- Filing fee
- $300
- Public Information Report (PIR)
- $0
- First-year gov. cost
- $300
- Publication
- Not required
The steps, in order
Pick a name Texas will accept
The LLC name must contain a proper designator.
Search existing Texas business names before you commit. Texas naming rules in detail.
Appoint a registered agent
Requires a continuous registered agent with a physical street address in the state, no standalone PO boxes. The LLC cannot be its own agent.
You can serve as your own agent, but your address will be public. Compare Texas registered agent options.
File the Certificate of Formation (Form 205)
Submit it to the Texas Secretary of State through the official filing portal and pay $300. Filers using the online SOSPortal will incur a mandated convenience fee of 2.7% plus $0.25, bringing the total to approximately $308.
Processing: online 3 to 5 business days; by mail 3 to 5 business days. Expedite: $50 per document for 2-3 days, $500 for next-day service, and $750 for same-day service, with the highest tiers requiring in-person delivery to Austin..
Write an operating agreement
Not legally mandated, though maintaining a written internal agreement is strongly recommended for liability shielding. It is never filed.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number is free from IRS.gov. You'll need it for a business bank account and, if you hire, for payroll.
Stay in good standing
File the Public Information Report (PIR) ($0), due May 15. $50 late penalty even if no tax is due. Texas report deadlines.
Every Texas LLC fee
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (Form 205) | $300 | Filers using the online SOSPortal will incur a mandated convenience fee of 2.7% plus $0.25, bringing the total to approximately $308. |
| Public Information Report (PIR) | $0 | annual, May 15 |
| Name reservation (optional) | $40 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $150 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $15 | |
| Application for Registration (Form 304) | $750 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 | state |
How Texas compares nationally
- Texas's filing fee of $300 is the 3rd highest of 51 jurisdictions (median $104).
- Texas's first-year government cost of $300 is the 6th highest of 51 jurisdictions (median $125).
- Texas's yearly cost after that of $0 ties for the lowest of 51 jurisdictions (median $45).
See every state side by side in our LLC cost by state table.
File it yourself or use a service?
Filing directly with the Texas Secretary of State costs $300 and nothing else, but you'll need a registered agent with a Texas street address, and that address goes on the public record. A formation service files for you and acts as your agent. Here's what that adds over three years, before Texas's own fees:
| Route | Year one with Texas fee | 3-year service fees |
|---|---|---|
| File yourself, be your own agent | $300 | $0 |
| Northwest | $339 | $289 |
| Bizee Basic | $300 | $298 |
Bizee vs Northwest, compared · All LLC services ranked
State taxes to plan for
Franchise Tax based on taxable margin, but the No Tax Due threshold is $2.65 million in annualized total revenue for 2026. Texas imposes no personal or corporate income tax.
What's different about Texas
- Permits the creation of a Series LLC on the standard Certificate of Formation at no additional filing cost.
- 100% veteran-owned businesses may qualify to have their $300 formation fee entirely waived.
- Texas has no statewide general business license; all operational licensing is handled at the municipal or county level.
More Texas LLC guides
Texas LLC questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?
The Texas Secretary of State charges $300 to file the Certificate of Formation (Form 205). Counting mandatory first-year items, expect about $300 in government fees (Flat $300 formation fee.).
How long does it take to form an LLC in Texas?
Online: 3 to 5 business days. By mail: 3 to 5 business days. Expedited: $50 per document for 2-3 days, $500 for next-day service, and $750 for same-day service, with the highest tiers requiring in-person delivery to Austin..
Does a Texas LLC have to file an annual report?
Yes. Texas requires the Public Information Report (PIR), which costs $0, filed annual. Due: May 15. $50 late penalty even if no tax is due.
Can I be my own registered agent in Texas?
Yes. Requires a continuous registered agent with a physical street address in the state, no standalone PO boxes. The LLC cannot be its own agent. Your agent's address becomes public record.
Does Texas require publishing a notice for a new LLC?
No. Texas has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs, based on our latest check.
Is an operating agreement required in Texas?
Not legally mandated, though maintaining a written internal agreement is strongly recommended for liability shielding. It is never filed.
What taxes does a Texas LLC pay to the state?
Franchise Tax based on taxable margin, but the No Tax Due threshold is $2.65 million in annualized total revenue for 2026. Texas imposes no personal or corporate income tax.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: dissolution.fee, ra.change fee, report.dissolution note.