How Much Does an LLC Cost in Texas? (2026 Fees)
Forming an LLC in Texas costs $300 in state filing fees. No yearly state fee for most small LLCs — you file a free franchise tax report each May. Your first-year total to the state is $300, plus a registered agent if you don't use your own Texas address.
Last verified November 7, 2026 against official Texas sources.
Texas LLC fees
| Fee | Amount | When | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (Form 205) | $300 | Once, to form the LLC | Yes |
| Franchise tax report (Public Information or Ownership Information Report) | $0 if yearly revenue is under $2.65 million | Every year by May 15 | Yes |
| Registered agent | $0 if you use your own in-state address; a service usually costs $100–$300 a year | Every year | Yes |
| Name reservation (Form 501) | $40 | Optional, holds the name 120 days | No |
| Assumed name certificate (Form 503) | $25 | Only if you trade under a different name | No |
| First year (state fees) | $300 | ||
| Every year after | $0 for most small LLCs | ||
File it yourself
Pay only the state fee and file directly with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Best if you're comfortable with forms and will track your own yearly filings.
File with the Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsBefore you pay $300, make sure the name is free
Texas rejects a filing if the name is already taken, and a name you can't get as a .com or on Instagram is hard to build on. Check both first. Search the Texas register, then check the domain and handles here:
Is your business name free online?
After you form your LLC
- Find your domain
Get the matching domain
Customers search for you online before they buy. Lock in the .com while it's free.
- Start your store
Start selling online
Open a store under your new business name and take your first order.
- Get your email
Get a business email
Send from you@yourbusiness.com instead of a Gmail address — customers and banks take it more seriously.
- Build your site
Put up a website
A simple site makes your new business look real to customers and banks.
Texas LLC cost questions
Does Texas have an annual LLC fee?
No. Texas has no annual report fee. Every LLC files a franchise tax report each year by May 15, but LLCs with revenue under $2.65 million owe no tax — they still have to file the Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report.
Why is a Texas LLC so expensive to start?
The $300 Certificate of Formation fee is one of the highest in the country, but it is a one-time cost. Because most small Texas LLCs owe nothing each year after, Texas is often cheaper over five years than states with a low filing fee and a yearly charge.
Do I need a registered agent in Texas?
Yes. Every Texas LLC needs a registered agent with a physical Texas address to receive legal papers. You can be your own agent for free if you have one, or pay a service — usually $100–$300 a year.
Can I form a Texas LLC myself?
Yes. You can file directly with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and pay only the state fee. A formation service files for you and usually adds a registered agent and reminders for yearly filings — useful if you'd rather not handle the paperwork.
Should I check my LLC name before I pay the filing fee?
Yes. If the name is already taken in Texas, the state rejects the filing. Search the state register first, and check the .com and social handles too, so you don't form an LLC under a name you can't use online.
Sources
- Texas SOS — Form 205 instructions
- Texas SOS — Form 501 (name reservation)
- Texas SOS — Form 503 (assumed name)
- Texas Comptroller — 2026 franchise tax forms
- Texas Comptroller — no tax due threshold
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official page before you file. Comparing states? See LLC costs in every state we cover.
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