Every entity formed in Texas and foreign entities that register to do business in Texas is required by law to designate a registered agent.
Having the right registered agent is important for several reasons.
This person or professional company is your point of contact for official government and tax documents. They also receive service of process notices and correspondence from the Texas Secretary of State on behalf of your business.
Requirements
A Texas registered agent is the person or company you designate as your business’s point of contact for receiving official government and tax documents. They are also responsible for accepting service of process (i.e., legal documents that tell you that a lawsuit has been filed against your business).
A registered agent must have a physical street address in the state of Texas. This can be your home, the address of a family member or accountant, your business’s office, or a commercial registered agent service.
They must be available at that address during normal business hours to accept service of process on behalf of your business. That means they can’t be traveling, meeting with clients, or taking time off.
Failing to maintain a registered agent can result in fines or administrative termination from the Texas Secretary of State. It can also cause your company to lose its limited liability protection.
Service
A Texas registered agent is the legally designated person or company responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of a business. This includes service of process and official mail like tax notices, regulatory communications, reminders from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and more.
Choosing a Texas registered agent that can accept and forward these important documents ensures that your business always stays legally compliant. If you don’t maintain a registered agent, you could lose your good standing with the Secretary of State and be subject to penalties and fees.
Whether you use a national company or a local service, it’s a good idea to pick an experienced registered agent that you can trust. The right service will make your life easier, and you’ll enjoy better support and fewer surprises.
Fees
The fees associated with a Texas registered agent vary depending on the service you choose. Some services are available nationwide, while others only serve businesses in Texas.
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice for Texas companies and offers competitive prices and great customer support. Their system also automatically scans documents locally so that you never miss a filing.
Recordkeeping
Every business that operates in Texas is required to have a registered agent. This agent receives official state correspondence and service of process on behalf of the entity.
Second, it provides an easy way to ensure that time-sensitive documents are being delivered to the right person in a timely manner. It also helps ensure that the business can stay in good standing with the Texas Secretary of State and avoid costly fines.
Third, it makes the business owner more accessible to customers and employees when necessary.
Fourth, it helps keep the business owner up to date on state requirements, like annual report reminders or due dates for filings.
If you do not maintain a Texas registered agent, the state can revoke your LLC or corporation’s authority to operate in the state. It can even administratively dissolve your business.
