Businesses in Texas have a choice as to which type of legal-business entity under which they choose to operate. Each type of available business entity offers certain benefits (and concerns) that need to be addressed. Therefore, before making the final decision as to the kind of business entity you may choose for your business, it is smart to consider speaking with a business formation attorney and/or business entity tax specialist to ensure you fully understand this important decision.

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

One type of business entity in Texas is known as a Limited Liability Company, which is often abbreviated as an LLC. Limited Liability Companies provide owners with protections that are similar to corporations, but do not have onerous reporting mandates traditionally associated with corporate entities. Additionally, LLCs are more flexible – like a partnership.

An LLC offers business owners these potential benefits –

• An LLC provides a legal distinction between you and the business as a separate entity, which is important in legal matters.
• LLCs allow owners to choose to pass through profits or pay taxes as a corporation.
• LLCs operate with fewer restrictions and fewer formal requirements.

Like most states, Texas allows for the formation of an LLC; however, the state requires applicants to meet specific criteria and costs, which are discussed below.

Steps to Forming an LLC in Texas

The first step is to file the appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State (SOS) of Texas. This filing is available using the Texas Form 205 – General Information – Certificate of Formation – Limited Liability Company. It is noted that the State of Texas requires the use of Form 205 as the document was designed to comply with the state’s minimum filing requirements.

Those who choose to form an LLC in Texas should recognize that the Texas BOC governs this type of business entity {Business Organizations Code in Title 3, Chapter 101.A). When applying for a Limited Liability Company, incomplete or incorrect documentation will result in the delay of the application or possibly even a rejection for the LLC formation’s request. This is the primary reason why it is essential to enlist the help of a business formation attorney, before applying or making an avoidable error.

When completing Form 205 include this information to avoid delays or rejections –

• The Name of the entity and the type of entity – the chosen LLC name must be unique and not be similar to any other existing Texas LLCs. The Secretary of State must approve the name – which must meet specific criteria. LLC name availability can be checked by inquiring at [email protected].
• Contact information for the entity’s Registered Agent (RA). An LLC is mandated to have a Registered Agent (with an office address within Texas borders) at all times. Any change to the RA or the RA’s address must be reported to the Texas Secretary of State. Failure to update the state’s SOS will be likely to result in the termination (involuntary) of the Texas Limited Liability Company.

Each registered Agent of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) must provide written acceptance through the execution and completion of Form 401-A – General Information – Acceptance of Appointment and Consent to Serve as Registered Agent.

• Governing authority as designated on Certificate of Formation – members of the LLC are advised to develop a written agreement that details the LLCs operating specifics among members.
• The purpose of LLC – The purpose must be lawful.
• The appropriate execution of Form 205 by an authorized individual, plus any other related paperwork.

The Fees for Filing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Texas

The state of Texas requires a filing fee when submitting the Certificate of Formation for an LLC of $300.

The state accepts the following types of payments, which must go through a United States financial institution–

• Money orders/personal checks are acceptable forms of payment but must be made out to the Texas Secretary of State (SOS).
• Debit or credit cards issued by Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express are acceptable. Note, however, that the state of Texas adds a statutorily approved additional fee of 2.7 percent for convenience.

Submitting Forms & Fees for an LLC

If an applicant submits a Certificate of Formation for a Limited Liability Company that is appropriately signed and complete, the state of Texas generally can complete its processing in about five business days.

Applicants who want the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) to process the application paperwork for a Limited Liability Company expeditiously must request this expedited process in writing and agree to pay additional expediting fees for each document processed.

HussaiN

HussaiN is a full-time professional blogger from India. He is passionate about content writing, tech enthusiasts, and computer technologies. Apart from content writing on the internet, he likes reading various tech magazines and several other blogs on the internet. Email ID: [email protected]