How Much Does an LLC Cost in Texas? (2026 Forensic Price Breakdown)

Disclaimer This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Laws vary by state, and individualized guidance is recommended.

The official filing fee to form a Texas LLC is $300. Your actual cost may be slightly higher depending on how you pay and whether you purchase optional services.

Basic Texas LLC Formation Cost

A Texas LLC is created by filing Form 205, Certificate of Formation.

The 2.7% convenience fee applies only to credit-card payments. Texas also accepts checks, money orders, and LegalEase debit accounts. (⁠Texas Secretary of State)

A domestic Texas LLC is an LLC formed under Texas law. An LLC already formed in another state must generally file Form 304 and pay a $750 registration fee if it is required to register to transact business in Texas.

Common Optional Costs

A Texas LLC filing an assumed name with the Secretary of State is no longer required to make an additional assumed-name filing with each county clerk. That duplicate county requirement was eliminated for filing entities in 2019. (⁠Texas Secretary of State)

Registered-Agent Costs

Every Texas LLC must maintain a registered agent and physical registered office in Texas.

You may serve as your own agent if you qualify, making the direct cost $0. A professional registered-agent service commonly charges an annual fee, but prices vary by provider.

Using a professional agent may help keep your home address out of the registered-office section of the public filing. It does not automatically allow you to use the agent’s address for every manager, member, organizer, or business address.

Texas Express Expedited Fees

Texas offers three expedited processing levels.

Same-day and next-day filings must generally be received by 12:00 p.m. and may be coordinated by email or in person. These fees are charged in addition to the ordinary filing fee. (⁠Texas Secretary of State)

For a basic Form 205 filing, the approximate totals before credit-card charges are:

Veteran-Owned Business Fee Waiver

A qualifying new veteran-owned business may be exempt from the Texas formation filing fee and franchise tax for its initial five-year qualification period.

The business generally must:

• Be formed in Texas on or after January 1, 2022.
• Be 100% owned by one or more honorably discharged veterans.
• Obtain the required Veteran Verification Letter from the Texas Veterans Commission.
• Submit the required documentation through the applicable state process.

Qualifying businesses are also generally excused from PIR and OIR filings during the initial five-year qualification period. (⁠Texas Secretary of State)

Operating Agreement and Professional Fees

Texas does not charge a fee for adopting a Company Agreement, commonly called an Operating Agreement, because it is not filed with the state.

Possible costs include:

• $0 for a self-prepared agreement.
• A template or document-service fee.
• Attorney fees for a customized agreement.
• Additional costs for multi-member, investor, professional, or Series LLC structures.

A written agreement is advisable, but its absence does not automatically destroy the LLC’s liability protection.

Licenses and Permits

Texas does not issue one universal statewide business license.

Depending on the business, additional costs may include:

• Professional licenses
• Sales tax permits
• Local health permits
• Building or occupancy permits
• Alcohol or industry-specific licenses
• City or county registrations

The cost depends on the location and activity. A flat estimate of $50 to $250 will not be accurate for every business.

Annual Texas LLC Costs

Texas does not charge a general annual Secretary of State renewal fee for an ordinary LLC.

However, the LLC must generally maintain:

• A registered agent.
• Franchise tax compliance.
• A Public Information Report.
• Applicable licenses and permits.
• Any assumed-name registrations.

For the 2026 and 2027 report years, the no-tax-due threshold is $2.65 million in annualized total revenue. An entity at or below that threshold generally owes no franchise tax and does not file a No Tax Due Report, but it must still file its PIR or OIR unless an exception applies. (⁠Texas Comptroller)

BOI Reporting in 2026

Texas LLCs created under U.S. law are currently exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting to FinCEN.

Current federal reporting requirements generally apply only to certain foreign-law entities registered to conduct business in the United States. (⁠FinCEN.gov)

Because federal regulations may change, owners should check FinCEN’s current guidance rather than relying on older formation checklists.

Realistic Cost Summary

These figures exclude registered-agent services, professional advice, licenses, banking expenses, and other optional services.

Final Takeaway

The minimum state fee for a Texas LLC is $300, not automatically $308.10. The higher amount applies when the $300 filing fee is paid by credit card.

Most small LLCs will spend between $300 and the cost of any registered-agent, licensing, or professional services they choose. Expedited processing can raise the state cost substantially, while qualifying veteran-owned businesses may be eligible for a formation-fee waiver.

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