Pennsylvania Registered Agent
A Pennsylvania registered agent acts as the official, appointed contact for service of process, legal notices, tax documents, and compliance issues for your business.
Recommended: Registered agent services offer a number of benefits. To explore your options, check out our Best Registered Agent Services review.
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What Is A Pennsylvania Registered Agent?
A registered agent, known as a registered office provider in Pennsylvania, is an individual or entity appointed by the business it represents to receive legal notices, service of process, tax documents, and compliance information. Registered agents sometimes also submit documents like annual reports on behalf of the businesses they serve. The agent must be located in the state of the business it represents.
The most important role of a registered agent is to accept service of process for your business. Service of process is the action of informing an individual or entity that there's a pending lawsuit against them or, in this case, against one's company.
A registered agent is your business’s main point of contact with Pennsylvania’s Department of State. Your registered agent is responsible for receiving important tax notifications and compliance information.
Should I Use A Pennsylvania Registered Agent Service?
While we recommend hiring a registered agent service, also called a commercial registered agent, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of using one.
Pros:
- Privacy: Your registered agent’s address will be listed on the public record — not your personal or office address. This is especially important to consider if your business operates out of your home.
- Convenience: If you choose to act as your own registered agent, you will need to be available to receive official notices during standard business hours at the address you provide. Hiring a professional registered agent allows you to keep a flexible schedule.
- Discretion: If your business is ever sued, your registered agent will notify you immediately and discreetly. No need to worry about getting served in front of your employees, or worse — your customers.
- Peace of mind: A professional registered agent service will send you regular compliance reminders and notify you of any requirements needed to keep your LLC in good standing. As a result, you can focus more of your time and attention on running your business.
- National Coverage: If you decide to expand your business as a foreign LLC in different states, a national registered agent service will be able to continue services there.
Cons:
The only con with hiring a registered agent service is the cost, which is typically around $50 to $300 per year. This is a small cost when you consider how much time it will save you — it’s well worth the price.
Best Pennsylvania Registered Agent Service
ZenBusiness provides the most comprehensive registered agent service for the price, fulfilling all state requirements. They also offer Worry Free Compliance, alerting you of important compliance events, covering your annual filing, and providing expert support.
ZenBusiness's online document management system and regular compliance alerts make working with them worry-free. They'll scan and upload all your essential legal documents into a personalized online dashboard that you can access at any time.
ZenBusiness stands apart in its excellent customer service and their representatives are known for being highly knowledgeable about LLC formation and maintenance.
LLC Formation + 1yr Free Registered Agent Service
$39 + State Fees
(Registered Agent: $119 after 1st year)
If you want to explore all your options, check out this article on the 7 Best Registered Agent Services written by our friends at Startup Savant.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent In Pennsylvania?
You can use your Pennsylvania LLC’s place of business or your own personal residence as your registered office address as long as the address used meets the criteria of the state.
Your business’ registered office must:
- have a physical address in the state of Pennsylvania
- be available during normal business hours to accept service of process
You may select any residential or business address that meet these conditions as your registered office. For example, your registered office can be your place of business or the home of any of your members or managers.
Many Pennsylvania businesses choose to appoint a Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP). These services often help with processing legal notices and make responding more efficient. Refer to this list of official Pennsylvania CROPs to learn about eligible registered office providers.
Another option would be to hire a professional registered agent service. One of the disadvantages is that it is more expensive than acting as your own. However, using a service helps you avoid any fees or further legal trouble caused by missing or misplacing an important document or notice. This can actually save you more time and money in the long run.
How Do I Elect A Registered Agent In Pennsylvania?
Whether you'd like to appoint yourself, another member of the LLC, or a professional service to fill the Registered Office role, you'll be able to do so on the Certificate of Organization. The Certificate of Organization is the main LLC formation document in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, you must have a contract to acquire the services of a CROP before listing one. Without this contract, you could face civil and criminal penalties.
You also can’t use a CROP with Fictitious Name registrations.
Electing a Registered Agent Online
To begin the online formation process, create an account through the PENN File System. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all the resources you need to appoint a commercial registered office provider (registered agent) and form your LLC online.
Electing a Registered Agent by Mail
To form your LLC by mail, simply download the Certificate of Organization, fill out the required fields and submit a physical copy with the Department of State (along with a $125 filing fee). You’ll be prompted to provide 1) the address of your registered office, or 2) your commercial registered office provider’s name and county of venue in Section 2.
How Do I Change My Registered Agent In Pennsylvania?
You can easily change your registered office online through the PENN File System. Alternatively, you can download a Change of Registered Office form and file a physical copy with the Department of State ($5 filing fee required).
For more information read our how to change registered agents in Pennsylvania guide.
Registered Agent FAQ
Do I need a registered agent in Pennsylvania?
Every U.S. state, with the exception of New York, requires all corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) to have a registered agent. A registered agent may be called different names in different states, such as a resident agent, a statutory agent, or an agent for service of process.
Can I be my own registered agent in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Pennsylvania so long as you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in Pennsylvania
- Are always available during normal business hours to receive service of process in person
What does a registered agent do?
Registered agents help keep your business compliant by maintaining up-to-date paperwork. They also are in charge of accepting official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as paperwork from the state and federal government, tax forms, and legal notices.
Should I be my own registered agent?
You may serve as your own registered agent if you meet certain conditions, and some small business owners choose to do this instead of hiring a third party or appointing someone else to the role.
This position does come with extra responsibilities and potential inconveniences, however, so many business owners decide it’s better for them to choose another person or a professional service to act as their registered agent. You should weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is best for you and your business.
What is a registered agent service?
A registered agent service is a third-party company that takes on the responsibilities of a registered agent for your company in exchange for a fee.
Who can be a registered agent?
Registered agent requirements can vary a bit from state to state, but they generally allow for both individuals and business entities to serve as a company’s registered agent.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old and business entities must be registered to operate in the state. Both must have a physical office location and be present during regular business hours.
Although you can be your own registered agent, we recommend you consider hiring an experienced and reliable registered agent service to handle this portion of your business needs.
How much does a registered agent cost?
The cost of a registered agent varies, but it can be anywhere from free (if you act as your company’s registered agent) to a few hundred dollars a year for some third-party services.
Hiring a registered agent service could save you time and money in the long-run.
Is a registered agent the same as the owner?
No. A registered agent keeps certain paperwork up to date and accepts official correspondence on behalf of the company, but that role isn’t the same as an owner. However, the individual owner of a business may also act as the company’s registered agent.
Why do I need a registered agent?
Most states require you to designate a registered agent if you own a business. However, even if it isn't required, we strongly recommend appointing a registered agent to accept service of process, gain peace of mind, and maintain your privacy.
Are registered agents liable?
A registered agent could potentially be liable for damages in the event they fail to meet their legal responsibilities as a registered agent, such as not informing a company it was being sued.
Can I change my registered agent?
Yes. You can change your registered agent by filing the necessary paperwork with the appropriate state agency. Different states have different processes and forms so read our free guides for details about your state.
Should I use a registered agent service?
You must decide if it’s best for you and your business to hire a registered agent service. While registered agent services are convenient and can reduce the amount of paperwork you must keep track of yourself, they also are an additional expense. Weigh the pros and cons to determine the best option for you.
What is a statutory agent?
A statutory agent is another name for a registered agent, a process of service agent, or a resident agent.
What is a resident agent?
A resident agent is another name for a registered agent, a process of service agent, or a statutory agent.
What is a service of process agent?
A service of process agent is another name for a registered agent, a resident agent, or a statutory agent.
What is a commercial registered agent?
Some states refer to registered agent services as commercial registered agents.
What does “service of process” mean?
Service of process means receiving legal documents, such as a summons. A summons is an order to appear before a judge due to a pending lawsuit.
What is the difference between a commercial registered agent and a noncommercial registered agent?
Most states require LLC owners to provide their LLC’s registered agent’s name and address when forming your LLC. In some states, you will be asked whether you are electing a commercial or noncommercial registered agent. Some states refer to professional registered agents as commercial agents and individual agents as noncommercial.
Does registered agent mean owner?
No. A business owner can be a registered agent, but a registered agent is not necessarily a business owner.