Tennessee Registered Agent Search & Requirments in 2023

Are you looking for a Tennessee Registered Agent for your business? The process of finding a Registered Agent in Tennessee is not difficult but can be time-consuming if you don’t know what to look for. This article will provide the information you need to understand the Tennessee Registered Agent search and requirements, and will provide tips on finding the best Registered Agent for your business.

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

A Tennessee Registered Agent is a person or entity that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of a business. The Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Tennessee and is responsible for receiving and forwarding important documents such as annual reports, tax forms, and legal documents. The Registered Agent must be available during normal business hours to receive these documents.

The Registered Agent must also be registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State in order to legally act as a Registered Agent. A business must select a Registered Agent before registering with the state and must also notify the state if there is a change in Registered Agent. The Tennessee Secretary of State provides an online form to submit a change in Registered Agent.

A Registered Agent provides a point of contact for the Tennessee Secretary of State, the Internal Revenue Service, and other government agencies. The Registered Agent must be able to accept service of process if the company is sued, and must provide a safe, reliable, and responsible address for the company to receive legal documents.

For more information on Tennessee Registered Agents, please visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website.

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Why is it Important to Have a Tennessee Registered Agent?

Having a Tennessee registered agent is important for businesses that are registered in the state of Tennessee. A registered agent is a person or business entity that is designated to receive service of process (SOP) when a business is sued or has legal action taken against it. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state where the business is registered, and must be available to receive documents during normal business hours.

In addition to providing a physical address in Tennessee, a registered agent acts as an intermediary between the business and the state. This can be beneficial in a number of ways, as the registered agent can provide legal advice and assistance with filing documents with the state. Having a Tennessee registered agent also ensures that the business is in compliance with state regulations, as the agent will be responsible for filing annual reports and other documents on behalf of the business.

Finally, having a Tennessee registered agent is important for protecting a business's privacy. By designating a registered agent, the business can ensure that any legal documents or notices are sent directly to the agent, instead of being delivered to the business's address or made public. This helps to protect the business from potential litigation, as well as providing privacy for the business's owners and employees.

In summary, having a Tennessee registered agent is important for businesses registered in the state. A registered agent provides a physical address in the state, acts as an intermediary between the business and the state, and can protect the business's privacy. For more information on registered agents, please visit the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website.

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Who can be a Registered Agent in Tennessee?

A Registered Agent in Tennessee must be an individual resident in the state or a business entity authorized to do business in Tennessee. They must have a physical street address in Tennessee, not a P.O. Box, and must be available during normal business hours. The Registered Agent must be available to accept service of process and other important documents for the business.

Individuals must be at least 18 years old and must be able to show proof of residential address. Business entities must be authorized to do business in the state and must have a valid business address. Business entities include corporations, LLCs, and Limited Partnerships.

The Registered Agent must provide their name, address, and signature on the form when filing. They will also be responsible for maintaining records of any documents received on behalf of the business.

For more information on who can be a Registered Agent in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website.

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Do you Need a Registered Agent for Your Tennessee Business?

Yes, you do need a registered agent for your Tennessee business.A registered agent is a person or business entity that is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your business. This includes documents such as service of process, tax forms, and official government notifications. The registered agent must have a physical address within Tennessee, and must be available during business hours to receive these documents.

Having a registered agent is important for a few reasons. First, it ensures that your business is compliant with the Tennessee Secretary of State's regulations. Second, it provides your business with an element of privacy. Finally, it ensures that all documents are received in a timely manner.

If you need help finding a registered agent for your Tennessee business, Incfile can assist you. Our Registered Agent service provides you with an address in Tennessee, as well as help with any filing requirements.

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How to Designate a Tennessee Registered Agent?

Designating a Tennessee Registered Agent is an important step for any business, as it is the individual or entity that is responsible for receiving service of process and other legal documents on behalf of the business.

To designate a Tennessee Registered Agent, you must first select an individual or entity that is authorized to act as the registered agent for your business. The individual or entity must have a physical address in the state of Tennessee and must be available during normal business hours. Once you have selected an individual or entity to serve as your Tennessee Registered Agent, you must file the required forms with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The form can be found on the Tennessee Secretary of State website here.

You will need to provide the name, address, and signature of the selected registered agent. You must also provide the name, address and signature of the individual filing the document. Additionally, you will need to include the name and type of entity of the business, and the state of formation, if applicable.

Once you have completed the form and submitted it to the Tennessee Secretary of State, you must pay the filing fee associated with the document. Once the document has been accepted and processed by the Secretary of State, your Tennessee Registered Agent will be officially designated.

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How Does a Registered Agent in Tennessee Resign?

In Tennessee, a registered agent must resign their role in writing and provide written notification to the Tennessee Secretary of State. The resignation must be submitted in a document that includes the following information:

  • The registered agent's name
  • The name of the business for which the registered agent was registered
  • The business's current Tennessee Secretary of State ID number
  • The registered agent's signature
  • The date of the resignation

The resignation document must be submitted to the Tennessee Secretary of State Business Services Division either in person, by email, or by mail. If submitting via email or mail, the document must be notarized.

The registered agent must also provide the Tennessee Secretary of State with the name and address of the new registered agent, if applicable. The new registered agent must meet all qualifications set forth by the Tennessee Secretary of State.

For more information on registering or resigning as a registered agent in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Secretary of State Business Services Division website.

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Is There a Penalty for Not Designating a Registered Agent in Tennessee?

If you form an LLC in Tennessee and do not designate a Registered Agent, you may face serious consequences. According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, any LLC formed in the state must appoint a Registered Agent. The Registered Agent must be a resident of the state, or a business authorized to do business in the state. Failing to appoint a Registered Agent can result in a dissolution of the LLC.

The Secretary of State’s office may refuse to process documents or approve the formation of the LLC if a Registered Agent is not appointed. Additionally, the LLC may be unable to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing or pursue other legal actions. As a result, the LLC may be unable to operate in the state and could be subject to penalties for not appointing a Registered Agent.

It is important to note that the consequences of not appointing a Registered Agent in Tennessee can be severe. The LLC may not be able to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to do business in the state and may be subject to dissolution. For more information, the Tennessee Secretary of State has provided a helpful guide on Registered Agents.

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What is the Tennessee Secretary of State Contact Information:

Contacting the Tennessee Secretary of State

The Tennessee Secretary of State is the official source of information on elections, business filings, and other important issues in the state. The office provides a variety of ways to get in touch with their staff.

The main office of the Tennessee Secretary of State is located in Nashville, and can be reached by phone at (615) 741-2286. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm Central Time.

If you would like to send correspondence to the office, you may do so at the following address:

Tennessee Secretary of State
312 8th Avenue North
Snodgrass Tower, 10th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

You can also contact the office via email at sos.tn.gov/contact. This website provides a contact form to submit inquiries or complaints.

For general inquiries, or to check the status of a business filing or election, you can contact the office by phone at (615) 741-3979. You can also find additional information on the Tennessee Secretary of State website.

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How Much Does a Registered Agent in Tennessee Cost?

The cost of a Registered Agent in Tennessee depends on the type of service you are looking for. Generally, the cost for a basic Registered Agent service ranges from $49 - $350 per year.
For basic Registered Agent services, you can expect to pay a flat fee of around $49 - $150 per year. These services typically include filing the necessary documents with the Tennessee Secretary of State and providing you with a contact address. It’s important to note that these services do not include more specialized services, such as document management and document filing services.
If you need more comprehensive Registered Agent services, you can expect to pay more. These services can range from $150 - $350 per year and include more specialized services such as document filing, document management, and personalized customer service.
It’s important to note that the cost of a Registered Agent in Tennessee can vary based on the type of services you are looking for. It’s best to do your research and find a Registered Agent that can provide the services you need at a price you can afford. You can find more information about registered agent services in Tennessee Secretary of State's website.

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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 Tennessee?

Finding a registered agent in Tennessee is a simple process when you have the correct information. Here are the steps you need to follow to find a registered agent in Tennessee:

Step 1: Search the Tennessee Business and Licensing Portal using the term “registered agent.” This will bring up a list of registered agents approved by the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Step 2: Review the list and determine which registered agent best suits your needs. You should consider factors such as the services they offer, their fees, and the location of their office.

Step 3: Contact the registered agent using the information provided on the Tennessee Business and Licensing Portal. You can usually call them directly or find a contact form on their website.

Step 4: Discuss your needs with the registered agent and determine if they are the right fit for your business. If so, you can then sign the agreement and start the process of appointing them as your registered agent.

By following these steps, you should be able to find the right registered agent for your business in Tennessee.

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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.