Texas Registered Agent
What is a Texas registered agent?
Texas registered agents accept legal process, notices, and demands served on the entities they represent. This guide covers the basics of what a Texas registered agent does so you can choose the best agent for your business.
Duties of a Texas Registered Agent
A Texas registered agent accepts and processes documents delivered to their registered office address on behalf of an appointing business. Registered agents must direct notifications of newly delivered documents and provide copies to the last known contact address provided by the business.
A premium registered agent may provide additional services that benefit the company like a professional business email, domain name, or website for additional fees.
Are a registered agent and registered office the same?
No. The registered agent is the individual or entity appointed as a company contact for service of process. The registered office is the business address of the registered agent. This address may not be a P.O. Box and can match the primary address on file for the company appointing the agent.
Does Texas require registered agents?
Yes. Chapter 5, Section 201 of the Texas Business Organizations Code outlines that every foreign and domestic filing entity registered in the state, including Texas LLCs and corporations, must maintain a registered agent. This requirement prevents the business from missing important state deadlines and legal documents which might affect their good standing.
Who Can Be a Texas Registered Agent?
Texas recognizes individuals and entities as registered agents in the state who must meet the following requirements:
Individuals must be state residents with a physical Texas address where notices and documents can be served.
Entities must be authorized to do business in Texas and provide a physical Texas address where notices and documents can be served.
Both must consent to serve as the registered agent and be available during normal business hours to accept documents on behalf of a company. They are also required to provide immediate notice when these documents are received.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes. A business entity cannot be its own registered agent. You can still serve as an individual if you meet the residency requirement and consent to accept documents for the business. Doing this will put your personal information on public record so many people opt to hire a professional registered agent instead.
How to Find a Registered Agent in Texas
The Texas SOSDirect System allows you to search for companies in the state along with their registered agent contact details. The Texas Secretary of State charges $1 per search which requires an account. Documents delivered to the company at the registered agent address provided constitute successful service of process.
The Taxable Entity Search maintained by the Texas Comptroller provides a free and easy method for quickly determining a company’s registered agent name and office address.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas
You can change your registered agent in Texas by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Office/Agent form directly with the state. Forms can be submitted in duplicate using one of these three delivery methods:
- By mail:
Texas Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, Texas 78711-3697 - In person:
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos Street
Austin, Texas 78701 - By fax:
(512) 463-5709
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in Texas?
This filing costs $15 and can be paid using personal checks or money orders made to the Secretary of State. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards are also accepted. You can remit payment for paper filings using the Secretary of State Payment Form (Form 807).
Can I appoint a registered agent when I form my business?
Yes. When filing your Certificate of Formation For-Profit Corporation or Certificate of Formation Limited Liability Company files to form a new business, you can include registered agent information in Article 2 – Registered Agent and Registered Office. This will ensure that your business has an agent from day one and that all documents and notices are immediately forwarded to your agent for processing.
Reasons to Hire Registered Agents Inc
Registered Agents Inc makes maintaining your business in Texas as easy as possible with the following benefits:
Document Management
We accept and store your documents in your secure online account the same day for easy access. With one centralized location for documents, you can quickly and efficiently find what you need.
Compliance Help
We simplify keeping your business in good standing with the Lone Star State by sending you annual franchise tax and public information report reminders.
Address Security
We shield your address from public view by using our own for filings unless you tell us otherwise. Privacy is important and we take every opportunity to keep your information away from prying eyes.
Filing Expertise
We can handle a variety of state and federal filings if you don’t have time to complete them on your own. Our filers have years of experience with forming and maintaining businesses across Texas and the nation.
Fast Notifications
We send you updates as soon as new documents are available to view or download. You can stay on top of legal and regulatory obligations easily when we send emails directly to you or your attorney.
Forms Library
We provide forms for state filings and pre-populated signatures within your online account. Navigating Texas filings is easy when you have the resources you need.
U.S. Coverage
With local offices in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, we can be your agent wherever you go. Add new lines of service any time and gain instant access to our address in your new state.
Client Support
We believe in owning our products and services so we’re here to provide the answers to all your questions. Reach out to our team of experts when you need to know what steps come next.
Consider joining our wholesale registered agent service program to give your clients the best service available in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Texas?
Very basic registered agent service in Texas starts at $50 and can easily reach $200 based on the other services an agent provides. Our premium service costs $200 a year and annual report filing is built in.
What happens if I don’t maintain a registered agent in Texas?
The state rejects any formations that do not include a registered agent in the initial filing. This means you’ll have to list a registered agent for approval. If you don’t maintain your registered agent, your company may be terminated by the state for noncompliance.
Do I need to live in Texas to register my business?
No. A registered agent address meeting the state’s requirements may be used if you do not have an address in the state.
Do I need a registered agent for every series in my LLC?
No. When you form a series LLC in Texas, you only need one registered agent for the parent company which covers all series under it.
