What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is responsible for receiving and forwarding legal process, lawsuits and compliance mail on behalf of their client. They are required to have a physical street address within the State of Texas and be available during normal business hours.
Do you need a registered agent?
The State of Texas requires you to have a registered agent in Texas if your company is going to transact business in the State of Texas.
What happens if I fail to designate or maintain a registered agent?
Your company cannot maintain a suit in state court until it registers. In addition, the attorney general can enjoin your company from transacting business in the state. Furthermore, your company may be subject to a civil penalty equal to all fees and taxes that would have been imposed if the entity had registered when first required; and if the entity has transacted business in the state for more than ninety days, the Secretary of State may require additional late filing fees and penalties. Failing to maintain or designate a registered agent may cause your business to fall out of good standing. This could subject your license to do business in the state to be forfeited.
What is a foreign entity?
In general terms, any for-profit business entity not incorporated in the State of Texas is considered by the State of Texas to be a "foriegn entity".
What if I already have a registered agent? What do I need to do to change registered agents?
Our experienced staff can guide you through the registration process with the Secretary of State. Just call the number above and we can help you make the switch.
Does Legal Registered Agent Services, Inc. charge startup fees?
There are not additional fees beyond the $95 annual fee for typical registered agent services.
Who is Legal Registered Agent Services, Inc. and who are their clients?
Legal Registered Agent Services, Inc. (LRAS), operates in close association with the Law Offices of Joe Heffington. Joe and his legal team have been serving as registered agents within the State of Texas since 1976. We provide registered agents services and legal counsel to a variety of corporate clients both large and small. Joe Heffington is a native Texan and has practiced law in Texas for over 40 years, much of it in Austin. Joe did his undergraduate work at North Texas State University, and received his doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas (1968). He has been a long time member of the Austin Bar Association, the Kerr County Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas. Joe is also a member of the Association of Attorney Mediators and the College of the State Bar of Texas.
Will my communications with Legal Registered Agent Services, Inc. be confidential?
Your privacy and confidentiality are very important to us. However, if LRAS is presented with a subpoena legally compelling disclosure of client information, LRAS must disclose requested information under penalty of law. Rest assured, under such circumstances, LRAS always consults with the client first. We always verify a request for information is from an authorized source.
Should I be my own registered agent?
Having a registered agent gives you the following benefits:
- You're not required to maintain a physical presence at your office during business hours.
- You will not be served legal papers at your place of business.
- You will be immediately notified of legal action against you. LRAS will call and email you as well as providing copies of the suit that has been filed. This avoids the possibility of the service of process being lost or misfiled. Occasionally, an employee may not recognize the gravity or urgency of the legal matter in question, and fail to alert management of pending legal action or misplace important documents.
- A registered agent keeps up to date with compliance changes affecting your company.