Best Registered Agent Services in Texas

Texas publishes every registered agent's name and street address in the SOSDirect public database. Anyone with internet access can look up your LLC and see the agent's details, which is why using a commercial service instead of your home address matters more here than in states with restricted records.

Texas requires two filings every May 15: a Public Information Report and a franchise tax report. Even if your LLC owes $0 in franchise tax (revenue under $2.47 million), you still must file both reports. Missing the deadline triggers a $50 penalty and can eventually lead to forfeiture of your LLC's right to transact business in Texas.

If your registered agent resigns or becomes unavailable, Texas does not give you much runway. The Secretary of State will attempt to notify you at your last known address, but if you fail to appoint a replacement, your LLC loses its ability to receive service of process, and you may not find out about a lawsuit until a default judgment is entered against you.

If you are forming a brand-new Texas LLC, a bundled deal where the first year of registered agent service is included with your formation package can save you $100 or more upfront. Bizee and ZenBusiness both offer a free first year of RA service when you purchase their LLC formation plans. But check the renewal price. Bizee jumps to $119/yr and ZenBusiness to $199/yr after year one.

If you already have a Texas LLC and just need to switch your registered agent, a standalone service like Northwest at $125/yr flat is the cleanest option. There is no introductory pricing to worry about, and you will not get upsold on add-ons. Texas charges a $15 fee to file a change of registered agent with the Secretary of State, so factor that into your switch cost.

For founders still deciding on a formation service, check our guide to the best LLC formation services in Texas to compare packages that bundle registered agent service with your Certificate of Formation filing.

• Change-of-Agent Filing Fee - Texas charges $15 to file a change of registered agent with the Secretary of State, which some RA services pass through to you on top of their annual fee.
• Renewal Price Jumps - Bizee and ZenBusiness offer a free first year of RA service with formation, but renewals jump to $119/yr and $199/yr respectively. Northwest charges $125/yr from day one with no price increase.
• Document Forwarding Add-Ons - Some services charge $10 to $30 per document for physical mail forwarding beyond basic digital scans. Ask before you sign up if you need original paper copies.
• State Compliance Monitoring - LegalZoom bundles compliance calendar alerts into a $249/yr package, but Northwest includes the same alerts at $125/yr with no extra tier required.

1. File your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 online). Your registered agent's name and address will appear on this document, so have your RA service set up before you file.
2. Apply for an EIN from the IRS (free). You need this before opening a business bank account. Apply online at irs.gov and receive your number immediately.
3. Open a business bank account. Texas banks will ask for your Certificate of Formation, EIN, and your LLC's operating agreement. Separating personal and business finances protects your limited liability.
4. Mark May 15 on your calendar for your first Public Information Report and franchise tax filing. If your LLC was formed after January 1 of the current year, your first filing may not be due until the following May 15. Your RA service should send a reminder, but double-check with the Texas Comptroller.
5. Set up compliance alerts with your registered agent's online dashboard. Most services, including Northwest and ZenBusiness, will notify you of incoming documents and upcoming state deadlines automatically.
6. If you plan to sell taxable goods or services, apply for a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit (free) through the Texas Comptroller. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, and local jurisdictions can add up to 2% more.