If you are starting a new business in Texas, you will need to have a registered agent. This person or company is responsible for receiving any legal documents that need to be signed by your business.
You can appoint yourself as your Texas registered agent, or you can use an agency service to help you out. Having a professional service takes the guesswork out of the process.
Requirements for a Registered Agent
In order to operate a business in Texas, you must designate a registered agent (RA) with the Secretary of State. RAs are responsible for receiving official government and tax documents on behalf of your company.
To become a registered agent in Texas, you must meet all requirements set forth by Texas Statutes Section 5.200. These include a physical address and availability during regular business hours.
If a registered agent fails to maintain an available address, they can lose their good standing with the Texas Secretary of State. This can result in penalties and state fees.
If your business expands to new locations, you may need a registered agent in each state that your business conducts business in. National registered agent services, such as Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness, provide streamlined solutions that help you save time and resources by handling your registrations with multiple states.
How to Become a Registered Agent
In Texas, every corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership (LP), or limited liability partnership (LLP) is required to designate a registered agent. This person is responsible for receiving official legal documents on behalf of the business.
A registered agent can be any resident of the state, a registered domestic business entity, or a foreign business entity authorized to do business in Texas. They must have a physical street address in the state of Texas.
Generally speaking, the registered agent must be available during business hours to accept service of process. This means receiving any legal documents that are served on the business, like lawsuit papers or subpoenas.
Many businesses choose to hire a registered agent service to ensure that they never miss an important legal document or notification. Some services also provide compliance reminders and other helpful tools.
How to Change a Registered Agent
A registered agent is an important role for any business that conducts transactions in Texas. It is a person or entity that will receive and sign for service of process, official notices from the Secretary of State, and other important correspondence.
If you want to change your registered agent, the first step is to fill out Form 401. This form is available at the Texas Secretary of State’s website and can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person.
The filing fee is $15. You may pay this fee by check, money order, or credit card. A 2.7% convenience charge will be added to credit card orders.
Changing your registered agent is one of the most important tasks you can do for your business. However, it can be a daunting task.
How to Change a Registered Office
If you have a Texas corporation or LLC, you may need to change your registered agent’s address. This could happen for a variety of reasons, such as if your designated agent resigns or goes out of business.
Your registered agent’s address is where legal mail sent on your behalf is delivered. It also serves as your official address with the state of Texas, and it can be a matter of public record.
You can change your registered agent’s address by filing Form 401. The Texas Secretary of State accepts this filing via mail, fax or in person.
The filing fee is $15, except for nonprofit corporations and cooperative associations. You can pay this fee with a check or money order payable to the secretary of state. Alternatively, you can pay with a credit card. However, this will incur a 2.7% convenience fee.
