How to Choose a Registered Agent Service
How to Choose an Washington D.C. Registered Agent for Your Nonprofit: A Simple Guide
In every state where it registers, your nonprofit organization is required to appoint a registered agent to receive government notices and service of legal process on your behalf.
Washington registered agent services from Labyrinth satisfy your compliance requirements and keep your mission moving forward. We offer:
- Same-day documents from our local office.
- Immediate online access to state forms with our address and, where required, our signature
- $99 first year for new customers. Renews at $149 annually.
Washington D.C. Registered Agent Education
Your Washington D.C. registered agent is the legally designated point of contact for your nonprofit or business. The registered agent receives important legal notices, such as service of process (aka notice of lawsuit) on behalf of your organization. Registered agents in Washington D.C. must have a physical location in the state and must be available during all business hours. Choosing a reputable Washington D.C. registered agent will ensure you receive documents in a timely manner.
In Washington D.C., you may have come across the term “registered agent” while filing documents to form or register your organization. There are also synonyms, such as “resident agent,” “statutory agent,” and “agent for service of process.” These terms all refer to the same thing.
Does Your Nonprofit Need a Registered Agent in Washington D.C.?
Yes, your nonprofit needs a registered agent in most states where your organization has corporate registration or charitable registration.
You must appoint a registered agent in Washington D.C. if your organization is incorporated or registered as a legal corporate entity there. In some states, you are also required to name a registered agent when registering to conduct charitable solicitations.
Designating a registered agent in Washington D.C. helps ensure your nonprofit will stay compliant with state requirements and will be promptly notified of key legal and governmental notices that require your immediate attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
A nonprofit is required to appoint a registered agent in the state where it is incorporated, in states where it is registered as a legal corporate entity, and (in many cases) in states where it is registered to solicit charitable donations.
While naming a leader or board member as your registered agent may be easy in your state of domicile, the requirements quickly become more complicated as your organization grows. This is why many nonprofits choose to partner with professional compliance experts and registered agent services to minimize guesswork and risk.
Nonprofits can appoint an individual, such as a staff or board member, as their registered agent in many states. There are several requirements that they must meet, however. This individual must:
- Reside or work in the state
- Make their name and physical address publicly accessible in order to be contacted with legal notices on behalf of the nonprofit
- Be available at that address during normal business hours
Working with a dedicated registered agent service specialized in supporting nonprofits solves these problems. With reliable, full-time representation, your nonprofit can rest assured that you’ll be quickly notified of incoming documents and that your service will promptly handle change filings as needed.
