Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered agent in Delaware?

A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of a Delaware business entity. Every Delaware LLC, corporation, LP, and statutory trust must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Delaware.

Do I need a registered agent if I do not have an office in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware requires a registered agent regardless of where you physically operate. This is especially relevant because over a million entities are incorporated in Delaware while operating from other states. The registered agent is your mandatory presence in Delaware.

What does a registered agent receive?

Your registered agent receives service of process (lawsuits, subpoenas), correspondence from the Division of Corporations, franchise tax notices, and other official documents directed to your entity through the Delaware filing system.

What happens if I do not have a registered agent?

The Division of Corporations may void your entity's Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Incorporation. A voided entity cannot conduct business, file lawsuits, or defend itself in court. Reinstatement requires back fees, penalties, and potentially re-filing your formation documents.

What is Delaware's franchise tax?

Delaware imposes an annual franchise tax on entities formed in the state:

• LLCs: $300 flat annual tax, due June 1 each year
• Corporations: Calculated using either the Authorized Shares Method or the Assumed Par Value Capital Method (you may use whichever produces a lower tax). The minimum is $400 and the maximum is $200,000. Due March 1 each year.

Late payment incurs a $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest.

What is a Delaware Annual Report?

Delaware corporations must file an Annual Report with the Division of Corporations by March 1 each year. The report confirms officer and director information and is filed alongside the franchise tax payment.

Delaware LLCs do not file annual reports — they only pay the $300 annual tax by June 1.

Why is Delaware so popular for incorporation?

Delaware offers several structural advantages:

• Court of Chancery: A specialized business court with judges (not juries) who are experts in corporate law
• Flexible corporate statutes: The Delaware General Corporation Law provides significant latitude in structuring governance
• Predictable legal precedent: Decades of case law provide clarity for corporate governance disputes
• Division of Corporations efficiency: Fast processing, reliable record-keeping, and 24-hour expedited filing options

Can I be my own registered agent in Delaware?

You can if you are a Delaware resident with a physical street address in the state and available during business hours. If you live outside Delaware, you need a third-party agent.

How do I change my registered agent in Delaware?

File a Certificate of Change of Agent with the Delaware Division of Corporations. If you sign up with us, we provide the details needed for the filing.

What does your $99/year include?

Everything: physical Delaware address on your filings, same-day document scanning, secure online portal, franchise tax and annual report reminders, email notifications, and privacy protection. No extra fees.

Do you file my Annual Report or franchise tax for me?

We do not file on your behalf — those filings require your signature, officer details, and payment to the state. We send reminders so you never miss a deadline, and we can point you to the correct forms and procedures.

Do you offer a general mailing address in Delaware?

The documents we receive on behalf of your Delaware business are strictly legal and governmental: service of process, lawsuits, subpoenas, Secretary of State correspondence, tax notices, and compliance alerts.

Up to three general mail items per year are forwarded as a courtesy. Anything more falls outside what our registered agent service provides.

We do not accept packages of any kind. Google Maps verification postcards, Amazon verification mail, and similar third-party verification letters are not accepted.

For a complete mailing solution, we offer a virtual mail service as a separate product. Contact us if your business needs general mail handling.

How do I cancel?

Contact us. No cancellation fee, no penalty. You will need to appoint a replacement registered agent with the Division of Corporations before or at the time of cancellation.

Get Started — $99/year

More questions? Contact us.