Do I need a registered agent for my business?
If you are starting or operating an LLC in Texas, you are required to designate and maintain a registered agent.
When forming your Texas LLC, you will need to identify your registered agent before completing and submitting your formation documents to the state. The registered agent's name and address are included in the registered agent section of your formation documents.
Although it is necessary to have a registered agent when forming your business, you are not required to keep the same registered agent. You can change your registered agent with the State of Texas at any time after your business has been formed.
What Does a Texas Registered Agent Do?
A registered agent is a person or business responsible for receiving important official documents on behalf of your LLC. These documents may include legal notices, service of process, and correspondence from the state. Your registered agent serves as an official point of contact for your business. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Texas where important documents can be received.
A reliable Texas registered agent can help ensure that important documents are received and brought to your attention. This can be especially helpful for business owners who do not want to use their personal address in the registered agent section of their formation documents or use their personal mailing address for receiving official state documents.
It is important to understand that a registered agent's address is not the same as your business address. The registered agent's address provides a designated location where the registered agent can receive official documents on behalf of the business.
Can I Serve as My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you may serve as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements to do so. However, some business owners choose to use a professional Texas registered agent service instead.
Using a professional registered agent may provide:
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A reliable point of contact for important legal and state correspondence. (In the case that you are served legal documents, the documents will come to your registered agent and not to your home or business address).
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Someone available to receive documents during normal business hours. (If you operate a business in nontraditional hours, someone needs to be available to receive state or legal documents on your behalf).
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Convenience if you travel, work from different locations, or are not consistently available at one location
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Separation between your personal and/or business address and the address listed for your registered agent.
Choosing a Registered Agent for Your Texas LLC
When choosing a registered agent, it is important to select someone or a company you can rely on. Your registered agent should meet Texas requirements and be available to receive official documents during normal business hours.
If you are looking for a Houston registered agent or a Texas registered agent that serves businesses throughout the state, consider choosing a professional service that can provide reliable and consistent support.
Looking for a Texas Registered Agent?
Strategic Training & Consulting provides Texas registered agent services for LLCs and businesses throughout Texas. Whether you are forming a new LLC or need to change your current registered agent, we can help.