How to Start an LLC in Texas (2024 Guide)
Wondering how to start an LLC in Texas? We’ve got you covered.
To get started, you’ll need to pick a suitable business name, choose a registered agent, and file your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 processing fee).
You can do this independently, consult with a business attorney for specialized legal guidance, or join the other 65% of our readers and hire a specialized Texas LLC formation service (recommended).
How to Form an LLC in Texas in 6 Steps
In order to form your LLC in Texas, there are certain steps you’ll need to complete:
- Name Your LLC
- Choose a Texas Registered Agent
- File Your Certificate of Formation
- Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Obtain an EIN
- File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Step 1: Name Your Texas LLC
Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Texas LLC.
This will need to comply with all applicable naming requirements under Texas law and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.
1. Important Naming Guidelines for Texas LLCs:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations or words: “LLC, L.L.C., Limited, Ltd., Company or Co.”
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Names must be distinguishable from other business entities in the state, including assumed names (DBAs).
- The LLC’s name cannot be considered grossly offensive to the point that it’s unacceptable as an entity name.
Texas also has a list of restricted words from several state departments, meaning that you will not be able to include them without prior written approval:
- Texas Business & Commerce Code: Your LLC name cannot include the words “Olympic,” “Olympiad,” or “Citius Altius Fortius,” or any combination of them without the written approval of the United States Olympic Committee.
- Texas Finance Code: No entity names are permitted to contain the words “bank,” “bank and trust,” “trust,” or “trust company” without approval from the Banking Commissioner.
- Texas Education Code: A number of terms related to education, including “College,” “University,” or “School of Medicine” (among others), are prohibited without a no-objection letter from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Texas Business Organizations Code: Your LLC name cannot include the words “Veteran,” “Foreign,” “Spanish,” “War,” or any other name that implies it was created for the benefit of war veterans unless written approval is issued from a veterans organization.
We recommend checking out the Texas Secretary of State’s guidelines for a complete list of naming rules in this state.
2. Is the name available in Texas?
To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Texas, you can perform a Taxable Entity Search on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.
If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days ($40 processing fee).
For more information, you can have a look at our Texas LLC Name Search guide.
3. Is the URL available?
You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you plan to create a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.
Once you have verified your name is available, you can select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process.
FAQ: Naming a Texas LLC
LLC is short for “limited liability company”. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing legal protection for your personal assets. Read What is a Limited Liability Company for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute What is an LLC video.
You must follow the Texas limited liability company naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:
- Include “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
- Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.
If you are having trouble creating a name for your LLC, use our LLC Name Generator. We’ll help you find a unique name for your business and an available URL to match.
Most LLCs do not need a DBA, known as an assumed name in Texas. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name, and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Texas guide.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Texas
After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Texas registered agent. This is a necessary step in your Certificate of Formation (i.e., the document used to file and register your LLC with the Secretary of State).
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving necessary tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Texas or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in the state of Texas. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.) or use a business attorney.
A registered agent must consent to appointment in written or electronic form. The statement of consent should include the following:
- The name of your LLC
- An express statement that the person designated consents to serve as the LLC’s registered agent
- The name of the person designated as the registered agent
- The signature of the registered agent
- The date of execution
The consent statement doesn’t have to be filed with the Secretary of State. For in-depth information on this requirement and a fillable consent form, view the Acceptance of Consent Form 401-A.
Get Free Registered Agent Services
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Yes. You can choose to act as your own registered agent, appoint a member of your LLC, work with a business attorney, or hire a professional registered agent service (recommended).
Read more about being your own registered agent.
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
Step 3: File the Texas LLC Certificate of Formation
To register your Texas LLC, you must file Form 205 – Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, or by fax.
Before filing, make sure you have completed your Certificate of Formation correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:
- Your LLC’s entity name and type
- The name and physical street address of your registered agent
- How your LLC is managed (i.e., member-managed or manager-managed)
- The name and address of each initial governing person
- Your LLC’s initial mailing address (i.e., the mailing address for state franchise tax correspondence)
- Any supplemental provisions or information
- The name and address of the organizer
- The date/event after which the Certificate of Formation becomes effective
File the Certificate of Formation
OPTION 1: File Form 205 Online with the Secretary of State
File Online– OR –
OPTION 2: File the Certificate of Formation by Mail or by Fax
Download FormState Filing Cost: $300, payable to the Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)
Mail to:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711
Fax: (512) 463-5709
Keep in mind that you may be eligible to file for free if you’re a veteran. You can do this by obtaining a Veteran Verification letter, completing Form 05-904, and submitting it alongside the Certificate of Formation. Your franchise tax will additionally be waived for up to five years, which as of right now, is valid until December 31, 2025.
For help with completing the form, visit our Texas Certificate of Formation.
Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Texas, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).
FAQ: Filing Texas LLC Documents
It typically takes five to seven days for an LLC to be formed in Texas, though expedited documents can be processed by the end of the next business day for an additional $25.
An LLC is called a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign limited liability company must be created when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
It costs $300 to file your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State and officially register your LLC with the state.
To form a professional limited liability company (PLLC) in Texas, each professional member must hold the relevant state license before filing a PLLC-specific Certificate of Formation (Form 206) with the Texas Secretary of State. In some professions, your PLLC may need approval from the state licensing board before it can file with the state.
Step 4: Create a Texas LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement, known in Texas as a company agreement, isn’t required for Texas LLCs, but having one is a good practice.
What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC members are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
Read our Texas LLC operating agreement guide for more information on operating agreements.
FAQ: Creating a Texas LLC Operating Agreement
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Texas LLC
You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify business entities and keep track of their tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:
- To open a business bank account for the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
- To hire employees for the company
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to obtain an EIN. Read our guide to getting an EIN for international entrepreneurs.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
Apply Online– OR –
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Download FormMail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax identification number that acts as a Social Security number for your business. This number is given out by the IRS, not the State of Texas.
An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at 267-941-1099 to complete your EIN application. Read our guide for international EIN applicants.
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
Step 6: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Beginning January 2024, LLC owners will need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Existing LLCs can file their report any time between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, while new LLCs will need to file their report within 90 days of formation.
This contains similar information to that of your Articles of Organization, such as your LLC name and member information, and can be filed online for free. Failure to file an accurate report on time can result in a $500 per day fine.
Note: There are certain filing exemptions, such as for large companies (i.e., more than 20 full-time employees), tax-exempt entities, and publicly traded companies.
Maintain Your Texas LLC
After you’ve successfully formed your LLC, there are a couple of steps you’ll need to periodically take in order to maintain it, including:
- Submitting a Public Information Report
- Filing an Annual Franchise Tax Report
- Sorting out your taxes
We’ve broken down how to complete each of these steps in greater detail below.
Submit a Public Information Report
One of the central aspects of keeping your LLC in good standing in Texas is submitting a Public Information Report (PIR) to the Comptroller’s office. This report, which is due by May 15 every year, is designed to provide updated and accurate information to the state regarding your business, such as its:
- Principal office and place of business
- Leadership details
- Mailing address
- Registered agent information
Failing to file a PIR for your LLC by the May 15 deadline can result in serious consequences, including penalties and fines and even administrative dissolution in serious cases.
Note: Even though Public Information Reports are often filed by businesses alongside their franchise tax, they are still due even if you don’t need to pay the franchise tax.
File an Annual Franchise Tax Report
In addition to a PIR, your Texas LLC will also be required to pay franchise tax and file an Annual Franchise Tax Report with the Comptroller’s office by May 15 each year if it earns more than $2.47 million in annual revenue.
Franchise tax is levied at a rate of 0.75% for most businesses and 0.375% for wholesalers and retailers. However, it’s worth noting that veteran-owned LLCs that would be liable to pay franchise tax are able to waive this requirement for up to five years.
If your LLC is liable to pay franchise taxes, be sure to file your franchise tax report in a timely manner, as missing the May 15 deadline will result in a $50 penalty in addition to:
- An extra 5% penalty: If you pay the tax between 1 and 30 days late.
- An extra 10% penalty: If you pay the tax more than 30 days late.
- Interest on past due taxes: If you pay the tax more than 60 days late.
For reports due in January 2024 and onwards, any businesses generating annual revenues at or below the “No Tax Due” threshold of $2.47 million are no longer required to file a No Tax Due Report. However, they will still need to submit a Public Information Report.
Sort Out Your Taxes
Regardless of where your LLC is registered, you will be required to pay certain federal taxes. This includes corporation and employer taxes (for LLCs filing as a C corporation), and federal income tax and self-employment taxes (for LLCs taxed as pass-through entities).
In addition, there are a number of different taxes you’ll be required to pay at a local and state level, which can vary depending on the nature of your business.
Below are some of the most common taxes in Texas:
Sales and Use Taxes
Sales and use taxes are a percentage added to the price of tangible goods and most services bought and used within the state. In Texas, this is generally set at a flat rate of 6.25%, though local jurisdictions (such as cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities) can also impose their own additional sales/use tax rates up to a cap of 2%.
These local rates can overlap with each other and combine with the state’s general sales/use tax up to a maximum of 8.25%. However, certain specific products, such as automotive oil, mixed beverages, and tobacco, are subject to their own separate rates.
While it’s ultimately your customers who will be paying this tax, it’s your business’s responsibility to collect it on all sales of tangible property or taxable services and report it to the state.
Note: To be able to collect this tax, your business will first need to apply for a sales tax permit using the Texas Online Sales Tax Registration Application System.
Property Taxes
In Texas, property tax is managed at the county level as no statewide tax is imposed. Each year, your county’s appraisal district will assess the value of your property (such as land and buildings) and apply the local tax rates in order to determine how much your business owes.
Since different local governments in Texas set their own rates for this tax, your business’s total property tax bill will vary depending on where it’s based. For more information on how property tax will work for your business, you’ll need to get in contact with either your county’s assessor-collector office or employ the help of an accountant.
Note: Use the county tax office directory provided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to find the contact information of the relevant officials in your local area.
Unemployment Insurance Tax
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, an LLC’s effective Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rate is the sum of the following five components (e.g., general tax rate, replenishment tax rate, unemployment obligation assessment rate, deficit tax rate, employment & training investment assessment).
This, multiplied by an LLC’s taxable wages, will determine the amount of UI tax that will need to be paid (up to $9,000 per employee per year, with a minimum tax rate of 0.23% and a maximum tax rate of 6.23%).
Having said that, less experienced employers can experience different UI tax rates:
- Entry-Level Rate: A predetermined tax rate (set at 2.7% or NAICS industry average – whichever is higher) or a computed tax rate (if you’ve acquired compensation experience from a previously liable employer).
- Interim Rate: Based on each employer’s taxable wages paid, timely payment of taxes, and payment of unemployment claims to former employees (if applicable).
The good news is that you do not need to calculate your tax rate independently — even if you do not contact an accountant. Instead, you can:
- Visit the Unemployment Tax Services page: Here you can log in to your account in the UTS system, select the “Account Info” tab, and select the “Tax Rate Summary” link to view your tax rate information for the last several years, or
- Submit a Contact Request form: Select “Employer Tax Account Actions/Issues” for Reason of Contact, and then write “Request Employer Tax Rate Statements” when asked to explain your issue.
Note: For more information relating to this tax, you can have a look at the Texas Workforce Commission’s Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates page. Alternatively, for help with all LLC taxes, see our in-depth Texas LLC Taxes guide.
Steps After LLC Formation
After forming your LLC, you will need to get a business bank account and website, sort all required business licensing, and get business insurance, among other things.
Visit our After Forming an LLC guide to learn more.
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