If you have decided to set up an LLC in New Jersey and already come up with a great name, you’re almost halfway there. However, before filing your Certificate of Formation, you also need to find a registered agent. On this list of registered agents in NJ https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/best-registered-agent-in-new-jersey-what-is-your-best-choice-in-2022-news-244836 you can find one for your company.
What Is a Registered Agent in NJ?
In short, a New Jersey registered agent (shortened to RA) is an individual or a company that is authorized to accept and process legal documents on behalf of an LLC in NJ. In other words, it’s a point of contact between your limited liability company and the government.
Every LLC registered in New Jersey is required to have an RA. It’s a state requirement listed in Section 42-2C-14 of the New Jersey LLC Act, which cannot be overlooked.
Since New Jersey allows any individual aged 18 and older with a physical street address within the state to act as an RA, you’ve got quite a wide range of options. Just so that you get an idea, here are a few examples:
- Your partner, colleague, friend, or even your neighbor if he or she is ready to do your paperwork;
- Attorney or a law firm;
- Professional registered agent service provider;
- You can be a resident agent, too.
Whichever option you choose, it is important that your registered agent can be easily accessed during business hours, which are from 9 am to 5 pm. This is so because all official notes arrive during the day and need to be taken care of in a timely manner.
What Does a Registered Agent in NJ Do?
By and large, a registered agent is responsible for maintaining a compliance calendar by
accepting and processing all official notes sent to your LLC, such as summons, subpoenas, etc. In addition, an RA is required to notify the Secretary of State on receipt of these documents.
Why Is It Important to Have a New Jersey Registered Agent?
As mentioned earlier, a registered agent is required by law for every LLC in New Jersey and out of the state. However, there are several other good reasons why the services of a registered agent are important:
- Compliance. By keeping your lawsuit papers in order, a registered agent ensures that your company’s kept in good standing and that there are no fines to pay;
- Privacy. With a RA, you can keep your personal data, such as your name and address, off the public record, which can be important for those who work from home;
- Flexibility. Having a registered agent also gives you more freedom in terms of hours and places you can work, since you don’t have to stay at the office;
- Discretion. An RA will discreetly send all documents to your online, saving you from having to accept and deal with them in front of your customers;
- Multi-state presence. Since the majority of RAs operate across the US, this is the easiest way to expand your business to other states and form a foreign LLC.
What’s the Best Registered Agent Option in NJ?
While you could be your own registered agent in New Jersey, most LLCs prefer not to, because it does impose a few challenges.
For one, this means you’ll have to disclose your personal data to the public, which isn’t ideal for home-based LLCs. And for another, it can also be quite restrictive, as you must be available at the office from 9 am to 5 pm at all times.
Besides, if you have many clients, you may find it quite awkward to handle sensitive lawsuit papers in front of them.
For these reasons, it’s far better to hire a professional registered agent service provider in New Jersey and rest assured knowing everything is kept track of correctly and you have nothing to worry about.