How Much Does an LLC Cost in Texas?

Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Texas: The state filing fee is $300, making Texas one of the higher-cost states for LLC formation. Veterans get this fee completely waived as a benefit for their service. Beyond the state fee, your total first-year costs depend on whether you handle everything yourself or use a formation service.

Most business owners spend between $300 and $600 in their first year, depending on their approach. The difference comes down to registered agent services, expedited processing needs, and whether you want professional help navigating the paperwork.

Texas LLC Filing Fees Breakdown

Texas keeps its fee structure relatively straightforward compared to other states. Here’s every fee you might encounter when forming and maintaining your LLC:

Service	Fee	Notes
Certificate of Formation	$300	Required for all LLCs (waived for veterans)
Name Reservation	$40	Optional, holds name for 120 days
Expedited Processing	Not available	Standard processing only
Public Information Report	$0	Due annually by May 15
Amendment	$150	Changes to formation documents
Certificate of Good Standing	$15	Proof of active status
Foreign LLC Registration	$750	Out-of-state LLCs doing business in Texas
DBA/Assumed Name	$25	State level only

Source: Texas Secretary of State, verified March 2026

What Makes Texas Different

Texas stands out for a few key reasons. First, the $300 filing fee is completely waived for veterans, making Texas one of the most veteran-friendly states for business formation. Second, there’s no expedited processing available, so everyone gets the same 10-12 business day timeline when filing online through SOS Direct.

The state also requires franchise tax for most businesses, though small LLCs typically owe nothing. Your annual Public Information Report costs nothing to file, unlike many states that charge $50-$100 for annual reports.

First-Year Cost Comparison

Your total first-year costs depend heavily on how you approach the formation process. Here’s what you can expect:

DIY Formation Costs

• State filing fee: $300 (or $0 for veterans)
• Registered agent: $0 (if you serve yourself)
• Operating agreement: $0 (use our free template)
• EIN from IRS: $0 (apply directly)
• Total DIY cost: $300

Formation Service Costs

Most business owners choose to work with a formation service for the convenience and included registered agent service. Here’s what that typically costs:

• Service fee: $0-$39 (most providers offer $0 packages)
• State filing fee: $300
• Registered agent (first year): $125-$300
• Operating agreement: Usually included
• EIN assistance: Usually included
• Total service cost: $425-$639

The extra $125-$339 you spend typically includes a full year of registered agent service, which you’d need to pay for anyway. You also get professional filing assistance, reducing the chance of mistakes that could delay your approval.

Hidden Costs to Avoid

Several services try to charge you for things that should be free or much cheaper:

EIN Applications

The IRS provides EINs completely free through their website. Some services charge $50-$300 for “EIN assistance,” but this is unnecessary. You can apply directly at irs.gov and receive your EIN immediately online.

Operating Agreements

While Texas doesn’t require operating agreements, having one protects your LLC’s limited liability status. Instead of paying $100-$500 for a basic template, you can use quality templates available for free or create one yourself.

Unnecessary Expediting

Texas doesn’t offer expedited processing, so any service claiming to “rush” your filing is misleading you. Everyone gets the same 10-12 business day processing time when filing online through SOS Direct.

Why Use a Formation Service?

While you can certainly file your Texas LLC yourself, most business owners find the extra cost of a formation service worthwhile. Here’s why:

Registered Agent Requirement

Texas requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can serve as your own registered agent, but this means:

• You must be available during business hours to receive legal documents
• Your business address becomes public record
• Legal notices get delivered to your business location
• You risk missing important deadlines if documents aren’t properly handled

Professional registered agents handle this responsibility for $50-$300 per year, and most formation services include the first year free. Learn more about your options in our Texas registered agent guide.

Filing Accuracy

Texas has specific requirements for LLC names, registered agent information, and formation documents. Mistakes can delay your approval by weeks. Formation services handle hundreds of Texas filings monthly and know exactly what the state requires.

Ongoing Compliance

Your LLC has ongoing requirements beyond formation. Texas requires an annual Public Information Report by May 15 each year, and you may owe franchise tax depending on your revenue. Formation services typically remind you of these deadlines and can help you stay compliant.

Processing Times and Payment Methods

Texas offers several filing methods with different processing times:

• Online (SOS Direct): 10-12 business days
• Online (SOS Upload): 13-15 business days
• Paper filing: 4-8 weeks plus mail time

The state accepts credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa) for online filings. Paper filings require a check or money order.

Annual Costs and Ongoing Fees

After formation, your Texas LLC has minimal ongoing costs:

Public Information Report

Texas requires a free Public Information Report by May 15 each year. This report updates your LLC’s basic information and confirms your registered agent. Missing this deadline can result in administrative penalties.

Franchise Tax

Texas imposes a franchise tax on most businesses, but small LLCs typically owe nothing. The tax applies to LLCs with more than $1.18 million in annual revenue. Most small businesses pay $0.

Registered Agent

If you hire a professional registered agent, expect to pay $50-$300 annually after your first year. This cost remains fairly consistent year to year.

For detailed information about ongoing tax obligations, check our complete Texas LLC tax guide.

Comparing Formation Service Providers

If you decide to use a formation service, here are the most common options:

Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 plus the state fee and includes same-day filing with a year of registered agent service. They focus exclusively on registered agent services and have excellent customer reviews.

ZenBusiness offers free formation plus the state fee with their Starter plan. Processing takes 2-3 weeks with standard service or 1-2 days with their rush option.

LegalZoom provides free formation with their Basic plan, taking 7-10 business days to process. They’re one of the largest formation services with extensive add-on options.

Bizee offers $0 formation plus state fees with next business day filing. They provide a streamlined, fast process for straightforward formations.

Banking and Business Setup

Once your Texas LLC is approved, you’ll need a business bank account to maintain proper separation between personal and business finances. This separation is crucial for protecting your LLC’s limited liability benefits.

Look for business checking accounts with no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and mobile banking features. Some banks offer special benefits for new LLCs, including waived fees for the first few months and bonus interest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the filing fee refunded if I change my mind?

No, Texas doesn’t refund filing fees once your Certificate of Formation is processed. Make sure you’re ready to move forward before submitting your paperwork.

Do I need to reserve my LLC name before filing?

Name reservation isn’t required, but it costs $40 and holds your preferred name for 120 days. This gives you time to prepare your formation documents without worrying about someone else taking your name. Check name availability with our Texas LLC name search tool.

What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

Missing the May 15 deadline for your Public Information Report can result in administrative penalties and potential loss of good standing. While the report itself is free, late fees can add up quickly.

Can I change my registered agent after formation?

Yes, you can change registered agents anytime by filing a Statement of Change with the Secretary of State. There’s no fee for this change if done online.

Are there any business licenses I need beyond the LLC formation?

Business license requirements depend on your industry and location. Texas doesn’t require a general business license, but specific professions and activities may need permits or licenses from state agencies or local governments.

The total cost of forming your Texas LLC ranges from $300 for complete DIY filing to around $600 when using a full-service provider. For most business owners, the extra cost of professional assistance pays for itself through time savings, reduced errors, and included registered agent service. Veterans can take advantage of the waived filing fee to significantly reduce their startup costs.

Ready to get started? Our complete Texas LLC formation guide walks you through every step of the process.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.