Utah is a great state to set up your business. It’s one of the best business environments in the US. If you plan on setting up a business in the State of Utah, one of the foremost requirements of the state government is having a registered agent.
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent can be a business or an individual appointed to receive legal documents for your company. These legal documents include tax notices, subpoenas, lawsuits, and others.
All companies doing business in the state of Utah must have a registered agent to ensure tracking of all legal mail sent within the state. To become a registered agent in the state of Utah, you must meet the following requirements:
You must
- Be able to receive mail during business hours at an office
- Be present to receive the legal mail intended for the business you represent
- Have a physical address within Utah. Note that making use of a P.O Box is not allowed.
Registered Agent in Utah, who can work as one?
A person must meet certain requirements before he/she can work as a registered agent in Utah. These requirements are made by the Secretary of the State of Utah.
- A registered agent can be an employee of the company or third parties such as lawyers and registered agent service companies that is a resident or an organization that is located in Utah and has a valid street address in Utah. Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) cannot be their registered agents. However, if you are a resident and of legal age (more than 18) in Utah, you are allowed to register as your business’s registered agent in a case whereby you have a start-up business or you are a small business entrepreneur.
- If you are a business owner based outside Utah, you must first have the authorization to do business.
Changing your Registered Agent in Utah
If you have decided to shift to another agency or entity to represent your company in Utah, maybe because your previous registered agent moved out of the state, no longer wants the responsibility, or he left your company for another. Changing registered agents is easy, all you need to do is follow the following steps, as outlined by the Secretary of the State of Utah:
- File the Registration
Information Change Form with Utah Department of Commerce on the Utah State Online Services webpage.
2. The document you’ll fill online has step-by-step instructions on how to complete the form. You can as well choose to file on paper, you’ll need to download and complete the Limited Liability Company Registration Information Change Form.
The form must be correctly filled to avoid complications in the process of changing your registered agent. Note that there’s a fee of 15 dollars that must be paid for the document to be processed. The 15 dollars payment can be made through money order, a check, or credit card. The check must be made payable to the “Utah Secretary of State”. You can choose to complete the process online, or submit the papers and check through the mail, fax, or in person.
If you’re submitting through the mail, the document and the check should be mailed to the address:
Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
PO Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705.
If you’re faxing the document, the documents and check should be faxed to (801) 530-6438 alongside a Fax Cover Letter provided by the state of Utah
If you choose to submit in person, you’re to deliver the document and the check to the address:
Heber M. Wells Building
160 E. 300 S, 1st Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
You have to know that you can change your registered agent in the State of Utah by just making changes to your annual reports or your Articles of Organization. You can only follow the process explained above.
Should I Get a Professional Registered Agent Service Company?
Getting a professional registered agent company can reduce a lot of effort and time for any business owner. There are numerous benefits to it whether you are an established company or a small business owner. Some of these benefits are:
- Making use of their address instead of your home address, especially if you don’t have an office yet. This detail will be included in public records.
- Registered Agent processes paperwork for you
- Notify you immediately if you receive any new legal mail
- Notify you of mandatory filing of Utah annual reports
- Help you to avoid penalties for delayed filings
- Assist you with forms and instructions needed to set up your business
- If you operate a small business out of state, they fill in as your local contact in the state.
Several agencies offer registered agent services in Utah. However, you have to be careful in finding a trustworthy agent to handle your business.
Advantages of Using a Utah Business Address vs. Personal Address
- A business address minimizes exposure of your home address as public information
- Some city municipalities may not allow using home addresses as business offices
- Using your personal address can probably link you to business liabilities
- Using a business address can help you separate business and personal transactions
Conclusion
Having a registered agent is your gateway to setting up a business in the state of Utah. Doing it yourself is possible, but it can eat up a lot of your time, money, and energy. It is better to get a registered agent service and use the resources to build your business instead. Let them help you do business hassle-free in Utah.
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