Best Registered Agent in Texas
Ready to elevate your Texas LLC with a trusted registered agent? Discover the top five players in the market and why they're your best bet for peace of mind.
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There are over a thousand registered agents in Texas. You risk wasting countless hours sifting through them.
But don't worry! By the end of this article, you'll find your perfect match with ease.
The best registered agents in Texas are:
- Northwest Registered Agent for best overall
- ZenBusiness for worry-free services
- Bizee (formerly Incfile) for affordable pricing
- LegalZoom for protection benefits
- IncorporateMax for Texas-based specialists
5 Best Registered Agents in Texas
You'd want a registered agent that fits your budget and business needs. But finding one can be harder than it seems.
To help you out, here are the five best registered agents in Texas you can choose from. Let's start with the best overall pick.
Texas registered agent services charge around $50 to $300 per year. They may charge more if they offer extra support, like legal services or LLC formation. Discover the real costs of forming an LLC in Texas with our comprehensive guide.
Northwest Registered Agent: Best Overall
Price: Included in LLC formation fee for the first year ($125/yr after that)[1]
Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and has offices in every state. They're renowned for their transparent pricing and stellar customer service.
Why We Like Northwest
Northwest Registered Agent checks all the boxes of an outstanding registered agent. Here are some of them:
- Total Privacy
Northwest is among the registered agent services in Texas that let you use their official address on public forms.[3] You'll enjoy total privacy since you can keep your real address off public records. - Best-in-Industry Customer Service
If you need help, you won't have to worry about talking to someone who doesn't know how to solve your problem. Northwest has an in-house team of paralegals and entrepreneurs who can give you clear and direct assistance. - Instant Online Services
You can view all your documents in your Northwest account the same day your registered agent receives them.
Additionally, Northwest offers free services to help you maintain your LLC. Your registered agent will send you annual report reminders and pre-filled state forms whenever you need them.
Downsides
There's not a lot to dislike about Northwest Registered Agent. However, some customers are hesitant to hire Northwest because the $125 annual renewal fee isn't the cheapest.
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
ZenBusiness: For Worry-Free Services
Price: $199/yr[4]
ZenBusiness was built by a team of entrepreneurs who wanted to simplify the process of starting, running, and growing a business.
That's why a ZenBusiness registered agent's priority is to help your business stay compliant with state requirements.
Why We Like ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness's commitment to accuracy makes it a trusted name in the industry. Here's what else you can expect from them:
- Largest Range of Services
For an added fee, your registered agent can do additional tasks to help your business stay compliant with state rules. This includes filing amendments and business permit renewals. - 100% Accuracy Guarantee
ZenBusiness is committed to providing customers with 100% accurate and error-free filing services. If your registered agent makes mistakes while preparing or filing any of your documents, they'll correct them at no extra cost.[5] - Extensive Refund Policy
ZenBusiness has a 60-day money-back guarantee. You can request a full refund within 60 days of hiring a registered agent if you're not satisfied with the services.[6]
ZenBusiness also offers other services, like Worry-Free Compliance, that make managing an LLC a breeze.
Downsides
Some reviews suggest that ZenBusiness is a bit aggressive with upselling additional services during the checkout process.
Registered Agent - $199/Year
- Get a registered agent for LLCs and corporations
- Available in 50 states
- Get notifications via mail of important legal notices
- Find important documents scanned and uploaded to your dashboard
ZenBusiness is great for small businesses. But if you're on a tight budget, this next pick might be better.
No, there are no free online registered agent services. But you can serve as your own registered agent or have someone you trust to take on the role for no charge.
Bizee (formerly Incfile): For Affordable Pricing
Price: $119/yr (1st year free)[7]
Bizee (formerly Incfile) stands out for offering affordable services that cater mainly to startups and small businesses.
They were also recognized by prestigious platforms like Inc. 5000 as one of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies.[8]
Why We Like Bizee
Bizee is a great option if you have budget or time constraints. Here's why:
- Excellent Value for Money
Bizee's registered agent services are free in the first year. This makes business formation accessible for everyone, especially startups and small businesses.For new LLCs, extra features like name verification, article filing, and a free business tax consultation also add more value to the annual plans. Their comprehensive checklist for startups is another plus.
- Always Available Registered Agent
Bizee's registered agents are available 24/7 to receive documents on your LLC's behalf. This helps you avoid missed deadlines and non-compliance. - Immediate Registered Agent Appointment
You'll get the registered agent's name and address as soon as you finish setting up an online account.
Downsides
Some customer reviews said that Bizee's registered agent services take a while to get things done. Some also had trouble getting quick answers from their customer service, especially via email.
Additionally, there were some complaints about mistakes in their paperwork and a tough refund rule.
If you want better support, LegalZoom might be a better fit. Check out their offers below.
LegalZoom: For Protection Benefits
Price: $249/yr[10]
LegalZoom is a titan in the realm of registered agent services.
They boast a robust reputation built over 23 years and are one of the most widely talked-about names in the industry. Many Texas business owners recognize them as trusted and established.
They justify their premium prices by offering a comprehensive suite of business services and unmatched brand recognition.
Why We Like LegalZoom
LegalZoom's prominence in the industry is not just about brand power. They also offer these benefits:
- Complimentary Registered Agent Change
If you're switching your registered agent, LegalZoom will handle the cost and paperwork for you. - Protection Benefits
If your data is compromised, LegalZoom's identity theft protection will compensate you up to $1 million. This is unique from what other providers offer.[11] - Compliance Calendar
LegalZoom's registered agent services include a compliance calendar. This makes it easier to view the critical tax and annual report deadlines for your LLC.
Downsides
LegalZoom is more expensive than some competitors. You might be paying a premium for features that you don't need, especially if you're only looking for basic registered agent services.
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
For straightforward services from local experts, IncorporateMax might be the better choice.
You need to fill out the Statement of Change (Form 401) and pay the $15 fee to change your registered agent in Texas. Once filled out, submit it to the Texas Secretary of State by mail, fax, or in person. Registered agent services sometimes handle the filing and pay the fee for you.
IncorporateMax: For Texas-Based Experts
Price: $49/yr[12]
IncorporateMax is a Texas-based registered agent company that has been operating since 2010. They're slowly carving out a reputation as specialists in Texas regulations and requirements.
Why We Like IncorporateMax
Here's what makes IncorporateMax a great choice for Texas LLCs:
- Local Expertise
As Texas-based specialists, IncorporateMax registered agents have in-depth knowledge of the state's regulations and requirements. They offer specialized insights and services tailored to meet the needs of Texas-based businesses. - LLC Status Monitoring
Your registered agent will notify you in case there are changes to your LLC's good standing. - Value Pricing
IncorporateMax has a reasonably priced service ideal for entrepreneurs looking for basic registered services.
Downsides
IncorporateMax is still in the phase of building its online presence and reputation. As a result, they have limited reviews online.
They also don't offer a wide array of benefits, unlike other more established registered agent services.
Why You Need a Registered Agent in Texas
A registered agent is the person who receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. All LLCs in Texas are required to have one.
However, you don't necessarily need to hire a professional service for this. You or a trusted person can act as a registered agent for your LLC as long as they have a physical address in the state.
But if you decide to hire one, you can usually expect the following:
- An address in Texas for your business
- Forwards to your business copies of documents they receive (usually the same day)
- A way to see your account and papers anytime online
- Special prices if you pay for many years at once
A registered agent service can make running your LLC easier and more convenient. But choosing the right provider is important.
A registered agent service is a company that will receive your LLC's legal documents for you. It might also offer additional services that help you create and run an LLC.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service
You need to know the most important factors to look for when choosing a registered agent service.
Because if you choose wrong, you don't just risk wasting your money. You're also jeopardizing your business's good standing with the state.
When looking for the best Texas registered agent service, make sure you consider the following:
- Price
Make sure that the registered agent service is upfront about the total cost of the package that you want to get. Some might look cheap but end up charging more for things you thought were already included.Questions to Think About:- Does the price include everything, or are there hidden costs?
- Will the price go up next year, or stay the same?
They might also provide less service if you opt to pay the same fee you paid the previous year. So, a $39 service might end up costing as much as the expensive ones but provides less.
- Does the price include everything, or are there hidden costs?
- Ease of Use
When picking a registered agent service, you should think about how easy it is to sign up and use their service. You shouldn't wait weeks or fill out a lot of papers to start.Additionally, their website should be fast and easy to use, especially if you need to use their website frequently. An outdated, slow, or confusing website isn't a good sign.
- Additional Services
Some agents may offer more services like helping you to start your LLC online or filing other business documents.Ultimately, you need to choose a registered agent service that can provide the most help for your LLC. Consider opting only for extra features and benefits that you think are essential.
- Customer Support
You'll want to hire a registered agent service that can provide quick responses and solutions. You don't want to be stuck with an unaddressed concern for hours or days. - Reputation
You'll want to choose a reputable company that will handle your LLC's legal documents with care. However, the state of Texas doesn't endorse any registered agent service, so you'll have to do your own research.For example, you can check online reviews and see if the company has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation.
A Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+ rating is the highest possible score.[13] It suggests that the registered agent service has excelled in upholding the BBB's standards, including honesty in advertising and a proven track record of excellent customer service.
Bottom Line
The best registered agent for a Texas LLC offers reasonably priced services, stellar customer support, and other useful features. They also allow you to pay only for the services that your LLC needs.
You deserve an agent that respects your budget, provides top-tier support, and comes highly recommended by thousands.
References
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 02/02/2024
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?, Retrieved 10/18/2023
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Why Northwest Is the Best Registered Agent in Texas, Retrieved 02/02/2024
- ^ ZenBusiness. Products & Pricing, Retrieved 02/02/2024
- ^ ZenBusiness. Compare LLC Packages, Retrieved 10/18/2023
- ^ ZenBusiness. Sales FAQs, Retrieved 10/18/2023
- ^ Bizee. Registered Agent, Retrieved 02/02/2024
- ^ Inc. 5000. Inc. Company Profile, Retrieved 10/18/2023
- ^ Bizee. Bizee Reviews & Customer Service, Retrieved 12/16/2023
- ^ LegalZoom. Registered Agent Services, Retrieved 02/02/2024
- ^ LegalZoom. Protect yourself and your company from identity theft, Retrieved 10/18/2023
- ^ IncorporateMax. Texas Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 02/02/2024
- ^ Better Business Bureau. Overview of Ratings, Retrieved 10/18/2023
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