A Texas registered agent is an individual or company that accepts official documents from the Secretary of State on behalf of a corporation, LLC, or nonprofit. They are also responsible for accepting service of process.
A registered agent is required for every business that is formed in the state of Texas. They help businesses maintain legal compliance, protect their privacy, and ensure that they are always up to date with important filings.
Legal Responsibilities
All LLCs and Corporations in Texas are required to designate a registered agent with the Texas Secretary of State. This individual or business entity is responsible for receiving important legal documents, such as Service of Process (lawsuit papers), Subpoenas and other official correspondence.
Generally, the Texas registered agent must have a physical address in the state. This can be the owner’s home, the office of an accountant or attorney, a commercial registered agent service, or any other Texas-based physical address.
It is important to note that the registered agent must be available to accept service of process notices during normal business hours at the address listed. If they are not in the office, or if they take time off for a vacation or sick day, they will still be obligated to receive these notices.
It is also essential to keep your registered agent’s information updated. Failure to do so can result in fines and even an administrative termination by the Texas Secretary of State.
Choosing a Registered Agent
When you form a business or nonprofit in Texas, you must choose someone to serve as your registered agent. This person will receive important legal notices and government notices on behalf of your company and forward them to you.
Choosing your registered agent is an important step in the formation process, and it should be done carefully. Make sure the selected party meets state requirements.
In Texas, registered agents must be an individual resident of the state or a business entity that maintains a physical address in the state. They must also consent to the role and sign a form.
If you are forming a corporation, LLC or limited liability company, state law requires you to select a registered agent and have them sign the certificate of formation or other formation documents.
You can appoint yourself to act as your registered agent, or you can use a service. Services like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer and IncFile offer this for a fee, and many have a number of benefits.
Maintaining Your Registered Agent’s Information
If you want to make sure your business stays in good standing with the Texas Secretary of State, you must maintain your registered agent’s information. Failure to do so can result in your company losing its legal recognition from the state, and could even lead to the Secretary of State administratively dissolving your LLC or corporation.
Having a registered agent makes sense for many reasons. First, it protects your privacy.
Second, it saves you time. If a lawsuit is filed against your company, it won’t be served to you personally at your business’s address.
Third, it can help you avoid embarrassment.
In addition to the advantages mentioned above, a commercial registered agent service can provide several other benefits. For example, they can give you a monthly report on your corporation’s status and send you email reminders to file annual franchise taxes.
Keeping Your Registered Agent’s Information Updated
A Texas registered agent is an individual or entity that serves as a legal contact for your business in the state. This person or entity must have a physical address in the state and be available during business hours to receive and sign for documents on your behalf.
Some people choose to be their own registered agents, while others use a registered agent service. A registered agent service will receive your business’s legal, tax and official mail on your behalf, forward it to you and notify you about pending deadlines and actions you need to take.
Hiring a registered agent service can save your business time and effort by taking care of the paperwork. They will handle the high-priority and sensitive documents for you so that you can focus on growing your business.
