How to Find a Registered Agent in Kansas (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Kansas registered agent requirements
According to Kansas state law, all registered agents need to first accept their appointment as a registered agent. They must be prepared to accept legal notices and other important business documents for their client/business before forwarding them on to said client/business.
Individuals who are registered agents must be at least 18. All registered agents need to be either residents of the state, or, in the case of companies, registered to conduct business as registered agents in Kansas.
Finally, registered agents need to have in-state addresses that are not P.O. boxes (they must be physical street addresses). The registered agent is required by law to be present at their address during regular business hours (Monday – Friday). This is so that they can reliably accept legal service mail (such as service of process) on behalf of their client/business.
Why use a registered agent service
Registered agents can be individuals or companies, but the latter typically provides more benefits. When you hire a professional company to be your registered agent, you’ll have more options, more flexibility, and more peace of mind.
Let’s take a look at the specific ways in which a registered agent service company can help your Kansas LLC or corporation.
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They’ll provide the physical address for your business.
One of the main requirements for any registered agent in Kansas is to have a physical address within the state. This address cannot be a P.O. box number. It needs to be a street address.
Especially when you are just beginning in the business world, you may not have a street address for your business. Many entrepreneurs start out with just a home-based business that only operates online, for example.
If this is the case for you, it is not advisable to use your home address as your business address. That’s because business addresses that are listed as registered agent addresses when incorporating your business are all in the public domain. Therefore, anyone could find your home address with a simple Google search.
It’s better to allow a professional registered agent company to be your registered agent so that you can utilize their physical street address for your business correspondence.
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They’ll take care of the paperwork.
For some business owners, it may be tempting to save the money they would have spent on a professional registered agent service and act as their own registered agent.
The truth is, however, for the amount that it actually costs to hire a registered agent, you’ll save tons of time and energy by outsourcing this job. Most registered agents charge just $50 to $300 every year.
For small businesses and startups, the costs are on the lower end. With this economical price, a professional registered agent will take care of all your important correspondence and paperwork as it arrives.
All you’ll have to do is wait to receive any incoming documents and paperwork and decide what you want to do with it. Plus, they can even notify you of upcoming Annual Report due dates and ensure you’re in good standing with the state.
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They’ll work normal business hours so you don’t have to.
All registered agents need to be available at typical business hours throughout the week. This is so they can be ready to accept official notices from the government, service of process documents from the court, or other notifications from individuals or businesses.
As an independent business owner, however, this is often difficult to do yourself. Whether you’re a creative who likes to do most of your work in the middle of the night or someone who travels a lot, you may not want to work “regular” business hours.
Isn’t that one of the benefits of having your own business, after all? You probably don’t want to be behind a desk all day. Fortunately, with a registered agent service company, you don’t have to be. Instead, your registered agent company will be available during normal business hours for all of your business-related correspondence, and you can work when you please.
Kansas registered agent costs
Businesses in Kansas want to know how much they will need to allocate for registered agent services every year.
Generally speaking, most registered agent service companies charge between $50 and $300 annually. Sometimes, if you hire such a company to incorporate your business, they will throw in registered agent services for the first year. After that, you’ll pay a flat rate just for registered agent services.
Some businesses like to choose their own registered agent — an individual in the company or even the business owner themselves. This is certainly an option, and it is free. Still, remember that it’s often far easier to hire a registered agent service than it is to take on this role yourself.
How to change a registered agent in Kansas
- Start by selecting who your new registered agent will be.
- Next, notify your old registered agent that you will no longer require their services.
- You’ll need to fill out a Change of Registered Agent by Corporation or LLC form and submit it to the Secretary of State of Kansas in order to change your registered agent.
- There are filing fees required whether you file online or by paper (in person or by mail).
- Online filing is $30, and paper filing is $35. Fax filing costs $25. Most payments can be made by credit card.
- If you want to pay nothing for your filing, speak with your new registered agent company as they will often file on your behalf and pay the necessary fees for you.
Why you need a registered agent
Any limited liability company (LLC) or corporation conducting business in Kansas needs a registered agent listed on their formation documents. This has been the law in Kansas for decades.
If you do not have a registered agent listed on these documents, your application will not be accepted by the Secretary of State, and your business cannot be registered. Keep in mind that your registered agent’s contact information, including their physical street address, will be on public record.
It is your registered agent’s job to ensure your business stays in good standing with the state. Likewise, they must field official paperwork for your business, including service of process notifications, tax notices, and more.
When you need a registered agent
Your registered agent must be chosen after you’ve named your business, which is the first step in the incorporation process.
Naming your new LLC or corporation means conducting a quick business search on the Kansas Secretary of State website. You need to ensure that no other company in the state has already selected your desired name as its own. Additionally, there will be other business naming guidelines to follow. Each state has its own guidelines.
When it comes time to select a registered agent, you need to appoint a person or business entity and include their point of contact information. Whoever you choose must meets state requirements (more on that below).
Finally, your business should hold an organization meeting where you’ll do things like create and approve your business bylaws and create your Articles of Incorporation (Articles of Organization). These will need to be filed with the Secretary of State, and upon their acceptance, you will have incorporated your business. One of your last steps will be to apply for an EIN (employer identification number).
Useful links
Incorporating a new business in Kansas can be a complex process. Below, you’ll find a list of links and forms that can assist you as you form your Kansas business and select and/or change your registered agent.
FAQs
How do I choose a registered agent?
Start by deciding whether you want a professional registered agent company or an individual to be your registered agent. Arguably, it’s easier to hire a service. They will let you keep your home address private and will give you peace of mind in the organization of your important legal documents. You’ll also have more time to focus on your company.
Can you serve as your own registered agent in Kansas?
Yes, if you have a Kansas business you would like to incorporate as an LLC or corporation, you can appoint yourself as a registered agent. The alternative is to have a company that specializes in registered agent services act as your registered agent. This comes with a load of benefits, including more privacy, less hassle, and peace of mind.
What is service of process in Kansas?
Service of process is a legal procedure in which a business is notified that a legal action has been taken against them. If you receive service of process documents, someone is likely suing you. It is important that you receive these documents right away so that you know if you are being sued immediately and can act accordingly.
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