What happens if a company has no physical place of business in Texas?

When a company operating in Texas lacks a physical place of business within the state, it is mandated that records be maintained at the office of a registered agent in Texas. This requirement ensures that the company has a designated point of contact within the state for legal proceedings and official communications. The registered agent acts as the responsible party to receive service of process, legal documents, and any notices from state authorities.

By keeping records at the office of a registered agent, the company complies with state regulations that require transparency and availability of business documentation for management and regulatory purposes, thus safeguarding the interests of both the company and its stakeholders. This practice also facilitates efficient communication with state authorities and helps maintain operational integrity and accountability.

The other options are not aligned with regulatory requirements. Maintaining records in another state would not satisfy Texas laws concerning the availability of records for oversight. Discarding records entirely would violate legal obligations for documentation retention. While keeping records in an online format can be a part of a company's record-keeping strategy, it does not replace the obligation to have a physical location, such as a registered agent's office, where these records must be accessible.