Best Tennessee Registered Agent Services For Your Business

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The Best Tennessee Registered Agent Services

Best Registered Agent Services in Tennessee: When starting an LLC in Tennessee, one of the essential requirements is designating Registered Agent. Registered Agent is a person or entity responsible for receiving important legal and government notices for your business. This includes tax notifications, lawsuit filings, and compliance-related correspondence. 

In this comprehensive guide, Webinarcare Editorial Team will explore the importance of Tennessee Registered Agent Services, how to choose the best service for your business, and the top registered agent services to consider. Please read all the points carefully before starting your business in Tennessee.

Best Registered Agent Services

What are Registered Agent Services?

Registered Agent Service is a professional third-party service that acts as a business or corporation’s official point of contact. It is responsible for receiving and forwarding important legal and government documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders, on behalf of the business. In many jurisdictions, this service is required by law to ensure businesses have a designated representative available during regular business hours to receive crucial communications.

In Tennessee, Registered Agent Services are often used by businesses that do not have a physical presence in a particular state or country or prefer to maintain privacy in their official records. If you have already started or are planning to form your Tennessee LLC, you must appoint Registered Agent. We reviewed some of the Best Registered Agent Services and provided features as an add-on with their packages.

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The main responsibilities of a Registered Agent include:

  • Receiving legal documents, such as subpoenas, summons, and other official correspondence from the state or federal government. Filing for Tennessee Articles of Organization and Charter for Profit Corporation in the Tennessee Secretary of State is one of their main responsibilities.
  • Ensuring these documents are promptly delivered to the appropriate individuals within the company.
  • Maintaining a physical address within the registered business’s state, the registered office.
  • They were available during regular business hours to accept service of process and other official communications.

Top 5 Registered Agent Services in Tennessee

The top 5 best Registered Agent Service list is mentioned below. Now, you will read everything about these companies, their pros & cons, pricing, and whether you should use them. Here is the breakdown of the best Tennessee Service companies. 

1. LegalZoom

new legalzoom logo

LegalZoom is a well-known legal services provider that also offers registered agent services. Their registered agent service costs $299 annually, with discounts available for multi-year plans.

legalzoom registered agent
Start With LegalZoom

Pros 👍

  • A reputable and well-established company
  • Comprehensive legal services beyond registered agent services
  • Discounts for multiple years of service

Cons 👎

  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors

To understand why LegalZoom is our top 1, check out Webinarcare Editorial Team’s LegalZoom Review.

2. Northwest Registered Agent

northwest registered agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a reputable registered agent service known for its commitment to privacy and personalized customer support. They offer registered agent services in all 50 states, with a flat annual fee of $125 per state.

nwra
Start With Northwest Registered Agent

Pros 👍

  • Personalized customer service
  • Focus on privacy and security
  • Straightforward pricing

Cons 👎

  • No bundled discounts for multiple states

Northwest Registered Agent is a top choice for those seeking reliable and professional registered agent services. Read more about the company here in Northwest Registered Agent Review. 

3. ZenBusiness

zenbusiness

ZenBusiness is a popular business formation service that also offers registered agent services. Their registered agent service is included in their LLC formation packages, which start at $0 plus state fees. The standalone registered agent service costs $99 per year.

zenbusiness registered agent
Start With ZenBusiness

Pros 👍

  • Affordable pricing
  • Comprehensive business formation services
  • Positive customer reviews

Cons 👎

  • Less competitive for standalone registered agent service

Webinarcare Editorial Team selects ZenBusiness service through thorough research and market study. You must cross-check all the factors or read ZenBusiness Review before choosing the right one for your Tennessee business.

4. BetterLegal

better legal

BetterLegal‘s registered agent service costs $10 per month, billed annually for $90 per year. Additionally, BetterLegal offers a 14-day free trial for their registered agent service.

better legal registered agent
Start With BetterLegal

Pros 👍

  • Affordable cost
  • Secure online document management system
  • Compliance reminders to prevent missed deadlines
  • Convenient change of address service

Cons 👎

  • No physical mail

BetterLegal is a solid choice if you’re looking for an efficient, user-friendly registered agent service tailored for small businesses. However, you can check out other Best Registered Agent Services.

5. Inc Authority

inc authority

IncAuthority is an online incorporation services provider that offers registered agent services as part of their LLC formation packages. As a registered agent, IncAuthority acts as a point of contact between the business and the state, receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of the business. Inc Authority offers a free business formation service, with customers only paying state fees. However, their registered agent services come at an additional $99 per year, separate from the formation package.

IncAuthority’s registered agent service includes:

  • Receipt and forwarding of official documents and legal correspondence from the state
  • Compliance reminders to make sure you don’t miss important filings
  • Dedicated support and assistance for your business
inc authority registered agent
Start With Inc Authority

Pros 👍

  • Compliance with state filing regulations
  • Enhanced privacy
  • Convenience
  • Business continuity

Cons 👎

  • Costly
  • Limited control and availability
  • Risk of lost or delayed communication

How to Choose the Best Registered Agent Service

When selecting a Registered Agent service for your business, consider the following factors:

  • Experience and Reputation: Look for a Registered Agent service with a proven track record and positive customer reviews. Experience and reputation are crucial indicators of the quality of service you can expect.
  • State Coverage: Ensure that your chosen Registered Agent service can provide coverage in the state where your business is registered and any additional states where you may plan to expand.
  • Pricing and Features: Compare the pricing and features of various Registered Agent services to determine the best value for your needs. Be cautious of services with hidden fees or overly complicated pricing structures.
  • Customer Support: Choose a Registered Agent service that offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support. The ability to easily contact your registered agent and receive prompt assistance is essential during time-sensitive legal matters.

Why You Need a Professional Registered Agent Service

Although a business owner or a company employee can act as a Registered Agent, there are numerous benefits to hiring a professional Registered Agent service.

Privacy: Registered Agent’s address is a matter of public record. By hiring a professional Registered Agent service, you can maintain privacy and protect your personal or business address from being listed publicly.

Compliance: A professional Registered Agent service is well-versed in state requirements and can help ensure your business complies with its registered agent obligations.

In Tennessee, before filing Tennessee Corporation or an LLC, you are required to hire a Registered Agent. Registered Agent will ensure to file the necessary paperwork and file the taxes for your Tennessee LLC.

Also, in Tennessee, the Registered Agent should file for an LLC which costs around $300 and is payable to TX Comptroller. The Registered Agent should also be aware that the reporting fee should be paid every 1 year.

Availability: Professional Registered Agent services guarantee availability during regular business hours, ensuring that your business never misses important legal or governmental notices.

Peace of mind: By outsourcing the Registered Agent role to a professional service, you can focus on managing and growing your business, knowing that experts handle this critical aspect of compliance.

Requirements in Becoming a Registered Agent

The requirements to become a Registered Agent may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, the following criteria must be met:

  • Physical Address: Registered Agent must have a physical street address (not a P.O. Box or virtual address) in Tennessee  where the business is registered. 
  • Availability: The Registered Agent must be available at the registered office during regular business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday) to receive and sign for important documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders.
  • Age and Legal Status: In Tennessee, a Registered Agent must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the state where the business is registered.
  • Good Standing: Registered Agent should be in good standing in Tennessee and not have any outstanding legal or regulatory issues that could prevent them from effectively serving as aRegistered Agent.
  • Consent: The Registered Agent must consent to act in this capacity for the business. This is typically done by signing a consent form or including their signature on the business entity’s formation documents.

When is hiring a Registered Agent service a good idea?

You might want to think about using a Registered Agent service if you regularly travel, operate your business remotely, don’t work from a single place during business hours, or don’t want to have your home address appear on public records. Registered Agent service is a fantastic choice if you want the assurance that your government, tax, and legal mail will be received by a third party and forwarded to you promptly.

Do I need a Registered Agent?

Yes, you typically need a Registered Agent if you are forming Tennessee S-corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or other types of business entities in Tennessee. Registered Agent is required by law to receive important legal and government documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders on behalf of your business.

The Registered Agent must have a physical address in Tennessee where your business is registered and be available during regular business hours to receive these documents. This ensures that the government and other parties have a reliable way to contact your business for legal matters.

You generally do not need a Registered Agent if you are a sole proprietor or operating under Tennessee DBA without forming a separate legal entity. However, checking Tennessee’s specific requirements and regulations is important to ensure compliance.

Can Registered Agent have a virtual address?

Registered Agent generally cannot have a virtual address because they are required to have a physical address in Tennessee, also known as the registered office. It must be a street address, not a P.O. Box or mail-forwarding service.

This requirement is to ensure a reliable and accessible location where the Registered Agent can receive crucial legal and government documents, such as service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders, on behalf of your business during regular business hours.

Consider using a virtual address for your Tennessee business operations. You may still need to hire Registered Agent service with a physical address in the registration state to fulfill the legal requirements. This service will act as your official point of contact for legal and governmental correspondence and forward any relevant documents to your virtual address or preferred contact method.

FAQs

What makes a Registered Agent service the best in Tennessee?
The best Registered Agent service in Tennessee will provide fast and reliable service, be familiar with Tennessee laws, have a good reputation, and offer competitive pricing.
What is a Registered Agent in Tennessee?
A registered agent is a person or company that serves as your authorized representative on legal documents and receives government notifications and other important correspondence on your behalf in Tennessee.
Do businesses in Tennessee need to have a Registered Agent?
Yes, every Tennessee business entity is legally required to have a registered agent that is physically located in Tennessee.
How does a Tennessee business select a Registered Agent?
When starting a business in Tennessee, you can choose a registered agent service or designate an individual to act as your registered agent.
Can a Tennessee business owner act as their Registered Agent?
Yes, a member of a Tennessee LLC or a director or officer of a corporation may serve as the registered agent for the business.
What are the benefits of using a professional Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
A professional registered agent will maintain a physical address in Tennessee, provide you with a physical address for your business, and handle routine legal process services for you.
What happens if I don’t designate a Registered Agent for my Tennessee business?
If you don’t designate a registered agent for your Tennessee business, you risk not receiving important legal documents and notifications, including lawsuits, which could result in default judgments against your business.
Can I change my Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
Yes, you can change your Registered Agent service in Tennessee at any time by submitting the proper notice to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
What is the cost of a Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
The cost of a registered agent service will vary in Tennessee depending on the provider you choose, but you should expect to pay between $50 and $300 per year.
Can I be my own Registered Agent to save money in Tennessee?
Yes, it is possible to act as your own registered agent for your business in Tennessee and save some money, but there are drawbacks such as a lack of privacy if you work from home and cannot have documents served in person.
What are the requirements for becoming a Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
There are no specific requirements for becoming a registered agent in Tennessee, but you do need to maintain a physical presence in the state and be available to accept service of process during normal business hours.
How do I get started with a Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
To get started with a registered agent service in Tennessee, you should research providers, choose one that meets your needs and budget, and then fill out their proper registration forms and pay their fee.
Can a Registered Agent provide other services beyond just accepting legal documents in Tennessee?
Yes, many Registered Agent services in Tennessee can also provide additional services like business formation and compliance, document management, and recordkeeping.
How quickly will a Registered Agent in Tennessee forward my legal documents to me?
A professional Registered Agent in Tennessee should forward your legal documents and notifications to you immediately upon receipt, often through digital means to expedite delivery.
Will my Registered Agent in Tennessee help me with legal disputes?
A Registered Agent service in Tennessee will only accept service of process and notify clients when needed but cannot provide legal advice or intercede on your behalf for disputes.
Do I need to be physically present in Tennessee to use a Tennessee Registered Agent service?
No, even if you are located outside of Tennessee, using a Registered Agent service in the state is possible as they will maintain a physical presence to receive registered mail.
What types of business entities need a Registered Agent in Tennessee?
Every type of business entity operating in Tennessee, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits, is legally required to have a registered agent located in the state.
How often do I need to renew my Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
Most Registered Agent services in Tennessee are renewed annually or for the duration of the business entity’s license with the State.
What is the process for changing my Registered Agent service in Tennessee?
To change your Registered Agent service provider in Tennessee, you need to formally notify your new agent and submit a statement affirming the change with the state legislature.
Can I use a Registered Agent service provider in a state other than Tennessee?
Technically, you are only legally able to use a Registered Agent Service Provider within the state that your business is registered in so using a provider from a different state for your Tennessee business would not meet this requirement.
Is my Registered Agent’s information public in Tennessee?
If you have designated a commercial registered agent in Tennessee, their contact information is public record, allowing legal entities to identify who they should serve writs or cause summons in the state.
Can I be a Registered Agent for multiple businesses in Tennessee?
Yes, you can be a registered agent for multiple business entities in Tennessee.
When are the business entity documents typically forwarded from my Registered Agent in Tennessee?
As Registered Agent services act as legal representfatives, they monitor the buisness entities for legal documenta 24/7 day to assure HUMAN Verification, document signed and acknowledgment recieved which enables for forward within short duration and beyond regular business hours, documentation which arrive outside of business can take a short time.tive for businesses, the vendor should make it a priority and be sure general checks, similar to addressed summon under basic knowledge, whenever delivered straightforwardly on day by day base with provided weekly or daily reports,
What happens to my Tennessee Registered Agent service if my business entity dissolves?
If your business entity dissolves in Tennessee, your registered agent service will shut down notifying the Office of the Tennessee Secretary of State. You may need to choose a different agent for any action required in regards to the entity after gain’d unusual requests. Proration for remainder of contract is a common agreement term.
Who can be my Temporary Agent for Doing Business in Tennessee?
A entity that does not live in Tennessee and managed outside the state should get capable specialist co-op that has legitimacy to business activities for its sake or perspective. Frequent times out-of-state organizations interface with obtaining an “enlisted specialist” in Tennessee that is upheld by a stable expansion of administration costs. Work completion timelines should also be taken into consideration in the initial agreement.
What should I ask Registered Agent when deciding a provider for Tennessee business entity needs?
When exploring individuals or companies providing Registered Agent Services in Tennessee, you should verify factors such as countrywide coverage between standard and urgent deliveries, practicing an acknowledgment of service instruction/preferred instructions to ensure document integrity, financial benefits for longer commitments rather than pay-as-you-go options, amongst others. Rebate opportunities can often reduce cost for certain tailored plans to roles. Shorter cancellation periods, percentage earned amount based on return when satisfaction isn’t received, are forms in clausable service.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents and important notifications on behalf of a business.
Why do I need a registered agent for my Tennessee business?
In Tennessee, all businesses must have a registered agent for legal and administrative purposes.
Can I be my own registered agent in Tennessee?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Tennessee if you have a physical address in the state, are available during all business hours, and are willing to have your personal information publicly listed.
What are the benefits of hiring a Tennessee registered agent service?
A registered agent service can provide added privacy, convenience, and compliance assistance for businesses.
Do I need a physical address for my Tennessee registered agent?
Yes, Tennessee law requires that registered agents have a physical address in the state.
How do I change my registered agent in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Secretary of State provides an official form for changing your registered agent.
How long does it take to process my Tennessee registered agent change request?
Registered agent changes are processed within ten business days in Tennessee.
How much does it cost to use a professional registered agent service in Tennessee?
Prices for Tennessee registered agent services vary, but they typically range from $50 to $300 per year.
Can a registered agent service also provide mail forwarding or scanning for my Tennessee business?
Yes, many registered agent services offer additional mail forwarding or scanning services for an additional fee.
How can I find the best registered agent service in Tennessee?
Research customer reviews, compare pricing and services, and look for registered agent services specializing in Tennessee business law.
What happens if my Tennessee registered agent can’t be found?
If your registered agent cannot be located, your business may face legal consequences or financial penalties.
Is it necessary to use a registered agent service for a Tennessee nonprofit entity?
Yes, even Tennessee nonprofit entities require a registered agent for legal and administrative purposes.
Can I change my Tennessee registered agent to a family member or friend?
Yes, you can name a familiar person to be your registered agent in Tennessee as long as they meet the legal requirements for the position.
Are Tennessee registered agent services available in every county?
Yes, registered agent services are available throughout Tennessee.
Can a Tennessee registered agent protect against lawsuits for my business?
No, a registered agent cannot shield a business from legal action, but they can ensure the business is informed of any lawsuits and has ample time to respond.
What happens if I forget to renew my Tennessee registered agent service?
If you forget to renew your service, the Secretary of State may cease recognizing your business entity, and you could lose legal documentation.
How long does a Tennessee registered agent have to retain my business’s legal documents?
Tennessee registered agents must keep business documentation for at least five years.
Can I choose to use a different registered agent for my Tennessee subsidiary than my primary business entity?
Yes, you can use a different registered agent for each subsidiary of your Tennessee company.
What financial or legal consequences could result from a nonexistent Tennessee registered agent?
If your Tennessee business is sued, investigative agencies will have a challenging time collecting from your business and delays in necessary actions or missing legal notices.
Is my personal information as a Tennessee registered agent publicly accessible information?
Yes, the name, address, and personal information of the Tennessee-registered agent are publicly accessible information from the Secretary of State’s office website.
Can changing my Tennessee registered agent disrupt my current corporate status?
No, changing the registered agent in Tennessee does not disrupt the corporate status of your business entity.
How often do I need to change my registered agent in Tennessee?
You will only need to change your registered agent in Tennessee if your agent resigns, if the agent’s a business who dissolves, or the agent fails to maintain any necessary requirements.
If my registered agent is illegally offering their services, am I liable in Tennessee?
While claims under this situation are unlikely in Tennessee, if your Tennessee registered agent is disguising themselves by misrepresenting it or acting as an uncorroborated member, you may face secondary violations under Tennessee laws.
Will by Tennessee registered agent provide mail forwarding if I’m not available to receive?
Most Tennessee registered agent providers offer compliant message receiving, and experienced registered agent services will claim to reformat your mail’s protocol in governance with local legal requirements first and foremost.
Do I have to provide a forwarding address for my registered agent to maintain good opportunities to rules and regulations in Tennessee?
The physical address of service will typically serve as your Tennessee registered agent forwarding address, and the message will either be forwarded temporarily or forwarded according to your registered agent preference.
Can a Tennessee based registered agent be named as a member of an Applicant’s Board?
Yes, legally, the act of Tennessee registered agents can be maintained into formal governance member oversight roles, in most cases by signing new board documentation with their registered entity listing under their corporate diagram responsibilities for that member.
Is the information updated by a Tennessee registered agent without request?
A professional-level registered agent in Tennessee will undertake proactive work in meeting locals to which they can render notifications and official corporate correspondence on your behalf regardless of its automatic value or degree of formality.
What if my registered has moved out of state but maintains full compliance regularly in Tennessee; can they still serve as my registered agent?
Yes, your Tennessee registered agent legally needs to maintain a tangible location where you agree to establish their operating center to open, accept, and deal with any legal situations or transactions concerning their registration of nomination.

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Conclusion

Selecting the right Registered Agent service is crucial for ensuring your Tennessee business remains compliant with Tennessee requirements and promptly receives important legal and government notices. By carefully considering your needs, comparing options, and evaluating customer support and additional services, you can choose the best Registered Agent service for your Tennessee business.

By entrusting this critical aspect of compliance to a professional Registered Agent service, you can focus on growing your business with the confidence that your legal and regulatory requirements are in good hands.

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