Texas LLC for non-US founders

What we file

We prepare and submit your Certificate of Formation (Form 205) to the Texas Secretary of State, with our partner as your registered agent in Texas. Before filing we search the Texas register for your name; if it is taken we ask you for another before anything is submitted.

Name search against the Texas register
Certificate of Formation (Form 205) filed, state fee paid at cost
Registered agent in Texas for 12 months, with mail scanned to your dashboard
With Standard and Complete: EIN application, operating agreement and banking resolution

The name must be distinguishable on the Texas register and include LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company or an accepted abbreviation such as Ltd. Co.

Every year after

Franchise tax reports. Every Texas LLC deals with the Comptroller each year by May 15. Below the no-tax-due revenue threshold ($2.47 million for the 2024 and 2025 report years; Texas adjusts it every two years) no franchise tax is owed, but a Public Information Report is still required.

Missing the reports leads to penalties and eventually forfeiture of the right to do business in Texas.

Separately from the state, a foreign-owned single-member LLC files IRS Form 5472 every year, even with no income.

Processing time

Online filings are usually processed within a few business days, depending on the state backlog. Texas offers a paid expedite for filings.

Privacy

The Certificate of Formation names the initial managers, or the members if there are no managers. The yearly Public Information Report also lists them. Both are public.

Whatever the state publishes, your bank, the IRS and your registered agent always know who owns the company.

State tax

No personal income tax. The franchise tax applies only above the revenue threshold.

General information, not tax advice. Where you live decides most of your tax position; speak to a tax adviser in your country.

For a founder outside the US

Works well

Large economy, good if you will sell or operate in Texas
No franchise tax due for most small companies

Watch out for

$300 filing fee, among the highest
Managers or members are named in the public record
Yearly reports to the Comptroller even when no tax is owed

What a Texas LLC costs with us

First year

Standard package$199
Texas filing fee (paid to the state)$300

Total$499

Each year after

Texas franchise tax report$0
Registered agent renewal$99

Total$99

State fees as of October 2026, passed on at cost. Yearly items renew only if you keep them; you can use another registered agent. Not included: US tax preparation, such as the yearly Form 5472, which a tax preparer charges for separately. Texas franchise tax is $0 below the no-tax-due revenue threshold.

Start with Standard in Texas

Texas questions

Do I pay Texas franchise tax?

Not if your total revenue is below the no-tax-due threshold, which covers most new companies. You still file a Public Information Report each year.

Is Texas a good choice if I never go there?

Usually not. You would pay a higher filing fee and give up privacy without getting much in return.

How long does a Texas LLC take?

The state typically approves in 3–5 business days. Online filings are usually processed within a few business days, depending on the state backlog. The EIN from the IRS is a separate step that usually takes 2 to 6 weeks for owners without a Social Security number.

What does LLCBolt charge for a Texas LLC?

Our packages start at $99, plus the $300 Texas filing fee, which we pass on at cost. The first 12 months of registered agent service are included.

Forming a Texas LLC from outside the US