Yes, a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can be a Registered Agent for your LLC.
Some CPAs offer Registered Agent service, and this can be useful if you already have a CPA.
That said, you have a few options for who can be your Registered Agent, and there may be some downsides to using your CPA to fill that role.
What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal documents (called Service of Process) and state notices on behalf of your LLC.
Note: Most states use the term “Registered Agent”, but some use the terms “Resident Agent“, “Statutory Agent“, or “Agent for Service of Process“. They all mean the same thing and we may use these terms interchangeably.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
What is Service of Process?
Service of Process is the delivery of legal documents sent to an LLC (typically only sent if your LLC is involved in a lawsuit).
Examples of these legal documents include a notice of a lawsuit, subpoena, summons, complaint, or a writ.
Service of Process can be delivered by certified mail, or in person.
Who can be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
You typically have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent for your LLC:
- you (the LLC owner)
- a friend or family member, or
- you can hire a Registered Agent Service
Additionally, you can hire a CPA to be your Registered Agent.
In order to be a Registered Agent, the person or entity must meet the state Registered Agent requirements.
What are the pros and cons of hiring a CPA as a Registered Agent?
Pros:
- If you’re already paying a CPA, they may offer Registered Agent services at a reasonable price (or for free).
- Using a CPA as your Registered Agent can keep your address off public records.
However, because CPAs typically don’t specialize in Registered Agent service, there are some downsides (when compared to hiring a Registered Agent Company).
Cons:
- You won’t get an online dashboard to manage your account & services.
- They may only do mail forwarding (and not mail scanning).
- Invoices may need to be paid manually (instead of online).
- Services may not auto-renew (so it’s another thing to keep track of).
- You might not be their top priority, so receiving an important notice could take a while.
On the other hand, hiring a Registered Agent Company may be a better choice:
- They specialize in these services.
- You’ll get an online dashboard to manage your account.
- They offer mail scanning, and physical mail forwarding.
- You can pay your invoice online, and set up auto-pay.
- They offer additional services, like filing your LLC Annual Report, getting your EIN, and more.
- And they can keep your address off public records.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Should I use a CPA as my Registered Agent?
Generally speaking, we don’t recommend hiring a CPA as your Registered Agent.
(Having said that, if you already have a CPA that you work with and like, and they are reliable, and if they don’t charge you a lot to be your Registered Agent, then I’d say it’s okay.)
Instead, we usually recommend:
- being your own Registered Agent
- or hiring a Registered Agent Company
Registered Agent Companies specialize in receiving legal mail and state notices for your LLC.
If you’d like to hire a Registered Agent Company, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent. They specialize in address privacy and have excellent customer service.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Lawyer be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, a lawyer can be a Registered Agent for an LLC.
That said, there are some pros and cons to be aware of.
For example, using a lawyer as your Registered Agent can save you money (if you’re already paying for their services).
However, hiring a lawyer just to be your Registered Agent can be expensive. And lawyers usually don’t specialize in Registered Agent services, so there are some downsides.
To learn more about the pros and cons, please see Can a lawyer be a Registered Agent for an LLC.
Can a Trust be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
No, a Trust can’t be a Registered Agent.
That’s because a Registered Agent must be a person or business entity. And a Trust is neither (it’s a legal agreement).
However, a Trustee can be a Registered Agent.
To learn more, please see Can a Trust be a Registered Agent?
Can my spouse be the Registered Agent for my LLC?
Yes, your spouse can be the Registered Agent for your LLC, as long as they meet the state requirements.
That said, whether or not they’re your best option depends on a few factors – like whether your spouse is comfortable with their name and address being on public record.
It’s also important to know that listing your spouse as the Registered Agent doesn’t give them any rights to the LLC. To give them rights to the LLC, you’d need to make them an LLC Member (owner).
For more information, please read Can my spouse be my Registered Agent?
Can I be my own Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent as long as you meet the state requirements.
For more information, please read Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Should a Registered Agent be an Individual or a Business?
It doesn’t matter whether you choose a Registered Agent who is an individual, or one that is a business.
You can save money by choosing an individual (like you, a friend, or a family member) to be your Registered Agent.
However, that person has to be located in the same state where the LLC is formed. And they should be available at a street address during normal business hours.
If you don’t know an individual who meets the state requirements (or you don’t want your address on public record), you should hire a Registered Agent Service.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.