Starting an LLC in Texas comes with a clear price tag: $300 for your Certificate of Formation. This flat fee stays the same whether you file online or mail your paperwork, and hasn't budged in years. Veterans receive a favorable deal, as qualified military documentation completely waives this fee.
If your LLC was born in another state, you'll pay more. Texas charges $750 for foreign LLCs, reflecting the extra work needed to review out-of-state businesses. Your filing method affects the final price tag. Online submissions through SOSDirect incur a 2.7% processing fee, whereas mail or in-person filings avoid this surcharge but take longer to process.
Here's the breakdown of costs to help you pick the right filing approach:
Most business owners opt for online services despite the small card fee, valuing faster processing and instant access to their documents. If those extra dollars matter, mailing a check keeps your cost at exactly $300, though you'll wait longer.
Texas saves you money in the long term by what it doesn't charge. There's no annual report fee, and most small LLCs pay zero franchise tax since the Texas Comptroller exempts businesses with revenue under $2.47 million.
Compare that to states charging $25–$150 every year, and that higher upfront cost starts looking like a bargain.
Additionally, special cases can cut or increase your costs:
Budget about $308 for online credit card filing, $325 with expedited processing, and $350 if you need a DBA.
That $300 Texas LLC fee might make you wince compared to the neighbors.
However, don't be misled by these lower rates, as they conceal recurring costs that Texas does not.
Oklahoma hits you with a $25 annual report, Louisiana demands $35 yearly, and Arkansas requires both an annual report and franchise tax based on your capital stock. Even New Mexico's current low rates might not stick around forever.
Texas shines when you look beyond year one. With no annual report fees and franchise tax exemptions for businesses earning under $2.47 million, your yearly state cost drops significantly.
Your $300 Certificate of Formation is just the starting point for establishing your Texas LLC. Several other fees may arise as you complete your business setup and maintain ongoing compliance. Common additional costs include:
Here's what Texas business founders need to know about LLC formation timing, costs, and procedures:
When do I pay the Texas LLC filing fee?
Payment is due in full upon submission. Texas doesn't offer payment plans or delayed invoicing, and online card payments include a convenience fee.
Can I get a refund if my filing is rejected?
No. Filing fees are non-refundable once submitted.
Are there any discounts available?
Qualified veteran-owned businesses file for free with proper military documentation. Everyone else pays standard rates.
What happens if fees increase after I start my application?
Though Texas hasn't raised the $300 fee in years with no increases planned, you'll pay whatever rate is in effect when you actually submit, not when you started drafting.
Do I need to pay the filing fee again if I make a mistake on my application?
Yes. Once rejected, your fee is forfeited, and you must refile with an additional $300 payment. Pre-clearance or careful review prevents this expensive mistake.
Discern streamlines Texas LLC formation while providing the infrastructure for seamless multi-state expansion. Our platform handles the Certificate of Formation filing, provides professional registered agent services, and maintains ongoing compliance tracking—all with transparent pricing.
When you're ready to register in additional states, the same workflow handles foreign registrations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia without requiring a restart. Ready to form your Texas LLC while building a foundation for growth? Book a demo and see how Discern eliminates formation complexity across all states where you operate.
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