Generally, no, you shouldn’t use your Registered Agent’s address as your LLC’s business location on your EIN application (IRS Form SS4).
This is true if your Registered Agent is a:
- friend or family member, or
- Registered Agent Service
However, if you are your LLC’s Registered Agent then there is no issue using your address on your EIN application.
We’ll explain the reasons why you shouldn’t use your Registered Agent’s address on your EIN application, and the exception to this rule.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
Only need RA service? Use this link instead ($125 per year).
(Learn why we recommend Northwest in our review)
What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is a person or business that agrees to accept state notices and legal documents on behalf of an LLC, then forwards those documents onto the LLC.
A Registered Agent’s primary duty is receiving Service of Process on behalf of an LLC, which is just the delivery of legal documents.
All states require you to list a Registered Agent when you form your LLC.
And, your LLC must have a Registered Agent for as long as it exists.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
You generally have 3 options for who you can be your Registered Agent:
- yourself,
- a friend or family member, or
- a Registered Agent Service.
A Registered Agent Service (sometimes called a Commercial Registered Agent), is a business that specializes in providing Registered Agent services to LLCs and other entity types.
No matter who you pick to be your Registered Agent, they must meet the state’s Registered Agent requirements, and consent to being your Registered Agent.
When picking a Registered Agent, it’s important to know that their name and address will be on public record.
If you aren’t comfortable with your address being on public record, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
They’ll let you use their address throughout your LLC filing, so you 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.
Only need RA service? Use this link instead ($125 per year).
(Learn why we recommend Northwest in our review)
What is an EIN?
EIN stands for “Employer Identification Number”.
The IRS issues EINs to business entities, like LLCs.
You can think of an EIN as a Social Security Number for your business.
An EIN is required if you plan to:
- hire employees, or
- open a business bank account.
And the IRS will use this address to send you important tax related information.
In order to get an EIN, you’ll need to submit Form SS4 to the IRS.
This can be done:
- online,
- by mail, or
- by fax.
There is no fee to get your EIN. Said another way, it’s free ($0)!
If you’re ready to get an EIN, you can follow our step-by-step instructions to get an EIN online, or file Form SS4 by mail or fax.
Why shouldn’t I use my Registered Agent address on my EIN application?
You shouldn’t use your Registered Agent address on your EIN application because:
- the IRS wants to know the primary physical location of your LLC, and
- your LLC isn’t physically located at your Registered Agent’s address.
The EIN application requires listing your LLC’s:
- street address, and
- the county and state where the “principal business” is located.
Said another way, the IRS wants to know the exact location where your LLC actually conducts business.
And your LLC doesn’t conduct business at your Registered Agent’s address.
The exception to this rule is if:
- you are your LLC’s Registered Agent, and
- your address is also your LLC’s physical location.
Said another way, the only way your LLC would be physically located at your Registered Agent’s address is if you’re the Registered Agent for your LLC.
Also, the IRS will use the address on your EIN application to send you important tax information.
Most businesses prefer that this information arrive as quickly as possible and not be sent to the Registered Agent, which can cause unnecessary delays.
Doesn’t using my Registered Agent’s address keep mine private?
It depends.
If you took our recommendation and hired Northwest Registered Agent, you can use their address throughout your LLC Articles of Organization and Annual Report paperwork.
These 2 filings are on public record, so, yes, using Northwest’s address for these specific filings keeps your address private.
That said, your Registered Agent’s address on your EIN application doesn’t help to keep your address private.
Reason being, your EIN application isn’t public record. This means, only the IRS will see the address listed on your application.
For example: Let’s say you formed your LLC in Nevada. Anyone can look up your LLC’s Articles of Organization or Annual Report filings on the Nevada Secretary of State website, and see your Registered Agent’s address.
However, they can’t access the IRS database and see your EIN application.
FAQs
Is a Registered Agent required for an LLC?
Yes, each state requires that you list and maintain a Registered Agent for your LLC for as long as it remains active with the state.
That said, New York and West Virginia are exceptions to this requirement.
In New York, the Secretary of State is listed as your Registered Agent by default.
In West Virginia, if you don’t list a Registered Agent, state notices and legal documents are simply sent to the mailing address you have on file with the state.
What if I have a personal mailbox through my Registered Agent?
Many Registered Agent Services also act as a CMRA.
CMRA services are similar to PO Boxes, but they’re run by a private business rather than the United States Post Office (“USPS”).
Some states allow you to use the address provided by your CMRA as your Principal Office in your Articles of Organization.
But, the address provided by your CMRA shouldn’t be used on your EIN application.
Again, the IRS is looking for your LLC’s physical location where you conduct business, and a personal mailbox doesn’t meet those requirements.
How do I choose a Registered Agent Service?
When choosing a Registered Agent Service for your business, you’ll want to make sure that the services they provide meet the needs of your business.
You’ll also want to consider things like cost, payment schedule, and cancellation methods.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent because they:
- allow you to use their address throughout your LLC paperwork,
- have excellent customer service, and
- are reasonably priced ($125 per year).
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.