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For startups incorporating in Delaware, what firms are good registered agents to use?

Vanessa Kruze, CPA, is a leading expert in startup taxes and tax compliance. Her team at Kruze Consulting has filed thousands of tax returns for companies that have raised billions in VC funding, and her work has been diligenced by leading VCs, attorneys, and M&A teams at the largest technology companies.
Vanessa Kruze, a highly-experienced CPA, brings valuable tax expertise to startups, drawing from her rich background at Deloitte Tax and as a financial controller for a $20 million startup. As the leader of Kruze Consulting, recognized multiple times in the Inc 5000 list, she specializes in navigating the complex tax landscape for startups. Her firm is known for delivering precise and strategic tax solutions, delivering tax credits utilizing advanced tools to ensure compliance and optimize tax benefits for startups throughout the United States.

Table of contents

I’m going to expand this question a bit…

Why does a startup need to have a Registered Agent in Delaware?

It’s required by law. If you’ve incorporated in Delaware, you must have an address in that state that can be served papers if you’re sued.

What are the most common startup Registered Agent companies?

Here’s a list of the most common Registered Agents that we see and their prices:

  • Harvard Business Services $50/year

  • Incorp $99/year

  • CSC Global $194/year

  • CT Corporation $275/year

Why the variance? How much should a startup pay for a Delaware Registered Agent?

As little as possible! You just need to have one, and I have yet to see any of our 200+ startups actually use the Registered Agent for anything.

When there are so many to choose from, what’s the best Delaware Registered Agent for my startup? How do I compare Delaware Registered Agents?

Go with the Registered Agent that your lawyer recommends. Our startups typically work with premier law firms like Orrick, Gunderson, Perkins Coie, Goodwin Procter, etc. and we’ve seen those firms recommend HBS, Incorp, CSC, and CT as the most common registered agent for startups.

Anything else I should look out for?

YES! YES! YES! KEEP READING! Note that these companies will try to upsell you on many other services like DE Franchise Tax Filings (~$150+) and reminders and all sorts of bells and whistles that you don’t really need. The Registered Agents are really good at wording these “tax notices” to make them look official. Scam companies have joined the parade too; be on the lookout for “tax notices” that demand payment.

Bottom line, when in doubt, ask your lawyer or CPA.

A few examples…

This bill is legit. Pay It:

legit invoice example

Screenshot below is an “Up-Sell” (You can do it yourself. Don’t Have to Pay the Registered Agent to do it):

Up-sell example

AND THIS BELOW IS FRAUD!!! Dont Pay!

example you should not pay

READY TO CONNECT FOR A FREE CONSULTATION?

We are the experts at helping seed/VC-backed Delaware C-Corps with their accounting and finances!

Talk to an experienced accountant, not a generic sales person

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Alex Janeck
 Kruze Consulting
Edith Silva
 Kruze Consulting
Ian Williams
Viz AI

$250M+ VC Funding Raised


"I had a great experience working with Kruze Consulting when we raised Series A. They know what VCs need to see, and how to present a startup’s books and finances. If you are going to raise venture capital, you need experts like Kruze."
Chris Mansi

Chris Mansi

CEO

Startup Venture Capital Assistance

With former venture capitalists on staff, our team is here to help you navigate the fundraising process and manage your board of directors

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Scott Orn
COO | Former VC
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Healy Jones
VP FP&A | Former VC
Pequity

Scale Remote Operations & Team


"Kruze has supported us above and beyond basic accounting needs by ensuring we have everything we need to expand and support our team wherever they may be located"
Zack Fisch

Zack Fisch

Head of Operations & Legal

Clients who have worked with Kruze have collectively raised over $15 billion in VC funding.

We set startups up for fundrising success, and know how to work with the top VCs.

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Vanessa Kruze, CPA
Founder & CEO
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Experienced team helping you

Our account management team is staffed by CPAs and accountants who have, on average, 11 years of experience.

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Bill Hollowsky, CPA
VP of Accounting Services
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Claudine Vantomme, CPA
Controller
 Kruze Consulting
Morgan Avery
SUT/R&D Sr. Tax Accountant
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Beth Bassler
Controller, CPA
Protara Therapeutics

Grew from a 2-person startup to a NASDAQ listed public company.


"The Kruze team helped us grow from a 2-person startup to a NASDAQ listed public company in 2 years. We wouldn’t have gotten public without Kruze’s support. Anyone thinking of launching a startup should make Vanessa their first call!"
Jesse Shefferman

Jesse Shefferman

CEO

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READY TO CONNECT FOR A FREE CONSULTATION?

We are the experts at helping seed/VC-backed Delaware C-Corps with their accounting and finances!


Talk with a real accountant, not a generic salesperson!

 Kruze Consulting
Scott Orn
 Kruze Consulting
Alex Janeck
 Kruze Consulting
Edith Silva

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