Does an S Corp Need a Registered Agent?

An S corp registered agent is an essential role, but it can cause some confusion. That’s because a registered agent for an S corporation is no different from a registered agent for another entity type.

An S corporation is a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation that has filed with the IRS under subchapter S of the tax code. S corporation status is a special tax status that lets qualifying small businesses (domestic entities with a limited number of individual shareholders or members) enjoy pass-through taxation and tax breaks from self-employment taxes. An S corporation is not a business entity type; it’s a status that pre-existing LLCs or corporations hold.

As a result, every S corporation has a registered agent even before it makes an S-corp election. And, that registered agent should be maintained for the entire lifespan of the LLC or corporation.

In the remainder of this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of an S corp registered agent: what it is, why you need one, and what to do if you’re between agents.

What is a registered agent for S corp?

A registered agent is an appointed individual or business that accepts service of process and other legal notices on a business’s behalf. The title of an agent varies from one state to another; for example, some states call it a statutory agent, agent for service of process, or resident agent. But no matter the title, the role is pretty much the same.

Any business that registers with its Secretary of State (or similar state agency) is required to appoint an agent for service of process. Every state has slightly different statutory requirements for who can be a registered agent. But generally, an agent must be an individual resident of the state, present at their listed address during all regular business hours, and be 18 years or older. Alternatively, you can hire a business entity that’s appropriately registered with the state.

Because there are such strict time requirements for an agent, we generally recommend hiring a registered agent service to fill this role for you.

Does an S corp need a registered agent?

As we mentioned earlier, an S corporation is not a business structure; it’s a taxation structure. Behind every S-corp election is a legal entity type like a C corporation or limited liability company. And since each of these entity structures has to appoint a registered agent when they form, an S corporation needs a registered agent, too. There’s really no way to avoid one.

In most states, business owners are allowed to serve as their own agent, but we don’t generally recommend that. Hiring a registered agent service does entail a modest fee, but it’s typically worth the expense.

Why do you need an S corp registered agent?

Every S corporation needs an agent simply because it’s a legal requirement in every state. You probably designated your agent’s business address (also called the registered office) in your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. Some states call these forms the Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization.

Each state requires an agent because if an S corporation is brought to court, it must be properly notified so it can respond to the court summons. A registered agent helps ensure that all parties in a business suit are properly notified. Hiring a registered agent service like ours also means that any legal process will be served as discreetly as possible (as opposed to a process server showing up at your business and serving you in front of clients).

The exact benefits of having an agent will vary from one business (and state) to another. Generally speaking, an agent service gives you a little extra flexibility because you won’t be tied down to a physical address during all normal business hours. If you prefer to work from a lot of different coffee shops, hiring an agent can give you that luxury. In some states, an agent can also give you an extra layer of privacy by keeping your home address off the public record, too.

What happens if you don’t have an S corp registered agent?

Failing to maintain a registered agent is a recipe for disaster for an S corporation. For starters, you’ll lose your good standing in your state. You could even face administrative dissolution. Plus, practically speaking, if your S corporation was summoned to court and no agent was around to receive the summons, you might find yourself in serious trouble. 

If you ignore a summons, a court might automatically award the settlement to the plaintiff — meaning you’d be out substantial cash. Additionally, failing to show does your business’s reputation no favors.

What to Do If You Don’t Have an S Corp Registered Agent

Let’s say you don’t have a registered agent right now because your old agent resigned, or you served as your own agent and can’t anymore. First, don’t panic; this is actually a pretty simple problem to fix.

Then, pick your new agent (who meets the state’s legal requirements). After that, you’ll need to file a form with your state. Some states call it the Change of Registered Agent form, but it goes by other names. Typically, this form requires information about your new agent, including their name and registered address. Some states also require the new agent to sign to show that they consent to the appointment. There’s usually a filing fee, but it’s generally pretty manageable.

We can help!

Our registered agent service makes it easy to keep a registered agent for your S corporation. We discreetly accept any legal notifications from the state and process servers and only forward the essentials to you — no sorting through spam or worrying about receiving legal summons in front of a customer. We can also help you with ongoing compliance, such as annual reports and other business amendments. With our help, you can focus only on what matters: making your business succeed.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.