A corporation and its owner(s) are two separate and independent entities. Because of this legal separation, a majority of state laws require, as part of the incorporation papers, the name of a contact person (called a "registered agent") and location of a place where government and legal documents (e.g. tax documents, summons, lawsuit papers, etc.) can be delivered and forwarded to the corporation. The reasoning behind this is to avoid having important legal papers being handed to anyone at your business location or at your home.
If you incorporate in the state you are doing business, an officer, director, or employee can be your contact. If you incorporate in another state but are not located there, you generally will be required to hire a resident agent.
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