Top Connecticut Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Connecticut Registered Agent: If you wish to start an LLC in CT, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Connecticut State Law, it is mandatory to have a Connecticut Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Connecticut, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a Connecticut Registered Agent.

What is a Connecticut Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Connecticut is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the Connecticut LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Connecticut, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Connecticut

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Connecticut. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Connecticut can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Connecticut always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

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How to Choose a Registered Agent in Connecticut

You can choose a Connecticut Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

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$125 Per Year

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing a Connecticut Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Connecticut

At the time of submitting the Connecticut Certificate of Organization, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

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Appoint Registered Agent Online

To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the Connecticut LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To appoint a registered agent in Connecticut by mail, you need to download the Connecticut LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read the Connecticut Certificate of Organization.

Cost of a Connecticut Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Connecticut.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Connecticut

To change the Connecticut registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Connecticut Secretary of State via mail or online filing. Here’s how to change a registered agent in Connecticut.

File Online

For online filing, you need to get the online form, which is available on the Connecticut Secretary of State portal. Fill in all the necessary information of LLC as well as current and old registered agents. This form must be completed and signed by the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC. The signature of the new registered agent acts like the consent to be appointed as one. Submit it online.

Fee: $50

File By Mail

You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the Connecticut Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,

Mail to: Commercial Recording Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470

In-person Submission: Commercial Recording Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Ave., Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Connecticut secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in Connecticut Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Connecticut. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Connecticut ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Connecticut to publicly upload their address to the Connecticut Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Connecticut SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Connecticut or any other state usually takes an online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

Connecticut Business Laws for Registered Agents to Note

The Connecticut Code on Business Corporation mandates the appointment of a registered agent in Connecticut to accept the service of process on behalf of their business entity. They handle all the business laws and legal issues related to Connecticut LLC. Every state has its own set of codes and regulations. Connecticut has its own set of different business laws. Here are some important laws and regulations every business should follow:

Connecticut Antitrust Laws

Antitrust laws prohibit any non-competitive practices in any open market, such as cartel formation. The Connecticut Federal and State laws protect consumers from such unethical practices that influence the market prices or restrict the entry of new competitors in the market. Antitrust laws are invoked in situations that hint at monopolization of a relevant market domain. The main antitrust laws are the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and Federal Trade Commission Act. Under the Statutes of Limitations, an antitrust claim can be raised within 4 years. In Connecticut, the Office of Attorney General enforces the antitrust laws into practice.

Interest Rates Laws

Every state in the United States has an Interest law for businesses. Normally, the general interest rate guidelines are less than the legal threshold of interest rate. The State of Connecticut has placed a ceiling to limit the interest rates on credit cards, loans, and other financial activities. The main statute is the General Statues of Connecticut (Title 37-1). The maximum in legal cases and court judgments can range between 8%-12%. A certain exception is also placed for different mortgages, student loans, etc.

Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

Connecticut laws aim to protect their residents from unfair business practices. Such practices mislead the consumers into investing in invaluable market products by selling them with twisted statements and lies such as false advertising.
The relevant statutes are the Unfair Trade Practices Act under the General Statutes (Chapter 735a), and Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. A willful violation attracts a penalty of $5000 for an individual offense. In Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection overlooks the implementation of the Statute.

The Registered Agents are the people who act as points of contact between your business and the State Compliances. They assist your business in ensuring compliance with all regulations and codes of the State. Hiring a registered agent in Connecticut will help you handle your business in a smooth and legally compliant manner.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In Connecticut?

You must submit the RA change application form to the Connecticut Secretary of State in order to change the registered agent there. Depending on what option is most convenient for you, you may do this online, by mail to the Commercial Recording Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470, or by fax. In Connecticut, it costs $50 to alter a registered agent.

How To Become A Registered Agent In Connecticut?

A registered agent in Connecticut may be obtained with ease. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state in order to register as an agent. To become a registered agent in Connecticut, no special education is necessary.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In Connecticut?

Anyone in Connecticut is eligible to serve as a registered agent. Anyone who meets the requirements, including your spouse, family members, LLC members, and you yourself, are eligible to serve as a registered agent. The applicant must be an adult who is a resident of Connecticut.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In Connecticut?

You must submit the RA Change Form with the new address specified if you want to change a registered agent’s address in Connecticut. Depending on what option is most convenient for you, you may submit the form digitally, by mail to the Commercial Recording Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470, or by fax. You must deliver this paperwork to the Connecticut SOS.

How To Find A Company’s Registered Agent In Connecticut?

You must go to the Connecticut Secretary of State website in order to locate a company’s registered agent there. You will have the ability to search for the company by name. To see the information, enter the company name and then choose the registered agent’s name.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a company’s registered agent is in charge of getting any necessary notifications and licenses as well as serving any necessary legal processes. In Connecticut, a registered agent is required. In Connecticut, you have the option of hiring a professional or serving as your own registered agent.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In Connecticut?

By providing their information at the time of Connecticut business registration, registered agents may be designated. The formation paperwork features a part where you must provide information like the name, address, and phone number of the designated registered agent. Please give your personal details if you are acting as a registered agent.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In Connecticut?

You must do the following actions in order to look up a registered agent’s address:
1. Visit the website of the Connecticut Secretary of State
2. Look up a corporation using its name.
3. Verify the Registered agent section and the address list.
You may use this method to look for the Connecticut address of the registered agent.

How Do I Look For A Business In Connecticut By The Registered Agent Name?

Visit the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website to do a company search there. The “Search” option may be found here. A company may be found using both its name and the name of its registered agent. To acquire the business information, choose “registered agent” and input the name of your registered agent.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In Connecticut?

Three requirements must be met in order to be a registered agent in Connecticut. The first is that you have to be older than 18 years old. The second requirement is that you must live in the state. In other words, you need a Connecticut street address. And last, you need to be able to do business in Connecticut legally.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In Connecticut?

In Connecticut, it is simple to find a corporation’s registered agent. To accomplish this, go to the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website. Go to the Business Search option. You may look for a company by name by choosing the Look up by name option. Once you have the company, you may look up the registered agent information.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a registered agent must deliver a letter of resignation to the business that they are representing. A resignation notification should be given to the Connecticut Secretary of State to confirm the registered agent’s departure after a certain number of days, along with the resignation letter.

How To Update Registered Agent In Connecticut Online?

You must submit the RA Change Form to the Connecticut Secretary of State to modify a registered agent there online. Not all states provide an online way to change a new registered agent. To see whether the online option is offered, visit the Connecticut SOS website.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In Connecticut?

In Connecticut, there are three methods to get a free registered agent. The first option is to act as your own registered agent. Second, if any member of your family, spouse, or friends is appointed as a registered agent. In Connecticut, there are firms that help with company creation that provide free registered agent services.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In Connecticut?

It is simple to look for a registered agent in Connecticut. You must go to the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website. Choosing “search by name” is an option if you know the company name. You may investigate a registered agent’s information from the list when you discover the firm information.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of Connecticut?

The Commercial Recording Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470, is where the registered agent form for the state of Connecticut should be mailed. You must designate the registered agent and provide all of their information on the formation paperwork when you register your firm. then send it via mail to the aforementioned address.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In Connecticut, Who Is Served?

In Connecticut, you are required to have a registered agent for your business. If your firm doesn’t have a registered agent, however, you might face legal issues. As a result, it’s crucial to work with a registered agent in Connecticut (you may alternatively serve as your own registered agent).

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in Connecticut?

Your firm won’t have a registered agent if a registered agent passes away. A registered agent for your business is required in Connecticut. All of the authority will be nullified once he or she passes away. Companies are required to inform the SOS immediately if their registered agent changes or is replaced.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS Connecticut?

If the registered agent’s name is concealed or not, cannot be answered with certainty. In certain states, it is possible to keep the names of LLC owners or members secret from the public register. If you have an anonymous LLC, it may happen. The name of the registered agent cannot be masked in certain states. For further information, go to the Connecticut Secretary of State’s business registration rules.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In Connecticut?

Call (860) 509-6200 if you want information about the Connecticut registered agent. The Connecticut Secretary of State is open from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon (central time). To contact the department you’re searching for, dial this number and follow the instructions.

What Is Registered Agent’s Consent In Connecticut?

A registered agent’s permission is a declaration in writing that the agent is prepared to represent the business. If you replace or appoint a new registered agent in Connecticut, the new agent must get the SOS’s approval beforehand.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In Connecticut?

A registered agent and a resident agent are the same. The registered agent in Connecticut may also be referred to as the resident agent. A resident agent is also known as a registered agent in the majority of states. The phrase “resident agent” is only used in a few states.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In Connecticut?

It is illegal to appoint a registered agent in Connecticut without the approval of the person who would be held legally responsible. Additionally, individuals have the ability to reject any obligation imposed by the procedure.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In Connecticut?

Yes, even if your Connecticut corporation lacks a registered agent, you may still file a lawsuit against your LLC. Any corporate entity in Connecticut may be sued in a number of ways. There will be another means to sue the business if no one is available to accept the legal paperwork.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’s Designation In Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a registered agent has the option of accepting or declining the designation. The individual may sign the declaration of refusal and deliver it to the Secretary of State in order to reject the designation. The SOS website has the statement of rejection accessible.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Connecticut

A registered agent for LLC in Connecticut can be removed by submitting a Change of Agent form with Connecticut Secretary of State with a filing amount of $50.

The process of removing a registered agent for an LLC in Connecticut is straightforward but requires adhering to the state’s regulations. The first step is to appoint a new registered agent before you can terminate the current one. It is essential to ensure that the new registered agent meets all the criteria set by the state, including having a physical address in Connecticut and being available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC.

Once the new registered agent has been appointed, the next step is to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Connecticut Secretary of State. This form can be filed online or by mail, and there is a fee associated with the filing. The form must include the name of the LLC, the name and address of the new registered agent, and the signature of an authorized person within the company.

After the Statement of Change of Registered Agent has been submitted and processed by the Secretary of State, the new registered agent will officially take over the responsibilities of receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC. It is crucial to notify the current registered agent of the change in writing and request that they return any official documents or mail that they may have on behalf of the company.

Removing a registered agent for an LLC in Connecticut is a necessary process that ensures the smooth operation and compliance of the company with state regulations. Failure to properly remove a registered agent can result in missed legal deadlines, misplaced important documents, and potential legal consequences for the company.

In conclusion, changing or removing a registered agent for an LLC in Connecticut is a straightforward process that involves appointing a new agent, filing the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State, and notifying the current agent of the change. By following the state’s regulations and guidelines, businesses can ensure that they are in compliance with the law and that their legal documents are being handled appropriately.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your Connecticut LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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