Lesson 1 · Texas
How to Start an LLC in Texas (2026): a 7-Step Lesson and the 3 Best LLC Services
This lesson at a glance
You will be able to
- The official fee and form in Texas
- How to meet the registered agent rule
- The recurring state filing
- Which services we would use and why
Our graded picks for Texas
1. Mainstay Filing: best for one bill for filing and upkeep
We would start a new founder with Mainstay Filing: $199 a year hands off the formation, the registered agent role and the Public Information Report to someone else.
Three years here cost $200 more than TX Registered Agent.org, in return for doing more of the work.
It also files the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report, which Texas does not charge for.
What the price covers
- Filing with the state
- Registered agent for twelve months
- Public Information Report prepared and filed
- The EIN application
- No markup on the state fee
Marks in its favor
- $199 per year for the whole bundle
- $199 at renewal
- It files the EIN application for you
Where it loses points
- Renews $100 higher than TX Registered Agent.org
2. TX Registered Agent.org: best for an inexpensive Texas start
Taking second place is TX Registered Agent.org, where $199 gets you started with a free first agent year, and $99 each year from year two.
Its price leaves out the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report, so plan to file that yourself every year.
What the price covers
- Formation prepared and filed
- The first year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- $199 plus the state fee
- $99 yearly from year two
- Agent covered for year one
Where it loses points
- The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is left to you
- Help with the EIN is $99 more
3. Texas Registered Agent.ai: best for LLCs that stay in Texas
Taking third place is Texas Registered Agent.ai, where $199 gets you started with a free first agent year, and $99 each year from year two.
Its price leaves out the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report, so plan to file that yourself every year.
TX Registered Agent.org and this service charge the same.
What the price covers
- Formation prepared and filed
- The first year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- Agent covered for year one
- $99 yearly from year two
- $199 plus the state fee
Where it loses points
- The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is left to you
- Help with the EIN is $99 more
The grades and prices at a glance
| # | Service | First year | From year two | Three-year total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | TX Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit TX Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Texas Registered Agent.ai | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Texas Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
The steps
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Step
1Check that the name is available
Use the business search at the Texas Secretary of State to see whether another Texas company already holds your name; a clash can get the filing sent back.
Jot down two backup names before you search.
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Step
2Appoint a registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. 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.
The address has to be a street address where papers can be handed to the agent during normal business hours. A mailbox service or answering service alone does not qualify.
Each of the picks above is able to act as your registered agent.
Where this comes from: The official page is sos.texas.gov, last confirmed in October 2026
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Step
3Choose between DIY and a service
Without a service you pay $300. With one of our graded picks you pay $199 more and skip the forms.
-
Step
4Turn in the Certificate of Formation
When the Texas Secretary of State accepts the Certificate of Formation (Form 205) together with $300 (Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 3.005), the LLC exists.
Where this comes from: The official page is sos.texas.gov, last confirmed in October 2026
-
Step
5Ask the IRS for an EIN
With the Texas approval in hand, ask the IRS for an EIN so the LLC can open accounts in its own name. Mainstay Filing treats the EIN application as part of the package.
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Step
6Put your operating agreement on paper
Write down ownership and decision rules in an operating agreement. It is an internal paper and no part of the Texas filing.
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Step
7Keep up with Texas's recurring filing
Texas wants the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report every year, due May 15, with no fee. Miss the deadline and $50 is added.
Where this comes from: The official page is comptroller.texas.gov, last confirmed in October 2026
What you will pay
| Item | Paid to | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Filing the LLC | The state | $300 |
| Recurring state report | The state | No fee |
| Late fee | The state | $50 |
| Filing service (optional) | Your service | $199 for year one |
| State fees for three years | The state | $300 |
How the grade worked out
edged ahead of on homework the price handles, which counts for 33%.
TX Registered Agent.org costs less, but the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report stays with you.
Questions students ask
How much does Texas charge to form an LLC?
Filing costs $300. Service fees among our picks run $199.
Which form creates the LLC?
It is the Certificate of Formation (Form 205), and you hand it to the Texas Secretary of State.
Is a registered agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does Texas require each year?
Every year the LLC files the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report, which costs nothing and is due May 15.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
Yes, you may. Pay the state $300 when you file, and remember that the LLC still needs a registered agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
By grade: Mainstay Filing, TX Registered Agent.org and Texas Registered Agent.ai. Mainstay Filing is first because at $199 a year it files the LLC, serves as the registered agent and files the Public Information Report, and the price stays at $199 when you renew.
Class references
- Want to see Texas yearly filing: Annual report, official source for yourself? Open comptroller.texas.gov. We confirmed that page in October 2026 before writing the lesson.
- Want to see Texas report due date for yourself? Open statutes.capitol.texas.gov. We confirmed that page in August 2026 before writing the lesson.
- Want to see Tex for yourself? Open sos.texas.gov. We confirmed that page in August 2026 before writing the lesson.
- Want to see Texas registered agent statute for yourself? Open sos.texas.gov. We confirmed that page in October 2026 before writing the lesson.
- Prices taken from the Texas service page of Mainstay Filing on November 13, 2026
- Prices taken from the pricing page of TX Registered Agent.org on November 13, 2026
- Prices taken from the pricing page of Texas Registered Agent.ai on November 13, 2026