Everything You Need to Know About Texas LLC Fees and Filing Requirements

Starting a business in Texas isn’t just about fulfilling a dream — it’s about tapping into one of the most entrepreneur-friendly states in the country. 

From its supportive regulatory environment to its lack of a state income tax, Texas has become a top destination for business owners looking to establish their LLCs. 

However, forming and maintaining an LLC requires an understanding of the associated fees and compliance requirements to avoid penalties and ensure long-term success.  

If you want a hassle-free way to manage your LLC compliance, doola Total Compliance Max provides all the tools and support you need to stay organized and penalty-free.  

Everything You Need to Know About Texas LLC Fees and Filing Requirements  

When forming an LLC in Texas, there are specific fees and filing requirements to consider: 

✔️ Initial Filing Fee  

To officially form an LLC in Texas, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. 

The standard filing fee is $300, which establishes your LLC as a legal entity.  

✔️ Registered Agent Fees  

Texas law requires every LLC to designate a registered agent to receive legal and state correspondence. 

You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners prefer to hire a professional service. Registered agent fees typically range from $50 to $300 per year, depending on the provider.  

✔️ Optional Fees  

• Expedited Processing: If you need faster processing for your LLC formation, expedited services cost an additional $25 to $50.  

• Certified Copies: If you require certified copies of LLC documents, you’ll pay $30 plus $1 per page.  

• Name Reservation: Reserving a business name costs $40 and is optional, but helpful if you’re not ready to file your LLC immediately.  

Annual Texas LLC Fees and Ongoing Requirements  

Once your LLC is formed, you’ll need to fulfill ongoing requirements and pay certain fees to maintain compliance:  

✔️ Annual Franchise Tax  

Texas does not charge a traditional annual fee but requires most LLCs to file a franchise tax report each year.

If your LLC earns less than the $1,230,000 revenue threshold, you’ll file a No Tax Due Report, which is free. LLCs exceeding this threshold must pay franchise taxes based on their earnings.  

✔️ Periodic Report  

Unlike many states, Texas does not mandate annual reports.

However, the Secretary of State may request a periodic report to update your LLC’s information. Filing this report costs $50.  

✔️ Registered Agent Renewal  

If you’ve hired a professional registered agent service, you’ll need to renew their fees annually, which typically costs $50 to $300.  

Other Costs to Keep Your Texas LLC in Good Standing

Beyond filing requirements, there are other costs to consider for maintaining your LLC’s good standing:  

✔️ Business Licenses and Permits  

Depending on your industry and location, you may need specific business licenses or permits.

Fees vary widely, ranging from $50 to $500 annually.  

✔️ Professional Fees  

Hiring professionals like accountants, lawyers, or consultants to manage taxes, draft agreements, or provide financial advice can incur additional costs.

These fees depend on the complexity of the services required.  

✔️ Miscellaneous Costs  

• Amendment Filing Fees: If your LLC changes its name, address, or members, you’ll need to file an amendment, which costs $150 per filing.

• Business Insurance: Protecting your LLC with insurance can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 annually, depending on your coverage.

• DBA (Doing Business As) Registration: If your LLC operates under a name other than its registered name, you’ll need a DBA registration, which costs $15 to $50.  

Texas LLC Compliance Checklist — Avoiding Penalties  

Follow this compliance checklist to keep your Texas LLC in good standing and avoid penalties:  

1. File Reports on Time: Submit franchise tax reports and periodic reports promptly.  

2. Hire a Registered Agent: Ensure your registered agent information is up-to-date.  

3. Renew Licenses and Permits: Check industry-specific and local license renewal deadlines.  

4. Track Changes: File amendments for changes in LLC name, address, or membership.  

5. Organize Financial Records: Keep detailed records of income, expenses, and tax filings.  

Comparison with Other States — Is Texas Really the Best Option?  

Texas is one of the most business-friendly states, but how does it compare to others?  

👉🏼 Filing Fees: Texas’ $300 filing fee is higher than that of states like Colorado ($50) but lower than that of Massachusetts ($500).  

👉🏼 Annual Fees: Unlike states requiring annual reports, Texas avoids these extra costs, making it more affordable in the long term.  

👉🏼 Franchise Tax: While Texas has a franchise tax, most small LLCs fall below the revenue threshold and do not pay.  

For most small businesses, Texas offers a balanced environment with reasonable costs and a low tax burden, making it an excellent choice for LLC formation.  

Simplify Compliance with doola Total Compliance Max

Managing LLC fees and filing requirements can be overwhelming, but doola Total Compliance Max simplifies the process. 

From filing formation documents to tracking renewal deadlines, doola handles all aspects of compliance so you can focus on growing your business.  

With doola, you’ll never miss a deadline or risk penalties.

Our comprehensive services ensure that your Texas LLC remains compliant, organized, and stress-free. 

Sign up with doola today and experience effortless LLC management!  

FAQs  

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Texas?  

Starting an LLC in Texas costs $300 for the Certificate of Formation.

Additional optional fees may apply for registered agents, expedited services, or name reservations.  

Do I have to pay an annual fee for my Texas LLC?  

Texas does not have a traditional annual fee but requires most LLCs to file a franchise tax report each year.

Small LLCs under the revenue threshold file a No Tax Due Report at no cost.  

What happens if I miss a filing deadline?  

Missing deadlines for franchise tax reports, periodic reports, or license renewals can result in penalties, interest, and even forfeiture of your LLC’s good standing.  

Can I change my LLC name, and what’s the fee?  

Yes, you can file an amendment to change your LLC name. The filing fee for amendments in Texas is $150.  

Do I need a registered agent for my Texas LLC?

Yes, Texas requires all LLCs to designate a registered agent to receive legal and state correspondence.

This can be an individual or a professional service, and fees for professional registered agents typically range from $50 to $300 per year.