NJ Self-Registration as Registered Agent Rhys Marsden, June 3, 2023June 7, 2023 New Jersey business owners can now self-register as their own registered agent, saving time and money. Table of Contents Toggle Understanding the Role of a Registered Agent in New JerseyPros and Cons of Being Your Own Registered Agent in New JerseyBenefits of Using a New Jersey Registered Agent ServiceHow to Elect a Registered Agent in New JerseyChanging Your Registered Agent in New JerseyFrequently Asked Questions about New Jersey Registered AgentsCriteria for Choosing a New Jersey Registered Agent ServiceDesignating a Registered Agent for Your New Jersey Business Understanding the Role of a Registered Agent in New Jersey A Registered Agent (RA) is a person or entity that represents a business in a state where it is not physically located. In New Jersey, an RA must have a street address in the state and be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of the business. The RA service offers flexibility and privacy, allowing an individual or business to keep their personal address off public records. TRUiC offers Agent Services for those who want to register their business in New Jersey. Once registered, the RA receives legal documents, such as notice of lawsuits and subpoenas, on behalf of the business. This service ensures compliance with state requirements and helps businesses stay on top of important paperwork. Pros and Cons of Being Your Own Registered Agent in New Jersey Being your own registered agent in New Jersey has both pros and cons. On the positive side, it gives you complete control over your business’ agent services and paperwork storage. You can act as your own agent if you’re an individual, a partnership, a corporation, or an LLC. It also offers flexibility in terms of where you can receive legal documents and notices, and helps maintain your privacy. On the other hand, you are required to have a street address in New Jersey, which might be a problem for someone who doesn’t have a business office or a resident in the state. It also means that you have to comply with all state requirements and laws, which can be a daunting task. Benefits of Using a New Jersey Registered Agent Service Using a New Jersey registered agent service offers many benefits for businesses. The agent acts as a point person for legal and compliance matters, ensuring that important notices and documents are received promptly and handled properly. This can be especially helpful for LLCs and other entities that may not have a physical business office or resident agent address. By working with a registered agent service like TRUiC, businesses can also benefit from the expertise of the TRUiC team, who can help with everything from corporation formation to filing the certificate of incorporation. Additionally, using a registered agent service can provide an extra degree of security and storage for important documents, such as an LLC operating agreement or non-profit agreement template. How to Elect a Registered Agent in New Jersey To elect a registered agent in New Jersey, you must first choose an eligible agent who resides in the state. The agent can be an individual or a company, but they must have a physical address in New Jersey. Once you’ve chosen an agent, you’ll need to file a document with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, which can be done online or through the mail. You’ll need to provide the agent’s name and address, along with your own contact information. After filing, you’ll receive a certificate of incorporation or an LLC operating agreement with your agent’s information included. It’s important to keep your agent’s information up to date and to notify the state if there are any changes. Choose wisely, as your agent will be responsible for receiving legal notices and important documents on behalf of your business. Changing Your Registered Agent in New Jersey Changing your registered agent in New Jersey is a straightforward process. As an entity registered in the state, you must have a registered agent to receive legal notices and official documents on your behalf. If you need to switch agents, you have two options: file a change of agent form with the state or ask your new agent to file a consent to appointment form. Whichever choice you make, make sure you notify the old agent of the change and update your agent address on all forms and documents. ZenBusiness Inc. offers a registered agent service that can help you with this process, giving you peace of mind and security for your business. Frequently Asked Questions about New Jersey Registered Agents Question Answer What is a registered agent? A registered agent is a person or business entity that serves as the official point of contact between a company and the state. Do I need a registered agent in New Jersey? Yes, all businesses registered in New Jersey are required to have a registered agent. Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey? Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in New Jersey if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours to receive legal documents. What are the benefits of hiring a professional registered agent? A professional registered agent can provide privacy protection, reliable document handling, and ensure compliance with state regulations. How much does it cost to hire a registered agent in New Jersey? The cost of hiring a registered agent varies depending on the provider. It can range from $50 to $500 per year. What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in New Jersey? If you don’t have a registered agent, you may face fines and penalties, as well as the risk of losing your business’s good standing with the state. Can I change my registered agent in New Jersey? Yes, you can change your registered agent by filing a form with the state and notifying your current registered agent. Criteria for Choosing a New Jersey Registered Agent Service When choosing a New Jersey registered agent service, consider their reputation and experience in the industry. Look for a company that offers reliable and efficient service, as well as affordable pricing. Make sure they meet the state’s requirement of having a physical address in New Jersey and being available during business hours. Additionally, consider their customer support and responsiveness to inquiries. It’s also important to ensure that they can handle the type of business you have, whether it’s a corporation, partnership, LLC, or nonprofit. Look for companies like ZenBusiness Inc. that offer various agreement templates and business registration services. Ultimately, the choice comes down to finding a registered agent that can provide the necessary services and support. Designating a Registered Agent for Your New Jersey Business Designating a Registered Agent is a crucial requirement for all businesses in New Jersey. This person will be the official point of contact for all legal and tax-related matters. As a business owner, you can either choose to be your own registered agent or hire a professional service. If you decide to be your own registered agent, you must have a physical address in New Jersey and be available during business hours. It’s also important to note that your name and address will be publicly available on state records. Hiring a professional registered agent service provides privacy and convenience. They’ll handle all notices and legal documents on your behalf, ensuring that you never miss an important deadline. No matter which option you choose, it’s important to designate a registered agent before completing your business registration. The TRUiC team provides helpful resources and agreement templates for LLC formation and other business types. Rhys MarsdenWas this article helpful?YesNo Registered Agent