Texas-Based and Texas-Focused. Attorney-Backed Expertise.

Texas LLC Formation Done Right

Stetson Business Services handles your Certificate of Formation, Operating Agreement, Registered Agent appointment, and everything in between. Professionally prepared, properly filed, and built to last.

$199 Starting + State Fees
7–10 Business Days to Form
100% Texas-Only Focus
Same-Day Document Prep
📋 Start Online in 5 Minutes
No Appointment Needed
⚖️ Attorney-Backed Team
🔒 Address Privacy Protection
📋 Professionally Prepared Documents
Fast, Efficient Filing
🤝 Ongoing Compliance Support
🏢 Registered Agent Services

Why Texas Is One of the Best States to Form an LLC

Your state of formation matters. Texas consistently ranks among the most business-friendly states in the country, and for good reason.

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No State Income Tax

Texas has no personal or corporate state income tax. While a franchise tax applies to most Texas businesses, it does not apply until revenues exceed $2.65 million, meaning the vast majority of startups and small LLCs owe nothing. More of what your business earns stays with you.

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No Residency Requirements

You do not need to be a Texas resident to form a Texas LLC. There are no publication requirements (unlike states such as New York), no minimum capital requirements, and no complex annual corporate formalities to maintain.

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Business-Friendly Laws

The Texas Business Organizations Code is straightforward and flexible. Texas courts are experienced with business disputes and generally respect contractual agreements.

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Strong Liability Protection

A properly formed Texas LLC provides robust separation between your personal assets and business liabilities, protecting what you have built.

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Booming Economy

Texas is home to the 9th largest economy in the world. With major metros in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, the market opportunity is enormous.

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Form Where You Operate

If your business operates in Texas, forming here avoids the cost and complexity of registering a foreign LLC, saving you fees and paperwork every year.

More Than a Filing Service. A Real Business Partner.

Most online LLC services are just form-fill platforms with automated pipelines. Stetson Business Services brings genuine expertise and personal attention to every formation. Our team is led by a licensed Texas attorney, so your documents are prepared with real legal knowledge, not just a template engine. We specialize exclusively in Texas, and we get it right the first time.

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Custom-Drafted Operating Agreements

Generic templates can expose your LLC to costly disputes. We prepare custom Operating Agreements tailored to your specific structure and needs.

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Deep Texas Expertise

We only form Texas LLCs. We know the Texas Business Organizations Code inside and out, and we stay current on state requirements so you do not have to.

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Registered Agent Services Included

Texas law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent. We serve as yours, receiving legal notices, staying on top of compliance, and keeping your personal address off public records.

The Stetson Business Services Difference

What $0 Formation Services Don't Tell You

National platforms often charge extra for what matters most: a real operating agreement ($99–$150), EIN assistance ($70), and registered agent renewals up to $299/year. Those "free" prices add up fast.

At Stetson Business Services, we bundle real value upfront with transparent, all-in pricing. Our documents are properly prepared, not auto-generated templates, and our team is here when you have questions.

"Mistakes in your Certificate of Formation can require costly amendments, or worse, personal liability exposure. Get it right the first time."
- Stetson Business Services Founding Team
Start Your LLC Today

Simple, Transparent Packages

All packages include the Texas state filing fee. No hidden costs. Professionally prepared documents in every tier. Expedited filing is available at an additional cost on a case-by-case basis.

Starter
Get Your LLC Filed Fast
$199
+ $300 Texas state fee

Total: $499. Everything to get you legal.

  • Name availability search
  • Professionally prepared Certificate of Formation
  • Filing with Texas Secretary of State
  • Digital document delivery
  • EIN application assistance
  • 1 year registered agent service
Get Started
Premium
Full-Service Business Launch
$699
+ $300 Texas state fee

Total: $999. Complete peace of mind.

  • Everything in Professional
  • Priority 48-hour document turnaround
  • Customized organizational resolutions and initial minutes
  • 1-hr expert consultation (ongoing questions)
  • Annual compliance monitoring
  • Priority email and phone support
Get Started

À La Carte Add-On Services

Already have an LLC? Add only what you need.

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DBA / Assumed Name Filing
$99
Operating under a trade name? We file your Texas Assumed Name (DBA) with the appropriate county and/or Secretary of State.
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Registered Agent
$125/year
Texas registered agent service. We receive legal notices and forward promptly.
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Operating Agreement
$199
Attorney-drafted and tailored to your LLC structure, not a generic template.
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Annual Report Filing
$79/year
We file your Texas Public Information Report on time, every year.
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EIN Obtainment
$49
We obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number directly from the IRS.
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BOI / FinCEN Report
$79
Beneficial Ownership Information filing. Federal requirements are evolving. Contact us to discuss your situation.
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Amendment Filing
$149
Need to update your LLC name, address, or management? We handle the amendment.
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Order a Records Binder
Contact us for pricing
Order a professionally assembled hard copy binder of all your LLC formation documents, filings, and agreements. A complete physical record delivered to you.
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Business Consulting
Contact us for pricing
One-on-one consulting for your business. Whether you need guidance on structure, compliance, or getting started, we are here to help.
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Annual Franchise Tax Filing
Contact us for pricing
We prepare and file your annual Texas franchise tax report and Public Information Report (PIR) with the Comptroller by the May 15 deadline.
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Franchise Tax Registration
Contact us for pricing
New to Texas? We handle your initial franchise tax account setup and registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

From Idea to Official LLC in 5 Simple Steps

We do the heavy lifting. You just answer a few questions and we handle the rest.

1
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Tell Us About Your Business

Fill out our short intake form with your LLC name, management structure, members, and address. Takes about 5 minutes.

2
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We Prepare Your Documents

Our team prepares your Certificate of Formation and Operating Agreement, tailored to your specific structure and reviewed for accuracy before anything is filed.

3
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We File with the State

We file your Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State and track the approval status for you. Standard processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited filing is available at an additional cost if you need faster turnaround.

4
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We Obtain Your EIN

Once your LLC is approved, we apply to the IRS for your Federal Employer Identification Number, which is required to open a business bank account and handle taxes.

5
🎉

Receive Your LLC Package

You receive all your formation documents, your EIN, and everything you need to start operating. Your LLC is officially open for business.

How to Form an LLC in Texas

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Texas is one of the most important steps an entrepreneur can take to protect personal assets and establish a credible business presence. Texas is a business-friendly state with no state income tax, making it an attractive home for new ventures of all sizes.

What Is a Texas LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal entity that separates your personal assets from your business's liabilities. If your business is sued or incurs debt, your personal bank accounts, home, and other assets are generally protected. In Texas, LLCs are governed by the Texas Business Organizations Code.

Steps to Form a Texas LLC

  • Choose a unique LLC name that complies with Texas naming requirements
  • Consider filing a DBA (Assumed Name / "Doing Business As") if your LLC will operate under a name different from its legal name, filed with the county clerk and/or the Texas Secretary of State
  • Appoint a Texas registered agent with a physical Texas address
  • File a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 fee)
  • Draft an Operating Agreement (not required by law but strongly recommended)
  • Obtain a Federal EIN from the IRS for banking and tax purposes
  • File a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN if required under federal law. We can advise on your situation.
  • Open a dedicated business bank account
  • Obtain any required state and/or local licenses or permits. Requirements vary by industry and municipality.

What Is a Registered Agent in Texas?

Every Texas LLC is legally required to maintain a registered agent. This is a mandatory requirement under the Texas Business Organizations Code, not optional. A registered agent is an individual or entity with a physical Texas address who is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents (service of process), official state notices, and compliance communications on behalf of your LLC.

Failing to maintain a registered agent can result in your LLC losing its good standing with the state, potential default judgments if you miss a lawsuit notice, and ultimately forfeiture of your LLC. Using a professional registered agent service like Stetson Business Services keeps your LLC in full compliance, ensures you never miss a critical notice, and keeps your personal address off the public record.

What Is a DBA (Assumed Name) in Texas?

A DBA, short for "Doing Business As," also called an Assumed Name, allows your LLC to operate publicly under a name different from its official legal name. For example, "Smith Holdings LLC" might operate a restaurant under the name "The Corner Grill." In Texas, DBAs are filed with the county clerk in each county where the business operates, and in some cases with the Texas Secretary of State. A DBA does not create a separate legal entity. It is simply a registered trade name for your existing LLC. Stetson Business Services can handle your DBA filing as part of your formation package or as a standalone service.

Do I Need an Operating Agreement in Texas?

Texas law does not require LLCs to have an Operating Agreement, but it is one of the most important documents your business can have. A well-drafted Operating Agreement defines the rights and responsibilities of each member, how profits and losses are allocated, how major decisions are made, and what happens if a member wants to exit or the LLC is dissolved. Without one, Texas default rules govern, which may not match your intentions.

Texas LLC Annual Requirements

Texas LLCs must file an annual Public Information Report (PIR) with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The PIR is due May 15 each year and must be filed alongside the Texas franchise tax report. Failure to file can result in loss of good standing and potential forfeiture of the LLC. Our compliance monitoring service ensures you never miss a deadline.

Key Dates
Texas LLC Compliance Calendar
January
New Year Checklist
Review your registered agent information. Confirm your business address on file with the Secretary of State is current. Update your Operating Agreement if your membership or management changed in the prior year.
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March
Franchise Tax Preparation
Begin gathering financial records for your Texas franchise tax report. Confirm whether your LLC meets the No Tax Due threshold (revenues under $2.65 million). Engage your CPA or tax preparer if needed.
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June
Post-Filing Review
Confirm your PIR was accepted and your LLC is in good standing. You can verify status at the Texas Secretary of State website. Address any issues promptly to avoid penalties.
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December
Year-End Compliance Review
Review member and manager information. Update your Operating Agreement if changes occurred. Confirm your registered agent appointment is current. Prepare for the upcoming PIR filing in May.
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Ongoing
Registered Agent Maintenance
Your LLC must maintain an active registered agent with a physical Texas address at all times. If your registered agent changes, file a Statement of Change with the Secretary of State promptly. Stetson Business Services can serve as your registered agent year-round.
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Our Professional and Premium packages include compliance deadline reminders so you never miss a filing. Learn more about our packages.

How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in Texas?

Standard processing with the Texas Secretary of State typically takes 7–10 business days for online filings. If you need your LLC formed faster, Stetson offers expedited filing services that can accelerate the process significantly.

How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC in Texas?

The mandatory Texas state filing fee is $300. Beyond the state fee, the cost of formation depends on whether you use a filing service, a professional service, or do it yourself. Having your documents properly prepared by an experienced team costs more upfront but avoids costly mistakes and amendments down the road.

What Happens When You Get It Wrong

Texas LLC formation looks simple on the surface. A few forms, a state fee, done. But small mistakes at the filing stage can haunt your business for years. The Secretary of State does not catch everything, and errors that slip through become your problem to fix at a cost.

Here is what we see go wrong when business owners use generic online platforms, file on their own, or skip key documents:

Let Us Handle It Right →
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Rejected or Defective Certificate of Formation

Missing required fields, incorrect designations, or a name too similar to an existing Texas entity can get your filing rejected, delaying your launch and requiring a re-filing fee.

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No Operating Agreement Means Texas Decides for You

Without a custom Operating Agreement, the Texas Business Organizations Code fills in the blanks, often in ways that do not match your intentions. Disputes between members over profit-sharing, voting, or exits can get expensive fast.

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Personal Address on Public Record

Many DIY filers unknowingly put their home address on the Certificate of Formation. That address becomes a permanent part of the Texas public record, visible to anyone who looks up your LLC.

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Missed Legal Notices and Annual Filings

Without a registered agent actively monitoring your account, lawsuits, state notices, and compliance deadlines can be missed entirely, resulting in default judgments or loss of good standing with the state.

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Amendment Costs Add Up

Fixing mistakes after the fact requires formal amendments filed with the state, each costing time, money, and paperwork. Getting it right the first time is almost always cheaper than correcting it later.

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Stetson Business Services handles all of this for you. Every filing is prepared by an attorney-backed team that knows exactly what the Texas Secretary of State requires. We check names, prepare compliant documents, serve as your registered agent, and keep you in good standing so none of the above ever becomes your problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Texas.

Why use Stetson Business Services instead of a national online platform?

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Large national platforms rely on automated systems and generic templates, with the same document engine serving clients in all 50 states. Stetson Business Services is focused exclusively on Texas, with an attorney-backed team that prepares every document specifically for your situation. You get real expertise and personal attention, not an automated pipeline. And if something comes up, you are talking to someone who actually knows Texas LLC law.

How long does it take to form my LLC?

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Standard processing with the Texas Secretary of State typically takes 7–10 business days. If you choose our Premium package or add-on expedited filing, we can accelerate this significantly. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.

What is a registered agent and do I need one?

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Yes. Texas law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical Texas address. The registered agent receives legal notices, service of process, and official state documents. Using Stetson Business Services as your registered agent keeps your personal address off public records.

Do I need an Operating Agreement?

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Texas does not legally require an Operating Agreement, but you absolutely should have one. Without a customized agreement, Texas default rules apply, which may not reflect how you want your business to operate, especially with multiple members. Our custom-drafted agreements are tailored to your specific situation, not pulled from a generic template.

What is the Texas $300 state filing fee?

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The $300 Certificate of Formation filing fee is paid to the Texas Secretary of State. It is non-refundable and required for every new LLC. This fee is separate from our service fee and is clearly shown in all our package prices.

What is a BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) report?

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The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report is a federal filing with FinCEN (the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) that discloses the individuals who own or control an LLC. Federal BOI requirements continue to develop at the federal level. Contact us and we can advise on your specific situation and whether filing applies to you.

Can I use Stetson Business Services' address as my business address?

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Yes. With our mail forwarding and registered agent services, you can use our Texas address on your Certificate of Formation and business materials, keeping your personal home address off the public record.

What are Texas LLC annual filing requirements?

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Texas LLCs must file an annual Public Information Report (PIR) with the Texas Comptroller by May 15 each year. The PIR is filed alongside the Texas franchise tax report. Failure to file can result in loss of good standing. Our compliance service handles this for you.

Ready to Form Your Texas LLC?

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