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Starting a business is exciting, but there are certain hoops you have to jump through to get everything set up legally in Vermont. For starters, you need to pick a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company that accepts documents on behalf of your company.
A registered agent must be listed on your Articles of Organization, which are the official documents filed with the state to start your company. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry. This guide is meant to help.
We’ll explain how a Vermont LLC is formed, how a registered agent fits in the process, and what other steps the state requires to set up a business.
What is a Vermont registered agent?
A Vermont registered agent is a person or company that agrees to accept official documents for your company. These documents may be tax notices, court documents, or service of process papers that are served during a lawsuit.
Given the importance of this job, the person or company selected should be trustworthy and reliable. The company owner decides who will fill this role.
Read more: What is a registered agent?
How does an owner select a registered agent in Vermont?
Selecting a registered agent is as simple as listing a person or company on LLC formation documents.
Who can be a registered agent in Vermont?
A Vermont registered agent could be the owner, but it can also be a friend, coworker, or neighbor. A registered agent can be another Vermont company too, which includes a registered agent service. A registered agent service is a professional company that serves as your company’s registered agent for a fee.
To be a registered agent in the State of Vermont, the person or company must:
- Have a physical street address, not a P.O. box
- Be in good standing with the state, if a business is selected
- Be available during regular business hours to receive correspondence
- Must be an adult over 18 years old
Can I be my own registered agent in Vermont?
Yes. The company owner can be the company’s registered agent. In many cases, owners do list themselves as their own agent, especially if they work from the company office. However, some owners select an employee or even pay for a registered agent service to handle the tasks associated with this title.
Why would a company choose to work with a registered agent service?
For those weighing the decision to hire a registered agent service, it’s good to explore some of the benefits of such a service. Many business owners decide to put a registered agent service in charge of its delivered documents. Here are some of the reasons owners opt for a service as opposed to selecting another person:
- Availability. A registered agent should be at a specific address during regular business hours, and for some owners, that’s a challenge. Between meetings, travel, or juggling other responsibilities, some owners aren’t available during the day to receive documents as needed. For that reason, a service is used.
- Peace of mind. Owners often say that appointing a registered agent gives them peace of mind. Knowing the service will contact the owner if documents are received provides simple comfort.
- Privacy. Some documents received by a registered agent are confidential. For example, if your company is sued, a registered agent is publicly “served,” which can be embarrassing. To ensure the highest level of privacy, some owners prefer these documents to be handled offsite.
Read more: Best Registered Agent Services
How much does a registered agent service cost in Vermont?
A registered agent service is an additional expense for a newly formed business, but many owners say the small fee is worth it. Fees will vary, depending on what kind of services an owner wants to take advantage of.
Basic services that include mail forwarding and notifications run about $50 a year. For services beyond that, expect to pay upwards of $100-200 annually.
List of Vermont registered agent services
Wondering which Vermont registered agent service to go with? There are plenty to choose from. To help narrow the search, here’s a look at three options, all of which offer multiple services including registered agent services.
- 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.
Vermont registered agent FAQs
Do I really need a registered agent in Vermont?
Yes. The State of Vermont requires every LLC to keep a registered agent on file. Vermont is not alone with this stipulation; every state requires LLCs to select a registered agent.
Can a company change its registered agent?
Yes. A company owner can update its registered agent with the Secretary of State by filing a Change Form and paying a $25 filing fee. The change will be made within several days.
Statutory agent means the same thing as registered agent. The name varies by state. In Vermont, the title registered agent is used.
What’s a commercial registered agent?
A commercial agent usually refers to a registered agent service. If you’re asked whether or not you have a commercial or non-commercial agent, the answer is commercial if you have a service and non-commercial if you or an employee fill the role.