How much do I need to get an LLC going?
The state fee is $300. Hire a service and add $199.
Add the state's fees from filing through year three: $300. official: sos.texas.gov, October 2026
What do I file and who gets it?
The Texas Secretary of State receives the Certificate of Formation (Form 205), and approval is what forms the company.
Where the law says so: Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 3.005. official: sos.texas.gov, October 2026
Will the state make me name a 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.
official: sos.texas.gov, October 2026
What's the upkeep?
The Public Information Report + Franchise Tax Report costs nothing and comes due every year. The due date, per the state, is May 15; put it on your calendar.
Miss the deadline and the state tacks on $50.
official: comptroller.texas.gov, October 2026
Do I have to pay a service at all?
Nothing stops you from filing yourself, and then the three-year bill is $300 in state fees.
Expect $397 to $597 over three years if you hire.
How did you decide the order?
It comes down to cost across three years, and TX Registered Agent.org is best at it.
Together, cost across three years and work taken off your hands make up 64% of the score.
On cost, TX Registered Agent.org takes it at $397, a saving of $200 against Mainstay Filing.
Our method, in full