered agents, you must officially notify the Connecticut Secretary of State of the agent change.
Submit the change of agent form online
You can use the Connecticut One Stop website to submit the change of agent form to the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State will email the new agent to consent to the appointment officially.
The fee to change agents in Connecticut is $50 for all business structures except nonprofits which are $20.
Submit the change of agent form by mail or in person
You can download and complete the change of agent for domestic companies and submit it by mail or in-person to the Secretary of State.
Foreign companies will file a change of agent for foreign companies to switch agents or services.
The fee for filing the change of agent form by mail is $50.
For an additional $50, you can submit an expedited service request form to expedite the process.
The cost to switch registered agents by mail in Connecticut is $50.
Submit the change of agents on the annual report
You can switch registered agents or make registered agent address changes using the annual report if the change falls near the filing due date.
You must do it within the filing period, which is every year by the end of your business formation anniversary month.
How to resign as a registered agent in Connecticut
The Connecticut Secretary of State does not provide a form to resign as a registered agent.
You will need to write a statement of resignation and submit two copies of the correspondence to the Secretary of State.
The statement of resignation must include the following:
- The company you’re resigning from
- The name of the resigning agent
- A statement stating that you resign
- Address of the company where the notice needs to be sent
The cost to withdraw consent to act as an appointed agent in Connecticut is $50 for for-profit companies and $20 for nonprofits.
Benefits of appointing a registered agent in Connecticut
-
Your business remains in good standing
Every year at the end of the business formation anniversary month, the annual report fee comes due, and the franchise tax for corporations is due May 15.
You must submit the right forms and fees on time to remain in good standing in Connecticut.
A registered agent will notify a business organization as due dates are near and assist you in submitting the correct forms and fees to maintain liability protection and business licenses.
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Your private address stays off of public record
If you work from a private office or a home address, the business address may end up as a public record.
Private citizens can search the Connecticut Business Registry Search by name, business ALEI, or filing number.
You can use a registered office address in Connecticut as the small business address to keep your personal addresses private.
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You gain peace of mind when you appoint a registered agent
A law firm doesn’t have to contact you before serving you a summons or subpoena.
A registered agent in Connecticut will intercept those services of processes so that customers and employees don’t witness the interaction.
-
You can maintain a flexible work schedule
According to Connecticut state law, a registered agent must be physically available during normal business hours and official business days to accept legal notices.
If you appoint yourself, you are responsible for being in your office during those specified times.
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Access the certificate of legal existence 24/7
Connecticut’s certificate of legal existence is required to open new bank accounts and apply for business loans.
An appointed professional registered agent service will make formation documents and the certificate of legal existence available to access from anywhere.
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Foreign LLC formation in other states is straightforward
A business must appoint a registered agent when expanding into a different state.
If you’ve appointed one already, the resident agent can walk you through LLC formation and keep the process simple.
FAQs
Can I be my own registered agent in Connecticut?
You can appoint yourself as your business’ statutory agent if you meet Connecticut registered agent requirements (18 years and a street address).
How long does it take to process the registered agent resignation form?
It will take the Connecticut Secretary of State 7 to 10 business days to process the registered agent’s statement of resignation. You can expedite the process for an additional $50.
Are a registered agent and a business owner the same thing in Connecticut?
A registered agent and a business owner are two different things. You can appoint yourself as a registered agent and be a business owner at the same time.
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