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Registered Agents Business Registration in the USA
Learn everything about Registered Agents Inc. and business registration in the USA. Discover why they are essential, how to choose the right service, and actionable tips for compliance and efficiency.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is a Registered Agent — and Why Do You Need One?
- What Is Registered Agents Inc.?
- Quick Verdict at a Glance
- Benefits of Using Registered Agents Inc.
- US Business Entity Types — Which Should You Choose?
- How to Register a Business with Registered Agents Inc. — Step by Step
- Registering from Outside the USA — Guide for International Entrepreneurs
- What to Do After Registration
- Registered Agents Inc. Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Registered Agents Inc. — one of America's most trusted business formation services, offering LLC registration, registered agent coverage in all 50 states, and compliance support for US and international entrepreneurs.
Registering a business in the United States is one of the most impactful steps an entrepreneur can take — whether you are based in America or running a business internationally from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Canada, or anywhere else in the world.
A US-registered LLC opens doors to Stripe USA, PayPal Business, American business banking, and the credibility that comes with operating under a US-registered entity when dealing with North American and global clients.
The process, however, involves legal filings, state-specific requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations that can be daunting without the right guidance. Registered Agents Inc. handles all of this on your behalf (from initial LLC formation to ongoing registered agent services) making the process accessible for business owners regardless of where in the world they are located.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Registered Agents Inc. and US business registration: what a registered agent is, how to choose the right entity type, the step-by-step registration process, what to do after registration, and how the service compares to its alternatives.
For a broader comparison of all the leading US LLC formation services, see our best LLC formation services guide.
What Is a Registered Agent — and Why Do You Need One?
Every LLC and corporation registered in the United States is legally required by state law to designate a registered agent — a designated individual or business entity authorised to receive official legal and government correspondence on behalf of the company.
This correspondence includes service of process (lawsuits), government notices, compliance reminders from the state, and IRS correspondence.
The registered agent must meet two requirements: they must have a physical street address in the state where the business is registered (not a PO Box), and they must be available during regular business hours (9am to 5pm) to receive documents in person if served.
Legal Compliance
All 50 US states require businesses to maintain a registered agent. Operating without one puts your good standing at risk and can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
Privacy Protection
When a registered agent service is used, the agent's address — not the owner's personal or business address — appears on public state records. This keeps your home address off public filings.
Document Management
Important state and legal documents are received, scanned, and delivered to you through a secure online portal — no risk of missing a lawsuit or compliance deadline because a document was sent to the wrong address.
Essential for Non-US Residents
If you are based outside the USA, a registered agent service is the only way to satisfy the physical US address requirement. Without one, non-US residents cannot register a US business at all.
Multi-State Operations
Businesses operating in multiple states must maintain a registered agent in each state. A service like Registered Agents Inc. covers all 50 states from one account, simplifying multi-state expansion significantly.
Compliance Reminders
Registered agent services typically notify you of upcoming annual report deadlines and compliance requirements, reducing the risk of missing filings that could result in penalties or loss of good standing.
What Is Registered Agents Inc.?
Registered Agents Inc. (registeredagentsinc.com) is a US-based company formation and registered agent service that helps entrepreneurs and business owners register LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and other business entities in all 50 states.
The company provides a simple, transparent pricing model with no hidden fees, a straightforward online process, and a client portal for managing all your business compliance and documents in one place.
What distinguishes Registered Agents Inc. from many competitors is their pricing transparency and the breadth of their coverage. Registered agent service is available in all 50 states at a flat rate, and business formation services are available across every US state with the state filing fee being the primary variable cost.
Quick Verdict at a Glance
US Business Entity Types — Which Should You Choose?
Before starting the registration process, you need to choose the right business structure for your situation. Here are the main entity types available through Registered Agents Inc. and when each is appropriate:
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The LLC is the most popular business structure for small businesses, startups, and international entrepreneurs registering in the US. It combines the liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity and tax flexibility of a partnership or sole proprietorship.
Key characteristics:
- Limited liability — members' personal assets are protected from business debts and lawsuits
- Pass-through taxation — by default, profits flow through to members' personal tax returns (avoiding corporate double taxation). LLCs can elect to be taxed as an S-Corp if advantageous.
- Flexible management — no mandatory board meetings, no required share structure, minimal record-keeping requirements compared to corporations
- Single or multiple members — can be owned by one person or many; members can be individuals or other business entities (including foreign companies)
- Best for: Most small businesses, digital entrepreneurs, freelancers, service businesses, and non-US residents registering a US entity for the first time
C-Corporation
A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing strong liability protection through a formal ownership structure of shareholders, a board of directors, and officers.
Unlike an LLC, corporations have more rigid operational requirements — regular board meetings, detailed record-keeping, and formal governance documentation.
Key characteristics:
- Unlimited shareholders — can raise capital by selling stock to an unlimited number of investors, including foreign investors
- Double taxation — corporation pays corporate income tax on profits, then shareholders pay tax again on dividends received
- Easy ownership transfer — shares can be bought, sold, and transferred freely
- Best for: Businesses planning to raise venture capital, issue stock options, or eventually seek an IPO. Also required for some investor-backed startups.
S-Corporation
An S-Corp is a corporation that has elected special tax status with the IRS to avoid double taxation — profits pass through to shareholders' personal tax returns.
S-Corps have restrictions: maximum 100 shareholders, shareholders must be US citizens or permanent residents (no foreign shareholders), and only one class of stock is allowed.
- Best for: Profitable small businesses where the owner can save on self-employment taxes by paying themselves a reasonable salary and taking remaining profits as distributions
- Note: Many small business owners start as an LLC and elect S-Corp tax treatment once profitable — this can be done without changing the legal entity type
Nonprofit Corporation
A nonprofit corporation is organised to pursue a mission that benefits the public (charitable, educational, scientific, religious, or other qualifying purposes) rather than to generate profit for owners. Profits are reinvested into the organisation's mission rather than distributed to members.
- Important note: Nonprofit status at the state level does not automatically grant federal tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)). A separate IRS application is required for federal tax exemption.
- Best for: Charities, foundations, community organisations, religious institutions, and educational bodies that reinvest all revenue in their mission
For Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, and other African entrepreneurs looking to register a US business entity for the first time, an LLC in Wyoming, Delaware, or Florida is typically the best starting point. LLCs in these states offer the lowest formation costs, minimal annual requirements, and the ability to have foreign (non-US) members. Wyoming LLCs in particular are popular for their strong privacy protections and low annual fees.
How to Register a Business with Registered Agents Inc. — Step by Step
The entire registration process is completed online. Here is the full walkthrough:
Visit Registered Agents Inc. and Start Your Application
Go to registeredagentsinc.com and click Start a Business. You will be taken directly to the business formation application.
Step 1 — Visit registeredagentsinc.com and click Start a Business to begin the online formation process.
Enter Your Company Name and Select Your State
Type the name you want for your company. Registered Agents Inc. checks availability against the state's existing business registry in real time. If your preferred name is taken, try variations — adding a descriptor, changing word order, or using a DBA (doing business as) name.
Select the state where you want to register. For most non-US residents and US residents without a specific state requirement, Wyoming, Delaware, or Florida are the most common choices due to their business-friendly environment, low fees, and minimal compliance requirements.
The state filing fee is displayed automatically when you select your state — this is the fee paid directly to the state government and varies from approximately $50 (Wyoming) to $500+ (Massachusetts) depending on the state.
Step 2 — Enter your desired business name and select the state of registration. The state filing fee displays automatically based on your selection.
On the next screen, you will see the registered agent address option. If you are based outside the USA, select "Our Registered Agent Address" — this uses the Registered Agents Inc. address in your chosen state as the official registered office address, which is required for all US business registrations.
If you are outside the USA or prefer not to use your personal address on public state records, select "Our Registered Agent Address." This is the correct choice for most international entrepreneurs.
Select Additional Services (Optional)
Registered Agents Inc. may offer optional add-on services at this stage — business banking assistance, EIN application support, operating agreement templates, and other formation-related services.
Review each option carefully and only select what you genuinely need. Most of these can be added later from your account dashboard, so there is no need to add everything upfront.
Step 3 — Review optional add-on services. Select only what you need now; additional services can be added after registration from your dashboard.
Create Your Account and Enter Personal Details
Create your Registered Agents Inc. client account with your email address and a secure password. Enter your personal details as the company member/organiser:
- Full legal name
- Personal address — your home address in your country of residence. For non-US residents, your Nigerian, Ghanaian, UK, or other address is fully accepted as the member's address.
- Phone number — a US phone number is often requested. If you do not have one, use a virtual US phone number (see the section below on international registration for recommendations).
- Email address
Step 4 — Create your client account and enter your personal details. Non-US addresses are fully accepted for LLC member addresses.
Enter your details accurately — these become part of the official state filing record for your LLC.
Review and Complete Payment
Review your full order summary — company name, state, entity type, registered agent service, and any optional add-ons. Confirm everything is correct before proceeding to payment. The total will include the Registered Agents Inc. service fee and the state filing fee.
Payment is accepted by major credit card. After payment is processed, your formation documents are submitted to the Secretary of State in your chosen state. You can track your registration status in real time from your Registered Agents Inc. dashboard.
Step 5 — Review your complete order and complete payment. Your formation documents are submitted to the state immediately after payment is processed.
Registering from Outside the USA — Guide for International Entrepreneurs
One of the most valuable aspects of Registered Agents Inc. is that the entire process is accessible to non-US residents. You do not need a US visa, US address, or US bank account to register. There are, however, a few practical considerations:
The registration form typically requests a US phone number for contact purposes. If you are based outside the USA and do not have a US number, you can obtain a virtual US phone number through any of these services:
These virtual number services give you a real US number that can receive SMS and calls through an app on your Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, or other country smartphone — no SIM card change required. The number can also be used for US banking applications and Stripe verification down the line.
Once your LLC is registered, you will want to open a US business bank account. For non-US residents, the most accessible options are Mercury Bank (online, requires US LLC + EIN), Relay Financial, and Wise Business. These platforms open accounts for non-US residents with a US LLC — no travel required. Your Articles of Organisation, EIN number, and personal identification are the key documents needed.
What to Do After Your US Business is Registered
Apply for Your EIN
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the US equivalent of a tax ID — required for banking, hiring, and tax filing. Apply free at IRS.gov (Form SS-4) or use Registered Agents Inc.'s EIN service if included in your plan.
Open a US Business Bank Account
Use your Articles of Organisation and EIN to open a US business bank account. Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business are the most accessible options for non-US residents.
Set Up Stripe or PayPal Business
With your US LLC, EIN, and US bank account, you can apply for Stripe USA and PayPal Business USA — enabling you to accept US card payments from customers worldwide.
Annual Report / Franchise Tax
Most states require LLCs to file an annual report and pay an annual fee to maintain good standing. Wyoming's fee is $60/year — Registered Agents Inc. will remind you when this is due.
BOI Report (FINCEN)
Since 2024, most US LLCs are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. Registered Agents Inc. can assist with this filing — confirm requirements with a US attorney or accountant.
Operating Agreement
While not required in every state, a written operating agreement documenting the ownership and management structure of your LLC is strongly recommended — it prevents disputes and is often required by banks.
Registered Agents Inc. Alternatives
If you want to compare before deciding, here are the most reliable alternatives for US business formation:
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Founded in 2014, Bizee has registered over one million businesses in the USA. Their free LLC formation tier (state fee only, plus $119/year registered agent in year 2) makes them one of the most price-competitive options for first-time business owners.
The platform is particularly well-designed for non-US residents, with a clean process that walks you through every step. Bizee also includes a registered agent service, EIN application, and operating agreement template in their paid tiers.
Visit Bizee →BetterLegal
BetterLegal is the fastest formation service on this list — your company is officially registered in just 2 business days in most states. Their pricing is straightforward with no upselling, and their dashboard is one of the cleanest available.
The registered agent service is priced at $10/month or $90/year — separate from the formation fee. A strong choice for entrepreneurs who prioritise speed and simplicity over the lowest possible price.
Visit BetterLegal →ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is widely regarded as one of the most affordable and user-friendly LLC formation services available. Their Starter plan includes the LLC formation for just the state fee, with an optional registered agent add-on.
The platform's simplicity makes it accessible for complete beginners — fill out a straightforward form and ZenBusiness handles everything. Particularly popular among African and diaspora entrepreneurs forming their first US LLC.
Visit ZenBusiness →Northwest Registered Agent
Family-owned and operating since 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is consistently rated the highest for customer service quality across the major review platforms.
Their default registered agent service ($125/year) includes excellent document handling, compliance reminders, and genuine support from knowledgeable staff — not scripted offshore call centres. A strong choice for anyone who values responsive, high-quality support over pure price competitiveness.
Visit Northwest →Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands goes beyond business registration to provide a complete business launch package — LLC formation, logo design, website builder, business card templates, and brand asset generation in one platform.
For entrepreneurs who want a professional business identity alongside their legal entity, Tailor Brands bundles both. Their formation process is straightforward and accessible for non-US residents.
Visit Tailor Brands →Business Anywhere
Business Anywhere is specifically designed for non-US citizens who want to form an LLC in the USA remotely. The platform provides everything needed in one place — LLC formation, registered agent, virtual mailbox for receiving US mail, EIN application, and banking assistance.
For Nigerian, Ghanaian, or other African entrepreneurs who want to handle the entire US business setup from one dashboard without dealing with multiple service providers, Business Anywhere is one of the most complete solutions available.
Visit Business Anywhere →Register Your US Business with Registered Agents Inc. Today
$0 service fee + state filing fee only. All 50 states covered. Fully accessible for non-US residents. Get your LLC officially registered and begin building your US business presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There is no residency or citizenship requirement to own or operate a US LLC. Non-US residents can register an LLC in any US state as a foreign national. The requirement that cannot be bypassed is having a US registered agent — a physical US address and a person available during business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of the company. Registered Agents Inc. provides this service as part of their formation and ongoing registered agent packages, making the entire process accessible from anywhere in the world.
Wyoming is the most popular choice for non-US residents for three reasons: the state filing fee is among the lowest in the country ($100), the annual report fee is minimal ($60/year), and Wyoming does not require member names to be disclosed on public state records — giving business owners significantly more privacy than most other states. Delaware is preferred by investor-backed startups and companies planning to raise venture capital, as most US investors expect Delaware C-Corps. Florida is popular for businesses with US-based customers in the Southern US market. For most digital entrepreneurs and service businesses without specific investor requirements, Wyoming is the optimal starting point.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the US federal tax identification number for your business — equivalent to a VAT number or Company Tax ID in other countries. It is required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, file US tax returns, and apply for Stripe or PayPal Business. US residents can apply for an EIN free online at IRS.gov (Form SS-4) and receive it immediately. Non-US residents cannot apply online — they must apply by fax (Form SS-4) or phone, which typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Some formation services like Registered Agents Inc. and Bizee offer EIN application assistance as an add-on service.
After registration, most US LLCs have these ongoing obligations: (1) Annual report or franchise tax filing — every state has different requirements, ranging from Wyoming's $60/year simple filing to more complex annual report requirements in other states; (2) Maintain a registered agent — your registered agent service must remain active and up to date for the company to maintain good standing; (3) US federal tax obligations — a US LLC owned entirely by foreign nationals may have specific IRS reporting requirements. Consult a US CPA with international tax experience for guidance specific to your situation; (4) BOI report — most LLCs formed after January 2024 are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN. Your registered agent service will typically remind you of upcoming deadlines.
Processing time varies by state. Most states process online LLC filings within 3 to 10 business days for standard processing. Expedited processing options (same-day or 24-hour) are available in most states for an additional fee — Registered Agents Inc. offers expedited filing on your behalf as part of their service. Wyoming is particularly fast, with standard processing often completing in 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, your Articles of Organisation are available to download from your Registered Agents Inc. dashboard immediately.
Yes. If you already have a US LLC registered through another service or filed directly with the state, you can transfer your registered agent designation to Registered Agents Inc. Contact them directly to initiate the registered agent change process — you will need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with your state, which Registered Agents Inc. handles on your behalf. This is particularly useful if your current registered agent service is expensive, slow to forward documents, or not meeting your needs.
Final Verdict — Is Registered Agents Inc. the Right Service?
Registered Agents Inc. earns its reputation as a reliable, transparent US business formation and registered agent service. The $0 service fee on LLC formation (paying only the state filing fee) combined with a $100/year flat-rate registered agent service makes it one of the most affordable credible options in the market.
The client portal, document management, and coverage across all 50 states complete a service profile that is well-suited for both US-based entrepreneurs and international founders.
For Nigerian, Ghanaian, Kenyan, and other African entrepreneurs building businesses that need US infrastructure (a US entity, US banking, Stripe USA, and the ability to invoice American clients professionally) Registered Agents Inc. is a practical starting point that has been tested by thousands of international business owners.
The combination of a US LLC registered through this service, a US bank account from Mercury or Relay, and Stripe USA gives you a complete international payment infrastructure at a fraction of what traditional business formation would cost.
Start Your US Business Registration Today
$0 formation service fee + state filing fee. All 50 states. Fully accessible for non-US residents. Your US LLC registration starts here.
Nwaeze David
Nwaeze David is a full-time pro blogger, a YouTuber and an affiliate marketing expert. I launched this blog in 2018 and turned it into a 6-Figure business within 2 years. I then launched my YouTube channel in 2020 and turned it into a 7-Figure business. Today, I help over 4,000 students build profitable blogs and YouTube channels.

