How to Find the Best Registered Agent in Hawaii
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This guide will help you find the best registered agent in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii registered agent?
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) defines a registered agent as an individual or entity allowed to transact business in Hawaii that receives official correspondence and legal notices. Statutes §428-107 and §425-18 require that all businesses formed in Hawaii must appoint a registered agent upon formation.
It is the role of an agent to accept service of process and other important documents, including:
- Articles of Organization – LLC documents submitted to the DCCA
- Articles of Incorporation – corporation formation documents in Hawaii
- Annual report – due at the end of the calendar quarter of the formation
- Certificate of Good Standing – a document required to open business bank accounts
- Franchise tax – due April 20
A registered agent is a physical presence you need
Hawaii statutes require a registered agent or service to be physically available during regular business hours to accept official correspondence from the DCCA.
The physical presence of the agent also allows you to use the registered address in public records rather than a private office or home address.
Registered agents are the point of contact
According to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, there must be a point of contact between a business owner and the state of Hawaii to ensure the service of process.
You have ten business days to respond to a summons in Hawaii, or you can face default judgments and a contempt of court charge.
A registered agent is a helpful reminder
The annual report in Hawaii is due at the end of the calendar quarter of the formation.
It is up to the registered agent you appoint to keep up with the various due dates and fees so they can notify you and assist you in filing the proper documents on time.
Cost of a registered agent in Hawaii
DCCA requires registered agents to be at least 18 years old and have a street address in Hawaii.
Along with yourself, you can appoint a friend or family member as the registered agent for no additional cost as long as they meet the Hawaii state requirements.
A professional registered service in Hawaii will cost a business owner between $50 and $500.
When to appoint a registered agent
All businesses in Hawaii must appoint a registered agent upon formation, including:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Nonprofit
Hawaii statute §428-107 states that you will appoint the business’ registered agent when submitting the Articles of Organization to the DCCA.
According to statute §425-18, a corporation provides registered agent information using the Articles of Incorporation.
How does a Hawaii LLC appoint a registered agent?
Limited liability companies (LLCs) in Hawaii provide DCCA with the registered agent information by submitting the Articles of Organization.
1
File the Articles of Organization
You can complete and submit the Articles of Organization for Limited Liability form (LCC-1) to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs by mail or in person.
Mailing address:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
Physical address:
335 Merchant St.
Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
Or, using the Hawaii Business Express website, you can file the Articles of Organization.
2
Appoint your registered agent
Form LCC-1 will ask you to provide up-to-date information regarding the appointed registered agent.
- Registered agent name
- Registered agent’s address
3
Pay your Hawaii filing fees
The cost to file your LLC’s Articles of Organization is $50.
DCCA does offer expedited services for an additional fee of $25.
The cost to file Articles of Organization in Hawai is $50.
How to change your registered agent
You must officially notify the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs if you switch registered agents.
Submit the statement of change online
You can use the Hawaii Business Express portal to submit the statement of change of registered agent by entity form.
Submit the statement of change by mail, email, or in person
Paper filings require you to download and complete the statement of change of registered agent by entity form before submitting it by mail, email, or in person.
The cost to file the statement of change is $25 in Hawaii.
It will take the DCCA five business days to process a change of registered agents.
Email:
[email protected]
The cost to switch registered agents by mail in Hawaii is $25.
Submit the change of agent on the annual report
If the switch in agents occurs close to the annual report filing window, you can make changes to the agent or address changes.
How to withdraw as a registered agent in Hawaii
To resign as a registered agent, you must complete the statement of resignation of registered agent (form X-9) form and submit it to the DCCA.
Form X-9 will require you to provide registered agent information.
- Business entity the agent is resigning from
- Name of organization
- Name of agent resigning
- The address and person that will receive the resignation notice
The fee to resign as a registered agent in Hawaii is $25.
Benefits of appointing a registered agent in Hawaii
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You have an easy-to-follow compliance calendar
A company’s annual report is due at the end of the calendar quarter of when you founded the business.
If you fail to pay the report fee on time, you risk losing asset protection and good standing in Hawaii.
You will get a notification when report fees and taxes are due and help you submit the proper paperwork and pay the correct costs.
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Your private address stays out of public record
Entrepreneurs and small business owners often work out of private offices or from their home addresses, which puts personal addresses at risk of becoming public records.
Anyone can use the Hawaii Business Search to locate a business owner’s personal address.
When you appoint an agent, it is the registered office address listed in the business address search rather than the personal one.
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You get the benefit of discretion and peace of mind
Accepting legal documents, including subpoenas, is one of the primary responsibilities of a registered agent.
As the point of contact, an agent receives those sensitive documents from law firms on behalf of a company rather than a process server showing up in the office.
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You can come and go from the office
Hawaii state law requires that a registered agent be available during normal business hours Monday through Friday to accept official correspondence from the state.
You can appoint a registered agent rather than electing yourself so you can keep flexible work hours.
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You have 24/7 access to the certificate of good standing
Banks and other financial institutions in Hawaii require a certificate of standing to open bank accounts and apply for business loans.
You have the freedom to access proof of good standing in Hawaii anytime, from anywhere, when you appoint a professional registered agent service.
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Quick and easy foreign LLC formation
You may want to expand your Hawaii business into a different state. You must then appoint an agent to begin the formation process.
An already appointed registered agent makes foreign LLC formation in other states easy by submitting business filings for you.
FAQs
Can I use myself as a registered agent in Hawaii?
A registered agent must be 18 and have a physical street address in Hawaii. If you meet those state requirements, you can act as your own registered agent regardless of business structure.
How long will it take to process the resignation of the registered agent form in Hawaii?
It takes the DCCA approximately five business days to process a resignation of registered agent form. You can get the process expedited for an additional $25.
Does Hawaii have an annual franchise tax?
Hawaii is one of the few states that don’t require any business to pay an annual franchise tax.
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