Home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky, offers advantages for business owners, including favorable tax incentives and a low cost of living. If you plan to open an LLC in Kentucky, start a corporation, or expand business operations to Kentucky, you’ll need a registered agent. Read on to understand when you need a Kentucky registered agent and the services they offer.
What Is a Kentucky Registered Agent?
A Kentucky registered agent, also called a resident agent, is the official point of contact to receive government correspondence. A Kentucky registered agent will receive and forward official correspondence to the business owner.
If you’re starting a business in Kentucky, you must have a registered agent listed with the Secretary of State. This includes limited liability companies (LLCs) and both non-profit and for-profit corporations. The owner or director of the company doesn’t have to be the registered agent.
An individual or a company with a physical address in Kentucky can be the registered agent. You may appoint any Kentucky resident, business, or professional registered agent service. The registered agent must have a physical address in Kentucky where someone is available during regular business hours.
What Is a Registered Office in Kentucky?
A registered office is the physical location of the registered agent to receive official correspondence. This can be any Kentucky address where someone is available during normal business hours. A P.O. Box or virtual mailbox cannot be a registered office in Kentucky.
What Are the Legal Duties of a Kentucky Registered Agent?
The legal duties of a Kentucky registered agent center on receiving and forwarding legal documents and summons. This can include official correspondence, legal summons, as well as tax and other legal documents.
The registered agent is responsible for forwarding all correspondence to the Kentucky LLC or business owners. Kentucky registered agents are required to forward anything received at the registered office. The documents that registered agents can receive and need to forward to business owners include:
- Legal documents like subpoenas
- Business documents like notices of annual reports
- Official government correspondence
- Tax documents
- Other compliance-related documents, such as those from the insurance company
Why Is a Registered Agent Required in Kentucky?
A registered agent is required according to Kentucky law 14A-4.10. A registered agent ensures that the state can reach businesses efficiently with official documents or in case of legal process.
Does Kentucky Require Registered Agent Consents?
Kentucky requires the registered agent’s consent to perform the role. Registered agents must sign a statement of consent with you when you start a company or change registered agents.
When Do You Need a Kentucky Registered Agent?
All Kentucky businesses and foreign businesses operating in Kentucky need a registered agent. This includes all LLCs, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofits. The registered agent must have a physical address where someone is present during normal business hours.
If you change the registered agent or office, you must keep the agent’s name and address up to date with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Kentucky?
A registered agent in Kentucky can be:
- Any Kentucky resident aged 18 or older
- A Kentucky-based business
- A foreign entity authorized to do business in Kentucky
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service in Kentucky?
A registered agent service in Kentucky should offer reliable service and a strong reputation with reasonable costs.
Service Cost
The cost of a registered agent service in Kentucky ranges from $49 to $199. The higher-priced services offer additional services like LLC formation or email forwarding.
Features
While the basic service of receiving and forwarding official mail and communications is non-negotiable, many registered agents offer additional services. This could include online account access, email scanning and forwarding, or online LLC formation to launch your business faster.
Reputation
A registered agent’s reputation for service, value, and privacy is also important. Look for a registered agent service with strong positive client reviews. You can check sites like Google, BBB, and Trustpilot.
LLC members often choose to use a registered agent to protect their private information. Check that the registered agent maintains privacy while serving as a trusted interface of your company with the public and the government.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Kentucky Registered Agent?
Kentucky state law requires someone to be available to accept Service of Process for your LLC. The Secretary of State won’t accept your filing if you don’t have a registered agent when you file to form an LLC or corporation. You must continuously maintain a registered agent on file as long as the business exists in Kentucky.
How to Change Registered Agents in Kentucky?
If you choose to change the registered agent from yourself to a professional service or make any other changes to the registered agent or registered office, you must inform the Secretary of State immediately.
To change registered agents in Kentucky, you must fill out a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address. Kentucky provides all the forms and other information you need here.
You can send the completed form with a $10 filing fee to:
Division of Business Filings
P.O. Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602
You can also deliver the change of address form between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm at:
Office of the Secretary of State
Room 154, Capitol Building Office of the Secretary of State
700 Capital Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40602-0718
If you have any questions, you can call at (502) 564-3490
Using a Kentucky Registered Agent
A Kentucky registered agent offers a reliable point of contact and the required privacy for your company and ensures you don’t miss any important documents while saving costs. This can mean more time to focus on your core offerings and business growth.
If you need professional services to reduce the workload on your business, Doola can help. Doola Books offer exceptional bookkeeping service for busy founders so that you can focus on growing your core business. Get doola books here to get help with bookkeeping without hiring an accountant.
FAQs
How long does a Kentucky Registered Agent’s appointment last?
A Kentucky registered agent’s appointment lasts until you change the registered agent. If the business moves out of state, you might not need to maintain a registered agent in Kentucky.
Can you appoint an out-of-state Registered Agent for your Kentucky business?
No, you cannot appoint an out-of-state registered agent for your Kentucky business. You need a Kentucky resident or a business operating in the state to act as the registered agent.
How much does hiring a professional Registered Agent in Kentucky cost?
A professional registered agent service in Kentucky typically costs between $49 and $100. However, this depends on the company and services offered.
Are Kentucky Registered Agents responsible for any fees or taxes?
No, Kentucky registered agents aren’t responsible for any taxes or fees. The business owners or LLC members are responsible for all taxes, fees, and other obligations, like the annual report. The registered agent simply acts as a mailbox to receive and forward important documents.
Is a Registered Agent’s address public in Kentucky?
Yes, a registered agent’s address is on the public record. You can look up the name and address of any Kentucky registered agent with the Secretary of State.
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