The Benefits of Using a PO Box Address & Getting Local Legal Counsel
When you’re an entrepreneur setting up a small business, there’s a lot to consider3 min read
When you’re an entrepreneur setting up a small business, there’s a lot to consider. Most business owners must set up an address as part of their operations, and for those in Dallas, Texas, getting a post office box (or PO Box) just might be the perfect address solution. This article will explore the perks of PO Box addresses for businesses, explain the legal implications of using them, and discuss how to find a local attorney to help you navigate the laws in your area.
A PO Box, or Post Office box, is a secured mailbox located on the premises of a post office. It gives businesses a secure physical address to use in place of their home address, especially if their business is located in their home.
The Benefits of PO Box Addresses
The first and most obvious benefit of a PO Box address is discretion. When customers, vendors, or government agencies contact a business, they don’t need to be aware of its physical location. This also helps to keep the home address of the business owner private. Additionally, the post office will hold mail if the PO Box can’t be checked in a timely manner, and will even forward a package when necessary.
Another benefit of obtaining a PO Box is cost savings. Renting a PO Box monthly from the post office can be less expensive than renting a mailbox from a private provider.
However, for entrepreneurs in Dallas, Texas, perhaps the greatest benefit of using a PO Box address is that Texas law gives extra protection to service and construction businesses using a PO Box address. Those protections include a $500 limits on any liens against the business, and protection against certain lawsuits and service providers.
The Legal Implications of PO Boxes
However, this approach also has some legal considerations. Before renting a PO Box address, it’s critical to know your state and local laws and regulations, as well as any zoning regulations and restrictions on renting a PO Box address. For example, in Dallas, Texas it’s necessary to register the address of the post office where the PO Box is located with the Secretary of State’s office.
Businesses in Dallas, Texas also must abide by the Texas Business and Commerce Code, which states that the registered address must be where notices, process, and other official documents can be served. Because a PO Box is a private mailbox, it’s not considered a valid address. Therefore, a separate street address must also be registered with the Secretary of State’s office when using a PO Box.
Finding Local Counsel
For entrepreneurs in the Dallas, Texas area, finding an experienced lawyer to help guide them through the regulations can be a big help. UpCounsel’s network of experienced lawyers offers one-time consultations and ongoing legal services for businesses of all sizes. The profiles of the attorneys include ratings and reviews from past clients, so business owners can easily select an attorney that fits their needs.
For those that wish to use a PO Box address for a business, the Texas Business and Commerce Code can be confusing and intimidating. Getting help from an experienced lawyer in the area who understands the local regulations can help make sure the business is compliant and can continue to take advantage of the address confidentiality granted by a PO Box address.
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