As the owner of a limited liability company (LLC) in Ohio, you are required to have a registered agent. A registered agent is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This includes service of process (like if you are sued) as well as official correspondence from the state.
Your LLC must appoint a registered agent when you file your Articles of Organization with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can appoint yourself or another individual within your company, but most LLCs hire a professional registered agent service.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a registered agent, and this blog post will help explain what you need to look for.
1. LOCATION
Your registered agent must have a physical address in Ohio. This is where legal documents will be sent, and it needs to be somewhere that someone will be available during normal business hours to accept them.
2. EXPERIENCE
It’s important that your registered agent has experience handling LLCs in Ohio. They should know the ins and outs of LLC requirements and filing deadlines, as well as have a good relationship with the Secretary of State’s office.
3. RELIABILITY
Your registered agent needs to be reliable—meaning they will be available when needed and can be counted on to forward important documents in a timely manner. They should also have a good reputation within the business community.
4. PROFESSIONALISM
Your registered agent will be representing your company, so you want to make sure they are professional in their dealings with other businesses and with the state government.
5. COST
While cost shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when choosing a registered agent, it is something to keep in mind. Registered agents typically charge an annual fee, so you want to make sure it’s something your company can afford.
A registered agent is required for all LLCs in Ohio, and there are many factors to consider when choosing one. Location, experience, reliability, professionalism, and cost are all important considerations. By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose the best possible registered agent for your LLC.