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Business Formation Guide
specialUpdated 2026-03-31

Does Texas Allow Professional LLCs (PLLC)?

Title: Does Texas Allow Professional LLCs (PLLC)? | Texas Formation Guide

Description: Yes. Texas allows PLLCs for licensed professionals under Tex. Bus. Org. Code Ch. 301 & 304. Learn eligibility, requirements, and filing steps.

Yes. Texas allows Professional Limited Liability Companies under Tex. Bus. Org. Code Ch. 301 and Ch. 304. Eligible professions include attorneys, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, CPAs, architects, engineers, optometrists, and other licensed professionals listed on the Texas Secretary of State entity chart. Formation requires filing a Certificate of Formation with a $300 fee and standard processing of 5–7 business days online.

Who Can Form a PLLC in Texas?

Only licensed professionals in approved fields may organize a PLLC. All members must hold valid licenses in the profession the PLLC will practice. Texas does not permit unlicensed individuals to hold ownership interests. Foreign owners are permitted, provided they maintain valid professional licenses.

Eligible professions include:

  • Attorneys
  • Physicians
  • Dentists
  • Veterinarians
  • Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Optometrists
  • Other licensed professionals per Texas Secretary of State entity chart

Formation Requirements

File a Certificate of Formation (Form 206) with the Texas Secretary of State. The document must include:

  • Entity name with "PLLC" or "Professional Limited Liability Company" designator
  • Registered agent name and physical Texas office address
  • Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
  • Names and addresses of initial managers or members
  • Organizer name and address

Filing Fee: $300.00

Processing Times:

  • Standard online: 5–7 business days
  • Standard mail: up to 40 business days
  • Expedited: $50 (2–3 business days), $500 (next-day), $750 (same-day)

Texas does not require publication of the PLLC formation notice.

Key Advantages

A PLLC provides liability protection while allowing professional practice. Members enjoy charging order protection under Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 101.112, limiting creditor remedies to distributions rather than forced member removal. Texas permits single-member PLLCs and allows foreign owners.

Important: Members remain personally liable for their own professional negligence or misconduct. A PLLC shields members from liability for other members' acts, but not their own.

Next Steps

  1. Verify your profession qualifies under the Texas Secretary of State entity chart
  2. Confirm all owners hold current professional licenses
  3. Choose your PLLC name and confirm availability
  4. Prepare your Certificate of Formation
  5. File online with the Texas Secretary of State
  6. Obtain an EIN from the IRS
  7. Comply with profession-specific regulatory requirements

This is general information, not legal advice.