How to Form an LLC in Texas (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Texas LLC: state filing fee ($300), processing time (10-15 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Texas, file the Articles of Organization with the Texas Secretary of State (fee: $300), appoint a registered agent with a Texas street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 10-15 business days. The annual franchise tax report + public information report is $0, due May 15. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $449 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Texas LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Texas LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas SoS filing fee | $300 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$25 | Reduces wait to 2 business days |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $449 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Franchise Tax Report + Public Information Report | $0/yr | Due May 15 |
The 7-Step Texas LLC Formation Process
Every Texas LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Texas LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Texas entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Texas Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Texas registered agent
Texas requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Texas Secretary of State with a $300 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $25 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 10-15 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Texas taxes and licenses
Register with the Texas Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Texas LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
No state personal income tax. Franchise tax has a high no-tax-due threshold, so most small LLCs pay $0 in state tax but must still file the report.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax owed if annualized total revenue is below $2.47 million (2024 threshold). Above that, 0.375%-0.75% of margin.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Texas LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Texas
- No state income tax on individuals or LLC members — pass-through income is federally taxed only.
- $2.47M no-tax-due threshold means the vast majority of LLCs owe nothing to the state.
- Second-largest state economy in the US — access to venture capital, talent, and customers.
Things to watch for in Texas
- Texas requires the annual Public Information Report even if no franchise tax is owed — miss it and the LLC forfeits its right to do business.
- Texas registered agents are public record and cannot be a PO Box; a physical Texas street address is mandatory.
Top industries for Texas LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Texas)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $449 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $300+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $469+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $1026+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $664+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $499+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($300) is paid to Texas and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Texas, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Texas to nearby states
Ready to form your Texas LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $300 paid directly to Texas. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.