Whether you’re starting a new business or you’ve been in business for years, a Texas registered agent is essential to keeping your company up and running.
Under Texas statute, every LLC and Corporation must designate a registered agent. That person is the point of contact for all communication with the State of Texas, including annual reports and franchise tax.
Requirements
Every Texas business entity, domestic or foreign, must have a registered agent in the state. The registered agent serves as the point of contact for the state and alerts a business when official documents are sent to it.
The registered agent also receives important notices from the state, such as tax documents, wage garnishment notices and dispute/ litigation paperwork. Failing to appoint a registered agent can get a business out of good standing with the state, which can result in fines and penalties.
In Texas, a business owner selects a registered agent by listing their name and address on the company formation documents or certificate of formation. This person or organization must also consent to the role and sign a form stating that they agree to act as registered agent.
The registered agent must maintain a business office at the same address as the entity. However, there is no limit on the number of registered agents an entity can have or who can serve as the registered agent for a given entity.
Choosing a Registered Agent
In the state of Texas, every LLC or Corporation is required to designate a registered agent. This individual or company will receive all legal mail and government notices on behalf of your business.
In addition to ensuring you receive important legal documents from the government, your registered agent also has a vital role in maintaining compliance with the state. If you fail to respond to annual reports or franchise tax renewals, you could face serious fines and penalties.
The right registered agent is a professional and reliable service that can keep your business compliant with all of the state’s requirements. They will be available to you year-round, handle your compliance calendar, and help you file your annual reports and franchise taxes.
Many companies choose to work with a registered agent service rather than an individual. They are more familiar with the responsibilities of this role, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming for an individual. They can be a huge asset to your business in terms of maintaining compliance and saving you from the hassles associated with establishing a business in Texas.
Maintaining a Registered Agent
Every state requires that all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships have a registered agent. These agents are responsible for accepting official correspondence from the state on behalf of a business.
They also receive service of process and important government notices. They can handle a variety of tasks on behalf of a company, from creating annual reports to responding to legal documents.
A registered agent maintains a physical address in the state where your company is incorporated and can accept service of process and legal mail during regular business hours. This can be helpful if you cannot be available during these hours due to your other responsibilities as a business owner.
Most states allow for businesses to serve as their own registered agents, but it’s recommended that you hire a registered agent service instead. They offer many benefits, including compliance management, local document storage, and a robust online dashboard. You can even choose to have your documents scanned and uploaded to an online account, allowing you to access them whenever you need them.
Changing a Registered Agent
A Texas registered agent, which can be either an individual or a company, is designated by a business entity to receive legal documents and communications on its behalf. They also handle state-related matters such as annual reports and franchise taxes.
Selecting a registered agent is an important part of operating a business in the Lone Star State, and must be done correctly. Often, this is an individual or a company that the business owner knows and trusts to handle this important role.
Changing your registered agent is a simple process and can be completed online or by mail. To change your registered agent in Texas, you will need to complete Form 401, Change of Registered Agent/Office.
This statement of change can be filed by mail, fax, in person or online using SOSDirect. The filing fee is $15.
