Registered agent service companies can handle the initial filing of your articles of organization, called a certificate of formation in Alabama. They can also maintain the status of your LLC. The Alabama Secretary of State uses your registered agent as the point of contact for your LLC for service of process and other legal documents. There are advantages to using a registered agent service. Privacy: If your business is served with a lawsuit, it goes to the registered agent's office address, not your place of business. Your customers aren't alerted to any business disputes. Compliance: A missed annual filing or tax payment is costly and can jeopardize your business standing. They notify and remind you of important deadlines. Administrative Assistance: Busy entrepreneurs need help with paperwork and documents. They can get you the business documents you may need, such as a copy of your certificate of formation or certificate of compliance. Availability: The registered agent is open to accept service of process during regular business hours of 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Depending on your business, you may not operate on that time schedule.