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Biz Formation Academy

A plain textbook on LLC paperwork, one state per chapter.

Textbook chapter 2 · Texas

Texas Registered Agent Chapter (2026): 6 Sections and the 3 Best Agents

Texas readers who want help appointing a registered agent in 2026 should look at Mainstay Filing ($149 a year), TX Registered Agent.org ($99 a year) and Texas Registered Agent.ai ($99 a year), in the order given. The reader finishes 6 short sections knowing how Texas wants a registered agent appointed.
Written by the Biz Formation Academy editorial board

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Required by law Yes See sos.texas.gov; page last consulted October 2026
Agent price range $99 to $149 a year As each company lists them
Recurring report No fee See comptroller.texas.gov; page last consulted October 2026
Chapter sections 6 Each one explained

After this chapter you will understand

  • Why Texas requires an agent on file
  • Eligibility and address rules
  • Naming the agent in a filing
  • The agents chosen

Who we recommend in Texas

Ranked by the grading page: three-year cost (34%), paperwork completed (30%), second-year price, fit with Texas rules and clarity of the price list.

1. Mainstay Filing: best for companies in several states

Highest ranked
$149 a year, $149 at renewal

Mainstay Filing comes first. The agent fee is $149 per year and does not depend on which state the LLC chooses.

TX Registered Agent.org costs $150 less over three years; this service still ranks higher because it does more of the work.

Price covers

  • An office address inside the state
  • Any papers served on the company get scanned for you at no cost
  • Three government mailings a year are scanned at no cost to you
  • Also serves nonprofits, corporations, LPs and LLPs

Advantages

  • Available in all fifty states
  • $149 per year

Limitations

  • Costs $50 more every year
  • Report filing requires the formation package
Visit Mainstay Filing Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

2. TX Registered Agent.org: best for owners watching costs

Local option
$99 a year, $99 at renewal

TX Registered Agent.org is ranked second: a plan for one state: $99 a year, renewing at $99.

Price covers

  • A registered office address
  • Legal papers scanned and posted

Advantages

  • $99 each year with no increase
  • Priced below Mainstay Filing

Limitations

  • Serves Texas alone
  • Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is left to the owner
Visit TX Registered Agent.org Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

3. Texas Registered Agent.ai: best for a local alternative

Local option
$99 a year, $99 at renewal

Texas Registered Agent.ai is ranked third: a plan for one state: $99 a year, renewing at $99.

On price, it matches TX Registered Agent.org.

Price covers

  • A registered office address
  • Legal papers scanned and posted

Advantages

  • Priced below Mainstay Filing
  • $99 each year with no increase

Limitations

  • Serves Texas alone
  • Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is left to the owner
Visit Texas Registered Agent.ai Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

All prices in one table

#ServiceAnnual priceRenewal priceThree-year total
1 Mainstay Filing $149$149/yr$447 Visit Mainstay Filing Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.
2 TX Registered Agent.org $99$99/yr$297 Visit TX Registered Agent.org Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.
3 Texas Registered Agent.ai $99$99/yr$297 Visit Texas Registered Agent.ai Partner link. We may earn money if you buy.

Listed prices, consulted November 13, 2026. Texas charges the same either way.

The Texas agent, in sequence

  1. Section 1

    The Texas rule stated

    Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.

    Reference: See sos.texas.gov; page last consulted October 2026

  2. Section 2

    Who qualifies as an agent

    A Texas resident, including an owner, officer or employee, or an organization registered or authorized in Texas with a business office at the registered office. The company cannot be its own agent, and the agent has to consent. The rule appears in Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 5.201.

  3. Section 3

    The address rule

    The address has to be a street address where papers can be handed to the agent during normal business hours. A mailbox service or answering service alone does not qualify.

    Every recommended service supplies the in-state address.

  4. Section 4

    Serve as your own agent or hire one

    A qualified owner can be the agent. Those who prefer not to can pay $99 to $149 a year to a recommended agent.

  5. Section 5

    Make the agent a matter of public record

    the Texas Secretary of State receives the filing that identifies the agent, and also any later change.

    Reference: See sos.texas.gov; page last consulted October 2026

  6. Section 6

    Track the recurring filing

    Budget for the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report: no charge every year, due May 15. Official mail on the subject goes to the registered agent.

    Reference: See comptroller.texas.gov; page last consulted October 2026

Texas agent costs

EntryWho is paidAmount
Registered agent service Service$99 to $149 a year
Agent renewal Service$99 to $149 a year
State report Paid to the stateNo fee

Anything paid to Texas is an official fee that can be verified in the bibliography. The three-year row combines the filing, two later reports and a minimum tax where one exists; service prices are not part of it.

Why Mainstay Filing is first

On chapters the price completes (30% of the ranking) came first, with next.

TX Registered Agent.org costs less, but coverage across states earned the higher ranking.

Short answers

Does Texas law call for a registered agent?

Yes. Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.

Can I be my own registered agent?

Often. Apply the two tests in sections 2 and 3.

Can I change my registered agent later?

Yes, at any time. Section 5 shows how to file the change with the Texas Secretary of State.

What does a registered agent cost in Texas?

The listed agents run $99 to $149 per year.

What does the LLC pay the state each year?

Owners submit the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report without any charge.

Which registered agent would you choose?

Choose Mainstay Filing: a single yearly charge of $149 follows the company if it registers in a second state. Next are TX Registered Agent.org and Texas Registered Agent.ai.

More chapters

Bibliography and primary texts

  1. Texas yearly filing: Annual report, official source rests on comptroller.texas.gov, a text consulted October 2026.
  2. Texas report due date rests on statutes.capitol.texas.gov, a text consulted August 2026.
  3. Tex rests on sos.texas.gov, a text consulted August 2026.
  4. Texas registered agent statute rests on sos.texas.gov, a text consulted October 2026.
  5. Mainstay Filing, Texas service page: consulted November 13, 2026
  6. TX Registered Agent.org, pricing page: consulted November 13, 2026
  7. Texas Registered Agent.ai, pricing page: consulted November 13, 2026