From Sole-Proprietor to LLC

What is a registered agent?

[celgins]

I'm in the process of changing my sole-proprietorship to an LLC. I am in GA, U.S. and part of the signup calls for a "registered agent" to be listed.

I'm doing research, but not finding much information. What exactly is a registered agent and why do I need one?

[stajer]

LLC's and corporations need to designate a "registered agent" who will receive official notices for the company. The notices may be government documents, subpoenas, etc. You must update the contact information for the registered agent whenever it changes.

[4specs]

A separate registered agent (with an office in the state) is required when you do not have an office in the state. This is one reason to incorporate (or LLC) in your home state - where you are the registered agent - and not in Nevada or elsewhere.

While Nevada ads tout incorporation there, for most people it is not worth the addition work. If you are in California with a Nevada corporation you still need to register in California as a foreign (to California) corporation and pay the same taxes as a California corporation.

I was the registered agent when I was incorporated in California. I have another small corporation in Pennsylvania whit no office there and need a registered agent as the official contact for the second corporation.

[celgins]

Thanks for the info. I registered my biz as an LLC and selected a registered agent in my state.

Not sure if I was supposed to fill out the registered agent's information and pay them first, but I'm all of that will get worked out.