North Carolina Registered Agent Search & Requirments in 2023

The process of finding a qualified Registered Agent in North Carolina is a crucial step in ensuring compliance with the state's filing requirements. This article will provide an overview of the search process, including the criteria for finding a suitable Registered Agent and the requirements for becoming one. Additionally, you will gain insight into the role of a Registered Agent and the responsibilities associated with this important position.

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Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
August 7, 2023
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What is a North Carolina Registered Agent?

A North Carolina Registered Agent is a person or business that has been designated to receive legal notices and other important documents from the state. This role is necessary for businesses registered to do business in the state. The Registered Agent must have a physical address in North Carolina and must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and other official documents.
The Registered Agent is responsible for accepting documents such as service of process in the case of a lawsuit, notices of claims against the company, and governmental orders and notices. The Registered Agent will forward these documents to the company so that the company may take the appropriate action. The Registered Agent must also keep records of all documents received on behalf of the company.
It is important for companies to select a reliable Registered Agent who can be trusted to fulfill the duties. The North Carolina Secretary of State provides a list of Commercial Registered Agents here.

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Why is it Important to Have a North Carolina Registered Agent?

Having a North Carolina Registered Agent is an important step in creating a business in the state of North Carolina. This type of agent acts as the main point of contact between the business and the state government, ensuring that all paperwork and communications are handled in a timely manner.

A North Carolina Registered Agent is required for any business entity registered with the Secretary of State. This agent is responsible for receiving and delivering documents, such as annual reports and notice of any changes to state statutes, to the business. Without this registered agent, the business may not receive important notices or updates, which can lead to penalties and fines.

A North Carolina Registered Agent must be an individual who resides in the state or a business entity that has been authorized to transact business in the state. The agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during regular business hours. The agent is also responsible for maintaining records of all communications, filings, and documents sent to and from the state.

Having a North Carolina Registered Agent is important for businesses in the state as it helps ensure that all business activities are in compliance with state laws and regulations. It also provides a reliable point of contact for the state government when communicating with the business. For more information, please visit the North Carolina Secretary of State website.

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Who can be a Registered Agent in North Carolina?

A Registered Agent in North Carolina is a person or business entity responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of a business entity. The Registered Agent must be located in North Carolina and must be available during normal business hours to receive important legal documents such as service of process, tax forms, and other official correspondence.

In North Carolina, the Registered Agent must be a resident of the state, or a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership authorized to transact business in North Carolina. The Registered Agent must maintain a business office in North Carolina that is identical to the Registered Agent's business address listed on the Articles of Incorporation or Organization.

If an individual is serving as a Registered Agent, they must provide their full name, street address, and signature on the Articles of Incorporation or Organization. The address listed must be a physical street address in North Carolina, and a post office box or rural route address cannot be used.

If a business entity is serving as a Registered Agent, they must provide their full business name, street address and signature on the Articles of Incorporation or Organization. The business must have a physical presence in North Carolina, and the address listed must be a street address.

For more information on Registered Agents in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Secretary of State website: https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/corporations/faq_registered_agents.

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Do you Need a Registered Agent for Your North Carolina Business?

Yes, all businesses registered in North Carolina are required to have a registered agent. A registered agent is appointed by the business and is responsible for receiving service of process, legal correspondence, and other official documents on behalf of the business. The registered agent must have a physical address in North Carolina and be available during normal business hours.

It is important to have a North Carolina registered agent for your business to remain in good standing with the state. If you do not have a registered agent and a document is served to the state, your business may be subject to fines or have its registration revoked. Moreover, having a registered agent can help protect your business from legal action, as all documents must be sent to the registered agent before being served to the business.

When selecting a registered agent, it is important to choose a reliable and experienced company. IncParadise is a trusted registered agent service that can help ensure your business is compliant with North Carolina state law. IncParadise provides helpful resources and assistance to businesses in North Carolina. They also offer full service incorporation packages to help you start your business in the state.

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How to Designate a North Carolina Registered Agent?

Designating a North Carolina registered agent is a simple process. A registered agent is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept service of process on behalf of a company. The registered agent must be a resident of North Carolina or a business entity authorized to do business in North Carolina.

The process for designating a North Carolina registered agent is as follows:

  • Appoint a registered agent: This can be a natural person or a business entity.
  • Complete the Registered Agent Designation Form: This form must be completed and signed by the owner of the business.
  • File the form with the North Carolina Secretary of State: The form can be filed online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State's office.

It is important to note that the registered agent must be available to accept service of process during normal business hours. The registered agent must also have a physical address in North Carolina that is open to the public. For more information, please visit the North Carolina Secretary of State website.

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How Does a Registered Agent in North Carolina Resign?

A Registered Agent in North Carolina must resign by filing a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent with the North Carolina Secretary of State. The Statement of Resignation must be signed by the current Registered Agent and include information such as the name of the business, the name of the current Registered Agent, and the name and address of the new Registered Agent.

The Statement of Resignation must be filed to the North Carolina Secretary of State by mail, in person, or by email. A filing fee of $25 must be included when filing by mail or in person. If filing by email, there is no fee.

Once the Statement of Resignation is received, the North Carolina Secretary of State will provide a confirmation that the Registered Agent has been removed. It is important to keep in mind that the resignation of the Registered Agent does not dissolve the business.

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Is There a Penalty for Not Designating a Registered Agent in North Carolina?

It is important to have a Registered Agent in North Carolina when forming an LLC. Without a Registered Agent, the LLC does not have an official presence in the state and will be subject to dissolution.

A Registered Agent must be a person or business entity that is located in the state and is available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC. The purpose of having a Registered Agent is to ensure that the LLC is notified as soon as possible in the event of any legal action.

If an LLC does not designate a Registered Agent, the LLC may be subject to dissolution. The LLC will not be able to receive important legal documents, such as court summons, that may result in the dissolution of the LLC. Therefore, it is important to designate a Registered Agent in the state of North Carolina.

For more information on the importance of having a Registered Agent in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Secretary of State's website.

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What is the North Carolina Secretary of State Contact Information:

The North Carolina Secretary of State provides a variety of services and resources to the citizens of North Carolina. The contact information for the North Carolina Secretary of State is as follows:

Address: 2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Telephone: (919) 814-5400
Fax: (919) 814-5420
Email: ncsos@ncsbe.gov
Website: https://www.sosnc.gov/
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm EST

The North Carolina Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing and maintaining a variety of official documents, such as corporate records, trademarks, and election records. The office also provides various services, such as voter registration, notary public application and renewal, and business formation and filings. For more information, please visit the North Carolina Secretary of State website.

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How Much Does a Registered Agent in North Carolina Cost?

The cost of a registered agent in North Carolina depends largely on the type of service you require. For a basic service that includes filing documents, processing mail, and providing legal notices, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 per year. If you need more comprehensive services, like forwarding mail to multiple addresses and providing additional customer support, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per year. In addition, there may be additional one-time fees for setting up the service, such as filing fees or processing fees. It’s also important to note that registered agents are required to be located in-state, meaning that you may end up paying more if you decide to work with an out-of-state provider. The North Carolina Secretary of State provides additional information about registered agents in the state. Ultimately, the cost of a registered agent in North Carolina will depend on the type and amount of services you require. Be sure to shop around and compare prices to ensure that you get the best deal.

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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What are the Steps Needed to Find a Registered Agent in North Carolina?

If you’re interested in finding a registered agent in North Carolina, here are the steps to take:

  1. Determine the type of business entity you want to form. North Carolina offers a variety of business entity types, including Corporations, LLCs, Limited Partnerships, and Nonprofits. Depending on the type of entity you are forming, you may need a registered agent.
  2. Research the qualifications for a registered agent in North Carolina. A registered agent must have a physical address in the state of North Carolina, and must be available during normal business hours to receive legal and/or tax documents.
  3. Choose an individual or business to act as your registered agent. You can choose an individual who meets the qualifications or you can use a registered agent service that will act as your registered agent for a fee.
  4. File the appropriate paperwork. If you’re using an individual as your registered agent, you’ll need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the North Carolina Secretary of State. If you’re using a registered agent service, you’ll need to sign a registration agreement with them.

For more information on registered agents in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Secretary of State website.

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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.