It’s important to appoint a registered agent while forming your business. Not only is a registered agent required by law, but your registered agent serves a vital role, acting as an intermediary between your business and the state. And failing to appoint one—or keep your registered agent information up to date—could put your business at significant risk.
This guide will explain the role of the registered agent and highlight why it can be worthwhile to hire a professional Iowa registered agent service to help you fulfill the requirement.
What is an Iowa registered agent?
A registered agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive service of process for your company. Examples of service of process include important legal documents like lawsuits or subpoenas, but registered agents also receive other official correspondence like tax notices and annual report reminders. In some states, registered agents are also called statutory agents or agents of service of process.
Who can serve as a registered agent in Iowa?
In Iowa, a registered agent may be a business entity or an individual aged 18 years or older. They must reside within the state and maintain an office in the state where they are available to receive service of process during regular business hours.
Can I be my own registered agent in Iowa?
You may choose to act as your own registered agent in the state of Iowa. However, you must be available at your registered office every business day, during normal business hours, without exception. For this reason, many business owners opt to appoint another trusted individual to serve as their agent, or hire a professional agent or agent service, to fulfill the requirement.
Serving as your own registered agent could put great limitations on your ability to move freely during normal business hours, which—depending on your field of business—could keep you from handling other important company tasks that require your attention. It could also impact your ability to take vacations or complete business travel. And, since your registered agent office becomes part of the public record, it could create privacy issues if you choose to use your home address as your registered office.
How much does a registered agent cost?
Professional registered agent services aren’t costly, typically ranging from $100 to $300 annually. But the exact cost you’ll pay may be determined by what–if any—additional services you receive as part of your package.
What’s included in LegalZoom’s registered agent service?
If you choose LegalZoom as your Iowa registered agent service, you’ll benefit from unlimited free document scanning and uploading of your important documents, along with unlimited cloud storage with anytime digital access. We notify you as soon as we receive important correspondence that requires your attention and send email alerts for annual report deadlines. We also filter out any junk mail to save you additional time and effort.
When you change your registered agent to LegalZoom, we cover the change fee and handle all the paperwork required by the Iowa Secretary of State.
How to appoint a registered agent in Iowa
In Iowa—and most other states—you’ll need to appoint a registered agent when you file your business formation documents. For limited liability companies (LLCs), this is your articles of organization. For corporations, you’ll include your registered agent information (name and registered office address) on your articles of incorporation.
Unlike some other states, Iowa does not require registered agents to provide a separate written consent form, nor do they require their signature on the initial formation documents.
You can easily complete your initial filing online via the Iowa Secretary of State’s fast track filing website or by mailing your formation documents to:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
Lucas Building, First Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
The cost to form an LLC or a corporation in Iowa is $50.
What if I need to change my registered agent?
If you need to change your Iowa registered agent—or your registered office—you’ll need to fill out a statement of change form and file with the Secretary of State. The registered agent’s signature is required for the statement of change form. There is no fee to change your registered agent.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent?
You’re legally required to maintain a registered agent at a physical address in the state of Iowa. Failure to do so could put you at risk of fees and penalties, including loss of good standing status with the state government. You could also miss important documents related to lawsuits or annual report filings, which could result in financial or legal consequences for your business.
FAQs about Iowa registered agents
Can I use a family member or employee as my registered agent in Iowa?
Yes, if you don't want to serve as your own Iowa registered agent, but you also aren't ready to seek professional help, you can consider appointing another trusted individual, including a current employee or a family member.
But remember: your registered agent must be present at the designated office during regular business hours, without exception, to accept service of process on your behalf. It's important that your designated agent realize the restrictions that will be placed on their time and ability to move freely while serving as your agent.
There are many benefits to using an Iowa registered agent service that can make the minimal annual fee well worth it. But, not having to worry whether your registered agent will be able to fulfill their commitment may be the best benefit of all.
If I have multiple businesses in Iowa, do I need a separate registered agent for each?
Every business entity in Iowa must have a registered agent. If you own more than one business, you'll still need to fill out separate formation documents that include a registered agent name and office address. But you can appoint the same Iowa registered agent or registered agent service to all of your companies if you wish. Just remember that you'll most likely need to pay the same annual fee for each of your companies.
What happens if my registered agent misses an important document?
It's vital that your registered agent is able to deliver on their promise to serve in this capacity. If you miss an important compliance reminder or fail to respond to a lawsuit or critical government notice, it could be you at risk of hefty fines and penalties, or even legal action against your business.
In this regard, using an Iowa registered agent service, like LegalZoom, can afford you greater peace of mind than relying on a friend or family member.
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