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Texas LLC Certificate of Formation (2026)

Learn how to file the Texas LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.

LLC Route Editorial Team

Reviewed against official state and federal resources.

Updated July 27, 2026

Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.

Texas does not call the LLC formation filing “Articles of Organization.” The domestic LLC filing is the Certificate of Formation, commonly filed using Form 205 or SOSDirect. The filing fee is $300.

Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Secretary of State before filing.

Quick answer

Item Texas LLC
Formation document Certificate of Formation
Common form Form 205
Filing office Texas Secretary of State
Filing fee $300
Registered agent required? Yes
Registered agent consent required? Yes
EIN included? No
Comptroller registration included? No

Where to file

Texas LLCs can use SOSDirect or file Form 205 with the Secretary of State.

Open Texas SOSDirect

Open Texas Form 205

What Form 205 asks for

Field What to prepare
Entity name and type Exact LLC legal name
Registered agent Name and consent
Registered office Texas street address
Governing authority Manager-managed or member-managed information
Purpose General or specific lawful purpose
Organizer Name, address, and signature
Supplemental provisions Optional provisions if needed
Effectiveness Immediate or delayed effective date if allowed

Before you file

Prepare:

  1. Final LLC name and backup name.
  2. Texas registered agent.
  3. Registered office street address.
  4. Registered-agent consent.
  5. Management structure.
  6. Organizer details.
  7. Payment method.
  8. Records folder for accepted documents.

Filing workflow

  1. Search the name.
  2. Confirm registered agent consent.
  3. Prepare Certificate of Formation.
  4. Decide member-managed or manager-managed.
  5. Review names and addresses.
  6. Submit through SOSDirect or approved filing method.
  7. Pay $300 filing fee.
  8. Save accepted documents.
  9. Create company agreement.
  10. Apply for EIN if needed.
  11. Register for tax permits if required.
  12. Track Comptroller reports.

What the Certificate does not do

The Certificate does not:

  • Create a company agreement
  • Apply for EIN
  • Register for sales tax
  • Register for franchise tax filings automatically in a way that replaces Comptroller obligations
  • Obtain local permits
  • Open a bank account
  • Clear trademarks
  • Register the LLC in another state

Certificate FAQ

Is the Texas LLC filing called Articles of Organization?

No. Texas uses Certificate of Formation.

How much is the Texas Certificate of Formation?

The filing fee is $300.

Yes. Texas requires registered-agent consent, and the entity should keep evidence of it.

Is EIN included?

No. EIN is obtained separately from the IRS.

Official resources

Related Texas LLC topics

CostSee Texas LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.TimeSee Texas LLC processing time factors in 2026, including online filing, paper filing, name issues, registered agent mistakes, EIN timing, and next steps.NameLearn how to search a Texas LLC name in 2026, check distinguishability, avoid name rejection, and separate legal names from DBAs, domains, and trademarks.Registered AgentUnderstand Texas registered agent rules for LLCs in 2026, including who can serve, address requirements, privacy tradeoffs, and when to use a service.AgreementLearn what a Texas LLC operating agreement should cover in 2026, why banks and partners ask for it, and how it supports ownership and management.EINLearn when a Texas LLC needs an EIN in 2026, how to apply through the IRS for free, and how EIN timing affects banking, payroll, and tax accounts.

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