When it comes to business formation in Texas, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is who your registered agent will be.
Every LLC or Corporation that is formed in Texas is required to appoint a registered agent with a physical address in the state. This is done by completing Form 401-A with the Texas Secretary of State and paying a $15 filing fee.
Service of Process
Every business is required by state law to appoint and maintain a registered agent. This person or company is responsible for accepting legal process, lawsuits and compliance mail on behalf of your business.
A Texas registered agent must have a physical address within the state of Texas where they can accept service of process and official mail like tax notices. That address is called the registered office.
You can choose to be your own registered agent, or you can hire a registered agent service. Whether you choose to have your own registered agent or a registered agent service, it’s important that the person designated as your registered agent be available during normal business hours at your company’s address listed with the Secretary of State.
Moreover, the individual must be available to sign for any documents that come into their office during business hours. That means they may not be able to attend meetings or take vacations. If a person misses service of process or other legal documents, they’ll have to pay for the costs associated with missing them.
Notices of Litigation
Every LLC, corporation, LP, or LLP is required by Texas law to have a registered agent. This is the person or company that accepts mail and legal notices for your business entity and is listed on your Certificate of Formation filed with the Texas Secretary of State.
Having a registered agent is a critical part of maintaining your business. It can help you stay on top of compliance requirements and avoid fines or revocation of your limited liability protection in the event of a court judgment.
In addition, having a registered agent allows the general public to know that your business has an address where it can be reached and receive important documents. It also gives people a way to get in touch with you in case of emergency.
A good registered agent should be someone you can trust and feel comfortable contacting during normal business hours. They should be responsible for getting important documents to you quickly and correctly so that your company remains in good standing with the state.
Public Records
Public records are information that is accessible by the general public. These can include anything from criminal and traffic court records to financial documents for government programs.
The registered office and name of an entity’s registered agent are both public records, and can be easily accessed through the Texas Secretary of State. This makes them an important piece of contact information for businesses and other entities.
When a company forms or registers in the state of Texas, it is required to appoint a registered agent. A registered agent serves as the legal representative of an entity and accepts official documents, like service of process, on behalf of that business.
The registered agent must have a physical address in Texas and must be available during business hours to receive any incoming legal mail. They are responsible for delivering these documents to the entity and for storing the documentation online so it can be accessible when needed.
Privacy
A Texas registered agent is the person or company that receives all legal mail and documents, such as service of process and legal notices on behalf of a business entity. They also handle state matters like annual reports, franchise tax, and certificates of good standing.
When you set up a Texas LLC, you must include an address for the company’s registered agent in your formation paperwork. This address is listed on public records with the Secretary of State.
This information may be available to customers and those who walk past your business’s location. Moreover, if you’re sued, you could be served with lawsuit documents at the registered agent’s home.
While it is possible to choose an employee or friend to act as your registered agent, you should consider hiring a professional registered agent service instead. These services will offer a number of benefits, including better privacy and discretion.