Kansas law requires your LLC to hire a resident agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents.
A resident agent, a registered agent in most states, is key in ensuring your business receives all essential documents and notices and stays fully compliant with state regulations.
Resident Agent Requirements in Kansas
In Kansas, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the resident agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Kansas, resident agents must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in Kansas
- Be available during regular business hours
- Be a resident of Kansas (if the agent is an individual)
- Be registered to operate in Kansas (if the agent is a business)
Resident Agent Services
Many business owners hire a resident agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed promptly. A resident agent service also offers convenience.
If you choose to be your resident agent, you’ll have to be available at your resident agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a resident agent service will allow you the flexibility to be wherever you need to be to run and grow your business.
An agency also offers privacy. Since they will receive all official correspondence for your business, you would never be served with a summons for your business in front of customers or employees.
Choosing a Resident Agent Service
Some resident agent services operate nationally, allowing you to form LLCs in other states if your business expands. However, if you don’t choose a national agency, you’ll need one with an office in Kansas.
You’ll also want an agency that will:
- Send deadline reminders for things like annual reports to ensure your LLC stays in compliance
- Digitally store your documents so you can access them at any time
- Offer great customer service
Prices for resident agent services vary, which may affect your decision. Resident agent services generally run $50 to $300 annually.
How to Appoint a Resident Agent in Kansas
In Kansas, you’ll officially appoint your resident agent when you form your LLC by filling in the resident agent information on your articles of organization.
You can file your articles of organization online or on paper.
Online Filing
To file your articles of organization online, visit Kansas’ online Business Filing Center.
Select that you’re here to file a “Kansas Business Entity Formation.”
Select that you’re filing a new LLC and begin filling out the form on the next page.
In the resident agent section, select whether your resident agent is an individual, a registered business entity, or the entity you’re currently forming.
Fill out their name and continue to fill out their street address.
If you’d like to be the resident agent for your LLC, fill in your name and address here.
Complete the rest of the form and submit it by paying the $160 filing fee by credit card, e-check, or your KanAccess account.
Paper Filing
To file by paper, download, fill out, and print the Articles of Organization.
In the second section, input your resident agent’s name and physical address. If you want to be your LLC’s resident agent, put your information here.
The filing fee for paper filings is $165, payable by check or money order to the Secretary of State or by credit card using the cover sheet attached to the Articles of Organization.
Mail or hand-deliver your document and payment to:
Kansas Secretary of State
Business Services Division
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Once your LLC is approved in Kansas, your resident agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent.
In Closing
Kansas requires your LLC to have a resident agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their resident agent, but hiring a professional service offers many advantages.
You’ll likely need to decide on whichever route you choose before you form your LLC. You can change your resident agent later if you do so, though it requires additional paperwork.
Kansas Resident Agent FAQs
Can I be my resident agent in Kansas?
Yes. When filling out your Articles of Organization, simply put your name and address in the space for a resident agent.
What does a resident agent do for an LLC in Kansas?
A resident agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. You can be your resident agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.