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Corporate Compliance Solutions

We are compliance experts in all corporate matters with insurance specialization. Learn more about our corporate compliance solutions and services. 

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Commercial Registered Agent Services

One of the most important steps for establishing a business entity, including LLCs and corporations, is to appoint and maintain a registered agent. A registered agent acts as a business entity's representative in a state it is doing business in for the purpose of receiving service of legal process and other third-party documentation. At 3H Compliance Group (3HCG), we ensure that all legal notices and other third-party notifications received are processed and forwarded immediately.
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Registered Agent vs Commercial Registered Agent Services

A registered agent is an individual or entity designated by a business to receive legal service of process on its behalf. That could be any person or business located in the state where the entity conducts business - ideally one that is in the business of providing registered agent services. 

A commercial registered agent is a business entity that has filed a special listing statement with the state. The listing statement streamlines communication between the secretary of state and the commercial registered agent, allowing for greater reliability and speed. 3HCG, is a commercial registered agent in the states that have such a distinction.

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Our Commercial Registered Agent Services

When an individual or entity brings legal action against a business it’s vital for the business to take action immediately. For this reason, speed and reliability are essential qualities of a registered agent. 

As commercial registered agents, 3H Compliance Group ensures that all legal notices and third-party documents are processed and forwarded to clients within 24 hours of receipt. Since we began offering commercial registered agent services in 2007 we have consistently delivered on this commitment. 

By appointing 3H Compliance Group as your Registered Agent you can have peace of mind knowing that any services of process will be handled in a timely, efficient manner.

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Understanding the Connection Between Registered Agents, Service of Process and Secretary of State Filings

It’s easiest to understand the role of registered agents by understanding a bit about service of process and secretary of state filings.

Service of Legal Process

Service of process is the legal term used to describe the delivery of legal documents, such as subpoenas, summons, and complaints, to a party involved in a legal proceeding.

A registered agent is a person or business entity designated to receive those legal documents on behalf of a company or an individual. Appointing a Registered Agent is fundamental to maintaining a compliant business operation.

You can find a more detailed explanation of Service of Process in our blog post, Understanding Service of Process.

Legal Issues

Corporate Filing Services and Secretary of State Filings

Running a business involves meeting the compliance requirements set by governments at the local, state, and federal levels, domestically and internationally, as applicable.
 
To stay in good standing, companies must complete various corporate filings, which can include submitting updates like annual renewals, reporting corporate changes, or filing for mergers. The specific filings required vary depending on the governing region.
 
Submitting, renewing and updating these filings is a service frequently performed by a corporate filing services company, such as 3H Compliance Group. In most cases in the United States, the filings are made to each state’s Secretary of State. Collectively, the filings are commonly referred to as Secretary of State filings. These can include:
 
  • Entity Formation - When an entity is formed, most states require the entity to identify a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
  • Entity Expansion - When an entity expands into new jurisdictions it may be required to file with the Secretary of States in its home state and the states it expands into. The states will communicate back to the entity through their registered agent.
  • Entity Dissolution - When an entity is legally dissolved, the dissolution is filed with the Secretary of States in all states where it operated. The notices confirming the dissolution will be sent to the entity’s registered agent in each state.
  • Entity Maintenance - Collectively, the process of maintaining accurate and up-to-date information with each state’s Secretary of State is referred to as entity maintenance. This can include changes to physical locations, directors, ownership or other details. In each case, the state will communicate to the entity through their registered agent.

Learn more about our corporate filing services and view our Secretary of State Contacts.

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Clients We Work With

3HCG provides both registered agent services and corporate filing services. You can access either separately, but most entities find the seamless experience of using both services together easier and more convenient. Combined with our legal services we’re able to service the full business life cycle of clients, including:

  • LLCs (Limited Legal Liability Company)
  • Corporations (C-Corp & S-Corp)
  • Nonprofits
  • Professional Corporations (PCs), Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs)
  • Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) Trusts & Estates

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent, also known as a commercial registered agent, an agent for service of process, resident agent, or statutory agent, is an individual or business entity designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of a company.
 

Do I need a registered agent?

Yes, appointing and maintaining a registered agent is a legal requirement in all states.
 

What does legal compliance mean?

Compliance means adhering to legal requirements and regulations. These could include local, state, and national legislation, codes, rules and regulations. Legal compliance can affect every area of a business.