The Texas Secretary of State requires all legal entities formed in Texas (including all LLCs and Corporations) to appoint a registered agent.
This is a critical step in the formation process of a business entity. It ensures your company is notified of important legal documents and procedures in an expedited fashion.
What is a Registered Agent?
A Texas registered agent is a legal person or business entity that you designate as the point of contact for your business to receive official government and tax documents. They’re also responsible for accepting service of process (also known as service of legal documents or a service of process notice).
The law requires every LLC, corporation, LP, LLP, or LLC partnership to designate a Texas registered agent. They must have a physical address in the state where they can be served with process during business hours and receive mail from the state.
You can hire your own registered agent, or you can use a professional registered agent service. Choosing a registered agent is an important decision for your business, and it’s worth doing your research to find the best fit.
A good registered agent will provide several benefits for your business. Some of these include:
How to Become a Registered Agent
A registered agent in Texas is the designated point of contact for a business or nonprofit. When your organization forms in the state of Texas, it must appoint a registered agent and include their address on its Certificate of Formation.
The agent is responsible for receiving legal documents, such as service of process, on behalf of the company. The agent also makes sure those documents are mailed or delivered to your company’s office promptly.
You can choose to be your own registered agent or hire a registered agent service. However, you should be aware that the address of your registered agent is publicly searchable on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
Using a registered agent service may improve your privacy, since your name and address are not public record. Additionally, some registered agent services provide compliance reminders to help you stay on top of state requirements. It’s important to choose a registered agent service that is located in Texas and meets all the required regulations.
How to Change Your Registered Agent
A Texas registered agent is an important part of any business in the state. They act as the legal address for your company to receive all of its correspondence from the Secretary of State.
You can change your registered agent in a variety of ways. However, the easiest way is to file a form with the Secretary of State.
If you want to change your Texas registered agent, you need to fill out a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office (Form 401). You can file this form online, by mail, fax or in person.
The filing fee in Texas is currently $15.
Changing your Texas registered agent is easy, and can be done year-round. You can file a change of registered agent by mail, fax or online with SOS Direct.
Why Use a Registered Agent Service
Using a registered agent service reduces risk and improves your business’s compliance with state laws. Services also offer reminders for important filing deadlines and online storage of corporate documents.
In Texas, it’s essential to appoint a registered agent for your business entity. Failure to do so may result in losing your status as an LLC or corporation.
A registered agent will accept service of process, act as your company’s physical address for shipments and process all legal mail that comes their way. They can also help with paperwork like franchise tax reports, formation documents and more.
The best registered agent services in Texas combine quality, affordability, and convenience to give you a seamless user experience and the protection of best-in-industry customer service and privacy. ZenBusiness, MyCompanyWorks and Northwest are some of the top options for Texas businesses.
Registered Agent Fees
If your business is incorporated or formed in Texas, you must designate a registered agent to accept service of process and provide a physical address. This ensures that your legal documents and business mail are received in a timely manner.
You can act as your own registered agent or partner with a third-party service. A registered agent service can help you comply with the state’s filing requirements and avoid penalties for late submission of documents or failing to pay annual fees.
A good registered agent service will also keep you up to date on important deadlines and notifications from the Secretary of State’s office, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on opportunities to grow your business. In addition, a registered agent can handle mail forwarding for you and ensure that your company remains in good standing with the state.
Registered Agent Services
Texas registered agents are responsible for receiving important legal documents, including service of process and compliance notices. They are also tasked with maintaining business compliance with state requirements.
You can hire an individual to act as your registered agent or a company to handle these duties for you. Whichever you choose, you’ll want to make sure they are available to receive documents and sign for them during normal business hours.
In addition, your registered agent should be able to assist you with any questions you have about the legalities of your business. Having someone else take care of these tasks will free up your time to focus on your business and keep it running smoothly.
