Business Support Services

The short answer is yes, but we’ll explain in more detail.

Unlike most states that emphasize the name of a Registered Agent, Pennsylvania is unique in that it emphasizes the Registered Agent’s address (known as the Registered Office). And they refer to a Registered Agent as a Commercial Registered Office Provider in your LLC formation paperwork.

Again, for simplicity, we will use the terms “Registered Agent” and “Registered Office” interchangeably throughout this guide.

Someone at the Registered Office Address (technically your Pennsylvania Registered Agent) needs to be available during normal business hours in case Service oof Process for your business arrives.

Service of Process can include the delivery of legal documents such as complaints, summons, and/or subpoenas.

It’s important to note that the Registered Office Address on file becomes a part of the public record. Many people who prefer privacy and don’t want their home or office address listed publicly, choose to hire a Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP). In most states, this is known as a Registered Agent Service.

In Pennsylvania we utilize "Registered Offices" rather than "Registered Agents." The purpose of a Registered Office is to assure that a company is amenable to service. That is why you MUST use a street address and NOT a PO Box. We do not strictly use Registered Agents here and no Registered Agent name is required to be put on any form. If you do not have a street address in PA you must utilize the services of a Registered Office Provider which is a company that provides Registered Office services.

The sections that deal with Registered Offices and Registered Office Providers are Sections 1103, 1507, 108, 109. Failure to maintain a registered office puts a company in violation of section 1507 which requires a company to "continuously maintain" a registered office.

 Allowing a contract with a Registered Office Provider to lapse results in non-compliance with PA law (see below) when the Agent files a withdraw. That non-compliance could have serious consequences. It could, and probably should, deny you access to PA courts if you should want to file suit here. On the other end, it could also result in potential "piercing the veil" consequences. What is "piecing the veil"? That is when a court disregards the veil of protection which a corporation or LLC provides to the principals, and the court, under certain circumstances, can find the individual personally liable. In short, it isn't a good idea to let your Registered Office Provider go unpaid. Click Here...to learn more about the CROP services offed by Equity Solutions Svcs, LLC.

Remember that in Pennsylvania we utilize "Registered Offices" rather than "Registered Agents." The sections that deal with Registered Offices and Registered Office Providers are Sections 1103, 1507, 108, 109. Failure to maintain a Registered Office puts a company in violation of Section 1507 which requires a company to "continuously maintain" a Registered Office.