Article Guide
The Ohio 521 form serves as a critical tool for businesses and organizations operating within the state, facilitating essential updates regarding statutory agents. This form is particularly important for corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and business trusts, as it allows them to appoint a new statutory agent, change the address of an existing agent, or process the resignation of an agent. Each of these actions is necessary for ensuring that a business can receive legal documents and notifications properly. When filling out the form, individuals must specify the type of service being requested, which can range from regular processing to expedited options that guarantee faster service for an additional fee. The form requires detailed information, including the name of the business entity, the current agent's name, and the new agent's contact details if applicable. Additionally, there are options to receive email notifications about important updates from the Ohio Secretary of State's office, enhancing communication for business owners. Understanding the nuances of the Ohio 521 form is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring smooth operations for any business entity in Ohio.
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Telephone: 614.466.3910
OhioSoS.gov | [email protected]
File online or for more information: OhioBusinessCentral.gov
Return Documents To:
Name (Individual or Business Name):
Email Address (Required):
To the Attention of (If Necessary):
Address:
City:
State ZIP Code:
Phone Number:
SERVICE TYPE - Check only ONE item below.
Expedited Fees are IN ADDITION to the filing fee on the form.
Failure to include the expedite fee or indicate a selection will result in regular service.
Regular Service
·No Expedite Fee.
·Processing Time:
Expedite Service 1
·Fee: $100
·Processing Time: 2 business days after receipt.
Expedite Service 2
·Fee: $200
·Processing Time: 1 business day after receipt.
Expedite Service 3
·Fee: $300
·Processing Time: 4 hours if received by 1:00 p.m. If received after 1:00 p.m., documents will be processed by noon the following business day.
Preclearance Filing
·Fee: $50
·Processing Time:
Form 521 |
Page 1 of 6 |
Last Revised: 10/2024 |
Form 521 Prescribed by: |
INSTRUCTIONS |
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· Include the filing fee.
· Make check or money order payable to Ohio Secretary of State.
· Print on
For screen readers, follow instructions located at this path. · Illegible forms will be rejected
MAIL TO
Regular Service:
P.O. Box 788
Columbus, OH 43216
OR
Expedite Service:
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Statutory Agent Update
Filing Fee: $25
Form Must Be Typed
(CHECK ONLY ONE(1) BOX)
(1)Subsequent Appointment of Agent Corp
LP
LLC
Business
Real Estate Investment Trust
(2)Change of Address of an Agent Corp
LP
LLC
Business
Real Estate Investment Trust
(3)Resignation of Agent
Corp
LP
LLC
Partnership
Business Trust
Real Estate Investment Trust
Name of Entity
Charter, License or Registration No.
Name of Current Agent
Complete the information in this section if box (1) is checked
Name and Address
of New Agent
Name of Statutory Agent
Agent Address (Post office boxes and CMRAs are NOT allowed. See instructions for details.)
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OH |
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City |
State |
ZIP Code |
Form 521 |
Page 2 of 6 |
Last Revised: 10/2024 |
Complete the information in this section if box (1) is checked and business is an Ohio entity or Foreign LLC
ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT FOR DOMESTIC ENTITY'S AGENT
The Undersigned, |
, named herein as the |
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Name of Statutory Agent |
statutory agent for |
, hereby acknowledges |
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Name of Business Entity |
and accepts the appointment of statutory agent for said entity.
Signature:
Individual Agent's Signature/Signature on behalf of Business Serving as
Agent
Complete the information in this section if box (2) is checked
New Address of Agent
Agent Address (Post office boxes and CMRAs are NOT allowed. See instructions for details.)
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OH |
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City |
State |
ZIP Code |
Complete the information in this section if box (3) is checked
The agent of record for the entity identified on page 1 resigns as statutory agent.
Current or last known address of the entity's principal office where a copy of this Resignation of Agent was sent as of the date of filing or prior to the date filed.
Mailing Address
City |
State |
Zip Code |
Form 521 |
Page 3 of 6 |
Last Revised: 10/2024 |
By signing and submitting this form to the Ohio Secretary of State, the undersigned hereby certifies that he or she has the requisite authority to execute this document.
Required
Agent update must
be signed by an authorized representative (see instructions for specific information).
If authorized representative is an individual, then they must sign in the "signature" box and print their name in the "Print Name" box.
If authorized representative is a business entity, not an individual, then please print the business name in the "signature" box, an authorized representative of the business entity must sign in the "By" box and print their name in the "Print Name" box.
Signature
By (if applicable)
Print Name
Signature
By (if applicable)
Print Name
Form 521 |
Page 4 of 6 |
Last Revised: 10/2024 |
Instructions for Statutory Agent Update
This form should be used to update statutory agent information for a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership or business trust. If a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company or business trust would like to appoint a new statutory agent, please select box 1.
If a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, or business trust would like to change the address of the current agent, please select box 2. If the agent of a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership, or business trust would like to resign from their position, please select box 3.
A partnership and limited liability partnership must complete a statement of amendment to appoint a new agent or change the address of the current agent.
Entity Information
The corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership, or business trust must provide its name, charter/license/registration number and the name of the current agent. The current agent's name must be the same as the agent listed in our office's records.
Appointment of Agent - O.R.C. 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1782.04, 1706.09, and 1746.04
Ohio business entities and foreign business entities that are registered or licensed in Ohio must appoint and maintain a statutory agent to accept service of process. The statutory agent must be one of the following: (1) A natural person residing in Ohio; or (2) a domestic or foreign business entity with an Ohio address.
Statutory Agent Address Requirements
A statutory agent address may either be the primary residence address of the agent or the usual place of business address. The statutory agent address must be an Ohio address.
Statutory Agent Address Prohibitions
Post Office (P.O.) boxes are NOT allowed.
Exception: If a Post Office Box and Rural Route Number are both provided, the address is allowed.
Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) addresses are NOT allowed. A CMRA is a private business that rents private mailboxes to customers.
Acceptance of Appointment
The statutory agent must sign the Acceptance of Appointment.
Change of Address of an Agent
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1782.04, 1706.09 and 1746.04, a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company and business trust must appoint and maintain a statutory agent to accept service of process on behalf of the entity. The statutory agent must be one of the following: (1) A natural person who is a resident of this state; or (2) A domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, professional association, business trust, or unincorporated nonprofit association that has a business address in this state. If the agent is a business entity then the agent must meet the requirements of Title XVII of the Revised Code to transact business or exercise privileges in Ohio.
Form 521 |
Page 5 of 6 |
Last Revised: 10/2024 |
Resignation of Agent
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1706.09, 1776.07, 1782.04, 1705.06 and 1746.04, an agent may resign by filing this form, stating their intent to resign and providing the current or last known address of the entity's principal office. On the date of filing this form with our office or prior to that date, the agent must send a copy of the resignation form to the current or last known address of the entity's principal office.
For a domestic
Additional Provisions
If the information you wish to provide for the record does not fit on the form, please attach additional provisions on a
Signature(s)
After completing all information on the filing form, please make sure to sign the form. If the entity is
a domestic corporation, the form must be signed by the incorporators or a corporate officer. If the entity is a foreign corporation, the form must be signed by an authorized representative. If the entity is a domestic or foreign limited partnership, the form must be signed by an officer, all of the general partners or a majority of the general partners. If the entity is a domestic or foreign limited liability company, the form must be signed by a member, manager or an authorized representative. If the entity is a business trust, an authorized representative must sign. If the form is used for an agent's resignation, the resigning agent must sign the form.
**Note: Our office cannot file or record a document that contains a social security number or tax identifications number. Please do not enter a social security number or tax identification number, in any format, on this form.
Form 521 |
Page 6 of 6 |
Last Revised: 10/2024 |
Form Specifications
| Fact Name | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Form | The Ohio 521 form is used to update statutory agent information for various business entities, including corporations, limited partnerships, and business trusts. |
| Governing Laws | This form is governed by Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1782.04, 1705.06, and 1746.04. |
| Filing Options | Filers can choose from several service options: Preclearance, Regular Service, and various levels of Expedite Service, with processing times ranging from 4 hours to 2 business days. |
| Fees | Fees for filing vary: Preclearance costs $50, while expedite services range from $100 to $300, depending on the speed of processing desired. |
| Notification Services | Filers can opt to receive important notices via email and sign up for a Filing Notification System to be alerted when documents are filed on their business record. |
| Submission Addresses | Regular filings should be mailed to P.O. Box 788, Columbus, OH 43216, while expedited filings go to P.O. Box 1390, Columbus, OH 43216. |
Ohio 521: Usage Guidelines
Completing the Ohio 521 form requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for updating statutory agent information for various business entities in Ohio. Below are the steps to ensure you fill out the form correctly.
- Begin by entering your Name and Address information at the top of the form. Include the City, State, and ZIP Code.
- Provide your Phone Number and E-mail Address. If you wish to receive important notices via e-mail, check the corresponding box.
- Indicate if you would like to sign up for the Filing Notification System by checking the appropriate box.
- Select the Type of Service Being Requested by checking one of the boxes: Preclearance Filing, Regular Service, or one of the Expedite Services. Make sure to note any additional fees associated with expedite options.
- Mail the completed form to the appropriate address based on the service type chosen: Regular Filing or Expedite Filing.
- In the section for Type of Filing, check the appropriate box that corresponds to your request: Appointment of Agent, Change of Address, or Resignation of Agent.
- If you checked box (1) for Appointment of Agent, fill in the Name of Entity, Charter, License or Registration No., and the Name of Current Agent.
- Complete the Name and Address of New Agent section if applicable. Include the Name of Agent, Mailing Address, City, State, and ZIP Code.
- If you checked box (2) for Change of Address, provide the New Address of Agent and confirm Ohio residency if applicable.
- If you selected box (3) for Resignation of Agent, include the Current or last known address of the entity's principal office.
- Sign the form in the designated Signature area. If you are an authorized representative, ensure to print your name in the Print Name box.
- Submit the form by mailing it to the appropriate address as indicated earlier.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the Ohio 521 form used for?
The Ohio 521 form is utilized to update statutory agent information for various business entities, including corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, partnerships, and business trusts. This form allows entities to appoint a new statutory agent, change the address of an existing agent, or facilitate the resignation of an agent.
How do I submit the Ohio 521 form?
The completed Ohio 521 form can be submitted by mail. For regular filings, send it to P.O. Box 788, Columbus, OH 43216. If you are opting for expedited processing, mail it to P.O. Box 1390, Columbus, OH 43216. Ensure that the appropriate fees are included based on the type of service selected.
What are the processing times for the Ohio 521 form?
Processing times vary depending on the service selected. Regular service typically takes 3-7 business days. For expedited services, processing can occur within 1-2 business days, or even within 4 hours if the document is hand-delivered to the Client Service Center and received by 1:00 p.m.
What fees are associated with the Ohio 521 form?
Fees depend on the type of service requested. A regular filing incurs only the standard filing fee. For preclearance, a fee of $50.00 applies. Expedited services have additional fees ranging from $100.00 to $300.00, depending on the speed of processing required.
Who can be appointed as a statutory agent?
A statutory agent must be an Ohio resident, an Ohio corporation, or a foreign corporation licensed to do business in Ohio. This ensures that the agent can accept service of process on behalf of the entity in compliance with state regulations.
What information is required on the Ohio 521 form?
The form requires the name of the entity, its charter, license, or registration number, and the name of the current agent. If appointing a new agent, the form must also include the new agent's name and address. Additionally, the agent must sign the form to acknowledge their acceptance of the appointment.
Can I receive notifications regarding my business filings?
Yes, there are options to receive important notices via email from the Ohio Secretary of State's office. You can also sign up for the Filing Notification System, which provides email notifications when any document is filed on your business record. This service is offered at no charge.
What should I do if my statutory agent resigns?
If a statutory agent resigns, the entity must file the Ohio 521 form indicating the resignation. The form must include the current or last known address of the entity's principal office. The resigning agent is also required to send a copy of the resignation to the entity's principal office address at the time of filing.
Common mistakes
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Incorrectly Filling Out Contact Information: Many individuals fail to provide complete and accurate contact details, including the name, address, and phone number. Omitting these details can lead to delays in processing.
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Not Selecting the Appropriate Service Type: Some applicants do not check the correct box for the type of service they require. This mistake can result in unexpected processing times and fees.
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Missing Signature: A common oversight is neglecting to sign the form. Without a signature, the form cannot be processed, leading to additional delays.
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Failing to Confirm Ohio Residency: If the agent is an individual using a P.O. Box, they must check the box confirming their Ohio residency. Many forget this step, which can invalidate the submission.
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Inaccurate Agent Information: Providing incorrect details about the statutory agent, such as name or address, can lead to complications. The information must match the records maintained by the Ohio Secretary of State.
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Ignoring Filing Fees: Some individuals overlook the required fees associated with different service types. Not including the correct payment can result in the form being rejected.
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Not Following Submission Instructions: Each type of filing has specific mailing addresses and instructions. Failing to adhere to these can cause delays or result in the form being sent to the wrong location.
Documents used along the form
The Ohio 521 form is an important document used for updating statutory agent information for various business entities in Ohio. It is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that facilitate the business registration and compliance process. Below is a list of commonly used forms that work alongside the Ohio 521 form.
- Form 165-AGS - Subsequent Appointment of Agent: This form is used to appoint a new statutory agent for a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, or business trust. It ensures that the entity has a designated representative to accept legal documents on its behalf.
- Form 145-AGA - Change of Address of an Agent: This document is necessary when the statutory agent's address changes. It updates the official records to reflect the new address, ensuring that the entity can still receive important legal notifications.
- Form 155-AGR - Resignation of Agent: When a statutory agent decides to resign, this form must be filed. It informs the state of the agent's resignation and provides the last known address of the entity’s principal office.
- Form 171-LSA - Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization: This form is used to officially create a limited liability company (LLC) in Ohio. It includes essential information about the LLC, such as its name, address, and statutory agent.
- Form 1782 - Statement of Continued Existence: This form is required for certain business entities to confirm their ongoing operations and compliance with state regulations. It helps maintain the entity's good standing with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Understanding these forms and their purposes is crucial for anyone involved in managing a business in Ohio. Timely and accurate submissions can prevent legal complications and ensure smooth operations. Always consult with a professional if you're unsure about the necessary documentation for your business needs.
Similar forms
The Ohio 521 form is used for various business entity filings, particularly concerning statutory agents. Several other documents serve similar purposes in different jurisdictions or contexts. Below is a list of nine documents that share similarities with the Ohio 521 form:
- California Statement of Information: This document updates information about a business entity, including its statutory agent, similar to how the Ohio 521 form functions.
- Florida Annual Report: This report requires businesses to provide updated information on their registered agent and address, paralleling the Ohio 521's purpose of maintaining accurate agent records.
- New York Certificate of Change: This form allows businesses to change their registered agent or address, akin to the updates permitted by the Ohio 521 form.
- Texas Appointment of Registered Agent: This document appoints or updates the registered agent for a business entity, similar to the Ohio 521's functions.
- Illinois Statement of Change of Registered Agent: This form is used to change the registered agent of a corporation or LLC, reflecting the changes that can be made with the Ohio 521.
- Pennsylvania Change of Registered Office: This document allows businesses to update their registered office address and agent, similar to the Ohio form's capabilities.
- Michigan Certificate of Change: This form enables businesses to change their registered agent or address, mirroring the functions of the Ohio 521.
- Georgia Annual Registration: This document requires businesses to confirm or update their registered agent information, much like the Ohio 521 form.
- Virginia Statement of Change of Registered Agent: This form allows businesses to update their registered agent, paralleling the Ohio 521's purpose in maintaining current agent records.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Ohio 521 form, there are several important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your submission is processed smoothly and efficiently.
- Do double-check all information for accuracy before submitting the form.
- Do include all required signatures, especially from the statutory agent.
- Do select the correct type of service you are requesting to avoid delays.
- Do provide a valid email address if you wish to receive notifications from the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Don't forget to check the appropriate box for your request; incomplete forms may be rejected.
- Don't use a P.O. Box for the statutory agent's address unless confirming Ohio residency.
Misconceptions
Understanding the Ohio 521 form is essential for business owners and those involved in managing business entities in Ohio. However, there are several misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Here are eight common misconceptions about the Ohio 521 form, along with explanations to clarify them.
- Misconception 1: The Ohio 521 form is only for new businesses.
- Misconception 2: Filing the Ohio 521 form is optional.
- Misconception 3: There is only one way to file the Ohio 521 form.
- Misconception 4: Any person can serve as a statutory agent.
- Misconception 5: The Ohio 521 form guarantees immediate processing.
- Misconception 6: There are no fees associated with the Ohio 521 form.
- Misconception 7: You don’t need to inform the current agent when changing them.
- Misconception 8: The Ohio 521 form is the only document needed for business entity updates.
This form is not limited to new businesses. It can also be used by existing entities to update their statutory agent information, change addresses, or resign an agent.
Filing this form is crucial for maintaining accurate records with the Ohio Secretary of State. Businesses must have a designated statutory agent, and failing to update this information can lead to legal complications.
The form can be filed through regular mail or expedited services. Depending on the urgency, businesses can choose from several expedite options for faster processing.
Not just anyone can be a statutory agent. The agent must be an Ohio resident, an Ohio corporation, or a foreign corporation licensed to do business in Ohio.
Processing times vary. Regular filings can take 3-7 business days, while expedited services can be completed within 1-2 business days or even within hours, depending on the service selected.
There are fees for various services, such as a $25 fee for updating the statutory agent and additional fees for expedited processing. It’s important to review the form for the specific costs involved.
It is essential to notify the current statutory agent of their resignation. The form requires that a copy of the resignation be sent to the agent's last known address.
While the Ohio 521 form is vital for updating statutory agent information, other documents may also be required depending on the nature of the business changes. Always check for additional requirements based on your specific situation.
Key takeaways
The Ohio 521 form is essential for updating statutory agent information for various business entities, including corporations and limited liability companies.
When filling out the form, ensure that you provide accurate details about the business entity, including its name and registration number.
Choose the appropriate service type: Preclearance, Regular, or one of the Expedite Services, depending on how quickly you need the filing processed.
Preclearance filings can be examined for a fee of $50.00 and are completed within 1-2 business days.
Expedited services are available for an additional fee, allowing processing times as short as 4 hours if submitted by 1:00 p.m.
Make sure to check the box if you wish to receive important notices via email from the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
Remember to have the statutory agent sign the form to accept their appointment, which is required for domestic entities.
If the agent is resigning, provide the last known address of the entity’s principal office, as this is a necessary step in the resignation process.