
Texas company startups are exciting, and the Limited Liability Company is a popular business formation. LLCs provide the freedom and simplicity of sole proprietorships and partnerships with the limited liability protection of corporations. As with any company organization, starting and maintaining an LLC in Texas involves money.
This detailed document details the costs of forming and maintaining an LLC in Texas. We'll explain all you need to know about creating an LLC in Texas, from formation fees to recurring costs.
Initial Formation Costs

Start an LLC in Texas by filing the proper forms with the state. This step's main expense is the Texas Secretary of State filing fee. After my September 2021 knowledge update, Texas LLC registration fees were $300. Since costs might vary, it's important to check them. The Texas Secretary of State's website has the latest fee schedule. To expedite your LLC application, you may pay $25 to $25, depending on the processing duration. Expedited processing may shorten LLC formation time.
Although optional, many businesses engage a registered agent to handle LLC paperwork and communications. Texas registered agents cost $100–300 per year. A registered agent expedites legal papers, which is essential for compliance.
Name Reservation and Search Costs
Make sure your preferred company name is accessible before registering your LLC. There is a free Name Availability Search function available on the Texas Secretary of State's website. You may steer clear of any possible conflicts with already-registered company names by using this search.
The state of Texas permits you to reserve your preferred company name for future usage for a fee. Name reservations cost $40 as of the last time I checked, and they are normally good for 120 days. For any updates, please refer to the most recent charge schedule.
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Registered Agent Costs
Even though we have touched on the subject of registered agents' costs, it's important to recognize the benefits they provide to your LLC. Tax notices and litigation notifications are among the legal papers that a registered agent is in charge of receiving on your behalf. They make sure you pay attention to important details that might affect your company. Depending on the supplier, the price of a registered agent service in Texas might vary, but it usually ranges from $100 to $300 annually.
Operating Agreement
Although it's not required in Texas, it's strongly advised that LLCs draft an operating agreement. This document describes your LLC's ownership structure and internal operating procedures. An operating agreement's drafting costs vary greatly. To generate a unique paper, you may either utilize a template or work with an attorney. The price of consulting with an attorney might vary based on your demands and the intricacy of your LLC's structure, from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
State Franchise Tax
LLCs and other business entities are subject to an annual franchise tax levied by the State of Texas. This tax is determined by the yearly income of your LLC or, in the case of a newly established firm, the original capital investment. For the most recent information, visit the website of the Texas Comptroller or speak with a tax expert. The rate and methodology for this tax are subject to change from year to year.
Biennial Statement of Information
LLCs must submit a Statement of Information to the Secretary of State in Texas. This declaration was required to be submitted every two years as of my latest update. There was a $20 filing fee. Basic details regarding your LLC, such as its location, registered agent, and a list of managers or members, are usually included in the Statement of Information. But keep in mind that laws might change, so make sure you constantly know the most current criteria and costs.
EIN
You must apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if your LLC employs people or has more than one member. For tax reporting, this number is used. The IRS website offers a free online process for obtaining an EIN. If you would rather have help with the procedure, you may use a third-party service. However, they could charge a small fee.
Compliance Costs
There are a few continuous compliance criteria that you must meet in order to keep your LLC in good standing in Texas. These expenses may change based on your unique circumstances:
Report on Annual Franchise Tax
As was previously indicated, there may be associated expenses with the annual franchise tax report that vary from year to year. To prevent fines, it's essential to keep up with the most recent rates and submit your information on time.
Statement of Information for the Biennial
As of my most recent information update, this report—which was also previously mentioned—costs $20. Make sure you submit this declaration as needed every two years.
Renewing the Reservation for Name
If you want to keep the name you have secured for your LLC reserved for an additional 120 days, be ready to pay the renewal charge.
Changes & Modifications
There can be related filing costs if you need to make any changes to the details of your LLC, such as changing the name, address, or members. Depending on the kind of change, these expenses alter.
Annual Fees for Registered Agents
The fees for the services of a registered agent run from $100 to $300 annually, as was previously noted.
Conclusion
In Texas, there are a number of initial and recurring expenses associated with forming and operating an LLC. To guarantee the seamless running of your company and compliance, you must budget for these costs. To ensure that you complete the procedure effectively, always confirm the most recent information with the appropriate state authorities or get advice from legal and financial specialists. Keep in mind that the costs and requirements are subject to change.
Resource
https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/cost-of-forming-an-llc-in-texas
https://llcbuddy.com/texas-llc/llc-cost-in-texas/
https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/business/start-llc-texas/