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To start a local Idaho business, whether it’s a corporation, nonprofit, or limited liability company (LLC), one of the first things you’ll need to do is select a registered agent for public record and file with the Idaho Secretary of State. You might be wondering, what’s a registered agent? To help answer these questions, along with many others, we’ve created a guide to help new entrepreneurs in Idaho.
To better understand how a registered agent fits in the process of starting a California business, here’s a look at how to form an Idaho LLC.
What is an Idaho registered agent?
An Idaho registered agent is a point of contact, either an individual or a company, that’s willing and able to accept important tax notices or legal documents on behalf of your company. The registered agent will also receive service of process should your company be sued.
A registered agent should be trustworthy and aware of their role. In other words, an owner shouldn’t select an employee as a registered agent without telling that person. A registered agent must be willing to accept this position and be able to reach the owner quickly when important documents arrive.
Read more: What is a registered agent?
How does an owner select a registered agent in Idaho?
To select a registered agent in Idaho, the business owner or LLC organizer lists the person or company name on their Certificate of Organization, sometimes referred to as Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, depending on the business entity type. Some agent information will be required on these forms such as the agent or business name and their address, which will be used as the company’s registered office.
Who can be a registered agent in Idaho?
Many different people can fill this role, including the business owner, family member, or another company employee. A registered agent service can also fill this role.
For those wondering what the criteria are for a person or company to serve as a registered agent for your Idaho LLC, the state has some guidelines. A registered agent must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a physical office or street address in Idaho (it must be a physical address, not a P.O. box or virtual office)
- Be available during regular normal business hours on all business days (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- If the agent is a business entity, they must have a certificate of good standing with the state
Can I be my own registered agent in Idaho?
Yes. Many business owners serve as their own registered agents, especially if they are trying to save money. As long as the business owner meets the requirements above, they can fill this role.
Why would a company choose to work with a registered agent service?
While entrepreneurs can serve as their own registered agents, there are certain benefits to working with a professional registered agent. Paying a company to accept legal documents on behalf of your business comes with some perks, which include:
- Convenience. A registered agent service is convenient for many business owners. Having another company collect these important documents gives the owner the ability to travel and take vacations without worrying about always being at work during regular business hours to accept documents on the off chance they’re delivered.
- Peace of mind. With a registered agent in charge, business owners know that nothing gets missed. If documents come in, the company will notify the owner through a secure online account. Some companies will even contact multiple people if that’s your preference. They can also keep you aware of important renewals and deadlines such as the Idaho annual report.
- Privacy. A registered agent service gives a small business additional privacy, particularly if they’re being sued. If a company gets sued the legal notice will be delivered by a process server to the registered agent’s address, not to the office address where the business owner might be working with customers or employees at the time.
Read more: Best Registered Agent Services
How much does a registered agent service cost in Idaho?
The cost of a registered agent service ranges from $50 a year to $250 a year. The price depends on what kind of service is selected and what level of features are offered and might include some additional state fees for certain business filings.
Simple services like mail forwarding usually cost $50 or less a year. For more advanced services like mail forwarding, online accounts, and annual report reminders, expect the cost to climb up between $100-250 annually.
List of Idaho registered agent services
There are dozens of national registered agent services available, but here are a few options to provide an idea of services and prices:
- ZenBusiness is fairly new to the market, but it’s grown a strong following. Business owners love the affordable rates for a registered agent service, which are as low as $99 per year. The company also offers worry-free compliance to help business owners file the necessary reports on time.
- Northwest Registered Agent is one of the most recognized names in the registered agent business. The company has decades of experience and local offices scattered across the U.S. to serve small businesses like yours. The cost for a registered agent service is comparable to others. Business owners can also take advantage of additional services like report filing.
- Harbor Compliance is a great fit for organizations that register in multiple states and for those who don’t want to pay excessive service fees. With their network and electronic document delivery, they help ensure your business never misses a legal notification.
Idaho registered agent FAQs
Do I really need a registered agent in Idaho?
Yes. The State of Idaho requires all state businesses to list a registered agent on their formation documents.
Can a company change its registered agent?
Yes. You can change your registered agent at any time. There are several reasons to make a change. For instance, the registered agent may be taking a job at another company or maybe the owner wants to hire a registered agent service. Whatever the reason, there’s a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form on the Idaho Secretary of State’s website. Fill out the form online or mail it to the SOS office located in Boise. Idaho charges a $20.00 filing fee to file the statement of change.
The name for a registered agent varies by state. Most states use the term registered agent, but other states say statutory agent, resident agent, or service of a process agent. All of the titles mean the same thing; they’re a point of contact for a company.
What’s a commercial registered agent?
If you’re asked whether your registered agent is commercial or non-commercial, the answer is based on whether or not the service is paid for. If an owner selects a registered agent service (and pays for their services) it’s called a commercial registered agent. Select a non-commercial agent for all other options.