{"id":26598,"date":"2023-03-31T18:22:43","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T18:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/?page_id=26598"},"modified":"2023-07-02T23:15:29","modified_gmt":"2023-07-02T23:15:29","slug":"pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Maintaining a Pennsylvania registered agent isn\u2019t just a mandatory legal requirement for every business entity in the state, it\u2019s also a practical business solution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Registered agents are a substantial part of the formation process. They also come in handy by issuing compliance notifications to keep you apprised of important deadlines with the Pennsylvania Department of State.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading and I\u2019ll explain what a registered agent is, what it does, and why you <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/\">need<\/a> one for your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #212121;color:#212121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #212121;color:#212121\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#What_Is_a_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"What Is a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\">What Is a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#What_Is_the_Purpose_of_a_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"What Is the Purpose of a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\">What Is the Purpose of a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Compliance\" title=\"Compliance\">Compliance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Management_of_Important_Documents\" title=\"Management of Important Documents\">Management of Important Documents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Who_Can_Be_a_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\">Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#What_Happens_If_My_Business_Operates_Without_a_Registered_Agent\" title=\"What Happens If My Business Operates Without a Registered Agent?\">What Happens If My Business Operates Without a Registered Agent?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Can_I_Be_My_Own_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\u00a0\">Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Cons_of_Being_Your_Own_Registered_Agent\" title=\"Cons of Being Your Own Registered Agent\">Cons of Being Your Own Registered Agent<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Liability\" title=\"Liability\">Liability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Lack_of_Privacy\" title=\"Lack of Privacy\">Lack of Privacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Time\" title=\"Time\">Time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Pros_of_Being_Your_Own_Registered_Agent\" title=\"Pros of Being Your Own Registered Agent\">Pros of Being Your Own Registered Agent<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Should_I_Use_a_Registered_Agent_Service\" title=\"Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?\">Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#What_Is_the_Best_Registered_Agent_Service\" title=\"What Is the Best Registered Agent Service?\">What Is the Best Registered Agent Service?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Service_Features\" title=\"Service Features\">Service Features<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Value\" title=\"Value\">Value<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Easy_Sign-Up\" title=\"Easy Sign-Up&nbsp;\">Easy Sign-Up&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#User-Friendly_Interface\" title=\"User-Friendly Interface&nbsp;\">User-Friendly Interface&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Customer_Service\" title=\"Customer Service&nbsp;\">Customer Service&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Pennsylvania_Registered_Agent_FAQs\" title=\"Pennsylvania Registered Agent FAQs\">Pennsylvania Registered Agent FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#Whats_the_Difference_Between_a_Commercial_and_a_Noncommercial_Registered_Agent\" title=\"What\u2019s the Difference Between a Commercial and a Noncommercial Registered Agent?\">What\u2019s the Difference Between a Commercial and a Noncommercial Registered Agent?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#How_Do_I_Change_the_Registered_Agent_for_My_LLC\" title=\"How Do I Change the Registered Agent for My LLC?\">How Do I Change the Registered Agent for My LLC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/#How_Much_Does_a_Registered_Agent_Cost\" title=\"How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?&nbsp;\">How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span>What Is a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A registered agent is an individual or business entity that accepts service of process, legal mail, and documents at your registered office address during normal business hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sending your service of process and legal documents to someone else at a different address may seem silly to you, but the other part of registered agent services includes document delivery. Registered agents use either mail forwarding or online document management systems to get your mail to you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, if you own a foreign corporation or entity that conducts business in multiple states, you\u2019ll have to maintain a registered agent in each of those states. You have two options when it comes to meeting your legal obligations: designate a different person at each location as your registered agent or hire a national registered agent, which is one company that can meet the overall compliance obligations of your company, everywhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Occasionally a registered agent in Pennsylvania is referred to as a <em>statutory agent<\/em>, <em>resident agent<\/em>, or <em>commercial registered office provider<\/em>. All of these terms describe the same type of business service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Purpose_of_a_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span>What Is the Purpose of a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After reading the definition of a registered agent in Pennsylvania or commercial registered office provider, you\u2019re likely cooking up a plot to set up a PO box. That won\u2019t cut it, and here\u2019s why:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Pennsylvania registered agent or commercial registered office provider is required to actually be present at your registered office address during normal business hours\u2014your <em>physical <\/em>address that you\u2019ve registered as your business address. So, a PO box won\u2019t work because you\u2019re not going to be physically present at an actual street address.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your registered agent service or commercial registered office provider can do a lot more than just accept legal mail and service of process or provide a registered office address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compliance\"><\/span>Compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s hard to remember compliance deadlines because they only come once a year, usually on the anniversary of your business\u2019s establishment. But your registered agent can keep track of such things.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Pennsylvania registered agent or commercial registered office provider acts as a middleman between you and various government agencies (like the Pennsylvania Department of State and the IRS), and because of that they send you compliance alerts to inform you about upcoming filing deadlines. This prevents you from missing a filing deadline and losing your company\u2019s good-standing status.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Management_of_Important_Documents\"><\/span>Management of Important Documents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For business owners who don\u2019t have a physical location or physical office for their company, the physical address specification may be a pain. But your registered office address is important for reasons beyond government regulations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your registered office address is where your mail, legal notices, service of process, and legal documents are sent. These days many registered agents and commercial registered office providers offer online document management systems into which they scan and upload your mail and documents on the day they\u2019re received, and you can access them using your online account.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This method is drastically faster than mail forwarding, which relies on the postal system and can be quite slow. Furthermore, you can use this online account to store your legal documents virtually, which means you won\u2019t have to keep massive storage rooms for all of your files.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Can_Be_a_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span>Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the registered agent requirements are the same across the board in every state. Here are some of the criteria your registered agent needs to meet:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>State laws. <\/strong>Some states have developed laws that outline requirements for registered agents. To ensure that you choose someone that is legally eligible to be your registered agent or commercial registered office provider, you should check the regulations on registered agents in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>18+. <\/strong>Your registered agent is required to be at least 18 years of age.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Physical address. <\/strong>Every registered agent or commercial registered office provider is required to use a physical street address as your registered agent\u2019s address or business address. PO boxes aren\u2019t allowed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Who you can designate. <\/strong>You\u2019re allowed to designate anyone you want as your registered agent as long as they meet the legal requirements for a registered agent. You can designate your lawyer, a friend, family member, employee, or anyone you choose as your registered agent. But choose someone whom you can trust with the life of your business.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_If_My_Business_Operates_Without_a_Registered_Agent\"><\/span>What Happens If My Business Operates Without a Registered Agent?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If no one is present at your business address to receive service of process, the process server will deliver the service of process to the Department of State. That may seem like no big deal, but it means that rather than you having your important legal notifications, a government agency does, so you\u2019re completely unaware of the legal actions being taken against your company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without knowledge of the legal action, you can\u2019t be present at the proceedings or defend your company against them. And a judge could issue a default judgment against your company that you\u2019ll have to abide by\u2014no matter how unfair you feel it is.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not legal for your business to lapse on maintaining a Pennsylvania registered agent or Pennsylvania registered office provider, so the PA Department of State\u2019s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations can remove your good-standing status as a result.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is bad news. It means your company may no longer have permission to expand to other states, may not qualify for business loans, and may be completely banned from conducting business in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In losing your good-standing status, you may even relinquish your business name reservation. As a result, other companies are free to take your business name and use it for themselves. The most alarming part of this is that even if you\u2019re able to clear this legal situation up quickly, there\u2019s a chance that you\u2019ll never get your business name back.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you own a limited liability company, you\u2019ll find that you\u2019re uniquely affected by the loss of your good-standing status. The Department of State could move for the \u201cadministrative dissolution\u201d of your company, which means they can dissolve your company for not meeting its legal requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your company is no longer legally recognized and established, your LLC doesn\u2019t benefit from liability protection. If your company is sued, the business owner (you) becomes both personally and financially responsible for the company, and their (your) personal assets and money can be listed as compensation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re thinking you\u2019re safe because you don\u2019t own an LLC, think again! Many of these repercussions also affect corporations, sole proprietorships, or limited liability partnerships, as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_Be_My_Own_Registered_Agent_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span>Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No state in the US prevents you from being your own registered agent. But before you take that leap, you should know the pros and cons of being your own registered agent and weigh them against hiring a Pennsylvania registered agent service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons_of_Being_Your_Own_Registered_Agent\"><\/span>Cons of Being Your Own Registered Agent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Liability\"><\/span>Liability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the things that turns many people off from being their own registered agent service is that if you\u2019re not extremely vigilant, or if you\u2019re not particularly good at the job, you could miss a service of process and that could have catastrophic consequences for your business. You could lose your company\u2019s good-standing status or have a default judgment issued against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack_of_Privacy\"><\/span>Lack of Privacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to be your own registered agent, your personal information (like your name, home or office address, and phone number) will be listed on the public record. If you\u2019ve used your own address because your business doesn\u2019t have a street address, this could be problematic. Cybercriminals and hackers will have access to your information, and once they get hold of it they can use it to steal your identity or commit other crimes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, there\u2019s something a little scary about just anyone being able to find your home address and phone number.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Time\"><\/span>Time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Most business owners opt out of being their own agent once they figure out that it\u2019s a full-time job that takes up lots of time. You\u2019re required to be at your company\u2019s listed street address during business hours, 9\u20135, Monday\u2013Friday. Most businesses also operate during those time frames, which makes it close to impossible to effectively manage a company <em>and<\/em> perform registered agent duties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_of_Being_Your_Own_Registered_Agent\"><\/span>Pros of Being Your Own Registered Agent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The one bright side of being your own registered agent is that you won\u2019t have to pay a Pennsylvania registered agent service. But when you think of the risks involved with being your own registered agent, and the time constraints it causes, you may just decide that it\u2019s worth it to pay for registered agent services for the reduced workload and peace of mind.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_Use_a_Registered_Agent_Service\"><\/span>Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the reasons business owners decide to use a registered agent service:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Because registered agents issue compliance notifications, you won\u2019t have to worry about missing a compliance deadline and dealing with loads of legal problems as a result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>You won\u2019t miss a service of process because your registered agent will be stationed at your business address during business hours to receive service of process on your behalf.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Because you aren\u2019t working two full-time jobs as both a business manager and a registered agent, you\u2019re able to run your business more effectively, and with a little less stress.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If you have a company that does business in more than one state, you can use a national registered agent service. Choosing a national registered agent service means you can use one business to cover all your legal needs, rather than multiple agents spread across multiple states.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Businesses that don\u2019t observe normal business hours (dance halls, arcades, comedy clubs) could use a registered agent service and take advantage of the free time to get some well-deserved sleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If your business doesn\u2019t have a physical location or address, you can use a registered agent service to avoid listing your personal information on the public record. You can list your registered agent\u2019s information instead of your home or office address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your registered agent can deal with the annoying amount of junk mail that\u2019s sent to your business on a daily basis.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>You can choose a registered agent service that supplies premium services, like specialty types of insurance or payment of any state fees you\u2019re charged for switching.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If you haven\u2019t formally established your business yet, you can choose a registered agent service that also supplies formation services. Some of them offer nice promotions, like a year of free registered agent service.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Best_Registered_Agent_Service\"><\/span>What Is the Best Registered Agent Service?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several aspects to take into account when you\u2019re trying to identify the best registered agent service. Here\u2019s how you can choose the best Pennsylvania registered agent for your company:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Service_Features\"><\/span>Service Features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll put this simply: Don\u2019t choose a Pennsylvania registered agent that doesn\u2019t supply the registered agent services that you want for your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some registered agent providers only offer basic mail forwarding, which is painfully slow, while others supply online document management systems that allow you to view your important legal documents in a timely manner and conveniently store them all online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some registered agent companies only give you a compliance calendar with important compliance filing dates for things like annual reports, which you can easily forget about, while other registered agent companies send out compliance alerts to make sure you don\u2019t miss important deadlines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So pick a registered agent in Pennsylvania that does everything you need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Value\"><\/span>Value<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways to determine the quality of a Pennsylvania registered agent service is to compare its registered agent services and its cost. If a Pennsylvania registered agent service has a wide variety of services as well as a low fee, then it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve found a company that provides a good value for the money.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While I have your attention concerning value, I want to warn you to stay away from \u201cbudget agents.\u201d These sneaky Pennsylvania registered agents lure in new customers with the promise of low prices ($39\u2013$59), and then tack on mountains of additional fees for things you need, like online document management systems or compliance alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Easy_Sign-Up\"><\/span>Easy Sign-Up&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s nothing more frustrating than assuming you\u2019re partnering with a business that\u2019s going to improve your quality of life as a business owner only to find that they waste your time. Some Pennsylvania registered agents make you fill out heaps of paperwork and sometimes take months to complete. Instead, choose a Pennsylvania registered agent with a quick, painless sign-up process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"User-Friendly_Interface\"><\/span>User-Friendly Interface&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever used a computer system that was overly complicated, difficult to navigate, and constantly locked up at the most inconvenient times? Some Pennsylvania registered agents have ancient servers and convoluted navigation systems. You should choose a Pennsylvania registered agent with a simple system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Customer_Service\"><\/span>Customer Service&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You could choose a Pennsylvania registered agent with a speedy, stress-free sign-up process, an intuitive user interface, and a padded list of registered agent services but still inevitably have a burning question that requires an answer or encounter a technological glitch that you need help with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And because your Pennsylvania registered agent is in charge of critical tasks that could result in the closure of your business, it\u2019s pretty obvious why customer service is imperative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I considered all of these factors and the findings of my four-stage research process to choose <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/go\/nwra\/ra\/pa\">Northwest Registered Agent<\/a> as the best registered agent service. If you\u2019d like to learn more about registered agent service or how to choose your company\u2019s registered agent, read my guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/best-registered-agent\/\">Best Registered Agent Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most business owners are bombarded with massive amounts of new information when they first establish their businesses. They have to learn everything from state laws and regulations for business entities to business and legal terminology, how to use various types of equipment and software, and even the details of new business management techniques. Luckily, Pennsylvania registered agent services can take some of the sting out of starting a new business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re still deciding on a business structure and want to learn more about LLC formation, check out my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/how-to-start-an-llc\/\">How to Start an LLC<\/a>. And if you want the added protection of expert guidance through the red tape and legal issues throughout the formation process, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/llc\/\">Best LLC Formation Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pennsylvania_Registered_Agent_FAQs\"><\/span>Pennsylvania Registered Agent FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_Difference_Between_a_Commercial_and_a_Noncommercial_Registered_Agent\"><\/span>What\u2019s the Difference Between a Commercial and a Noncommercial Registered Agent?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between a commercial registered agent and a noncommercial agent is generally pretty simple, except in a state where they refer to registered agents as commercial registered office providers. Essentially, a commercial registered agent is a professional registered agent service that has registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State as a commercial registered agent. Some states require all professional registered agent services to sign up as commercial registered agents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Noncommercial registered agents are any individual or business entity that\u2019s been designated as a registered agent in Pennsylvania and agreed to accept service of process on behalf of your business but hasn\u2019t registered as a commercial registered agent with the PA Department of State. So if you\u2019ve designated a family member as your Pennsylvania registered agent, then their official job title is \u201cnoncommercial registered agent.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_I_Change_the_Registered_Agent_for_My_LLC\"><\/span>How Do I Change the Registered Agent for My LLC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to change your registered agent in Pennsylvania. Just fill out a Change of Registered Office form, complete with information about your new registered agent (like your registered agent\u2019s name and address), then submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of State Corporations and Charitable Organizations with a payment of $5 to cover the filing fee.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Does_a_Registered_Agent_Cost\"><\/span>How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of a Pennsylvania registered agent service is based on a number of things, like which registered agent service company you choose and which services you need. In general, a registered agent service could cost anywhere from $39\u2013$299 per state, per year. That range varies widely! If you\u2019d like to learn more about the pricing practices employed by registered agent services, read my guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/best-registered-agent\/\">Best Registered Agent Services<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maintaining a Pennsylvania registered agent isn\u2019t just a mandatory legal requirement for every business entity in the state, it\u2019s also a practical business solution.&nbsp; Registered &#8230; <a title=\"Do You Need a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/registered-agent\/do-you-need\/pennsylvania\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Do You Need a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":25536,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Maintaining a Pennsylvania registered agent isn\u2019t just a mandatory legal requirement for every business entity in the state, it\u2019s also a practical business solution.&nbsp; Registered agents are a substantial part of the formation process. They also come in handy by issuing compliance notifications to keep you apprised of important deadlines with the Pennsylvania Department of State.&nbsp; Keep reading and I\u2019ll explain what a registered agent is, what it does, and why you need one for your business.&nbsp; Table of Contents Toggle What Is a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?What Is the Purpose of a Registered Agent in Pennsylvania?ComplianceManagement of Important DocumentsWho&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"Aaron Kra","url":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/author\/aaron\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26598"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26598"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27122,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26598\/revisions\/27122"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/boostsuite.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}