Northwest: LLC for $39 + state fee, registered agent free for year 1

Openanllc

How to open an LLC in Texas

It costs $300 to file and about $0 a year to keep. No-tax-due threshold is $2.65 million in annualized revenue for 2026 and 2027 reports. LLCs under it file no franchise tax report but must still file the Public Information Report.

Fees checked 29 Oct 2026 against the Texas filing office.

Texas LLC at a glance

Filing fee
$300Form 205 fee $300. A small card processing fee applies online.
Every year after
$0No state fee for most small LLCs. Franchise tax is owed only above the no-tax-due threshold ($2.65M revenue for 2026 and 2027 reports), but a Public Information Report is still due May 15 each year.
When it's due
May 15 each year: Franchise Tax Report or Public Information Report to the Comptroller.
Processing time
Standard processing time is not currently published. Texas Express expedite: standard expedited $50 (about 2 to 3 business days), next day $500, same day $750, each per document plus the filing fee.
Newspaper publication
Not required
Registered agent
Registered agent can be an individual Texas resident or an organization registered or authorized to do business in Texas (not the LLC itself), with a Texas street address where process can be served. No PO boxes.
Name rules
Name must contain limited liability company, limited company, or an abbreviation of either (such as LLC, L.L.C., LC, L.C. or Ltd. Co.).

File with the stateOfficial fee schedule

What it costs over five years

State fees included, and every yearly fee for five years.

SetupYear 15 years
Do it yourself, be your own agent$300$300
Bizee Basic, keep their agent$300$896
Northwest, keep their agent$339$839
  • Missing the May 15 report can lead to forfeiture of the LLC's right to transact business.
  • SOSPortal replaced SOSDirect for online filings on September 29, 2026.

Best LLC services in Texas

All three file in Texas. Add the $300 state fee to each price.

  • 1Safest default

    Northwest Registered Agent

    4.1 on Trustpilot (310 reviews)

    Advertised
    $39 + state fee
    Real year 1
    $39 + state fee
    Agent renewal
    $125/yr
    EIN
    Free from the IRS

    Cheapest over five years, first year of agent service included, human support.

    Few extras. No bookkeeping or attorney marketplace.

    Visit Northwest

    Opens northwestregisteredagent.com

  • 2Cheapest year 1

    Bizee (Incfile)

    4.8 on Trustpilot (26,356 reviews)

    Advertised
    $0 + state fee
    Real year 1
    $0 + state fee
    Agent renewal
    Free year 1, then $149/yr
    EIN
    Free from the IRS, or $70 add-on

    Lowest start. Costs more than Northwest from year 3 if you keep their agent.

    The agent auto-renews. Basic covers the filing and the agent, little else.

    Visit Bizee (Incfile)

    Opens bizee.com

  • 3Compliance tools

    ZenBusiness

    4.8 on Trustpilot (33,107 reviews)

    Advertised
    $0 + state fee
    Real year 1
    $199 + state fee
    Agent renewal
    $199/yr
    EIN
    Free from the IRS, or $99 add-on

    Worth it if you will use the dashboard and reminders. Otherwise you pay for software.

    A website-builder trial is preselected at checkout and renews at $15/mo.

    Visit ZenBusiness

    Opens zenbusiness.com

Compare every formation service

Texas LLC questions

How much does it cost to open an LLC in Texas?
The state charges $300 to file. After that, budget $0 a year to keep the LLC in good standing (No state fee for most small LLCs. Franchise tax is owed only above the no-tax-due threshold ($2.65M revenue for 2026 and 2027 reports), but a Public Information Report is still due May 15 each year). A registered agent service adds $0 to $300 a year unless you act as your own.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Texas?
Standard processing time is not currently published. Texas Express expedite: standard expedited $50 (about 2 to 3 business days), next day $500, same day $750, each per document plus the filing fee.
Do I need a registered agent in Texas?
Yes. Registered agent can be an individual Texas resident or an organization registered or authorized to do business in Texas (not the LLC itself), with a Texas street address where process can be served. No PO boxes.
When is the Texas LLC annual fee due?
May 15 each year: Franchise Tax Report or Public Information Report to the Comptroller.