Alabama Registered Agent
What is an Alabama registered agent?
An Alabama registered agent is a person or entity appointed to accept state notices and service of process on behalf of a business. There are some important factors to consider when choosing a registered agent in Alabama, and we’ll go over the basics here.
What Does a Registered Agent in Alabama Do?
According to Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code § 10A-1-5.31, business entities must assign a registered agent to handle their incoming state and legal correspondence. Failing to do so can result in administrative dissolution by the state and default legal judgment.
A registered agent in Alabama must be available during normal business hours to accept this correspondence. They act as the main point of contact for anyone attempting to deliver notices or legal mail to the companies they represent.
Are Alabama Businesses Required to Have a Registered Agent?
All Alabama LLCs and corporations must appoint a registered agent on state records. This helps businesses keep up with any legal mail coming their way, lowering the likelihood of missed-notice complications, such as default judgments or skipped court appearances.
Commercial registered agents usually have strict guidelines and processes for handling your mail and promptly notifying you of its arrival. Companies specializing in registered agent services know the ins and outs of working with the state and other agencies, making them an ideal choice for new business owners.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Alabama?
Alabama registered agents can be either:
- A resident of the state of Alabama
- A domestic or foreign company with a permanent address in Alabama
According to the Alabama Business and Entity Code, a registered agent in Alabama must provide a physical address in the state. This cannot be a P.O. box or mailbox. The agent must be available at the address to receive legal documents in person.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes, as long as you meet the state’s residency requirement. The address you provide on state records must be accessible to receive mail and hand-delivered documents whenever necessary. If you won’t be available during normal business hours, or your address isn’t public, you may want to consider appointing an individual as your registered agent. This can be a friend, colleague, or family member entrusted with receiving documents on your behalf. You can also hire a commercial registered agent if you’d like to avoid any complications since they usually offer the most reliable service.
How do I find out who a company’s registered agent is?
You can view registered agent information for entities in the state by searching the company’s name on the Alabama Business Entity Records. Legal service of process can be delivered to the principal or mailing address on record via certified letter or courier, which serves as valid legal notice. It never hurts to check the entity listing for the registered agent on record to verify that the address for the company you’re trying to serve is up to date.
Perks of Hiring Registered Agents Inc
When you hire Registered Agents Inc to be your registered agent in Alabama, we handle all your important documents. Here’s a bit of what we have to offer:
Speedy Uploads
We process all documents the day they’re received. We’ll upload them to your account so you won’t need to wait for physical copies.
Helpful Notifications
We notify you via email when a new document is uploaded to your account and provide follow-up notifications for unread documents.
Ease of Use
You’ll have a secure online account where you can view documents, pay invoices, and find useful forms and guides for common state filings.
Commitment to Privacy
We provide an in-state address you can use on state filings to keep your address off public records, helping separate you and your business.
Offices in Every State
We have offices in all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. We’ll support you at every step, whether you plan to stay in Alabama or expand.
Personalized Support
When you reach out to us, you’ll always reach a human who can help guide you in the right direction. We’re here to answer your call or email every time.
We also provide wholesale registered agent service if you need a hands-off option for your clients. Drop us a line and we’ll find a great solution for you.
How Do I Appoint a Registered Agent in Alabama?
When you file your Certificate of Formation (to form an LLC in Alabama) or Certificate of Incorporation (to incorporate in Alabama), you can appoint your registered agent right within your filing. Provide the details of your agent, and they will be appointed on the state record with the initial filing. Any documents can be immediately directed to them if you include their information in the Mailing Address field.
How do I change my registered agent in Alabama?
You can change a company’s registered agent in Alabama using a Change of Registered Agent filing once the company has been established on the state records. This costs $100 to file and can be paid using a check, money order, or credit card. You can file online or by mailing the form directly to the following address:
Secretary of State
Business Services
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Alabama?
The cost to hire a registered agent in Alabama varies and can be around $50 to $300 annually. Our registered agent service provides personalized support plus a wide variety of resources and additional helpful services for $200 per year.
Do I need to live in Alabama to operate a business in the state?
No. You aren’t required to live in Alabama to operate a business there. However, your registered agent must be an individual who is an Alabama resident or a company with a permanent, in-state physical address.
How do I register an out-of-state business in Alabama?
Registering a foreign business in Alabama requires you to file an Application for Registration for your Foreign LLC or Foreign Corporation in the state for $150. You can select a fictitious name for the business within this application if your company’s legal name is unavailable in the state or doesn’t contain the proper suffix. (Example- LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Corporation, Corporation, or Incorporated) This will provide you with an alternate name for business in Alabama.
Do I need to have a registered agent in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama requires all domestic and foreign filing entities and entities that do not have a place of business in the state, to maintain a registered agent on state records.
Does Alabama require LLCs to file an annual report?
Alabama has no standalone LLC annual report filing requirement as of January 1, 2024. Only domestic and foreign for-profit corporations and professional corporations must file annual reports in Alabama.
What is the Alabama Business Privilege Tax?
The Alabama Business Privilege Tax is the cost of doing business in the state and is based in part on the entity’s federal taxable income in Alabama. Any business that owes $100 or less is fully exempt from this tax as of December 31, 2023.
