Skip to content
Founder ClassroomLearn the LLC paperwork for your state.

Lesson 1 · Texas

How to Start an LLC in Texas (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services

Lesson answer for Texas in 2026: if you want help with starting an LLC, use Mainstay Filing ($199), Texas Registered Agent.ai ($199) and TX Registered Agent.org ($199), in that order. After the picks come 7 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $300.

The Founder Classroom teaching team ·

Key facts

Formation fee
$300As listed on sos.texas.gov in October 2026
Recurring report
No feeFiled and paid May 15
Three years of state fees
$300State charges only
Number of steps
7In order

Lesson goals

  • Where and how to file in Texas
  • Who can be your registered agent
  • What comes after formation
  • Which services we would use, and why

Teacher's pick

If you want help with the filing

Graded with our rubric: three-year cost 30%, lesson steps handled 35%, then renewal, state fit and clear pricing.
First choice

1. Mainstay Filing: best for a hands-off first year

$199 yearly, renewing at $199

Our pick for Texas is Mainstay Filing: you pay $199 a year and the Public Information Report is filed for you along with the agent service.

The three-year premium over Texas Registered Agent.ai is $200, which the 35% steps-handled weight covers.

The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is covered; Texas has no fee for it.

What you get

  • Your filing, done
  • Registered agent for the full year
  • Public Information Report filed each cycle
  • EIN application
  • State fee charged at cost

What we like

  • No extra charge for the EIN application
  • Flat $199 a year
  • Renews at $199

Watch out for

  • $100 a year more than Texas Registered Agent.ai's renewal
Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
One-state plan

2. Texas Registered Agent.ai: best for budget Texas LLCs

$199 to start, $99 a year from year two

Number 2 is Texas Registered Agent.ai: $199 up front with a free first agent year, $99 yearly from year two.

The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is not part of its price.

What you get

  • The formation filing
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • $99 yearly from year two
  • First agent year included
  • $199 over the state fee

Watch out for

  • Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report left to you
  • $99 add-on for the EIN application
Visit Texas Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
One-state plan

3. TX Registered Agent.org: best for another Texas option

$199 to start, $99 a year from year two

Number 3 is TX Registered Agent.org: $199 up front with a free first agent year, $99 yearly from year two.

The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report is not part of its price.

On price it ties with Texas Registered Agent.ai.

What you get

  • The formation filing
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • First agent year included
  • $199 over the state fee
  • $99 yearly from year two

Watch out for

  • Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report left to you
  • $99 add-on for the EIN application
Visit TX Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.

Compare the picks

#ServiceFirst yearFrom year twoThree-year total
1Mainstay Filing$199$199/yr$597Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
2Texas Registered Agent.ai$199$99/yr$397Visit Texas Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
3TX Registered Agent.org$199$99/yr$397Visit TX Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Prices from each company's own site, read November 12, 2026. Plus the $300 state fee in each case.

Starting an LLC in Texas, step by step

  1. Step 1: Settle on a name

    Before you file, look the name up in the business records at the Texas Secretary of State; a name already in use can send the filing back.

    TipPick a spare name too, in case the first is taken.

  2. Step 2: Choose who will be the 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.

    TipEvery service in our picks can act as your registered agent.

    Official source: As listed on sos.texas.gov in October 2026

  3. Step 3: File it yourself, or hire it out

    If you file yourself, budget $300. If a service files, add $199; our picks are ranked above.

  4. Step 4: File the Certificate of Formation

    This filing creates the company: the Certificate of Formation (Form 205), $300, sent to the Texas Secretary of State.

    Official source: As listed on sos.texas.gov in October 2026

  5. Step 5: Get the company's tax ID (EIN)

    After the Texas approval, the IRS issues an EIN, the number banks and payroll use for the LLC. If you use Mainstay Filing, the EIN application is included.

  6. Step 6: Write an operating agreement

    Put ownership and decision rules into an operating agreement and keep it with the company papers.

  7. Step 7: Keep up with Texas's yearly filing

    Keep the company in good standing with the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report: no fee every year, due May 15. Miss the date and $50 is added.

    Official source: As listed on comptroller.texas.gov in October 2026

Texas costs by step

ItemPaid toCost
Formation filingState$300
Recurring reportStateNo fee
If the report is lateState$50
Filing service (optional)The service$199 year one
Three-year state totalState$300
For the three-year state total we add the filing fee, the reports in years two and three and any minimum yearly tax.

How the grade worked out

Lesson note: first place in Texas came down to lesson steps handled, worth 35% of the grade.

Having the Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report handled outweighed Texas Registered Agent.ai's lower three-year cost.

Texas questions

What does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?

Texas charges $300. With a service, add $199.

Which form creates the LLC?

The state's form is the Certificate of Formation (Form 205) (submitted 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?

The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report: no fee, every year, due May 15.

Can I form the LLC without a service?

Yes, file it yourself ($300) and appoint a registered agent.

Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?

Mainstay Filing first, then Texas Registered Agent.ai and TX Registered Agent.org; Mainstay Filing leads on lesson steps handled.

See also

Reading list: official sources

  1. Texas yearly filing: Annual report, official source (comptroller.texas.gov), confirmed October 2026
  2. Texas report due date (statutes.capitol.texas.gov), confirmed August 2026
  3. Tex (sos.texas.gov), confirmed August 2026
  4. Texas registered agent statute (sos.texas.gov), confirmed October 2026
  5. Mainstay Filing Texas service page: prices as shown November 12, 2026
  6. Texas Registered Agent.ai pricing page: prices as shown November 12, 2026
  7. TX Registered Agent.org pricing page: prices as shown November 12, 2026