Do I need a Registered / Resident Agent?
A registered agent (called a resident agent in Massachusetts) is required for all registered businesses such as LLCs and corporations. The registered agent is the person or entity designated to accept service of process and receive official communications from the state on behalf of the business.
Service of process is the formal delivery of legal notice when a lawsuit is initiated. This notice is typically hand delivered by a sheriff or authorized third party and ensures the business has proper notice of the legal action.
When you file your entity with the state, and each year when you submit your annual report, you must list the name and street address of your registered agent. In most states, including Massachusetts, this information becomes public record. If a registered agent is not listed, the state will reject the filing.
Failure to maintain a registered agent can result in loss of good standing or administrative dissolution of your business.
Can I Serve as My Own Registered Agent?
Yes. In many states, including Massachusetts, you may serve as your own registered agent or appoint a third party.
To serve as a registered agent, the individual or entity must:
• Be over the age of 18
• Be available in person during normal business hours (9am–5pm, Monday through Friday) to accept service of process
• Be a Massachusetts resident or a Massachusetts entity authorized to provide registered agent services
• Maintain a physical street address in Massachusetts (P.O. Boxes are not permitted)
Because the registered agent address becomes public record and must be staffed during business hours, many business owners choose to appoint a professional service instead.
Registered Agent Services with Trident Legal
When you appoint Trident Legal as your Massachusetts Registered Agent, you are designating a Massachusetts business law firm to serve as your company’s official legal point of contact, rather than a national filing service or call center.
Option 1: Registered Agent Service
$150 flat annual fee
Includes:
• Designation of Trident Legal as your Massachusetts Registered Agent
• Receipt of service of process and official state correspondence
• Electronic forwarding of documents (or first-class mail if required)
Does not include:
• Use of Trident Legal’s address as your principal place of business
• Annual report preparation or filing
• Legal advice or representation
• Massachusetts state filing fees
Option 2: Complete Annual LLC Compliance Package
$500 annual service fee
Plus $520 Massachusetts annual report filing fee (paid to the Commonwealth)
Includes:
• All Registered Agent services listed above
• Calendar tracking of your Annual Report deadline
• Proactive reminder at the beginning of your filing month
• Copy of your prior year’s report for confirmation or updates
• Preparation and filing of your Massachusetts Annual Report
• Filing confirmation and compliance record retention
Many clients choose the full compliance package in order to:
• Avoid late filings and penalties
• Maintain continuous good standing
• Reduce administrative oversight risk
• Centralize compliance with their legal advisors
• Protect personal privacy on public records
If you would like to learn more about Registered Agent or Annual LLC Compliance Services, please contact us.
Registered Agent and Annual Compliance services are available to Trident Legal clients only. This is not a standalone filing service, and we do not accept registered agent designations from businesses we do not represent.
Becoming a client does not require a broad or ongoing relationship. Many businesses engage us for a single, limited purpose, such as our Option 2: Complete Annual LLC Compliance Package. A limited scope engagement agreement establishes the attorney-client relationship for that defined work, and nothing further is required of you.
We also provide a full range of outside counsel services for businesses at every stage, from formation and financing through growth, contracting, and exit. We do not require an availability retainer, so you can reach out when you need counsel without paying to keep us on standby.
If you would like to learn more about Registered Agent, Annual LLC Compliance, or Outside Counsel Services, please reach out to see how we can help you today.
Disclaimer
Registered agent services are administrative in nature and do not, by themselves, create an attorney-client relationship. Legal services require a separate written engagement agreement.
This content is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. By using this Site you understand that no attorney-client relationship is created with Trident Legal. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.