What is a Registered Agent for an Alabama LLC or Alabama Nonprofit?
Alabama law requires businesses and foreign companies registered to do business in Alabama to name a registered agent.
A registered agent is the official point of contact between the LLC or nonprofit and all third parties, including the State and local governments. Registered agents receive and accept documents on behalf of the company. Because companies are not literal people, the registered agent acts as the stand-in representative for the LLC or non-profit itself.
Who can Serve as an Alabama LLC’s or Non-Profit’s Registered Agent?
Alabama law requires that the registered agent:
Be an adult;
Have a physical address within the State of Alabama;
Be available during normal business hours to receive and process documents and notices from the State and local governments.
Because the registered agent receives these records on behalf of the company, it is important that this agent will be available and properly process all notifications because the service of documents and notices on the agent is the equivalent of services on the company itself.
Registered Agents will receive tax notification and other governmental documents sent to the LLC or nonprofit.
The Registered Agent is also responsible for receiving and processing legal documents, such as a summons if someone sues the business or charity.
Since the registered agent job is important, many companies choose to use professional services, such as a law firm or specialized service as their agent. We offer this service to clients. This can be beneficial to have someone else manage the responsibility and make sure nothing gets lost or misplaced. Using a professional registered agent can also help protect any privacy concerns.
When an LLC or non-profit files its Certificate of Formation, Alabama law requires the company to name an initial Registered Agent. Existing LLCs and non-profits can update the Registered Agent on file through filing paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. There is some paperwork and a filing fee involved, but the process is fairly straightforward.
A Registered Agent can Resign from their Duties.
This happens in Huntsville by filing the appropriate paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State Office. Should this happen, Alabama law requires the limited liability company or nonprofit to name a new Registered Agent to take the place of the person who resigned.
If you have any other questions about this process or registered agents in Alabama, just let us know. We’re happy to help.