Registered Agent
A registered agent is someone, either a company or an individual, that a corporation (or other legal entity) appoints to receive service of process and other official notices such as state franchise tax notices. Service of process is how a third party gives your company notice of a pending legal matter, which allows your company to respond accordingly with the applicable deadlines.
A corporation’s registered agent must be physically located within the relevant state. For example, if your Texas company is incorporated in Delaware, your company will need to hire a registered agent in Delaware. If your Texas company is incorporated in Texas, you or another shareholder or officer could be the Texas registered agent (assuming each resides in Texas).
About the Author
Ryan Roberts is a startup lawyer and represents technology companies through all phases of the startup process, including incorporation, seed & venture financings, and exit transactions. Click here to learn more about his practice.
