Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered agent in South Dakota?

A registered agent is a person or business entity that receives official documents, legal notices, and state correspondence on behalf of your South Dakota business. The agent maintains a physical address in the state and is available during normal business hours to accept service of process and other important paperwork.

Why does my South Dakota business need a registered agent?

The South Dakota Secretary of State generally expects every LLC, corporation, and similar business entity to have a registered agent. This ensures the state and courts have a reliable way to deliver legal documents, tax notices, and compliance reminders to your business.

Who can serve as a registered agent in South Dakota?

Individuals who are at least 18 years old and South Dakota residents can serve as registered agents. Business entities authorized to operate in South Dakota can also act as registered agents. South Dakota distinguishes between commercial and noncommercial agents in its records. An officer of your company can serve in this role as well.

What documents will my registered agent receive?

Your registered agent typically receives service of process (lawsuits and legal actions), official notices from the South Dakota Secretary of State, tax documents, compliance reminders about annual reports, and other state correspondence related to your business entity.

Can I be my own registered agent in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not allow self-appointment in the traditional sense. You'll need to designate either an individual who meets the state's residency and age requirements or a business entity authorized to operate in South Dakota. Many business owners choose to appoint an officer or use a professional service.

How do I change my registered agent in South Dakota?

You'll need to file a change form with the South Dakota Secretary of State and pay the $10 filing fee for online submissions (or $25 by mail). The process involves selecting a new agent who meets state requirements, submitting the proper form, paying the fee, and confirming the update appears in state records.

What are South Dakota's annual report requirements?

South Dakota businesses are generally expected to file an annual report each year. The filing fee is $55 when submitted online (or $70 by mail). The fee increased from $50 to $55 for online filings effective July 1, 2025. Annual reports keep your business information current in state records.

Where do I file my annual report in South Dakota?

You file your annual report with the South Dakota Secretary of State. Their website is https://sdsos.gov/ and provides online filing options as well as information about deadlines, fees, and filing requirements for your specific business entity type.

Why does South Dakota Registered Agent cost $99/year?

We believe registered agent service should be accessible without inflated pricing. At $99 per year, we cover our costs while delivering professional document handling, compliance support, and privacy protection. Other providers charge $125 to $436 annually for similar services.

What features are included in the $99/year price?

Your annual fee includes a registered office address in South Dakota, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders and alerts, an online document portal for 24/7 access, and privacy protection by using our address on public filings instead of yours.

How quickly will I receive my documents?

We scan and forward documents electronically on the same day they arrive at our office. You'll receive an alert and can access the scanned document through our online portal immediately. If you need physical copies, we can arrange that as well.

How do I sign up for South Dakota Registered Agent service?

Visit our checkout page, provide your business information and contact details, and complete payment for the first year of service. We'll send you confirmation and instructions for updating your registered agent information with the South Dakota Secretary of State.

Can I use your address as my business mailing address?

Our address serves as your registered agent address for official state filings and legal documents. It appears on your South Dakota Secretary of State records. However, it's specifically for registered agent purposes—general business mail should typically go to your primary business address.

What happens if I miss my annual report deadline in South Dakota?

Missing your annual report deadline can result in late fees, penalties, and potentially administrative dissolution of your business entity. The state may send notices to your registered agent address before taking action. We send compliance reminders to help you avoid missing important deadlines.

Does South Dakota have state income tax or corporate income tax?

No, South Dakota does not have state income tax or corporate income tax. This makes it an attractive state for business formation and operation, though you'll still have annual report obligations and other compliance requirements.

What are the registered agent address requirements in South Dakota?

South Dakota's requirements specify that registered agents must have both a physical address and a mailing address in the state. PO boxes are not allowed for the physical address. The agent typically needs to be available during normal business hours at this location.

How do commercial and noncommercial registered agents differ in South Dakota?

South Dakota distinguishes between commercial and noncommercial agents in its records. Commercial agents provide registered agent services as a business offering, while noncommercial agents might be officers or employees of the company. Both fulfill the same function of receiving official documents.

Will I receive renewal reminders for my registered agent service?

Yes, we send renewal reminders before your annual service anniversary. You'll have time to renew at the same $99 rate before your service expires. There are no automatic charges—you'll always know when renewal is due and can choose to continue.