How to Change Your Registered Agent in Tennessee (Guide)
Are you looking to change your registered agent in Tennessee?
Don’t worry—the process is pretty straightforward, and you can do it online or by mail.
As a business owner, it’s important to keep your registered agent information up-to-date, as the registered agent receives legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business.
In this article, I’ll guide you through changing your registered agent in TN state.
- Changing your registered agent in Tennessee is easy. Just fill out a Change of Registered Agent form and send it to the Tennessee Department of State.
- You can mail it or bring it in person. It costs $20 to file.
- If you hire Northwest as your new agent, they’ll take care of all the paperwork and pay the state filing fee for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Tennessee
By following these steps, you can ensure that your business complies with state regulations and that your new registered agent is properly authorized to receive legal documents on your behalf.
Step #1. Confirm your selection of the new registered agent
Before changing your registered agent, you must select a new one. To do this, you should consider the following factors:
- The new registered agent must be located in Tennessee and have a physical street address (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
- The new registered agent must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on your behalf.
- The new registered agent must be willing to accept the appointment and fulfill the duties of a registered agent.
Once you have confirmed your selection of the new registered agent, you can move on to the next step.
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Step #2. Inform your current registered agent that you are changing to a new one
Before changing your registered agent, inform your current agent that you are terminating their appointment. This is an important step because your current registered agent may have legal obligations to fulfill before they can be released from their duties.
To inform your current registered agent, you should send them a written notice that includes the following information:
- Your business name and contact information
- The name and contact information of your new registered agent
- The effective date of the change
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Step #3. Obtain the Tennessee Statement of Change of Registered Agent form
To change your registered agent, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Tennessee Department of State. You can obtain this form by visiting the Department of State’s website or contacting their office.
The form requires you to provide the following information:
- Your business name and contact information
- The name and contact information of your new registered agent
- The effective date of the change
- Your signature and the signature of your new registered agent (if applicable)
Here’s what the Tennessee Statement of Change of Registered Agent form looks like:
Step #4. Submit the form to the Tennessee Department of State
Once you have completed the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form, you can submit it to the Tennessee Department of State along with the filing fee, which is $20.
You can submit the form by mail or in person. If you submit the form by mail, it may take several weeks for the Department of State to process your request. If you submit the form in person, you can typically receive confirmation of the change on the same day.
Following these four steps will allow you to successfully change your registered agent in Tennessee. Remember to keep a copy of all documentation related to the change for your records.
Changing your Tennessee registered agent on your annual report form requires paying the change of agent fee and the annual report fee.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
Types of Registered Agents
There are several types of registered agents you can choose from when changing your registered agent in Tennessee:
- Individual: An individual can serve as your registered agent if they are a resident of Tennessee and have a physical address in the state.
- Business Entity: A business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, can serve as your registered agent if it is authorized to do business in Tennessee and has a physical address in the state.
- Professional Service: A professional registered agent service can serve as your registered agent if they are authorized to do business in Tennessee and have a physical address in the state.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you choose to use a professional registered agent service, there are several factors to consider when selecting a provider:
- Reputation: Look for a service with a good reputation and positive reviews from other businesses.
- Experience: Choose a service with experience serving as a registered agent in Tennessee.
- Services Offered: Make sure the service offers all the necessary services, such as mail forwarding and compliance reminders.
- Pricing: Compare pricing among different services to ensure you are getting a fair price for the services provided.
By considering these factors and choosing a registered agent that meets your needs, you can ensure that your business complies with Tennessee state law.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Tennessee LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent option if you want to change your registered agent in Tennessee.
Here are some reasons why:
- They file your Tennessee Change of Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. This means you don’t have to worry about filling out confusing paperwork or paying additional fees.
- As your registered agent, they don’t wait around for any legal correspondence they receive on your behalf. They immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. This ensures that you receive important legal documents as soon as possible.
- Their instant registered agent services’ annual price is $125, which is competitive with other registered agent services. You don’t have to break the bank to get quality service.
- They provide instant Tennessee forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Tennessee. This makes it easy to file paperwork quickly and efficiently.
- They offer state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can access helpful resources guiding you through filing paperwork.
- Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
- They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This means that you receive important documents quickly and efficiently.
What does the State of Tennessee Say about changing a registered agent?
Changing your registered agent in Tennessee is a straightforward process that can be done online or by mail. According to the Tennessee Secretary of State, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address with their office to change your registered agent.
To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address, you can obtain a blank form by going to sos.tn.gov and entering SS-4534 in the search bar. You can then print and mail the filing form and the required filing fee to the address listed.
The filing fee for changing your registered agent in Tennessee is $20. If you file online, you can pay this fee using a credit/debit card or eCheck.
If you file by mail, you can pay by check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Mail your documents to:
Tennessee Secretary of State
Division of Business Services
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 6th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
It is important to note that when changing your registered agent, you must provide the name and address of the new registered agent and the Secretary of State Control Number if the agent is an organization. Failure to provide accurate information may result in the rejection of your filing.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Tennessee is straightforward. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new registered agent.
To recap, the steps to change your registered agent in Tennessee are as follows:
- Confirm your selection of the new registered agent
- Inform your current registered agent that you are changing to a new one
- Obtain the Tennessee Statement of Change of Registered Agent form
- Submit the form to the Tennessee Department of State
When selecting a new registered agent, choosing someone reliable and trustworthy is important. You want to ensure they will receive important legal documents on your behalf and notify you promptly.
Before submitting the Tennessee Statement of Change of Registered Agent form, ensure you have filled it out correctly and paid the filing fee. Keeping a copy of the form for your records is also a good idea.
Once the form has been submitted, the Tennessee Department of State will process it and update its records accordingly. You will receive confirmation of the change once it has been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Tennessee?
To change your registered agent in Tennessee, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. You can file this form online or by mail.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Tennessee?
To update your registered agent information in Tennessee, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form (SS-4264). You can download this form from the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website or file it online.
Can I be my registered agent in Tennessee, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Tennessee. However, you need to meet certain requirements. You must be a resident of Tennessee or a corporation authorized to do business in Tennessee. You must also have a physical street address in Tennessee and be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Tennessee?
To change your registered agent in Tennessee, you must pay a $20 fee. If you file online, you may also be charged a convenience fee. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Tennessee Secretary of State?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online with the Tennessee Secretary of State. You can file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form (SS-4264) through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must be a person or entity authorized to do business in Tennessee. Additionally, the registered agent must have a physical street address in Tennessee and be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Tennessee?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Tennessee varies depending on whether you file online or by mail. If you file online, processing is usually faster and can take up to 2 business days. If you file by mail, processing can take up to 10 business days.
How do I contact the Tennessee Secretary of State?
You can contact the Tennessee Secretary of State by phone at (615) 741-2286 or by email at TNSOS.CORPINFO@tn.gov. You can also visit their website at sos.tn.gov for more information on changing your registered agent in Tennessee.
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