State Guide
Texas Business Formation & Tax Guides
Formation, compliance, tax, and service-selection guides for building or running a business in Texas.
Guides
Best LLC Service in TexasThe $300.00 filing fee in Texas is just the start. The franchise tax adds a separate recurring obligation that trips up first-time owners. The best formation...Best Registered Agent in TexasTexas requires a physical in-state address for registered-agent service. If you live in Texas and have a stable address, you can serve as your own agent. If ...Business License Requirements in TexasTexas does not require a general business license to operate. However, depending on your industry, you'll need specific licenses and permits from state agenc...Certificate of Good Standing in TexasThis page is rendered from the checked-in state profile so the filing office, business-search link, foreign-registration requirement, and compliance context ...Texas Corporation CostsYou can file online or by mail. Online filing through the SOSDA system typically processes within 1–2 business days. Mail filing to the Secretary of State ta...Texas Corporation TaxesTexas corporations can face both entity-level income tax and separate annual business taxes, depending on whether the company is treated as a C corporation, ...How to File a DBA in TexasA DBA (Doing Business As)—also called a fictitious name, trade name, or assumed name—is a legal registration that allows you to operate a business under a na...How to Form a Partnership in TexasTexas recognizes three main partnership structures: general partnerships (GPs), limited partnerships (LPs), and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). In a g...How to Incorporate in TexasTexas requires you to name your initial board of directors in your Certificate of Formation. You must specify the number of directors and provide the name an...How to Start a Nonprofit in TexasTexas nonprofits can qualify for franchise tax exemptions under multiple statutory pathways. Your organization's exemption depends on its federal tax status ...How to Start an LLC in TexasStandard online filing takes 5–7 business days. The Texas Secretary of State offers expedited options: 2–3 business days for $50, next-day for $500, or same-...Texas LLC Annual ReportA: You file with the **Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts**, not the Secretary of State. The Comptroller administers franchise tax reporting for all Texas ...Texas LLC CostTexas charges a $300 filing fee for your LLC's Certificate of Formation under standard processing. You can accelerate approval by paying an additional expedi...Texas LLC Name RulesYour Texas LLC name must follow specific statutory requirements to be accepted by the Secretary of State. These rules govern what designators you must use, w...Texas LLC Operating AgreementThe absence of a written agreement doesn't mean your LLC operates without rules—it means the state's default provisions control instead. This creates signifi...Texas LLC TaxesTexas LLC owners usually deal with two layers of tax: the federal default treatment of the LLC and the state's own income, sales, and business-tax rules. Thi...Professional License Requirements in TexasProfessional licensing in Texas is not the same thing as forming an LLC. Before you offer regulated services, verify the right licensing board or statewide p...Texas Registered AgentA registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and official notices on behalf of your Texas LLC. Under **Tex. Bus. Org. Code ...How to Reinstate an LLC in TexasIf your LLC lost good standing or was administratively dissolved in Texas, the reinstatement path is whatever the state currently requires to clear delinquen...Texas Sales Tax GuideYes. The current profile lists a statewide base sales tax rate of 6.25% in Texas.How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in TexasTexas does not require a general statewide business license for sole proprietorships. However, you likely need industry-specific licenses and permits dependi...