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How to start an LLC in Texas: checklist (2026)
To start an LLC in Texas, file the Certificate of Formation (205) with the Texas Secretary of State for $300, name a registered agent, get a free EIN and check your local licenses. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, does the filing, the agent, the EIN application and the report for $199 a year.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
Texas checklist
- File the formation document. Certificate of Formation (205), Texas Secretary of State, $300.
- Name a registered agent. Required. A Texas resident, including an owner, officer or employee, or an organization registered or authorized in Texas with a business office at the registered office. The company cannot be its own agent, and the agent has to consent.
- Get an EIN. Free from the IRS online.
- Check licenses. Texas Office of the Governor says: “A general business license is not required in Texas.” (no general state business license).
- Keep it current. Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report, yearly: no state fee, due may 15 each year.
Mainstay Filing
$199 / year, same at renewal
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Texas?
The state filing fee is $300 for the Certificate of Formation (205). The first Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report later costs no state fee.
Do I need a registered agent in Texas?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Do I need a business license in Texas?
Texas Office of the Governor says: “A general business license is not required in Texas.” (no general state business license).
Sources
- Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 3.005 (certificate of formation); LLC filing fee under Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code ch. 4, subch. D (§ 4.154 — certificate of formation, $300) (multira state research spine): www.sos.texas.gov/corp/forms/806_boc.pdf, checked August 12, 2026
- Texas yearly filing: Annual report, official source read 2026-10-01: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-806.php, checked October 1, 2026
- Texas report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TX/htm/TX.171.htm, checked August 12, 2026
- Texas registered agent statute (Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 5.201): www.sos.texas.gov/corp/forms/401_boc.doc, checked October 20, 2026
- Texas Secretary of State: www.sos.texas.gov/, checked October 20, 2026
- IRS: Get an employer identification number: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number, checked October 21, 2026
- Texas Office of the Governor (business license statement): gov.texas.gov/business/page/start-a-business, checked October 21, 2026