Service of Process
Wyoming law requires that all business entities have a registered agent, located in Wyoming, to receive service of process in the event that you are sued or a governmental entity need to put you on notice. Fidelity Registered Agents, LLC serves as the registered agent. When Fidelity Registered Agents, LLC receives service of process for your entity, we will notify you of the service immediately, and with fidelity, will provide you with a copy of what has been served on your entity so that you can take appropriate action.
For example, if your entity is sued, the registered agent receives the notice or “service” of the lawsuit, which includes the summons and complaint. Receipt of those papers triggers the time within which you must respond to the complaint or risk having a default judgment entered against the entity. A “default” judgment means that judgment would be entered against your entity without you being able to mount a defense. Fidelity Registered Agents, LLC does not act as legal counsel to defend your entity in a lawsuit; we are the agent for service of process, and that is where our involvement in the lawsuit ends.
Notice or Communications from Governmental Entities
Sometimes a governmental entity, such as the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, or other governmental entities will send notices or communications to your entity. These communications may require you to provide information, or to undertake some other action. Failure to know about these communications can result in punitive action taken by the governmental entity. Fidelity Registered Agents, LLC, if it receives a notice, will notify you of that communication immediately so that you can be aware of what the governmental agency is asking of you.
For example, in Wyoming, an annual report is required of all entities on the anniversary of the creation of your entity. The Secretary of State’s Office will provide you a courtesy notice that the annual report is coming due. Failure to file your annual report and pay the relatively minimal fee will cause your entity to be placed into delinquency, and eventually, to be administratively dissolved. Being administratively dissolved can have significant consequences for the ongoing operations of your business and for the protection against personal liability that an active entity may afford you.