Question 1

What is a registered agent and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A registered agent is a person or business designated to receive service of process, government correspondence, and compliance notifications on behalf of your business. Every state requires LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in each state where they are registered.

Question 2

How long does it take to form an LLC or corporation?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary by state, but most formations are completed within 3-5 business days with standard processing. Many states offer expedited or same-day processing for an additional fee. CLS handles the entire process including name availability verification, document preparation, state filing, and registered agent setup.

Question 3

What happens if I miss an annual report deadline?

Accepted Answer

Missing annual report deadlines can result in late fees, penalties, loss of good standing status, and eventually administrative dissolution of your entity. This can affect your ability to conduct business, enter contracts, and maintain liability protection. CLS monitors all deadlines and files reports on your behalf to prevent these issues.

Question 4

What is foreign qualification?

Accepted Answer

Foreign qualification is the process of registering your business entity to operate in a state other than where it was originally formed. If your LLC was formed in Delaware but you conduct business in California, you must foreign qualify in California. This involves filing an application, obtaining a certificate of good standing from your home state, and designating a registered agent in the new state.

Question 5

How does CLS pricing compare to other providers?

Accepted Answer

CLS offers highly competitive pricing with registered agent services at $100/year per state, compared to $299-$399 from major competitors like CT Corporation and CSC Global. Our entity formation starts at $100 + state fees, annual report filing at $75, and foreign qualification at $100 + state fees. All pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

Question 6

How do I transfer my registered agent to CLS?

Accepted Answer

Switching to CLS is simple and free — we handle all the paperwork. Just provide your current entity information, and we'll prepare and file the Change of Registered Agent form with the state. The process typically takes 1-3 business days, and there's no gap in coverage during the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Agent Services

Entity Formation

Compliance & Annual Reports

Multi-State & Foreign Qualification

Pricing & Billing

Getting Started

Still Have Questions?