Registered Agent FAQs

What is a Registered Agent?

When an entity registers to do business in a jurisdiction, state statutes often require the entity to appoint an independent registered agent. A registered agent is a business or individual designated to receive service of process “(SOP)” on behalf of the entity that is party to a legal action. It is the registered agent’s job to forward SOP to the entity at the legal address provided to UCS in a timely, safe and secure manner so the company has as much time as possible to respond.

Is the Registered Office the same as the Principal Office?

The registered office is the registered agent’s address in the jurisdiction where the entity is doing business. The principal office is the office address of the entity where their books and records are kept. UCS does offer an office plan and if you are interested, please contact us for more details.

What other responsibilities does a Registered Agent have?

Depending on the state, the registered agent is also the designated recipient to whom state governments, federal agencies and occasionally commercial agencies send official notifications required each year for tax and/or legal purposes, such as franchise tax notices and annual reports. It is the registered agent’s responsibility to forward these notices to the entity at the tax address provided to United Corporate Services, Inc. Generally all junk mail is discarded by United Corporate Services and not forwarded.

What do “Domestic” and “Foreign” jurisdictions mean?

The invoice lists the jurisdiction where UCS provides registered agent services. Domestic refers to the entity’s jurisdiction or state of incorporation. Foreign refers to any state where the entity has filed an Application for Authority to do Business and, thus, has qualified to do business in that state.

Will I be able to obtain Social Security Numbers from this search?

UCS will not disclose Social Security Numbers or other sensitive personal identifiable information uncovered from a criminal records search.

Why can’t the online system find my invoice?

There are several reasons that this may happen. Check your invoice number and try to re-enter; it could be that the invoice was paid over 30 days ago. If your invoice number is not found, please call and speak to an Associate in the Representation Department for more information.

Why am I getting this invoice?

If you have received an invoice for Annual Registered Agent Services, then UCS has been appointed registered agent in the jurisdictions listed on the invoice. The invoice is sent to the billing address provided to UCS.

Can I pay multiple invoices at once?

There is currently no mechanism online to pay multiple invoices at once. If you would like help with this, please call and a Representation Associate will assist you.

What if I want to change the contact information for the billing, legal or tax address with UCS?

You can use the Change of Address Form provided here.

Why does the billing period end June 30th?

Our annual billing period is July 1 through June 30. When UCS becomes registered agent for an entity the initial billing is for one full year. For example, if an entity was formed in October, 2009, the first invoice is for October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. The next invoice that will be generated will be prorated from October 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. This will transition the entity into our annual billing period of July 1 through June 30. Our experience for over 40 years has shown that mail can get lost at year end and that our customers prefer to receive registered agent invoices for all their entities at the same time of year. They are able to expect these invoices every June and budget accordingly.