Anyone starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a corporation in Delaware is required to have a Delaware registered agent. A Delaware registered agent helps your business stay on the right side of the law by making sure you get important legal documents and tax notices.

With so many registered agent services out there, it can be hard to know which Delaware registered agent to choose. We’ve put together our list of things to look for when choosing a Delaware registered agent, so you can make the best choice for your business.

How To Pick a Delaware Registered Agent: Top Questions to Ask

Question #1.) Is the Registered Agent Reliable?

It’s important for your Delaware registered agent to be someone you can trust. A registered agent represents your company to accept important legal documents called “service of process”. Some examples of service of process documents include:

• Lawsuits against your company;
• Legal summons;
• Subpoenas;
• Notices;
• Citations; and,
• Garnishments

These documents require an urgent response to avoid getting your company into serious legal trouble. You need to know that your registered agent will forward important documents to you in a timely manner.

Here are some tips to help you find a reliable registered agent:

• Tip #1.) Look at the company’s history:

Find reviews and comments from other people who have used the agent. A long list of happy customers means the agent is probably reliable.

For example, IncNow has been providing registered agent services in Delaware since 1974. They’ve helped over 20,000 businesses get incorporated in Delaware and have over 1,000 reviews on TrustPilot.

• Tip #2.)  How do they talk to you?

A good registered agent should have more than one way to get in touch with them, like phone, email, or chat support.

• Tip #3.) Ask about how they handle documents:

A good registered agent should have a safe and secure process for handling important documents and making sure you get them.

IncNow forwards all accepted documents via email as well as Certified Mail for domestic customers and International Fedex customers outside the U.S.

 Question #2.) Is the Registered Agent Available?

Your registered agent needs to have a real address in the same state where your company is formed. A registered agent should be at their address during normal business hours (9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday) to make sure they accept any legal papers served to your business and forward them to you quickly.

When you’re checking if an agent is available, think about:

• Making sure they have a real address:

Check that the agent has a real address in the state where your business is set up. A P.O. box won’t work, because it’s not a real address.

• Check when are they open:

A registered agent should be easy to get in touch with during normal business hours, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Question #3.) Is Your Registered Agent Helpful?

A good registered agent doesn’t just do the minimum. They should also help your company stay in good standing with the state. They should know the rules and help you meet deadlines for taxes and paperwork.

YOUTUBE:WHAT DOES A REGISTERED AGENT DO?

To see if a registered agent is helpful, think about:

• Do they give you tools?

A helpful registered agent will give you access to resources that make it easier to maintain your business and stay compliant with state laws.

For example, IncNow has an innovative customer portal that helps business owners keep track of their business entities.

• Do they remind you about deadlines?

Your registered agent should let you know when deadlines are coming up, so you don’t miss anything important.

IncNow sends their customers both email and paper tax notices to remind them of the Delaware Annual Franchise Tax and Annual Report deadlines.

• Can they answer your questions?

A registered agent should have a team of people who know the rules and can help you understand how to maintain your business entity.

IncNow is owned and operated by A-rated business lawyers with a team of incorporation specialists who have helped form over 20,000 corporations and LLCs in Delaware.

Picking the right registered agent is an important part of starting a business entity. Remember, a registered agent is more than just something you have to have. They are a valuable partner for your business’s success. Choosing a reliable, available, and helpful registered agent allows you to concentrate on growing your business, knowing that they will take care of your legal and compliance needs.

In summary, when looking for the best registered agent for your business, make sure to:

1. Research the company’s history and how they communicate to ensure they are reliable.
2. Check their real address and work hours to ensure they are available.
3. Look at the tools they provide, reminders about deadlines, and their ability to answer your questions to ensure they are helpful.

By focusing on these factors when choosing a registered agent, you can confidently pick one that will support your business and help it stay in good standing with the state. Taking the time to make a well-informed decision will set your business up for success, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your company.