Texas LLC cost
Ranked #46 of 51 on total first-year cost.
First year
$441
then $129/yr
Cost breakdown
- $312Texas state feeState
- $129Registered agent (1 year)Service
All state charges included
Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.
The facts
- State fee (as charged)
- $312
- Public information report (no fee)
- No fee
- Minimum state tax
- None
- Standard processing
- 2-3 weeks
- Expedited
- $25 · 2-4 days
- Publication
- Not required
Forms & deadlines
- Formation document
- Certificate of Formation (Form 205)
- Recurring filing
- Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report (Form 05-102)
- Report due
- Public information report due May 15
- Tax deadline
- May 15 (franchise tax report)
Tax treatment
Franchise tax owed only above the ~$2.47M no-tax-due threshold, but the report is mandatory.
Step by step
How to form an LLC in Texas
Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you Texas formation flow →
- 1
Pick and check your Texas LLC name
FreeSearch the Texas business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
$0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercialEvery Texas LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.
- 3
File the Certificate of Formation (Form 205)
Texas state fee — $312File the Certificate of Formation (Form 205) online with the Texas Secretary of State at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/. Standard approval takes 2-3 weeks. The state fee is charged as $312 at checkout.
- 4
Optional: pay for expedited processing
$25Texas will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 2-4 days instead of 2-3 weeks.
- 5
Get your EIN from the IRS
Free direct · $80 with our EIN serviceApply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.
- 6
Write an operating agreement
Free template · ~$50 draftedNot filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.
- 7
File your BOI report with FinCEN
Free direct · $50 with our BOI serviceReport your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.
- 8
Open a US business bank account
Varies by providerUse your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.
- 9
Calendar your Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report (Form 05-102)
No feeTexas requires the public information report (no fee) every year (Public information report due May 15), and it is already due in your first year. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.