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Missouri Registered Agent: If you wish to start a Missouri LLC, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Missouri State Law, it is mandatory to have a Missouri Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.
In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Missouri, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a Missouri Registered Agent.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a Missouri Registered Agent
A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Missouri is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.
When you file the Missouri LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Missouri, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.
Hiring a Registered Agent in Missouri
You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Missouri. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Missouri can represent your LLC as your registered agent.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent
- The person must be above 18 years old.
- The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
- The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
- Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
- Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Missouri always.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent
Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent
Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,
- If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
- A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
- The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.
It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.
Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –
LegalZoom – $299 Per Year
How to Choose a Registered Agent in Missouri
You can choose a Missouri Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.
In-house Registered Agent
As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.
Outsourcing Registered Agent Service
You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $99 Per Year |
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 | $125 Per Year |
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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.
What to Consider While Choosing a Missouri Registered Agent
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.
- Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
- Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
- State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
- Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Missouri
At the time of submitting the Missouri Articles of Organization, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.
Appoint Registered Agent Online
To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the Missouri LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly.
Appoint Registered Agent By Mail
To appoint a registered agent in Missouri by mail, you need to download the Missouri LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read on Missouri Articles of Organization.
Cost of a Missouri Registered Agent
The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Missouri.
Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom Registered Agent offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.
How to Change a Registered Agent in Missouri
To change the Missouri registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Missouri Secretary of State via mail or in person.
File By Mail
You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the Missouri Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,
Mail to: Secretary of State,
Business Services Division,
P.O. Box 5616,
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
In-person Submit: Corporations Division
600 W. Main Street, Room 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Fee: $10
How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Missouri secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.
Why Do LLCs in Missouri Need a Registered Agent Service
There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Missouri. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,
- Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Missouri ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
- Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances, as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
- Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Missouri to publicly upload their address to the Missouri Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Missouri SOS and not yours.
- Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
- Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Missouri or any other state usually takes online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
- Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.
Missouri Business laws and Registered Agent
All aspects of Missouri LLC law and legal issues are handled by registered agents. Each state has its own set of business laws. Missouri is not an exception. Each state has its own business laws. These are the most important business rules that every company should follow.
Interest Law
Each state has its own interest law. The legal threshold for interest rates is usually lower than the general interest rate guidelines. Because most businesses are willing to pay higher interest rates, this is why they are lower than the legal threshold. Missouri’s interest rates are 9% without an agreement. The state has Usury Law. This law has a higher interest rate on advances and loans. These interest rates are subject to legal guidelines. The regular rate in Missouri is 9% and can go up to 10%. There are also benefits available for business loans below $5000.
Antitrust Law
Antitrust law is generally used to detect cartels in any market. When competitors join forces to have an illegal impact on the market price or supply, a cartel is formed. Cartels are illegal in any market. Missouri has an Antitrust Law just like other states. Missouri’s statute allows you to bring a claim under the law within 4 years. The law allows plaintiffs to recover attorney fees.
Trade Practice Law for Deceptive Trade
Missouri does not have a Deceptive Trade Practice Law. However, it does have penalties for trade fraud and deceptive acts. Any attorney general can bring the case. The plaintiff can recover the damage or $2,500, whatever is more.
Registered agents are responsible for these cases and laws. Missouri registered agents can assist you in managing and navigating all these business laws.
How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Missouri
Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Missouri certainly has its advantages, providing business owners with flexibility and protection. However, running an LLC also comes with certain responsibilities, including the appointment of a registered agent to serve as the official point of contact for legal matters. While selecting a registered agent is an important decision for any business, circumstances may arise which require the removal and replacement of a registered agent. Here, we will outline the process of removing a registered agent for an LLC in Missouri, ensuring business owners are equipped with the necessary knowledge to handle such situations with ease.
Before diving into the removal procedure, let us first understand the role of a registered agent. A registered agent, sometimes known as a resident agent or statutory agent, is an individual or entity appointed by an LLC to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits or incorporation notices. Acting as the communication bridge between the legal system and the company, the registered agent must have a registered office in Missouri and be available to accept legal documents during regular business hours.
Now, if the time comes when you need to remove a registered agent, it is crucial to follow the proper steps outlined by the Missouri Secretary of State to ensure all legal requirements are met. To begin, it is advisable to consult the LLC’s operating agreement, as it may contain provisions related to the removal and appointment of registered agents. Understanding these guidelines beforehand will help streamline the process.
The first step in removing a registered agent is determining who has the authority to take such action within the LLC. Typically, this power rests with the company members, as outlined in the operating agreement. Once authorized, a statement indicating the name of the LLC, the current registered agent, and the effective date of removal must be filed with the Missouri Secretary of State. This statement, commonly referred to as a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Office by a Limited Liability Company form, is available for download from the Secretary of State’s website.
After completing the form, make sure to include the required filing fee. It is important to note that as fees may change, checking the latest figures on the Secretary of State’s website is recommended. Once the form is properly filled out and the fee is enclosed, it can be submitted to the Secretary of State by mail, in person, or electronically if using the online filing system.
Upon successful submission, the Secretary of State will review the form to ensure accuracy and compliance. If any corrections or amendments are needed, they will generally send a letter detailing the required changes. However, if everything is in order, the updated registered agent information will be officially acknowledged and updated in the LLC’s records.
Understanding how to remove a registered agent for an LLC in Missouri is vital for business owners to navigate any unexpected changes that may arise. With careful attention to detail and adherence to the prescribed steps, the process can be completed seamlessly, ensuring the LLC remains compliant with the state’s regulations.
FAQ
Changing the registered agent is possible in Missouri. You must download, complete, and submit the RA change application form to the Secretary of State through fax, mail, or electronic submission, depending on which option is most convenient for you. In Missouri, switching the registered agent costs $10.
You must fulfill a number of criteria to be a registered agent in Missouri. The need to be a legal adult (18+) is among the most crucial requirements. You must also live in Missouri, which is another need. You are qualified to apply to be a registered agent if you satisfy these requirements.
In Missouri, a registered agent might be a spouse, any LLC member, a family member, a friend, or even you. Being an adult (18 years or older) and a resident of the state are the two essential requirements. If you are capable of doing so, being a registered agent should not be difficult.
A registered agent’s Missouri address may be changed without any difficulty. On the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, you may find the RA Change Form that has to be submitted. Specify the new address in the form. You may submit it in any manner that is convenient for you, including online, by fax, or by mail to the Secretary of State’s Business Services Division at P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616. Address changes could incur a charge.
The Missouri SOS website offers information on where to identify a company’s registered agent. When searching, use the company name if you know it. Get the firm you’re searching for, and then use that to find the registered agent’s contact information.
It is required by law for every corporation to have a registered agent in Missouri. Any legal documents, including notifications, permits, and processes, must be served on your registered agent, who is also in charge of receiving any legal actions brought against the business at his registered address. He or she must be accessible at their workplace throughout business hours.
At the time of company registration, firms are required to provide their name, address, and contact information in order to formally designate a registered agent in Missouri. For the registered agent, there is a distinct section in the articles of incorporation. You choose a registered agent in Missouri in the manner described here.
In Missouri, you must go to the Missouri Secretary of State’s official website to look for a registered agent’s address. The following procedures may be used to seek the registered agent’s address:
1. Visit Missouri SOS’s official web page.
2. Use the business name to get information about the firm
3. Look for the list of registered agents’ addresses
The registered agent’s address will be simpler to locate this way.
With a registered agent’s name, you may look for a company in Missouri. Please visit the official website of the Missouri Secretary of State. “Business Search” should be an available option. The option to “Search by the registered agent” is located in the search section. A registration agent’s name should be entered after choosing the choice. The company name will be yours.
A registered agent in Missouri must, among other things, be at least 18 years old and have a Missourian physical address. A resident of the state who meets the age minimum and is an entity may serve as the registered agent.
You must go to the Missouri SOS in Missouri to check for a registered agent for a company. Select Business Search from the main page. To search for a company, if you know the corporate name, input it. To get information, choose the registered agent option.
The business that the registered agent was representing requires a signed resignation letter. A resignation letter must be sent to the Missouri Secretary of State through the mail, fax, or online once the firm accepts it. In the allotted period, the notice must be delivered.
By entering onto the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, you may edit a registered agent there online. Make sure the online method is accessible to you before continuing; however, before you begin the online process. RA Change Form should be sent if not.
A free registered agent is available in Missouri. You won’t need to physically pay yourself anything if you act as your own registered agent. You might perhaps avoid paying if your partner or a friend joins an agency. Last but not least, you may use a free registered agent service in Missouri.
Visit the Missouri Secretary of State if you want to learn more about the Missouri registered agent. “Search Business” will be an option you have. Your company’s name may be searched for. The information for the registered agent may be found on the list while you wait for the results.
There isn’t a distinct registered agent form in Missouri. Businesses that are registering their business must choose a registered agent and send their information via the formation paperwork. The formation paperwork must be addressed to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616.
Your firm must notify the Missouri SOS if it does not have a registered agent in Missouri. As a registered agent is required for every firm in Missouri, there can be a legal problems. You may need to act as the Missouri registered agent if there isn’t one.
In Missouri, a registered agent’s rights are completely ended upon death. Missouri requires that you have a registered agent. Consequently, the business must choose or replace a new registered agent. A registered agent might also be a manager, an official of the business, or the owner.
There are certain requirements in Missouri to register your business. If you visit the Missouri Secretary of State, they can tell you if you may keep your registered agent’s name off the public platform. A member’s identity may be concealed if the organization is an Anonymous LLC.
Calling the Secretary of State’s office in Missouri is the only way to get the registered agent information. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the official timeframe. For a connection with the executive, dial (573) 751-4936. Get the information by following the caller’s directions.
The consent from a registered agent in Missouri is an acceptance from the person that he/she will serve as a registered agent. In Missouri, the newly appointed individual must provide his or her permission before beginning the process of serving.
A resident agent and a registered agent are both the same thing in Missouri. The only difference between states is the name. In Missouri, both the resident agent and registered agent appointments follow the same procedure.
If a person appointed as a registered agent in Missouri has not given his/her consent, then a legal penalty and liability can be imposed on the person who is appointing a registered agent without their consent. Besides, they have the right to deny any duty of the process.
Yes, if there is no registered agent in your company in Missouri, your LLC can still be sued. There are different ways to sue any business entity in Missouri. If there is no one to receive the legal documents, then there will be another way to sue the company.
A registered agent can accept or reject the designation in Missouri. In order to reject the designation, the person can sign the statement of rejection and submit it to the Secretary of State. The statement of rejection is available on the SOS website.
How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Missouri
However, there may come a time when a registered agent needs to be removed or replaced. Perhaps they are no longer available or willing to fulfill their duties, or the LLC simply wishes to switch to a new agent. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand the proper process for removing a registered agent in Missouri.
The first step in removing a registered agent is to consult the LLC’s operating agreement. This document will typically outline the procedure for removing a registered agent, including any specific requirements or steps that need to be followed. If the operating agreement doesn’t address this issue, the Missouri Revised Statutes provide guidance on the process for removing a registered agent.
According to Missouri law, an LLC can remove a registered agent by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Missouri Secretary of State. This form can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail. The required fee for filing the form is typically minimal, but it’s important to double-check the current fee schedule to ensure compliance.
In addition to filing the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State, the LLC must also notify the current registered agent of their removal. This can typically be done by sending a formal letter or email to the registered agent’s last known address. It’s important to provide proof of this notification in case any disputes arise in the future.
Once the Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office form has been filed and the current registered agent has been officially notified of their removal, the LLC can appoint a new registered agent. The new agent must meet the qualifications set forth by Missouri law, including being a resident of Missouri or a business entity authorized to conduct business in the state.
After the new registered agent has been appointed, the LLC must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Missouri Secretary of State to officially appoint the new agent. This form will include the new agent’s name, address, and contact information, along with any other required details.
In conclusion, choosing the right registered agent is essential for the smooth operation of an LLC in Missouri. However, circumstances may arise that necessitate the removal of a registered agent. By following the proper procedures outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes and consulting the LLC’s operating agreement, the process of removing a registered agent can be completed efficiently and effectively.
In Conclusion
Before you choose a registered agent for your Missouri LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.