Texas Secretary of State
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Texas?
Forming an LLC in Texas means filing the Certificate of Formation (Form 205) with the Texas Secretary of State. The calculator below separates official government fees from estimates, and fixed costs from variable ones.
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a state entity type — both LLCs and corporations may qualify for it.
First-year government fees — Texas LLC
$300
First-year government fees for a Texas LLC: $300
Official state fees
Ongoing fixed fees
No fixed recurring state fee applies to every Texas LLC.
Five-year outlook
Varies by business — excluded from totals
- Franchise tax & Public Information Report. Most small businesses owe $0 franchise tax because no tax is due at or below the no-tax-due revenue threshold (currently about $2.47 million in annualized total revenue), but the Public Information Report must still be filed each year at no fee. Above the threshold, tax is calculated on taxable margin.
Educational estimate based on official fee schedules verified July 12, 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Fees, rules, and processing times change; confirm with the state or a qualified professional before relying on them.
The numbers behind this page
Every figure comes from the typed data record for Texas, verified July 12, 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation filing fee Online filings through SOSDirect add a 2.7% payment-processing convenience fee. | $300 | One-time | Official state fee |
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise tax & Public Information Report Most small businesses owe $0 franchise tax because no tax is due at or below the no-tax-due revenue threshold (currently about $2.47 million in annualized total revenue), but the Public Information Report must still be filed each year at no fee. Above the threshold, tax is calculated on taxable margin. | Varies | VariableReport due May 15 each year, beginning the year after formation | Official state fee |
† Partially verified — corroborated but not confirmed on a machine-readable official page.
Filing process & processing times
File online through SOSDirect or SOSUpload, or by mail with the Secretary of State.
| Option | Typical turnaround | Added fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 10–15 business days | None | Turnaround varies with filing volume; the Secretary of State posts current processing dates |
| Expedited processing | 2–3 business days | $25 | Expedited documents are processed ahead of regular submissions; same-day and next-day tiers require in-person filing |
Processing times are estimates based on currently available official guidance and change with filing volume — they are not guaranteed.
Registered agent costs
Every Texas LLCmust continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Acting as your own agent costs $0 where you meet the state's eligibility rules; commercial services typically run $100–$300 per year. The calculator uses $200 — the midpoint of that range — when you choose a hired service.
Midpoint of the typical advertised price range for national commercial registered-agent services as of July 2026 (e.g. Northwest Registered Agent $125/yr, ZenBusiness $199/yr, LegalZoom $249/yr). Budget providers advertise below this range and premium corporate-service firms above it. Serving as your own agent costs $0 where you meet state eligibility rules.
Worth knowing about Texas
- Texas does not require LLCs or corporations to file an annual report with the Secretary of State; ongoing compliance runs through the Comptroller's franchise tax system instead.
- Texas has no state personal income tax.
Texas LLC cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Texas?
The Texas Secretary of State charges $300 to file the Certificate of Formation (Form 205). That figure excludes optional services and any variable taxes, which depend on your circumstances.
What are the ongoing costs of an LLC in Texas?
Texas currently has no fixed recurring state fee that applies to every LLC — there is no annual report bill to budget for. You still need to keep a registered agent in place and stay current on any licenses or taxes that apply to your specific business. In addition, franchise tax & Public Information Report may apply depending on your revenue, assets, or activity — these are variable, so they aren't included in fixed totals.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Texas?
Standard processing generally takes about 10–15 business days. Expedited options are available: expedited processing for $25. Processing times change with filing volume, so confirm current turnaround with the state before relying on a date.
Do I need a registered agent for an LLC in Texas?
Yes. Every Texas LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can generally act as your own agent at no cost if you meet the state's eligibility rules, or hire a commercial service — typically $100–$300 per year. Whether serving as your own agent is practical depends on your circumstances, including privacy and availability during business hours.
How does the Texas franchise tax & Public Information Report work for LLCs?
Most small businesses owe $0 franchise tax because no tax is due at or below the no-tax-due revenue threshold (currently about $2.47 million in annualized total revenue), but the Public Information Report must still be filed each year at no fee. Above the threshold, tax is calculated on taxable margin. Report due May 15 each year, beginning the year after formation. Because the amount depends on factors like revenue or assets, it is shown separately and never folded into the fixed totals above. Consult a qualified tax professional about how it may apply to you.
What this page doesn't cover
- Federal, state, and local taxes beyond the fixed fees shown — income-dependent taxes are listed as variable obligations and never included in exact totals.
- Business licenses, local permits, industry-specific registrations, and DBA filings.
- Attorney, accountant, or filing-service fees beyond the labeled registered-agent estimate.
- Whether an LLC — or Texas — is the right choice for your situation. FormedIn provides general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, and nothing here recommends an entity type or formation state for any specific person.
Fees, rules, deadlines, and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Secretary of State and consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Sources
Texas data last verified July 12, 2026.
- Business Filings & Trademarks Fee Schedule (Form 806)— Texas Secretary of StateOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- Franchise Tax— Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- Filing Options— Texas Secretary of StateOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost? 2026 Guide— RegisteredAgentCost.comaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?— ZenBusinessaccessed July 12, 2026
Keep going
- Texas corporation costs →
- Compare Texas with other states →
- What a Registered Agent Actually Does (and Being Your Own) →
- Annual Compliance Checklist by Entity Type →
- How to Choose Your Formation State (Delaware Isn't a Default) →
- Operating Agreements Explained →
- Official source: Texas Secretary of State →