All entities conducting business in the State of Washington must register to do business in the State. The law also requires the company to designate and maintain a registered agent. Attorney Ralph Flick acts as registered agent for numerous businesses and ensures that his clients understand the importance of maintaining corporate formalities.
People who fail to register and designate a registered agent their company may subject themselves to civil sanctions. Also, many companies in Washington are not in compliance with the Secretary of State annual filing requirements and risk to be administratively dissolved. Even worse, persons or businesses suing the company may be able to get a default judgment
As your registered agent, The Law Offices of Ralph W. Flick, P.S. acts as the company’s representative for accepting service of process of various legal documents. A registered agent is the person on record with the State of Washington that is authorized to accept legal notices on behalf of the corporation. For example, if a lawsuit is filed, it is usually served upon the registered agent. The registered agent then has a duty to inform the company about the lawsuit.
Maintaining corporate formalities includes filing annual returns, annual minutes, and having an annual meeting for your company. Following all corporate formalities is critical to maintaining the personal liability protection that your business organization provides and avoiding becoming personally liable for any company debts.