How to Change Registered Agent in Massachusetts – A Complete Guide

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Change registered agent in Massachusetts

Change Registered Agent in Massachusetts: A registered agent in Massachusetts is a point of contact between your LLC and the state. You must appoint a Registered Agent when you form an LLC in Massachusetts. At any point in time, you might need to replace/change your Resident Agent in Massachusetts. When it comes to changing the registered agent in Massachusetts, it is a straightforward method. To change your Resident Agent in Massachusetts, one has to submit the statement of change of the Resident Agent. It can be filed online or by mail.

In this article, you will learn how to change registered agent in Massachusetts. Also, you will get to learn when and why you have to change your Resident Agent, appointed for your Massachusetts LLC.

What is Resident Agent in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Resident Agent, appointed by the limited liability company, is a person who receives all the legal documents on your company’s behalf. To become a registered agent in Massachusetts, one must meet the following requirements,

  1. The person must be or above 18 years old
  2. The person has to be a permanent resident of Massachusetts
  3. The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Massachusetts
  4. The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in Massachusetts

You can also be your own registered agent in Massachusetts. However, it is not wise to be your own agent as it can divert your attention from the core of your business.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Massachusetts

To change the Resident Agent in Massachusetts, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $25 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Massachusetts online, you must search for the appropriate online form. You can file your change of Resident Agent statement online if the online form is available through the Secretary of State. Follow the below-given instructions:

  • Visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s official website
  • Log in to the portal using your credentials.
  • You will find the ‘Update’ option in your dashboard if the online update option is available.
  • Click on the ‘update’ option to find the ‘registration’ option.
  • You will get an online form (or in PDF format)
  • Fill out the form (or download it on your PC, then fill it out) with the old and new registered agent’s details.
  • Submit (or upload) the completed form to the portal.
  • In the next section, you will get payment details (if applicable) and pay the fees using a credit card.

Your online updation is done! It takes some time to update the details on the portal. Once it is updated, your new registered agent can start conducting business on your behalf.

Filing Through Mail or In-person

If you want to file the statement of change of registered agent via mail or in person (if available), then you should follow the rules. For in-person or mail filings, you need to download the Massachusetts Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Massachusetts Secretary of State. Complete the form by filling in all the information about the LLC and both (new and existing) registered agents. The form has to be signed by the new registered agent. This will provide the consent of the new agent. Once completed, submit it to the below-mentioned address:

Important LinksSubmit Offline Form
Change of Registered Agent – Online
Massachusetts Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Massachusetts Registered Agent – Requirement		William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, MA 02108

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Massachusetts registered agent is $25. This fee will be paid to the Massachusetts Secretary of State by check or credit card.

If you hire a Registered Agent service, filing the Statement of Change would be much easier. Also, the registered agent will help you with the consent letter the new registered agent has to sign. LLCBuddy editorial team suggests a list of the best LLC services that offer registered agent services. Some of them offer standalone registered agent services.

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Registered Agent Consent Letter in Massachusetts

The registered Agent’s Consent letter is a document that a new registered agent must submit along with the formation document. It is a statement that the agent submits upon agreeing to work with the LLC. When you change the Resident Agent, you must also submit the consent letter signed by the new agent. In many states, submitting the Change of Registered Agent form does the job; sending any additional consent document to the SOS is unnecessary. However, there are many states where you must submit the consent letter separately and pay a certain fee (if applicable). This consent must include the following details-

  • LLC name
  • A letter that says the person gives consent to serve the LLC as a registered agent
  • The execution date
  • Name of the registered agent
  • Signature of the registered agent

In Massachusetts, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. You must get the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form, fill it out, and submit it to the SOS. The agent must sign the form or self-attest. It is proof that the new Resident Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Massachusetts Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Massachusetts

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Massachusetts. Some of the main and most important reasons are listed below,

Be Your Own Registered Agent

A very common reason is that if anyone wants to be his/her own registered agent. Any LLC owner can be the registered agent himself/herself as per the Massachusetts Secretary of State. So, you may want to change the registered agent and become one yourself for your LLC. In that case, you must submit the change form with your details.

Want to Hire a Professional Registered Agent

You may have designated yourself or someone from the family as the registered agent for your LLC in the initial phase. But with expansion in business, your roles and responsibilities also expand. You may not be present at the office during working hours. And a registered agent is required to be available in the office. So, you must hire a registered agent who could replace you.

Existing Registered Agent Resigns

If your current registered agent resigns or your service provider is out of business, you can change your Registered Agent in Massachusetts. You must change the registered agent if the existing one resigns or is out of service.

Forming foreign LLC

This is to be noted that a person is eligible to be a Massachusetts Resident Agent only if they are the Massachusetts resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Massachusetts, you might need to change your registered agent because not all registered agents are eligible to work in different states. 

FAQs

What is a registered agent in Massachusetts?
A registered agent in Massachusetts is a person or entity appointed by a corporation or LLC to receive legal notices and other important documents on behalf of the company.
Why would I want to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
You may want to change your registered agent in Massachusetts if your current agent is no longer providing satisfactory service or if you are moving your business to a new location.
How do I know if my registered agent in Massachusetts is still valid?
You can check the validity of your registered agent in Massachusetts by accessing the state’s online business database.
What is the process to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
To change your registered agent in Massachusetts, you need to file a form with the Secretary of State’s office and pay a filing fee.
Can anyone in Massachusetts be my registered agent?
Yes, as long as the person or entity is registered to do business in Massachusetts and has a physical address in the state.
Is there any limit to how many times I can change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
There is no limit to how many times you can change your registered agent in Massachusetts.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
The filing fee to change your registered agent in Massachusetts is $50.
What information do I need to include in the form to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
You will need to provide the name of your existing and new registered agent and their contact information.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Massachusetts can vary, but it typically takes two to five business days.
Can I change my registered agent in Massachusetts myself or do I need an attorney?
You can change your registered agent in Massachusetts yourself.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent when changing to a new one in Massachusetts?
No, the Secretary of State’s office will notify your old registered agent when you change to a new one in Massachusetts.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Massachusetts?
Your corporation or LLC will not be in good standing, and the state may administratively dissolve your business.
Will changing my registered agent in Massachusetts affect the operation of my business?
No, changing your registered agent in Massachusetts will not affect the day-to-day operation of your business.
Can I use a registered agent service in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can use a registered agent service in Massachusetts.
Can I be my own registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Massachusetts if you are a Massachusetts resident and have a physical address in the state.
How do I find a registered agent in Massachusetts?
You can find a registered agent in Massachusetts by conducting an online search or consulting with a business attorney.
Do I need to provide any documentation to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
No, you do not need to provide any documentation to change your registered agent in Massachusetts.
How do I know if my new registered agent has been accepted in Massachusetts?
You can check the state’s online business database to see if your new registered agent has been accepted in Massachusetts.
Can I have multiple registered agents in Massachusetts?
No, you can only have one registered agent in Massachusetts.
What are the responsibilities of a registered agent in Massachusetts?
The responsibilities of a registered agent in Massachusetts include accepting legal documents and other important notices on behalf of a corporation or LLC.
If I am moving to a new state, do I need to change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, if you are moving your business to a new state, you will need to change your registered agent in Massachusetts.
What happens to the legal notices if I change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
All legal notices will go to your new registered agent in Massachusetts.
What is the fee if I want to reinstate my administrative dissolved LLC using a new registered agent in Massachusetts?
The fee if you want to reinstate your administratively dissolved LLC using a new registered agent in Massachusetts is $500.
Can I use a friend or family member as my registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can use a friend or family member as your registered agent in Massachusetts if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Are there any annual fees for registered agents in Massachusetts?
No, there are no annual fees for registered agents in Massachusetts.
Do I need to notify the IRS if I change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
No, you do not need to notify the IRS if you change your registered agent in Massachusetts.
If I have questions about changing my registered agent in Massachusetts, who can I contact?
You can contact the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office or a business attorney if you have questions about changing your registered agent in Massachusetts.
Can a registered agent be an individual in Massachusetts?
Yes, a registered agent can be an individual in Massachusetts.
How often can a company change its registered agent in Massachusetts?
A company can change its registered agent in Massachusetts as often as necessary.
How do I change registered agent in Massachusetts?
You can change your registered agent in Massachusetts by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
What is the fee to change registered agent in Massachusetts?
The fee to change registered agent in Massachusetts is $51.
What happens if I do not change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
If you do not designate a registered agent for your Massachusetts business, you will not be able to legally do business in the state.
Can I act as my own registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Massachusetts if you have a physical address in the state and are available during normal business hours to receive legal and official correspondence.
Can an out-of-state company act as a registered agent in Massachusetts?
No, an out-of-state company cannot act as a registered agent in Massachusetts.
Is a registered agent responsible for the actions of a company in Massachusetts?
No, a registered agent is not responsible for the actions of a company in Massachusetts.
How do I resign as a registered agent in Massachusetts?
You can resign as a registered agent in Massachusetts by filing a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
Can I change the registered agent and registered office at the same time in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can change both the registered agent and registered office at the same time in Massachusetts.
Will changing my registered agent affect my company’s taxes in Massachusetts?
No, changing your registered agent will not affect your company’s taxes in Massachusetts.
How long does it take to change registered agent in Massachusetts?
It typically takes about 1-2 weeks to process a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office in Massachusetts.
Can I change my registered agent online in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online through the Massachusetts Secretary of State Online System.
Will there be any legal consequences if I do not change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, there may be legal consequences if you do not change your registered agent in Massachusetts, such as being unable to take legal action or conduct business transactions in the state.
Can I change my registered agent without notifying my current registered agent in Massachusetts?
No, you must notify your current registered agent in Massachusetts of your intent to change before you file any paperwork with the state.
Do I need to inform the state of Massachusetts when I change my registered agent?
Yes, you need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office with the Massachusetts Secretary of State when you change your registered agent.
Can I use a PO Box for my registered office address in Massachusetts?
No, a PO Box cannot be used as a registered office address in Massachusetts. It must be a physical street address.
Can I cancel my registered agent designation in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can cancel your registered agent designation in Massachusetts by filing a Statement of Termination with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
What is a statutory agent in Massachusetts?
A statutory agent is another term for a registered agent in Massachusetts.
If I change my registered agent, will I also need to change my incorporator in Massachusetts?
No, changing your registered agent in Massachusetts does not require changing your incorporator.
Can I appoint a new registered agent before I terminate my current registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can appoint a new registered agent before terminating your current registered agent in Massachusetts.
How will I know if my Massachusetts registered agent has been changed?
You will receive a filed copy of your Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office from the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
What information do I need to include in my Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office in Massachusetts?
You need to include the name and address of your current and new registered agents in Massachusetts in your Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office.
How long will my new Massachusetts registered agent serve?
Your new Massachusetts registered agent will serve until you change your registered agent again, your company dissolves, or your registered agent resigns.
What is the responsibility of a Massachusetts registered agent?
The main responsibility of a Massachusetts registered agent is to receive legal and official correspondence on behalf of a company in the state.
Can I change my registered agent in Massachusetts using a paper form?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Massachusetts by using a paper form and submitting it to the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
Will I receive confirmation when I change my registered agent in Massachusetts?
Yes, you will receive a filed copy of your Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office from the Massachusetts Secretary of State as confirmation.

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In Conclusion

During your business, you may arrive at a point where you need to change the registered agent. The need may arise when the existing agent wants to quit, or you are terminating the existing agent or expanding your business. Changing the Massachusetts registered agent can be necessary in various situations. It is quite simple as it can be done online and through mail filing. This article has it all. If you have any queries about changing a registered agent, you can drop a comment below in the box.


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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